Florence

Florence Police Chief Wayne Thompson (in the red long sleeve shirt) observes his officers as they complete their Texas Commission on Law Enforcement firearms qualification on January 5 in Killeen. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Florence Police Chief Wayne Thompson (in the red long sleeve shirt) observes his officers as they complete their Texas Commission on Law Enforcement firearms qualification on January 5 in Killeen. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Hitting the mark: Florence PD sharpens skills, builds momentum

Nalani Nuylan
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
The Florence Police Department started the new year off with a bang – literally. After the holiday hiatus, Florence PD conducted its firearms qualification and training in an indoor gun range on Monday in Killeen.
Florence business Lee’s Wrecker Service towed the Grinch and Whoville into Florence for the city’s annual Christmas on Main Street parade on Saturday, December 13.

Florence business Lee’s Wrecker Service towed the Grinch and Whoville into Florence for the city’s annual Christmas on Main Street parade on Saturday, December 13.

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Christmas time in Florence

Nalani Nuylan
Monday, December 22, 2025
The City of Florence hosted its annual Christmas on Main Street festival downtown on Saturday, December 13. Activities included a holiday parade, children’s crafts, a snowball fight, entertainment, and opportunities to browse local shops. — Photos by Nalani Nuylan
Florence Mayor Ben Daniel uses a photo of a rainbow over the city to describe where the city is going in the future. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Florence Mayor Ben Daniel uses a photo of a rainbow over the city to describe where the city is going in the future. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

‘Our future is very bright’

Nalani Nuylan
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Florence Mayor Ben Daniel used a photo of a rainbow over the city’s downtown as a visual depiction of the city’s future during the community’s first-ever State of the City address. “What is the state of the city of Florence? Very, very hopeful,” he said Friday, November 14.
A tow truck from ASAP Towing in Florence hoists an American Flag for National Night Out.

A tow truck from ASAP Towing in Florence hoists an American Flag for National Night Out.

Florence community shows up for National Night Out

Nalani Nuylan
Monday, October 20, 2025
For National Night Out, the Florence Police Department hosted a carnival-style community event Tuesday, Oct. 7, featuring more than 10 public service agencies, including the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Game Wardens, the National Guard and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Tyler Schlickeisen, senior tow operator for Lee’s Wrecker Service in Florence, will receive the Order of Towman, a national award presented by The American Towman in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Tyler Schlickeisen, senior tow operator for Lee’s Wrecker Service in Florence, will receive the Order of Towman, a national award presented by The American Towman in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Florence tow operator earns national award

Nalani Nuylan
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Florence native Tyler Schlickeisen will take the national stage to receive the Order of Towman award, presented by The American Towman in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 22.
Florence ISD School Board members are joined by Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Kelly Avritt and Mr. Kirkpatrick to cut the ribbon opening the new Florence Elementary School.

Florence ISD School Board members are joined by Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Kelly Avritt and Mr. Kirkpatrick to cut the ribbon opening the new Florence Elementary School.

Florence ISD opens new elementary school

Nalani Nuylan
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Decked out in purple and white, the Florence ISD community — as well as members of the chamber of commerce, American Legion and city staff — gathered around to see the district’s highly anticipated new elementary school for the first time, July 30.
The Florence Police Department is joined by the Williamson County Constable Precinct 3, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety outside Florence City Hall for the first “Operation Safe Start” initiative, May 29. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

The Florence Police Department is joined by the Williamson County Constable Precinct 3, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety outside Florence City Hall for the first “Operation Safe Start” initiative, May 29. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Florence PD fosters law enforcement partnerships, encourages safe driving

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Drivers passing through Florence last Thursday may have noticed an increased law enforcement presence patrolling the streets.
Council members, from left, Denise Diechmann, Mike Harrell and Lesa Ragsdel received a certificate of appreciation from the City of Florence for their years of service on the council. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Council members, from left, Denise Diechmann, Mike Harrell and Lesa Ragsdel received a certificate of appreciation from the City of Florence for their years of service on the council. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

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Changing of the guard: Florence officials close public service chapter

Nalani Nuylan
Friday, May 9, 2025
Three of the five Florence City Council members will conclude their time in public service following the May election. Council members Denise Deichmann, Lesa Ragsdale and Mike Harrell will hold their final meeting in office June 3, when the new council members will be sworn in.
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