Florence, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette visited Holt Bros BBQ in Florence as part of her ‘Keep South Carolina Great’ tour. Engaging with around 20 local attendees, she addressed key campaign issues, including school choice, eliminating the state income tax, reducing business regulations, and rural healthcare. Supported by local GOP members, the event highlighted Evette’s directness and expertise as she aims to secure voter support ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Florence – Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette of South Carolina held a campaign stop at Holt Bros BBQ in Florence as part of her “Keep South Carolina Great” tour for governor. The event provided a casual setting for around 20 attendees, including local members from the Florence GOP, to engage directly with Evette and ask questions about her campaign and policy positions.
During the gathering, attendees expressed the importance of meeting candidates face-to-face to gauge their knowledge and qualifications. This sentiment was underscored by local resident Jay Andrews, who highlighted Evette’s directness and expertise in addressing various political topics. His wife, Nicolette Andrews, who serves as the 4th vice chair of the Florence GOP, commended Evette for her transparency and understanding of critical issues.
Key campaign issues were discussed by Evette, emphasizing the areas she believes are vital for the state’s progress. These include school choice, the elimination of the state income tax, reducing regulations on businesses, and improving rural healthcare. Evette made it clear she aims to earn voter support by the upcoming gubernatorial election in June 2026.
Rural healthcare emerged as a focal point during the event, with Evette referencing a $50 billion fund known as the Rural Health Transformation Program. This program is designed to offer assistance to rural hospitals. However, there has been criticism regarding the funding mechanism, which does not provide direct financial support but instead requires state-level approvals. Evette defended the program, underscoring the necessity of creative solutions for enhancing healthcare resources in rural communities, which often lag behind urban areas.
In addition to healthcare, Evette shared her support for tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, citing that these tariffs help keep farmers competitive. She further elaborated her vision for economic growth within the Pee Dee region, asserting its potential to develop into a significant business and industrial hub. Evette remarked on the consistent growth the region has experienced during her tenure as lieutenant governor, linking this progress to continued state support and innovation.
Attendees, including the Andrews couple, expressed their admiration for Evette while also acknowledging support for another gubernatorial candidate, Attorney General Alan Wilson. This duality in support indicates a competitive landscape in the upcoming election, with voters keen on listening to various candidates and their proposals.
Overall, the event at Holt Bros BBQ illustrated Evette’s commitment to engaging with the electorate and addressing issues that matter to South Carolinians, particularly in the context of rural development and economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of Pamela Evette’s campaign stop in Florence?
The campaign stop at Holt Bros BBQ was part of her “Keep South Carolina Great” tour, aimed at engaging voters directly and discussing key political issues.
What key issues did Evette focus on during her visit?
Evette addressed several key issues, including school choice, eliminating the state income tax, reducing regulations on businesses, and improving rural healthcare.
What is the Rural Health Transformation Program?
The Rural Health Transformation Program is a $50 billion initiative aimed at assisting rural hospitals, though it has faced criticism for its funding mechanisms requiring state approvals rather than direct funding.
When is the gubernatorial election in South Carolina?
The gubernatorial election in South Carolina is scheduled for June 2026.
Key Features of the Campaign Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Holt Bros BBQ, Florence |
| Attendees | Approximately 20, including local GOP members |
| Main Issues Discussed | School choice, elimination of state income tax, reducing business regulations, rural healthcare |
| Future Goals | Responding to voter concerns and gaining support before the June 2026 election |
| Program Mentioned | $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program |
| Supporters | Includes Jay and Nicolette Andrews |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Summerville Recognizes Michael Haldeman as Local Business Hero
Additional Resources
- SCNow Video Coverage
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- SCNow News Article
- Google Search: Pamela Evette
- Post and Courier Article
- Google Scholar: Gubernatorial Election South Carolina
- WMBF News Coverage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care System in the United States
- SCNow Local News
- Google News: Florence South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
