A third-generation LA roaster ships 50+ coffees — single origins, flavored favorites, decafs, even teas — days after roasting. Mix and match Keurig®-compatible boxes for tiered savings up to 34% off. First order? Take an extra 15% off, automatically.

Taste It Fresh

Pay Less At The Gas Pump
If filling up felt like a gut punch this week, you're not imagining it. Regular unleaded in Florence has hit $4.59 per gallon, and diesel has surpassed $6.00 — the steepest prices locals have seen in years. The culprit is largely the six-month U.S. military conflict with Iran, which has sent Brent crude oil past $100 per barrel for the first time since July. The tightening global supply is hitting every pump in Boone County hard. Diesel in particular surged nearly $0.77 cents per gallon since the beginning of September.

Experts expect some seasonal relief as summer fuel blends transition to cheaper winter formulas in the coming weeks, but they caution that what rises fast at the pump tends to fall slowly. The most effective thing a Florence driver can do is stack a few free loyalty programs that routinely cut 10 to 50 cents per gallon off every fill-up. Here's exactly how to do it at the stations you already drive past.

The Stations and Their Programs

UDF — U-Drive Plus
United Dairy Farmers' U-Drive Plus program is one of the strongest ongoing deals in the NKY/Cincinnati market. Registered members automatically receive 6¢ off per gallon every day. Stack that with in-store purchases: earn an extra 3¢ per gallon for each featured item you buy (hot coffee, iced coffee, fountain drink), plus 5¢ per gallon for every $25 spent in-store through the Market Basket perk. Members routinely build to 20¢ off per gallon through normal purchases alone. The app also includes a Low Price Lock feature that rolls your price back to the day's lowest. Sign up free at udfinc.com/u-drive, via the UDF app, or text UDRIVE to 60534. New members who sign up through September 30 receive tiered discounts on their first three fill-ups — 15¢, 20¢, and 25¢ off respectively, stacked on top of the everyday 6¢.

Thorntons — Refreshing Rewards
Members save up to 5¢ per gallon on fuel, with periodic flash fuel promotions that push discounts higher. FREEquency Clubs let you earn free items after buying a set number of coffees, drinks, or snacks. Premium and VIP tiers unlock deeper perks the more you spend. Points expire after one year if unused. Sign up at mythorntons.com or in the app.

Speedway — Speedy Rewards
Speedway's Speedy Rewards program lets you bank points on every fuel and in-store purchase, then redeem them for fuel discounts at the pump. The tiers: 1,750 points = 10¢ off per gallon; 4,375 points = 25¢ off; 8,750 points = 50¢ off — all valid for one purchase up to 25 gallons. Kentucky is eligible. The key is patience — the bigger the point bank, the bigger the per-gallon payoff at redemption. Sign up at speedway.com or in the Speedy Rewards app.

Murphy USA — Murphy Drive Rewards
Murphy USA stations offer up to $1.00 off per gallon on purchases up to 25 gallons when your rewards are maxed out through their Murphy Drive Rewards app. Points accumulate with every purchase and redeem for fuel discounts or free snacks. Download the Murphy Drive Rewards app on iOS or Android to get started.

Pilot Flying J — Auto & RV Rewards
For commuters and road-trippers using the I-75 corridor, Pilot's Auto & RV Rewards program offers a straightforward monthly 10¢ off per gallon on gas. Just download the Pilot app, save the monthly fuel offer, and scan at the pump. The app also unlocks weekly drink and snack deals, a military discount (10% off food and beverages for verified service members), and a birthday meal and drink. Sign up at pilotcompany.com/auto-and-rv-rewards.

Shell — Fuel Rewards
Shell Fuel Rewards is free to join at fuelrewards.com. Members save 3¢ to 10¢ per gallon depending on tier (Silver, Gold, Platinum). One bonus worth noting for T-Mobile customers: T-Mobile Tuesdays frequently offers 10¢ to 15¢ extra off per gallon at Shell through the T-Mobile app — a legitimate weekly discount, but it comes through T-Mobile, not Shell directly. Check your T-Mobile Tuesdays app each week if you're a subscriber.

Kroger — Kroger Plus
Kroger Plus is Kroger's free membership program — sign up at kroger.com or at the service desk. You earn 1 point for every $1 spent on groceries and general merchandise, with bonus points on gift card purchases. Points redeem at Kroger fuel centers or participating Shell stations at 10¢ off per gallon for every 100 points — so 200 points = 20¢ off, 300 points = 30¢ off, up to $1.00 with 1000 points. Important: When redeeming at Shell, you use either Kroger Plus points or Shell Fuel Rewards — not both at the same fill-up. Pick whichever discount is larger that day. Fuel restrictions apply; see the Fuel Points Program terms in your Kroger account for the current period cap and expiration dates.

