Good morning, Florence.

A 26-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday morning near a Florence hospital after stealing over 20 weapons from a gun store on Second Loop Road—he now faces charges including burglary, grand larceny, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime as noted by Chief Deputy Tommy Sullivan.

A Supreme Court case from South Carolina—prompted by Governor Henry McMaster’s effort—will decide today if Medicaid funds can be cut from Planned Parenthood, which helps hundreds of low-income patients get cancer screenings and birth control.

If the state wins, officials say patients will use one of 200 other public clinics and health advocates worry rural access could suffer.

Florence voters participated in Tuesday's city council election for the at large seat vacated when Mayor Barnes won her race—Tonya Morman and Zach McKay contested the open seat.

Poll managers said turnout was low earlier but was expected to increase before polls closed at 7 p.m.

In 2023, South Carolina saw a drop in drug overdose deaths for the first time in over a decade, with 2,157 deaths (a 6.1% decline from 2022) reported by the Department of Public Health.

More than 1,550 of these deaths involved fentanyl, and several counties experienced increases despite the overall reduction.

FSO Music of the Knights

7:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of Britain’s finest songwriters performed by the Florence Symphony Orchestra and special guests.

Youth Mentors of the Pee Dee BBQ Festival

April 11-12 — ECA Fairgrounds — $10 wristband — Taste competition-quality barbecue and enjoy family-friendly activities while supporting local youth mentorship.

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Florence

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Florence County Library System — Ticket purchase required — Explore hidden gems and enjoy interactive challenges in downtown Florence.

Pee Dee Roundup 13th Annual Event

10 AM – 5 PM — Florence Center — $20 preregistration, $25 day of — Celebrate automotive excellence with awards, music, and prizes.

The Biggest Spring Rodeo Reloaded

5-11:30 p.m. — 1533 Old Ebenezer Rd, Latta, SC — Tickets available — Experience the wildest ride of the season with bull riding, line dancing, and more.