Good morning, Florence.

Florence police said a 19-year-old man was arrested Friday after he allegedly shot at multiple homes on Olive Street on Wednesday, hitting two residences without causing injuries—he faces charges including discharging a firearm into a dwelling, malicious injury to property, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

A Florence County man, Omar D’Andre Wilson—20, was arrested on Monday in Olanta for allegedly striking a woman with an axe that caused a cut above her right eye last Thursday, and he now awaits a bond hearing at the Florence County Detention Center.

A 17-year-old charged with murder, weapon possession during a violent crime and pointing and presenting a firearm was held without bond in magistrate court over the weekend after a shooting on Meadors Road last week — sheriff TJ Joye said three people were detained while no victim details were available.

On Monday, a Marion man named Jaremy Smith was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for killing a New Mexico state police officer and is charged with kidnapping and murdering Florence County paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore—his plea deal also requires drug and mental health treatment.

Gas prices in South Carolina dropped by 4.9 cents last week to average $2.67 per gallon—making them 8.4 cents lower than a month ago and 56.3 cents cheaper than this time last year.

The lowest station charged $2.19 while the most expensive charged $3.29, and the national average fell by 3.4 cents to about $3.10.

On Monday, April 21, the SC Senate Committee met to discuss removing State Treasurer Curtis Loftis after a nearly $2 billion accounting error and Loftis testified under oath that he did not cause the mistake—he filed an injunction on April 10 that the state Supreme Court denied.

The House still must decide on holding its own hearing—removal requires a two-thirds vote from both chambers and Loftis remains eligible to run in 2026.

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.

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello

2-3:30 p.m. — Florence Center — Ticket prices vary — Sing, dance, and play with your favorite Sesame Street characters in this family-friendly live show.

HQ Origami Tulip Craft for Adults

5:30-6:30 p.m. — Florence County Library System — Free entry — Craft colorful origami tulips and enhance your folding skills.

Legends Reimagined: Michael Jackson & Prince Tribute Night

10 p.m. — 1200 Jennie O'Bryan Ave — Free parking — Celebrate the iconic music of Michael Jackson and Prince with an electrifying tribute night featuring live performances.

The Masterworks Choir – A Concert of Hope for Our Time

6-7 p.m. — Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center — Ticket info not listed — Experience Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy performed by the Masterworks Choir under Dr. Will Carswell’s direction.