Police Help Reunite Missing Children
Florence Police helped reunite two missing children with Oregon Department of Human Services custody after receiving a Flock camera alert tied to a vehicle connected to the case. The alert came Saturday morning, October 3rd, leading officers to stop the vehicle in the Bi-Mart parking lot. Two adults associated with the children were contacted, but the juveniles were not with them at the time. Police say after speaking with officers, an adult male initially said the children were not in the area, but later agreed to turn them over. Around 11 a.m., 10-year-old Lilly Hunt and 8-year-old Miley Hunt were brought to the Florence Police Department, where DHS Child Welfare workers took custody of the children as ordered by the court. The children had been reported missing by Eugene Police and DHS on October 2nd and were believed to have been taken by a non-custodial parent.
Criminal History Set-Aside Clinic
A free clinic aimed at helping people clear eligible Oregon criminal convictions is coming to Florence later this month. Opportunity Oregon is offering the Criminal History Set Aside Clinic on Friday, October 23rd, serving residents of Florence, Eugene and the Oregon Coast. Volunteer attorneys and trained community partners will help participants understand the expungement process and work through applications. Organizers say clearing an eligible criminal record can remove barriers to employment, housing, education and professional licensing. Pre-registration is now open. Questions can be directed to Opportunity Oregon’s Michelle Ehlers.
Kudos for Florence
Florence is getting some big attention from travel writers across the country. The community has been featured this summer by WorldAtlas, MSN, The Oregonian and several travel publications, earning recognition as one of the Pacific Northwest’s best small towns, most hospitable destinations and most charming coastal communities. Florence Area Chamber President and CEO Bettina Hannigan says the coverage highlights not just individual attractions, but Florence as a destination. The recognition comes as Florence prepares for the Coastal Canine Classic October 16th through 18th and Circles in the Sand October 24th and 25th.
Zoning Change Approved on Controversial Property
The Florence City Council approved a controversial zoning change Monday night following lengthy deliberations. Councilors Mike Webb and Robert Carp raised concerns about changing nearly six acres from business-industrial to medium-density residential. Carp questioned the impact of future access onto Rhododendron Drive, while Webb challenged the applicant’s assertion that the property was unsuitable for industrial development. City attorney Russ Williamson clarified that industrial unsuitability was not the deciding criterion—the question was whether the property was suitable for the proposed residential use, and the property could be suitable for either use. Following that clarification, Webb supported the ordinance. The measure ultimately passed on a three-to-two vote. With councilor Carp and Beaudreau voting against the ordinance