Florence Voters Approve Sunday Beer, Wine Sales

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Voters helped Florence retailers level the sales field Tuesday, November 8th when they overwhelmingly approved a proposal allowing retailers to obtain permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption on Sundays.

With all precincts reporting, 71% of the 7,324 voters said yes to Sunday beer and wine sales for off-premises consumption. No votes accounted for 29%.

Retailers who already hold state permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption will be able to seek a permit to add Sunday sales.

The Florence City Council approved an ordinance earlier this year to put the beer-and-wine sales referendum on the November ballot.

Several nearby cities – Darlington and Lake City – already allow retailers to sell beer and wine on Sundays, which meant Florence retailers often lost revenue to retailers in those cities on Sundays. People would go to Lake City and Darlington retailers to purchase beer or wine on Sundays. However, they often would purchase food and other items while shopping.

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Florentines Gather To Celebrate Veterans Day, Dedicate WWII Monument

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Several hundred people turned out Friday for Florence’s Veterans Day ceremony in the Florence Veterans Park — something that wasn’t a given based on Thursday’s weather forecast.

Under threatening skies that never amounted to anything but a few sprinkles early on, the ceremony was kept at a brisk pace by master of ceremonies Col. (R) Barry Wingard as he worked his way toward the end of the event where traditionally a new monument at the park is unveiled and dedicated.

Not to disappoint this year two monuments — one stone and the other living — were dedicated.

Thursday, two oak trees with ties to Belleau Wood, France, were planted at the WWI monument by the U.S. Marine Corps League. The trees, grown from acorns from the oak trees at the battlefield, are being planted across the U.S. after getting their start to life at N.C. State University.

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FMU Computer Lab Dedicated For Longtime Employee

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Francis Marion University has named a computer lab in Stanton Academic Computer Center in recognition of former campus technology employee Teresa McDuffie.

Members of FMU’s Board of Trustees, faculty and administration gathered at the newly titled Teresa McDuffie Computer Lab to unveil the commemorative plaque on Thursday, November 10th.

“Teresa has been the heart and soul of FMU campus technology for over three decades. She has always been patient and understanding in resolving the most perplexing of problems. Everyone on this campus adores, respects, and admires her. We are all honored to recognize her service with this unique recognition,” said Francis Marion President Fred Carter.

An employee of 33 years, McDuffie joined FMU’s campus technology department as a computer technician in 1989. She later advanced to systems support technologist and network specialist, before becoming network systems administrator, a position she held until her retirement in summer 2022.

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FDTC To Host Youth Apprenticeship Informational Session in Lake City

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Join FDTC on Tuesday, November 29th at the Continuum in Lake City for an informational session on Youth Apprenticeships.  Breakfast is being served at 7:30 and the program begins at 7:45 AM.  Learn how the FDTC’s Office of Apprenticeship and the Continuum in Lake City can connect your organization with their students to support and develop your future workplace pipelines.  Kindly RSVP by November 18th to info@thelccontinuum.org

Carolinas Centers For Sight Florence To Host Retina Q&A

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Carolinas Centers For Sight Florence (Cashua Location) is hosting a Retina Q&A on Tuesday, December 6th from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM with our Retina Specialist, Dr. Singhal.  Live questions will be answered, and refreshments are provided.

For more information, click here.

Food Insecurity Help Is Only A Text Away

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United Way of Florence County and The United Way Association of South Carolina want to remind Florence County families this holiday season that local and trusted programs that support those facing hunger are just a text message away through its 211 platform.

The United Way Association of South Carolina is the first United Way program in the nation to offer this resource, which was launched with support from the Duke Energy Foundation.

These resources are easy to access through a mobile device by simply sending the word “FOOD” to 211-211. The platform immediately sends people relevant information based on their mobile device’s location, minimizing wait times and eliminating the need for broadband internet. The service is available in English and Spanish.

“United Way of Florence County recognizes the importance of the 211 platform and prioritizes the support and availability of the service in Florence County,” United Way of Florence County President Cameron Packett said. “The text line is confidential, easy to use and always accessible. It’s an amazing resource that is a critical part of our fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community.”

To read the full story, click here.

Micky Finn’s Announces 3rd Location in Florence

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On Tuesday, November 8th, Micky Finn’s announced a third store in Florence area located in front of Buc-ee’s on the I-95 and SR 327. It will be the largest Micky Finn’s to date! There will be outdoor seating so that people can stop by to eat a Buc-ee’s brisket sandwich and shop the beverage warehouse! There will also be parking available for RV’s and boat trailers. More to come!

Victors To Host A Thanksgiving Eve Block Party Benefiting Children Of Hope

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On Wednesday, November 23, Victors will host its annual Thanksgiving Eve Block Party from 7:30-10:30pm located at 109 South Dargan Street, Florence. The event is open to the public and will feature music by Jebb Mac Band, drinks, and time with friends and loved ones prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.

In lieu of an entry fee, event attendees are asked to either provide a minimum donation of $5,or bring a toy to donate valued at $5 or more. All donated proceeds will support HopeHealth’s Children of Hope program.

Since 1996, children identified by their health care providers as having significant needs have received clothing and toys through the Children of Hope program. HopeHealth has expanded the program from being Florence-based to serving children from all HopeHealth service areas. Last year, through contributions by employees and community members, the Children of Hope fund helped 323 children have gifts for Christmas.

During the month of July, HopeHealth employees raised $34,000 through the Christmas in July campaign. Donations given during the Thanksgiving Eve Block Party will add to these funds and allow HopeHealth to take this giving even further.

If you are interested in donating to Children of Hope, or learning about the opportunity to adopt a family, please contact Cindy Averitt at
caveritt@hope-health.org

Duke, Harvest Hope ‘Pack the Pantry’ To Kick Off Month-Long Campaign To Fight Hunger

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Duke Energy joined Harvest Hope Food Bank in Florence Thursday, November 3rd to “Pack the Pantry” and kick off a month-long campaign to support organizations in South Carolina that address food insecurities and inequities across the state.

In addition to purchasing the food that volunteers packed, Thursday’s event also included a $100,000 grant to Harvest Hope to help expand mobile food pantries to those in the most rural areas of the Pee Dee.

Duke Energy’s month-long initiative will provide over $325,000 to more than 40 feeding programs leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday and culminated with the final surprise grant announcements on Giving Tuesday.

“Every community in South Carolina is home to families who face hunger,” said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy South Carolina state president. “The statistics are startling – nearly 500,000 of our friends and neighbors lack consistent access to high-quality meals, and 1 in 7 of those are children.”

To read the full story, click here.

Kickin Chicken Wing Contest, People’s Choice Winner Announced

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When all the online votes were counted, Back Porch Barbeque came out the winner and presented with the award by the Morning News. Accepting the award from Morning News President Matt Tranquill and Chamber of Commerce Membership Relations Director, Jay Lavrinc is Damon Kight. More than 2,000 people attended the Chamber’s Kickin Chicken Wing and Chili event held back on October 21st.