High Five Florence

We are pleased to announce that the City of Florence has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for our annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023!

This prestigious award recognizes our commitment to high standards of financial reporting and transparency, demonstrating our dedication to clear communication and full disclosure. This marks our 26th year of receiving this honor, and we are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our finance department.

A big thank you to the GFOA for this recognition and to our dedicated team for their continued excellence in governmental accounting and financial reporting. 

The City of Florence was honored with the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Award for Economic Development at the Municipal Association of South Carolina's (MASC) Annual Meeting on July 19th, 2024. Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin accepted the award on behalf of the city, recognizing the city’s leadership in fostering economic growth through innovative sports tourism initiatives.

The City of Florence embarked on this path recognizing a dual objective: promoting community wellness through enhanced recreational facilities and positioning itself as a premier sports tourism destination. By strategically expanding its recreational infrastructure, Florence has created a dynamic that not only benefits residents but also attracts visitors, spurring economic growth across various sectors.

A unique aspect of Florence's approach has been the intentional integration of facilities within the community, strategically placing them for accessibility via Interstates 20 and 95, and extending the existing trail system to better accommodate bikers and pedestrians. This strategy not only enhances visitor access but also strengthens connectivity with local neighborhoods, businesses, and popular destinations.

Central to the success of this initiative has been strong collaboration with various stakeholders. The City Council's forward-thinking funding allocations, coupled with support from partners like the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation and local recreation associations, have been instrumental. These partnerships have not only facilitated the development of state-of-the-art facilities but also fostered a welcoming environment for tournament attendees and residents alike.

Looking ahead, Florence remains committed to advancing its role in the Sports Tourism Industry. Plans include the development of a new four-field multi-purpose complex and the expansion of the Pearl Moore Basketball Center to include an arena-style basketball facility. These expansions aim not only to elevate Florence as a top sporting events destination but also to promote economic prosperity through increased tourism and hospitality revenues.

The economic impact of these efforts has been substantial, exceeding $10.6 million for the 2023-2024 fiscal year alone, driven by over 37,000 visitors to Florence. With a projected return on investment expected within six years, Florence is positioned to reinvest in future projects that will foster long-term growth and enrich the community.

Through these initiatives, Florence exemplifies its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all residents, promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and fostering community engagement. The city's ongoing commitment to youth and healthy living underscores its vision for a vibrant and prosperous future.

Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin stated, “We are incredibly honored to receive the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Award for Economic Development. This recognition from the MASC highlights Florence's commitment to innovation and community-driven growth. We are excited for Florence’s ongoing development in the sports tourism industry to further drive Florence Full Life, Full forward.”

City Manager Scotty Davis added, “We look forward to leveraging this momentum to further elevate Florence as a destination of choice, while also enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. None of this would have been possible without a supportive council, dedicated staff, and our incredible partnerships.”

JULY 19TH, 2024 PRESS RELEASE PDF

We’re excited to announce that the City of Florence Fire Department has received an emergency preparedness grant from Duke Energy! This grant will be utilized to assist in protecting the city by purchasing specialized equipment used to help block flooded roadways and areas with storm damage. As hurricane season begins, it’s important that we’re all prepared for severe weather. We extend our appreciation to Duke Energy for giving back to the communities they serve!

Click here to learn more and view the full press release from Duke Energy

In a recent report published by Area Development magazine, Florence has been ranked #48 out of 384 metro areas in the United States for overall economic health. The city's remarkable performance underscores its emergence as a dynamic and prosperous center for economic activity in the region.

The recognition from Area Development magazine highlights Florence's exceptional economic development and growth trajectory. Notably, Florence stands alongside Charleston/North Charleston as the only other metro areas in South Carolina to secure a spot in the top 50.

City Manager Scotty Davis expressed his enthusiasm about Florence's achievement, stating, "It is imperative that we remain committed to sustaining this momentum and building upon our successes. By continuing to invest in infrastructure and sustainable development, we can ensure that our city remains a beacon of progress and prosperity."

Florence's success can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, community organizations, and residents. By leveraging collective strengths and capitalizing on emerging opportunities, Florence has solidified its position as an attractive destination for businesses and investors alike.

Area Development magazine's rankings consider several crucial factors, including local gross domestic product trends, unemployment rates, job growth in diverse sectors, alignment between employer needs and the labor market, and activity in high-tech manufacturing, R&D, and STEM-related occupations.

As Florence celebrates this achievement, the city remains committed to fostering an environment that promotes sustained economic growth, innovation, and prosperity for all residents and businesses.

