Stay Informed
Plain-English summaries of what's happening in local government, so our neighbors can stay informed, ask better questions, and engage where it matters.
Why We Track This
Part of meeting people where they are is helping them understand the decisions being made around them. Each month we summarize Florence City Council, County Council, Planning Commission, and School Board meetings in clear language. Expand any month to read the highlights.
Source note: these summaries are drawn from the meetings' recordings and auto-generated captions posted on the City of Florence (SC) YouTube channel. Bill and resolution numbers, dollar figures, and vote outcomes are reported as stated on the recording; some names and terms are transcribed by machine and may be spelled inexactly. Unless noted, items described as read were adopted. Executive-session discussions are private; only the topics and any post-session votes are public.
2026 Meeting Calendar
Regular schedules for each body. Individual meetings can be moved or cancelled, so confirm on the official calendar before attending.
2nd Monday, monthly
Time: 1:00 PM
Where: City Center Council Chambers, 324 W. Evans St
3rd Thursday, monthly
Time: 9:00 AM
Where: County Complex, 180 N. Irby St, Room 803
2nd Tuesday, monthly
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: City Center Council Chambers, 324 W. Evans St
2nd Thursday, monthly (frequently rescheduled)
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Florence One Schools (location rotates by meeting)
| Month | City Council | County Council | Planning Commission | School Board |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Jan 12 | Jan 15 | Jan 13 | Jan 15 |
| February | Feb 9 | Feb 19 | Feb 10 | Feb 26 |
| March | Mar 9 | Mar 19 | Mar 10 | Mar 12 |
| April | Apr 13 | Apr 16 | Apr 14 | Apr 16 |
| May | May 11 | May 21 | May 12 | May 14 |
| June | Jun 8 | Jun 18 | Jun 9 | – |
| July | Jul 13* | Jul 16* | Jul 14* | Jul 9* |
| August | Aug 10* | Aug 20* | Aug 11* | Aug 13* |
| September | Sep 14* | Sep 17* | Sep 8* | Sep 10* |
| October | Oct 12* | Oct 15* | Oct 13* | Oct 8* |
| November | Nov 9* | Nov 19* | Nov 10* | Nov 12* |
| December | Dec 14* | Dec 17* | Dec 8* | Dec 10* |
* Projected regular date, not yet confirmed. Times and locations can change.
2026 City Council
Newest first. Updated monthly as new meetings are posted.
The July regular meeting. Summarized from the posted agenda; the official minutes are adopted at a later meeting.
Minutes approved: the June 8 regular meeting and the June 15 and June 22 special meetings.
Recognition: Brandon Neal recognized for 10 years of service with the Police Department.
Ordinances: Bill 2026-25 (second reading) to rezone 901 Rose Street from NC-6.1 to NC-6.2 (Tax Map 90114-13-004). First readings introduced Bill 2026-17, extending the lease agreement between the City and Pee Dee Healthy Start, Inc., and Bill 2026-27, to rezone 107 South Homestead Drive from NC-6.1 to CR (Tax Map 90034-17-005).
Resolution: 2026-32 proclaiming August 2-8, 2026 as National Health Center Week in the City of Florence.
Reports: appointments to city boards and commissions, a utilities update, and a report on the noise ordinance.
Executive session: legal advice on the Pee Dee Healthy Start lease (2026-17); board and commission appointments; a proposed economic development project in a downtown redevelopment district; and legal advice on the noise ordinance. Council could take action after returning to open session.
A very short special meeting (about 4 minutes) to finalize the budget amendment.
Action: Bill 2026-26 (second reading), the budget amendment from June 15, was adopted, with a correction noting the PDRTA figure as $164,000 (rather than the $165,000 stated the prior week).
Note: Council apologized that the meeting could not be streamed live due to an area-wide Spectrum outage, so it was available only as a recording.
A short special meeting (about 11 minutes) to introduce a budget amendment, with a notable public explanation of the airport-funding controversy.
Action: Bill 2026-26 (first reading) amended the FY2026-27 budget to appropriate an additional $265,000 from unassigned fund balance, $100,000 to the Florence Regional Airport and $165,000 to PDRTA (regional transit).
Context / explanation: Councilman Braddock explained (with Councilman Smith concurring) that after the regular budget passed, the city learned it had lost its appointments to the airport board/commission. Council had pulled the money back not to defund the airport, but to ensure the city has “a seat at the table” and accountability for how appropriated funds are spent. After talks with state legislators toward restoring city/county representation on the airport board, council restored the funding, stressing full support for both the airport and PDRTA. The $165,000 for PDRTA is in addition to what was already appropriated.
The budget-adoption meeting: a public hearing and second reading of the FY2026-27 municipal budget, with a procedural detour to reconsider and re-approve the budget as amended.
Recognition: Tracy Singletary, 10 years (equipment maintenance), the meeting’s single service recognition.
Budget: Public hearing on the FY2026-27 budget. Bill 2026-18 (second reading) amended the FY2025-26 budget; bill 2026-19 (second reading) was the FY2026-27 municipal budget. After an extended procedural discussion, a council member moved to reconsider the earlier budget vote, and council ultimately approved second reading of 2026-19 as amended.
Ordinances / resolutions: Second readings included 2026-20 (rezone Stokes Road CG→RG-3), 2026-22 (declare surplus and convey a parcel to the Florence section of the National Council of Negro Women), and 2026-24 (water-and-sewer revenue borrowing / SRF loan; handled in executive session). Resolution 2026-31 proclaimed June as Home Ownership Month.
Committees: Business Development (met May 21) reported on a tour of the AESC training center; other committee work was largely in executive session on contracts.
A budget-season meeting (about 2 hours): the first public hearing on the FY2026-27 budget, several second-reading ordinances, and major water/sewer borrowing.
