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'{{pp-move|small=yes}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Florence | settlement_type = [[City]] | nickname = Flo-Town, The Magic City | website = {{URL|www.cityofflorence.com}} | image_blank_emblem = Florence, SC City Logo.jpg | image_skyline = Aerial view of Western Florence, South Carolina.jpg | image_size = | image_caption = Aerial view of the [[Florence Center]] | image_seal = Florence, SC City Seal.jpg | image_map = SCMap-doton-Florence.PNG | mapsize = 250px | map_caption = Location in South Carolina | image_map1 = | mapsize1 = | map_caption1 = | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]] | subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in South Carolina|County]] | subdivision_name = United States | subdivision_name1 = [[South Carolina]] | subdivision_name2 = [[Florence County, South Carolina|Florence]] | government_type = | leader_title = Mayor | leader_name = Teresa Myers Ervin ([[United States Democratic Party|D]]) | leader_title1 = [[City Manager]] | leader_name1 = Randy Osterman | total_type = Total | unit_pref = Imperial | area_total_sq_mi = 23.49 | area_land_sq_mi = 23.39 | area_water_km2 = 0.24 | area_total_km2 = 60.83 | area_land_km2 = 60.59 | area_water_sq_mi = 0.09 | area_water_percent = 0.38 | population_as_of = [[2020 United States census|2020]] | population_total = 39899 | pop_est_as_of = 2023 | population_est = 40609 | pop_est_footnotes = | population_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusDecennial2020CenPopScriptOnly"/> | population_metro_footnotes = <ref name="PopEstCBSA">{{cite web |date=March 14, 2024 |title=Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas Population Totals: 2020-2023 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-metro-and-micro-statistical-areas.html#v2023 |access-date=March 15, 2024 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]], Population Division}}</ref> | population_metro = 199630 (US: [[List of Metropolitan Statistical Areas|233rd]]) | population_urban = 89436 (US: [[List of United States urban areas|335th]])<ref name="urban area">{{cite web |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/29/2022-28286/2020-census-qualifying-urban-areas-and-final-criteria-clarifications|title=2020 Census Qualifying Urban Areas and Final Criteria Clarifications|author=United States Census Bureau|website=Federal Register|date=December 29, 2022}}</ref> | population_density_urban_km2 = 507.5 | population_density_urban_sq_mi = 1314.5 | population_density_km2 = 658.47 | population_rank = SC: [[List of cities and towns in South Carolina|11th]] | population_blank1_title = [[Demonym]] | population_blank1 = Florentine | timezone = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|EST]] | utc_offset = −5 | timezone_DST = [[Eastern Daylight Time|EDT]] | utc_offset_DST = −4 | elevation_ft = 138 | coordinates = {{coord|34|11|2|N|79|46|27|W|region:US-SC_type:city|display=inline,title}} | elevation_m = 42 | postal_code_type = [[ZIP Code]]s | postal_code = 29501–29506 | area_code = [[Area codes 843 and 854|843, 854]] | established_title = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]] | established_date = December 24, 1890 | blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]] | blank_info = 45-25810<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> | blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID | blank1_info = 1222461<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=2008-01-31|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]] |date=2007-10-25}}</ref> | footnotes = | motto = "Full Life. Full Forward." | area_footnotes = <ref name="TigerWebMapServer">{{cite web|title=ArcGIS REST Services Directory|url=https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/arcgis/rest/services/TIGERweb/Places_CouSub_ConCity_SubMCD/MapServer/5/query?where=STATE='45'&outFields=NAME,STATE,PLACE,AREALAND,AREAWATER,LSADC,CENTLAT,CENTLON&orderByFields=PLACE&returnGeometry=false&returnTrueCurves=false&f=json|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 15, 2022}}</ref> | population_density_sq_mi = 1705.45 | named_for = [[William Harllee|Florence Harllee]] | founder = Jerome P. Chase | blank_emblem_type = Logo }} '''Florence''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|f|l|ɒr|ən|s}} is a city in and the [[county seat]] of [[Florence County, South Carolina]], United States. It lies at the intersection of [[Interstate 20 in South Carolina|Interstates 20]] and [[Interstate 95 in South Carolina|95]] and is the eastern terminus of the former. It is the primary city within the [[Florence, South Carolina metropolitan area|Florence metropolitan area]]. The area forms the core of the historical [[Pee Dee]] region of South Carolina, which includes the eight counties of northeastern South Carolina, along with sections of southeastern [[North Carolina]].<ref name="population-metroarea">{{cite web |title=Table 2: Population Estimates for the 100 Most Populous Metropolitan Statistical Areas Based on July 1, 2006 Population Estimates: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2006 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/cb07-51tbl2.pdf |date=April 5, 2007 |access-date=November 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20090710195745/http%3A//www%2Ecensus%2Egov/Press%2DRelease/www/releases/archives/cb07%2D51tbl2%2Epdf |archive-date=July 10, 2009 }}</ref> As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population of the city was 39,899, making it the [[List of municipalities in South Carolina|10th-most populous]] city in the state.