New Police Vehicles
The Florence Police Department has bolstered its fleet with the addition of two new 2024 Ford F150 Super Crew Cab 4×4 hybrid trucks. These gas-electric hybrid vehicles will enhance the department’s ability to respond to emergencies, support officers in the field, and manage the diverse demands of law enforcement. Community members can expect to see these trucks on patrol starting this month, each equipped with essential police equipment like lights, sirens, partitions, and advanced communication systems. In a strategic move, the Florence City Council authorized the purchase of two vehicles instead of the typical one, due to ongoing supply chain disruptions, particularly semiconductor shortages. These delays had already affected a previous order for a 2023 Ford Police Interceptor, which the department eventually canceled after over a year of waiting. By ordering two vehicles simultaneously, the department ensured timely delivery during this biennium, safeguarding its operational readiness. The vehicles were secured through the Oregon Procurement Information Network (ORPIN) from Johnston Motors, Florence’s local Ford dealership. After delivery, they were sent to Salem to be upfitted by Lehr, a leading emergency vehicle outfitter. The total cost of the trucks, including upfitting, was approximately $148,000. These hybrid trucks offer a 3.5L PowerBoost™ engine for improved fuel efficiency and can switch seamlessly between gas and electric power. With a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds and onboard power generators, the trucks are well-prepared for disaster response and extended field operations. The acquisition aligns with the City of Florence’s long-term commitment to sustainability and efficient city service delivery, ensuring the police department remains fully equipped for any situation while rotating out older vehicles.
ENT Specialists to Come to Florence
Peace harbor Medical Center has been preparing for the last year to bring Ear Nose and Throat specialists to Florence. It has taken that long to procure the equipment needed and to get the office space ready. Dr. Nathan Christensen and his team of two other ENT specialists will each spend at least one day a month here in Florence seeing patients. According to Dr. Christensen they will be able to do most of the procedures that are currently available at Riverbend, but they also see a lot of outpatient cases.
“compared to some surgical fields we do spend a fair amount of time in clinic taking care of patients in an outpatient or clinic setting. And they estimate that upwards of 30 percent of all primary care problems that people go to the doctor for are related to ear nose and throat.”
Dr. Christensen says that they will likely begin seeing patients in late December or early January.
Veteran’s Parade Changes
Veterans Parade of Florence, Inc. has announced several changes to the 2024 Veterans Day Parade, set for November 11th. The parade will begin at 1:00 p.m., launching from Florence Christian Church on 2nd and Ivy Streets. This year, participants no longer need to pre-register and can simply arrive at staging, which starts at 11:30 a.m. A key change is that all participants must enter the staging area from Rhododendron Drive and Ivy Street, as 2nd Street will be closed to incoming traffic. Car clubs and organizations with multiple vehicles must now pre-stage at a separate location before arriving together. Another update includes the elimination of ‘rolling taps,’ with local radio stations KCST 106.9 and KXCR 90.7 playing patriotic music from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., creating a more festive atmosphere. For more information, visit the new parade website at florenceveteransparade.org.
Gas Prices
Crude oil prices are easing after a spike following Iran’s attack on Israel, helping gas prices settle. In Oregon, pump prices changed by less than a nickel this week, with the state average holding steady at $3.68 a gallon. Florence drivers are paying an average of $3.15 per gallon, with one station offering it as low as $3.09. Nationally, the average price rose by two cents to $3.20 per gallon. Meanwhile, Florida is still dealing with gas shortages after Hurricane Milton, but deliveries are being made. AAA’s Marie Dodds says gas prices should continue to decline unless further unrest in the Middle East drives crude prices back up.
