Florence Celebrates Inauguration of New Mayor Lethonia “Peaches” Barnes

Florence Welcomes Its New Mayor: Lethonia “Peaches” Barnes

Florence, S.C. has officially kicked off a new chapter as the lovely Lethonia “Peaches” Barnes has been sworn in as the new mayor. With a big smile and a clear vision, Barnes took the stage during her inauguration on Tuesday, marking the start of her journey as the city’s leader. She clinched victory over now-former Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin during the Democratic primary and breezed through the general election without any opposition last week.

The Moment of Triumph

In a heartfelt speech after taking the oath of office, Barnes expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am truly, truly, truly honored tonight to see all of your faces, I am honored. I stand here today because you believed in me.” With a crowd full of supporters cheering her on, she made it clear that her focus will now be on doing what’s best for the city of Florence each and every day.

What’s on the Agenda?

With her sights set on the future, Barnes laid out her top priorities, ensuring residents understand what her administration will tackle first. Among her key concerns are improving access to clean drinking water and addressing the critical issue of gun violence plaguing the community. “We all have a part to play and if we do it together, we become better, wiser, stronger,” she passionately declared.

But she didn’t stop there! Barnes called on the community, urging everyone to get involved: “We need you to help us clean the community, we need you to be the big mamas and the uncles and aunts on the street. We need all hands on deck and when we do that watch out Florence we’re on our way up.” Those words surely resonated with the audience, echoing the spirit of unity and cooperation.

City Councilman Takes His Seat

In a delightful twist, Barnes wasn’t the only one making news on this special day. City Councilman Chaquez McCall was also sworn in, having successfully won his bid for re-election last Tuesday. In his address, he reflected on the challenges that come with serving a growing city, reminding all that “as we face new challenges and opportunities as a growing city, we often forget how far we’ve come.”

McCall emphasized the importance of facing these new challenges head-on, assuring the attendees, “The new challenges we face are serious and they are real and I want those to know in attendance today, they will be met.” His commitment to the community remains steadfast, and it’s clear there’s a collaborative spirit brewing in Florence!

What’s Next for Florence?

With Barnes in charge and McCall at her side, Florence is poised for progress. However, the city council is currently left with a vacant seat after Barnes moved on. There has been no date set yet for a special election to fill her previous position, leaving residents eager to see who will step up next to represent them.

A Community United

As Florence embraces this new leadership chapter, there’s a palpable sense of optimism in the air. Citizens are rallying around Barnes and McCall, eager to support their vision for a brighter future. The time for change is now, and with community engagement and proactive plans in the pipeline, Florence might just be on the brink of something truly wonderful.

Stay tuned for more updates as the story unfolds in Florence. With such lively leadership at the helm, it’s sure to be an exciting time for everyone involved!