Area Development Magazine's Leading Metro Locations for 2023 Full Report: https://www.areadevelopment.com/Leading-Locations/Q4-2023/leading-metro-locations-full-results-2023.shtml

The City of Florence is thrilled to announce that we have received notice of the intent to be awarded a grant that will bring the Levy Park Reimagination Project to full funding. This exciting development comes as a result of the Department of the Interior’s announcement on March 27, 2024, designating the Levy Park Reimagination Project in Florence, SC, as one of 14 projects selected to receive grant funding through the National Park Service’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP). The project has been chosen to receive a total of $8,927,097 in grant funding, bringing the project's total funding to the full estimated cost of $17,854,195.31

The Levy Park Reimagination Project entails a comprehensive renovation and expansion, encompassing the reconfiguration of sports fields and courts, the development of multi-use walkways, ballfields, all-inclusive playgrounds, a splash pad, fitness equipment, landscaping, and parking facilities.

Due to the nature of the grant being a 1:1 matching grant, a crucial component in the project being selected as a recipient was the successful acquisition of matching funds, totaling $8,927,097.66. This impressive achievement would not have been possible without the generous contributions and steadfast support of our valued partners:

- McLeod Health: $1,500,000.00

- Florence County: $500,000.00

- Francis Marion University: $125,000.00

- Duke Energy: $50,000.00

- Convention & Visitor's Bureau: $5,000.00

- Private Donation (Anonymous): $3,000,000.00

- City of Florence: $3,747,097.66

We extend our sincere gratitude to each of these entities for their unwavering commitment to the Levy Park Reimagination Project with a special acknowledgment to Holly Beaumier from the Florence Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, who discovered the grant for which the city hadn’t previously qualified. Their contributions reflect a shared vision for community improvement and will have a lasting impact on the neighborhoods of East Florence and the Florence Community as a whole.

Furthermore, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation, McLeod Health, and Florence County for their collaborative efforts and generous donation of land, which facilitated the expansion of Levy Park and laid the groundwork for its revitalization.

City Manager Scotty Davis remarked, “The Levy Park Reimagination Project represents a significant investment in the future of our city, ensuring that residents of all ages and backgrounds have access to safe, engaging recreational facilities. We eagerly anticipate the positive transformation this project will bring to our community as we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive environment for all.”

The City of Florence was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. This marks the 44th consecutive year that the City has received this honor. 

Florence achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

Cleaner air, improved stormwater management, energy savings, and increased property values and commercial activity are among the benefits enjoyed by Tree City USA communities.

The Arbor Day Foundation presents the Tree City USA Growth Award to communities that exhibit elevated levels of tree care and community engagement throughout the calendar year. The City of Florence stands among a select few cities (less than 15% of Tree Cities) honored with a Growth Award in 2024 for surpassing the four standards of Tree City USA. 

The Growth Award acknowledges significant milestones and yearly activities across five categories, which collectively contribute to the development of sustainable community forestry programs:

• Building the Team
• Measuring Trees & Forests
• Planning the Work
• Performing the Work
• The Community Framework

For Immediate Release – January 22, 2024

Media Contact:
Tim Wilson, Athletics/Sports Tourism Manager – (843) 665-3253 or twilson@cityofflorence.com  
Randy Osterman, City Manager – 843-665-3113 or rosterman@cityofflorence.com

FLORENCE, SC – The City of Florence was honored with the 2023 Southern Outstanding Parks and Recreations Department Award at the USTA Southern Annual Meeting during the J. Randolph Gregson Awards Ceremony and Luncheon in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Tim Wilson, director of athletics and sports tourism, accepted the award on behalf of the City of Florence.

This award recognizes the City of Florence Department of Athletics and Sports Tourism’s commitment toward the growth and development of tennis in the community. Each year, USTA Southern and each of the states in the Southern Section honor individuals, programs, and events for their contributions to tennis across the South. This is the first year the USTA Southern has awarded a department with the Outstanding Parks and Recreation Department Award. The City of Florence Department of Athletics and Sports Tourism was acknowledged for making the greatest impact in its community during the past year through programming, events, and partnerships.

City Manager, Randy Osterman, said, “The City is proud of this accomplishment in being the first ever recipient of the Southern Outstanding Parks and Recreation Department Award. This recognition directly reflects the dedication of our Athletics and Sports Tourism Department in making such a significant impact in our community. We will continue to strive for excellence, ensuring our parks and recreation offerings contribute positively to the well-being and enjoyment of our residents.”

