Valentines Day Recommendations

The Flor-Ala staff gives their recommendations for Valentine’s Day.

Hannah Butts, Mark Smith, Emma Norton, Trevor Mickle, and Tristan Gregory • February 14, 2026

Two candy hearts, one with the text “call me” and the other that says “will u be the flor to my ala?”

Places to Eat:
Chicago Cafe. If you’re looking for a small and intimate location or food that can be eaten while you walk around downtown Florence, Chicago Cafe is the spot: Hannah

Yumm: Mark

Ricatoni’s: Emma

The Carriage: Trevor

Entertainment:
The Artsy and Coffee Place. You can enjoy a coffee and a treat while painting ceramics: Hannah

Bowling: Mark

Jazz Band Valentines Concert on the 15th: Trevor

Watch any combination of “She’s All That,” “Valentine’s Day,” “Dirty Dancing” or “He’s Just Not Into You” because it’s okay to be single and romanticize your own life: Tristan

About the Contributors

Hannah Butts, Social Media and Web Manager

Hannah is a senior, living in Florence, AL. She studies Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Crime Scene Investigation. Hannah would like to help create a safe and reliable place for students to get the news that is important to them.

Mark Smith, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Mark Smith is a first-year graduate student pursuing an MA in English. He previously volunteered for the Flor-Ala and currently works for Norton Auditorium. After working in the concert and theatre industry, he is excited to work as the Arts and Entertainment Editor. He aims to become a theatrical technical director and professor of literature.

Emma Norton, Staff Photographer

Emma Norton is a senior going for a bachelor of science degree in Sport and Recreation Management. She is from Birmingham, AL. She is a staff photographer for The Flor-Ala and has previously done photography with UNA’s athletics for the last two years, along with broadcasting.

Trevor Mickle, Managing Editor

Trevor is a junior student from Jemison, Alabama, majoring in Mass Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Digital Media Production and a minor in Music. Trevor is in his third year working with The Flor-Ala. He has served as a staff writer and the arts & entertainment editor and managing editor. Right now, he serves as the News Editor.

Tristan Gregory, Editor in Chief

Tristan Gregory is a senior from Alabaster, Alabama. She is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in criminology. She started as a volunteer writer before moving to staff, followed by the Arts and Entertainment editor, and is now Managing Editor.

Tristan intends to be a confident voice that shares stories from students, staff and faculty at the university, as well as stories from Florence as a community.

Izzy Smith, Lead Graphic Designer

Izzy Smith is a junior from Tupelo, Miss. She is pursuing a BFA in Digital Media. She started at The Flor-Ala as a volunteer in the Fall semester of 2023. She was promoted to Lead Graphic Designer in Spring 2024 and has been making mediocre art for the newspaper since.