Good morning, Florence.

A Darlington man pleaded guilty to trafficking fentanyl on June 6 after deputies found a large amount during a traffic stop on November 7, 2024, in Florence—resulting in a 15-year prison sentence by the Florence County General Sessions Court.

Florence County investigators traveled to Brunswick County, N.C. after human remains were found in three plastic containers near Lake City linked to the missing woman Christy Thomas Ward—56-year-old Charles Edward Antwine was arrested and an autopsy is set for Thursday.

At FMU’s quarterly meeting last week, the Board of Trustees approved the 2025-2026 budget, froze tuition and fees, and named the Folly Carter Freshwater Ecology Conference Center in honor of the university’s First Lady—this budget provides funds for renovations, technology support, faculty pay increases, and campus safety improvements.

Florence County School District 5 will move its headquarters to Johnsonville’s former city administration complex after Florence Council approved the property purchase for up to $2,250,000 via an installment purchase agreement—this change replaces its outdated 1913 facility to better serve the district's needs.

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.