Meet Cypress

ask cy

What is Cypress?

In response to the evolving needs of the community, the City of Florence has embarked upon a new communications platform to better assist residents and visitors with information, provide an outlet for feedback, and offer enhanced community services.

"Cypress" or "Cy" for short is an interactive chatbot that you can use to submit service requests, ask questions, and send direct messages to staff.  No need to download an app or log into a portal! 

Text "Hey CY" to (855) 964-3929 or click on the "Ask Cy" icon on the bottom right of CityofFlorence.com

For emergency water or sewer issues, please contact 843-665-3236. After-hours (evenings, weekends, and holidays) calls are forwarded to Police Dispatch and conveyed to on-call Public Works & Utilities Department personnel.

Cypress is NOT to be used for emergencies or to report criminal activity. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1. The Police Department also offers an anonymous online crime tip form here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfFlorence/CrimeTips

Please note while the bot is 24/7, messages to staff and service requests submitted through Cypress are not monitored 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Cypress?

  • The Bald Cypress tree is prolific in our area and an integral part of the native local ecosystem.

  • The trees are symbolic of the natural beauty of the Pee Dee Region and can be found along the Florence Trail System and in municipal parks.

  • The Bald Cypress represents longevity, resilience, protection, and transformation.

  • The Bald Cypress tree has been a part of the City of Florence seal since its inception.

  • The City of Florence has a long history of recognition as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation—a 44-year legacy! This achievement demonstrates the city's commitment to the protection and preservation of our tree inventory and urban forests. 

  • The city has been the recipient of the Tree City USA Growth Award presented by the Arbor Day Foundation 17 times!

How can I access Cypress?

You can access Cypress by visiting CityofFlorence.com and clicking on the "Ask Cy" icon in the lower-right corner, or by texting "Hey CY" to (855) 964-3929. 

Is Cypress available 24/7?

Yes, Cypress is available online and by text 24/7. Please note that while Cy is available around the clock, our city staff is not. Therefore, if you use Cy to submit a service request or message staff directly, please allow time for a city employee to respond during working hours.

What kind of questions can Cypress answer?

Cypress uses the information on the CityofFlorence.com website to provide information about city services, including city meetings, city-sponsored events, trash collection,  water services,  permitting and more!

How do I sign up for Text Alerts?

To sign up for text alerts, text "Hey Cy" to (855) 964-3929. A personalized link will be sent to your phone that you will use to select the categories you are interested in receiving alerts about.

The categories include:

  • Public Safety

  • Events

  • Recreation & Athletics Announcements

  • Public Works/Utilities Information

  • Emergency Preparedness & Response

  • Special Announcements

Is Cypress multilingual?

Cypress supports communication in a comprehensive array of 71 distinct languages. It automatically discerns and comprehends user inquiries with remarkable accuracy. This capability empowers and amplifies the voices of diverse communities, fostering an environment of inclusivity and understanding.

In terms of its multilingual capabilities, when a service request or message is submitted in a different language, Cypress automatically translates it into English upon entering city workflow systems. This ensures seamless integration and efficient handling of inquiries across languages.

Text Alerts are currently only offered in English and Spanish.

*The content Cypress provides has been automatically generated by an artificial intelligence language model and is intended for informational use only. Please note, the information provided may contain errors, omissions, inaccuracies, and outdated information. The content should not be considered as professional or personalized advice, and the City of Florence does not assume any responsibility or liability for the generated content.