National Night Out
With temperatures expected to reach the mid-80s today, Florence residents heading to National Night Out are encouraged to plan ahead and stay hydrated. The annual community event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Miller Park and brings together law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, public works crews, and community members for an evening focused on safety and neighborhood connections. Attendees can enjoy free food, games, activities, exhibits, and safety demonstrations. The City of Florence will have a water refill station on site and is encouraging people to bring reusable water bottles. National Night Out is free and open to the public.
Recycling Event
The City of Florence Environmental Management Advisory Committee is expanding its annual Black and White Community Collection event this year with more local partners and more items accepted. The free drive-thru event is set for Saturday, August 22nd from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the south parking lot of Siuslaw Middle School. In addition to tires, refrigerant appliances and propane tanks, residents can bring pet supplies for the Oregon Coast Humane Society, non-perishable food for Florence Food Share, and a variety of hard-to-recycle plastics through Circular Action Alliance. Free yard debris drop-off and rechargeable battery recycling will also be available. Volunteers are still needed. More information is available by contacting EMAC at recycleon@ci.florence.or.us.
Deputy Resigns
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office says former deputy Dylan Ford has resigned while an internal labor investigation continues into allegations involving an inappropriate online relationship with a minor outside the United States. Ford resigned after receiving formal notice of the investigation, which is being conducted under sheriff’s office policy and the labor agreement. The sheriff’s office says it will complete the investigation and forward its findings to Oregon’s Department of Public Safety Standards and Training for review of Ford’s corrections certification. Ford was arrested July 28th by investigators from an outside agency and had been placed on unpaid administrative leave. He had worked for the sheriff’s office for about seven-and-a-half years.
Waldport Man Arrested
A Waldport man is in custody following a vehicle pursuit and reported gunfire Monday afternoon on Highway 101. Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies say 32-year-old Demar Jabary Soto failed to stop near South Beach and continued southbound, driving recklessly as deputies pursued him. Investigators say Soto displayed a handgun from the vehicle, and deputies observed gunshots being fired south of Waldport near Patterson State Park. The pursuit ended near Whitecap Drive when a deputy used a patrol vehicle to stop the Jeep. Soto faces multiple charges, including attempted assault, attempting to elude police, and unlawful use of a weapon. No injuries were reported.
