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Siuslaw News Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Hundreds show up for Block Party

Number 31 • 134 years

Chamber reports increased tourism revenues Florence beats coastal neighbors in increases By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

land to the river in the coming seasons. Those passing by the area, which is located 3 miles inland from Florence on Highway 126, may notice large construction equipment moving across the site, including a towering crane being used to construct a new muted tidal regulator (tidegate). This tidegate will improve fish passage in and out of the area post-restoration while also helping to regulate water levels adjacent to the highway. Once the new tidegate is

Technical difficulties with a video kept the Florence area Chamber of Commerce from presenting its annual report to the Florence City Council on July 21, but Director Bettina Hannigan still had a lot of positive news to report. Viewed later, the video explained that the chamber actively invests alongside the city in a public private partnership. “We find efforts that grow visibility, drive visitation, and extend economic activity across the calendar year.” it said. According to the video, tourism supports 55 percent of all jobs in Florence and, on average, a lodging tourist spends $238 per day here. It also said visitor spending strengthens small businesses and sustains local jobs by reinforcing the economic foundation of the region. “Florence tourists spent $287.5 million in 2024.” According to a 2024 report by Dean Ruyon, that number is up 10% from 2023, resulting in $80 million of earning revenue. “The chamber received $240,000 in transient lodging tax. That, and return yielded $3.3 million in tax revenue, supported $280 million in visitor spending, [and] back dozens of events and marketing efforts that extend Florences tourism season and economic reach.” According to the video, the allocated $240,000 spent on tourism marketing was a 14 to 1 return on the investment. Hannigan said later the return was a direct result of targeted marketing, smart investments and a high-functioning public/ private partnership with the City. That investment also supports year-round staffing and operation of the visitor center, regional or national marketing campaigns, the Florence chamber website, annual visitor guides and business directories, digital storytelling, social media and targeting promotions, downtown beautification including flower baskets and banners, and event production

See CHANNEL, Page A6

See CHAMBER, Page A7

Old Town was alive with fun and music Aug 18 for the City’s annual Community Block Party. The evening event featured several games and activities for kids, free food and ice cream treats, and live music by 5 Guys Named Moe. Also at the event were local fire department, law enforcement and US Coast Guard personnel. Mayor Rob Ward opened the event which happened from 5 to 10 p.m. See thesiuslawnews.com for more photos. Tony Reed photos

Channel restoration continues

The currently unused building is located at 1150 Bay St., next to the Veterans Memorial building, just west of the Siuslaw River Bridge. Tony Reed photo

Council adjusts and corrects code for Lotus building By TONY REED Siuslaw News

At its regular July 21 meeting, the Florence City Council approved a change to Florence City Code to “allow continued use of a nonconforming structure with a nonconforming use

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

in the Development Estuary District until the structure is converted to a conforming use.” While it sounds complicated, it’s specific to the former Lotus Building and other applicable structures. See LOTUS, Page A7

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

Heavy equipment seen along 126 is constructing a new channel to help stabilize salmon populations. Photo provided. FROM MCKENZIE RIVER TRUST

Once home to more than 260,000 coho salmon annually, the Siuslaw River saw a steep decline to just 500 fish by the late 1990s. Now, local groups are partnering to help stabilize salmon populations and improve the places they rely on through restoration efforts in the river’s estuary. This summer, staff and contractors are busy at haich ikt’at’uu (which translates to “Heart of the Big One,” referencing the main stem Siuslaw River), preparing to return the

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