🌱 Hoover To Host Firefighter Challenge Championship + Tax Increase

Good morning, friends. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Hoover Patch newsletter — here to tell you everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town these days.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Hoover Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Hoover long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy in the a.m.; sunshine. High: 49 Low: 28.

🏠 If you're a real estate agent in Hoover, of course you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. We can help you do that with an exclusive sponsorship in the Hoover Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Hoover:

1. The city of Hoover was chosen to host the 2023 U.S. National Firefighter Challenge Championship in September. Up to 300 firefighters from across the country will participate in skills-based competitions that simulate the "physical demands of real-life firefighting." The event, which is sponsored by the city and the World Police and Fire Games, has a sponsorship fee of $50,000. (Hoover Sun)
2. A public hearing will be held at a council meeting on Feb. 27 in nearby Alabaster to discuss a one cent sales tax increase. The increase will support city upgrades called the "Alabaster Fast Forward" program, including a new community recreation center, library, and public safety enhancements. The current sales tax is nine percent in Alabaster. To read more about the details of the program, click here. (WBRC)
3. Hoover City Schools is paving the way by promoting educational equity through improvements in academic performance and equal opportunities for all students. According to a release by Trisha McCarthy at EdPower, "The district has taken comprehensive measures to ensure that every student has a positive trajectory, and as a result, the data is promising as one of the districts in the nation for their work promoting educational equity." (EIN Presswire)

Today in Hoover:

• Grand Isle Friday & Happy Hour At Cajun Steamer Bar & Grill, Hoover (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• REMINDER: Transfer applications for the 2023-2024 school year are now being accepted until Apr. 15. (Hoover City Schools via Twitter)
• Thinking of dipping your toes into the housing market? Check out the list of open houses happening this week in the Hoover area at the link. (Patch)
• The Hoover Beauty Board is hosting the 24th Annual Arbor Day Celebration! Hundreds of free trees will be given away. The day will also include The Grumpy Gardener, Steve Bender, speaking and signing books, food vendors, and more! (City of Hoover, Alabama)

That's it for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.