Extreme Fire Level
Western Lane Fire and EMS responded to a report of an illegal burning last night south of the bridge just past Resurrection Lutheran Church. This comes on the heels of a notice released by WLFEA Deputy Chief Matt House stating that Florence has been added to the Red Flag Weather Conditions that begin today and last through tomorrow evening. House’s statement placed the region at an Extreme Fire Danger level. He stated that the region may return to a High Danger on Monday but for now people should use extreme caution. ODF guidelines for Extreme Conditions limit all fire activity including the mowing of dried or cured grass, chainsaw use, and campfires. Off Road motorized vehicle use is also prohibited in areas that include flammable vegetation. This ban also includes campfires at all Oregon State Parks.
Chamber Responds to Raise in Room Tax Proposal
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce drafted a letter to local media and to those seeking public election. The letter goes into details about the County Commissioners desire to increase the room taxes for all of Lane County in order to fund the building of a sports stadium to house the Eugene Emeralds baseball team in Eugene. one of the concerns that the chamber states for opposing the increase is that room tax dollars are intended to boost tourism for the county. According to the letter tourism is at a peak in the summer time and little is needed to attract tourism, particularly for the coastal areas of the county. While the Chamber supports the Eugene Emeralds they do not believe that rural areas such as Florence should foot the bill for the $80 million dollar facility. Bettina Hannigan, President and CEO of the Chamber stated that the critical times for businesses along the coast and in other rural areas is the off peak months of October-May when businesses struggle to survive. The County Commission is scheduled to meet on the 13th of September to discuss the issue. Hannigan says it is critical that residents speak out and asks that letters be sent no later than Monday to Diana.jones@lanecountyor.gov and copy lcbcccom@lanecountyor.gov. with a subject line PUBLIC COMMENT FOR MEETING DATE 09/13/2022.
Remember Pets and Children
Another concern with the warm weather forecast for this weekend is hot cars, children and pets. Vehicles in warmer weather can reach internal temperatures of 100 degrees or more even on days where the temperature reaches the 80’s. Temperatures that can kill children and pets. Be aware and keep pets at home if you have to leave them in a vehicle. Temps could reach 90 degrees in some areas along the coast today and low to mid 80’s tomorrow.
Gas Prices
Gas prices for the Coast continue to inch downward. The average price of a gallon of regular gas in Florence is hovering around the $4.40 mark with several stations below.
City Council Meeting
The Florence city Council meets on Monday. On the agenda are two items that deal with the Florence Municipal Airport. Both have to do with pavement rehabilitation. The first is a resolution to authorize the city to accept a $119,196 grant from the FAA from the Bi-partisan Infrastruction Law and the other is to approve a fee proprosal in the amount of $127,440.65 from Central West Engineering to perform engineering and related services for the project. The city will also consider approving a liquor license for Homegrown Public House and Brewery. City Council meets Monday at 5:30 at City Hall.
