🌱 Mobile Police, Fire Debate Pay Boost + FEMA Aid For Tornado Victims

Hey, friends! It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Mobile Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Mobile Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Mobile 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, your local weather:

• Monday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 70 Low: 49.
• Tuesday: Clouds and sun with a shower. High: 71 Low: 61.

Business owners and marketers in Mobile: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Mobile today:

1. Mobile police and firefighters continue to debate over last year's approved pay increase for police officers. In April 2022, the Mobile City Council approved the $5,200 pay supplement for officers to address retention difficulties; fire-rescue officials argue the move violates the longstanding pay parity rule between the two divisions. On Friday, a judge declined to make a ruling, setting a tentative trial for May 3. (Fox 10 News)
2. On Saturday, Feb. 4, FEMA officials announced that victims of the Jan. 12 tornado in Mobile County can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. Available support includes temporary housing assistance, home repairs, and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. According to Mobile's National Weather Service, the January tornado peaked at 125 miles per hour. (Fox 10 News)
3. In exciting news for Northeastern transplants, Wawa is expected to open eight locations along the Gulf Coast. The popular gas station/convenience store chain plans to build two stores in Mobile County: one on Cottage Hill and Sollie Road, and another on Schillinger Road and Old Government Road. Construction on the southern Alabama-Florida Panhandle expansion will begin later this year for an anticipated 2024 opening. (WKRG News 5)

Tomorrow in Mobile:

Tuesday, February 7

• Blood Drive At Chickasaw Middle/High School (9:00 AM)
• Shen Yun At Mobile Civic Center (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Calling all house hunters: here are five new homes to hit the Mobile real estate market. (Mobile Patch)
• The "Memory Keeper" sculpture was dedicated in the Memorial Garden at Africatown Heritage House this past Friday, Feb. 3. The opening date for the facility and Clotilda: The Exhibition is scheduled for Jul. 8 of this year. (Mobile County, Alabama via Facebook)
• In a recent WalletHub study, Mobile ranked No. 149 out of 180 in a ranking of major cities' "dating-friendliness." Rankings were compiled from various data points, including economics, fun and recreation, and dating opportunities. (WKRG News 5)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. See you all soon for another 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.