<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts"/> Florence is one of the major cities in South Carolina. In 1965, Florence was named an [[All-America City Award|All-American City]], presented by the [[National Civic League]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allamericacityaward.com/things-to-know-about-all-america-city-award/past-winners-of-the-all-america-city-award/past-winners-of-the-all-america-city-award-1960s/ |title=Past Winners of the |publisher=All-America City Award |access-date=2013-04-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426055702/http://www.allamericacityaward.com/things-to-know-about-all-america-city-award/past-winners-of-the-all-america-city-award/past-winners-of-the-all-america-city-award-1960s/ |archive-date=2013-04-26 }}</ref> The city was founded as a railroad hub and became the junction of three major railroad systems, including the [[Wilmington and Manchester Railroad|Wilmington and Manchester]], the [[Northeastern Railroad (South Carolina)|Northeastern]], and the [[Cheraw and Darlington Railroad|Cheraw and Darlington]]. ==History== The City of Florence was chartered in 1871 by the Reconstruction government and incorporated in 1890<ref name=florence>{{cite book| first1=Brenda| last1=Harrison| first2=Jennifer| last2=Leach| title=Florence| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bqo0JADAF9MC&pg=PA7| access-date=28 April 2013| date=1 February 2004| publisher=Arcadia Publishing| isbn=978-0-7385-1609-7}}</ref>{{rp|7}} following the 1888 creation of Florence County. Prior to its charter, the city was part of one of the original townships laid out by the [[Province of Carolina|Lords Proprietors]] in 1719. The area was gradually settled through the late 19th and early 20th century. Early settlers practiced [[subsistence farming]] and produced [[indigo]], cotton, [[naval stores]] and timber, which were shipped down the [[Great Pee Dee River]] to the port at [[Georgetown, South Carolina|Georgetown]] and exported. In the mid-19th century two intersecting railroads were built, the [[Wilmington and Manchester Railroad|Wilmington and Manchester]], and the [[Northeastern Railroad (South Carolina)|Northeastern]].<ref name="greatamericanstations.com">{{cite web| url=http://www.greatamericanstations.com/Stations/FLO/Station_view |title=Florence, South Carolina – Great American Stations (Amtrak) |publisher=Greatamericanstations.com |access-date=October 14, 2011}}</ref> General [[William Harllee]], the president of the W & M, built his home at the junction, and named the community "Florence", after his daughter.<ref name="greatamericanstations.com"/> ===American Civil War=== During the [[American Civil War|Civil War]], the town was an important supply and railroad repair center for the [[Confederate States of America|Confederacy]], and the site of the [[Florence Stockade]], which held between 12,000<ref name=touring>{{cite book| first1=Clint| last1=Johnson| title=Touring the Carolinas' Civil War Sites| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YDH9alTwl-8C&pg=PA102| access-date=28 April 2013| date=May 2011| publisher=John F. Blair| isbn=978-0-89587-475-7| page=102}}</ref> and 18,000 [[Union (American Civil War)|Union]] [[prisoner of war|prisoners of war]].<ref name="DabneyCoker2006">{{cite book| first1=Eric| last1=Dabney| first2=Mike| last2=Coker |title=Historic South Carolina: An Illustrated History| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B-_6PlxEruYC&pg=PA51| access-date=28 April 2013|date=31 January 2006| publisher=HPN Books| isbn=978-1-893619-52-4| page=51}}</ref> Over 2,800 of the prisoners died of disease,<ref name=touring/> and the burial ground adjacent to the prison became the [[Florence National Cemetery]] after the war and now has expanded. ===Early 20th century=== After the war, Florence grew and prospered, using the railroad to supply its cotton, timber, and by the turn of the century, tobacco. During the 20th century the economy of Florence came to rely heavily on the healthcare industry, driven by two major hospitals and a number of pharmaceutical plants.<ref name="Felder2012">{{cite book| first1=James| last1=Felder| title=Civil Rights in South Carolina: From Peaceful Protests to Groundbreaking Rulings| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NIH2FBSZbzYC&pg=PA83| access-date=28 April 2013| date=22 May 2012| publisher=The History Press| isbn=978-1-60949-686-9| page=83}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Industry grew, especially after World War II, when Florence became increasingly known for textiles, [[pharmaceuticals]], paper, and [[manufacturing]], in addition to agricultural products. '''Florence also has a budding theater scene, starting with creating the Community Players in 1923. Over the years, the theater troop had several names, such as the Pinewood Plays, the Little Theater Guild, and eventually, the Florence Little Theater Guild. After a fire that took their original performance home at the Pinewood Club, the troop used spaces like the YMCA, high school gyms, and the Army Air Base movie house to perform. In 1968 the first Florence Little Theater was built, but in 2008, they built a new Florence Little Theater due to a need for more space where it is still being used. In 2023 the Florence Little Theater celebrated 100 years of performances opening with The Sound of Music.''' <ref>{{Cite web |title=Florence Little Theatre - Florence, SC |url=https://www.florencelittletheatre.org/about |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=www.florencelittletheatre.org |language=en}}</ref> ===Downtown revitalization=== In 2010, the city of Florence began a massive redevelopment of Downtown Florence. The city has completed several notable projects and has several more planned. The Downtown Redevelopment District was originally a seventy square block area encompassing some {{convert|500|acre|km2}} in the heart of the City of Florence, but now has added over 100 more acres of the Timrod Park area with its historic homes. The redevelopment of Florence has even created a new branding effort, to include new city department logos (not to be confused with the city seal) way finding signs and repainting of water towers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.florencedowntown.com |title=Florence Downtown Revitalization |publisher=Florencedowntown.com |date=May 28, 2010 |access-date=October 14, 2011}}</ref> The historic downtown district running from the central business district toward the McLeod Medical Center, features a number of historic buildings that have been rehabilitated. The redevelopment started with the $18 million Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation Library, and today now has the new Florence Little Theater, some 60 new apartments and the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center which opened in September 2011, as well the new Florence Museum of Art, Science & History which opened October 11, 2014. New office space has emerged from once abandoned buildings, and a police substation was added on once crime-ridden Dargan Street. Special efforts are being aimed at the downtown area, which was once the center of the city's activity but remains dormant after retailers and shoppers left for suburban malls. The goal is to re-establish Evans as a vibrant commercial and residential corridor, and five blocks of Evans Street will be streetscaped.<ref>[http://www.florencedowntown.comflorence-development-projects.aspx] {{dead link|date=January 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> ==Geography== {{maplink|frame=yes|zoom=10|id=Q597842|type=shape-inverse|text=Interactive map of Florence}} Florence is located in the coastal plain of South Carolina. It is in the northeastern part of the state and the northern part of Florence County. The average elevation above sea level is around {{convert|140|ft|m|abbr=on}}. [[Jeffries Creek]] is a tributary of the [[Great Pee Dee River]] and is the main waterway that flows through the city, passing south of the city center. According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|23.49|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|23.39|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|0.09|sqmi}} (0.38%) is water.<ref name="TigerWebMapServer"/> ===Climate=== The climate experienced is [[Humid subtropical climate|humid subtropical]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Cfa'') of the type found in the [[Deep South|deep south]], especially far from the coast.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=327&cityname=Florence,+South+Carolina,+United+States+of+America|title=Florence, South Carolina Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)|website=Weatherbase|access-date=2019-02-19}}</ref> Autumn, winter and spring are mild, with occasional winter nights below freezing but rarely features extended cold and rigorous conditions. Florence's summers can be very hot and humid. The city, like others in the [[Southeastern United States|Southeast]], is prone to [[Temperature inversion|inversions]], which trap [[ozone]] and other pollutants over the area. {{Weather box |location = Florence, South Carolina (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1942–present) |single line = Y |Jan record high F = 82 |Feb record high F = 85 |Mar record high F = 88 |Apr record high F = 95 |May record high F = 102 |Jun record high F = 106 |Jul record high F = 104 |Aug record high F = 107 |Sep record high F = 102 |Oct record high F = 99 |Nov record high F = 89 |Dec record high F = 85 |year record high F = 107 |Jan high F = 56.9 |Feb high F = 60.0 |Mar high F = 67.8 |Apr high F = 76.3 |May high F = 83.3 |Jun high F = 89.4 |Jul high F = 92.9 |Aug high F = 91.1 |Sep high F = 86.0 |Oct high F = 76.8 |Nov high F = 67.5 |Dec high F = 59.8 |year high F = 75.6 |Jan mean F = 45.5 |Feb mean F = 48.2 |Mar mean F = 55.6 |Apr mean F = 63.7 |May mean F = 71.9 |Jun mean F = 79.1 |Jul mean F = 82.7 |Aug mean F = 80.8 |Sep mean F = 75.4 |Oct mean F = 65.0 |Nov mean F = 54.7 |Dec mean F = 48.2 |year mean F = 64.2 |Jan low F = 34.2 |Feb low F = 36.4 |Mar low F = 43.4 |Apr low F = 51.2 |May low F = 60.4 |Jun low F = 68.8 |Jul low F = 72.4 |Aug low F = 70.5 |Sep low F = 64.8 |Oct low F = 53.1 |Nov low F = 42.0 |Dec low F = 36.5 |year low F = 52.8 |Jan record low F = 1 |Feb record low F = 4 |Mar record low F = 16 |Apr record low F = 23 |May record low F = 35 |Jun record low F = 48 |Jul record low F = 55 |Aug record low F = 53 |Sep record low F = 39 |Oct record low F = 23 |Nov record low F = 16 |Dec record low F = 6 |year record low F = 1 |precipitation colour = green |Jan precipitation inch = 3.66 |Feb precipitation inch = 3.65 |Mar precipitation inch = 3.47 |Apr precipitation inch = 3.45 |May precipitation inch = 3.85 |Jun precipitation inch = 4.48 |Jul precipitation inch = 4.69 |Aug precipitation inch = 5.51 |Sep precipitation inch = 5.06 |Oct precipitation inch = 3.36 |Nov precipitation inch = 3.05 |Dec precipitation inch = 3.89 |year precipitation inch = 48.12 |unit precipitation days = 0.01 in |Jan precipitation days = 10.8 |Feb precipitation days = 9.5 |Mar precipitation days = 9.9 |Apr precipitation days = 8.4 |May precipitation days = 9.1 |Jun precipitation days = 10.9 |Jul precipitation days = 12.2 |Aug precipitation days = 11.5 |Sep precipitation days = 8.8 |Oct precipitation days = 8.2 |Nov precipitation days = 8.1 |Dec precipitation days = 10.6 |year precipitation days = 118.0 |source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name=nws>{{cite web | url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=ilm | title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data | publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | access-date = May 14, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCDC> {{cite web | url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00383111&format=pdf | publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | title = Station: Florence 8 NE, SC | work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) | access-date = May 14, 2021}}</ref> }} ==Demographics== {{US Census population |1880= 1914 |1890= 3395 |1900= 4647 |1910= 7057 |1920= 10968 |1930= 14774 |1940= 16054 |1950= 22513 |1960= 24722 |1970= 25997 |1980= 29842 |1990= 29813 |2000= 30248 |2010= 37056 |2020= 39899 |estyear=2023 |estimate=40609 |estref=<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts"/> |align-fn=center |footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref><br/>2020<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/florencecitysouthcarolina|title=QuickFacts: Florence city, South Carolina|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 16, 2024}}</ref><ref name="USCensusDecennial2020CenPopScriptOnly">{{cite web|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=P1_001N,NAME&for=place:*&in=state:45&key=5ccd0821c15d9f4520e2dcc0f8d92b2ec9336108|title=Census Population API|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=Oct 15, 2022}}</ref> }} ===2020 census=== {| class="wikitable" |+Florence Racial Composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US4525810&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=2021-12-07|website=data.census.gov}}</ref> !Race !Num. !Perc. |- |[[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (non-Hispanic) |17,943 |44.97% |- |[[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (non-Hispanic) |18,622 |46.67% |- |[[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]] |65 |0.16% |- |[[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]] |923 |2.31% |- |[[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]] |12 |0.03% |- |[[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]] |1,229 |3.08% |- |[[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] |1,105 |2.77% |} As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], there were 39,899 people, 15,624 households, and 9,671 families residing in the city. ===2000 census=== At the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]],<ref name="GR2"/> there were 30,248 people, 11,925 households, and 7,882 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,709.4|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people}}. There were 13,090 housing units at an average density of {{convert|739.7|/mi2|/km2}}. The racial makeup of the city was 50.0% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 46.0% Black or African- American, 0.18% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.16% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.01% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.21% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.71% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] people of any race were 0.76% of the population. There were 11,925 households, out of which 30.2% had children living with them, 41.9% were married couples living together, 20.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.9% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.03. In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.5 males. The median income for a household in the city was $35,388, and the median income for a family was $42,250. Males had a median income of $35,633 versus $23,589 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,336. Of the population 19.3% and 15.3% of families, and 28.2% of those under and 15.9% of those 65 and older, were living below the poverty line. Florence is the central city of a [[Florence, South Carolina metropolitan area|metropolitan area]] with a total population of 205,566 (2010 US census), including the entire populations of Florence and Darlington counties. However, in the more detailed 2000 Census data, only about 54% of this metro was urbanized, consisting of the urban areas Florence (2000 pop.: 67,314), Hartsville (14,907), Darlington (12,066), and [[Lake City, South Carolina|Lake City]] (8,728). The remainder of the Florence metro is considered rural. ===Religion=== Like other midsize cities in the southern United States, Florence's population is largely dominated by Protestantism, the largest group being the [[Southern Baptists]], followed by the [[Methodists]]. The rest of the population are distributed among other Protestant denominations as well as the [[Roman Catholic]] and [[Greek Orthodox Church]]es. The Greek Orthodox Church holds a large [[Greek Festival]] annually in September. There is one [[Reform Judaism]] synagogue in Florence, [[Beth Israel Congregation (Florence, South Carolina)|Beth Israel Congregation]]. There is also a small [[Hindu temple]]. ==Government== The city of Florence has a [[council-manager]] form of government. [[City council]] members are elected every four years, without [[term limit]]s. The council consists of seven members (three from districts and three [[at-large]]), as well as the mayor. The council responsible for making policies and enacting laws, rules and regulations in order to provide for future community and economic growth. The council additionally provides the necessary support for the orderly and efficient operation of city services. Florence holds elections for mayor every four years, alongside national Presidential elections. Mayors serve as a member of the city council, without term limits. The council appoints a [[city manager]] to serve as chief administrative officer to run the day-to-day business of the city and to serve at the pleasure of the council.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofflorence.com/council/ |title=City Council |publisher=Cityofflorence.com |access-date=2011-10-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928230032/http://www.cityofflorence.com/council |archive-date=2011-09-28 }}</ref> Current members of the Florence City Council:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofflorence.com/council/ |title=City Council |publisher=Cityofflorence.com |access-date=2013-09-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928230032/http://www.cityofflorence.com/council |archive-date=2011-09-28 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Crowe|first=Cameron|title=Teresa Myers Ervin sworn in as Florence's new mayor|url=https://www.wmbfnews.com/2020/11/12/new-florence-mayor-city-council-members-be-sworn/|access-date=2020-11-13|website=wmbfnews.com|date=November 13, 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |- ! Council member !! District represented |- | Teresa Myers Ervin, Mayor || At-large |- | William Schofield || District 1 |- | Pat Gibson-Hye Moore || District 2 |- | Brian Braddock || District 3 |- | George Jebaily || At-large |- | Lethonia "Peaches" Barnes || At-large |- | Chaquez McCall || At-large |} ==Economy== During the latter part of the 20th century and early 21st century, Florence's economy was transformed from being based largely on rail and farming into a diversified economy as the major commerce, finance, rail and trucking services, health care, and industrial center of the Eastern Carolinas.