Good morning, Florence.

Florence is getting a new Publix at Palmetto Place Shopping Center at the intersection of West Palmetto and South Ebenezer—this nearly 47,000-square-foot store with an extra 18,050 square feet for restaurants will begin construction in late 2025 and finish in late 2026.

Two towns in Florence County are asking the county for bailout funds amid financial problems.

Pamplico is requesting a $210,000 loan to cover daily expenses because state funds were withheld for delayed audits — Lake City is seeking a $600,000 loan after budget cuts raised near-bankruptcy warnings, with a vote on both requests scheduled for next week.

Gov. Henry McMaster has declared October 12th to 18th as Earthquake Preparedness Week in South Carolina + the state emergency teams will hold drills including the Great Southeast ShakeOut on October 16th at 10:16 a.m. to teach residents essential earthquake safety steps.

The city is studying a couple dozen unpermitted short-term rentals in the Timrod Park area—these properties must appear before the Board of Zoning Appeals and meet conditions to operate as rentals.

Today, the Pee Dee IceCats start their first season at the Florence Center—hosting the Columbus River Dragons at 7:15 p.m. The head coach said the team will play fast and hard to give fans an exciting game.

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.