Excessive Heat Warning
An excessive heat warning for the Mapleton area has been issued for the next two days as temperatures are expected to be around 105 degrees for the upriver communities of Mapleton, Swiss Home and Deadwood. The Triangle Lake area is expected to be around 107 degrees. The warning comes as west winds permeate the area and bring in warmer temperatures from the valley. Florence is expected to be extremely warm today with a high temperature close to 90 degrees. Eugene is expected to be 105 degrees today and 100 tomorrow. Be sure to take extra precautions with children, the elderly and pets. Drink plenty of water and limit you outdoor activities in these areas. Here in the Florence area temperatures are expected to be in the lower 80’s but could climb higher. This could mean more traffic for the next two days as some try to escape the heat.
Fire Evacuation Order
Last evening around 10:20 pm the Lane County Sheriff’s Office issued a level 3 evacuation for residents in eastern Lane County as the fire burning in the McKenzie Bridge area along highway 126 increased. The fire has been burning since August 5th when lightning ignited it near Lookout Mountain. Two campgrounds were part of the immediate evacuation. Lookout Campground and Mona Campground. The Red Cross has opened a shelter at Lowell High School for people and their small domestic pets. A level 3 evacuation is an order to leave immediately.
Food Share Garden Tour
Nearly every summer for the past several years, supporters of Florence Food Share have opened up their gardens for tours to benefit the local non-profit. This year, however, there is only one stop on the tour. Patty Godwin says it’s the vegetable garden at Florence Food Share itself.
“Their garden is the best kept secret garden in Florence. People don’t know it is back there and every time I walk in there my jaw drops, even though I was there, you know, four months ago.”
There’s no cost, but Godwin suggests you bring a donation of some sort; such as something for the shelves. In addition to touring the very large and very productive garden, attendees will get a few “pro-tips”.
“How to grow tomatoes on the coast because that’s what everybody laments.”
The tour is this Saturday, August 19th from 9 AM to 11AM at Food Share on Spruce Street at 21st.
Special Meeting of City Council
This evening the Florence City Council will hear from the public on the proposed year round homeless shelter complex for an area north of Fred Meyer. The proposal includes using city property for the encampment which would utilize the pallet type structures and include a common area with water and electric. City Manager Erin Reynolds.
“This would be funded through all-in funding from the state that is passing through Lane County Directly to these non-profits.
The funding is part of a 2-year grant that would extend into 2025, but then additional funding would have to be secured by the operating non-profit. This evening’s meeting at the Florence Events Center begins at 5:30 and if you would like to offer comment for or against the proposal you must register by 4:30 via the city’s website at ci.florence.or.us or you can stop by city hall.
