Marion County approves permit for Florence Grand Prix, allows limited use of Yarrow Road

The Marion County Board of Commissioners voted May 11 to approve a Type 5 special-event permit for the Florence Grand Prix and to authorize the event organizer to use one half of Yarrow Road north of 50th as part of the race route.

Sharon of planning and zoning said the organizers submitted a safety plan, land-agent agreements and insurance that names Marion County. "Part of the special event application process is that I contact all of the emergency agencies within the county and get any information back from them," Sharon said, adding that the planning office had received confirmations and that many concerns had been addressed.

Sharon also said the event may run the track in the opposite direction this year: "They plan to run it backwards this year." Commissioners discussed road closures, barricade placement and coordination with Road & Bridge and law enforcement.

A motion to approve the permit and to allow use of Yarrow Road was made and passed by voice vote. Commissioners directed staff to ensure required barricades, signage and coordination with emergency responders and Road & Bridge prior to the event.

The approval includes the standard conditions in the county's special-event permitting process and requires the applicant to maintain insurance that lists Marion County as an additional insured.