Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke from the Moon Complex Fire in Southern Oregon has prompted the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency to issue an air quality advisory through Tuesday evening for western Lane County’s coastal mountain range, from Mapleton to Veneta. The Eugene-Springfield area is also expected to see periods of poor air quality. Officials say no prescribed burns occurred Sunday despite some confusion. The Lane Fire Defense Board and Oregon Department of Forestry are delaying outdoor burning season countywide until October 15th, citing continued fire danger and dry conditions. Rain later this week is expected to help improve air quality.
Parking Lot Agreement Ends
The City of Florence announced yesterday that the long-term agreement to lease the parking lot at the old Lotus Restaurant for public parking has ended. There are new owners of the site, and City Public Works Staff have been removing the Public Parking signs. Please respect the private property and any fencing and signs the new owners choose to put up.
Wellness Coalition
A community collaboration focused on mental health, wellness, and suicide prevention for servicemembers, veterans, and their families is set for Sunday, October 5th, at Three Rivers Casino. The West Lane Mental Health and Wellness Coalition, Crisis Response, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, and the Returning Veterans Project will host a free screening of the acclaimed documentary Here. Is. Better. Showtime is 2 PM, with complimentary snacks and beverages provided. Organizers encourage registration online, though it’s not required.
More Floodplain News
FEMA’s proposed floodplain rules could bring serious consequences to Florence, according to Chamber of Commerce President Bettina Hannigan. She says the changes could raise construction costs by nearly 29 percent, add thousands of dollars a year to mortgages, and even jeopardize access to the National Flood Insurance Program. Hannigan notes this isn’t just about policy—it affects whether local families, teachers, and healthcare workers can afford to live here. Public comments are being accepted through October 6th. Details are available from the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.
