Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis used his November 4 “Good Evening Mobile” email to outline two major city initiatives that could reshape neighborhoods and holiday celebrations alike. The mayor explained that Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts—areas where the increase in property‑tax revenue is reinvested locally—have helped revitalize downtown since a 1993 district was created, and a new state law now permits the city to expand the program.
According to Fox10 TV, the administration is working to establish three new TIF districts: one along the waterfront, a second covering the I‑65 corridor and Midtown, and a third in Tillman’s Corner. The mayor said the districts will “improve neighborhoods, spur development and help us continue our efforts to rebuild infrastructure” without raising taxes. He added that the City Council will set a public hearing in the coming weeks, after which officials hope to coordinate with the Mobile County Commission and the Mobile County Board of School Commissioners on implementation plans.
In a separate council meeting on Tuesday, the Mobile City Council approved a $20,000 contract with FireFly Drone Shows to provide a high‑tech drone display for the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Councilman Cory Penn, who recalled a drone show he saw in Birmingham, praised the technology, saying it was “amazing.” Councilman Josh Woods, also executive director of The Grounds, expressed excitement about the project, while Parks and Recreation Director Shonnda Smith noted that a Fourth of July drone show had been attempted but not completed in time.
FireFly’s website indicates that its shows can involve anywhere from 100 to more than 1,000 drones, creating coordinated images such as a “spooky bat” for Halloween or a “giant Santa Claus” for Christmas. Standard performances run four to six minutes, with larger events extending up to 15 minutes. Mayor Cheriogotis said the idea originated from the city’s events staff and that residents have been eager to see such displays, describing them as “really cool” and “insane videos” of what drones can achieve.
Both initiatives aim to boost community pride and economic activity. The TIF districts promise targeted reinvestment in blighted areas, while the drone‑enhanced lighting ceremony offers a modern, family‑friendly holiday experience.
What’s next: The City Council will schedule a public hearing on the proposed TIF districts within the next few weeks, inviting resident input before moving forward with county partners. The high‑tech drone show is slated for the upcoming Christmas tree lighting ceremony, expected later this month, giving Mobile families a new visual centerpiece for the holiday season.
Sources: fox10tv.com, fox10tv.com, fox10tv.com
