Latanya Peaches Barnes sworn in as mayor of Florence; launches 'Stronger Together' initiative

Mayor Latanya Peaches Barnes was sworn in as mayor of Florence, South Carolina, at a public inauguration ceremony where she called for broad community participation and introduced a “Stronger Together” campaign.

The oath of office was administered during the ceremony by Reverend Dr. Ralph W. Canty Sr. of Savannah Grove Baptist Church. Councilman Shaquaez McCall also took an oath during the event and spoke about the city—s recent challenges and progress.

Why it matters: The ceremony formally placed Barnes in the mayor—s office and set the public tone for her incoming term. In her remarks she emphasized community cooperation, public safety and support for local schools and businesses as priorities.

Barnes opened her remarks by thanking supporters and family. "Every day that my feet hit the floor, my focus will be on doing what's best for the city of Florence," she said. She named a series of local partners and officials she said she will work with, including city staff and county and state officials present at the event, and highlighted ongoing economic development efforts in the city.

Councilman Shaquaez McCall, who also renewed his oath, reflected on his earlier service and cautioned that new challenges will require continued commitment. "We often forget how far we've come," McCall said, adding later, "Let's go to work."

Barnes announced a public-facing campaign she called "Stronger Together," asking residents to participate in crime reduction, neighborhood cleanup and school support. "I ask all of you to join us as we launch this stronger together campaign," she said. The ceremony included a campaign video described by officials as part of the launch and concluded with a reception.

The event was ceremonial; no council votes or ordinance actions were recorded as part of the ceremony.

The ceremony included prayer and musical performances, family acknowledgements and brief tributes from community members and longtime acquaintances. Speakers at the event noted Barnes— local ties and past community work. The mayor thanked city staff and economic development partners and said the city—s recent work to attract industry shows capacity to grow.

The city provided no additional policy documents or implementation dates for initiatives mentioned at the ceremony.