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Siuslaw NewsWednesday, December 3, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Number 49 • 134 years

Quince Street hotel project to break ground

Council approves Emergency Warming Shelter location By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

Equipment and an office trailer have been accumulating across from the Florence Events Center, and construction is expected to begin soon. Tony Reed photo. FROM THE FLORENCE URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY

FURA is pleased to announce that the property transaction for the Quince Street Hotel Project closed on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, with Braun Hospitality. The FURA Board has been working under a Development and Disposition Agreement (DDA) with Braun Hospitality, which

formed the public-private partnership that included the transfer of the 3.12-acre portion of the Quince Street property across from the Florence Events Center. The hotel development will result in a four-story, 86-room Wyndham Microtelbranded hotel located on Quince Street. Construction on the project will begin in See HOTEL, Page A7

(Hotel NW) A prospective drawing of how the hotel will look.

After lengthy discussion, the Florence City Council approved a request from Florence Emergency Cold Weather Shelter Committee (FECWSC) to operate an overnight shelter in winter months when temperatures are forecast below 34 degrees or 38 degrees during windy, rainy nights. City Manager Erin Reynolds said that in October, the committee had found two churches willing to host the shelter. One was inside the city limits and the other outside the city limits, just off Heceta Beach Road. “Since that time, they have let us know that See SHELTER, Page A4

Florence Holiday events continue FROM FLORENCE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Residents and visitors are invited to kick off the holiday season with a full slate of festive, family-friendly events designed to entertain visitors, support local businesses, and celebrate community spirit throughout Florence. Events like “Shop Local Saturday,” “Santa’s Coastal Playground,” and a citywide treasure hunt, this year’s lineup offers something for every age. Santa’s Workshop – On Saturday, December 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., children can enjoy Santa’s Workshop at Cross Road Church, 1380 10th Street (corner of 9th & Maple). This free event includes cocoa and cookies, letters to Santa, hands-on make-and-take crafts, and a special visit from Santa himself between noon and 1 p.m. Santa’s Workshop is presented by Lofy Construction, Coastal Home Services, and Beach Bum Doggie Resort.

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

Plywood covered the damage left after a stolen car reportedly hit the side of Big Dog Donuts & Deli in Florence. Tony Reed photo.

Three arrested with stolen car after hit and run FROM FLORENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Santa’s Coastal Playground – Dec. 6 Later that day, Bay Street transforms into Santa’s Coastal Playground, Florence’s signature holiday street festival. Activities include: • Lighted Balloons Giveaway: 3 to 5 p.m.

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

• Stroll With Santa Walk & Bike Parade: 3:30 p.m. • Florence Community Choir Performance: 4:30 p.m. • Santa & Mrs. Claus Arrival: 4 p.m. • Free Hayrides See EVENTS, Page A7

On Nov. 23, at 2:41 am the Florence Police Dept. received a report of a hit and run into a building at 1136 Hwy 101. Officers responded and found the building to have significant damage. A witness was able to provide a description of the vehicle to the officers but they were unable to locate it. Later that day at 11:06 a.m., a vehicle matching

the description of the hit and run suspect vehicle was reported stolen from the 3700 block area of Highway 101. Investigating officers believed that the vehicle had been stolen as reported. Florence officers used the Flock camera system and observed the reported stolen vehicle and were able to obtain a good description of the vehicle. On Nov. 24 at 11:29 p.m., a Florence

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officer observed a vehicle matching the description of the stolen vehicle on Hwy 101 near 18th St, but the vehicle had a different license plate on it. The officer did a check on the license plate and it came back to a vehicle out of Eugene that did not match the suspect vehicle it was on. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle. The See ARREST, Page A7