Siuslaw Awards
The 17th annual Siuslaw Awards took place Friday night at the Florence Events Center, celebrating standout local businesses, nonprofits, and individuals for their impact on the Florence community. Chamber CEO Bettina Hannigan delivered a brief “state of the chamber” address, highlighting successes in tourism and community development, while also honoring outgoing and incoming board members. Among the night’s winners: Truck Full of Posies took the Rising Star Award, C.R.O.W. earned the Making a Difference Award, and HYAK Broadband received the Community Impact Award. Oregon Coast Humane Society was honored for Innovation of the Year, and retiring board member Al Rojas received the Distinguished Service Award. Kathy Bones was named Outstanding Ambassador, and Florence Shipping Solutions was awarded Business of the Year.
Florence “No Kings” Protest
The mood was peaceful on Saturday as hundreds lined highway 101 as part of a nationwide “No Kings” movement. The Protests coincided with a military parade organized in Washington D.C. that encompassed the birthday of the US Army, Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday. Protestors shouted a variation of chants that could be heard in neighborhoods several blocks away from the protests which lasted about 90 minutes before dispersing.
Rainfall
Since April the city of Florence has experienced less than the average rainfall. April, May and June has been several inches below normal according to city records. Florence averaged 3.23 inches of rain in April, almost two below the historical average and 1.52 inches in May 1.9 inches below the average and 3.75 inches below last year’s total. June is historically a dry month in Florence averaging 2.12, but without a significant rain event, that total will also fall short. July is the driest month on average for Florence with approximately a half inch of rain. Drier conditions continue across the state as fire season heats up. As of this morning there were no reported major fires in Oregon or Washington, but official warn that the situation is very dangerous in the hotter, drier regions of the state.