Recognitions: Service milestones including Wallace Wingate (30 years, sanitation), Robert Woodbury (15 years, Parks/Recreation/Tourism), and Stacy Watts (10 years, Florence PD).
Public hearings: The FY2026-27 budget received its public hearing; downtown-appearance/window-signage input was also heard.
Resolutions (honorary / proclamations):
Ordinances: Second readings of several zoning items (e.g., 2026-11 annex/zone RG-3 at 115 East Bud Lane; 2026-20 rezone on Stokes Road CG→RG-3) and first readings including a lease extension with Pee Dee Healthy Start (2026-17), and 2026-24, a series ordinance authorizing water-and-sewer revenue borrowing and a State Revolving Fund loan for infrastructure. Several matters (2026-16, -17, -22, -23) were moved to executive session.
Water: Resolution 2026-30 accepted a State Revolving Fund drinking-water loan to replace lead and copper service lines (paired with a $2M addition). The quarterly utilities update (AECOM) covered an Irby Street bottleneck and raised sewer manholes; the next quarterly update was set for July.
Committees / actions: The Finance committee recommended changing community-programming funding so each council member may allocate up to $75,000, with final approval by full council. The Opioid Response Commission ordinance (2026-13) was amended so two initial members serve three-year terms. Former mayor Rocky Pierce was recognized in the room.
The longest meeting of the spring (about 2.5 hours), dominated by championship recognitions and a large ordinance slate, plus continued work on window signage, the opioid commission, and the FS1 aquatics agreement.
Recognitions: Service awards including Commander Anson Shells (25 years, Florence PD) and Joel Ross; plus a run of youth/championship resolutions.
Resolutions (honorary / proclamations):
Ordinances: Second readings of the Convention & Visitors Commission (2026-08, four city / three county members) and the downtown window-signage ordinance (2026-09), plus annexation/rezoning items. New first readings covered additional rezonings (2026-11 RG-3, 2026-12), the Opioid Response Commission (2026-13), budget amendments (2026-14, -15, -16), and 2026-17; several were sent to executive session.
Water / grants: Resolution 2026-22 accepted a State Revolving Fund drinking-water loan for a PFAS study; the recurring monthly utilities update to council continued. The city also noted a reaccreditation.
Executive session / actions: Legal advice on the intergovernmental public body (bill 2026-10) and a development project (resolution 2026-14). Council again advanced authority for the city manager to negotiate the recreational-facilities (aquatics center) agreement with Florence School District One.
A recognition-heavy agenda plus a large slate of zoning, budget, and infrastructure ordinances, with water quality and the opioid-settlement commission featured.
Recognitions: 25- and 20-year service awards (Desawn Alario, 25 years; Isaiah Harley, 20 years) and a grant announcement.
Resolutions (honorary):
Ordinances: Second readings of the February ordinances (2026-01, -02, -03, -05, -06). New first readings included annexations/rezonings (2026-07 NC-15; 2026-11 RG-3; 2026-12), a Convention & Visitors Commission (2026-08, composed of four city and three county members), and a downtown window-signage ordinance (2026-09) that drew debate over storefront visibility as a public-safety consideration and window “tenting.” Budget amendments (2026-15, 2026-16) and 2026-17 were routed to executive session.
Opioid commission: 2026-13 (first reading) to establish an Opioid Response Commission to review and recommend distribution of opioid-settlement funds; a proposed amendment (Exhibit 2, Section B) sent it to executive session for legal review.
Water / infrastructure: Council moved to make a permanent monthly council update on water, wastewater, and stormwater (from AECOM or staff). Resolution 2026-22 accepted a State Revolving Fund drinking-water loan to fund a PFAS study; sewer-overflow points were discussed.
Executive session / actions: Legal advice on creating an intergovernmental public body (tied to bill 2026-10) and a development project (resolution 2026-14, West Florence / Waverly Ave housing). Council authorized the city manager to negotiate an intergovernmental agreement with Florence School District One for recreational facilities (the planned aquatics center), subject to final council approval.
A long, business-heavy meeting themed around Black History Month, with a 30-year employee milestone, several ordinances, the annual audit, and extended remarks on the city’s water system.
Recognitions: Amanda Pope honored for 30 years of city service (now Marketing, Communications and Municipal Services Director). Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Carolina thanked Public Works (Adam Swindler and crew) for help with Wreaths Across America at the Florence National Cemetery.
Proclamations: Monastery (Montessori) Education Week, Feb 22–28; and Women’s History Month for March (adopted early so the city “gets all of March”), presented to the Women in Philanthropy group.
Ordinances (first readings unless noted):
Housing agreements: Resolutions 2026-07, 2026-08, and 2026-09 (East Florence neighborhood-redevelopment housing incentives) were moved to executive session.
Audit: Grant Davis (Mauldin & Jenkins) presented the FY ended June 30, 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: a clean (“unmodified”) opinion, no instances of non-compliance, one internal-control deficiency noted, and clean single-audit opinions on the ARPA (state & local fiscal recovery) and CDBG programs.
City manager report: A recent snowstorm produced about five (cooking-related, not heating) fires and numerous burst commercial sprinklers; roughly 700 accounts showed continuous water flow from service-line breaks, causing a slight pressure drop; one city main broke at Country Club of SC (an 8-inch line found with a drone); no downed trees. Also: a tree-canopy mapping grant from the Green Infrastructure Center and County Legislative Day.
Mayor / committees: The mayor delivered extended remarks on brown water, asserting Florence has quality water, that ~700 miles of aging pipe cannot be fixed overnight, and that ~$30M is being invested, and cited DC trips with staff (Graham/Fry offices). An unsightly house at a bridge gateway is being acquired (to be used for gas tanks). Business Development (met Jan 15) reported on Project Urban Square and a four-year, 10-year infrastructure master plan approved in September; Finance (met Feb 5) reviewed the audit, early purchases, a towing-ordinance update, and recommended forming an opioid-funding committee. Kquila Robinson appointed to Building Florence Together.
