1 April 2013
Future of the FEC to be explored
Voters in Florence narrowly approved the wording of an advisory vote 20-years ago supporting construction and operation of the Florence Events Center. One major component of that non-binding question was that the center would be constructed and operated without the use of general fund money.
The idea was that the center would attract more visitors to the area and cause an increase in room tax money that would in turn be used to offset any potential operating shortfalls.
The center has been busy since it opened in 1996, but most of the use has been by local residents and it has not generated enough revenue to support itself. Along with that, the expected increase in room taxes has not materialized.
Florence City Councilors are being asked to approve a committee made up of one councilor, the FEC manager and as many as ten other community residents to take an exhaustive look at the center, its operations and funding. The group will be asked to consider everything from asking voters for additional taxes to privatizing the center in order to keep it solvent.
The group would bring the results of their work to the overall council in September.
Beach Cleanup
More than four-thousand volunteers showed up on Oregon beaches Saturday for the annual Spring Beach Cleanup. Organizers with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said nearly 53-thousand pounds of debris was picked up… and deposited in dumpsters placed at beach access points between Brookings and Astoria.
Much of that garbage consisted of foam insulation and lumber, likely debris from the March 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
By the way… the volunteers on the beach weren’t the only ones donating their time and services. Those dumpsters were picked up and the trash hauled away for free by coastal waste haulers.
Free Lunch at Health Fair… while it lasts.
A collection of healthcare experts representing several different disciplines will be on hand to visit with attendees at the annual Community Health Fair this Friday afternoon at the Florence Events Center. Organizers say, as in the past, there will be nutritionists, chiropractors, dentists and nurses; as well as massage and physical therapists.
The collection will provide advice and guidance on a variety of topics ranging from diabetes to sleep disorders, hearing loss heart disease and even spiritual health.
Member of the Florence Seventh Day Adventist church will provide a free heart-healthy plant-based lunch as long as supplies last. The free community Health Fair is from one to six, Friday afternoon.
Recognizing and applauding volunteers.
Celebrating success will be the theme April 17th during the annual Community Volunteer Recognition event at the FEC. It’s organized by the Florence Area Community Coalition… formerly known as the Florence Area Coordinating Council.
The two hour afternoon event will feature live music, a keynote address by Florence First Citizen John Bartlett and audience participation.
