Good morning, Florence.

Florence County Sheriff TJ Joye and his team will host the 43rd Annual National Night Out Celebration on Aug.

4 at the Leatherman Senior Center in Florence + community members are invited to join law enforcement for festive activities.

The second annual Bowl 4 Boxes event will take place at Surfside Bowling Center this weekend to fund Hero Boxes for troops.

Local organizers hope the community will support military personnel through contributions and participation.

A 25-acre fire near N.

Kershaw Street was contained Monday night — Florence County Fire Rescue confirmed the blaze was under control as officials began safety checks. Residents are advised to follow local updates.

The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics Outreach Center launched its first A.I.

Educator Summer Institute with a $600,000 Google grant to equip local educators with new A.I. tools + skills. The training program will run this summer.

FMU athletic director Michael Hawkins is retiring after 41 years of service (with many championship wins) as the university prepares for a leadership transition in Florence.

Former HGTC president Dr. 'Murph' Fore has been named acting president of Florence-Darlington Technical College and will assume her role after retiring from HGTC — the appointment marks a new chapter for the college.

Crews began construction this week to upgrade the sewer forcemain and lift station on Maulden Drive between Wakefield Street and Second Loop Road.

The project is expected to take three-to-four months as city leaders work on a future multi-million-dollar stormwater drainage upgrade.

Local professor Greg Pryor explains safe methods to preserve summer produce via canning, freezing, dehydrating, pickling and fermenting.

His guide offers practical tips for storing and enjoying garden bounty for months to come.

Florence offers multiple ways to beat the summer heat with free splash pads at Lynches River County Park and the city splash pad, ice cream stops at local shops, and shaded outdoor dining options.

Community events and scenic trails at Timrod Park let visitors enjoy cool evenings (free entry) outdoors.

FLO NIGHTS Live: Reggae Edition

7-10 p.m. — Leaf Lounge — Free entry — Experience raw vocals and real instruments at this vibrant Reggae celebration.