The first meeting of the year opened with an invocation and pledge. The bulk of the meeting was employee service recognitions, four honorary resolutions, and a major housing-study presentation.
Recognitions: Multiple long-serving employees were honored, including a veteran police officer recognized as a certified Drug Recognition Expert and DRE instructor, and a long-tenured employee praised as one of the city’s greatest employees. The Mayor Pro Tem read the honorees’ names.
Resolutions (honorary):
Ordinance: 2025-43, second reading, amendments to Municipal Code §14-21/22/23 on the juvenile curfew; an addendum sent the matter to executive session.
Announcement: Mayor Barnes was named to the 8th class of the Riley Center for Livable Communities Mayor’s Design Fellowship (College of Charleston / Clemson / SC Arts Commission / Municipal Association of SC).
Housing study (main item): Patrick Bowen of Bowen National Research (Columbus, OH), hired mid-2025, presented a comprehensive housing study. Scope covered demographics, housing stock, sites, development costs, regulatory barriers, potential developers/partners, and resident, commuter, and stakeholder surveys. Key findings: the city is projected to add roughly 500 new households from 2025–2030, but total housing need is considerably larger; growth is concentrated in South and West Florence; households age 75+ are a fast-growing segment; and the study quantified rental and for-sale gaps at different affordability levels. Discussion referenced the roughly 198 available units on the market and the paused battery-plant project.
Executive session / actions: Topics included board appointments, a downtown economic-development project, and a personnel matter. Coming out, council adopted the city manager’s written performance evaluation and moved to amend his employment agreement to extend the term by two years.
2026 Planning Commission
Newest first. The Planning Commission reviews zoning, annexations, and site plans, then recommends action to City Council.
Source note: drawn from the meetings' recordings and auto-generated captions on the City of Florence (SC) YouTube channel. Case numbers, addresses, acreages, and names are reported as stated on the recording; some names are transcribed by machine and may be spelled inexactly. The Planning Commission is a recommending body: its votes are recommendations that go to City Council, except sketch-plan reviews, which it decides. Unless noted, items were approved.
Three items: two commercial easements tied to subdivisions and one sketch-plan review. Summarized from the posted agenda; minutes are adopted at the next meeting.
PC-2026-19: request for a commercial easement to be included with the subdivision of 513 South Coit Street (Tax Map 90075-04-009).
PC-2026-20: request for a commercial easement to be included with the subdivision of 2925 West Palmetto Street (Tax Map 00100-01-108).
PC-2026-21: sketch-plan review of a subdivision along Stokes Road (Tax Map 00121-01-065). Sketch-plan reviews are decided by the Commission rather than recommended to Council.
The Commission also approved the June 9 minutes. Next regular meeting: August 11, 2026.
Two items: a commercial-reuse rezoning and a townhome sketch plan.
PC-2026-17, Rezone NC6.1 to CR (commercial reuse), 107 South Homestead Drive: A long-vacant, mid-block house under renovation between West Evans Street and King Avenue. Applicant Travis Cooper (a general contractor/residential builder, newly licensed as a real estate agent) wants to open a small real estate office. The chair hesitated because a single-family home sits between the parcel and the existing commercial, but commissioners supported it as infill/redevelopment of a long-empty house (a neighbor who called was simply glad something was happening). Approved.
PC-2026-18, Sketch plan, townhomes at 235 East House Springs Road: One townhome building of six units on land rezoned from campus to NC6.3 in September 2025, near Fire Station No. 5 and Willow Glen Apartments. Type A buffer, city water and sewer, and the historical commission had approved demolition of the prior single-family home; the units are expected to be market-rate. Commissioner Moses again advocated for single-family housing. Approved.
The most substantive Planning Commission meeting of the spring, driven by a contested Kirkwood rezoning, plus a duplex rezoning, a subdivision re-approval, and a scam warning.
PC-2026-14, Rezone NC15 to NC6.1, 5 acres on Dexter Drive (Kirkwood): The main event. The applicant sought to go from 100-ft lots (NC15) to 60-ft lots (NC6.1). Four Kirkwood residents, Richard Smith, Yancy Stokes, Heather Blackman, and Kyle McClam (an AECOM employee speaking as a resident), opposed, citing severe chronic flooding and drainage failures in the area (the Malden Drive pump station, Billy Branch and Jeffries Creek watersheds, occasional raw-sewage overflow), impacts to property values, and neighborhood character (surrounding lots are all 100 ft). Residents indicated openness to an 80–85-ft compromise. The applicant, realtor Mehta, held firm at 60 ft (1,800–2,000 sq ft homes, “the demand of the time”). Developer Gary Finley urged a transitional compromise, and staff pointed to NC10 (80-ft lots, 10,000 sq ft) as the middle option and noted stormwater fixes for the Malden/Dexter/YMCA area are in the master plan but a couple of years out. With no movement from the applicant, the commission voted to DENY the request as submitted.
PC-2026-15, Rezone NC6.1 to NC6.2, 901 Rose Street (across from Jones Park): A ~15,000 sq ft parcel; NC6.2 allows a duplex, which the owner wants to build (surrounding blocks are already NC6.2). One commissioner recused for a conflict of interest. Applicant Taylor Waiters (a first-time developer giving back to the community) and resident Tonya Yates (who moved from renting up to homeownership through a city program) spoke in favor. Approved.
PC-2026-16, Sketch plan, Wildbird Run Phase 8: A re-approval of a 2021-approved sketch plan that had expired, 85 single-family detached lots, RG3, 30% open space, 4,500 sq ft lots / 50-ft widths, with a cul-de-sac length variance (the site abuts Middle Swamp). Nothing had changed since the prior approval. Approved.
