The City of Florence is located in the beautiful northwest corner of the State of Alabama, 20 miles south of the border with Tennessee and 20 miles east of the Mississippi border. Florence has the advantage of being situated on two lakes formed by TVA dams on the Tennessee River and is, therefore, a mecca for anglers, boaters, and water sports enthusiasts. <br> The Parks and Recreation Department is recognized as among the best in the Southeast with four major parks, an 18-hole golf course, numerous playgrounds throughout the community, four community centers, a coliseum, and other recreational amenities. It was determined by a company specializing in appraising the historical importance of cities that Florence, because of the many historic buildings and districts in Florence, was tied for the Most Historic City in Alabama with one other Alabama city .<br> Florence is the site of the University of North Alabama which adds to the educational and cultural activities of the city. The city government has, as a part of its structure, an Arts and Museums Department which consists of four museums/art galleries. There are, in addition, several independent, citizen groups devoted to cultural activities ranging from dramas and musical stage productions, to the annual Renaissance Faire and Feast and the week-long W. C. Handy Music Festival. The latter two, along with two other local presentations, have been honored as among the 20 best festivals in the Southeast.<br> In addition to the usual services provided by a municipality, Florence has a Utilities Department comprising an electrical department, a natural gas department, and a water/wastewater department to provide the people of the city with their utilities at the lowest possible cost.<br> The city has one of the lowest crime rates in the United States and its progressive Police Department ensures that this will continue. Fire coverage is provided from five stations located throughout the city and the overall city fire rating is well above average for cities of all sizes. Fire equipment is above the established standards both in amount and function. <br> Florence was the first city in Alabama to establish a city-wide recycling system and weekly recycling pick-up continues. Collection of household waste is once per week in carts provided by the City, pick-up of garden/lawn waste is weekly, other trash is also on a weekly basis and provision is made for exceptional trash pick-up as needed. <br> The Florence City School System is rated among the highest in the State of Alabama and is constantly striving to improve its status. The City of Florence, Alabama, in all respects lives up to its reputation of being The Renaissance City.