No Kings Rally Planned
A rally organized by local members of Florence Indivisible and other aligned groups is planned for Saturday, March 28, from 1 to 2 p.m. in Florence. Organizers say the event will take place along the east side of Highway 101, beginning near the intersection of Highways 101 and 126 and extending toward the Siuslaw River Bridge and Florence City Hall. The rally is part of what organizers describe as a nationwide day of nonviolent action focused on opposition to policies and actions of the Trump administration and concerns about civil and human rights. Organizers say participants will gather along the highway corridor during the hour-long event. A group of local clergy is also expected to take part. Ahead of the rally, organizers say a sign-making gathering is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, March 27, at Honeyman Meeting Hall on Canary Road, about a quarter-mile east of Highway 101. According to organizers, poster board and art supplies will be available. Organizers say the rally is intended to be a nonviolent event and participants are encouraged to avoid confrontations and de-escalate disagreements.
Gas Prices Soar
Gas prices are climbing sharply across the country following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and disruptions to tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, along with normal seasonal increases. Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says the national average for regular gasoline jumped 43 cents over the past week to $3.54 a gallon. In Oregon, the average rose 31 cents to $4.26 a gallon. Despite the increase, AAA says Oregon and Washington have seen smaller price jumps than many other states. AAA says crude oil prices play a major role in pump prices, with every $1 increase in crude typically adding about 2.5 cents per gallon. About 20 percent of the world’s oil moves through the Strait of Hormuz, and disruptions there can impact global supplies. Locally, gas prices in Florence currently range from $3.99 to $4.34 a gallon.
Yard Debris Collection
The City of Florence will begin its Yard Debris Disposal Days later this month, with monthly collections scheduled through October, weather permitting. Residents can bring yard debris to the Kingwood entrance of the Florence Municipal Airport at Kingwood and 27th streets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month. The May collection will take place May 9 due to the Rhododendron Festival. Accepted materials include tree clippings, grass, leaves, weeds, prunings and brush. Fees range from $18 for a standard pickup load to $28 for larger trailers. City Manager Erin Reynolds says the city’s FloGro compost pickup has moved to an appointment-only system due to staffing shortages, although it will still be available without an appointment on yard debris collection days.