Scam alert: Staff warned that people are receiving fraudulent invoices for thousands of dollars claiming to be from the planning department (review fees, public-notice charges), using real case details and commissioners' names, and asked that anyone contacted be directed to city staff.
Two rezoning/annexation items; one case had been withdrawn.
PC-2026-11, Rezone CG to RG3, ~49–50 acres on Stokes Road: A parcel off Presbyterian Road (near the West Lucas Street commercial strip), left over from a larger commercial tract. The applicant (the Moore Group; civil engineer Paul Jones) plans a single-family subdivision of about 155 lots with ~25% green space and 25-ft perimeter buffers. Discussion covered a second-entrance requirement and a buffer near the Palmetto Center treatment facility. Commissioners welcomed the single-family use. Approved.
PC-2026-12, Zone PD pending annexation, ~0.13 acre adjacent to 1057 Grove Boulevard: A cleanup: a homeowner had built an accessory structure onto a back lot that turned out to be in the county. Annexing and zoning it Planned Development (the Groves PD) lets it be combined with their property. Approved. (PC-2026-13 and a separate James Turner Road case were withdrawn.)
A record-short meeting (about seven minutes) with two routine annexations of city-owned utility parcels.
PC-2026-09, Zone RG3 pending annexation, 115 East Redbud Lane: A city-owned water-production facility, now adjacent to the city after the Bluffs at Bill Creek annexation; zoned RG3 to match adjacent residential. Nothing new will be built. Approved.
PC-2026-10, Zone RG2 pending annexation, 875 Stratton Drive: Another city-owned water-production facility, now adjacent after The Palms subdivision annexed; zoned RG2, matching the surrounding neighborhood. Approved.
A short agenda: two “donut-hole” annexations and a window-sign ordinance that generated most of the discussion.
PC-2026-06, Annex 2511 Ascot Drive (Windsor Forest): A wooded “donut hole” where the owner built a house and now wants city services; zoned NC15 (single-family) to match the subdivision. Approved.
PC-2026-07, Annex 2710 Trotter Road (Grove Park, near Beaverdam): Surrounded by city NC15 lots; zoned NC15. Approved.
PC-2026-08, UDO amendment on window signs: Currently window signs are allowed with no permit, and businesses often cover entire windows. The amendment requires a permit and limits window signage to 25% of each window (in addition to up to 25% wall signage). Not retroactive, existing full-window signs become non-conforming and must comply only if replaced; murals count as art unless they advertise. Discussion covered enforcement via business-license renewal and a complaint about covered exam-room windows at a nearby school/clinic. The commission added a 90-day grace period after City Council approval for public outreach and to protect anyone already “vested” in a sign. Approved as amended.
Chairman Drew was absent, so a substitute chaired. After the invocation, pledge, and approval of minutes, the commission took up five items, ending with a long debate over a townhome sketch plan.
PC-2026-01, New Ebenezer Baptist Church sign (312 South Ravenel St): Amend the church's Planned Development District, which limited an entrance sign to 5 ft × 8 ft (24 sq ft), to Activity Center standards (up to 80 sq ft, 24 ft tall) so the church can install a ~10-ft monument sign (~37 sq ft) on East Palmetto Street. Kenneth Barnes spoke for the church, seeking more visibility for the church and its educational/recreation center. Approved.
PC-2026-02, Annex and zone RU, 2916 West Palmetto St: An ~11–12-acre parcel between Brittany Drive and Celebration Boulevard (near SC Real Foods). Intent is to remove the existing 1960s house (historical commission must review demolition) and build townhomes; requested Urban Residential (RU). A wooded buffer (an old wagon-cart route, ~25–30 ft) is to be preserved along Brittany Drive. Approved.
PC-2026-03, UDO text amendment (itinerant vendors / mobile services / temporary permits): Cleanup of the 8-year-old ordinance. Defines itinerant vendor sales (non-food temporary sales, Christmas trees, furniture, etc., capped at 10 days per 30-day period), adds mobile services (pressure washing, gutter cleaning, windshield replacement, dog grooming, mobile health/dental, game trucks) as permitted in all districts, and makes large temporary events (over 1,500 people) an administrative permit rather than requiring a Planning Commission hearing. Extended discussion on why churches/events need a $25 permit, centered on public safety (tents, parking, restrooms, trash). Approved.
PC-2026-04, UDO text amendment (in-home child care): Aligns city code with the state fire code and DSS: small in-home child care becomes up to 5 children (registered), large becomes 6–12 children (licensed, requiring Board of Zoning Appeals special exception plus fire-marshal approval / possible sprinklers). Driven by the state fire marshal rejecting 6+ children under the 2021 International Fire Code. Existing operators are grandfathered. Approved.
PC-2026-05, Sketch plan, West Haven Town Homes (2916 West Palmetto St): The parcel just annexed: 11.67 acres, 30% open space (4.27 ac), 27 buildings of 4–5 units for 126 townhomes. Two sticking points drove a long debate: (1) access, DOT would allow only one curb cut on Palmetto Street (Hwy 76), so the plan added a paved secondary/emergency access via easement on an adjacent parcel owned by the same applicant (Mr. Patel); and (2) a requested variance for tight street-corner turning radii. Commissioners were uncomfortable approving a plan resubmitted only the day before. Resolution: treat the corners as intersections (which meet code) rather than curves, eliminating the need for a variance; approved on that basis. Engineer Bob Weaver represented the applicant. Commissioner Moses pressed for more single-family housing, and several commissioners asked staff to set a resubmittal deadline so materials don't arrive a day before the vote.
2026 School Board
Newest first. Florence One Schools (Florence School District One) Board of Trustees regular meetings.
