City Readies for Block Party; Rhody Realignment; Accident Causes Closure of 101; Gas Prices

City Readies for Block Party

The city of Florence will once again be celebrating the community with the annual block Party.  The free event will be held on Bay Street between Laurel Street and the Siuslaw River Bridge from 5 pm until 10 pm on Friday, July 26th.  the street will be closed for most of the day as public works sets up for the event that will feature the popular 5 Guys Named Moe.  City Manager Erin Reynolds says it will be a fun time for all ages.

“We look forward to providing free ice cream, games, activities and a chance to interact with city staff.”

The city will then turn around and provide another community activity where the public can interact with Law enforcement and first responders at the National night out.

“and that is Tuesday August 6th at Miller Park starting at 6pm.”

Information on both events is available at the city’s website ci.florence.or.us.

Rhody Realignment

The Rhododendron Realignment project is moving forward.  Curbs have been set at the entrance to the county transfer station and the walking path has been paved from that entrance to the north.  Excavation and placement of the sand nail support wall is underway.  Public works director Mike Miller says they hope to have a significant amount of work accomplished to the north of the transfer station to be able to switch access by the middle of August.  For now traffic is still restricted and only access to the Humane society and Transfer Station is allowed from the 9th street intersection.  35th Street is only accessible to local residents.

Accident Causes Closure of 101

A section of Highway 101 had to be closed yesterday.  The section was located between Gardiner and North Bend where a vehicle crashed and caught on fire and also affected a utility pole.  The road was closed for about 2 hours. Crews were on scene for several more hours cleaning up the wreck.  Oregon State Police did not report any information about injuries or cause of the wreck.  It is under investigation.

Gas Prices

Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says the Hurricane did not seem to have a negative impact on Oregon Gas Prices.  Beryl came on Land in Texas causing flooding, but gas prices in Oregon dropped 2 cents for the week.  Oregon Average price for a gallon of regular is $4.03.  Here in Florence the price held steady at $3.76.