Archive for category: News

Florence City Council’s business development committee is in the beginning stages of developing plans for a Lucas Street/U.S. 52 corridor that extends from the I-95 interchange to one block past the intersection of Irby and Lucas Streets.

It’s one of four main corridors identified in the city’s master plan and could present the biggest challenges and rewards.

The corridor design will have to consider restrictions of a federal highway and a railroad.

It’s an interchange that is home to 5,000 hotel rooms — said to be the most of any other interchange on I-95. The corridor also serves as a gateway for those that live in Florence traveling to and from work and for those that visiting businesses in the area.

To read the full story, click here.

City of Florence’s chatbot, Cypress is now available on the city website to help answer questions, submit service requests, send messages to staff and provide information on city services.

Cypress was developed by the company, Citibot, a technology company based in Charleston that has been implementing AI-driven chatbot technology to municipalities nationwide. They intend to help governments be accessible and accountable in a more effective way.

Cypress uses AI technology only to pull from the city’s website, making sure the information is always accurate and risk-free, Amanda Pope, Marketing, Communications and Municipal service director at City of Florence said.

Cypress is not to be used for emergencies or to report criminal activity.

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Calling all businesses! The 6th annual Jingle Bell Market will be here in just 4 short months! The Florence Center is excited to invite your company to partner with them as a sponsor for the upcoming Jingle Bell Market! By sponsoring this festive event, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with thousands of holiday shoppers eager to support local businesses and enjoy seasonal delights. Your sponsorship will not only ensure a magical experience for families but also prominently feature your brand in their promotional materials, social media channels, and during the event itself. They believe your involvement would be mutually beneficial, showcasing your commitment to community spirit and enhancing your visibility during the joyful holiday season. Please contact the Florence Center at manager@jinglebellmarket.com today for more information on how to become a sponsor.

Red Bone Alley restaurant in Florence will be run by a new ownership team starting next month, its founder announced last Monday.

Dale Barth said he’ll move away from day-to-day operations beginning July 1, with J.J. Leonard and Brandon Collins stepping in to take over management.

Leonard has been a major Red Bone Alley supplier for several years, while Collins is a former employee who’s returning from a Lowcountry restaurant chain.

“Looking forward, I can tell you that J.J. and Brandon have exciting and creative plans for Red Bone Alley. For sure, they will continue to serve many of your longtime favorites, but you will also be offered some new and interesting options from which to choose,” Barth said. “I am totally confident that the entire Red Bone experience will elevate.”

Red Bone Alley is in its 32nd year of business. In February, Barth said he was looking to hand over control of the West Palmetto Street eatery.

To read the full story, click here.

Join them on July 11th, at Florence First Bank as they host a Smart Start Savings Day! This is a time for you to bring in your children or teenagers & their piggy banks to open their MyFirst Savings account!

We want to spend time teaching them how to make a deposit and why it’s important to save.

There are no fees and no balance requirements. They must have a parent or guardian on the account with them.

To see the full flyer, click here.