Source note: drawn from the district's official Board of Trustees minutes, which the district notes are unofficial until approved at the following month's meeting. Student disciplinary appeals are referred to by number, not name, as in the minutes. Board members: Chair S. Porter Stewart II, Vice-Chair Trisha Caulder, Secretary Kimrey-Ann Haughn, E.J. McIver, Davy Gregg, Barry Townsend, Dr. Gloria Bracey, Bryan Chapman, and Carla Eaddy, with Superintendent Dr. Richard O'Malley.
Regular meeting at the McClenaghan Administrative Annex, largely a spring-sports recognition night with a short slate of action items. Summarized from the posted agenda; the official minutes are adopted at a later meeting.
Awards and recognitions: A large group of spring all-state and region honorees from South Florence, West Florence, and Wilson high schools across baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, golf, and track and field, along with several region coaches of the year.
Action items on the agenda: financial statements; minutes from the June 11 regular meeting and the June budget hearing; personnel; a field trip; a Francis Marion University memorandum of agreement for Spanish immersion at West Florence High School; and first reading of Policy JFAB (admission of nonresident students) and its administrative rule JFAB-R.
A two-part evening at the District Administrative Office: a 6:00 p.m. public hearing on the 2026-2027 budget followed by the 7:00 p.m. regular meeting, which included second reading of the budget and the annual election of board officers. Summarized from the posted agenda; the official minutes are adopted at a later meeting.
Budget public hearing: Chief Financial Officer Laura Showe presented the proposed FY2026-27 budget, followed by questions and answers.
Superintendent's report: A district risk-assessment score, the FY2024-25 procurement audit, procurement-reporting compliance under Policy DJ, and a GFOA award.
Action items on the agenda: financial statements, the May 14 minutes, personnel, a construction contract for the Williams Middle School athletic fields, a lease agreement (Tax Number 00146-01-027), new Honors course frameworks (Drones 2 and 3, Marketing, Piano 7 and 8), an Advanced Horticulture Concepts local elective, and second reading of the 2026-2027 budget.
College partnerships: Memoranda of agreement for dual enrollment and related programs with Francis Marion University (dual enrollment, First College, and the Poynor School of Healthcare Innovation), Columbia International University, South Carolina State University, and Lander University.
Operations: A slate of 2026-2027 contracts and rates including the Defender and Florence County Sheriff's Office school resource officer contracts, Chartwells meal prices, Community Eligibility Provision participation, Timmonsville grounds maintenance, and hazardous bus routes, plus a suspension of Policy BD.
Officer elections: The agenda set nominations and elections for board Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary for 2026-2027.
Regular meeting at the Poynor School of Health Innovation, with the full board present.
Recognitions: Carver Elementary (Palmetto's Finest); Ben Johnson (SC Air and Space Forces Association STEM Teacher of the Year); Krystle Graham (School Behavioral Health Academy Leadership Award); Armier Miller of Advantage Academy (Work-Based Learning Student of the Year, Pee Dee Region); Wyatt Grainger of Southside Middle (SC Middle School Youth Art Education Association first place); the SC Middle School Junior Scholars; the West Florence High women's tennis team; and Wilson High IB graduates.
Consent items: Financial statements, the April minutes, personnel, and field trips were approved.
Title I: The board approved the Title I budget planning sheets (allocations based on the 135-day count and student-poverty percentages) and the Title I family engagement policy.
Aquatic center, property purchase: The board approved buying the property at 2205 West Palmetto Street to build a competition-level aquatic center, intended to provide universal swim instruction for all district third and fourth graders, along with swim-team training, events, and community use.
Aquatic center, architect: The board hired Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Inc. as architect. Plans call for an eight-lane, 50-meter competition pool, a three-lane warm-up pool, and seating for 650, estimated at $15.5 million with funding from The Doctors Bruce and Lee Foundation and the County of Florence, targeting completion in August 2027. Buying an existing building rather than building new cut the cost by millions and shortens the timeline.
Aviation school lease: The board approved a two-year lease and operating agreement with the Pee Dee Regional Airport District for a school of innovation for aviation (base rent $4,000 per month in the first term), housing pilot instruction, drones, air traffic control, and aviation mechanics, beginning June 1, 2026. Mr. Townsend recused himself due to his employment at the airport.
Sneed STEM Scholars: The board approved a new STEM Scholars program at Sneed Middle School that integrates advanced STEM coursework as a pathway to the West Florence High STEM magnet, with students able to earn up to five high school credits by the end of eighth grade.
After executive session: The board rated Superintendent Dr. Richard O'Malley a 5 of 5 (Extremely Effective) for 2025-2026, extended his contract by one year through June 30, 2031, and approved a one-time $20,000 bonus. It granted two Policy JEB early-first-grade admission appeals, and on four student discipline appeals modified one (shortening a Rush Academy assignment to the remainder of the year) and upheld the hearing officer on the other three. Adjourned about 10:25 p.m.
Regular meeting at the District Administrative Building, with the full board present.
Recognitions: Ben Johnson (Air and Space Forces Association Swamp Fox STEM Teacher of the Year); JW Moore Middle and Wilson High (2026 Academic Challenge State Champions); and the South Florence High Technology Student Association team (State Webmaster Champions).
Public participation: Buddy Brand commended Dr. O'Malley and the board, saying Florence has seen more positive development in the last 10 years than in the previous 50.
Facilities report: Year three of the second five-year facilities program includes about 113 projects totaling roughly $4.3 million, mostly over the summer: replacing 36 air-conditioning units and one cooling tower, $500,000 in painting, and media-center renovations, plus continued furniture replacement (Dewey Carter and Greenwood elementary schools this summer). The district carries no long-term debt.
Consent items: Financial statements, the March minutes, field trips, the 2026 district strategic and school renewal plans, and April personnel were approved.
