Parks Getting Back to Normal
As the governor’s deadline for a 70 percent vaccination rate gets closer, and the state readies to open up, we called Honeyman Park Manager Ryan Warren to ask what that means for Florence Parks. State park systems have been a well-used resource during the pandemic and most things remained open during the past year. But those amenities that did close are unlikely to open up this summer. For instance, there are no plans to resume boat rentals this summer, Warren says. The closed West Woahink Media Hall is less certain. During the summer season local parks hire up to 15 seasonal workers, which it was not able to do last summer due to budget shortfall caused by COVID-19. But recovery is beginning, Warren says:
“Our state parks and staff levels are recovering state wide after last year’s closure and the huge hit to our budget and staffing levels when lottery revenues dropped.
When facilities have been sitting for three to eight months there are things to fix and address. It’s a lot easier to close things than it is to open them back up, Warren says, but the state is doing its very best to meet those goals as it can.
“This year we brought back more of our usual seasonal staff…As we move into a busy summer all of us are focused on providing the great customer service our visitors expect.
For more information on what’s open in Oregon State Parks visit them online at stateparks.oregon.gov.
Car Care in the Heat
Oregon residents should anticipate a record-breaking heat wave over the next week with temperatures reaching 90 and above across the state and Eugene predicting 106 degrees this weekend. With the heat in the valley Florence can expect an increase in visitors as the mercury rises. As more people travel to cooler climates, dead batteries, flat tires, and increased vehicle lockouts will follow close behind, according to Marie Dodds with AAA of Oregon. Batteries Dodds says are a particular place of concern, says Marie Dodds.
“Most drivers know that the cold is rough on batteries but people don’t realize that heat is the number one cause of battery failure and reduced battery life.”
Basic care can help prevent unexpected problems, says Dodds. AAA suggest that drivers secure and test their batteries, make sure battery cables have clean and tight connection to the terminals. In addition to battery care, schedule a vehicle checkup, check tire and air pressure, top off engine oil and other fluids, replace wiper blades, and make sure you have a well-stocked emergency kit in your car.
City PPE Distribution
Over the length of the pandemic the City of Florence was able to assist local businesses with Personal Protective Equipment through funds provided by the CARES act. According to Assistant city manager Megan Messmer the city distributed more than $135,000 dollars in items like disposable masks, gloves, disinfectant wipes, sanitizing spray, touchless thermometers and hand sanitizing stands. Messmer said, in a press release, that the City Staff received many thanks from various businesses through the distribution process.
Commemorative Tree Planting
The City of Florence will be doing a commemorative tree planting on Saturday at Miller Park. The planting is in honor of Michael Titmus, a former member of the planning commission, who passed away earlier this year. Titmus’s work was instrumental in the city receiving the designation of Tree City USA and earned him the title of Mr. Tree. The family of mr. Titmus is planning to release more information on the ceremony next week and the city will do a formal press release at that time.
COVID-19 Update
The state total number of vaccinations remains unchanged as there was no update from the State’s webpage overnight. the state has added a new banner on their page that give a countdown to 70% and as of midnight last night the state still need to vaccinate 35,290 individuals over the age of 18 to reach the goal. The page also give a link to where individuals can find vaccines. Some clinics plan on closing this weekend due to the extreme heat predicted. The state reported 232 new coronavirus cases and Lane County reported 12 new cases yesterday. No new cases were reported for the 97439 zip code. The daily vaccination rate has dropped below 10,000 daily doses.