BP — Earnify
Simple and automatic: 5¢ off per gallon at BP and Amoco stations through the free Earnify program. No point banking, no threshold to hit — the discount applies every time through the app. Sign up at bp.com/earnify.

Layer These Apps On Top

Once you've joined the loyalty program at your go-to station, these apps add savings on top:

Upside — Claim a deal in the app before you fuel, fill up, and get cash back of up to 25¢ per gallon via bank transfer, PayPal, or gift card. Works at many Florence-area stations. Free to download.

GasBuddy — Real-time, crowd-sourced prices at every station near you. At $4.59 a gallon, a 20¢ difference across town is worth the detour. The GasBuddy Pay card adds a guaranteed 3¢+ off on top of that.

Checkout 51 — Photograph your receipt after fueling at Shell, BP, Exxon, or Mobil and earn up to 25¢ per gallon back. Works alongside those stations' own loyalty programs.

The Right Credit Card Adds Another Layer

Free Habits That Stretch Every Tank

The Bottom Line

At $4.59 per gallon, a 15-gallon fill-up costs $68.85 today. A driver running the UDF U-Drive Plus program with stacked in-store purchases (20¢ off), Upside (up to 25¢ off), and a 3% cash-back card can realistically pay closer to $3.85–$4.00 effective per gallon — saving $8 to $11 per fill-up. Every program listed above is free. None requires a credit card to start.

The Iran conflict isn't going to resolve before your tank runs dry. But ten minutes signing up for the right programs means you stop paying full price every time you do.

Find live Florence gas prices at GasBuddy.com · UDF U-Drive Plus: udfinc.com/u-drive or text UDRIVE to 60534 · Pilot Auto & RV Rewards: pilotcompany.com/auto-and-rv-rewards · Murphy Drive Rewards: iOS/Android app · Speedway Speedy Rewards: speedway.com · Thorntons Refreshing Rewards: mythorntons.com · Shell Fuel Rewards: fuelrewards.com · Kroger Plus: kroger.com · BP Earnify: bp.com/earnify

Five Guys BOGO Burger Deal Runs Through National Cheeseburger Day
Five Guys is offering a buy-one-get-one-free burger deal through Friday, September 18, in honor of National Cheeseburger Day. Use promo code BOGOBURGER at checkout on the Five Guys app or website — the deal is digital only and not valid at the counter or through third-party delivery apps. The Florence location is at 7668 Mall Rd. Orders must be placed and completed before the promotion ends Friday.
Read more → https://www.fox19.com/2026/09/16/five-guys-offering-buy-one-get-one-free-deal-through-friday-national-cheeseburger-day/

CVG to Mobilize 700+ Responders in Full-Scale Drill Friday
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport will stage a comprehensive emergency preparedness exercise Friday, September 18, beginning at 9 a.m. More than 700 personnel from nearly 100 agencies will respond to two simulated aircraft crash scenarios staged on a closed runway. Residents near the airport may notice heightened activity — the drill is planned and no emergency is occurring.
Read more → https://linknky.com/news/2026/09/16/cvg-emergency-response-drill-sept-18/

I am looking for businesses to spotlight in the Florence Pulse. Enquire about having your business in the spotlight. Email me at [email protected].

⛈ Friday — 85° / 66° · Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
🌦 Saturday — 87° / 71° · Slight Chance Rain Showers
🌦 Sunday — 87° / 67° · Chance Rain Showers
📍 Source: weather.gov — Florence, KY 41042

Be the smartest person in the room. 1440 navigates 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive, unbiased news roundup — politics, business, culture, and more — in a quick, 5-minute read. Completely free, completely factual.

Sign up now!

📍 Florence Marks 34th Year as Tree City USA at Arbor Day Celebration
The City of Florence hosts its Annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at Kentaboo Park (418 Kentaboo Ave.). The free event marks Florence's 34th consecutive year of Tree City USA recognition and features tree-planting activities, a reading of the city's Arbor Day Proclamation, and a free lunch. All ages welcome. For more info, call 859-647-5416.
Read more → https://florence-ky.gov

📍 T.I., Ginuwine, Trina And More Headline Tacos & Tequila Fest Sept. 19
The Tacos and Tequila Festival brings 2000s-era hip-hop to Thomas More Stadium on Saturday, September 19, with a headlining lineup of T.I., Ginuwine, Trina, Chingy, Ying Yang Twins, Yung Joc, Bubba Sparxxx, and Murphy Lee. Beyond the music, the 21+ event features craft margaritas, tequila tastings, locally crafted tacos, lucha libre wrestling, and a chihuahua beauty pageant. VIP gates open at 1:30 p.m., general admission at 2:00 p.m. Tickets start at $84.
Read more → https://tacosandtequilafestival.com/market/cincinnati/

📍 Paint Nite: Black Eyed Susans
Wednesday, Sept. 16 | 7:00 p.m. | Barleycorn's, Florence
Beginner-friendly paint-and-sip event with all supplies included.
Info → https://allevents.in/florence-ky/all

📍 Pet Supply Donation Drive and Dine-to-Donate
Monday-Thursday, Sept. 14-17 | Texas Roadhouse, 4953 Houston Road, Florence
Drop off pet supply donations through Thursday, then dine at Texas Roadhouse on Sept. 17 and a portion of your meal supports animals in need.

