Good morning, Florence.

The Housing Authority of Florence is planning to build a community center on Oakland Avenue — a new space for local events — as officials prepare detailed project plans.

The 2025 Kids Count study found that children in Florence, Marion and Darlington counties face major challenges in poverty, education and health—Florence County had 28% of children living below the poverty line and 72.3% of 8th graders scoring below math standards.

The report calls for more support for vulnerable families and increased investments in evidence-based programs to improve child well-being.