Housing Development Seeking Funding
Plans for a new affordable housing development at the site of the former Hans Peterson Field on Quince Street are just that for now, plans. A representative with Homes for Good says they are still in the application process for grant money to assist with the construction of the project before it is able to move forward. Homes for Good has two other properties in the Florence community and this would be their third. If funding is approved it would likely be in the summer of 2023 and a timeline would then be rolled out for the rest of the project. Shortages of affordable housing has been an issue in Florence for some time, but recent construction and the city’s Housing Implementation Plan is aggressively working on addressing the situation. An 80 plus development is well underway on Highway 101. There are also plans for a new residential housing development.
Heceta Lighthouse Celebration
An iconic piece of Oregon Coast history was completed March 30th, 1894. Kelly Thomas says next week will be a great occasion for a party.
“March 30th is the 129th birthday of the Heceta Head Light Station.”
Party goers don’t need to bring a gift. After all, what do you get for a 129 year old navigation aid? Instead Thomas says, if you come, you will be the one getting some.
“We will have live musicians. Taylor sausages will be giving away free hot dogs. We will have free doughnuts, free drinks, our gift shop will be open and the lighthouse will be open as well.
Volunteers will be on hand to give tours of the Keeper’s House and the lighthouse tower itself. Park at Heceta Lighthouse State Park and walk the short trail up the hill to the party. Don’t forget there is a $5 access fee per vehicle.
Coastal Campgrounds to Temporarily Close in Fall
Two popular coastal campgrounds will temporarily close this fall and winter for construction projects. Bullards Beach, is located two miles north of Bandon, and Beverly Beach, is located seven miles north of Newport, the reason for the closures are some construction projects planned for the facilities. New sewer and water lines as well as some upgrades to the electrical grid are the reasons cited by the Oregon Parks and Recreation. The Closures will not effect day use of the parks. Beverly Beach will close from September 5th until May 24th 2024 and Bullards Beach will close from October 15th through March 15th 2024.
Chamber Hanging Basket Program
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking sponsors for the Hanging Basket Program. According to chamber President and CEO Bettina Hannigan, they are almost at their halfway point in covering the 140 locations for baskets. The baskets are an annual tradition that adds to the beauty of Florence. A single sponsorship is just $100.00 but there is also an option for a simple donation. Information can be found on the Chamber’s website florencechamber.com under the events tab.
Gas Prices
Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says that even with the switch in place to move to summer fuel blends the price of a gallon of regular gas is still ticking downward in Oregon. This past week Oregon dropped 3 cents off it price to $3.88 a gallon while here locally it remained unchanged at $3.35. Crude oil prices hit a low of $66 per barrel the lowest since august of 2021.