Fellows In Education Program Closes 2024-2025 Sessions

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Participants of the 2024-2025 Fellows in Education Class held the programs FIE season review and graduation last week at the McClenaghan Adult Education Building on South Dargan Street in Florence.

The nine-month program covered nine visits to different Florence 1 Schools this year. It is designed to give local leaders a unique, behind-the-scenes look into Florence 1 Schools and seeks to create community ambassadors that share firsthand knowledge and help collaborate with policymakers and the community on the educational concerns of the future.

Fellows In Education is a partnership program between Florence 1 Schools, the School Foundation and the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

To see more photos from the event, click here.

SPC CU Helps Darlington Business Owner Become A Homeowner

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After searching high and low for a place to call home for herself, her horses, and her dog grooming studio, Darlington native and first-time homebuyer Courtney Osmundson finally found the perfect piece of property: “I was working one day and my mom sent this house to me; when I saw it, I was like, ‘It’s perfect! I want it!’” With the help of SPC Credit Union’s Down Payment Assistance Program and First-Time Homebuyers Education certificate, it wasn’t long before Courtney was sealing the deal on this milestone purchase.

Courtney says of her homebuying experience, “Banking with SPC and then the opportunities they had, I wanted to stick with them. I just felt like I’d have a better chance, you know, having some help.” Her help came by way of SPC’s all-star Mortgage Lending Team. Since having launched the Down Payment Assistance forgivable loan program in early 2025, this team has committed themselves to helping eligible first time homebuyers save up to $5,000 on down payment and/or closing costs. Courtney worked closely with Carmen Jackson, SPC’s Residential Lending Manager, and Phyllis Mark, Senior Loan Officer, who worked diligently to make the process as smooth and affordable as possible.

To read the full press release, click here.

HopeHealth Welcomes New Provider

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HopeHealth welcomes Paul James, DNP, a nurse practitioner serving patients at HopeHealth in Lake City.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Doctor of Nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina.

He is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. His clinical interests are COPD, asthma, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. A native of Florence, James is excited to serve this community and surrounding areas.

GSSM Student Among Nation’s Top 150 Coca-Cola Scholars

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The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) celebrates Navneeth Nalajala, a member of the Class of 2025 from Fort Mill, for being named a 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar, one of only 150 high school seniors nationwide selected from over 105,000 applicants. Less than 1/6th of 1% of applicants were chosen to receive this extremely competitive award. He is the only scholar from South Carolina. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program honors students who exemplify leadership, service, and academic excellence with a $20,000 college scholarship.

Nav’s dedication to service and leadership is reflected through his work in Scouting, EMS volunteering, and community support initiatives. As the Palmetto Council of South Carolina’s Boy Scout of the Year and a troop leader, he has mentored more than 50 Scouts, guiding them through high-adventure expeditions and leadership development. He also serves as the Student Council President at GSSM, serving his peers and ensuring their opinions are heard. In addition, he founded a lawn care service, donating all proceeds to a local home for teens, and played a pivotal role in expanding the Fort Mill EMS Cadet Program from two to more than 25 volunteers. In addition to his leadership efforts, Nav actively volunteers in EMS response and in the pediatric emergency room, with aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine.

To read the full press release, click here.

Temple & Hogsette Law Group Donate Toiletry Bags To The Guest House At McLeod

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As part of its continued commitment to the local community, Temple & Hogsette Law Group has donated 250 bags to The Guest House at McLeod, providing comfort and essential supplies to families staying near their hospitalized loved ones at McLeod Regional Medical Center.

This charitable effort was made possible through the support of community partners, including by Drs. Miller, Thomas & Ta – Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, who contributed dental hygiene products, and Jody and Larry Chandler of Slim Chickens and Firehouse Subs, who donated gift cards to their restaurant. Each care bag includes shampoo, conditioner, soap, a comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, bottled water, a notepad and pen for recording medical updates, and the Slim Chickens gift card—offering both practical assistance and a touch of compassion.

“We are so fortunate to have the McLeod Guest House in Florence,” said Alec Hogsette, partner at Temple & Hogsette Law Group. “McLeod plays a vital role in the well-being of our region, and so many in our community have experienced its care firsthand. Contributing to the Guest House is a meaningful way for us to support those families facing medical hardships and to help lighten their burden during an already challenging time.”

To read the full press release, click here.

Pee Dee IceCats Pro Hockey Team

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After 17,500 votes in the Name the Team Contest the most popular name voted for the new hockey team was Pee Dee IceCats.

Congratulations to Eric Powell on being the Name the Team contest winner!!

Eric won a Team Jersey, a pair of Season Tickets, gets to be a part of the first puck drop, & gets to be in the locker room for the first Pre-Game Speech of the season. He will also help in the final design of the Main Logo for the IceCats!!

Presley And Pearls Boutique Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Hunter Elizabeth Prior, owner of Presley and Pearls Boutique, along with staff, family, friends and Chamber Ambassadors cuts her ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Presley and Pearls Boutique Invites Florence to Celebrate Style, Creativity, and Heart.

Located near MUSC hospital, Presley and Pearls isn’t just a boutique, it’s a place built with heart, hustle, and the hope of bringing a little more joy and confidence into the lives of every person who walks through its doors. As Presley and Pearls celebrated its official ribbon cutting, the team invites the Florence community to experience a boutique that blends trend-savvy fashion with meaningful details and a genuine love for people.

To read the full story, click here.

FSO Rock Concert May 22 Tickets Going Fast

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The Florence Symphony Orchestra Rocks is just around the corner. This electrifying concert stars Joel Hoekstra, renowned guitarist for Cher, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Whitesnake. Joining him are powerhouse vocalists Fran Coleman, Elena Flores, Cole Davis, and Eric Thompson. Expect to hear songs from Steely Dan, Spencer Davis Group, The Who, Moody Blues, The Eagles, ELO, Toto and many more.

Want the ultimate rock-star experience? VIP tickets include an exclusive pre-concert party at the Waters Building, 135 S. Dargan St., includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided by Victors. The FSO Rocks Concert is presented by McLeod Health with support from Synergi Partners, Pepsi of Florence, Ensemble Wealth Planning & Carolina Bank.

For more information, click here.

YPF Kicking Off The Summer At Seminar

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Hey Young Professionals of Florence! Mark your calendars for our May 22nd. The YP group will be kicking off summer at Seminar Brewing on Lucas Street. Expect great food, plenty to drink and good old fun networking.

Click on the following link for more information and to RSVP. We hope to see you there!

CLIMB Fund’s Small Business Loan Application Workshops

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Join CLIMB Fund for their online Small Business Application Workshop to learn how to optimize applications for your small business success! Noon and evening workshops are available.