City Meetings
The Florence Public Arts Committee meets this afternoon at 4 p.m. at City Hall. The agenda includes a short presentation on public art, subcommittee updates, and discussion of upcoming arts events, including the Elements of Art Studio Tour, the Coastal Plein Air Art and Wine Festival, the Florence Festival of Books, and Circles in the Sand. Citizens can attend in person or virtually. Then at 5:30, the Florence Urban Renewal Agency will meet at City Hall, where Assistant City Manager Megan Messmer and consultant Matt Braun will provide an update on the Quince Street Hotel development. The board will also recess to executive session before returning to give staff further direction on the project.
Cuts in Education Loom
Families in Oregon are bracing for major impacts to special education as federal funding cuts loom. About 16 percent of public school students—more than 82,000 children—receive special education services statewide. Disability Rights Oregon says the 2026 federal budget eliminates $677 million nationally for preschool programs and teacher training, gaps that states cannot cover. CEO Jake Cornett warns that means fewer staff to provide basic support for students with disabilities. Cornett also noted that cuts to the federal Office for Civil Rights will slow investigations into disability-related discrimination, leaving many cases unresolved and children without equal access to education.
Rally to be Held
Florence Organizes is holding a Labor Day rally and protest Monday, September 1st, from noon until 2 p.m. at Florence City Hall. The event will highlight support for workers, schools, families, and immigrant rights, with speakers and live music from the Siuslaw Song Rise String Band and Jamie Smith. Organizers encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs, signs, and non-perishable food donations for Florence Food Share. The family-friendly gathering will include activities for children and welcomes well-behaved pets. Organizers stress it will be a positive, peaceful demonstration, practicing non-violence in both action and words.
ODF Looking for Firefighters
The Siuslaw National Forest is recruiting for fire positions to support wildfire preparedness and response in 2026. Jobs include fire engine operators, forestry technicians, and prevention specialists. Applications are open now through September 23rd on USAJobs.gov. The Forest Service says these roles are critical in protecting communities during wildfire season and are open to U.S. citizens 18 and older. More information about positions and the Siuslaw National Forest can be found online at fs.usda.gov/r06/siuslaw.
