Juneteenth Celebration
June 19 was installed as a federal holiday in 2021. Establishing Juneteenth as National Independence Day signed by President Joe Biden. The date had widely been celebrated for years as the date that enslaved people in Galveston finally received their freedom two years after the emancipation Proclamation was signed. It is now celebrated by communities all over the U.S. including Florence. Leanora Kent is one of the organizers of Florence’s celebration.
“so it’s a picnic. We and our sponsoring business will be providing it free. We will begin probably with singing the Black national anthem, then Mayor Ward will read a proclamation that we have prepared.”
Kent says there will also be a keynote speaker, Linda Hamilton who is a co-director of Lane Education Services.
“(she is) Very Much involved with Oregon blacks for youth and families.”
The celebration will begin at noon on the 19th at Miller Park and last until 3pm. there will be hotdogs and hamburgers, kids activities, music and two students from Siuslaw School District will also speak.
Tsunami Preparedness Event
A community event focused on earthquake and tsunami preparedness is set for 5:30 this evening at the Florence Events Center. The “Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow” will feature presentations from the National Weather Service, Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Lane County, and West Lane Fire & EMS. Attendees will learn practical steps to stay safe before, during, and after a disaster—including how to prepare for two weeks of self-sufficiency. A free afternoon “train-the-trainer” workshop is also being offered to help residents teach others.
Planning Commission Meeting
The Florence Planning Commission will meet Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall to consider three key proposals. One is a continued request for a Conditional Use Permit and Design Review to allow professional office use at 1536 12th Street in a high-density residential zone. Another involves a zoning text amendment for 1150 Bay Street, aiming to allow nonconforming structures to house nonconforming uses in the Estuary District. Commissioners will also review proposed changes to the city’s floodplain regulations to better protect habitats and prevent net environmental loss.
