Good morning, Florence.

Community leaders gathered on Stokes Road today to dedicate a historical marker honoring a building that once served as a rural school for Black children and as a foster home.

Christ the King Deliverance Ministry in Timmonsville received a $1,500 contribution from Food Lion Feeds to boost its monthly outreach for families facing food insecurity.

The church will hold its Harvest Hope Food Bank distribution on the fourth Thursday of each month & serve local residents.

Elliott’s BBQ Lounge in Florence, located at 551 W Lucas St., was ranked number one on Southern Living’s list of best new barbecue joints after opening in 2025 and earning praise for its whole hog barbecue.

An expansion for events is expected to open in spring or summer 2027.

Volunteers will join the 37th annual Beach Sweep and River Sweep on Sept.

19 at nearly 100 cleanup sites statewide to remove trash and promote recycling; local efforts (including the James R Harwell Public Boat Landing in Florence on Sept. 26) offer additional cleanup opportunities.

Shelby, a German shepherd with Florence Police Department’s K-9 Unit, retired Monday, Sept.

14 after more than four years of service. Police Chief Angela Greene said the dog lost hearing in one ear after surgery & has been transferred to her handler, Hunter Stark.