Construction Projects Continue
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic shutdown has not stopped the City of Florence. Beginning on Friday Cascade Civil Corporation will begin moving in construction equipment in and around the 26th and 27th street area as the company prepares to begin construction on the Safe Routes To School project which is primarily funded through a grant provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation. The project will provide new, or in some cases, improved sidewalks between 101 and Oak Street and will include new ADA curbs at the corners of Oak and 26 and Oak and 27th Street. Construction is slated to begin on Monday, June 22nd and should be completed sometime in September. The area is expected to be congested and drivers are asked to use other streets to access Oak Street.
Storefront Damaged (updated)
Damage was done to a local storefront window last night. The store, belonging to Cindy Wobbe is located on the corner of Highway 101 and Rhododendron had its front window shattered sometime after 7:30 pm. Wobbe says there is no clear evidence of what happened but does not rule out building settling or a rock from street traffic. She was told that someone saw a person running, but could not confirm it. Within a short period, community members showed up to assist in the cleanup. Wobbe also said that it does not appear that anything was taken and she is thankful that it was only a window.
SBA Reopens Loan Program
The U.S. Small business administration has reopened its programs for businesses impacted by the coronavirus. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan and its associated program portal opened on Monday. Businesses can apply for relief at sba.gov. Newly eligible businesses now include agricultural as a result of additional funding appropriated by congress. Businesses that provide food production, ranching, or raising livestock can now receive federal relief funding. These types of businesses must have fewer than 500 employees according to the SBA. Up to $10,000 is available per business.
Phase 2 Sees More Business Openings
Businesses continue to open on Bay Street in Old Town as Phase Two enters its second week. Artefacts owner, Shelly Medieros said that they decided to wait until visitors and customers got acclimated to the new rules governing business etiquette. She said that seeing what some of the businesses have had to deal with, it was a good idea for them to wait. Artefacts opens today at 11
COVID-19 Numbers Take Big Leap in Oregon
Another massive jump for coronavirus cases in Oregon as the state sees its largest single day total. There were 278 new confirmed cases reported yesterday with 2 new deaths. Union county has added another 119 cases to their previous day total of 99. The numbers include one new case for Lane County with Union, Multnomah, Clackamas, Marion and Washington carry the bulk of the remaining cases with 122 combined. Just north in Lincoln County there were 17 new cases reported. The two deaths were an 88 year old Clackamas County man and an 85 year old Marion County woman, both are reported to have underlying medical conditions. Lane County’s total stands at 90.
