The winner will have his or her artwork printed a reusable shopping bag that will be distributed to Mount Pleasant residents and visitors. Town staff will select the top five and residents will vote to determine the winning design.
T-Shirt Design Contest
One winner will have his or her design printed on a t-shirt to be sold on the official Mount Pleasant online store. He or she will also be recognized on the town website, social media posts, and in a press release.
Initiative raising funds for drowning prevention; donations can be made at select parks and online
[CHARLESTON COUNTY] – While visiting the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission’s (CCPRC) waterparks and beach parks this summer, guests can support a very worthy cause – helping others in the community learn how to swim.
According to the Center for Disease Control, 10 people die every day from unintentional drowning; of those, two are children ages 14 or younger. Fatal drowning is the fifth-leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths for children 14 and younger.
Visitors are encouraged to consider donating to Charleston County Parks Foundation’s Swim For It campaign, which raises money to prevent drownings through swim instruction and water safety classes. Donations to Swim For It support aquatic safety programs in rural areas of Charleston County, including those at CCPRC’s West County Aquatic Center in Hollywood.
Donations can be made at the ticket booths of Splash Island waterpark in Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park, Splash Zone waterpark at James Island County Park, and Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park. Visitors to the West County Aquatic Center, as well as CCPRC’s beach parks – Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Folly Beach County Park and Isle of Palms County Park – can also make donations on site during their visit. The Charleston County Parks Foundation also accept donations athttps://justgiving.com/campaign/swimforit2021 and donations can also be made when registering for programs on CCPRC’s website, charlestoncountyparks.com.
A $25 donation funds a full set of swimming lessons for one person. The funds raised from last summer’s Swim For It Campaign are providing swimming lessons for 125 community members this summer at the West County Aquatic Center.
A nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization, The Charleston County Parks Foundation was created in May 1990 by CCPRC to generate funding for the continued growth and development of the county park system, and to support increased leisure opportunities for residents. The Swim For It campaign is a part of the Genesis Project, established in 2014 after the tragic drowning of a 13-year-old boy named Genesis Holmes. The project’s vision is to eliminate the number of drowning victims in Charleston County by providing the community with access to pools for swimming lessons, water safety classes, recreational programing and leisure activities. For more information on the foundation or to make a donation to the Swim For It Campaign or other projects, visit CharlestonCountyParksFoundation.org.
Charleston County waterparks are currently open daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. until Aug. 15 and then weekends only until Labor Day weekend. Isle of Palms County Park and Kiawah Beachwalker Park are currently open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Folly Beach County Park is open 8 a.m. to sunset. For more information on CCPRC’s parks, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
The Charleston County Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization formed in 1990 by CCPRC. Its mission is to help ALL residents experience Charleston County Parks and programs. Presently, the foundation is working on four projects: The Genesis Project, the Pass It Forward Project and the McLeod Plantation Historic Site Project. The Genesis Project focuses on drowning prevention in the Lowcountry by raising funds to offer aquatic programs in the Johns Island, Awendaw/McClellanville and Ravenel/Hollywood areas. The Pass It Forward Project provides opportunities and scholarships for all members of our community to enjoy parks and programs. The McLeod Plantation Historic Site Project supports the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission’s cultural and historical research, preservation, interpretation, and education for diverse audiences with an emphasis on underrepresented histories at this site and throughout Charleston County Parks. The Nature Stewardship Fund is focused on preserving, protecting and managing the natural resources throughout the Charleston County Park system for the enjoyment and benefit of the citizens of the Lowcountry for years to come. For more information on The Charleston County Parks Foundation, call 843-795-4386 or visit www.CharlestonCountyParksFoundation.org.
The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes four land parks, three beach parks, three dog parks, a skate park, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, 19 boat landings, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, a historic plantation site, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. The park system also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, and more. For more information on CCPRC, call 843-795-4386, visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.
What better way to celebrate the nation’s birthday than with a little fishing? Like many presidents before you, you’ll get to enjoy a peaceful getaway in nature or practice a little sport and recreation. What’s more, many states schedule their annual free fishing days for the Fourth of July, giving you even more of a reason to get out on the water.
