Mayor Lethonia Barnes and City Manager Scotty Davis sit down with us for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about what’s really happening inside Florence’s water system — and more importantly, what’s being done about it. From iron-rich aquifers to construction disturbances, they break down the science, the safety standards, and the long-term fix in plain English.

With more than $200 million committed to water, sewer, and stormwater upgrades through 2045, city leadership is putting real investment behind real solutions — modernizing plants, expanding capacity, and using smart technology to keep Florence growing the right way.

Have a question about Florence’s water? Drop it in the comments. We’re reading them, or even better go straight to the source and call the people who can do something about it! 843-665-3236

In this episode of Double R Flo-Town, we break down the 2026 Florence real estate market, the rental market shift, and why Riverland Property Management just crossed 100+ doors in under five months.

We talk:

• Inventory up 64% year-over-year
• Months of supply approaching buyer’s market territory
• Why $1,300–$1,400 rentals are moving fast
• High-end downtown townhomes near McLeod
• Lennar & DR Horton bringing major new construction
• And how property management gives us real-time market data

If you're thinking about buying, selling, investing, or moving to Florence, this episode gives you the real pulse of the Pee Dee market.

We also discuss:

• Downtown Florence growth
• Short-term vs long-term rental demand
• Technology in property management (AI + automated work orders)
• The upcoming Double R Downtown concert featuring Susto

Florence is the largest city on I-95 in South Carolina — and it's still affordable. The median home price sits around $226,000, but prices are still up 13% year over year.

📍 Whether you're an investor, homeowner, or just curious about where Florence is headed, this episode is packed with insights.

Florence County Sheriff TJ Joye joins the Double R Flo-town podcast for a candid, no-nonsense conversation about modern law enforcement, crime trends, juvenile violence, and what public safety really looks like in Florence County, South Carolina.

With over 40 years in law enforcement, Sheriff Joy shares firsthand insight into:

-Recruiting and retaining deputies in today’s climate
-Why perception of law enforcement is at an all-time low
-Juvenile crime, accountability, and the role of parents
-Florence County’s crime statistics — and what they actually mean
-High-profile cases, investigations, and real-world policing challenges
-Why Florence remains a great place to live, raise a family, and grow

This episode goes beyond headlines and social media narratives to explain how law enforcement, county leadership, and community trust intersect — and why context matters when talking about crime.

If you live in Florence, are considering moving here, or just want an honest look at policing today, this is a must-watch conversation.

00:00 Introduction & welcoming Sheriff TJ Joye
01:15 The realities of being sheriff in today’s climate
02:35 Staffing challenges & deputy recruitment
04:45 Public perception of law enforcement
05:13 Rebuilding trust between police and the community
06:37 Crime trends & closing problem areas
08:01 “10 for 10” — solving every murder in 2025
08:49 Juvenile crime, accountability & curfews
10:10 40+ years in law enforcement — what’s changed
12:38 Courts, sentencing & juvenile justice reform
14:10 Is Florence actually dangerous?
15:56 Florence as a place to live & raise a family
18:40 Career reflections & leadership lessons
19:04 A terrifying true story from the road
22:45 Leadership, command staff & setting the tone
23:30 Message to citizens: what helps law enforcement most
24:26 Final thoughts & closing