<ref name="Florence Business Climate">{{cite web |url=http://www.fcedp.com/business_climate |title=Florence Business Climate |publisher=Fcedp.com |access-date=October 14, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929153539/http://www.fcedp.com/business_climate |archive-date=September 29, 2011 }}</ref> There are over nine foreign affiliated companies and fourteen [[Fortune 500]] companies in the region. The gross domestic product (GDP) of the Florence metropolitan area {{As of|2009|lc=y}} was $6.8&nbsp;billion, one of the highest among MSAs in the state.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://usmayors.org/metroeconomies/0110/report.pdf |title=Pace of Economic Recovery: GMP and Jobs |access-date=2011-10-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707152215/http://usmayors.org/metroeconomies/0110/report.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-07 }}</ref> Milken Institute 2008 Best Performing Cities Index showed the Florence MSA as the 5th largest gainer in their evaluation of the top 124 small metropolitan areas in the United States. The report ranks U.S. metropolitan areas by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. The components include job, wage and salary and technology growth.<ref name="Florence Business Climate"/> Florence has blossomed into a strong center for medical care, with four major medical providers [[McLeod Health|McLeod Regional Medical Center]], [[Medical University of South Carolina Hospital]], Regency Hospital and [[HealthSouth]]. The growth of these providers has led to the transformation of the Florence skyline over the last 10 years, with development for demand with multi-story high-rises as well as community relation projects. With such a strong medical community several companies have their global, continental, or national headquarters in Florence, including [[GE Healthcare]] manufacturing operations ([[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] manufacturing), [[TRICARE]], a supplemental insurance company that serves the [[US Armed Forces]] and its civilian employees, and [[Assurant]], a real property and personal insurance company. The city also serves the [[pharmaceutical industry]], with a Patheon pharmaceutical manufacturing facility and research and development center for Patheon API Services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.patheon.com/About/Our-History.aspx |title=Global Pharma Contract Development & Manufacturing (CDMO) |website=Patheon.com |access-date=2017-01-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924064952/http://www.patheon.com/About/Our-History.aspx |archive-date=2015-09-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Florence also serves as the financial and service hub for the Eastern Carolinas, with many financial and professional management institutions invested heavily within the city. Companies with regional operations and headquarters include [[Truist Financial]], [[Monster.com]], [[Otis Elevator]], [[CSX Transportation]] and [[Wells Fargo]]. Florence has operation headquarters for [[AT&T]] and is the southeastern headquarters of [[Duke Energy|Duke Energy Inc.]] Florence has benefited from being located at the intersection of [[Interstate 95 in South Carolina|I-95]] and [[Interstate 20 in South Carolina|I-20]], approximately halfway between New York City and Miami, Florida. The city is located {{convert|80|mi|km}} east from the state capital [[Columbia, South Carolina|Columbia]], {{convert|70|mi|km}} west from [[Myrtle Beach]], {{convert|120|mi|km}} north of Charleston, and {{convert|110|mi|km}} southeast of [[Charlotte, North Carolina]]. This has allowed Florence to remain competitive and bringing in and sustaining major manufacturers such as, General Electric, [[Honda]], [[QVC]] Distribution Center and Otis Elevator. ==Education== ===Public schools=== The [[Florence Public School District One]] is the governing body of the public schools in the area. {{As of|2010}}, the district has an active enrollment of 14,500 students, attending a total of 20 schools, including 13 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 3 high schools serving the City of Florence, Effingham and Quinby areas.<ref name="Florence Public School System">{{cite web | title= 2009–2010 FSD1 Fast Facts | publisher=Florence School District One | url=http://www.fsd1.org/ |access-date =November 9, 2009}}</ref> The school system also supports an alternative school for middle and/or high school students, a vocational career center, and an adult learning center. The district and its schools have been recognized as being among the state's best with numerous awards, including the Palmetto's Finest Award. ===Private schools=== * All Saints' Episcopal Day School (PK–6) * [[Florence Christian School]] (PK–12) * Maranatha Christian School (PK–12) * Montessori School of Florence (PK–6) * The King's Academy (PK–12) * Saint Anthony Catholic School (PK–8) * [[Trinity Collegiate School]] (6–12) ===Higher education=== Facilities of higher education in and around Florence include [[Francis Marion University]] and [[Florence–Darlington Technical College]]. Francis Marion University is a public university located in Florence, while Florence–Darlington Technical College, located in Florence, also operates satellite campuses in [[Hartsville, South Carolina|Hartsville]], [[Lake City, South Carolina|Lake City]] and [[Mullins, South Carolina|Mullins]]. ===Library=== Florence has a [[public library]], a branch of the Florence County Library System.