New ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ Tags Attract Critics

By Associated Press
Published: Mon, November 10, 2008 - 12:48 pm Last Updated: Mon, November 10, 2008 - 3:52 pm
Short URL: http://wkrg.com/a/20782/
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Some North Alabama tourism groups and
lawmakers are disappointed that the state's newly designed license
plates featuring a beach scene didn't include a glimpse of majestic
mountains.
John Dersham, executive director of the DeKalb County Tourist
Association, would have preferred a design that showed both a beach
and a mountain scene to display Alabama's diversity.
Gov. Bob Riley and Alabama tourism director Lee Sentell unveiled
the plate on Oct. 7. The "Sweet Home Alabama" tag will be
available on Jan. 1, replacing the old "Stars Fell on Alabama"
plate.
Riley assigned the tourism department to design the new plate
and chose it to reflect the Gulf Coast's importance to Alabama's
tourism industry. Baldwin and Mobile counties combine to generate
more than 30 percent of the state's $9.8 billion tourism revenue.
---

Translate: » Spanish | French | German | Italian | Japanese | Chinese | Russian | Hindi

what do you do in the mountains that is so much fun you cant fish in/on a mountain like you can on the beach the view from the beach is far better than the side of a mountain the tag is to reflect the Gulf Coast’s importance to Alabama’s tourism industry people just like the beach more than a over grown hill

Report Abuse

Undoubtly, you have never buried your feet in the beautiful white sand and sat and watched that Hugh orange ball(sun) drop into the Gulf of Mexico. When it sets it turns the sand orange and sparkles like glitter. It takes five minutes to disappear but, you are left with a sun etched into your memories. I watched the sunrise in Tennessee over those beautiful mountains and it too was beautiful.  PLEASE come see Why people from north Alabama come to the Gulf.

Report Abuse

I’m pretty sure the songs says “where the skies turn blue”. I don’t think orange is appropriate considering the beach faces south.

Report Abuse

Yes Desoto Caverns is really nice. Beautiful!!

Report Abuse

Oh and I forgot:

WHAT ABOUT THE NASA SPACE STATION?

Report Abuse

ALABAMA is 52,423 square miles.
It has less than 100 miles of coast.
Now I would like someone to explain why the beach is on this tag.
What about the Desoto Caverns? What about the Mountains? What about our hundreds of miles of rivers? What about all the TREES?

Report Abuse

Come on people….it is a BEAUTIFUL TAG. Nothing will ever the replace “Heart Of Dixie” and nothing was done to SAVE IT! So lets come together and be THANKFUL to see GODS BLESSING we so often take for granted…His Beauty. I feel this tag reflex the peace and awesomeness of nature. I JUST came back from the Smoky Mountains…..If I lived in Tennessee or North Carolina I would be disapointed to see a sea shore on my tag. Someone PLEASE design another one so we can all be represented.
Because I live 15 miles from Dauphin Island I LOVE THE GULF and it takes my breathe away to see it. WE HAVE SUFFERED tremendeous storms and been destroyed over and over. I know that Dauphin Island has been desimated with the loss of nearly 200 (TWO HUNDRED HOMES) washed into the Gulf of Mexico never to find a single belonging:(
PLEASE give us someting to look at and remember the way it was. No one loves the mountains more than I do. We have visited 30 times since 1995:)  I love the TAG… Mrs. Penny

Report Abuse

It’s ok….I would have considered something different. But it’ll do. I do however think it’s better than the stars fell one.

Report Abuse

It still looks like a picture you find in any of the gift shops, or post cards.  We have a beauitful state, it could have shown mountains and beach in a 2 part picture which would represent the top of the state to the bottom.

Report Abuse

and i guess that is the oart of alabama i call home

Report Abuse

Recently Commented On

Woman Awarded 750K In Shower…

25 Total Comments
Woman Awarded 750K In Shower Scalding A woman who suffered third-degree burns after stepping into… more »

Palin Resigning From Office

89 Total Comments
Palin Resigning From Office Gov. Sarah Palin says she is stepping down from office.… more »

Dozens Arrested This Holiday…

2 Total Comments
Dozens Arrested This Holiday Weekend Escambia County Florida Sheriff's deputies had their hands… more »

AL Ranked Second In Nation For…

46 Total Comments
AL Ranked Second In Nation For Gun Deaths New national study says that Alabama's high gun ownership… more »

Mother Who Left Baby In Hot…

55 Total Comments
Mother Who Left Baby In Hot Car Will Not Be Charged Gulf Shores police say a mother accidently left her 3 month… more »