Florence

Kevin Kennedy from Mahomet, Texas, in Burnet County, presents what a 765 kV transmission line is and how far they will spread across the state at a town hall in Salado, April 23. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Kevin Kennedy from Mahomet, Texas, in Burnet County, presents what a 765 kV transmission line is and how far they will spread across the state at a town hall in Salado, April 23. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Power struggle: Neighbors oppose incoming transmission lines

Nalani Nuylan
Monday, May 4, 2026
In a church down the winding roads of southwest Salado, a group of North Williamson County and Bell County landowners gathered on April 23 to learn about a proposed extra-high-voltage electricity transmission line that will cut through their properties as it makes its way across the state.
From left, Renee Morgan, Forrest Hyde, Ashley Gilland, Jose Perez, Brett Banks, Ben Daniel and David Merideth participate in a candidate forum hosted by the Florence Chamber of Commerce in the Florence High School Cafeteria on April 16. The form was moderated by Justin Gibson, standing. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

From left, Renee Morgan, Forrest Hyde, Ashley Gilland, Jose Perez, Brett Banks, Ben Daniel and David Merideth participate in a candidate forum hosted by the Florence Chamber of Commerce in the Florence High School Cafeteria on April 16. The form was moderated by Justin Gibson, standing. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

May election: Florence candidates vie for council seats

Nalani Nuylan
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Florence residents can vote in the city’s council and mayoral elections on May 2, and the Florence Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum Thursday, April 16, at the Florence High School cafeteria.  Florence Mayoral candidatesTwo candidates are running for mayor.
Former Police Chief Wayn Thompson lets the news of his termination settle in during the special-called Florence City Council meeting, February 25. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Former Police Chief Wayn Thompson lets the news of his termination settle in during the special-called Florence City Council meeting, February 25. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Florence terminates Police Chief

Nalani Nuylan
Friday, February 27, 2026
After a month of back-and-forth special-called meetings, Florence City Council fired Police Chief Wayne Thompson on February 25. Florence Aldermen voted in a 5-0 vote to terminate Mr.
Former Police Lieutenant David Guthrie, right, and his lawyer Robert McCabe, left, appeal Mr. Guthrie’s at-will termination on January 20 during the February 10 Special Called Florence City Council meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Former Police Lieutenant David Guthrie, right, and his lawyer Robert McCabe, left, appeal Mr. Guthrie’s at-will termination on January 20 during the February 10 Special Called Florence City Council meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Florence officials finalize lieutenant’s termination

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
In a follow-up special called the Florence City Council meeting February 10, Florence Aldermen formalized former Police Lieutenant David Guthrie’s termination.
Florence Police Chief Wayne Thompson, right, gets tearful listening to 15 people vocalize their support of him during the January 20 special-called city council meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Florence Police Chief Wayne Thompson, right, gets tearful listening to 15 people vocalize their support of him during the January 20 special-called city council meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Florence terminates lieutenant, strips police chief of spending power

Nalani Nuylan
Thursday, January 22, 2026
In a five-hour-long special city council meeting, Florence officials fired Florence Police Department Lieutenant David Guthrie on Tuesday, January 20, and disciplined Chief Wayne Thompson for what the city administrator said was a misuse of city funds.
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.

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.
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