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CONTACT: Hannah L. Davis, TMP, HREDFP

Development Manager, Downtown Florence Main Street Program

hdavis@cityofflorence.com | 843.678.5912

DOWNTOWN FLORENCE EARNS 2023 GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREET AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

Forward-Thinking Approaches Rooted in Community Connections Credited

CHICAGO, ILL., (March 27, 2023) – Main Street America announced today that the Downtown Florence Main Street Program in Florence, South Carolina, has received the prestigious Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. The 2023 GAMSA designations, sponsored by The Hartford, were presented at the opening plenary for the Main Street Now Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

Selected by a national jury of industry professionals and local leaders in the fields of economic development and historic preservation, Downtown Florence Main Street is being recognized for developing innovative and forward-thinking approaches to creating community buy-in through representative leadership and inclusive programming.

“Downtown Florence Main Street sets a national standard for downtown revitalization rooted in community connections,” said Main Street America Interim President and CEO, Hannah White. “Their success demonstrates the power of creative approaches to engaging stakeholders, creating a strong culture of volunteerism, and fostering pathways to increased downtown housing, while also championing the preservation of historic community assets.” 

At just eight blocks, downtown Florence is a jewel where locals and visitors find exceptional local dining, award-winning entertainment venues, whimsical public art, and buildings rich in architectural heritage. It has not always been the case, however, that Florence’s downtown enjoyed this reputation as a place of vibrant businesses and welcoming gathering spaces.

For decades, the area suffered from a negative public perception fueled by empty storefronts, racial divides, and a practice of demolishing neglected, yet culturally significant, buildings in favor of new construction. Efforts to address these issues began in 2002 with limited success, until the organization began implementing a community-informed revitalization plan in 2011. Through strategic initiatives to leverage dedicated volunteers, establish partnerships, and support catalytic projects, this plan has generated over 100 units of new housing, $300 million in investment, and over 90 new businesses.

“Being selected as a winner of the 2023 Great American Main Street Award is an unbelievable honor—it’s the once in a lifetime achievement representing the boundless investment, hard work, tenacity, and vision from local investors and partners, small business owners and residents, government officials and leaders, and our statewide Main Street network over the last twenty years—and especially over the last decade,” remarked Hannah L. Davis, Main Street Program Manager at Downtown Florence Main Street. “Once described as too far gone to be saved, Downtown Florence has become the place to be, to live, and to do business in our region, and we aren’t done yet!”

The organization is also proud of its ongoing efforts to bridge both physical and metaphorical divides through meaningful conversation and intentional action. In 2020, a data-backed and strategic approach to ensure that the board of directors mirrors the community yielded this desired effect. The newly installed North Dargan Street Mural is the latest in the organization’s efforts to honor the legacy of Black entrepreneurship, enhance the downtown’s African American Historic Business District, and foster community trust.

“Florence winning GAMSA is a tremendous achievement. The Downtown Florence Main Street team models exemplary revitalization with strong partnerships, visible transformation, and a commitment to historic preservation,” said Jenny Boulware, State Coordinator at Main Street South Carolina. “Downtown Florence has brought a new level of respect and awareness to the power of the Main Street Approach across South Carolina and throughout our southern region. We are excited to celebrate this prestigious win – and how fitting for it to be awarded during the state Main Street network’s fortieth year.”

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ABOUT THE GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREET AWARDS

The Great American Main Street Award program recognizes communities exemplifying the use of the Main Street Approach™ to revitalize commercial districts. Winners are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants by a jury of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation. Since the award’s inception in 1995, over 100 Main Street programs have been honored as GAMSA communities. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FLORENCE MAIN STREET

The Downtown Florence Main Street Program is a partnership between the City of Florence and Florence Downtown Development Corp. (FDDC), a 501c3 non-profit organization established by the City of Florence to foster revitalization in Downtown Florence, South Carolina. FDDC is an Accredited member of Main Street America and its state coordinating program, Main Street South Carolina, which directly guides preservation-based economic development and community building. For more information, visit www.florencedowntown.com. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 20, 2022        

Contact

Hannah L. Davis, TMP, HREDFP

Development Manager

hdavis@cityofflorence.com  | 843-678-5912

DOWNTOWN FLORENCE ANNOUNCED AS 2023 GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREET AWARD SEMIFINALISTS FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

One of Eight Organizations Recognized for Excellence in Transforming Downtown Districts

Florence, SC – Main Street America has announced Downtown Florence as a 2023 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) Semifinalist for the second consecutive year. This prestigious award is the nation’s top award recognizing communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. A jury of professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation convened to review a nationwide pool of applicants. After thoughtful deliberation, the jury unanimously selected eight semifinalists that demonstrate exemplary use of the Main Street Approach™ to lead community-based transformation strategies in their downtowns.

