Good morning, Florence.

A house fire in the 600 block of W.

Sumter Street in Florence killed one person and hospitalized another on Tuesday at about 12:10 p.m. — officials confirmed the accidental fire was controlled within minutes.

A free professional headshot event will be held on Tuesday, June 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Florence Business Technology Center—181 E.

Evans St., Suite 312—to give local professionals a chance to network and learn about the Better Business Bureau, as Heritage Digital and BBB team up to host the event.

Shykeem Ravone Cooper, 26, of Bishopville, was arrested on Monday after deputies responded to an alarm at Olanta Pharmacy on North Jones Road where a shattered glass entrance and broken safe led to the theft of controlled substances—he now faces charges of second-degree burglary, safecracking, theft of controlled substances, possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, possession of burglary tools, and conspiracy.

Florence police arrested Anquon Smoot and Terrez Davis after they allegedly shot into an occupied home early Tuesday morning, leaving multiple bullet holes and shell casings near the scene — the suspects now face several charges including attempted murder.

Florence police arrested two individuals on Tuesday morning at about 1:15 a.m. after a shot struck a Hollings Avenue home—spent casings were found outside and the residence, where several people including two juveniles were present, was hit multiple times—and they were charged with attempted murder, felon in possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and aggravated breach of peace.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced yesterday that the state will receive over $70 million from a $7.4 billion settlement with the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma for their role in the opioid crisis — the funds will support opioid addiction treatment, prevention and recovery programs over the next 15 years.

Pink Connect - Networking Event

6-9 p.m. — SiMT - Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology — Free entry — Experience empowering connections and vibrant community vibes with amazing vendors and professional headshots.

Country Style Cookoff 2025

10 a.m. - 8 p.m. — 3591 SC-38, Blenheim, SC — Refunds available up to 7 days prior — Experience premier Cookoff action with top Grill Masters and country BBQ fans.

PowerUp Club Summer Camp

9 PM — South Florence High School — Free entry — Enjoy fun games, skits, and community bonding with a summer camp vibe.

Virtual Tour of Senior Living Community

9 AM - 7 PM — Florence Place — Free entry — Discover top-rated amenities and activities for senior living residents.

Grant Writing Workshop: Get Grant Ready

10 AM – 1 PM — SiMT - Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology — Free registration required — Master the art of grant writing and funding strategies for your nonprofit or business.

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Florence

8 a.m.–5 p.m. — Florence County Library System — Ticketed event — Explore hidden gems in Florence while completing exciting challenges with friends and family.