Brewery coming to downtown Florence, $180k in incentives coming from city

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Article/Photo Credit: Matthew Robertson, Morning News

“FLORENCE, S.C. – Florence’s blossoming downtown is about to get an extra boost of culture with a new brewery and pub team planning to open shop on North Dargan Street.

City officials say the pub developers probably will start construction within the next month, with progress ramping up after the holidays.

In its Monday meeting, the Florence City Council unanimously approved a $180,000 incentive package for the project.

Florence Mayor Stephen J. Wukela said the brewery and pub will be an investment of about $550,000 in downtown.

He said after analysis, city staff determined an incentive package would be very beneficial considering the revenue that probably will be generated by the new business.

“This is, I think, a very significant step for downtown Florence,” Wukela said. “There are a variety of periodicals that show the benefit of a craft brewery in growing downtowns. Many would say that one of these existing in an emerging downtown is an indicator that downtown is in fact redeveloped. This is a great thing.”

The group responsible for development has yet to be named. Officials said the brewery will be located at 121 and 123 North Dargan Street. That’s a part of the Kress Corner revitalization project.”

SCNow Web Article – Brewery coming to downtown Florence, $180k in incentives coming from city

Carolinas Hospital System Names New CEO

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FLORENCE, SC, November 9, 2016 – Gary Malaer has been named the new chief executive officer of Carolinas Hospital System effective January 1, 2017. This is a promotion for Malaer who comes to Florence from 298-bed Wuesthoff Medical Center-Rockledge in Rockledge, Fla. He first joined Wuesthoff as COO in April 2015 and was promoted to CEO in October 2015.
“Carolinas Hospital System has a strong tradition of providing compassionate, quality care for patients and I look forward to supporting the physicians, nurses and other caregivers who make a difference each day,” said Malaer.

Malaer brings nearly 20 years of healthcare leadership experience working at hospitals in Texas and Florida. During his tenure at Wuesthoff, the hospital saw continual improvement in patient experience and quality metrics which led to growth in their ER, robotics surgeries, urology, neurosurgery, electrophysiology/atrial fibrillation and cath lab. He is deeply committed to working together with the medical staff, hospital employees, volunteers and board of trustees to build quality care and service.

“Clearly, Gary brings tremendous skills and experience to this role,” said Edward C. Floyd, Chairman, Board of Trustees for Carolinas Hospital System. “We are confident he will build upon our strengths as we continue providing quality healthcare services for our community.”

Malaer has been active in the communities where he has lived by fund raising for charities and serving on boards including Cocoa Beach Chamber, Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund and American Heart Association. A native Texan, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacagdoches, Texas and MBA in health services management from the University of Dallas.

Ribbon Cutting: Fit, Fun, Flavors

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The Florence Chamber welcomed our newest member, Fit Fun Flavors, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, November 8th. Fit, Fun, Flavors is a local business owned by Chef Sherry Dailey.  Sherry is a passionate and experienced personal chef excited to introduce healthy, great food to those with busy lifestyles or those seeking to make lifestyle changes.

For more information, contact Sherry Dailey at chefsherryf3@gmail.com or by calling her at 803.609.3969. Visit her on the web at cheff3.com.

City of Florence to demolish old Quonset hut near downtown

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Article/Photo Credit: Joshua Lloyd, Morning News

“FLORENCE, S.C. – One of Florence’s notorious landmarks is set to be demolished in the coming months.

The dilapidated Quonset hut, the semi-circular tin building near the railroad tracks at the corner of Barringer and Pine streets in East Florence, has been scheduled for hazardous waste cleanup, then demolition.

City officials announced the plan Tuesday as part of the continuing downtown revitalization and urban neighborhood redevelopment.

 The movement to remove the blighted property was spearheaded by Councilwoman Pat Gibson-Hye Moore, who called the building a monstrosity and an eyesore for East Florence.

“I’ve been nagging for years to get this done and now it’s finally happening,” she said. “This is for the benefit of others, the benefit of this community. I’ll be happy to see it gone because it’s a hazard to this community.”

The property was formerly owned by CSX Railroads. It caught fire in October 2014.”

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SCNow Web Article – City of Florence to demolish old Quonset hut near downtown

B. Nance holds ribbon cutting in Florence

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Article/Photo Credit: Joe Perry, Morning News

“FLORENCE, S.C. – B. Nance Fine Gifts hosted a Thursday morning ribbon cutting after recently joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Since opening the doors in mid-July, proprietors Jill Blaker and her daughter Danielle Blaker Nance have watched their clientele grow along with their offerings.

“We’ve added a lot of lines and a picked up a ton of new merchandise for Christmas,” Nance said. “We have a line of loungewear, some luxury pajamas that are doing really well.”

 Lounge cardigans have also been popular, though the focus remains on gifts and not clothing. The baby gifts are perfect for showers and first birthdays, Blaker said, and they’re both excited to move next year into a location almost next door with a footprint expanded by 1,000 square feet.

Before the new location opens its doors in 2017 , a visit to the market in Atlanta will provide a whole new selection of gifts and home accessories.

“We’ll have almost a brand-new store,” Nance said.”

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SCNow WebArticle – B. Nance holds ribbon cutting in Florence