Happy weekend, Florence! In today’s happening-today edition: New fire station, dino tea party, and bonsai and beer + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Florence protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Emergency service expansion: Florence County opened a new Hannah-Salem-Friendfield fire station, replacing the Pamplico base, upgrading coverage for eastern rural communities with modern apparatus, gear, and training space amid growth along highways -- see the new fire station.
Recognized for financial excellence: Florence 1 Schools was honored with GFOA’s top certificate for financial reporting, its second straight year, for the 2025 fiscal report, issued 114 days after year end, outpacing most winners -- view the finance honors.
New faces in district leadership: Florence 1 Schools approved four 2026-2027 leadership moves. Shand Josey becomes assistant superintendent and Kristen Cue leads South Florence, with principals named at Briggs and Dewey L. Carter -- meet the new leaders.
Thoughtful Father's Day gifts, ready by Sunday. Father's Day is tomorrow, which makes shipping anything now a gamble you'll probably lose. Skip it entirely. A whole range of Father's Day gifts is ready for same-day pickup in hours, so something personal is well within reach by tomorrow. -- get it today.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold just posted its strongest run in decades...And the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, GoldCo has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Your midweek reset spot: For a midweek reset that actually sticks, Florence Country Club gives members a classic course, lively tennis and pickleball, a refreshing pool, and easygoing dining under one roof. Local, welcoming, and reliably fun... the kind of place you’ll keep finding excuses to visit.
Staycation, but outdoors: Florence RV Park is your no-frills, close-to-home reset when you want campfire vibes without a long haul. Great for a quick unplug or a comfortable spot for visiting friends with rigs. Pack s'mores, swap stories, and be back in your own shower by Monday.
Your seafood hookup: Skip the mystery fillets and let Les Fresh Fish N Shrimp set you up for a legit fish night. Locals swear by their fresh selections and friendly crew, so snag shrimp or a fillet or two, then head home and pretend you’re the house chef this week.
|
04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
The real retirement risk isn't a bad year, it's a long life: 40 years of saving, and the hard part is making it stretch across 30 more. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. The plan is built around you, not their commission. No obligation to hire anyone. *Start the quiz →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The conversation no man wants to have with his doctor: Turns out ~70% of men over 50 are avoiding the exact same one. The hesitation, the awkward throat-clear, the hoping it just sorts itself out… you're far from alone. The good news? You don't need the waiting room at all. What used to mean a face-to-face appointment and an uncomfortable pharmacy run now takes a few clicks from the couch — discreet online evaluation, personalized treatment shipped straight to your door. *No appointment, no awkward small talk →
Get cash back on your gas, groceries, and dining: This is real cash, not points you have to convert like credit card rewards. There are no coupons to clip and no deals to hunt down, you just claim an offer, pay with your linked card, and the cash back lands automatically. You can set it up in minutes and start earning on your very next purchase. *Start earning → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
|
05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🍼 7th Annual Diaper Drive @ HopeHealth | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – The 7th Annual Diaper Drive at HopeHealth on Irby Street collects diapers, pull-ups, wipes, and other baby basics for local families. Remember when a jumbo diaper box cost more than date night. Real help, local impact, and no messy strings attached.
🦖 Dino Tea Party @ Darlington Library | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – Round up the herd and swing by the Darlington Library for a Dino Tea Party, complete with refreshments, crafts, and very adoptable balloon dinosaurs. It’s low-stress, high-smile family time, with silly games, caffeine, and just enough chaos to tire out the grandkids.
🪔 Mosaic Art Classes: Turkish Lamp Workshop @ Staybridge Suites Florence | Saturday (6/20) at 2:00 PM – Skip the paint-and-sip rerun and make a Turkish mosaic lamp instead at a relaxed, hands-on workshop, no experience needed. It’s meditative, social, and you leave with a gorgeous, working lamp, not fridge art. At Staybridge Suites near the Florence Center, parking’s painless.
🌳 Bonsai & Beer (2nd Date) @ Forest Lake Greenhouses | Saturday (6/20) at 6:30 PM – Whether your houseplants fear you or you prune for sport, Bonsai & Beer is back after selling out in four days. Craft a tiny tree, sip brews, and enjoy pruning tips, dad jokes, and a little stress relief with grownups. It’s mini zen, maximum camaraderie.
💃 Lindy Hop/Swing Dance @ Beth Israel Congregation Social Hall | Saturday (6/20) at 7:30 PM – Start with easy Lindy Hop lessons, then let swing tunes carry you through a night your knees will forgive tomorrow, two left feet and all. It is at Beth Israel Congregation Social Hall, not affiliated. Toss in a $5 donation, cash, check, PayPal, or Venmo.
🎱 Juneteenth Bingo! @ Epic Event Center | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 PM – Nothing beats shouting bingo with a full plate and a full heart. Celebrate Juneteenth with SC Brunch Brothers at Epic Center, where the cards run hot, the food is good, the drinks behave, and the prizes might finally justify that rabbit's foot you still keep.
✍ Kelly Finley Signing @ Barnes & Noble | Saturday (6/20) – Author Kelly Finley is stopping in for a signing, proof that not all book magic happens online. Bring your well-loved copy or grab a fresh one, swap a few pleasantries, and pad your shelves with something besides that stack of takeout menus. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Florence report Weather forecastToday — High: 87°F — Low: 67°F — Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. North wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Northwest wind around 1 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 92°F — Low: 72°F — Precip: 4%
Sunny, with a high near 92. West wind 0 to 6 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. This house is wildThis beautifully maintained Forest Lake home pairs standout curb appeal with a private half-acre fenced lot and plenty of room to spread out. Inside, the open kitchen and family room create an easy flow, while four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a flexible bonus room add versatility. Outside, the pool and pool house with kitchenette and bath make entertaining feel effortless.
Take a peek inside → |
| |