Contract renewals: The board approved the superintendent's 2026-2027 recommendations across employee categories, including the non-renewal of induction-contract employees (per SC Code 59-26-40), letter-of-agreement at-will employees, and certain non-certified employees. Mr. Townsend abstained on one employee identified by number.
Citadel partnership: The board approved a memorandum of agreement with The Citadel to create a new high school of innovation for 300 to 500 students, integrating academics, leadership, military science, fitness, and service learning, and submitted it to the state board. Pending approval, it would open in 2027-2028 as The Citadel Leadership Academy at BJT, preserving the BJT name and "Whirlwinds" identity for Timmonsville.
Budget: The board approved a $500,000 amendment to the FY2025-26 budget for Exceptional Education services (one-to-one nursing has grown to 40 students from 29, plus equipment, medical transport, and interpreting), funded by excess investment interest. It also gave first reading to a balanced 2026-2027 budget of $216,770,665 (local taxes 35%, state 46%) with no tax increase; the public hearing is set for June 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
After executive session: The board granted two Policy JEB early-first-grade admissions; on three discipline appeals, modified one (probation, no prom or senior activities, but eligible to graduate) and upheld two; and upheld a no-trespass order but set it to end at the close of the academic year. Adjourned about 9:55 p.m.
Regular meeting at the District Administrative Building.
Board member recognition: The board honored Barry Townsend for donating his professional branding expertise, from the district's "F1" brand to school-specific brands, and unveiled a commemorative plaque in the board room.
Recognitions: South Florence High (Harmony Bostick, AAAA Girls Basketball All-State; Ariel Daniels, Girls Wrestling All-State; Coach David Robinson, Region V-AAAA Girls Basketball Coach of the Year) and Wilson High (Josh Leonard, 2025 SC Gatorade Player of the Year and 2026 AAAA Player of the Year; Kiauj Allen, SCBCA AAAA All-State; Daelyn Esau, SC State Wrestling Champion).
Superintendent's report: The HopeHealth clinic at Brockington Elementary (Timmonsville) reported its largest year yet for dental visits and added a dental chair. The Aerospace School of Innovation won state approval on March 3, 2026, focusing on flight, licensed aviation mechanics, drones, and air traffic control, with plans to open in 2026-2027 (the district is seeking a hangar at the airport, aircraft or parts, and dual-enrollment partnerships with Embry-Riddle and the Pittsburgh School of Aeronautics). The 2026-2027 budget calendar was presented, and student registration opened with a goal of 75% of current students registered by May 28.
Consent items: Financial statements, the February minutes, and personnel were approved.
Foreign exchange agencies: The board approved two agencies to sponsor foreign exchange students, as required annually under Policy GFABB.
8% bond resolution: The board approved the 2026 bond, with a borrowing limit of $24.585 million over three years covering the final Poynor funds, furniture, athletic and playground equipment, athletic fields at Williams Middle School, and construction for the Hope Village partnership (to be reimbursed from the PYA charter-school lawsuit).
After executive session: The board authorized a water-line easement across district property at The Farm (Highway 327) benefiting the district and an adjacent owner; on two student appeals, it upheld one and upheld the other with a modification allowing a return to the home school after mandatory counseling. Adjourned about 8:44 p.m.
Regular meeting at the Poynor School of Health Innovation (the February meeting was moved from the 12th). Two members were absent.
Recognition: The board honored state Rep. Phillip Lowe for his leadership in securing $15 million in capital to renovate the Poynor School (built around 1908); the district contributed $5 million.
Recognitions: Numerous All-State Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Band honorees across the district's schools, plus SC Off-Broadway Performer Tristan Rush of Savannah Grove Elementary.
Consent items: Financial statements, the January minutes, personnel, and field trips were approved.
Academic Opportunities Guide: The board approved the 2026-2027 guide, which adds new Honors courses including Advanced Personal Finance and Artificial Intelligence.
Math textbooks: The board adopted the enVision math series (SAVVAS Learning Company) for grades K through 5, completing a K-12 alignment with the 2023 state math standards.
Meeting date change: The April meeting was moved from April 9 to April 16 due to spring break.
After executive session: The board approved a Policy JEB admission appeal for the coming school year and upheld the hearing officer's decision on four other student appeals. Adjourned about 8:50 p.m.
Regular meeting at Southside Middle School, with the full board present.
Recognitions: The 2025 All-State Choral honorees were recognized from South Florence High, Wilson High, Carver Elementary, Lester Elementary, Moore Middle, and Sneed Middle schools.
Public participation: During Board Appreciation Month, several residents spoke, including appreciation for the board and comments on written policies, student records, students' rights and access to information, and follow-up communications.
Consent items: Financial statements, the December minutes, and personnel were approved.
Radiography course: The board approved submitting a 2026-2027 Limited License Radiography innovative course to be offered at the Poynor Healthcare Innovation School, a partnership with McLeod Health and York Technical College for grades 11 and 12, with McLeod Health covering course and examination costs.
Meeting date change: The February meeting was moved from February 12 to February 26.
Ethics: Board members reaffirmed their commitment to the SC School Boards Association ethical principles, a routine annual matter. Adjourned about 7:43 p.m. with no executive session.
2026 County Council
Newest first. Florence County Council regular meetings.
Source note: these summaries are drawn from the county's approved meeting minutes. County ordinances receive three readings before final adoption. Some names may be spelled inexactly. 2026 officers: Chairman Jerry Yarborough, Vice-Chairman C. William Schofield, and Secretary/Chaplain Waymon Mumford, with council members Kent Caudle, Stoney Moore, Andrew Rodgers Jr., Willard Dorriety Jr., Jason Springs, and Dr. Alphonso Bradley; County Administrator Kevin Yokim.
The July regular meeting. Summarized from the posted agenda; the county's approved minutes are adopted at a later meeting.
