Florence To Begin Additional Resurfacing Projects

The City of Florence will begin additional resurfacing work in March on the following roads, as weather permits: Sheffield Drive, Cottingham Road, Southbrook Circle, Branford Road, E Thorncliff Road, Mater Lane, Shadow Birch Road, Fillmore Court, Luigi Way, Carriage Lane, Maggie Way, Carrigan Ct., Fernbank Lane, Grande Lawn Lane, Cabrillo Drive, Highlander Ct., Kentwood Drive, Woodmore Circle, Rutledge Manor Drive, Prince Alston Cove, Flint Lock Cove and Rice Hope Cove.

These efforts are a continuation of the Third Penny Sales Tax and the City of Florence is working with contractor to ensure long-term quality for these roadways.

If you have any questions or would like to see future projects, please visit the City’s Capital Improvements page here.

Florence Betting Millions On Sports Tourism

Dozens of young tennis players tested their mettle at the tennis center Feb. 24. Steps away, baseball players warmed up for a game at Carolina Bank Field. Cars from Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, New York and Virginia sat in the parking lot.

Sports tourism has emerged as a key part of Florence’s economic growth strategy, generating an estimated $12.5 million annual impact within the city and attracting more than 50,000 people, according to officials. But the benefits extend well beyond tourism, they said: access to recreation and athletics for residents, better health outcomes and more business for hotels and restaurants.

Now, the city is pushing to increase sports tourism by 50 percent in the next three to five years, floating $20 million in potential projects to accomplish that goal.

“We’ve recognized the power, the fiscal impact or financial impact, the economic impact that sports tourism brings to the area,” Interim City Manager Scotty Davis said.

To stay proactive amid growing competition from other cities, Florence has suggested a range of improvements to its facilities.

To read the full story, click here.

It’s That Time Of Year Again For The Big Taste Event

You might want to join the best party in town and enjoy a variety of delicious foods and spirits. The event is put together by Florence Symphony Guild the annual event serves as one of the larger fundraisers for the guild, which supports the Florence Symphony in its endeavors. Get your tickets now before it’s too late.

For more information, click here.

Young Professionals Of Florence

Join YPF for a workshop on Thursday, March 21st to learn how to manage stress and prevent burnout.  The workshop will take place at HopeHealth’s Celebration Blvd location (1362 Celebration Blvd) from 5:30 – 7:30 PM.  Make sure to rsvp via the event posted on their Facebook page.

Florence County Public Library Featured On ChamberLink Radio

Alan Smith, Director of the Florence County Public Library, was the Chamber’s radio guest on ChamberLink Radio this past weekend.

You can catch the conversation each Sunday from 12:00 – 12:30 pm on LIVE 95.3FM in Florence, SC.

This radio program is brought to you by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

CARE House Of The Pee Dee Sows Seeds Of Hope

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the CARE House of the Pee Dee is determined to shine a light on the realities of child abuse through Pinwheel Gardens and other awareness initiatives. Nationally, pinwheels are a symbol of child abuse prevention as they conjure up the idea of a happy and carefree childhood – something that every child deserves.

For this Children’s Advocacy Center, the premise is simple – supporters can order their own Pinwheel Garden to display at their homes, businesses or faith communities (on a lawn or in a raised bed) where they will be visible to others in the community. Displays include 75 pinwheels, a sign communicating support for child abuse victims throughout the Pee Dee along with instructions for “planting” the garden.

To read the full press release, click here.

Charlotte To Upgrade Jet Bridges

The U.S. Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, paid a visit to the Charlotte airport recently and announced nearly $1 billion in investments for U.S. airports that will help modernize infrastructure and improve the passenger experience. The Charlotte airport (CLT) will receive $27 million to replace up to 16 jet bridges with improved power units that provide the option for heating and cooling.

Since CLT is the Florence Regional Airports (FLO) connection to the world each day on American Airlines, this is good news.

Power Comicon Coming To Florence Center

Power Comicon is bringing all the very best in comics and collectibles to the Florence area on March 9! They will have comic artists, writers, and other great comic related guests! There will be a plethora of comics, toys, statues, art, costume apparel, and all sorts of pop culture memorabilia for all ages. They also have a cosplay contest with over $1,000 in cash and prizes!  Tickets are $10 at the door day of show; Kids 12 & under get in free.

For more information, click here.

1st Choice Quality Heating & Air Joins Chamber

A ribbon cutting event was held at 1st Choice Quality Heating & Air on Tuesday, February 27th. As Bill Gibson along with owner Allen Raborn, Rebecca Bishop, their office staff, and HVAC crew joined the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

1st Choice Quality Heating & Air is expanding their services into the Florence area. 1st Choice Quality Heating & Air is your go-to family-owned and employee-run HVAC experts. Beyond mere repairs, they are dedicated to cultivating an environment of trust and tranquility in your home. With over 30 years of collective experience among their technicians along with a highly skilled office staff, your home is in capable hands.

Conveniently located in Clarendon County, they proudly serve clients statewide in South Carolina, providing comprehensive HVAC solutions tailored to your needs. From sales to service and installations, they handle it all, catering to various heating and cooling systems and models.

To read the full story, click here.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” Opens This Week At Florence Little Theatre

The Play That Goes Wrong opens this week.

Called “the funniest play Broadway has ever seen” (Huffington Post), this classic murder mystery by award-winning Mischief is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania! Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it’s “comic gold” (Variety) sure to bring down the house.

For more information, click here.