Local Fuel Prices
Florence continues to stay just above neighboring Eugene when it comes to gas prices. Traditionally the price of fuel is about a 5 to 10 cents cheaper along this portion of the coast, but the recent gas crisis fueled by the war in Ukraine has changed that dynamic. Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon released the weekly figures for the state and it shows that recent downward trends has slowed as more and more people are getting out and hitting the roads. The recent spring break increased demand for fuel taxing the supplies across the state and the nation coupled with oil prices slowing. Crude oil price have been above and below the 100 dollar per barrel mark over the past several weeks and is currently trending up according to Dodds. The price for a gallon of regular gas in Florence is averaging $4.50 while Eugene prices are ranging from $4.25 to $4.49 averaging $4.33. Oregon is averaging $4.66 a gallon down from $4.74 on March 11th.
COVID-19 Update
1,513 is the current total of Florence individuals that have contracted the coronavirus since the beginning of the pandemic. The number is up one from yesterday from the report issued from Lane County Public Health. Reporting has dropped slightly over the past several months due to at home test availability, regardless the numbers are increasing. The 7 day daily average last week was 26 and has risen to 40 with yesterday’s report. Numbers continue to rise across the state as new cases nearly doubled in one day from the OHA’s previous report. 740 new cases yesterday brought the daily average statewide to 554. Hospitalizations have also increased to 122 statewide.
Public Art Invitation
The Public Arts Committee for the City of Florence will officially dedicate the West Coast Overlook art sculpture on Monday April 25th. the structure has been permanently placed at the Justice Center on 9th Street and Greenwood. The event will be at 1:30 in the afternoon. The public is invited to attend. The piece was purchased by the city late in 2020.
National Guard Night Flights
The Oregon Air National Guard will be doing night training tonight (Wed) and then again Thursday night as they maintain their readiness and work to stay current with mandatory Air Force requirements. The 142nd Air Wing, the F-15 Fighter squadron based at Portland International airport is in the middle of a 3-night training exercise that began Tuesday evening. The flights routinely bring them down the Oregon Coast and then back north to Portland. According to Master Sergeant Steph Sawyer the night flying is essential for nighttime competency maneuvers. She added that all Flights are done by ten PM.
