By By ROBBIE BYRD
News Editor
According to the Escambia County Satellite office in Atmore, new license plates are now in place, and people who register their vehicles this year will receive them.
The tags, which feature the words "Stars Fell on Alabama" with a surrounding star shower was chosen from 4 other designs submitted to the Alabama Revenue Commissioner's office.
The new tags are based on a tidbit of Alabama history; in 1833 a meteor shower visible in Alabama for almost two nights became a staple for Alabama's history, ushering in a 1934 song entitled "Stars fell on Alabama."
Years later, at the 1999 inauguration of Governor Don Siegelman, Jimmy Buffett sang his rendition of the earlier hit.
According to Debbie Chambers with the Escambia County Satellite office in Atmore, their office were authorized to begin issuing the tags in January. She says they have been met with enthusiasm.
The new tag retains the tried and true "Heart of Dixie" insignia, but its role on the new tag has been downplayed. Instead of at the top of the tag, it has been moved to the bottom, with the text placed inside a small heart.
The new tag also incorporates a red, white and blue color scheme, not much unlike the current tags which feature a light red and blue scheme.
According to a poll conducted by WKRG TV 5, 44 percent of those who voted have not even seen the tag, 30 percent said they hated it and 26 percent said they loved it.
Reactions in Atmore were positive.
Pat Crenshaw, owner of Crenshaw motors, said he was impressed by the new tags.
"I think it s a real good change," Crenshaw said. "I like the stars and the Stars fell on Alabama' thing."
Roger Bell said that he likes the new tags because he feels they help represent America.
"I am in favor of anything that represents America," Bell said. "It still represents Alabama, but shows American Pride."
Donald Wright contributed to this story.