FLORENCE, AZ – At the Florence 2026 State of the Town address on February 11, Mayor Keith Eaton and the Town Council presented updates on infrastructure projects, residential growth, and town finances. The presentation covered 2025 accomplishments and previewed projects planned for the coming year. Florence Copper’s expansion, road construction, and a new strategic plan were among the topics addressed.
Hunt Highway Construction Begins This Summer
Two road projects are now moving forward. Construction on the Hunt Highway and Attaway intersection is already underway. The project will introduce turn lanes on all approaches and is designed to ease traffic flow. Council Member Tony Bencina said the project will be completed before summer.
Additionally, widening of Hunt Highway north of Franklin Road is expected to begin in July 2026. The town acquired the necessary state land for that project. The work is planned as a two-year effort with Pinal County.
“Roads and intersections are among the most common concerns we hear,” Bencina said.
Town Holds Three Years of Financial Reserves
According to Bencina, Florence currently holds roughly three years of reserves. He said population-based state shared revenues have remained down since the 2020 state prison closure. With San Tan Valley’s incorporation projected to bring additional reductions, the town proactively strengthened reserves. Bencina said those reserves position Florence to absorb an estimated $1.5 million revenue reduction without disrupting services.
He added that a renewed budget committee now meets quarterly with town leadership. Its role is to monitor spending and align resources with council priorities.
Bencina also noted that the town secured significant grant funding in 2025. A $611,000 federal grant funded new portable and mobile radios for police and fire. More than $136,000 in additional grants supported public safety technology, trail improvements, hazmat equipment, and opioid response. Ongoing state and federal programs contributed more than $1.3 million for transportation, public safety, and community services.
However, Bencina acknowledged that transportation costs are rising statewide. He said the town will engage residents in a conversation about long-term funding options. Those could include potential adjustments to local sales tax rates.
Florence Copper Reaches Commercial Operations
Florence Copper completed construction to transition from a smaller-scale facility into commercial operations. The company expects to produce its first copper cathode from the commercial facilities in the coming weeks.
Sophie Dessart, Florence Copper’s manager of communications and public affairs, said that once fully operational, the facility will produce an average of 85 million pounds of copper per year for 22 years. She said that would make it the first major new source of U.S. domestic copper production in over a decade.
Dessart reported the workforce has grown from about 35 employees in January 2023 to more than 170. The company expects to reach approximately 200 employees in the coming months. The majority of new hires are Pinal County residents.
Over the life of the project, Florence Copper is expected to contribute approximately $4.3 billion in economic activity statewide. Of that total, $2.5 billion is concentrated in Pinal County. Since 2013, the company’s charitable foundation has given more than $206,000 to local nonprofits. Florence Copper also runs a local scholarship program and sponsors town events and community causes. Separately, the company contributed $50,000 that helped fund the playground at Jason Lopez Memorial Park.
Residential Growth Continues With 30,000 Homes Projected
Vice Mayor Cathy Adam reported that more than 240 single-family homes were permitted in 2025. The community development team reviewed 65 final plats across master planned communities including Anthem at Merrill Ranch, Mesquite Trails, Florence 287, Monarch, and Attaway Crossing.
Adam also reported that Florence completed general plan amendments at Dobson Farms. The changes redesignated the area for industrial use, paving the way for the Florence Tech Park. The town also annexed 200 acres for the Skyview Farms Planned Unit Development.
Mayor Eaton noted that Florence has the potential for approximately 30,000 new homes over the next 10 to 15 years. Janelle Speake of El Dorado Holdings said the town sits in the path of growth as developable land diminishes in the Southeast Valley.
“Growth is going to happen,” Eaton said. He added, “It’s our responsibility to help shape that in the right way.”
Water and Wastewater System Updates
According to Adam, Florence experienced no town-wide water outages in 2025. A new valve exercising trailer allows staff to maintain valves more effectively and reduce service disruptions.
At the South Wastewater Treatment Plant, crews replaced key components in the disinfection system. The town also completed clean closure of an aging treatment basin and restored major plant structures to improve reliability and extend operations. Eaton said major wastewater treatment planning is underway to address both current and future capacity needs.
Public Safety Upgrades and Emergency Response
Council Member Sherrie Bedford reported the town completed a full renovation of its emergency communication center. Aging dispatch systems were replaced with modern equipment to improve coordination.
Officers received 33 new mobile data computers through a $1.2 million grant supported by Senator Mark Kelly’s office. The fire and medical department received new state-funded hazmat equipment. It also expanded neighborhood safety outreach, including Florence’s first community smoke alarm walk at Caliente RV Resort. Town and community volunteers, partnering with the Arizona Burn Foundation, installed dozens of smoke alarms and provided safety education to residents.
Additionally, police and fire launched the first Shop with a Hero Day. In partnership with Florence Unified School District and more than two dozen local businesses, the event raised nearly $20,000. Sixteen students each received $500 in gifts along with a new bike and helmet.
Council Member Nicole Buccellato reported that the town approved three new school resource officer positions. The first SRO is now serving at Florence K-6.
