The Florence 1 Schools Board of Trustees approved a new calendar for the 2020-2021 school year during a called meeting on June 25. The new calendar moves the start date for students from Aug. 3 to Sept. 8. Teachers will now report to school on Aug. 24. F1

The United Way of Florence County will partner with 22 agencies that will share in $850,750 during the 2020-21 fiscal year that begins July 1. The announcement was made during the UWFC Community Investment Committee Allocation Luncheon held June 26. UWFC

Florence-Darlington Technical College’s United Way campaign for 2019-20 was recently recognized for its successful fund raising efforts of $9,287 last fall. The United Way of Florence County presented FDTC with its Bronze Award. The United Way was suppo

The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce recently announced next year’s executive board and 10 new board members effective July 1. The Executive Board for 2020-21 is Mike Reichenbach, Chairman; Ken Jackson, Past Chair; Brian Fast, Chair-Elect; and Keith B

Thanks to a charitable effort spearheaded by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and the nonprofit South Carolina Advocates for Agriculture, area food banks will receive about $350,000 in produce grown by South Carolina farmers – roughly 300,000

First Reliance Bank has donated 26 Apple iPads to MUSC Health Florence. The computers will allow the medical staff to quickly and easily share information with patients and other health providers. Additionally, the devices will play a crucial role in keep

New business partnership creates Finklea, Hendrick & Blake, LLC. The Finklea Law Firm recently announced it will change its name to Finklea, Hendrick and Blake, LLC effective July 1. The move signifies a change in structure and ownership. Gary I. Finkl

HopeHealth recently announced the addition of three new persons to its medical staff. Joining the HopeHealth staff are family nurse practitioner Brandi Potter-Hare, family nurse practitioner Courtney Atkins, and behavioral health consultant Chatonia Small

Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School Head of School Ed Hoffman has been elected vice president of the Palmetto Association of Independent Schools Executive Committee. His duties begin July 1. The executive committee is a four-member subsect of the PAIS Gover

McLeod Health physicians and hospitals were recently recognized for providing excellence in healthcare by national healthcare research leader Professional Research Consultants, Inc. Dr. Keith Player, a general surgeon, has been honored as a Top Performer

For the second year in a row, Francis Marion University runner Emma Driggers has been selected to the prestigious Academic All-District Women’s Track and Field/ Cross Country Team for District III. Selected by College Sports Information Directors of Ameri

Neil is a lively happy seven-week-old male kitten who would love to bounce into your life! Come play with him! Cliff Clavin is a 22-week old male puppy found “running at large.” He would be a great addition to your family.

The Francis Marion baseball team recently announced the signing of five in-state pitchers to add to the Patriot program for 2021. The quintet will enroll at FMU in the fall of 2020 and consists of four right-handers: Joshua Collins of Florence, Adam Cresw

Michelle Cummings, West Florence High School was one of 36 educators from across the state to be recognized by S.C. Treasurer Curtis Loftis as the first to qualify as South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teachers. Launched in January of this year, th

The 2020 Pee Dee Region 4-H Grab & Go Camps are now open for registration for Pee Dee area youth. Traditional Summer 4-H Camp may be canceled but that doesn't mean you can’t have camp fun! Pee Dee area agents are teaming up to provide 4-H Grab & Go Camp k