Good morning, Florence.

A house fire on North Sunset Drive in Florence shut down the road between Darlington Street and Waverly Avenue, and emergency responders ask drivers to use alternate routes—officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire.

Veteran educators Sharon Williams and Erica Bell launched the Pee Dee Innovation and Leadership Academy to offer Lake City families a new public charter school option with mastery teaching and flexible scheduling, set to open in August with 2nd-5th grades.

Enrollment is open now and the school will use a leased building on Graham Road—plans call for increasing enrollment from 120 to 350 over the next decade.

Dr. Ronald J. Kendall—a Florence native and respected environmental toxicologist and professor at Texas Tech—wins the 2025 Texas Environmental Excellence Award for his important work to protect wildlife and conserve nature.

His research has received statewide praise and sets a standard for future environmental work.

The Senate locked in a spending plan that sets teachers' starting salary at $48,500—up from $47,000—and gives state employees a 2% raise or new minimum pay rates.

Lawmakers must still decide if state health plan premiums will increase.

The SC250 Commission invites residents to attend events in Florence County on May 15 and May 16 that will celebrate South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution—organizers say the activities will highlight state history.

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.

Carlton Group, LLC acquires Toledo Carolina, Inc.

We are pleased to announce that Carlton Group, LLC out of Greensboro, NC has acuired Toledo Carolina with locations in Florence SC, Lumberton, NC and Wilmington, NC. Toledo Carlina has been the areas Mettler Toledo Scale Industrial Distributor since 1967. This will allow us to maintain our trusted reputation that Toledo Scale has built over the years. We will operate as Carlton Group, LLC dba Toledo Carolina.