Florence youth program opens
Staff writer
A youth recreation program in a former Florence school building is open for business.
Operated by Christian Church of Florence, “The Rock” opened its doors Tuesday for students in third grade through senior high.
As of the opening date, the hours are shorter than previously announced. Branson said it was decided to start with fewer days and add more days later if popularity permits.
Hours for junior and senior high students are 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday.
Hours for students in grades three to five are 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The building, on the southeast corner of the campus, formerly housed the home economics department and also was used by the special education cooperative.
John Branson, pastor of Christian Church of Florence, said when the church purchased the building, the hope was to have the program up and running by the start of school, but a snag with its insurance company arose.
The building’s proximity to the dilapidated main school building required a six-foot fence to separate it from the main building. County commissioners earlier voted to build a fence to separate the two properties.
The church’s longstanding Wednesday night after-school program will continue at the church.