Chamber Event Postponed
Another long-running chamber event goes by the way side, at least temporarily. October is one of the consistently good weather months for Florence and the time to celebrate the Wine and Chowder festival, a two day event is generally the last big hurrah for the tourism season, but this year chamber President and CEO Bettina Hannigan says the decision comes amidst a pandemic where safety of our community has to be the priority. The Chamber is currently running the Sami the Sea Lion promotion that drives traffic to local businesses, but it does not have the regional and multi-state draw that the wine and chowder festival brings. Summer crowds have been steady over the past several months and the coronavirus has not stopped visitors from coming to the coast. Likely the cancellation of the popular wine and chowder event will not mean fewer people visiting. The chamber is also considering cancelling the event scheduled for the Thanksgiving weekend, but that decision has not yet been finalized. Tourism for the coast generates $147 million dollars annually.
OHA Weekly Report
The Oregon Health Authority’s weekly report shows a more that ½ percent decrease in positive tests last week. This week the positive rate is at 4.5 percent, down from 5.1 percent in the previous week. The OHA says this trend could rise upward as results continue to come in, but for the moment it is encouraging. The national rate for the coronavirus is at 9 percent. Also in yesterday’s update the OHA has reported 247 new cases across the state with 7 new deaths. Total cases, to date, for the coronavirus is 25,391. Lane County has reported 3 new cases for a total of 661 with 14 people currently considered infectious. There are 2 hospitalizations. Lane County has conducted 51,915 tests to date.
Marines Honored With Flag Lowering
Two of the marines that were killed when their amphibious vehicle sank off the California coast were from Oregon and Governor Brown has ordered the state’s public institutions to fly their flags at half mast today in honor of Lance Corporal Jack Ryan Ostrovsky, and Lance Corporal Chase D. Sweetwood.
Decision On Development Postponed
More than 30 individuals signed up to voice their concerns about a new planned unit development that is slated for the plot of land located at Rhododendron Drive and 35th street. Concerns over traffic safety, unit density, crime and stormwater runoff were just a few of the reasons given. There is also concern about how close the units are as it pertains to public utilities and access for the city to maintain water lines. Additionally traffic counts were reviewed as concerns were raised about left hand traffic that often times backs up for 35th street access under current conditions. The planning commission was not certain that the Traffic Impact analysis was sufficient for the development and opted to leave the public record open until September 4th and reconvene on September 8th to either approve or deny the application.
National Dog Day
Today is national Dog Day. The Oregon Coast Humane Society is using the day to call attention to the need for fostering and adopting canine residents at the shelter. Charles Brown, executive director of the OCHS says great dogs are available for adoption, and believes that there are a lot of homes in Florence that are in need of a great dog. Brown asks that people call the shelter to set up an appointment. The OCHS is also accepting blankets, bedding and wet or dry dog foods. He also says a financial gift is a very helpful tool. Brown encourages people to visit the shelter instead of buying from unlicensed breeders, pet store puppy mills and random free-pet ads.
