Florence Resident Speaks Out On Long-Neglected Property On Calhoun Drive

Quana Frasier | 📍 Florence, SC
Reporter | Journalist | Civic Media Specialist
Founder of Pee Dee Ink 💼
["The Pen of the Pee Dee"] Pee Dee Ink is a civic media platform amplifying real stories from Florence, SC. The Pen of the Pee Dee belongs to the people. ✒
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Months of Complaints, Still No Action

A frustrated Florence resident has told Pee Dee Ink that she’s been reporting a property on Calhoun Drive to local authorities for months, specifically for overgrown grass and lack of maintenance yet nothing has been done.

Her story is not unique. Abandoned and neglected properties in Florence, SC have become a growing concern, particularly when enforcement agencies fail to act despite repeated complaints. Overgrown lawns, vacant houses, and neglected lots not only affect the appearance of our neighborhoods; they impact safety, property values, and community pride.

Why City Accountability Matters

Florence residents deserve swift action when they report code violations. The City of Florence has property maintenance laws in place, but those laws mean nothing if they’re not enforced. Delays and inaction erode public trust, leaving residents to feel unheard and neighborhoods to suffer.

Holding authorities accountable is just as important as holding negligent property owners accountable. If residents take the time to report problems, city officials must take the time to respond and act.

How Florence Residents Can Take Action

If you’re dealing with a similar situation, here are steps you can take to keep the pressure on and ensure your complaint doesn’t get lost in the system:

Contact Florence’s Code Enforcement Unit: Part of the Community Relations Division to check if any action has been taken on your reported property.
File a formal complaint or request a property inspection if you have the exact address or parcel number.
Follow up consistently: Especially since Florence recently passed a new ordinance requiring vacant and abandoned buildings to be registered. This gives the city more power to take action against property owners who fail to maintain their lots.

The Bigger Picture

Neglected properties don’t just make a street look bad, they can lower property values, invite vandalism, and hurt the overall image of Florence. With strong ordinances already in place, the responsibility now falls on local authorities to enforce them and respond to residents’ concerns without unnecessary delay.

Persistent, united voices from the community can make the difference. The longer we allow neglected properties to go unchecked, the harder it becomes to restore pride and safety in our neighborhoods.