The 2023 GAMSA Semifinalists are:

River District Association – Danville, Virginia

Denison Main Street – Denison, Texas

Downtown Florence Main Street – Florence, South Carolina

Metuchen Downtown Alliance – Metuchen, New Jersey

Mills 50 Main Street – Orlando, Florida

Ruston Main Street – Ruston, Louisiana

Downtown Sheridan Association – Sheridan, Wyoming

Downtown Sykesville Connection – Sykesville, Maryland

“The Great American Main Street Award is the highest honor that we grant to organizations within our network,” said Hannah White, Interim President and CEO at Main Street America. “We are proud to recognize Downtown Florence and seven fellow organizations as 2023 GAMSA Semifinalists for their excellence in transforming their downtown districts through strategically implemented economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization initiatives.”

From small towns with traditional downtowns to commercial corridors within larger cities, the 2023 GAMSA represent the diversity of the Main Street America network and the power of the Main Street Approach™. Semifinalists have generated over $872 million in local reinvestment, helped open 863 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 4,706 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 1,922 historic buildings, and leveraged 178,452 volunteer hours.

“Downtown Florence has brought a new level of respect and awareness for the power of Main Street in South Carolina. The Downtown Florence team has achieved exemplary community-wide revitalization, which is evident in their strong partnerships, visible community transformation and outreach, and their commitment to historic preservation,” said Main Street SC Manager Jenny Boulware.

“To be selected again for a second year as one of the top eight Main Street Programs in the country is a testament to the work of our entire community—our partners, business owners, residents, elected officials and visitors,” said Hannah Davis, Development Manager for the City of Florence and Downtown Florence Main Street Program Director. “We are honored to be included in this lineup of exceptional Main Streets this year and look forward to the announcement of the winners in March 2023.”

Downtown Florence’s Main Street Program was established in 2002 by the Florence Downtown Development Corp., a quasi-public 501c3 non-profit organization formed in partnership with the City of Florence to compliment ongoing downtown revitalization efforts. Since its inception twenty years ago, the partnership has led Downtown Florence’s transformation with the support of diverse partners, business owners, residents, and visitors through the utilization of the Main Street Approach™. Since 2011, Downtown Florence has seen over $300M in public and private reinvestment, hundreds of new jobs created, and thousands of volunteer hours served. Downtown Florence was also selected as a 2022 GAMSA Semifinalist and is a National Main Street Accredited Program.

The 2023 Great American Main Street Award winners will be announced at the Opening Plenary of the 2023 Main Street Now Conference in Boston, Massachusetts on March 27, 2023.

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ABOUT THE GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREET AWARDS

The Great American Main Street Award program recognizes communities exemplifying the use of the Main Street Approach™ to revitalize commercial districts. Winners are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants by a jury of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation. Since the award’s inception in 1995, over 100 Main Street programs have been honored as GAMSA communities. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

GAMSA 2023 Press Release Semifinalist PDF

For Immediate Release –August 17, 2022

Media Contact:
Chuck Pope, Public Works Director – 843-665-3236 or cpope@cityofflorence.com  
Randy Osterman, City Manager – 843-665-3113 or rosterman@cityofflorence.com

FLORENCE, SC –   The City of Florence was honored with the 2022 Outstanding Tennis Facility Award at the USTA Western & Southern Open on August 16^th in Cincinnati, Ohio. Rob Hill, Director of Tennis, and Laszlo Leiter, Head Tennis Professional, accepted the award on behalf of the City of Florence.

This award recognizes the Dr. Eddie Floyd Florence Tennis Center’s exemplary tennis venue and commitment toward the growth and development of tennis in the community. Each year the USTA recognizes facilities throughout the country. Award criteria requirements for the facility include the quality of each court area and surface, quality of the court enclosure and lighting, overall layout and adaptation to the site, accessories and amenities, and evidence of good and green maintenance. Benchmarks required for the tennis program include USTA programs, youth tennis programming, other tennis-related programs, and the important contribution to the game of tennis.

City Manager, Randy Osterman, said, “The City is proud of this accomplishment and the national recognition it brings to Florence, the partnerships that contributed to the development of a facility of this caliber, and dedicated employees responsible for running and maintaining the facility.  We are also appreciative of the Florence Tennis Association, who is an exceptional local tennis organization committed to promoting and sharing the game of tennis.”

August 17 2022 Press Release PDF

For Immediate Release –July 16, 2022

Media Contacts:

Teresa Myers Ervin, Mayor – 843-665-3170 or tervin@cityofflorence.com

Randy Osterman, City Manager – 843-665-3113 or rosterman@cityofflorence.com

FLORENCE, SC –   The City of Florence received state-wide recognition today at the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) Annual Meeting. Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin accepted the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Award for Economic Development on behalf of the city.

