Good morning, Florence.

Lake City's new tuition-free charter school, Pee Dee Innovation and Leadership Academy, will open in August for second through fifth graders—designed to offer small classes, flexible scheduling, and extended learning hours from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with half-days on Fridays; enrollment and hiring are still underway and campus renovations on Graham Road neared completion.

The Lake City High School JROTC team, including cadets Jordan Boyle, Jada Robinson, Kayden Green and Mason Papel, is competing in a national championship event in Washington, DC.

They earned an all-expense paid trip as one of 40 teams chosen from 1,441 worldwide and will test their leadership skills at the Catholic University of America from June 15th to 19th.

A golf tournament held Sunday by the National Council of Negro Women Florence-Bethune section raised funds for scholarships to help local students cover college costs — including books and meals, organizers said.

Today, the City of Florence is considering borrowing up to $15.1 million+ for plans to upgrade athletic facilities+ that will serve local sports and events.

Adlaide Johnson said her 2-year-old grandson Cymeian Ferguson in Florence, who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, has had six open heart surgeries and is on the heart transplant waiting list—he received a Berlin Heart to support his failing heart.

His family said they are praying for a miracle and hope he gets a new heart soon.

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.

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Florence

8-10 a.m. — Florence County Library System — Ticket required — Explore hidden gems of Florence with exciting challenges and photo activities.

The 5th Annual Royal Princess Ball

1-5 p.m. — Homewood Suites by Hilton Florence — Tickets required for children — Experience a magical day filled with enchantment, dancing, and princesses.