Beat the Wave
Florence Assistant City Manager Megan Messmer, who also chairs the West Lane Emergency Operations Group, says they’re preparing the community for anything from a major quake to everyday disruptions.
“We’re hosting the Beat the Wave Disaster Preparedness Expo this Saturday, October 11th, from nine to two at the Florence Events Center. We look forward to seeing community members come out to learn how to be prepared for disaster—the big one, the tsunami or earthquake—but also how to prepare for all the smaller, inconvenient emergencies that might happen.”
Jenna Bartlett with Siuslaw Consulting says this year’s event is packed with information and demonstrations.
“We have some really great workshops and speakers. One called Stop the Bleed is an hour-long program hosted by Ian Jarman in the morning, and then we have other fabulous speakers throughout the day. We’ll have almost 30 different vendors with great information at their booths, and we’re bringing back the Disaster Kitchen, which was a big hit last year.”
The Beat the Wave Disaster Preparedness Expo runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Florence Events Center.
Gas Prices
Pump prices continue to ease across most of the country, thanks to cheaper winter-blend gas and lower crude oil prices. But drivers on the West Coast may soon see an uptick after last week’s major refinery fire in Southern California. The national average for regular dropped three cents to $3.12 a gallon, while the Oregon average fell six cents to $4.13. Here in Florence, the local average is about $4.09 a gallon. AAA Oregon’s Marie Dodds says when a large refinery goes offline, it often reduces fuel supply and can quickly drive prices higher across the region. The Chevron refinery fire in El Segundo was contained, but the full impact on supply is still being assessed.
Rally Planned
Four Florence-area grassroots organizations are coming together for a local demonstration as part of a nationwide event called “No Kings 2.0.” The rally is scheduled for Saturday, October 18th, from noon to 2 p.m., along the east side of Highway 101 from Florence City Hall to Ninth Street. The groups — Florence Indivisible, Florence Organizes, Dunes City Indivisible, and the Florence Area Democratic Club — say the local gathering is being held in solidarity with similar peaceful protests across the country. Marchel DeMesseman with the Florence Area Democratic Club: “We’re having a large rally on Saturday, October 18th, from 12 to 2. It is a No Kings rally, and we are just trying to grow that community a little more to hold our elected officials responsible for behaviors and activities, and we just want to invite everyone to come out and join us.”
Organizers say the event is open to the public and intended to be peaceful.
