About Florence

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Introduction

Florence is the second-largest city in Northern Kentucky with 30,000 people. The residents of this community take pride in its rich history and tradition.

Summary

As one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, the old fashioned farms of Boone County are joined by an abundance of multi-styled homes in Florence. In recent years, new construction has flourished with the addition of condominium and single-family homes ranging from moderately priced to luxury, custom-built homes. And in recent years, the Florence Mall has brought new opportunity and value to the area, making the city the center of shopping and trade in Northern Kentucky. This forward-looking community offers its residents a way of life that is close to our northern neighbor, Cincinnati, and offers a comfortable and upbeat lifestyle. Be sure to salute the Florence water tower – “Florence Y’All!”

Transportation

T.A.N.K. buses serve Florence and most areas of Boone County at about 20-minute intervals. The main streets, Dixie Highway and U.S. 42, lead to Interstate 75. Driving time to downtown Cincinnati is about 15 minutes. It is a 10-minute drive to the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Hospitals

St. Elizabeth Hospital is located at I-75 at the Florence exit and staffs a 24-hour emergency room. Other nearby hospitals include St. Elizabeth South in Edgewood (10 minutes) and St. Elizabeth North in Covington (15 minutes). St. Elizabeth Florence Children’s Pavilion is located on Turfway Road.

Shopping

Florence Mall features 130 speciality stores. Centrally located in Florence, close to all Boone County residents Crestview Hills Town Center at I-275 and Dixie Highway is a lifestyle center featuring Dillards as an anchor along with a wide assortment of speciality stores and restaurants offering clothing, cosmetics, home furnishings and sporting equipment. This shopping center is close to St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Thomas More College in neighboring Kenton County.

Recreation

There are six parks in Florence. Florence Nature Park has 15 acres with paved walking trails. People also enjoy the brick patio with a grill, granite animals, and a gazebo. Orleans Park is an 11-acre park that is near the Orleans North subdivision. This park has a shelter, playground area, sled hill, open space field, volleyball court, stocked lake and a paved walking trail. South Fork Park features 42 acres and has a nautical theme. Enjoy a sheltered area, playground, volleyball and basketball courts, pedestrian bridge, bike path log dam habitats, natural meadow areas as well as mounded earthen sculpture of topsoil for play. Springtown Park has a Camelot theme on its eight acres. Enjoy a playground area, basketball court, four fitness stations, paved trail and a shelter. This park also features sand volleyball, corn-hole sets and a seat wall. Niblack Memorial Park is 4.5 aces and home to the Florence Senior Activity Center. The Walnut Creek Park is 2.5 acres and is located in the Walnut Creek subdivision. There is a ball field and open play area.

Florence is home to the Florence Family Aquatic Center. This four-acre facility opened is located on the campus of the Florence Government Center in the heart of Boone County. The Aquatic Center features a lazy river, 25-meter competition pool, two sprayground areas, spiral and speed slides and a zero-depth pool. There is a membership charge for this center.

The Florence/Boone County Skate Park with 22,000 square feet of concrete is a park for skateboarders, bikers, rollerblades and in-line skaters of course. Located on the campus of the Florence Government Center, this facility is designed for the novice as well as the experts.

Florence Freedom, a Frontier League Baseball team was the 2005 Frontier League Organization of the Year. Florence Freedom plays at Champion Field in the heart of Boone County, and offers a hometown, professional baseball experience and is an outing for young and old alike.

R.C. Durr YMCA is a state-of-the-art YMCA centrally located in Boone County on Route 18. The YMCA features a heated indoor pool and an outdoor pool, both with 25 lanes. A fitness center with cardio, strength training and free weights, the YMCA has personal fitness programs, a full gymnasium other programs for members.

There are several public golf courses near Florence: Boone Links has been named “Best Bang for the Buck” by Golf Digest. This 27-hole facility is open year round, weather permitting. Just off of Route 18 between Florence, Hebron and Burlington, Lassing Point is an 18-hole course with a driving range and short-game center on the premises. World of Golf is a great place to play, practice and learn.

Dinsmore Homestead is a unique historical site where visitors can learn what rural life was like in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Home tours and seasonal events are a highlight to Boone County history. Nature enthusiasts enjoy the hiking trails developed in cooperation with the Kentucky Nature Conservancy and the Boone County Parks Program.

The city of Florence hosts community events throughout the year. A Pooch Fest is held in September. Halloween Night Out brings out kids in costumes at the government center. The city also has an annual Veteran’s Day event and a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony.

Boone County naturally attracts horse lovers, but is also popular with those looking for sports such as swimming, soccer, baseball, tennis, and pee wee football. The arts are represented with dance and art classes available locally and in neighboring Cincinnati. Most any activity is within reach for Boone County residents.