There are countless incredible places where you can cast a line in the US. To make choosing easier, we built this list of the best Fourth of July fishing destinations around both exciting angling and great seasonal activities. If you’re heading out with a crew with varied interests, it’s perfect for you. There’s something for everyone – from fishing to music, food, nature, and relaxation.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Fourth of July celebration without fireworks. There’s a lot to get through so let’s dive in!
Corpus Christi, Texas
Let’s kick things off in Texas. Everything is bigger here, right? That includes both fishing and Fourth of July celebrations! They call Corpus Christi the Gulf Coast Capital – and there’s a good reason for that. It’s home to excellent hotels and resorts, beaches, and kid-friendly attractions including the Texas State Aquarium. In terms of fishing, it’s something of an inshore haven.
You can target Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder in the grass flats and the sheltered waters of Corpus Christi Bay. Or, you may also want to take advantage of Red Snapper season by hopping on an offshore charter. Once you’re back, clean up and head to the bayfront, downtown seawall, or North Beach for “The Mayor’s Big Bang Fireworks Show”!
Destin, Florida
Next on our list of the best Fourth of July fishing destinations is a place better known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Destin, Florida is home to sugar-white sand beaches, vibrant emerald-green waters, and one of the largest commercial fishing fleets in the United States. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s something here for anglers of all skill levels.
From inshore Gulf fishing in state waters and offshore fishing in federal waters to the sleepy bayous, beautiful lakes and pristine waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay, Destin has earned its reputation. After the sun sets, the Fourth of July celebrations begin! Enjoy spectacular firework displays over the Destin Harbor and the Santa Rosa Sound or head to the 10th Annual Smoke on the Coast BBQ and Fireworks Festival for a tasty meal.
Nelson County, Virginia
There’s more to fishing in Virginia than the Chesapeake Bay. Nelson County offers many angling opportunities that allow you to escape the crowds – without missing out on the action. Bass anglers can head to the Tye and Little Piney Rivers, where they’ll have their shot at both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. There’s also Catfish, Bluegill, and Rock Bass on the cards to round out the freshwater offer.
Once you’ve had your fill of fishing, check out Crabtree Falls (the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi!) You can also hike sections of the Appalachian trail, or cycle down one of Virginia’s scenic byways. This is a real nature lover’s paradise. July means excellent weather for camping or, if you’re looking for a little R&R, hit the spa at Wintergreen Resort.
Lake Texoma, Oklahoma
There’s nothing better than a summer fishing trip in Oklahoma. The state is known for its sweeping vistas and numerous lakes offering excellent fishing – particularly Lake Texoma. It’s effectively split in two, with half belonging to Oklahoma and the other half to Texas. You’ll be primed for excellent Striped Bass action, alongside other freshwater favorites including Crappie and Catfish.
If you’re checking out the Oklahoma side of the lake, a visit to Lake Texoma State Park, located in Chickasaw Country, is more than worth it. With 93,000 surface acres of water, you can enjoy a range of water activities from boating, kayaking, and canoeing to swimming, fishing, and more. It’s also an excellent camping spot with two designated RV areas – perfect for your Fourth of July trip!
Crystal Coast, North Carolina
Featuring 85 miles of gleaming Atlantic beaches and countless destinations to get the best catch of the day, North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is the perfect vacation destination for any angler. Fish here and you’ll have access to incredible species, both inshore and offshore. Anything from Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, and Striped Bass to Marlin, Tuna, and Sailfish is up for grabs.
What’s more, the Fourth of July is a free fishing day in North Carolina! And there’s fun to be had off the water, too. This family-friendly destination offers activities for all ages and interests. From swimming and sandcastle building, sea animal exploration at the NC Aquarium, history tours at Fort Macon State Park, and family game competitions at Mac Daddy’s – it’s the epicenter of Fourth of July fun.
Missouri River, South Dakota
If you’re seeking beautiful wildlife, there’s no better place to visit than South Dakota. The Mount Rushmore State has plenty to offer, but we’ll focus our attention on the central region, where the Missouri River flows. Also known as Mighty Mo’, it boasts 440 miles of waterway. Its five massive reservoirs are prime grounds for trophy Walleye, Bass, Catfish, Trout, Salmon, and Northern Pike.
