Friday, May 30

Florence County Opportunities

Planning Services is expanding it's horizons for future County partnerships and programs. Yesterday, we attended the American River's Blue Trails presentation in Mullins. The program is a stakeholder driven effort to attract the people who enjoy paddling sports. We hope to bring the same initiative to Lynches River, Jefferies Creek, the Great Pee Dee River and Black Creek. The State's DNR is currently working on designating the Lynches River as a scenic river. In contrast, the Blue Trails designation hold no regulatory weight, but facilitates the preservation of a river's natural resource values through community involvement.

Today, Sumter County Planning and SC Forestry Commission are joining us to two Sumter County developments that have 'gone the extra mile' to preserve a live oak canopy and integrate low impact development (LID) techniques. This trip will be instrumental on our continuing efforts to develop the Florence County tree preservation and landscape ordinance.

Tuesday, May 27

Planning This Week | May 27, 2008

Comprehensive Plan Planning staff will be starting the Community Facilities and Land Use elements of the County's comprehensive plan. The Planning Commission recently reviewed and discussed the Economic element which will be presented at the July 22nd Planning Commission meeting. We are working to complete all the elements by April 2009.

Transportation Staff has recently received an application for enhancement funds from the City of Florence for the beautification of a parcel of land on South Irby Street and W. Cedar Street. We will also be working with Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority on bus route maps and locations for new signage.

Air Quality Today, Florence County's air quality is forecasted as good, but recently has dipped into the 'moderate' level. [Practice sharing the air - limit idling, refuel when it's dark.]

Friday, May 23

Welcome to Florence County

Live, work, play or travel through Florence County, South Carolina?

I have decided to initiate a blog to highlight the many aspects of the Florence County Planning Department in an open forum.

My goal is to increase the public awareness of the County's planning process and avail multiple opportunities for public input. Please feel free to ask questions, report observations, 'tell us how to do it better', request documentation, volunteer your time, and help increase the quality of life for Florence County.