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Siuslaw News Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Number 11 • 134 years

Long-planned hotel clears design review By TONY REED Siuslaw News

After years of discussion, a plan for an 86- room, 4-story hotel to be located in the open area across from the Florence Events Center passed the design review hurdle and developers hope to have it open by summer 2026. The Florence Planning Commission approved the request, with conditions at its regular meeting March 4, which lasted about four hours. Planning Manager Jacob Foutz introduced the topic as the Braun Microtel™ Proposal. The property is currently owned by the Florence Urban Renewal Agency. He noted that the Commission first heard and approved the plan in 2022, but expired, so the applicant See HOTEL, Page A7

This prospective drawing shows what the Microtel may look like from the northwest side.

Dance instructor to open new academy By TONY REED Siuslaw News

Cara Richter stands on pointe in what will be the Florence Dance Academy, once the space is cleared and mirrors put up. Tony Reed photo.

What started out as an idea that turned into a Gofundme campaign will culminate into a local dance academy for kids of all ages. Cara Richter, a locally known dance instructor, used money from the campaign to buy the supplies she needs to open Florence Dance Academy soon. Richter noted she was working with Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops (CROW) when some programs were temporarily suspended, due to other issues.

She said some community members then asked her of she would like to host dance classes. “I had previously talked about wanting to do my own thing,” she said, noting that she had support from CROW staff. “I just needed a little bit of money for the bars and mirrors.” Richter said she asked for $1,500 but the Gofundme effort quickly raised $3,000, so she closed the request. “Now I can get a lot of miscellaneous items like turning discs, rosin for pointe shoes, See DANCE, Page A6

Home and Garden Show keeps FEC busy The 2025 Home and Garden Show hosted over 2,000 people in two days and one lucky visitor, Dan Riedl of Florence, took home a $500 cash prize. Show Thanking sponsors, Director Jon Thompson added, “I really appreciated the Florence Garden Club who staffed the admission table and have done so since the show’s inception.”

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

JIM HOBERG Broker/Owner

Mike Webb

Webb selected to join City Council By TONY REED Siuslaw News

Following a full day of interviewing 11 applicants, the Florence City Council voted 4-1 to appoint Mike Webb to the council seat left by resigning councilor Bill Meyer. After having interviewed the candidates during a five-hour long work session Feb. 27, the council appointed Webb at the regular meeting Feb. 3. According to his application, Webb is the current vice president of Oregon Pacific Bank, has been a Board Member for Western Lane Ambulance District sine 2005, and a board member with the Florence Urban Renewal Agency since 2008. Contacted by phone after the selection, Webb was cheerful about the prospect. “I’ve been drafted,” he laughed. “I feel pretty good See COUNCIL, Page A4

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

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