Gas Prices
Gas prices in Florence are moving higher again, with drivers now paying around 3.49 a gallon for regular fuel. That’s about 10 cents more than last week at local stations. According to the AAA Oregon Fuel Gauge Report, the statewide average currently sits at about 3.66 a gallon, also up roughly 10 to 14 cents over the past week. AAA says refinery maintenance and the seasonal transition to more expensive summer-blend gasoline are helping push prices higher. Even with the recent increases, Oregon’s average is still slightly lower than this time last year, when drivers were paying about 3.75 a gallon for regular.
Police Announce New Assignments
The Florence Police Department is announcing assignment changes that community members may notice. Officer Hailey Coons has been named the Department’s new Detective. Coons joined FPD in 2018 and has served as School Resource Officer since the start of the 2020 school year, where she helped expand ALICE training, launched a Youth Police Academy, taught a forensics class, and coordinated the annual Christmas gift giveaway. Officer Chris Snyder will step into the School Resource Officer role. Snyder joined the department in 2022, completed SRO training in 2023, and has served as a backup SRO. He has children in the Siuslaw School District and has worked closely with Coons to prepare for the transition.
Road Side Signage
As the May election approaches and voters look ahead to November, Florence officials are reminding residents about city sign regulations. Under city code, temporary signs — including political signs — are allowed beginning 90 days before an election and must be removed within 5 days after. Signs cannot exceed 6 square feet in area or 5 feet in height. They are not permitted on public property or in public right-of-way, which can extend 10 to 15 feet beyond the visible street edge. City code also prohibits signs that block or impede vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic. Temporary signs are allowed on private property with the owner’s permission.