The awards program began in 1987 and affords local government officials and employees the opportunity to receive deserved recognition for superior and innovative efforts in local government. The program also provides a forum for sharing the best public service ideas in South Carolina.

The City of Florence was selected in the economic development category for the Food, Artisan, and Warehouse District. The development of this district was a result of policy action to leverage existing small-scale manufacturing assets and cultivate local, innovative, creative, food/artisan-driven production businesses to connect downtown to surrounding historic neighborhoods. This was a unique approach to cultivate entrepreneurship and catalyze redevelopment in the area that extends along what was at the time an underutilized corridor. The City then partnered with a private investor to establish Sav A Lot, downtown Florence’s first grocery store; the Redbone Alley Sauce plant opened anchoring the east end of the corridor; and the City of Florence constructed a permanent public space to cultivate food entrepreneurs with the creation of the City Center Farmers Market and Commercial Kitchen to spur entrepreneurial growth.

The City continues its work in this district by addressing connectivity and the erosion of real and perceived barriers to entry through property improvement and programmatic support. Construction will soon begin for project Urban Square on the corner of Coit/Evans Street which includes a private investment of $65 million for a mixed-use development. The city also plans to add a parking garage at this location. Additionally, a new Downtown Master Plan is pending adoption and with it, new technical assistance programs to support food/artisan-based entrepreneurs will be established.

Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin stated, “The development of this district has proven to be a success providing local artisans and food entrepreneurs the opportunity to highlight their talents and grow unique local businesses within our community. We are excited for future private investment within this corridor and the benefit it brings to Florence residents.”

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MASC PRESS RELEASE PDF

The City of Florence received an award on June 22, 2022 from the American Heart Association for the 2021 Heart Walk donations. City of Florence employees raised $5,140 ranking the City as the #5 Company.

The City of Florence received the award on June 21, 2022 from the United Way of Florence County for its campaign contribution that reached the Silver Level of giving for the 2022 fiscal year.

Each year, United Way of Florence County recognizes its top donors at their Award Luncheon. This year, they decided to combine the Award Luncheon with the Allocation Luncheon so their donors could meet partner agencies and directly see who their donations are impacting.

City of Florence employees donated a total of $38,003.75 this year. The City of Florence is proud of its employees and their continued commitment to give back to the Florence community.

The City of Florence is a recipient of Duke Energy’s Emergency Preparedness and Storm Resiliency Grant Program.  Duke Energy designed this program to help organizations with roles in emergency preparedness with the ability for advanced preparation, planning, equipment, and training.

City of Florence Fire Chief, Shannon Tanner, said “we are appreciative of the $20,000 grant from Duke Energy which will provide the city with additional funding to purchase emergency response equipment such as saws, water rescue equipment, and provide specialized training for employees.  Duke Energy is a great community partner with a proactive approach that ensures the areas they serve are properly prepared for storm response.”

The full release from Duke Energy is available @ https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-supports-fellow-first-responders-in-south-carolina-with-more-than-500-000-in-grants-to-support-emergency-preparedness . 

A complete list of recipients can be found here.

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

On April 23, during the United States Tennis Association Southern Section Annual Meeting in Atlanta, the Florence Tennis Association (FTA) was recognized as 2021 Southern Community Tennis Association of the Year. The FTA was selected for this prestigious award because of its focus on growing tennis in the Florence and the Pee Dee area, its support for local governments and businesses, and its success in bringing new players, including adults and children from under-served communities, into the sport.

At the same meeting, FTA Board member Dusty Braddock was named the Section’s 2021 Local League Coordinator of the Year.  Braddock organizes and manages year-round adult recreational leagues for dozens of teams and hundreds of players throughout the Pee Dee region.  In recent years, she has also developed an extensive network of adult beginner clinics in Florence and the surrounding area.

USTA Southern is the largest of the United States Tennis Association Association's 17 Sections, covering nine states and about a quarter of all US tennis players, as well as hundreds of local tennis associations and leagues. 

The FTA was National CTA of the Year in 2007 and has been state CTA of the Year on several occasions. It has also been recognized for community service by a number of organizations, including USTA South Carolina, the South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association and the Florence Athletic Hall of Fame. Over the years, many of its members have been recognized at the national, sectional and state levels for their contributions to the growth of tennis.

Highlights of the FTA’s work include managing or supporting over 20 adult and junior tournaments, including the McLeod for Health Florence Open professional event, two major state tournaments, its popular boys and Girls High School Tournaments and the Polar Bear tournament, where the entry fee is a toy for a local Christmas toy drive. 

