Accident Shuts Down 126 Yesterday Afternoon
An accident involving 2 motorcycles and a passenger vehicle yesterday shut down Highway 126 at milepost 3 for several hours. A witness told Coast Radio a Volvo was making a left‑hand turn into the Siuslaw Marina and RV Park when it was struck from behind by 2 motorcycles. Initial reports indicated 1 motorcyclist died at the scene. The second rider was transported to a hospital with serious injuries. That person’s condition is currently unknown. Oregon State Police have not yet released an official report, and it is unclear whether the vehicle’s occupant was seriously injured. Highway 126 was closed in both directions while the crash was investigated. Oregon State Police say they will issue a release later today on the accident.
Measure 20-379
This week on Our Town, listeners will hear several interviews focusing on the upcoming Siuslaw School District bond vote. Two segments will present opposing views on Measure 20‑379, a proposed $139 million bond for school facility improvements. The measure would fund construction of a new Siuslaw High School, upgrades and classroom additions at Siuslaw Elementary School, and campus safety and infrastructure improvements. Supporters cite aging systems, seismic concerns, safety issues, and space limitations as the driving factors behind the bond. While some critics have raised concerns in the past about delayed maintenance, that issue is not a focus of the opponent interviewed this week. Both sides will outline their positions ahead of the vote later this month.
Council Meeting
The Florence City Council meets tonight at 5:30 at City Hall. On the agenda, councilors will hear presentations and announcements, including committee and board appointments, an America 250 commemoration proclamation, and a proclamation marking the 2026 Rhododendron Festival Month.
The council is also expected to consider acceptance of a Federal Aviation Administration grant for improvements at the Florence Municipal Airport, along with approval of recent City Council meeting minutes. Another item calls for a recommendation on a new liquor license for Florence Market on Eighth Street. The council will also receive an overview of the 2026 city election process and a status update on the city work plan. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 5:30.
Former Hospital Sold, Transition Coming
The former hospital property on 12th Street in Florence has been sold, and the new owners are considering future residential use of the site. In recent years, office space had been rented in the building, but more recently the property has been used as a temporary refuge for homeless individuals. There have also been reports of sewage seeping on the property, along with vehicle and recreational vehicle storage behind the building. Following the close of the sale, several vehicles were moved to another property at Highway 126 and Quince Street. City of Florence officials say the situation involves private property, and there are currently no active code enforcement cases related to the site. The new owners have not submitted any land use or building permit applications to the city at this time. When applications are filed, they will be posted on the City of Florence website.
