National Public Works Week
Lane County Parks is inviting the public to take part in National Public Works Week with a series of guided park tours highlighting current and planned projects. The free tours run from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and are led by park staff at locations across the county, including Harbor Vista Park in Florence. The Florence tour is set for Monday, May 18, and will focus on camping areas, cabins, and day‑use spaces, along with recent improvements like a completed restroom remodel and new hiker‑biker campsites. Planned projects include parking lot paving near the North Jetty. Lane County Parks says the tours are designed to show how park levy funds are being used and to connect the community with the work happening in local parks.
Fire Restrictions Begin Thursday
Fire restrictions take effect May 14 on all Bureau of Land Management–administered lands across Oregon and Washington, as warmer and drier conditions set in across the Pacific Northwest. While BLM land near Florence is limited and scattered, officials say visitors may still encounter BLM property inland or along remote forest roads, and signage may not always clearly identify those boundaries. The restrictions prohibit fireworks, exploding or metal targets, steel‑core or steel‑jacketed ammunition, tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns. U.S. Wildland Fire Service Assistant Chief of Operations Jeff Fedrizzi says 2026 could rival the most extreme years on record for heat and dryness, warning that even one small spark can lead to a destructive wildfire. Violators may face fines of up to $100,000, up to 12 months in prison, and full repayment of fire suppression costs.
Turn in Your Ballots
Voters in Lane County are being urged to return their ballots as early as possible ahead of the Tuesday, May 19 election. Ballots must be received by Lane County Elections no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots sent through regular mail must be postmarked by May 19 and received by May 26. Election officials recommend mailing ballots at least 7 days early or getting a hand‑stamped postmark at a post office counter. Voters can also use a 24‑hour county ballot drop box or deliver ballots directly to the Lane County Elections Office, which will be open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. County Clerk Tommy Gong reminds voters to sign their return envelopes, noting unsigned or mismatched signatures can delay ballot counting.
