Rhody Days
Patrols were increased over the Rhododendron Festival Weekend. Florence Police received additional support from Lane County, Eugene and the Oregon State Police as crowds returned. Estimates are not in yet of the number of people that arrived for the festival, but the streets and events were inundated. From a packed house at the start of the festival with the Rhododendron Coronation of the Queen and King to the Grand Floral Parade that lasted more than 3 hours. It appeared to be a fairly civil event. Coast Radio reached out to the Florence Police Department for a summary of law enforcement related issues. One thing that was evident was that despite concerns for the rise in COVID-19 numbers there were virtually no masks. During many of the activities it was almost impossible to practice social distancing as individuals were shoulder to shoulder.
Emergency SNAP Benefits Continue
The Oregon Department of Human Services is reporting that the state will once again extend the SNAP temporary benefit increases through the month of June. 66 million dollars will be distributed to Oregon households that receive the benefits. Benefits will be received by June 11th for households that have been receiving them, new recipients will likely receive their funds by June 30th or July 1st.
Flu Numbers
There has been a slight rise in flu numbers across Oregon. For the past three weeks there has been a steady rise. In fact they have risen above pre-pandemic numbers for the first time. Case numbers continue to be low overall with the season waning. Last week the Oregon Health Authority reported 193 cases statewide.
COVID-19
COVID-19 cases for the Florence area have not been updated. At last report the number of cases overall for the area since the beginning of the pandemic is 1607. Lane County Public Health’s dashboard has not been updated since May 6th. OHA continues to provide daily updates. New numbers are due out today, but on Friday OHA reported 2400 new cases the largest single day total in more than 2 months. The 7 day average of cases continues to rise with more than 1,560 cases reported. Lane County numbers are still being calculated and appear on the main OHA page for county numbers. On Friday there were 267 new cases reported.
Show and Shine
On Saturday there were hundreds of cars and people gathered at the Siuslaw Middle School for the Rhody Days Show and Shine. 28 cars received awards from the Mayor’s Choice: a 1956 Studebaker Power Hawk to the Best of Show a 1966 Ford f-100 owned by Damion Dufault. More than 230 cars participated in the show.
