Good morning, Florence.

A state Legislative Audit Council report from September said that if South Carolina stopped accepting federal education funding, schools would need an extra $680M in costs + state officials must adjust the budget to close the gap.

Candidate for governor Pamela Evette visited Holt Bros BBQ in Florence today—meeting with GOP members and undecided voters who are weighing her against Alan Wilson.

Her visit shows she remains a competitive option in the race.

Duke Energy and county officials will test the sirens at Robinson Nuclear Plant on October 8 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.—the alarms will sound for three minutes at a time.

Creekside Village Apartments in Florence will reopen after nearly three years of vacancy due to mold, following $3.5M in repairs that replaced air units, plumbing, and windows.

Forty-one former residents will move back in early November while the Housing Authority prioritizes seniors—59 spots remain open.

Florence County may require a special use permit for gatherings of 1,000 people or more, lowering the current threshold from 5,000.

County officials are reviewing the change, and it will affect future public events.

Grand Strand Health broke ground for a new freestanding emergency room in Murrells Inlet on October 2, and the facility — over 10,000 square feet with more than 10 exam rooms and advanced imaging equipment — will offer 24/7 emergency care to Georgetown County residents.

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.

Pecan Festival

11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. — Florence Downtown Development Corp. — Free entry — Enjoy family-friendly activities like coloring pages and puzzles at the library's tent.