A 1-cent sales tax to fund six Florence County road projects has raised more than $28 million, within 1 percent of projected collections through fall 2008, according to Florence County data.

Coker College is eight candidates away from naming its 16th president.

Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce leaders said their plans for the coming year include planning a new downtown location and promoting Florence through the chamber’s Web site.

A new Florence County animal control facility is nearly ready to open and an improved Florence Area Humane Society shelter is in the works, but spaying and neutering also are foremost in the minds of those helping local animals.

Florence County and city councils, as well as individuals associated closely with the Florence Museum, look toward 2009 for a solidification of many of the decisions made this year.

The Florence Family YMCA is hoping to continue building partnerships with individuals and businesses in the Pee Dee in the coming year.

Carolinas Hospital System plans to continue moving forward with the momentum it has built up in 2008, chief executive officer Jim O’Loughlin said.

Florence-Darlington Technical College President Dr. Charles Gould said the college hasn’t given up on the next phases of the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology, despite another wave of state budget cuts.

FLORENCE — The coming year looks bright in terms of new construction and programs in the Florence County Library System, but the downside likely will come in the form of deeper state aid cuts.

Planning officials hope to reveal the potential of downtown Florence this year, while Mayor Stephen J. Wukela aims to overcome the public safety and financial challenges to unlock that potential.

Florence County Council is waiting on a revised set of options for building new judicial facilities at a cost the county can afford, councilman James Schofield said.

Francis Marion University and the Florence community have reason to celebrate in 2009 with the groundbreaking of the FMU Performing Arts Center in late January 2009.