Good morning, Florence.

The parents of 52-year-old Jimmy Jones, who died in an officer-involved shooting Sunday in Dillon County when SLED agents exchanged gunfire with him inside a home in Lake View, are urging the FBI to investigate the case—stating that local agencies work too closely together—while the Florence County Sheriff's Office pursues a thorough criminal probe and makes funeral plans.

Joe Detrell Gause, 33, of Loris, pleaded guilty to murder on August 4 and was sentenced to 30 years for fatally shooting Brandon Robinson on December 11, 2022 — he disguised himself as a delivery driver to approach Robinson’s home in Conway.

Tuesday, Florence leaders hosted a National Night Out event at the Mordecai C.

Johnson Community Center where Mayor Barnes and Police Captain Starling said community trust helped lower violent crimes that surged after the pandemic—recent police efforts included seizing drugs, illegal guns and apprehending fugitives.

The Francis Marion University golf team earned the Platform Golf Team Academic Award from the Golf Coaches Association of America for the 2024-25 season—marking the 12th straight year they have met the required 3.00 team GPA.

Head Coach Mark Gaynor's squad averaged a 3.20 GPA and was one of 167 Division I teams to qualify for the honor.