📍Classic Cars And Music At Legacy Living Florence Car Show Sept. 20
The 5th Annual Legacy Living Florence Car Show rolls into 8520 Gunpowder Road on Sunday, September 20, featuring classic vehicles and live music from Velvet Soul.
Read more → https://allevents.in/florence/5th-annual-legacy-living-florence-car-show/200030665155449

📍Boone County 4-H Open House at Florence Extension Office
Boone County 4-H hosts a free Open House on Sunday, September 20 from 1–3 p.m. at the Boone County Extension Florence office, 7111 Dixie Highway. Families with kids ages 5–18 can meet club leaders, explore year-long programs — including Animal Clubs, Horse Clubs, Sharpshooters, Art & Design, Teen Club, and Disc Golf — and enroll on the spot at no cost. Attendees can also enter to win a week of 4-H camp, a Teen Conference, or a Cloverbud gift bag. Call 859-586-6101 or visit extension.mgcafe.uky.edu/boone.
Read more → https://extension.mgcafe.uky.edu/boone

Parks Movie Night
September 25 - 7pm to 11pm
Boone Woods Park, 6000 Veterans Way, Burlington, KY
Free for all ages.
Summer Movie Nights are back! Join us starting at 7pm on select Fridays for inflatables and activities in the park!
Movies begin at dark (around 9:15pm).

Give Blood at Florence Methodist Church, Earn a $10 Gift Card
Hoxworth Blood Center is hosting a blood drive at Florence Methodist Church on Monday, September 29, with two sessions: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 2:45–5:15 p.m. Every donor receives a $10 e-gift card. Appointments are encouraged — sign up online at the link below.
Read more → https://hoxworth.org/groups/florencemc

Fall Community Garage Sale
October 3 - 8am to 1pm
Boone County Administration Building Parking Lot, 6025 Rogers Ln, Burlington, KY
No admission fee. Be one of our many sellers or just shop!
Pre-registration is required for sellers. (Register early - spots go quickly!)*
Sellers must be 18+
$10/first space
$6/each additional space
(9'x12' parking spot size)
*Register at boonecountyky.org/parks, or call 859-334-2117.

City of Florence Hosts Hoxworth Blood Drive on October 8
Hoxworth Blood Center is partnering with the City of Florence for a blood drive on Thursday, October 8, with two sessions: 11:00 a.m.–1:15 p.m. and 2:30–4:45 p.m. The donor bus will be parked at 8100 Ewing Blvd in Florence. Every donor receives a Hoxworth wearable blanket. Appointments encouraged — schedule online or call (513) 451-0910.
Read more → https://hoxworth.org/groups/florence

Get your event listed here. Contact me at robert@florencepulse.com to get your event featured in the Florence Pulse.

🏐🏈⚽BCHS Varsity Sports Schedule — Sept. 14-19

Friday, Sept. 18
Boys Football at Mason County High School — 7:30 p.m. (Away)

Saturday, Sept. 19
Girls Soccer at Holy Cross (Covington) High School — 4:30 p.m. (Away)

Florence Speedway Dollar Days and Season Championships
Saturday, Sept. 19 | All day | Florence Speedway, 12234 US 42, Walton
The track closes out its 2026 season with championship races and $1 food, drinks, and beer all day. Dates are subject to change; confirm at (859) 485-7591 before heading out.
Info → https://www.florencespeedway.com/schedule/

Let us know about your sport results. Send to [email protected]

After Julia's death, the Dinsmore farmhouse on Burlington Pike remained in family hands. The Dinsmores had never remodeled it. They had never thrown much away. The property passed through generations of the family until 1988, when Martha Ferguson Breasted, a sixth-generation Dinsmore, donated it to the Dinsmore Homestead Foundation.

What the foundation found was remarkable: original furnishings still in place and more than 90,000 pages of letters, journals, and farm records covering 84 years of an American family's life in Boone County. The house had not been meaningfully altered since James Dinsmore built it.

The foundation has maintained the home, a 30-acre estate, and the family cemetery on Burlington Pike. The records connect Boone County history to a wider world, touching events from the Civil War to World War I and figures including Theodore Roosevelt. The house James Dinsmore built in 1842 is still standing. You can visit it today.

Dinsmore Farm Museum