Florence Residents Express Concerns About Lingering Water Issues
In the heart of Florence County, South Carolina, residents are coming together to voice their long-standing frustrations over persistent water issues. For decades, members of the community have been raising their concerns, yet they feel that little has changed to alleviate the problems they face. Recently, this sentiment was echoed at the Florence City Council meeting held on Monday, where residents shared their stories and sought guidance.
Frustration Reaches a Boiling Point
During the meeting, several attendees expressed their exasperation over the ongoing challenges. Many are left feeling lost when it comes to addressing their water-related problems, with one resident poignantly describing the process of reaching out to county officials as akin to “pulling teeth.” This sense of helplessness has left community members wondering where they can turn for support or solutions.
The newly elected Mayor, Lethonia Barnes, took the opportunity to address the gathered citizens. While she emphasized that county roads and related issues are largely outside the city’s control, she did assure residents that she and her team would strive to assist in any way possible. This commitment to helping the community was met with a mixture of hope and skepticism, as many residents have grown accustomed to facing obstacles without effective resolution.
Community Voices: A Call for Action
One notable voice from the meeting was Pastor Calvin Quick, who leads the New Fellowship Baptist Church situated within the county. He shared a troubling reality faced by his congregation—frequent flooding after rainfall, which often makes it difficult for members to access the church. Pastor Quick expressed deep concern, saying, “I would hate to see coffins rise” from the cemetery adjacent to the church due to the floods. His words struck a chord with those present, emphasizing the dire need for action.
A Solution on the Horizon?
In light of these pressing issues, ABC15 reached out to Florence County Administrator Kevin Yokim to gather insight on how the county is addressing the flooding complaints. Yokim responded positively, expressing his willingness to engage in discussions with anyone experiencing ongoing water problems. He emphasized the importance of communication in finding solutions, encouraging affected residents to speak up.
For anyone dealing with similar water issues, the county has made it easy to report problems. By simply calling 843-665-3022, residents can reach out to the appropriate authorities and hopefully pave the way for resolution.
Weathering the Storm Together
As residents continue to band together and share their experiences, there’s a growing sense of community spirit. Many are determined to stay engaged and seek answers that have long been elusive. It is clear that the ongoing water issues are more than just a simple inconvenience—they have become an urgent matter that affects the lives and wellbeing of many in Florence County.
With local leaders now aware of the situation and open to dialogue, residents are hopeful that progress can be made. The time for change may be on the horizon, but it will require a collective effort from both the community and officials. Those in Florence are reminded that their voices matter and that by coming together, they can drive the conversation forward toward real, impactful solutions.
As the skies continue to rain down upon Florence County, residents stand united, ready to fight for a clearer, brighter future.