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sciway.net/lib/counties.html | title=South Carolina libraries and archives | publisher=SCIWAY | access-date=8 June 2019}}</ref> The Florence County Public Library has a room, the South Carolina Room, dedicated to South Carolina history and genealogy. ==Healthcare== [[File:McLeod9404.JPG|thumb|right|McLeod Regional Medical Center]] McLeod Regional Medical Center is a 453-bed non-profit medical center located on a {{convert|75|acre|m2|adj=on}} campus in downtown Florence. The hospital complex in downtown contains the Cardiovascular Institute, the Center for Advanced Surgery, the Cancer Center, and the only specialized pediatrics unit in the northeastern portion of South Carolina. It encompasses acute care facilities, such as McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, McLeod Medical Center in Dillon, McLeod Medical Center in Darlington, and also operates campuses all over the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. The Medical University of South Carolina Florence, formerly Carolinas Hospital System, a regional healthcare facility with 420-beds, serves eight counties in northeastern South Carolina. Regency Hospital opened in Florence in July 2001. It is a 40-bed Long Term Acute Care (LTAC) hospital located on the fourth and fifth floors of the Cedar Towers, at 121 Cedar Street. Regency, with its corporate office based in Alpharetta, Georgia, has 20 hospitals nationwide, and continues to aggressively grow throughout the country. McLeod Regional Medical Center and MUSC Florence are the first and third largest employers in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fcedp.com/largestemployers |title=Florence County Economic Development Partnership: Largest Employers |publisher=Fcedp.com |access-date=2013-04-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130519190310/http://www.fcedp.com/largestemployers |archive-date=2013-05-19 }}</ref> ==Transportation== ===Highways=== * {{Jct|state=SC|I|95}} is a four-lane freeway that enters the city from the northeast, and exits southwest. The highway leads northeast {{convert|87|mi}} to [[Fayetteville, North Carolina]], and southwest {{convert|179|mi}} to [[Savannah, Georgia]]. * {{Jct|state=SC|I|20}} is a four-lane interstate highway, which enters the city from the west and has a terminus in Florence as (David McLeod Blvd {{Jct|state=SC|BS|20}}). Interstate 20 leads west {{convert|83|mi}} to [[Columbia, South Carolina|Columbia]], then on to [[Atlanta]] and ultimately [[Texas]]. * {{Jct|state=SC|US|52}} is a north to south route through the downtown area. The highway crosses Interstate 95 northwest of the downtown area and leads north {{convert|157|mi}} to [[Winston-Salem, North Carolina]]. To the south it merges with US 301 and eventually leads {{convert|113|mi}} to [[Charleston, South Carolina|Charleston]]. * {{Jct|state=SC|US|76}} enters the city from the west at Interstate 95, then merges with David McLeod Blvd at Palmetto Street, and finally exits east of the city at the junction with Freedom Blvd. The road leads southwest {{convert|39|mi}} to [[Sumter, South Carolina|Sumter]] and east {{convert|115|mi}} to [[Wilmington, North Carolina]]. * {{Jct|state=SC|US|301}} offers another northeast to southwest route through Florence. Entering the city merged with US 52 as South Irby Street, it then forms a crescent-shaped bypass around the downtown area as Freedom Boulevard. US 301 then merges with US 76 east of downtown Florence, and exits as such. ===Mass transit=== The [[Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority]] (PDRTA) is the principal agency responsible for operating mass transit in greater Florence area including [[Darlington, South Carolina|Darlington]], [[Marion, South Carolina|Marion]], [[Chesterfield, South Carolina|Chesterfield]], [[Dillon, South Carolina|Dillon]], and the Lake City area. PDRTA also operates routes to [[Columbia, South Carolina|Columbia]], [[Myrtle Beach]] and [[Sumter, South Carolina|Sumter]]. PDRTA operates express shuttles, and bus service serving Florence and its immediate surrounding areas. The authority was established in June 1974; it is South Carolina's oldest and largest RTA. PDRTA began operations serving the six-county Pee Dee region of Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, and Marlboro Counties. The PDRTA has provided transportation for more than 15 million passengers, and transports approximately 2,457 people daily. It operates services with 165 vehicles ranging in size from transit, intercity buses, and trolleys to lift-equipped vans and goshens.<ref>[http://www.pdrta.org/AboutPDRTA.html] {{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> ===Air=== The city and its surroundings are served by [[Florence Regional Airport]] ([[IATA]]: FLO; [[ICAO]]: KFLO), which is located {{convert|2|mi|km}} east of downtown Florence on US 76. The airport itself is serviced by [[American Eagle (airline brand)|American Eagle]] to Charlotte and is the second busiest airport in the region behind [[Myrtle Beach International Airport]]. It is located an hour west of Myrtle Beach.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.florencescairport.com/subindex.asp?id=18&nav=about%20us |title=Florence Airport Stats |publisher=Florencescairport.com |access-date=October 14, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017073540/http://www.florencescairport.com/subindex.asp?id=18&nav=about%20us |archive-date=October 17, 2011 }}</ref> ===Intercity rail=== {{See also|Florence (Amtrak station)}} [[Amtrak]]'s [[palmetto (Amtrak)|The Palmetto trains 89, 90]] and ''[[Silver Meteor]]'' (trains 97, 98) connect Florence with the cities of New York, [[Philadelphia]], [[Wilmington, Delaware|Wilmington]], [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, D.C.