July 4th
It’s the Fourth of July, and several events are taking place throughout Florence. The Florence Kiwanis have placed flags across the community in observance of Independence Day. At noon, Florence Habitat for Humanity will host its annual pie and watermelon eating contests and sponsor a porch parade, judging the best decorated porch or business window. Music will be playing throughout the day on the boardwalk with performances by FM Daze and DJ Al. Tonight’s fireworks display, organized by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, begins at 10:10 p.m. sharp with music simulcast on KCST 106.9. On Saturday, the Oregon Coast Military Museum will mark its 10th anniversary with a celebration starting at 11 a.m. on Kingwood Street.
Firework Restrictions
Oregon State Parks is reminding the public that fireworks are strictly prohibited in all state parks and along the ocean shore this Fourth of July due to wildfire risk and threats to wildlife. High winds and dry conditions make the danger especially severe this year. Within Florence city limits, fireworks are also restricted in Old Town. Dunes City is enforcing a full ban as well, following the Oregon Department of Forestry’s declaration of fire season. Violators could face fines up to $400.
Recycling Changes
As of July 1, Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act is officially in effect, bringing statewide updates to how recycling is collected, sorted, and funded. The law introduces a Uniform Statewide Collection List and creates RecycleOn Oregon, a new public resource. In Florence, Community Development Director Wendy FarleyCampbell says the changes are designed to reduce contamination and improve recycling quality, noting Florence already has a strong recycling culture. Locally, residents can now recycle items like lightly soiled pizza boxes, gable-top cartons, and round plastic containers over two inches. Glass must still be recycled separately. More information is available at RecycleOn.org/Oregon.