Public hearings: On Resolution 01-2026/27 and Resolution 02-2026/27, each authorizing the cessation of maintenance and the abandonment/closure of a road near Lake City in Council District 1 (Sunburst Drive, and a portion of Chandler Mill Road near Coward), and on Ordinance 98-2025/26, updating the Florence County Personnel Policy Manual.
Appearance: Resident J.T. McKnight asked to address council about a feasibility study for a state park in the Johnsonville area.
Recognition: A resolution recognizing the Hannah-Pamplico High School softball team as 2026 South Carolina High School League Class A state champions.
Resolutions: Besides the two road-closure resolutions, Resolution 03-2026/27 renewed the county's lease with Florence School District Two for use of the Olanta Athletic Complex (339 Welsh Street, Olanta) at $1 per year for a 20-year term, and Resolution 04-2026/27 designated specific projects to be funded from Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST III) Excess funds.
Ordinances: Third-reading items included Ordinance 52-2025/26, a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement with SteelFab, Inc. (the company previously identified only as “Project Bubble”), and Ordinance 53-2025/26, adding the SteelFab property to the Florence-Marion multi-county industrial and business park. The agenda also carried additional ordinance readings and committee reports.
The budget-adoption meeting.
Public hearings: On Ordinance 56 (rental fees and guidelines for the Lynches River County Park equestrian arena), Ordinance 67 (a finding that the South Lynches Fire District may issue up to $2,600,000 in general obligation bonds), and Ordinance 69 (dissolving the City-County Memorial Stadium Commission).
Budget: Ordinance 01-2026/27, the county tax levy and appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, passed third reading and was adopted.
Zoning: Continued adoption of Highway 76 Corridor Study rezonings (including Ordinance 49) along with a slate of second readings (Ordinances 56 through 70) and new introductions (Ordinances 70 through 76).
Resolutions: Resolution 36 designated new Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST III Excess) projects, five CPST III-A projects totaling $4,426,781 and one CPST III-B project of $64,013. Resolution 37 added a participant to the state procurement-card program.
A budget-season meeting.
Proclamations and recognitions: June 2026 was proclaimed Forging Strong Fathers and Families Month (South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families), and June 15 through 21 was proclaimed Men's Health Week. Council recognized the Johnsonville boys' golf team as SCHSL region and state champions.
Public comment: Resident John Newland raised concerns about the proposed 104-unit "Palmetto Pines" development on Arthur Road, a dead-end street, urging a full traffic and infrastructure impact study before any approval given estimates of 700 to 1,000 added daily vehicle trips.
Budget: Ordinance 01-2026/27 (the FY2026-27 tax levy and appropriations) passed second reading as amended. Ordinance 54 ratified the FY26 budget and prior council actions, and Ordinance 55 authorized up to $4,360,000 in general obligation bonds.
Economic development: Ordinance 52 (a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement with a company identified as "Project Bubble") and Ordinance 53 (adding Project Bubble property to the Florence-Marion multi-county industrial park) advanced on second reading.
Fire district: Resolution 33 called a public hearing on up to $2,600,000 in general obligation bonds for the South Lynches Fire District.
Denials: Council denied third reading of Ordinance 71-2024/25 (purchasing the Johnsonville City Hall building for resale to Florence County School District Five) and denied second reading of Ordinance 38 (creating a "chronic nuisance property" class with civil fines).
Council heard a presentation from the first cohort of the Florence County Institute.
Public hearing: On Ordinance 48 (expenditure of excess Capital Project Sales Tax funds).
Economic development: Resolution 30, an inducement resolution for "Project Bubble," which anticipates an investment of at least $38,925,000 and about 108 new full-time jobs, with a $250,000 county grant toward eligible infrastructure costs.
Infrastructure: Resolution 32 authorized condemnation to acquire the last three easements needed for a wastewater force main serving the Florence Global Technology Park (offered compensation totaling $18,910, after 25 of 28 landowners had already agreed). Resolution 31 designated additional CPST III Excess projects.
Ordinances: Second readings of a slate of zoning items (Ordinances 42 through 48), several subject to City of Florence zoning, plus introductions of Ordinances 49 through 54. Ordinance 71 (the Johnsonville purchase) remained deferred.
A short meeting.
Public hearings: On Resolutions 24, 25, and 26, authorizing leases of county agricultural land (at $40, $35, and $15 per acre, respectively) for the 2026 year.
Ordinance 41: Created the Florence City-County Convention and Visitors Commission to operate the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau, including provisions for organization and funding.
No public hearings were held.
Appointments: Vice-Chairman Schofield will replace Chairman Yarborough on the Florence Center Commission; Councilmen Moore and Rodgers, with Rusty Smith and Administrator Yokim, will represent the county on the Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments; and Councilmen Caudle and Dorriety will continue on the Economic Development Board.
Proclamation and recognition: The week of February 22 through 28 was proclaimed Montessori Education Week, and council recognized the West Florence High School girls' tennis team.
Resolution 23: Amended the county's participation in the state procurement-card program to add two participants.
Ordinances: Third-reading adoption of a large slate (Ordinances 29 through 40), including up to $12 million in county public-facilities revenue bonds (Ordinance 40). Ordinance 71 (the Johnsonville purchase) remained deferred.
The annual reorganization meeting.
Leadership: After the yearly reorganization and a round of nominations, council elected Jerry Yarborough as Chairman, C. William Schofield as Vice-Chairman, and Waymon Mumford as Secretary/Chaplain for 2026.
Public hearings: On Ordinances 22, 39, and 40 (Ordinance 38 was deferred).
Economic development: Ordinance 22 approved a fee agreement with Pearl Solar, LLC, replacing the 2020 agreement. Ordinance 28 enlarged the joint county industrial park with Williamsburg County and was amended to name PRET Advanced Materials, LLC (formerly identified as "Project Splitshot"). Resolution 19 added property to the Darlington-Florence Industrial Park.
