Aquarium Seeking Capital; Hazardous Waste Round Up; Fall Clean Up; Open House Today

Aquarium Seeking Capital

The Oregon Coast Aquarium has announced a fundraising campaign for an $18 million expansion effort. The Aquarium plans to remodel existing facilities and add a marine rehabilitation center and an outdoor play area. Officials say the project would be the first major remodeling since the facility in Newport opened to the public in 1992. The aquarium says the original facility was not designed to accommodate the 420,000 visitors annually it now hosts.

Hazardous Waste Round Up

Last weekend’s hazardous waste round up collected almost 21 thousand pounds of hazardous waste.  According to the city of Florence 392 households participated in the event.  the city’s monthly newsletter breaks down the components collected.  Collection amounts are up 34 percent since the event first began in 2001.  246 households participated in the Friday collection which organizers say was one of the busiest single days for the event.

Fall Clean Up

The City of Florence is preparing for a Fall Community Clean up.  The event, open to Florence residents only, will collect appliances, computers and electronics, block Styrofoam, furniture, usable building materials, household items and automobile tires.  The event will be on Saturday, November 2nd from 9am until 2pm in the parking lot of Siuslaw High School.  This is not a hazardous waste event.  the city will accept no hazardous waste, garbage, chemicals or prescription medications, tractor trailer tires or rims, car parts or large items like hot tubs and boats.

Open House Today

The City of Florence Public Works department is opening their doors today to the public.  The second annual Open House will take place from 2 until 6 pm this afternoon with a tour of the facility, special program and video presentation at 4 pm and the opportunity for kids of all ages to see the equipment that the city uses to get jobs done.  Refreshments will also be available.