Mayor: Florence united and getting stronger

FLORENCE, S.C. (AP) — The mayor of Florence says the city is more united, stronger and more attractive than it was three years ago.

Mayor Stephen Wukela gave his state of the city address Thursday.

Before he took office in 2009 he said Florence was divided by gang violence and a high crime rate. But now he says the city has made progress.

Wukela said the city is more united in confronting problems and said rhetoric has been replaced with action.

He noted his initiative to clear away abandoned buildings and properties. Eight-five abandoned buildings have been demolished and 453 lots in the city have been cleared during the past three years.