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Jason Lopez Memorial Park received major playground improvements in 2025. Playgrounds for early childhood and youth were fully replaced with accessible equipment and updated safety surfaces. The upgrades include a designated quiet area called the Quiet Grove, designed for children who need a calming space. The park’s renaming honored a Florence native and sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty. The town designated June 13 as Deputy Jason Lopez Day.
The aquatic center welcomed more than 11,000 admissions. Buccellato said the Dorothy Nolan Senior Center had one of its busiest years on record. Its programming included fitness classes, resource fairs, produce bingo where fresh fruits and vegetables are awarded as prizes, and the return of the Adopt-a-Grandparent holiday program. The Florence Community Center and Viney Jones Library marked their 10-year anniversary. The summer reading program drew more than 300 readers who logged over 171,000 minutes.
Eaton said new main street restrooms and ADA restroom upgrades across town facilities are also in progress.
Childcare Shortage Prompts Town Action
Eaton cited a presentation from First Things First reporting that Florence has a shortage of more than 1,100 childcare slots for babies and toddlers. In response, the town began facilitating monthly childcare crisis meetings to bring partners together and pursue solutions.
“While childcare isn’t directly within the town’s budget or authority, we stepped up,” Eaton said.
New Strategic Plan and Community Engagement
Council approved a new strategic plan following nearly a year of development. The plan drew input from senior staff, town council, and community champions — citizens, business owners, and community leaders across Florence.
The town also expanded its community engagement model. The mayor and vice mayor initially hosted separate “Coffee with Keith” and “Coffee with Kathy” sessions, which they later combined into joint meetings. Department directors hosted morning mingles throughout 2025 in every area of Florence. Those programs will continue in 2026.
Adam said a community-wide communication survey in fall 2025 received the highest participation of any survey in Florence’s history. Respondents asked for regular email updates, better information on road safety and development projects, an updated website for mobile users, and offline alternatives for those not on social media. She said a new communication system built around these priorities will launch in 2026.
Florence FC Launches Semi-Professional Soccer
Florence FC completed its inaugural season as the town’s only semi-professional representative sports team. The club hosted five outdoor evening home games at Florence High School Stadium, bringing activity to the historic downtown area. Head coach Dimitrios Mirkopoulos announced plans for a youth academy training program and an indoor training facility that would also be available for community events year-round.
According to Mirkopoulos, semi-pro teams in similar towns have served as catalysts for local economic activity, with restaurants and vendors aligning around match days. His vision includes visiting teams and their families staying overnight or for weekends in Florence. Drawing on his 20-year background in film production, Mirkopoulos compared the potential impact to the economic spillover generated by that industry. Florence FC aims to replicate that effect on a smaller scale, with community development triggering new economic development.
The club competes in the United Premier Soccer League. Mirkopoulos pointed to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is projected to generate $17 billion in GDP impact on the United States. After the 1994 World Cup, U.S. soccer interest and youth program demand surged, and Mirkopoulos expects a similar effect from the 2026 event. Florence FC, in his view, can help the town capitalize on that projected growth. The spring 2026 season begins in March.
Youth, Rodeo Traditions, and Historic Preservation
Bedford reported that the Florence Teen Council represented the town at the League of Arizona Cities and Towns youth program. It also hosted the second annual Florence Teen Leadership Symposium, welcoming more than 100 youth leaders from across Arizona.
Council Member Arthur Neal reported that the town completed a well replacement project at the Charles Whitlow Rodeo Grounds, providing a more reliable water supply for the Junior Parada and improving long-term arena operations. Eaton said the 94th annual Florence Junior Parada is set for this year. He also noted the 40th annual Historic Home Tour takes place February 14.
Neal also recognized student athletes across Florence. At American Leadership Academy, a top triple jumper posted a 49-foot, seven-inch mark and is now competing at the collegiate level in Florida. At Florence High School, the girls volleyball team made a strong run toward the state quarterfinals. The cheer team won the Division 3 Large Group state title, placed third in all-girls stunt, and earned a sixth straight league championship. The football team fought back from a rough start to reach the quarterfinals.
Economic Development and Key Hires
Council Member Jose Maldonado reported growing interest from businesses offering food, retail, medical, and neighborhood services. He said the town purchased the former Kokopelli Moon Saloon site to support future commercial development downtown.
Florence also welcomed several key leadership positions in 2025. They include Public Works Director Andy Smith, Utilities Director Jonathan Toomey, Chief of Police Matt Thomas, Recreation Superintendent Steven Gallagher, Town Attorney Robert Wingo, incoming Fire Battalion Chief Matt Kennedy, Administrative Project Manager Jarod Thiele, and Grants Specialist Mat Hoogendoorn. In total, the town filled 29 full-time positions, 12 part-time positions, and 45 temporary and seasonal roles.
Florence’s Growth and Character Moving Forward
Residents can access copies of the new strategic plan on the town website. The Coffee with Keith and Coffee with Kathy sessions and department-led morning mingles will continue in 2026.
Throughout the evening, speakers balanced Florence’s growth trajectory with its small-town identity. Town Manager Bruce Walls captured that theme.
“I think people who choose to live here will get some of the futuristic things, but we won’t lose sight of what made Florence what it is,” he said.
