Good morning, Florence.

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue celebrated completing its 5,000th spay/neuter surgery today—donor support has helped improve the health of pets and residents in the Pee Dee Region.

On Sept 19, more than 300 volunteers completed 85 projects during United Way of Florence County’s 34th annual Day of Caring—recording an estimated 1,200 hours of service supporting sites like the Boys & Girls Club.

Local sponsors such as Pepsi and Duke Energy helped make the event possible.

After a legal battle lasting over two years, a court ordered Palmetto Youth Academy to hand over its assets to Florence 1 Schools and pay nearly $80,000 in judgment—citing academic shortcomings and misused funds as violations of state charter rules.

This decision ends disputes over the school’s management and finances.

Florence County will spend nearly $1 million from capital project sales tax and a state grant to expand and renovate its voter registration building—improving service access for local residents.

South Carolina Legal Services opened the Justice Van — a mobile legal service that will help people facing transportation barriers get legal aid in rural Florence and Darlington counties — to bring legal assistance directly to those in need.

Nikolai Oskolkov Gallery Opening

5:30-6:30 p.m. — Florence County Library System — Free entry — Celebrate the opening of a captivating exhibit featuring the colorful works of artist Nikolai Oskolkov, complete with refreshments and live music.

Pee Dee IceCats vs. Columbus River Dragons

7:15-9:15 p.m. — Florence Center — Tickets start at $56 — Witness an electrifying ice hockey showdown in Florence, SC.

Foodees Food and Culture Festival

1-7 p.m. — Magnolia Mall — Free entry — Experience a spooktacular food truck festival with gourmet bites and family-friendly crafts in Florence.