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Florence streets Biggs Drive, Steinberg Drive renamed to honor former city employees


Florence City Council chose street renaming as a way to honor two of its public servants.

Florence Mayor Diane Whalen with members of the Webster and Callen families at the City Council meeting where street were renamed to recognize the longtime city employees (provided photos). Click to enlarge.

Former Public Services Director Bob Webster and Former Police Chief Charles R. Callen served the City of Florence and were known for their dedication to the City’s growth. During the November 28,  Council Meeting,  Mayor Diane Whalen presented the ordinance for second reading renaming Steinberg Drive Bob Webster Way and Biggs Drive was renamed Charles R. Callen Drive.

“It is an honor to be able to recognize these two gentlemen for their contributions to our community,” Whalen said. “I had the privilege of working with both of them during my father’s tenure as Mayor and am grateful to their families for sharing them with us.”

The name change allows the City of Florence to recognize two longtime public employees and provide an update for street names that no longer resonate with many residents and visitors.

Steinberg’s operated a chain of electronics and home appliance stores, including a location at the site that bore the street name off of Mall Road in Florence, until it filed bankruptcy in 1997. Similarly, Bigg’s was a grocery store chain that operated a location at the intersection of Houston Road.

Bob Webster came to Florence in 1951.  He served as a member of the City Council and held the position of Public Works Director for the city.  He worked closely with current Mayor Diane Whalen’s father, Hop Ewing, on the original Mall Road Project.

Charles R. Callen began his career with the Florence Police Department in 1969 and progressed through the ranks to Sergeant, then Captain and ultimately to Chief of Police.  His period of service corresponded to an era of tremendous growth for the city, the Boone County area and the Florence Police Department.

City of Florence


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