Good morning, Florence.

A 17-year-old from Mayesville, Aden Jumper, died in a Wednesday single-vehicle crash along Railroad Avenue near Willoughby Road in Scranton at about 3:50 a.m.—the South Carolina Highway Patrol and Florence County Coroner’s Office are investigating the incident.

On Wednesday, Florence police arrested two men—Jose Angel Luciano and Devante Marquis Lyde—on charges of attempted murder and criminal conspiracy after a victim was stabbed in his bedroom following a call on the 1300 block of Queensferry Road; officers later caught Lyde after he tried to run.

South Carolina’s annual tax-free weekend is underway— it will continue until midnight Sunday, Aug.

3rd.

Florence School District Three students will get free breakfast and lunch for the 2025—2026 school year under the Community Eligibility Provision—families will not need to fill out meal applications.

At around 3:30 p.m. Friday, strong winds broke three power poles near the maintenance building off East Palmetto Street at Florence Airport—forcing the terminal and other buildings onto generator power.

Duke Energy Progress crews are on the scene working to restore power.

On Thursday, Governor Henry McMaster ceremonially signed the Hands Free Driving Act that bans drivers from holding phones while driving.

The law—set to take effect on Sept. 1st with a 180-day adjustment period before full enforcement starts on Feb. 28th—aims to reduce distracted driving accidents.

West Florence Fire-Rescue received a $14,000 V-SAFE grant from the SC State Firefighters' Association to buy critical protective equipment that will improve firefighter safety.