Block Party
Last year’s celebration of Florence’s 125th year sparked a desire for more interactive community events. This year the City of Florence has responded with its second annual Block Party which will take place on Friday, July 19th. the city will close off the section of Bay Street from Laurel to the Siuslaw River Bridge and open the streets for activities. Live music and activities for all ages are planned as well as a celebration of the city’s second year as a Coast Guard City. City Manager Erin Reynolds says the music and the party will last a little longer this year.
“5 Guys Named Mo, and we’re really excited to have them play from 6 to 10 o’clock, so we’re expanding it one hour this year.”
On hand will be the Coast Guard, Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue, Western Lane Ambulance, and the Florence Police Department. Reynolds says the City is also using this as an educational platform for the Power of Florence event which will follow on Saturday.
Greentrees Fire
Fire broke out in a garage in Greentrees West early yesterday afternoon. The call went out just after 1 pm as black smoke could be seen blanketing the area around rhododendron drive. One eyewitness said that quick response from Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue was the reason the entire structure was not destroyed. Western Lane Ambulance and Florence Police also responded. There was no damage to surrounding buildings and no reports of injuries. The fire is under investigation.
Power of Florence
The Power of Florence will not have a morning walk this year as it has in the past. Event organizer, Ava Glowacki says that last year’s turnout was minimal and caused them to reevaluate the need for the walk. The event will kick off Saturday, July 20th at 8 am at the United Methodist Church for a pancake breakfast followed by activities and vendors, charity groups gathered in the Grocery Outlet parking lot. There will also be volunteer events located throughout Florence for people to get involved with.
“The Florence Garden Club will be sprucing up Gallagher Park again this year; Delta Gamma is going to be sprucing up and barking the tennis courts on 35th street, and then the Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative will be having a Scotch Broom pull at Heceta Dunes.”
Glowacki says to come with your work gloves and be ready to volunteer. The event will be over by 2 pm.