Zoning: Third-reading rezonings of properties in Group Six of the Highway 76 Gateway Study (Ordinances 23 through 27).
Finance and infrastructure: Ordinance 39 continued the County Road Maintenance Fund and road-maintenance fee (responding to the state Supreme Court's Burns v. Greenville County ruling). Ordinance 40 authorized up to $12,000,000 in public-facilities installment-purchase revenue bonds. Resolutions 20 and 21 reallocated Capital Project Sales Tax funds among recreation, fire, and infrastructure projects.
2026 Other Boards & Committees
Beyond the four main bodies, several smaller boards shape Florence. The two that publish meeting video, the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Design Review Board, are summarized here; the rest are listed for reference.
Records note: the city moved its agendas and minutes to the CivicClerk portal on April 1, 2026 (January through March records remain on the Meeting Archives page). Formal approved minutes are posted consistently only for City Council; the boards publish agendas and, for some, video. The Board of Zoning Appeals and Design Review summaries below are transcribed from the city's meeting videos, so some names may be spelled inexactly.
Hears variance requests. Meets monthly, Thursdays at 6:00 PM.
Four variance requests, all approved.
2026-01, 1908 Damon Drive (NC15): A rear-setback variance to enclose an existing porch into a sunroom and add a new back porch, reducing the rear setback from about 35 feet to 18 feet (about a 40% variance). Corner lot with a pool; the rear neighbor emailed no objection. Approved.
2026-02, 1326 Hillside Avenue (NC15): A three-part variance (side-yard location, building spacing, rear setback) for a roughly 14-foot pool house on a hillside lot behind a masonry fence; HOA verbally approved. Approved.
2026-03, 1070 Rock Creek Drive (NC10): A variance for an oversized accessory building (about 1,620 sq ft, 17 feet tall) to shelter a boat and camper on a three-quarter-acre lot backing to floodplain. Approved.
2026-04, 917 Wisteria Drive (NC15): A roughly 4-foot (40%) side-setback variance to replace a carport with an enclosed storage building on the existing slab. Approved.
A single lot-width and area variance to subdivide family-owned property near Second Loop Road (Hondros Circle and Jeffries Lane), turning two lots into three on Hondros and reconfiguring two on Jeffries, to build five roughly $400,000 brick single-family homes. A neighbor raised value, traffic, and “townhome” concerns; staff clarified that the NC15 zoning permits single-family homes only. Approved (one member recused).
2026-08, 900 Rose Street (NC6.2): Variances for minimum lot width and area to subdivide a large vacant corner lot (Rose and Maxwell) into three single-family lots. Without the variance the owner could split it into two and build a duplex, which staff said would be out of character. Approved. This is the same block as the Planning Commission's 901 Rose Street duplex rezoning.
Reviews downtown and overlay-district signage, demolitions, and exterior changes. Meets monthly, Wednesdays at 2:00 PM.
Four items, all approved (some with conditions).
2026-01, Poynor School / FS1 (301 South Dargan St): A second internally illuminated monument sign plus additional wall and directional signs for the new magnet school. Approved.
2026-02, 135 North Dargan St (Historic Overlay): Signage for a mixed-use building with two ground-floor restaurants, a rooftop bar, and second-floor short-term rentals. Approved, with staff and applicant to resolve the size and placement of the two larger illuminated signs.
2026-03, 608 South McQueen St (Timrod Park Overlay): Demolition of a vacant, dilapidated 1930 house, to be replaced by single-family homes. A resident urged protecting historic character. Demolition approved; any rebuild must meet the stricter Timrod Park standards.
2026-04, 291 West Palmetto St (Redevelopment Overlay): Demolition of the truck-damaged 1940 former Palmetto Nutrition building, with old gas-station environmental remediation nearly complete. Approved.
A downtown sign case was resolved by approving a reduced option (about 9.75 sq ft) negotiated between staff and the applicant.
2026-05, 604 South Irby St, Anderson Plumbing: Expanded window signage reaching about 31% of the facade, over the 25% limit. Citing security concerns, the board directed the applicant to work with staff on non-reflective window tinting and reduced window clings toward about 25%, and approved on that basis. This ties to the citywide 25%-per-window sign ordinance then advancing through the Planning Commission.
2026-06, 726 South Irby St: Replacing former Walgreens signage with MUSC signage (illuminated wall and monument signs) for a new MUSC imaging center, and repainting the building white with blue trim. Approved as submitted.
2026-07, 308 McLeod St (Timrod Park Overlay): Vinyl-siding replacement on a roughly 1900 duplex, a front-porch dividing wall, porch color updates, and soffit work. After debate about setting a vinyl precedent in the historic district, the board approved the renovation to completion.
A single case on a converted multi-unit property: applying a light-tan “German schmear” mortar wash over orange brick, adding cedar shakes to the gables, and paving a small front-yard parking pad. Approved with conditions, the gable material and color subject to staff approval and the parking pad limited by a site plan that preserves landscaping.
These publish agendas only, or report their work up through City Council.
Roughly monthly, first Thursday at 8:30 AM, Barnes Street Activity Center. Agendas only. 2026 meetings noted in February, March, and June, with August and September upcoming.
Quarterly, at 2:00 PM. Agendas only. 2026 meetings noted in January and July.
A committee of City Council, meeting roughly monthly. No standalone minutes; its work is reported in the City Council summaries above.
A committee of City Council, meeting roughly monthly. No standalone minutes; its work is reported through City Council.
Also Worth Watching
The Malden Drive sewer force-main and lift-station upgrades began July 21, 2026, directly addressing the chronic flooding and pump-station failures that Kirkwood residents raised at the May 12 Planning Commission meeting. A system-wide water conservation request is in effect due to drought. Residents can get city text alerts by texting "Hey Cy" to (855) 964-3929.
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