Hello Florence! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Museum groundbreaking, 600-job food facility opening, and fireworks and drones + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
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 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A new community landmark: Darlington African American Museum broke ground on a new facility, funded by an $800,000 South Carolina General Assembly earmark. It will become a cultural and educational hub for the region -- see the museum’s new home.
Safety and recognition boost: Florence County Fire Rescue secured over $100,000 to boost responder safety, including $20,000 from Duke Energy Foundation. The department also earned the Fire Safe South Carolina Community Designation -- see the safety funding boost.
Regional growth and jobs: Cheney Brothers opened its first South Carolina food distribution facility in Florence, set to employ over 600 people when fully staffed, with governor and leaders touting opportunities for small businesses -- see Cheney Brothers’ big opening.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Quick local reset: When the walls feel too close, Ebenezer Park is the easy, no-fuss way to get a breather. Slip in for a short walk, a quiet moment under the trees, or a kid-energy dump, then head home feeling like you finally closed a few mental tabs.
Green thumb, unlocked: Forest Lake Greenhouses is the local spot for turning “I’ll try not to kill it” into “look what I grew,” with seasonal blooms, sturdy shrubs, legit houseplants, and all the pots and soil to match. Friendly pros help you pick what actually thrives in Florence’s weather, not just your Pinterest board.
Pickleball and chill: Skip the long drive and find your midweek groove at Timrod Park, where you can volley on the tennis or pickleball courts, let kids unleash on the playground, wander past rain gardens, then catch a low-key moment near the amphitheater before dinner.
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04 — Our recommendations
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🍲 Chicken Bog Fundraiser @ Trinity Methodist Church (Darlington) | Wednesday (6/24) at 11:30 AM – Trinity Methodist is dishing up chicken bog for a good cause, a $10 plate helping build Happy’s Place, a playground honoring Wallace and Eleanor Haynes. Expect green beans, pickles, and bread, plus small-town magic where seconds come with stories; ten bucks never tasted this virtuous.
🎉 Block Party @ Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church | Wednesday (6/24) at 5:30 PM – Midweek morale boost, Hoffmeyer style: a neighborhood block party with a gaming trailer, dunking booth, snow cones, The Bubble Guy, outdoor games, and plenty of food. Perfect for catching up with neighbors, wearing out the grandkids, and celebrating what God is doing at HRBC.
⚾ Macon Bacon @ CarolinaBank Field | Thursday (6/25) at 1:00 PM – Midweek at CarolinaBank Field means summer baseball with personality, where the Florence Flamingos host the crisp Macon Bacon. Expect close plays, chirpy dugouts, and future stars within shouting distance. The kind of night that pairs well with peanuts, patience, and a reasonable bedtime.
🦩 Florence Flamingos Jake from State Farm Night @ Carolina Bank Field | Thursday (6/25) at 7:00 PM – Florence Flamingos host the Macon Bacon for Jake from State Farm Night, so expect khakis, red polos, and insurance jokes that actually land. Whether you cheer for sizzle or swaggering pink, it is a perfectly silly, very local ballpark showdown, presented by Austin Wilson.
🎬 Family Movie @ Darlington Library | Friday (6/26) at 2:00 PM – Take a break from screen overload and corral the crew to the Darlington Library for a family flick about a small goat with big dreams and an even bigger chance. Air conditioning, free snacks, and no farm chores, just comfy seats and shared chuckles.
🏈 Bruins Youth Football Camp @ South Florence High School | Saturday (6/27) at 9:00 AM – Saturday morning at South Florence High School Stadium means future Bruins running routes while you enjoy coffee, shade, and a break from sibling refereeing. Free, open to ages 6 to 12, and welcoming every skill level, from backyard quarterback to first-time cleats.
✂ The Threaded Child Grand Opening Party @ The Threaded Child | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Celebrate the grand opening at The Threaded Child, newest secondhand spot for babies, kids, and maternity, sizes Preemie to Youth 18. Browse clothes, shoes, toys, and gear while food trucks, vendors, and music keep it lively. Because children outgrow clothes faster than weeds in spring.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Florence report Weather forecastToday — High: 89°F — Low: 67°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 89. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Southeast wind around 2 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 93°F — Low: 71°F — Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. This house is wildThis modern farmhouse brings big style with a 2-story foyer and great room that give the main living areas a bright, open feel. The vaulted study adds a dramatic work-from-home space, while the luxury primary suite shines with grand his-and-her walk-in closets, dual vanities, a garden tub, and separate shower. Each upstairs bedroom has its own bath and walk-in closet.
Take a peek inside → |
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