A Change Of Leadership Comes In Florence

Lethonia Barnes accepted the city's top post during a swearing-in ceremony at Francis Marion University.

A change in leadership occurred in Florence Tuesday.

In 2020, Mayor Teresa Myers-Ervin made history after becoming the first woman and first African American elected as mayor of the town.

Tuesday, she wrapped up her 14-year political career touting her accomplishments while delivering a message to her community. She said she has no plans to run for office again.

Myers-Ervin’s former city council colleague Lethonia Barnes is taking over the position. She accepted the city’s top post during a swearing-in ceremony at Francis Marion University.

Barnes took nearly 61% of the vote in the June primary and ran unopposed last week. She said her focus will be on doing what’s best for the city of Florence.