|Washington]], [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]], [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], and [[Miami, Florida|Miami]]. Additionally the Florence station also serves as the refueling and crew changing point for Amtrak's [[Auto Train]] service which operates service between [[Sanford station (Amtrak)|Sanford]] station in Florida and [[Lorton station (Auto Train)|Lorton]] station Virginia, Passengers may temporarily disembark the train to smoke, get some air or walk their service animals. ===Intercity bus=== [[Greyhound Lines]] and Southeastern Stages operates a station on Irby Street, in the southern part of downtown, providing Florence with intercity bus transportation. ==Sports== ===Baseball=== Baseball has a long history in Florence, dating back to the 1920s when the Florence Swamp Foxes were founded. The minor league [[Florence Steelers]] played in Florence from 1948 to 1950. The [[Toronto Blue Jays]] had a minor league team that played in Florence from 1981 to 1986. Major league players [[Pat Borders]], [[Jimmy Key]], [[Cecil Fielder]] and [[Fred McGriff]] made stops in Florence during their minor league careers. Florence's Post 1 American Legion baseball team is one of the longest tenured teams in the state, beginning in 1932. Drawing the best high school talent from all over the Pee Dee area each summer, Post 1 has had over 30 players move on the professional ranks, including [[Reggie Sanders]]. They have won over 30 league titles and six state championships. They were the host site of the 2008 American Legion State Tournament. In 2012, Post 1 won the South Carolina state tournament and the Southeast Regional and participated in the American Legion World Series in Shelby, North Carolina. Florence is home to the [[Coastal Plain League]] [[Florence Flamingos]] summer collegiate baseball team. Relocated to Florence in 1998, the team brings in players from collegiate sports conferences, including the [[Southeastern Conference]] and the [[Atlantic Coast Conference]]. The team hosted the 2004 All-Star game and Home Run Derby. In 2007, they hosted the Petitt Cup Tournament at their home field. The Flamingos play at the 1,755-capacity [[Sparrow Stadium]] at [[Francis Marion University]].<ref name="Cormell">{{cite web |title=Cormell Field at Sparrow Stadium |url=https://www.fmupatriots.com/facilities/Cormell_Field_at_Sparrow_Stadium |website=fmupatriots.com |publisher=Francis Marion University |access-date=August 12, 2018 |language=en |quote=The baseball facility consists of 917 seats with capacity of 1,755... |archive-date=August 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812181400/https://www.fmupatriots.com/facilities/Cormell_Field_at_Sparrow_Stadium |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Sparrow">{{cite web |title=Sparrow Stadium |url=https://www.florenceredwolves.com/stadium/stadium |website=florenceredwolves.com |publisher=Florence RedWolves |access-date=August 12, 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812181529/https://www.florenceredwolves.com/stadium/stadium |archive-date=August 12, 2018}}</ref> The stadium is also hosts some home games for the [[Florence–Darlington Technical College]] Stingers baseball team.<ref name="Baseball">{{cite web |title=Baseball Schedule |url=http://stingerathletics.com/baseball/schedule |website=stingerathletics.com |publisher=Florence–Darlington Technical College |access-date=August 12, 2018 |archive-date=August 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812181800/http://stingerathletics.com/baseball/schedule |url-status=dead }}</ref> Post 1 plays its home games at [[American Legion Field (Florence)|American Legion Field]], adjacent to Memorial Stadium, where Florence's three public high schools play their home football games. [[Carolina Bank Field]] is a baseball stadium being built as part of the Florence Sports Complex to host the Flamingos starting in 2022.<ref name="named">{{cite press release |title=Florence RedWolves new stadium to be named 'Carolina Bank Field' |url=https://www.wmbfnews.com/2021/04/13/florence-redwolves-new-stadium-be-named-carolina-bank-field/ |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=[[WMBF-TV]] |publisher=Florence RedWolves |date=April 13, 2021}}</ref><ref name="new">{{cite news |url=https://ballparkdigest.com/2021/04/13/new-for-2022-carolina-bank-field/ |title=New for 2022: Carolina Bank Field |work=Ballpark Digest |publisher=August Publications |date=April 13, 2021 |access-date=April 20, 2021}}</ref><ref name="relocating">{{cite news |last1=Christian |first1=Matthew |title=RedWolves relocating to Florence's new baseball complex |url=https://scnow.com/news/local/redwolves-relocating-to-florences-new-baseball-complex/article_387724f8-f6c8-11ea-868f-073b904c5e79.html |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=[[The Morning News (American newspaper)|The Morning News]] |date=September 14, 2020 |location=Florence, South Carolina |language=en}}</ref><ref name="anchor">{{cite web |last1=Traub |first1=Matt |title=Baseball Stadium to Anchor New South Carolina Sports Complex |url=https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/baseball-stadium-to-anchor-new-south-carolina-sports-complex/ |website=SportsTravel |publisher=Northstar Travel Media LLC |access-date=April 20, 2021 |date=September 18, 2020}}</ref> ===Football=== Until 2009, Florence was home to the [[American Indoor Football]] league's Florence Phantoms, which debuted in the league in 2006. The Phantoms played in the [[Florence Civic Center]]. Florence Memorial Stadium is a 7,000 seat football stadium {{convert|5|mi|km}} to the east of the city. It is the home stadium for West Florence, Wilson, and South Florence high schools. There was an arena football