FURA Meeting
The Florence Urban Renewal Agency will receive an update Wednesday evening on the Quince Street Hotel development project. Braun Hospitality’s Matt Braun is expected to report that construction on the future Microtel hotel remains on or slightly ahead of schedule after groundbreaking last December. Recent work has included installation of utilities, steel framing in the lobby area, and erection of prefabricated wall sections. Braun says the project remains under budget despite minor weather delays and some tariff-related costs. Completion is expected by December 18, 2026, with hotel operations beginning in early 2027. The FURA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27 at 5:30 p.m.
The Florence Urban Renewal Agency will consider approval of Resolution No. 1, Series 2026, during its Wednesday meeting, authorizing the City of Florence to apply for a Transportation Growth Management grant through the Oregon Department of Transportation. The grant application would support the Florence Old Town Revitalization and Streetscape Project, aimed at improving transportation access, pedestrian connectivity, and long-term streetscape planning in the Old Town district. Members of the Old Town Streetscape Masterplan Committee are also expected to provide an update on the project’s progress and planning efforts. Transportation Growth Management grants are designed to help communities coordinate transportation and land-use planning to encourage economic development and downtown revitalization.
City Block Party
The City of Florence has announced plans for the return of the Community Block Party this summer in Historic Old Town Florence. The 2026 Community Block Party is scheduled for Friday, July 17th from 5 to 10 p.m. along Bay Street between Laurel Street and the Siuslaw River Bridge. A free concert featuring the band “5 Guys Named Moe” will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. City officials say partner agencies and community organizations will again be invited to participate throughout the event area, along with activities designed for all ages. The annual block party has become a popular summertime community gathering in Florence’s Old Town district.