The FTA also manages adult recreational leagues and conducts a Junior Team Tennis program in the spring and fall.  In 2021, it produced over a dozen low-cost multi-week small group clinics for adult beginners, including programs in Lake City, Hartsville and other nearby communities.  It also launched the Ron James Youth Tennis Program, a member of the nationwide National Junior Tennis and Learning network that provides no-cost summer and after-school training for underserved children.  In addition, the FTA works with area governments to ensure that first rate tennis facilities are available to the public and provides direct to teams at Francis Marion and the Florence public high schools and to area teaching pros.

For more information, please contact: FTA Board Member Paul Pittman, 843-667-9804/843-615-4929

Media Release April 23 2022 PDF

Contact: Susan Duncan, SC State Fire
(803) 896-5790

Fire Safe South Carolina (FSSC) and its partners congratulate 104 fire departments in 36 counties across the state on their active participation in developing community risk reduction (CRR) plans for their jurisdictions in 2021.

These designated communities continually work to reduce fire-related injuries in our state, thereby decreasing the risks for residents and firefighters. They also promote consistent fire safety messaging and stress the importance of providing all relative data collected at fire scenes.

“The enthusiasm for obtaining this designation continues to grow, and we remain encouraged by active participation,” Community Risk Reduction Chief Josh Fulbright said.

“We congratulate the 104 designees and are excited to see a 30 percent increase from last year,” he said. “We look forward to recognizing them with a formal award ceremony during the June Fire-Rescue Conference in Myrtle Beach.”

To earn the “Fire Safe South Carolina” designation, fire departments completed courses to improve data quality, trained community partners to deliver in-home safety visits, and further developed their skills through online National Fire Academy courses in risk reduction and assessment.

In 2021, 366 new community partners were identified statewide, more than 1,000 fire service members were
educated on risk reduction-related topics, and nearly 500,000 citizens were educated on fire and life safety
topics by local fire departments.

“As we move forward, community relationships must continually be built and nurtured to form mutually beneficial partnerships,” he said. These relationships create sustainability in risk reduction efforts, ultimately saving lives.”

Launched in 2017, Fire Safe SC’s partners include the S.C. State Firefighters’ Association, the S.C. State Association of Fire Chiefs, and the S.C. Fire Marshal Association. Together, they announce the following 104 fire departments have obtained the Fire Safe SC Community designation.

Visit: https://firesafe.sc.gov/docs/2021-FSSC-Announcement.pdf

For Immediate Release

CHICAGO (March 2022) – Downtown Florence is one of eight communities selected as a semifinalist for the 2022 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) from Main Street America. Selected by a national jury of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation, GAMSA semifinalists exemplify the power of the Main Street Approach™ to transform downtowns and neighborhood business districts.

“The Great American Main Street Award is the highest honor within the field of commercial district management,” said Patrice Frey, President and CEO of Main Street America. “These eight semifinalists are shining examples of the kind of transformation that is possible when using the Main Street Approach. These programs have brought renewed vibrancy to their communities and sparked impressive preservation-based revitalization.”

Together, the eight GAMSA semifinalists have brought in over $139 million in public investment and more than half a billion dollars in private investment, generated 3,277 jobs, opened 844 new businesses, rehabbed 2,186 buildings, and logged 260,773 volunteer hours since their programs’ inceptions.

“Florence is charting a new course for our state’s Main Street Network,” said South Carolina’s Main Street Coordinator Jenny Boulware. “As the first Accredited Main Street community in South Carolina to achieve Great American Main Street Award semi-finalist designation, Florence’s remarkable 10-year downtown transformation is now celebrated on a national platform. With one of the most cooperative leadership teams in the state, this recognition reinforces Florence’s intentional and thoughtful downtown development accomplishments.”

“To be among the eight communities nationwide selected as GAMSA semi-finalists is a tremendous honor, one that demonstrates the power of place in our community and our commitment to the Main Street Approach for preservation-based economic development downtown. This designation is for all of us to share and we are grateful to all of our community supporters, stakeholders, and residents who have contributed to this ongoing work,” said Downtown Development Manager, Hannah Davis.

GAMSA semifinalists were selected from a nationwide pool of accredited Main Street America applicants based on their successful and innovative uses of the Main Street Approach™. Criteria for winning include: strength of the Main Street program in spurring community transformation, commitment to historic preservation, innovative programming, implementation of cross-sector partnerships, community outreach and stakeholder engagement, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. More than 100 communities have been recognized as winners since the award’s inception in 1995.

