Carolinas Centers For Sight Florence To Host Retina Q&A

Carolinas Centers For Sight Florence (Cashua Location) is hosting a Retina Q&A on Tuesday, December 6th from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM with our Retina Specialist, Dr. Singhal.  Live questions will be answered, and refreshments are provided.

For more information, click here.

Food Insecurity Help Is Only A Text Away

United Way of Florence County and The United Way Association of South Carolina want to remind Florence County families this holiday season that local and trusted programs that support those facing hunger are just a text message away through its 211 platform.

The United Way Association of South Carolina is the first United Way program in the nation to offer this resource, which was launched with support from the Duke Energy Foundation.

These resources are easy to access through a mobile device by simply sending the word “FOOD” to 211-211. The platform immediately sends people relevant information based on their mobile device’s location, minimizing wait times and eliminating the need for broadband internet. The service is available in English and Spanish.

“United Way of Florence County recognizes the importance of the 211 platform and prioritizes the support and availability of the service in Florence County,” United Way of Florence County President Cameron Packett said. “The text line is confidential, easy to use and always accessible. It’s an amazing resource that is a critical part of our fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community.”

To read the full story, click here.

Micky Finn’s Announces 3rd Location in Florence

On Tuesday, November 8th, Micky Finn’s announced a third store in Florence area located in front of Buc-ee’s on the I-95 and SR 327. It will be the largest Micky Finn’s to date! There will be outdoor seating so that people can stop by to eat a Buc-ee’s brisket sandwich and shop the beverage warehouse! There will also be parking available for RV’s and boat trailers. More to come!

Victors To Host A Thanksgiving Eve Block Party Benefiting Children Of Hope

On Wednesday, November 23, Victors will host its annual Thanksgiving Eve Block Party from 7:30-10:30pm located at 109 South Dargan Street, Florence. The event is open to the public and will feature music by Jebb Mac Band, drinks, and time with friends and loved ones prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.

In lieu of an entry fee, event attendees are asked to either provide a minimum donation of $5,or bring a toy to donate valued at $5 or more. All donated proceeds will support HopeHealth’s Children of Hope program.

Since 1996, children identified by their health care providers as having significant needs have received clothing and toys through the Children of Hope program. HopeHealth has expanded the program from being Florence-based to serving children from all HopeHealth service areas. Last year, through contributions by employees and community members, the Children of Hope fund helped 323 children have gifts for Christmas.

During the month of July, HopeHealth employees raised $34,000 through the Christmas in July campaign. Donations given during the Thanksgiving Eve Block Party will add to these funds and allow HopeHealth to take this giving even further.

If you are interested in donating to Children of Hope, or learning about the opportunity to adopt a family, please contact Cindy Averitt at
caveritt@hope-health.org

Duke, Harvest Hope ‘Pack the Pantry’ To Kick Off Month-Long Campaign To Fight Hunger

Duke Energy joined Harvest Hope Food Bank in Florence Thursday, November 3rd to “Pack the Pantry” and kick off a month-long campaign to support organizations in South Carolina that address food insecurities and inequities across the state.

In addition to purchasing the food that volunteers packed, Thursday’s event also included a $100,000 grant to Harvest Hope to help expand mobile food pantries to those in the most rural areas of the Pee Dee.

Duke Energy’s month-long initiative will provide over $325,000 to more than 40 feeding programs leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday and culminated with the final surprise grant announcements on Giving Tuesday.

“Every community in South Carolina is home to families who face hunger,” said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy South Carolina state president. “The statistics are startling – nearly 500,000 of our friends and neighbors lack consistent access to high-quality meals, and 1 in 7 of those are children.”

To read the full story, click here.

Kickin Chicken Wing Contest, People’s Choice Winner Announced

When all the online votes were counted, Back Porch Barbeque came out the winner and presented with the award by the Morning News. Accepting the award from Morning News President Matt Tranquill and Chamber of Commerce Membership Relations Director, Jay Lavrinc is Damon Kight. More than 2,000 people attended the Chamber’s Kickin Chicken Wing and Chili event held back on October 21st.

Demolition of Old Motel Now Complete

The demolition of the old motel located at 1300 E. Palmetto Street is finally complete!

The City of Florence worked closely with three great partners to make the removal of the blighted property a reality. These entities acknowledge the importance of the E. Palmetto Street gateway and recognize that redevelopment and beautification efforts at this location will create a better, safer, and more appealing entrance to Florence for travelers coming from Florence Regional Airport, Francis Marion University and Myrtle Beach and for newcomers or new businesses desiring to relocate to the area.

In collaboration with Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation, McLeod Health, and Florence County, the property will now be an expansion of Levy Park, enhancing neighborhood beautification and the quality of life for the surrounding neighborhoods.

Young Professionals of Florence Are Giving Back In November

Join YPF in giving back with Harvest Hope Food Bank this holiday season! Come help us pack boxes for the community for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 17th at 5:30 PM! Last year was a wonderful event and we want to make it even better this year!  Please fill out the volunteer form if you plan to attend!

For more information, click here.

Florence Center Hosts 5th Annual Jingle Bell Market

You are invited to join the Florence Center for their 5th Annual Premier Holiday Shopping Show, Jingle Bell Market November 18-20, 2022.  Advance tickets are on sale now.

This 3-day spectacular event is the shopping event of the season, brimming with Gifts, Crafts, Apparel, Accessories, Jewelry, Art, Vintage and Farmhouse Chic, Gourmet Foods, Wine Tastings and A WHOLE LOT MORE!!!

For more information, click here.

Florence Chamber Holds Annual Fall Legislative Breakfast

Expect growth and development to continue in the City of Florence and Florence County.

That was the overarching theme of presentations by Florence City Council member Chaquez McCall and Florence District 1 County Council member Jason Springs at Friday’s Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce’s Fall 2022 Legislative Breakfast at the Florence Center. More than 200 people attended the twice a year event.

South Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Christy A. Hall gave the keynote address and an update on various road and bridge projects happening in Florence County and across South Carolina.

McCall and Springs focused on city and county projects that will attract visitors, businesses and industries and jobs to the city and county.

To read the full story, click here.