Rhody Weekend
It was a weekend full of hundreds of motorcycles, classic cars, and thousands of visitors to Florence. Old Town was filled from end to end for the 116th annual Rhododendron Festival that culminated in the Grand Floral Parade on Sunday. The procession lasted just over 2 hours with 86 registered entries and according to organizers some last minute additions. Several awards were given to the floats including the Queen’s award which went to the Florence Food Share float, the King’s award went to HYAK internet service provider and the Mayor’s award which went to the Oregon Coast Humane Society.
Complete List:
Mayor’s Award
Oregon Coast Humane Society
Queen’s Award
Food Share
King’s Award
Hyak
Grand Marshall Award
Florence Elks
Parade Judges Awards
Best Float
Rhododendron Festival Senior Court
Best Non-commercial Entry
Florence Habitat for Humanity
Best Equestrian Unit
Comunidad Latina – Springfield
Best Novelty
Jeeps R Us
Low Call Volume
WLFEA announced that it was a slower than normal weekend for calls. According to Deputy Chief Matt House they experienced fewer calls and that it was a pretty uneventful weekend for their emergency responders.
Florence Woman Dies in Single Vehicle Accident
A Florence woman was killed in a single vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon on Highway 38 east of Reedsport. Oregon State Police say 79-year old Betty Ann Hodges was traveling westbound eight miles outside of Reedsport when her vehicle left the roadway for an unknown reason. Hodges’ PT Cruiser struck a tree and came to an uncontrolled rest. She was declared deceased at the scene.
Lane County Seeks Fugitive
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is looking for tips concerning the whereabouts of 57-year-old Darren Lee
Woods. Woods is currently pending trial on an assault case that occurred in the Spring of 2021. Woods, whose bail was posted in August of 2022, has failed to comply with his release agreement with the Lane County Circuit Court. Woods failed to keep his ankle monitor charged on or about 05/15/23 and is believed to have since removed it. Woods is described as a white male adult standing approximately 5’11 and weighing approximately 150lbs. He has gray/brown hair and green eyes. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1.
