The City of Florence Urban Planning & Development Department welcomes all interested parties to attend its community workshops and provide your input in the development of the City of Florence Comprehensive Plan. The first workshop was held September 2nd, to invite comments relating to the future planning issues of Florence, which will be used to prepare a statement of community vision and guiding principles for the plan. The subsequent workshops will allow participants to be involved in laying out the future, including plans for new development and redevelopment, transportation improvements, community appearance, and the necessary actions and priorities.

The Comprehensive Plan is a necessary and important document to help guide the future growth and economic development of the Florence community. The plan will include an identification of key planning issues, followed by goals and specific action recommendations. It will include chapters devoted to the pattern and character of development and redevelopment; the means of community mobility including streets, sidewalks, trails, and transit; adequate and affordable housing and neighborhood integrity; strategies for growing and strengthening the economy; an update of the downtown master plan and planning for the fringe and adjacent neighborhood areas; and an implementation framework and action agenda. This plan will be used to determine how the City may best leverage its assets and thus, create a better quality of life for its residents. This Comprehensive Plan is a reflection of the community’s desires for its future. It is therefore, essential for residents and stakeholders alike to participate in the community workshops.

The following links will allow you to view and print the various informational boards displayed at the first workshop:

• Community Character & Appearance (PDF)
• Community Livability (PDF)
• Housing & Neighborhoods (PDF)
• Urban Growth (PDF)

If you have any questions about the Community Workshop or the Comprehensive Plan, please call the Urban Planning and Development Department at (843) 665-2047.

THE AMERICAN SOLDIER, A PHOTOGRAPHIC TRIBUTE, an exhibition of 116 photographs, from the Civil War to the War in Iraq, will open to the public at 9:00am on Veterans Day, November 11th, 2009 at Florence Civic Center of Florence, SC. The breathtaking display will be on view and available to the public thru February 2nd, 2010.

For more information click here.

General Public: File for Social Security benefits, report W2 information for employees, and much more online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Businesses: Report W2 information for employees, verify employee Social Security numbers, and much more online at www.socialsecurity.gov.