Florence, S.C. Enters New Era as Lethonia Barnes Assumes Mayorship Following Teresa Myers-Ervin’s Farewell

Florence, S.C. Welcomes New Leadership as Teresa Myers-Ervin Bids Farewell

In a significant chapter for Florence, South Carolina, the city is witnessing a remarkable transition in its political landscape. Former mayor, Teresa Myers-Ervin, made waves in 2020 when she became the first woman and the first Black person to head the city. On an emotional note, she wrapped up her 14-year journey in public office with a thoughtful news conference, reflecting on her triumphs and imparting some lasting wisdom to her constituents.

A New Era Begins

Just after Myers-Ervin’s farewell press conference, her political counterpart, Lethonia “Peaches” Barnes, took up the reins as the new mayor of Florence during a swearing-in ceremony held at Francis Marion University. Barnes had a strong showing in the June Democratic primary, securing nearly 61% of the vote, and ran unopposed in the November elections, marking the start of her administration with enthusiasm and determination.

Unifying the Community

Standing proudly at the swearing-in ceremony, Barnes expressed her gratitude to those who supported her, emphasizing, “I stand here today because you believed in me. And every day that my feet hit the floor, my focus will be on doing what’s best for the city of Florence.” Her words resonated as she called for a united approach to governance, urging parents and neighbors to take an active role in nurturing the community’s potential.

“If we all do our part, if we all help to carry the load, Florence will become the premier city that it can be,” she declared, setting a collaborative tone for her leadership.

Political Rivalry and Reflections

Interestingly, while Barnes rallied support from several state lawmakers, including newly elected Sen. Mike Reichenbach and state Rep. Phillip Lowe, the absence of Myers-Ervin raised many eyebrows. In her farewell, she revealed that the political rivalry between them had led to a lack of communication since the primary, with no invitation extended for her to attend the swearing-in ceremony. Addressing her constituents, she stated, “I have served this city for 14 years, and I believe I’ve served it well without any kind of confusion, and I will leave that legacy.”

Looking Forward

As both leaders prepare to navigate this new chapter, Myers-Ervin affirmed her intention not to run for office again. “We have made too much progress to go backwards,” she added, leaving behind a legacy punctuated by her pioneering leadership.

As Florence embarks on this new journey under Barnes’s leadership, many are eager to see how she implements her vision of community involvement and grassroots governance. Her swearing-in ceremony may just be the beginning of an exciting era for Florence, with hopes high that the city will continue to thrive and evolve.

A City Full of Possibilities

With a legacy of progress and a fresh perspective on leadership, Florence is poised for a promising future. Residents are ready to join in the efforts required to make it a vibrant community that everyone is proud to be a part of. The winds of change are blowing, and it seems like the sky’s the limit!