team too, briefly, but its contract to play at the Florence Center was not renewed. ===Hockey=== Florence was also home to the Southern Professional Hockey League's now-[[Twin City Cyclones]], who played from 2005 to 2007. This team was part of a two event package in 2004 to replace the now defunct Pee Dee Pride (to be the [[Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz]]) from the ECHL. The building was also the home of the South Carolina Fire Ants of Major League Roller Hockey in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/mlrh19971998.html |title=1997-98 Major League Roller Hockey [MLRH&#93; standings at |publisher=Hockeydb.com |access-date=October 14, 2011}}</ref> ==Media== Florence and Grand Strand share a common defined market by Nielsen Media Research in [[Horry County, South Carolina|Horry]], [[Marion County, South Carolina|Marion]], Dillon, Darlington, Marlboro, Scotland, Robeson, and Florence counties. The Florence/Myrtle Beach Market is the 103rd largest market in the US as defined by Nielsen Media Research. [[CBS]]/[[MyNetworkTV]] affiliate [[WBTW]] 13, [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]/[[The CW]] affiliate [[WPDE-TV]] 15 and [[South Carolina Educational Television|SCETV]] ([[PBS]]) outlet WJPM-TV 33 are licensed to Florence. [[NBC]] affiliate [[WMBF-TV]] 32 and [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] affiliate [[WFXB]] 43 are licensed to Myrtle Beach but also serve Florence. WBTW and WPDE have moved most of their operations to Myrtle Beach and Conway, respectively, due to the Grand Strand's larger population. Florence, along with The Pee Dee Region, makes up the 217th largest radio market in the United States. Cumulus Media and iHeart Media, the largest and third-largest radio station ownership groups in the country, operate radio outlets in Florence. [[The Morning News (American newspaper)|''The Morning News'']] is the largest daily paper published in the Pee Dee, with a readership base extending across several counties. The paper has been in existence since 1922 and is published by BH Media Group, a [[Berkshire Hathaway Company]]. The area is also served by several weekly papers, including the ''News Journal'' and the ''Community Times''. ==Notable people== {{colbegin|colwidth=30em}} ;Arts * [[Blackie Collins]], author and knife maker * [[Graves of Valor]], band * [[The Independents (band)|The Independents]], band * [[William Johnson (artist)|William Johnson]], artist * [[Taft Jordan]], jazz trumpeter * [[Matt Laug]], drummer * [[Trey Lorenz]], musician * [[Philip B. Meggs]], author and historian * [[Gillian Murphy]], ballet dancer * [[Houston Person]], musician * [[Padgett Powell]], author<ref>{{cite news|publisher=New York Times Sunday Magazine|title=Southern Discomfort|last=Halpern|first=Dan|date=October 18, 2009|page=SM32}}</ref> * [[Doug Quattlebaum]], [[Piedmont blues]] guitarist, singer and songwriter<ref name="Bare">{{cite book|author1=Bob L. Eagle|author2=Eric S. LeBlanc|title=Blues: A Regional Experience|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6ZNfAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA128|date=1 May 2013|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-34424-4|page=128}}</ref> * [[Ruba Say]], musician<ref>{{cite news|author1=David Clary|author2=Eden Prime|title=Columbia rocker Ruba Say dies: "Playing music was all that mattered."|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/free-times/music/columbia-rocker-ruba-say-dies-playing-music-was-all-that-mattered/article_b1863cd4-0e82-11ed-9136-fb73405350a8.html}}</ref> * [[Sequoyah Prep School]], band * [[Through the Eyes of the Dead]], band * [[Henry Timrod]], so-called "poet laureate of the Confederacy" * [[Alice R. Ballard]], ceramicist ;Entertainment * [[K. Lee Graham]], Miss South Carolina Teen USA 2013, [[Miss Teen USA 2014]] * [[Mark L. Walberg]], television host ;Politics and law * [[Beverly Daggett]], politician * [[Alvin Greene]], politician * [[Charles Weston Houck]], judge * [[William C. James]], Marine Brigadier general * [[Robin Tallon]], politician ;Sports * [[Mike Anderson (outfielder)|Michael Allen Anderson]], professional baseball outfielder * [[Buddy Baker]], [[NASCAR]] racecar driver * [[Ron Barfield Jr.]], NASCAR racecar driver * [[Brandon Bostick]], professional football player (NFL) * [[Akeem Bostick]], professional baseball player ([[MLB]]) * [[Harry Carson]], professional football player (NFL) * [[Jim David (American football)|Jim David]], professional football player (NFL) * [[Fisher DeBerry]], football coach * [[Darian Durant]], professional football player ([[Canadian Football League|CFL]]) * [[Justin Durant]], professional football player (NFL) * [[Malliciah Goodman]], professional football player (NFL) * [[Clayton Holmes]], professional football player ([[NFL]]) * [[Nick Nelson (American football)|Nick Nelson]], professional football player (NFL) * [[Reggie Sanders]], professional baseball player ([[MLB]]) * [[Lawrence Timmons]], professional football player (NFL) * [[Ron Turner (coach)|Ron Turner]], swimming coach * Rod Sellers (Professional Basketball) (Euroleague) * [[Cale Yarborough]], [[NASCAR]] driver, four-time [[Daytona 500]] champion {{colend}} ==See also== {{Portal|United States|South Carolina}} * [[List of municipalities in South Carolina]] ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} ==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{osmrelation|194144}} * {{Official website|http://www.cityofflorence.com/}} * [https://visitflo.com Official tourism website] {{Florence County, South Carolina}} {{South Carolina}} {{Florence Radio}} {{Myrtle Beach/Florence TV}} {{South Carolina county seats}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Florence, South Carolina| ]] [[Category:Cities in South Carolina]] [[Category:County seats in South Carolina]] [[Category:Florence, South Carolina metropolitan area]] [[Category:Cities in Florence County, South Carolina]]'