Archive for year: 2023

Jessica Brown, Executive Director of All 4 Autism, was on ChamberLink Radio this weekend to talk about increasing the awareness, resources and support for those of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The organization was a grassroots effort which started in 2005 by ASD families in the Florence area. The first Autism Resource Center for the Pee Dee opened on April 25, 2017.

You can catch the conversations on ChamberLink Radio each Sunday from 12:00-12:30pm on LIVE 95.3FM in Florence, SC.

ChamberLink Radio is brought to you by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and The UPS Stores.

Florence has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to remake one of its city parks into a 20-acre, almost-$18 million gateway destination that would be transformative to an east Florence neighborhood. The bulk of the cost would be covered with grant money, CARE Funds, contributions and in-kind services.

That is the plan and vision put forth by Florence City Council members George Jebailey and J. Lawrence “Chipper” Smith II for Levy Park.

“We approved $2.7 million but in total we’re going to receive a little bit short of $18 million to redo this entire park. Granted, if we get the grant in 2024,” Smith said.

To read the full story, click here.

McCall Farms expects to invest an additional $38 million in Florence County.

This week the Florence County Council unanimously approved on second reading an expansion of the original economic agreement from 2019, in which the company agreed to invest $50 million and create 1,000 jobs.

“McCall Farms has really been a good partner for Florence County,” Chairman Willard Dorriety Jr. said. “They have really grown, and they are doing an excellent job with what they provide to the community, and we’re thankful to have them here.”

To read the full story, click here.

The Florence area will see over 200 new houses in the next few years.

Colorado-based Century Communities is building houses in three locations. Freedom Estates will hold 142 homes on its lot on Freedom Boulevard. Another 78 are being built in the company’s West Lakes property in Florence on the way to Timmonsville and another 33 will be built in the Country Club of South Carolina.

All the housing will be single family homes. The president of Century Complete, a brand of Century Communities, Greg Huff, said they expect all the homes within Freedom Estates to be sold within 21/2 to 3 years “based on the high demand for quality affordable homes in this area.”

To read the full story, click here.

St. Anthony Catholic School welcomed teachers and students back last week with its highest opening enrollment number in years, at 130 students. Prior to the opening of school, Saint Anthony Catholic School held their annual Back to School Night with the opening message of having a spirit of service and keeping your flame burning bright with Faith, Family, Knowledge and Service that inspired families as they enter a new school year. Families had the opportunity to build community with each other, tour the building and meet teachers, with a special unveiling of the renovations to the library and the playground. Families also were excited for students to reveal a snippet performance of the highly anticipated March 2024 school musical, “Fiddler on the Roof JR”.

To read the full press release, please click here.