A six-minute recorded phone call between Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales reveals a heated exchange marked by accusations, political threats, and long-standing personal tension between the two elected officials.
The call, recorded in October and recently obtained by AL.com, offers a rare glimpse into behind-the-scenes political conflict in Birmingham. During the conversation, Woodfin is heard threatening to endorse and actively campaign for a challenger against Scales in her upcoming county commission race.
According to the report, Woodfin initiated the call and accused Scales of spreading political rumors about him. The discussion quickly escalated, reflecting what sources describe as years of strained relations between the veteran leaders.
Woodfin, who was re-elected last year after defeating Scales and seven other challengers in the mayoral race, expressed frustration over what he characterized as ongoing attacks on his leadership and credibility.
Neither Woodfin nor Scales has publicly commented in detail on the contents of the recording as of publication.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office is aware of online chatter regarding Spring Break activities and wants to be clear:
There will be no “takeovers” in Bay County — not on our beaches, not on our roads, and not in our community.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office is fully staffed, fully prepared, and has ample jail capacity. Anyone arriving with the intent to cause disruption or test the limits should understand enforcement will be swift and decisive.
Visitors planning to enjoy Spring Break responsibly are welcome. Those planning chaos are urged to familiarize themselves with new county ordinances that will be enforced during High Impact Periods (HIP).
🚫 NEW COUNTY ORDINANCES – HIGH IMPACT PERIODS (HIP)
Alcohol Establishments & Minors
No one under 18 is allowed inside establishments selling alcohol for on-premises consumption between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM in HIP areas.
Businesses may not permit minors to remain on site during those hours.
Beach & Public Area Restrictions
Beaches, access points, parks, parking areas, and rights-of-way may be closed or restricted to prevent dangerous overcrowding.
Areas may be immediately cordoned off when public safety is at risk.
Nighttime Curfew for Minors
A temporary curfew for unaccompanied minors may be imposed during HIP.
Curfew hours: 8:00 PM – 5:00 AM
Violations may result in a second-degree misdemeanor.
Curfew exceptions include:
Being accompanied by a parent/guardian or approved adult (21+, max two minors)
Traveling to or from work
Attending school, religious, civic, or permitted events
Medical emergencies
Being immediately outside the minor’s residence or an adjacent neighbor’s residence with consent
Parental Responsibility
Parents or guardians may be held accountable for knowingly allowing curfew violations.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals may not be rented or leased to anyone under 21 years of age.
📢 BOTTOM LINE
Enjoy the beach. Follow the rules. Respect the community.
If your Spring Break plans include disorder, disruption, or defiance, save yourself the trip. Bay County is ready, and enforcement will be firm.
Additional information regarding High Impact Periods and designated special event areas will be released as Spring Break approaches.
DOTHAN: Dothan Commissioner District 4, Dave Stock, is holding a District 4 TOWN HALL meeting, tonight, January 27, 2026. The meeting is being held at Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, 102 Jamestown Blvd.Time is 6 PM – 8 PM.
Dave Stock is serving his first term as a Dothan Commissioner. He is a commissioner very much in tune with the people. And he does not mind speaking up on issues in the commission meetings and bringing items to the table to get fixed. While other commissioners just want to get along and not bring up issues that need correcting, D4 Dave Stock is not afraid to bring issues to the table.
COME OUT AND LET D4 COMMISSIONER DAVE STOCK HEAR FROM YOU. Pack the building. The only way YOUR VOICE and CONCERNS are heard is for you to participate.
OZARK: 01:15 AM Ozark-Dale County 911 dispatched a structure fire at 198 Ketcham Street in Ozark. The call was dispatched as a Structure Fire – House on Fire.
RSN has no more details.
Anyone with additional details or information, TEXT RICKEY 334-790-1729.
UPDATED @ 01:57 AM
Neigbor heard popping noise. Looked out the window and a lot of popping sounding like fireworks. And there were some flames. The person went to get the phone and the fire department had already arrived were starting to put out the fire.
DOTHAN: 00:34 AM Dothan 911 dispatched Dothan Fire Engine Company 6 ( Napier Field Road ) to an outdoor fire aat 342 Plum Road in Dothan.
On arrival Dothan Fire Engine 6 reported it was an Alabama Power Sub Station. Alabama Power was notified, estimated time of arrival, well, with Alabama Power Company Donald Trump is more predictable than an ETA of Alabama Power.
Dothan Fire Engine Company 6 returned to service. Dothan Police also responded.
