Legislative Update – Budget Compromise Reached

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Late Wednesday evening, members of the budget conference committee struck a compromise agreement on the states over $15 billion spending plan for FY2026-27. For weeks, House and Senate conferees had been working diligently to iron out differences between their two versions of the budget, with main points of contention centering around how much to spend on community projects and how much property tax relief to offer seniors.

For more information, click here.

HopeHealth Celebrates National Health Center Week

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HopeHealth will celebrate National Health Center Week from August 2-8 with employee activities, community partner appreciation, and more.

The festivities began earlier this month, when HopeHealth Chief of Staff Sallie King and Chief Advancement Officer Derek Brown attended the Florence City Council meeting to accept a proclamation recognizing National Health Center Week in the city of Florence.

This year’s theme is “Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most.” NACHC shared, “This year’s theme celebrates how CHCs use creativity and commitment to advance innovative solutions that meet patients where they are and improve primary care delivery, access, and outcomes nationwide. This includes partnering with key stakeholders and elected officials to strengthen relationships that support high-quality, patient-centered care in the communities they serve.”

To read the full press release, click here.

Help Shape the Future of Florence, Lee & Sumter County Trails in Public Meeting

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Naturally Outdoors in Florence wants to make everyone aware that you are invited to help shape the future of regional outdoor recreation. The proposed Fox & Spur Connector is now in its public engagement phase—and your input matters.

The project is transforming a former railroad corridor into a scenic recreation trail system for walking, biking, and community connection. The proposed Fox & Spur Connector, is a 32-mile regional greenway trail project connecting communities from Sumter to Florence.

The public meeting is being held Wednesday, August 5 6:00 – 8:00 PM at The Trailhead by Naturally Outdoors, 2519 W Palmetto St, Florence, SC

Make plans to stop by during the meeting to learn about the project and vision, view maps and proposed phases, meet the project team, ask questions, and offer feedback.

Donna Isgett Earns National Recognition

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Becker’s Hospital Review has named Isgett to its prestigious list of “Women Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know,” recognizing leaders across the country who are expanding access to care, driving innovation, improving quality, and shaping the future of healthcare. Isgett is one of only two hospital CEOs in South Carolina to receive the honor this year.

For more information, click here.

FMU Evening College Classes Begin August 24

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Francis Marion University is proud to offer a new opportunity for those seeking to expand their intellectual horizons: FMU’s Evening College. Choose from an array of courses that are designed to inform, enlighten, and entertain. These for-credit, non-degree courses will be taught once a week for 11 weeks by university faculty. Locations vary by course.

Fo more information, click here.

MUSC Health Dental & Oral Care Grand Opening & Business After Hours

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Please join the Chamber & MUSC Health for an open house and tour of the new comprehensive dental practice and future home of the Dental General Practice Residency program, expected to open early September.

The event will be held on Tuesday, August 25th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM at MUSC Health Florence Medical Center’s Medical Pavillion C, Suite 300.

To register, click here.

FMU Kelley Center to Host Entrepreneur & Small Business Networking Event

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Join the FMU Kelley Center for an exciting evening of networking and collaboration at our Entrepreneur & Small Business Networking event. Whether you’re a seasoned small business owner or just starting out, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships in a casual and friendly environment.

This free networking event will take place at The Continuum (208 W Main Street) in Lake City on Monday, August 17th from 5:30pm-7:00pm.

For more information, click here.

Prisma Health Urgent Care Cuts Ribbon on Chamber Membership

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Prisma Health Urgent Care cuts their ribbon along with Chamber Ambassadors joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Prisma Health Urgent Care is proud to announce the opening of its newest location in Florence, South Carolina, expanding access to convenient, high-quality health care for residents, families, employers, and visitors throughout the Pee Dee region. Located on West Palmetto Street, the new center provides walk-in medical care seven days a week, helping patients receive prompt treatment without the long wait times often associated with emergency rooms.

As part of the trusted Prisma Health network, Prisma Health Urgent Care is committed to delivering exceptional patient experiences through compassionate care, modern facilities, and convenient access to healthcare services. The Florence center offers treatment for a wide range of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, including colds, flu, respiratory infections, allergies, ear infections, cuts, sprains, strains, minor fractures, and burns. Additional services include on-site X-ray, laboratory testing, sports and school physicals, occupational medicine services, workers’ compensation injury care, drug and alcohol testing, vaccinations, and wellness screenings. Most major insurance plans are accepted, and affordable self-pay options are available. Walk-in during our extended hours or book ahead to reserve your spot online.

To read the full story, click here.

Junior Leadership Florence County Holds Retreat

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This past weekend, the 2026–2027 Jr. Leadership Florence County / 4-H Class gathered at the SC FFA Camp for the programs opening retreat. This is the 12th year for the JLFC program serving sophomore and junior high school students of Florence County.

Throughout the retreat, participants challenged themselves through team-building activities, leadership development experiences, and opportunities to build lasting friendships. Each student stepped outside their comfort zones, discovered their individual strengths, and began developing the leadership skills that will guide them throughout the year.

We are excited to welcome another outstanding class of young leaders and can’t wait to see all they accomplish over the next ten months. Their journey officially begins, and we look forward to seeing them reconvening for their first monthly session, Leadership Exploration Day, in August.

The Jr. Leadership Florence County 4-H Program is made possible through the partnership of Clemson Extension Florence County – Florence County 4-H, the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and Francis Marion University.

A special thank you to the SC FFA Camp staff for their outstanding hospitality and to Florence County School District Two for providing transportation for the student participants.

To see more photos from the retreat, click here.