Proposed STR Regulations
The City of Florence will host an open house Monday, October 13th, at City Hall to discuss proposed short-term rental regulations. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with a presentation at 5:45. City staff will outline draft business license rules for short-term rentals—properties rented for 30 days or less, such as Airbnb or VRBO—and explain how they fit within Florence’s Housing Implementation Plan to balance neighborhood livability and housing affordability. The City has been working on this issue since 2023, holding several public work sessions and council meetings to review recommendations, enforcement options, and comparisons with other Oregon cities. Residents can attend in person or view virtually. Details are available at ci.florence.or.us.
Siuslaw Vision Celebrates 10 years
The Siuslaw Vision initiative celebrates a decade of community-driven projects with a special event October 16th from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The gathering will highlight local success stories, explore what made them work, and invite participants to share their own ideas and experiences. Led by meeting facilitator and visual artist Charlotte Young, the event will feature live graphic recording as discussions unfold, capturing the community’s vision for the future. Following the main program, a Happy Hour Celebration with the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Surfside Bistro at Driftwood Shores. Organizers say the event is a chance to reflect on the past ten years of progress and help shape the next decade of community collaboration.
Circles in the Sand
The annual Circles in the Sand event returns to Florence’s Heceta Beach October 18th and 19th. Beach artist Denny Dyke and his team will create massive walkable labyrinths and sand art near Driftwood Shores beginning at 3 p.m., with public walkthroughs starting at 5. Event organizers say low tide will occur at 3:13 p.m. with sunset at 6:30. Bettina Hannigan with the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce says the event is “wildly artistic and spiritually uplifting,” attracting visitors from across the region. New this year, a kite exhibition will feature Rod and Cindy Thrall’s colorful aerial displays, plus a vendor area with local art and sandboards. Free shuttles will run from Grocery Outlet to the beach from 3 to 7 p.m. both days. The event is hosted by Driftwood Shores and Sand Master Park with support from local sponsors.