West Lane Tourism Boost
Tourism spending in West Lane County, including Florence, surged by 10.7% in 2024, reaching $287.5 million, according to the latest Travel Oregon report. This growth reflects a strong post-pandemic rebound, with visitors drawn to the region’s coastal attractions and natural beauty. Countywide, travel spending exceeded $1.1 billion, supporting over 10,000 jobs and generating $50 million in tax revenue that benefits local parks, arts, and infrastructure. Food and beverage services led visitor expenditures, accounting for 35 cents of every dollar spent. With continued investment in tourism infrastructure and marketing, Lane County’s visitor economy is poised for sustained growth.
Free Boat Inspections
The Lane County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol will be in Florence this weekend offering free boat inspections to help get you safely on the water. Deputies will be at the Florence Bi-Mart, located at 4310 Highway 101, this Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Boaters are encouraged to bring their vessels for a free safety check. Non-motorized users—like kayakers and paddle boarders—should remember to carry a life jacket, whistle or horn, and a waterway access permit.
Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly
Oregon’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.7% in April, up from 4.6% in March and 4.1% a year ago. That’s 1.1 points above the spring 2023 low of 3.6%. The U.S. rate held steady at 4.2%. Oregon added 1,200 jobs in April, led by gains in leisure and hospitality, which added 3,300 positions. Losses were seen in transportation, warehousing, and utilities, which cut 1,300 jobs. Construction employment also declined slightly and continues a downward trend that began last summer.
Tax Filing
The Oregon Department of Revenue is urging taxpayers who filed for an extension to submit their 2024 tax returns as soon as possible, even though the extension deadline is October 15. So far, about 200,000 Oregonians still haven’t filed. Officials say waiting can lead to added penalties and interest, especially if taxes are owed. Filing now—even without full payment—allows taxpayers to set up payment plans. Free filing tools, including Direct File Oregon, remain available through the summer.
Car Cruise
The Annual Coast Radio Classic Car Cruise will happen this Saturday beginning at 5:30. This year registration for the event will be at the staging area on the property of the Florence Christian Church. Staging will begin for the event at 5pm. This year’s entry fee will be a donation to the Siuslaw Wrestling team’s summer camp in Idaho. Participants in the cruise are required to have an official Participant placard in their window to cruise. It is a closed route under a city of Florence Parade permit. Florence Police Chief John Pitcher says the department will be looking for the placards and cars that do not have them will be removed from the cruise. The warning comes after several vehicles last year did burnouts on the busy streets of Old Town. Chief Pitcher says the safety of onlookers is paramount and violators will be ticketed.
