The Gulf Shores City Council meeting started by changing the agenda so they could honor the remarkable City Clerk, Wanda Parris. The Council Chambers were filled with past and present Gulf Shores staff members, as well as, Wanda's family. Past Mayors, Bodenhamer and Duke, were also in attendance to offer their congratulations.

Wanda Parris has provided 36 years of service to the citizens of Gulf Shores and the administrations of Gulf Shores. As Mayor Robert Craft stated "everybody in this room has been blessed by the woman behind the scene...she is the really special."

Wanda started her career with the City on November 5th, 1987, as the stenographer and program assistant. She quickly became the Secretary to the Mayor and the Recording Secretary to the city's Airport Authority. In 1999 she was promoted to Assistant City Clerk and in April of 2010 she was promoted to City Clerk, where she still serves today.

During the honoring of Mrs. Parris, past Mayor Bodenhamer said "she has kept the interest of Gulf Shores at heart." Another past Mayor, Billy Duke, added "that's a person of integrity" while pointing to Mrs. Parris. Other members of the City Administration and her family also spoke of  her accomplishments.

Mayor Craft announced a City Proclamation in honor of her service and achievements. Councilman Harris announced that a special turtle statue would be placed at the Gulf Shores City Administration building in her honor.

Editor's Notes: Elected officials for the City of Gulf Shores have often referenced Wanda Parris over the years for her knowledge of the City's business and structure. Gulf Shores News and our affiliated outlets would like to add our THANKS for her service.  (FYI: it was noted several times that she is not retiring!)