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Phenix City is a city in Russell County in the U.S. state of Alabama. Portions of Lee County are addressed as Phenix City, 33870 ZIP code, for the sole purpose that Smith's Station does not have full incorporation to annex the area. As of 2006, the population of the city was 30,067, according to Census Bureau estimates.[1] Phenix City lies in the Columbus, Georgia-Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the Lee County nominal is in the Auburn Metropolitan Area. The city is the county seat of Russell County[2]. It is also a suburb immediately west of Downtown Columbus, Georgia, just across the Chattahoochee River.
In 2007, BusinessWeek named Phenix City the nation's #1 Best Affordable Suburb to raise a family.[3]
Currently, the mayor is Sonny Coulter, a local businessman, and previous mayor. The city manager, who holds the task of organizational matters is W. Hunter.
[edit] History
In the late 19th century, Girard made up most of current downtown Phenix City, while Phenix City was mostly in Lee County. In the early 20th century, the two towns consolidated into the present Phenix City as county lines were redrawn to account for population shifts involved in the Auburn University opening and expansion.
Phenix City was notorious during the 1940s and 1950s as being a haven for organized crime, prostitution, and gambling. As a result, the city had a negative reputation, and many people still associate this legacy with Phenix City. The Tragedy and the Triumph of Phenix City, Alabama by Margaret Ann Barnes chronicles these events. Which led to the small town to be known as "Sin City, USA".
In 1955, it won the All-America City Award from the National Municipal League.
[edit] Time Zone (official and observed)
Although Alabama is legally part of the Central Time Zone, Phenix City's proximity to the larger city of Columbus, Georgia means that Phenix City and areas within a 10-15 mile radius (such as Smiths Station, Alabama) observe Eastern Time on a de facto basis, including the Phenix City municipal government.
There are three radio stations licensed to serve Phenix City: WURY-LP (97.1 FM), WGSY (100.1 FM), and WHAL (1460 AM). Also, Phenix City receives television signals from Columbus, Georgia.
[edit] In popular culture
[edit] References
[edit] External links
