FROM STAFF REPORTS

HOOVER — The Hoover Beautification Board is now accepting applications for its 2014 Commercial Beautification Awards.

Any commercial property within the city of Hoover is encouraged to apply, said Beautification Board member Jo Ann Powell. Categories include:

• Single tenant businesses
• Shopping malls, shopping strips, mixed use centers
• Restaurants
• Hotels and motels
• Financial institutions
• Service stations and convenience stores
• Professional offices
• Churches
• Large office complexes
• Other
• Fire stations
• Educational facilities (includes schools and colleges)

Powell said judging day is set for June 19. Judging criteria includes basic overall appearance (buildings, grounds, cleanliness), creativity (entrance features, trees and other woody vegetation, seasonal color beds) and design and color coordination (use of natural features) The winners in each category will receive a black wrought iron sign to place near the entrance of their property. An award luncheon is set for Aug. 12 at the Riverchase Country Club.

Entry forms are available at Hoover City Hall or online here.