Professional Hockey Returns as Pee Dee Region Faces Major Developments in 2025

Sports and Entertainment Bring New Energy

The Pee Dee IceCats are proud to officially unveil the 2025–26 regular season schedule as they prepare to drop the puck on their much-anticipated inaugural season in Florence, marking professional hockey's return to the Pee Dee after a nearly 20 year absence. Opening Night is set for Friday, October 10th at the Florence Center, where the IceCats will square off against division rivals, the Columbus (GA) River Dragons.

The sports renaissance didn't stop there. The South Carolina Ravens arena football team will hold its first exhibition game at 7 p.m. March 16 at the Florence Center, with the Ravens opening the regular season in April. These developments represent a significant investment in bringing professional sports entertainment back to the region, providing new recreational opportunities for residents and potentially boosting local economic activity.

Francis Marion University's women's soccer team closed out the 2025 season with an impressive 17-3-0 overall record, matching the most wins in a single season in program history, with their 14-0-0 start being the best in the 31-year history of the Patriot women's soccer program.

Economic Growth and Development

Industry growth and low cost of living attracts newcomers to Florence County, though house prices are going up in Florence. This economic expansion reflects broader trends affecting the region, with new businesses and residents choosing the Pee Dee for its affordability and growing opportunities.

Arclin, a leading materials science company, gathered with the community to celebrate the $60 million expansion on Wednesday. Such significant industrial investments demonstrate the region's appeal to major corporations and signal continued economic development for the area.

In a 2024 poll from The Post and Courier Pee Dee, more than half of respondents said they wanted a Publix in Florence, and now that a Publix is in the works, readers are considering what they want next. This retail expansion shows how community input continues to shape commercial development in the region.

Crime and Public Safety Challenges

The region faced significant public safety challenges throughout 2025. The FBI's Columbia Field Office and State Law Enforcement Division arrested a Florence woman in connection to the July 1 death of Darlington County Deputy Frank "Devin' Mason. Agents of the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) made three arrests last week in connection with an alleged kidnapping revenge plot that reportedly left a victim clinging to life at a Florence County hospital, with the male victim allegedly abducted as part of a "revenge plot" related to a stolen pickup truck.

Cold cases across the Pee Dee and the Grand Strand saw major movement in 2025 thanks to advancing technology and persistent investigators. This progress in solving long-standing cases provided some measure of closure for families and communities affected by unsolved crimes.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, the Pee Dee region stands at an interesting crossroads. The return of professional sports, continued industrial expansion, and ongoing infrastructure development suggest a community positioning itself for growth. However, the persistent public safety challenges and rising housing costs indicate that local leaders will need to balance progress with maintaining the affordability and community character that originally attracted new residents and businesses.

The successful launch of new sports franchises and major corporate expansions like Arclin's $60 million investment demonstrate that the region has the infrastructure and community support needed for significant ventures. As the IceCats and Ravens begin their seasons, they'll serve as symbols of the Pee Dee's broader aspirations for economic diversification and enhanced quality of life for residents.