Parvo Warning for Dogs
The Oregon Coast Humane Society is urging pet owners to take precautions after confirmed cases of canine parvovirus in Florence. A pregnant pit bull was treated at the O-C-H-S Veterinary Clinic May 27 after testing positive for the highly contagious virus. Outreach efforts also identified at least one additional case in which a mother dog and her five puppies died. Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson says parvo spreads quickly and can be especially dangerous for puppies and unvaccinated dogs, adding vaccination is the best protection. The virus can linger in soil for up to a year and spreads through contaminated surfaces, food bowls, and direct contact. Pet owners are advised to avoid taking unvaccinated dogs into public areas and to seek immediate veterinary care if symptoms appear. The infected pit bull has since been reunited with her owner and is expected to recover.
Health Living Expo
The Florence Events Center will host a Healthy Aging – Healthy Living Senior and Lifestyle Expo later this month. The free event is scheduled for Saturday, June 27th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is designed to connect area residents with resources focused on health, housing, finance and community services. Organizers say attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with local and regional experts on topics including healthcare, assisted living, veterans services, transportation and recreation. The expo is sponsored by PeaceHealth Peace Harbor, Oregon Pacific Bank, ATRIO Health Plan and Western Lane Crisis Response.
City Council Meeting
The Florence City Council is set to decide tonight on proposed updates to the city’s flood damage prevention code tied to federal Endangered Species Act requirements. The amendments would adopt FEMA’s pre-implementation compliance measures, aimed at protecting habitat in floodplain areas under a “no net loss” standard. That includes limits on adding fill, increasing impervious surfaces, and removing trees. The proposal has been under review for nearly a year, with multiple delays tied to ongoing federal litigation and environmental reviews. A court has paused that litigation until July 29th. City Manager Erin Reynolds and staff are recommending adoption now to remain compliant with FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, though future revisions are expected once final federal decisions are made.
Fundraiser for Sea Lions
A fundraising dance event is planned for June 6th at the Florence Events Center to support restoration of the area’s “Dancing With Sea Lions” sculptures. The event, titled “Dancing for Sea Lions,” will feature live music from Roseburg-based R&B and funk group That Other Band. Organizers say proceeds will go toward repair and maintenance of the fiberglass sculptures, which were installed in 2015 and are displayed across the central Oregon coast. Doors open at 6 pm with dancing beginning at 6:30.