Changes to Tsunami Code
The Florence City Council unanimously approved changes to the city code last night regarding the new tsunami plan for the city. The Beat the Wave initiative outlines the danger levels and zones around the city and gives residents a timeline for how quickly they must get to safe zones were a large scale earthquake to strike the area with an accompanying tsunami. Associate planner Glen Southerlin outlined the changes and updates to ordinance 13 amending chapters 2 and 7 of the Florence City Code regarding tsunami and earthquake amendments. According to Southerlin a separate indicator had to be added to the coastal tsunami plan exclusively for Florence. He said that in comparison to other coastal cities Florence is at a very low risk for most of the city boundaries in the event of a tsunami. Many of the areas that could be affected by an event are within a four block area of a safe zone making Florence one of the safer coastal cities. The changes will also affect building according to Southerlin saying that properties like Old Town in and River Front in would not be excluded from adding rooms under the new ordinance nor would the fire station located behind city hall have to be relocated, although long term plans are to replace the station with a more modern facility at a different location.
LIHEAP Sign-ups
Siuslaw Outreach Services will be open for LIHEAP (Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program) sign-ups November 1st starting at 9:00AM. Sign-ups may be done in-person, by phone at 541-997-2816, or online at www.lanecounty.org/energyassistance . A limited number of sign-up spots will be available. LIHEAP is a federally funded program designed to help low-income individuals and families deal with heating and energy burdens associated with an increase in winter-time bills. Eligibility is determined by income.
Top 25…Again
The world’s largest travel website, TripAdvisor has named Florence as one of the top 25 places for families to take a weekend adventure. The website touted Florence’s many activities for kids as one of the main reasons. Bettina Hanigan with the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce says Florence is getting to be known world-wide by travelers looking for a fun adventurous place to visit. TripAdvisor’s recommendation is another of many recent accolades the city has received over the last 2 years.
Food Drive for Food Share
Central Lincoln PUD is currently holding a food drive for the Florence Food Share. Residents are encouraged to drop off food items to the newly remodeled offices at the corner of Highway 101 and Highway 126 between the hours of 8 and 5 Monday through Friday.
