Florence Police Arrest Suspect for Multiple Acts of Vandalism
A Florence man is facing multiple charges after allegedly damaging electrical and public property across the city. Florence Police responded to Rolling Dunes Park Sunday afternoon after a Public Works employee reported seeing a man cutting electrical wires. Officers located the suspect, 31-year-old Gage Miller, near 35th Street and determined he was responsible for damage at Rolling Dunes Park, Hyak on Kingwood Street, and the Tsunami Siren. Police say Miller resisted arrest but was detained without injury. Additional damage was later discovered at the Confederated Tribes’ property and the Fresenius Medical facility. Miller was booked at the Florence City Jail and later transported to Lane County Adult Corrections. He faces multiple charges, including Criminal Mischief, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct. Additional charges are pending further investigation.
Siuslaw Awards
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce has set June 13th for the annual Siuslaw Awards, recognizing outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals in the community. Categories include Excellence in Customer Service, Innovation, Community Impact, and Business of the Year. The prestigious Stu Johnston Business of the Year Award will also be presented, along with honors for the First Citizen and Future First Citizen. The event celebrates those who make Florence a better place to live and work. More details on nominations and attendance will be released soon.
Gas Prices
Florence drivers are seeing higher prices at the pump, with the average cost of regular gas now at $3.45 per gallon. The transition to summer fuel is pushing prices up across Oregon, with the state average jumping eight cents to $3.77 this week. A refinery shutdown in Martinez, California, and ongoing maintenance at other West Coast refineries are adding to the strain, leading to quicker price hikes. Nationally, the average price has increased to $3.16 per gallon. Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says prices typically rise this time of year as refineries prepare for the switch to summer-blend fuel.
Lunch and Learn
With scams on the rise, the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting Lunch & Learn: Scam-Proof Your Operations on Thursday, February 20, at the Best Western Pier Point Inn. Experts from Oregon Pacific Bank and Hyak will share fraud prevention and cybersecurity strategies to help businesses and individuals protect their finances and sensitive data. Networking begins at 11:30 AM, with lunch and the program from noon to 1 PM. Registration is open for lunch, while walk-ins are welcome for beverages only.