GAMSA winners will be announced on May 16, 2022 at the Main Street Now Conference in Richmond, VA.

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About Main Street America

Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for 40 years. Today it is a network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, Inc., a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

About Main Street South Carolina

Since 1983 Main Street South Carolina has been helping revitalize South Carolina’s historic downtowns. Its local Main Street network of more than 25 communities share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through asset-based economic development. Main Street SC is a technical assistance program of the Municipal Association of South Carolina. Since 1980, communities participating in the program – nationwide – have leveraged more than $85 billion in new public and private investment, generated more than 672,000 new jobs and 150,000 new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 295,000 buildings.

About Downtown Florence

Downtown Florence’s Main Street Program was established in 2002 by the Florence Downtown Development Corp., a quasi-public 501c3 non-profit organization formed in partnership with the City of Florence to compliment ongoing downtown revitalization efforts. To date, Downtown Florence has seen over $250M of public and private investment, hundreds of new jobs created, and thousands of volunteer hours served. The Downtown Florence Main Street program is made up of the Downtown Florence Historic District, which is home to 76 small business owners and two corporate headquarters. Downtown Florence earned National Main Street Accreditation in 2008 and again in 2021.

Contact:      Hannah L. Davis, Development Manager

                          hdavis@cityofflorence.com

GAMSA Semi Release 2022 PDF

For Immediate Release –July 12, 2021

Media Contacts:
Hannah Davis, Development Manager, hdavis@cityofflorence.com or 843-678-5912
Clint Moore, Assistant City Manager of Development, cmoore@cityofflorence.com or 843-665-204

FLORENCE, SC – The City of Florence and Florence Downtown Development Corp. (FDDC) have won two 2021 Inspiration Awards from Main Street South Carolina, which recognize members’ achievements and success in downtown revitalization work.

FDDC was presented the 2021 Main Street Inspiration Award for Outstanding 2020 Promotion for its work on the Downtown Holiday Gift Guide, a digital shopping catalog that connected shoppers with holiday gift ideas from locally owned downtown business owners. The guide, which reached thousands of shoppers during the holiday season, will return in 2021.

The City of Florence and FDDC were also presented the 2021 Main Street Inspiration Award for Outstanding Business Development Program for their COVID-19 response. The Downtown
Development Office quickly shifted to emergency response function during the pandemic assembling resources, identifying relief funding for small businesses, providing extensive technical services, and ecommerce training. As a result, Downtown Florence’s businesses not only survived COVID-19, but the district added six new businesses as well. The City of Florence and FDDC partnered to provide qualifying micro-businesses in the district with re-opening grants to assist them with marketing and promotions once the statewide shutdowns were lifted.

“We are honored to be selected for these two awards. Our team works hard to create a downtown that is not only successful, but resilient. We will continue to produce programs and events that make Downtown Florence a premiere model for historic district revitalization,” stated Development Manager, Hannah Davis.
The awards were presented at the July 12, 2021 City Council Meeting by Jenny Boulware, Main Street South Carolina Program Manager.

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About Main Street South Carolina
Since 1983 Main Street South Carolina has been helping revitalize South Carolina’s historic downtowns. Its local Main Street network of more than 25 communities share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through asset-based economic development. Main Street SC is a technical assistance program of the Municipal Association of South Carolina. Since 1980, communities participating in the program – nationwide – have leveraged more than $85 billion in new public and private investment, generated more than 672,000 new jobs and 150,000 new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 295,000 buildings.

July 12 2021 Press Release PDF

The City of Florence was recently recognized by the United Way of Florence County for its campaign contribution that reached the Silver Level of giving for the 2021 fiscal year.

Each year, United Way of Florence County recognizes its top donors at their Award Luncheon. This year, they decided to combine the Award Luncheon with the Allocation Luncheon so their donors could meet partner agencies and directly see who their donations are impacting.

City of Florence Employees donated a total of $37,571.72 this year, which was a $6,966.83 increase from the previous year. The City of Florence is proud of its employees and their continued commitment to give back to the Florence community.

Fire Safe South Carolina (FSSC) and its partners congratulate 80 local fire departments in 33 counties across the state who have actively worked to develop community risk reduction (CRR) plans for their jurisdictions in 2020.

These designated communities continually work to reduce fire-related injuries in our state, thereby decreasing the risks for residents and firefighters. They also promote consistent fire safety messaging and stress the importance of providing all relative data collected at fire scenes.

“The enthusiasm for obtaining this designation continues to grow, and we remain encouraged by active participation,” Community Risk Reduction Chief Josh Fulbright said. “We congratulate the 80 designees and, even with the pandemic, are excited to see a 40 percent increase from last year. We look forward to recognizing them during the June Fire-Rescue Conference in Columbia - along with those from 2019 who could not be fully recognized last year.”

