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Siuslaw News Wednesday, July 9, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Number 28 • 134 years

New Gazebo to open soon Resident says N. Jetty CITY OF FLORENCE

Florence Public Works crews have completed the installation of a new 16-foot octagon wood gazebo from Amish Country Gazebos, replacing the aging structure that stood in Old Town Park since 1989. Over the years, the original gazebo served as the backdrop for countless weddings, holiday celebrations, and live music performances. However, the harsh coastal environment had taken a toll, leading to significant dry rot in the structural members, rafters, and other components. The new gazebo includes a standing seam metal roof and a 19 inch octagon cupola. One of the most notable improvements is the new concrete slab-on-grade foundation. The previous gazebo sat on a thinner, settled concrete pad, but the new structure is supported by a monolithic concrete slab. With the gazebo floor See GAZEBO, Page A6

Road unsafe, faults drivers SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

The new Gazebo is installed but as of July 2, was still surrounded by protective netting. Tony Reed photo

City approved increase on most service fees By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

On May 20, 2024, the Council approved a resolution increasing several general fees and charges for City services in next fiscal year. Assistant City Manager Megan Messmer explained that the ciy’s comprehensive fee schedule was also included

in the recently approved city budget. “We do review fees annually, so the last time the City Council reviewed our comprehensive schedule was in May 2024,” she said, “for the effective date of July 1, 2024.” The City’s fiscal policies include an annual review of fees and charges, with proposed changes submitted for consideration by

Council and another review will be done in 2026. A 37-page comprehensive fee schedule contained information about the particular fees and increases. After providing a history of increases in the last fiscal biennial (2 years), Messmer noted that an annual review of fees and charges is required, and charges for services must

accurately reflect the total actual or estimated cost of providing those services. She said most of last year’s fees were adjusted based on a Consumer Price Index of 3.1 percent, a rate used for the majority of fees and cost of living adjustments. This year’s adjustments were based on a 2.7 percent CPI. See FEES, Page A7

Under public comment at the June 30 meeting of the Florence City Council, Lea Patten said drivers on North Jetty Road often drive too fast for conditions, sometimes with unfortunate results. “I’ve lived there for more than three decades,” she said. “I and many other people walk the park on an almost daily basis. Despite a sign that indicates 20 mph and curves ahead, approximately 70% of the drivers seem to look at the road as their personal raceway.” Patten estimated that some cars exceed 50 mph on the road, and several have failed to negotiate the curve and crashed. “Other vehicles racing uphill from the beach I’ve taken out my mailbox I think, five times now. They have sideswiped my planter between the property and the road and have fractured the utility pole at the east end of my driveway. After walking up the hill from the beach, people often sit on one of the See N. JETTY, Page A7

Changes afoot at high school SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

One of Florence’s most recognizable businesses was ranked second of 100 in the entire state by a popular tourism publication. Oregon Business just released its 2025 top 100 Best fan-favorite destination list and Sand Master Park was number 2. Owner Lon Beale said that after placing 21st in last year’s top 100 list, it was a pleasant surprise to see Sand Master Park in the #2 spot. A foldable flyer and map is published yearly, featuring the top 100 list and photos from some of the top-placing businesses. Lon and Robin Beale are coming up on the 25th anniversary of their business, which opened in 2000. In that

In a short presentation to the Florence City Council June 30, Siuslaw High School Principal Mike Harklerode said students will see some changes upon returning from summer break. Harklerode opened by noting that while the high school class of 2025 contained 102 students, next year’s class will be larger by 20 students. “In that group we had 40 seniors with a cumulative GPA 03.5 or higher,” he said. Harklerode noted that next year’s graduation will be different, not only for the number of students, but for the requirements to graduate. “We’ve added another credit so now we are up to 25 credits,” he said. “The state of Oregon requires 24 to graduate. We’re adding a credit in the area of social studies and expanding the government class from a one semester class a full year course and also adding a personal finance class.” He said the school will also be stepping up

See SAND, Page A6

See CHANGES, Page A6

Sandmaster takes second in Top 100 Even on the windiest days, people can be seen on the dunes in north Florence trying their hand at sandboarding.

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

JIM HOBERG Broker/Owner

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

1870 Hwy. 126, Suite A • PO Box 3040, Florence, OR