Oregon Coast's Florence Bumps Up Its Color Factor with Bright Hanging Flower Baskets

Published 04/23/26 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Florence, Oregon) – Those moving through the central Oregon coast burgh of Florence may notice a brighter streetscape this year. More bold colors, more flora – and all of it a tad airborne. That's because the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Florence Public Works Department expanded the city’s annual Flower Basket Program this season.

The local eye candy just got more prolific.

The Chamber plans to install at least 140 hanging baskets throughout Historic Old Town and along Highway 101, from the Siuslaw River Bridge to the Highway 126 intersection.

“That’s nearly every lamppost in that corridor,” said Chamber President and CEO Bettina Hannigan. “By doing so, we celebrate optimism, goodwill, and community pride while creating a warm, welcoming experience for everyone who comes through Florence.”

The baskets, which typically appear in early May and remain through October, have become a seasonal hallmark for the city. It can compel drivers to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy a more vibrant downtown.

“Smiles are contagious, and these baskets generate them in abundance,” she said. “They make a strong ‘stop and look’ statement that leaves a lasting, positive impression.”

The program is funded through $100 community sponsorships from individuals, businesses, and civic groups. The Chamber coordinates the effort, while Public Works crews install and maintain the baskets throughout the season. Sponsors include local residents as well as visitors who have developed a connection to Florence.

“Some sponsors are visitors who fell in love with Florence or own vacation homes here,” Hannigan said. “Others dedicate baskets in honor of loved ones. Many return year after year because they take pride in helping beautify the community.”

The baskets have also become a popular backdrop for visitor photos, generating organic social media exposure that helps promote Florence as a travel destination.

The expansion supports the Chamber’s broader efforts to strengthen Florence’s tourism-driven economy. Travel industry data shows that more than 2,450 local jobs - nearly 70 percent of the city’s workforce - are tied to tourism, contributing nearly $290 million annually to the local economy.

“A welcoming downtown encourages visitors to linger,” Hannigan said. “When they linger, they shop, dine, explore, and stay the night to do it all again the next day. That directly supports the small businesses that make Florence such a special place.”

Community members and businesses can sponsor a flower basket through the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce or by calling 541-997-3128 for details.

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