Despite challenges associated with the pandemic, it is clear these fire departments continue to provide fire and life safety information to their local citizens. 

Specifically, FSSC-designated communities took creative as well as virtual approaches to community risk reduction and documented outreach educational opportunities for nearly 55,000 citizens. Additionally, more than 1,300 fire service members were trained through the Community Risk Reduction curriculum, and more than 80 fire departments were represented during the annual Life Safety Education Conference.

Fulbright acknowledges the program is effective because of its dedicated community partners.

 “With fire departments receiving more than 9,000 smoke alarms donated from their growing list of community partners, these relationships are an important part of this life-saving program.”

Launched in 2017, Fire Safe SC’s partners include the S.C. State Firefighters’ Association, the S.C. State Association of Fire Chiefs, and the S.C. Fire Marshal Association. Together, they announce the following fire departments have obtained the Fire Safe SC Community designation.

Visit: http://firesafe.sc.gov/docs/FIRESAFE%20CONGRATS%202020.pdf

For Immediate Release                                

Downtown Florence Receives National Main Street Accreditation

Florence, SC (February 25, 2021) – Downtown Florence has been designated as an accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center. Accredited status is Main Street America’s top tier of recognition and signifies exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

Downtown Florence’s performance is evaluated by Main Street South Carolina which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify local programs that meet national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress and actively preserving historic buildings.

“Downtown Florence has successfully demonstrated their thoughtful, intentional approach to strengthening their community. As an accredited Main Street America program Downtown Florence is being recognized for generating strong economic returns, preserving community character and celebrating local history. Main Street America Accredited communities are part of a powerful, impactful movement of asset-based, placemaking economic development,” said Jenny Boulware, Main Street South Carolina Manager.

Over the past decade, Downtown Florence has seen tremendous growth—nearly a quarter of a billion dollars of private and public investment. It has also proven that application of the National Main Street Approach™ is an effective way to drive responsible and sustainable economic development initiatives in historic communities. Since many of the initiatives began in 2010, every $1 of City investment has yielded a cumulative $7 return in private investment. In 2020 alone, every $1 of City investment yielded $28 in private investment.

“We could not have accomplished this goal without the help our team, partners, investors, business owners, community leaders, citizens, volunteers, and comprehensive planning process. The Main Street Approach™ is a powerful holistic tool for transforming places, and this accomplishment isn’t just for Downtown Florence—it’s for the whole City. The ripple effect generated from targeted investment in the downtown redevelopment district is felt community-wide, through industry moving in and creating jobs, expansion of our medical and education facilities, quality of life for our residents, and generation of tourism revenue from visitors. We look forward to continuing our momentum, expanding our footprint, and playing a part in moving Florence forward,” says Hannah Davis, City of Florence Development Manager.

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About Main Street South Carolina

Since 1983 Main Street South Carolina has been helping revitalize South Carolina’s historic downtowns. Its local Main Street network of more than 25 communities share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through asset-based economic development. Main Street SC is a technical assistance program of the Municipal Association of South Carolina. Since 1980, communities participating in the program – nationwide – have leveraged more than $85 billion in new public and private investment, generated more than 672,000 new jobs and 150,000 new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 295,000 buildings.

About Main Street America

Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for 40 years. Today it is a network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. It’s unique approach includes four points, Economic Vitality, Organization, Design, and Promotion driven by Transformation Strategies to renew economic vitality, celebrate a community’s historic character, and bring communities together. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, Inc., a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Contact:      Hannah L. Davis, Development Manager

                          hdavis@cityofflorence.com

Downtown Florence Receives National Main Street Accreditation Press Release PDF

On December 14^th, 2020 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized 5 projects out of 25 nominations throughout the nation for exceptional focus on sustainability and protection of public health within the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs. The City of Florence was recognized by the 2020 AQUARIUS program, for Excellence in Innovative Financing for its work on the Timmonsville Drinking Water System Improvements and Consolidation.

Eligible projects could be any size and must have an executed assistance agreement. Projects could be operational or in the planning phase. After all project nominations were reviewed and accepted for this year’s recognition, at least one project in each of the five categories: Excellence in Innovative Financing; Excellence in System Partnership; Excellence in Community Engagement; Excellence in Environmental and Public Health; and Excellence in Problem Solving were selected to receive the Exceptional Project recognition based on meeting the evaluation criteria. The remaining nominated AQUARIUS projects were selected to receive Honorable Mention recognition.