Safe Routes to School Project
The City of Florence is beginning its Safe Routes to School project this week along 35th Street, from Siano Loop to Oak Street. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, the program focuses on creating safer and more accessible routes for students who walk or bike to school. The project, identified in the city’s Transportation System Plan, will install sidewalks on both sides of 35th Street between Rolling Dunes Park and Kingwood Street, and along the south side of 35th from Kingwood to Oak. This is the city’s third Safe Routes to School grant. Previous grants funded a mid-block Highway 101 crossing in 2020 and sidewalk and ADA improvements along Oak Street in 2022.
Not ICE, Not in Florence
Local residents reported seeing what they believed was a large federal law enforcement presence near Laurel Bay Gardens, including vehicles they thought belonged to agencies such as ICE. Social media posts also circulated claims that federal units had staged at the Florence Police Department. Florence Police Chief John Pitcher says those reports are not accurate. He confirms the department had no contact with ICE and no federal vehicles were at the station. Pitcher says the activity seen in the Laurel Bay area involved county detectives serving a search warrant, which may have been mistaken for federal operations amid recent public concerns about potential ICE activity on the coast.
Holly Jolly Follies
C.R.O.W.’s 2025 Holly Jolly Follies returns to the Florence Events Center December 5th through 7th. According to Artistic Director Melanie Heard, this year’s show is “meant to be,” marking eight years of this holiday tradition. The Follies features variety acts, live music, talented performers of all ages, and the world-famous Tutu Dads. This year’s storyline follows Scarlett Elf, an orphan who discovers the true meaning of family. Audiences can also enjoy a festive lobby boutique, a free Santa photo opportunity, a Gingerbread House contest, and raffle baskets supporting the dance teams. Tickets are available through the Events Center, with proceeds benefiting C.R.O.W.’s low-cost arts programs and youth scholarships.
Hoyle Gets New Appointment
U.S. Representative Val Hoyle has been appointed to the Subcommittee on Aviation under the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where she’s served since 2023. Hoyle says the new role will help her advocate for safer flights, better service, and updated air traffic infrastructure, continuing the work of former Congressman Peter DeFazio. The Subcommittee oversees civil aviation policy, the FAA, the NTSB, and programs that support small-community air service. While Florence Municipal Airport does not offer commercial flights, local officials note that federal aviation policy still affects general aviation facilities through safety standards, infrastructure funding, and pilot support programs.
