Good morning, Florence.

Lights 4 Paws, a holiday light show benefiting the Florence Area Humane Society, will return this season at Lynches River County Park.

It will offer walk and drive-through views and include fundraisers and park improvements—giving local families a festive event.

No Kings Day of Peaceful Action protests are planned for Saturday, October 18 across the Grand Strand and Pee Dee—Florence's event at West Gate Office Park runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Several community groups came together on Thursday at Dr. Iola Jones Park to honor local activists and plan new park projects for the future.

Florence Pastor Dr. Ralph W.

Canty was honored Monday by the Florence City Council for his 58 years of service at Savannah Grove Baptist Church and in the Effingham community—his leadership also steered local projects such as renaming a portion of Alligator Road in his honor.

The BBB warned consumers that scammers are flooding social media with fake store closing ads—cloning websites of both bankrupt and active retailers to trick bargain hunters into losing money and personal details.

Experts at Coastal Carolina University warned that significant beach erosion along the Grand Strand, worsened by recent king tides and a nor’easter, threatens local hotels and homes—A renourishment project will begin in North Myrtle Beach in December, though rising sea levels may continue to damage coastal infrastructure.

Florence city council honored retiring Police Chief Allen Heidler for 42 years of service and dedication to protecting the community during a ceremony on Monday.

The chief will retire this month and be celebrated Wednesday at noon at Florence City Center — the widow of Sgt. Terrence Carraway recalled his heartfelt compassion during a difficult loss.

WMBF News and the Red Cross are partnering to hold blood drives this fall to keep blood on the shelves—this team effort will help hospitals maintain a ready supply for emergencies.

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.

Marty Stuart Live

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives promoting their new album, Space Junk.