By: Tere Richardson
In the wake of the recent tornado’s impact to our historic Courthouse Square, Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson issued the following statements:
12/29/24 – 1:38 PM
“On December 28, 2024, our beloved downtown Athens (Alabama) faced a significant challenge as storms swept through our area, leaving a path of damage and uncertainty. The heart of our community—the shops, restaurants, and gathering spaces that bring us together—felt the storm’s impact.
But if there’s one thing I know about downtown Athens, it’s this: we are a resilient community. Time and time again, we have faced adversity and emerged stronger. This moment will be no different.
Downtown Athens has always been more than just buildings; it symbolizes who we are. It’s where we celebrate milestones, create memories, and share our lives. Now, as we begin the process of rebuilding, we need your support.
Here’s how you can help. Many of our businesses are navigating disruptions. Continue to support them in any way you can—shop online, buy gift cards, or share their posts and stories.
The City of Athens asks everyone to stay clear of affected areas as crews continue working diligently on cleanup efforts. Your safety and the efficiency of the cleanup are our top priorities.
We appreciate the outpouring of support and willingness to assist. Public volunteers will be able to contribute to the efforts, and we’ll share more details about how you can help very soon.
Together, we can turn this setback into a story of strength and unity. Downtown Athens will rise again, better and brighter than ever—because that’s what we do. Thank you for your love, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our downtown community.”
12/31/24 – 1:45 PM
“On behalf of Athens Main Street, I want to thank our community for its outpouring of support following the EF-1 tornado that impacted downtown Athens on December 28, 2024. Our community is already hard at work rebuilding and getting to reopen for our guests.
Downtown Athens is open for business! Many of our local shops, restaurants, and services are ready to welcome customers. However, some businesses are still recovering from storm-related disruptions, and they will need our support in the coming days and weeks. Our small businesses are the heart of our community, and together, we can help them overcome this storm.
I also want to express my gratitude to the City of Athens, Limestone County Commission, first responders, and volunteers for their quick response and tireless efforts in restoring our beautiful downtown.
Let’s continue to rally together and show the resilience and spirit that makes Athens truly special.”
Donations can be made at https://athensmainstreet.org
By: Tere Richardson
January 3, 2025
