From left, Florence City Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin and McLeod Health President and CEO Donna Isgett celebrate a “great day of collaboration that benefits the entire community.”

McLeod Health and the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation have partnered in a grant to support enhancement of the eastern corridor to the City of Florence. The support from both organizations will help expand Levy Park and improve safety in the nearby community. The gift of $717,000, a donation of $358,500 by McLeod and $358,500 by the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation, provides funding to purchase the property of 1300 East Palmetto Street.

An appraisal of the property recognized that the structures have been abandoned for some time and in need of demolition. An important gateway corridor into the City, redevelopment and beautification efforts at this location will also create a better, more appealing entrance to Florence for travelers coming from Florence Regional Airport, Francis Marion University and Myrtle Beach and for newcomers or new businesses desiring to relocate in this area.

The City of Florence agreed, through adoption of a resolution, to utilize this gift in making the improvements, removing the structures and creating more curb appeal at this vital gateway. The City of Florence has agreed to fund demolition, clean up and beautification of this property to enhance the location and expand Levy Park.

This acquisition and its intended use as a park is consistent with the charitable mission of McLeod Health, stated Ben Zeigler, Chairman of the McLeod Health Board of Trustees. “The expansion of Levy Park also serves several community purposes in terms of reducing safety concerns, providing space for exercise, mental wellbeing and other beneficial uses for residents and visitors of the city.”

Donna Isgett, President and CEO of McLeod Health, added, “It is truly such an honor to share in this move forward. We are also very pleased to be collaborating with the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation and the City of Florence to support our community in such a significant way. McLeod Health believes that the acquisition of this site by the City, and its intended use as a park, is consistent with our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of the people we serve. On a personal note for me as CEO of McLeod Health, this improvement work will also add greenspace and a more pristine look for the many medical specialists and team members we want to attract and recruit at McLeod to serve our region. As visitors travel to see us and consider future plans to make this area home, they will be met with a wonderful first impression.”