Siuslaw Awards
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that it is receiving nominations for the 14th annual Siuslaw Awards. This year the event will be at Three Rivers Casino Resort and will recognize businesses and some individuals for their contributions to the business community and their overall commitment to the Florence Community at large. There are 7 award categories from excellence in customer service to the “Stu Johnston” Business of the year award. Nominations for the awards will be available online. A link to the site is on the chamber’s website florencechamber.com. Nominees must be Chamber of Commerce members. The Chamber will also honor two individuals with the First Citizen Award and the Future First Citizen Award. Tickets for the event go on sale June 16th.
City Renews Block Party
The City of Florence will celebrate with the return of the block party. The event will be on Friday July 15 from 5-10 pm in Old Town Florence between Laurel Street and the Siuslaw River Bridge. There will be live music from 6-10 pm and the city is creating an electronic scavenger hunt with interactive photos and video challenges to encourage individuals to get out in the community. The city will be closing the street at 2pm on July 15th. the event will include games, giveaways and ice cream along with other goodies yet to be announced. The City is also looking for sponsors for the event. that information is at the city’s website ci.florence.or.us.
Free Fishing
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is opening the rivers and lakes for free fishing this weekend. Tomorrow and Sunday individuals can fish, crab and clam without purchasing a license. Limits will be in place. And in season catches only. The ODFW offers this perk several times a year to encourage families and friends to share their love of the sport. The free fishing weekend also coincides with States Park Day. The first Saturday in June is dedicated for the annual observance. The state of Oregon currently has 254 state parks with over 42 million visitors annually.
COVID Cases
COVID-19 cases are still growing across the state with 1,815 new cases reported yesterday and 307 individuals now in hospitals across the state. Lane County added 176 new cases yesterday. Florence case counts are now tallied weekly (1654) and are generally released on Thursdays.