Hydration Stations to be Deployed at City Events
The City of Florence Public Works Department has launched a new program designed to support sustainable community events while helping residents stay hydrated. The program, called Florence H2O On The Go, introduces two portable water bottle filling stations for use at City‑sponsored outdoor events. The stations, known as WaterMonsters, will debut at the Florence Community Block Party on July 17 and the Florence Police Department’s National Night Out on August 4. The purchase was funded through a grant from the Roundhouse Foundation, with support from the City’s Environmental Management Advisory Committee. Each station holds 125 gallons of water, providing free drinking water while reducing the use of single‑use plastic bottles. City officials encourage residents to bring refillable containers to upcoming events.
Voter Registration
With Election Day approaching, the Lane County Elections office is reminding voters to make sure they are registered and ready for the May 19, 2026 Primary Election. Voters in Lane County must register to vote or update their voter registration, including party affiliation, no later than April 28. Oregon is a closed primary state. All registered voters may vote on ballot measures and nonpartisan races, but only voters registered with a political party may vote for that party’s candidates. County Clerk Tommy Gong said voters should confirm their registration information ahead of the deadline. Registration forms must be received or postmarked by April 28. Online registration at oregonvotes.gov must be completed by 11:59 p.m. Ballots will be mailed beginning May 1.
Unemployment Rate
Oregon’s unemployment rate held steady at 5‑point‑2 percent in February, unchanged from January, and remains higher than the national rate, which was 4‑point‑4 percent. The state lost 5‑thousand‑4‑hundred jobs in February after a modest gain the month before. Financial activities posted a rare increase, adding 800 jobs. But losses were led by transportation and warehousing, leisure and hospitality, and professional and business services, which continues a three‑year decline. More detailed local employment data is expected later this month.