If you’re looking to take a break from fishing, you can also retrace history on the Lewis & Clark Trail in the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area, experience Native American heritage along the Native American Scenic Byway, or take on seven miles of hiking and biking trails in the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve.
Huntington Beach, California
Draw up a mental image of Southern California and it probably looks a lot like Huntington Beach. Known as “Surf City,” this laidback beach town boasts 10 miles of shoreline and, of course, excellent fishing. You can cast a line from the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, head out on an offshore charter to Catalina Island, or kayak in the sheltered waters of Huntington Bay.
Huntington delivers on Fourth of July celebrations, too. Enjoy the annual Independence Day Parade in the morning, before heading to the beach for a spectacular fireworks display by the pier. In the hours in between, check out one of the town’s excellent restaurants (pancakes are the signature dish here!), visit a local brewery, or watch the surfers do their thing at “The Wedge.”
Mackinaw City, Michigan
Located on the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Mackinaw City boasts easy access to the prolific waters of Lake Michigan. And summer on the lake is peak fishing season. Head into deeper waters and you could go home with Chinook Salmon. Stay closer to shore and there’s Trout and Bass for the taking. There are quite a few Fourth of July activities nearby, too!
Once you’re ready to start celebrating, hop on the ferry and head to Mackinac Island. It takes 15–25 minutes to get there and once you do, you’ll be transported right back to the 1880s. There’s a 38-gun salute, patriotic games, and performances, all taking place within the walls of historic Fort Mackinac. The fact that the main form of transport on the island is horse-drawn buggies only adds to the historic vibe.
Charleston, South Carolina
Everybody loves Charleston. And how could you not?! With a historic downtown area, a great food and music scene, as well as incredible fishing, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the best Fourth of July fishing destinations. The city is surrounded by Redfish-filled salt marshes and tidal creeks. Further out, wrecks fill the seafloor and funnel in everything from Black Seabass to Snapper and Grouper.
Celebrate the Fourth of July here and alongside excellent fishing, you’ll get a taste of that famed Southern hospitality. Enjoy the largest fireworks display in the Lowcountry in North Charleston, music, and all-day events at Riverfront Park, or get a taste of the local cuisine from dozens of food trucks that’ll be parked nearby. What’s not to love?
Charlotte Berger and her amazing team are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure your favorite hospitality hotspots and non-profits can continue to provide its customers excellence in dining, service and hospitality
Fox 24 sat down with Charlotte to talk about her personal journey in Public relations and life in Charleston.
The South Carolina Arts Commission Board has awarded Individual Artist Fellowships to four South Carolina artists in the categories of visual arts, craft, media: production and media: screenwriting. Each artist receives $5,000.
Fellowships recognize and reward the artistic achievements of South Carolina’s exceptional individual artists. Fellowship awards are made through a highly competitive, anonymous process and are based on artistic excellence only. The fellowship awards bring recognition that may open doors to other resources and employment opportunities.
“A fellowship can be a life-changing experience,” said S.C. Arts Commission Executive Director Ken May. “Fellows share stories about how the award dollars made a transformative difference and how this validation affected their spirits and their self-perception. South Carolina’s artists are the core of our creative economy and indispensable contributors to quality of life in our communities. A fellowship is one of the best ways that we can say thank you, and we are proud to deliver these tokens of gratitude on behalf of the people of South Carolina.”
The S.C. Arts Commission board approves fellowships based on recommendations made by out-of-state review panelists, who select fellows based solely on a review of anonymous work samples. This year’s judges for visual and craft were Irwin Pickett, fine art appraiser and co-owner of Heike Pickett Gallery in Versailles, Kentucky; Geno Rodriguez, New York curator, artist and founder of the Alternative Museum; and Clarissa Sligh, artist, lecturer and essayist of Asheville, N.C. Media judges were Sabine Gruffat (production), digital media artist, award-winning filmmaker and associate professor of art at the University of North Carolina; and Joy Goodwin (screenwriting), writer, filmmaker and teacher — most recently at Elon University.
Individual artists working in prose, poetry, acting and playwriting can apply for the FY2019 fellowship awards. Applications open Aug. 7, 2017, and the deadline to apply is Nov. 1, 2017.
For more information about S.C. Arts Commission programs and services, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (June 17, 2021) – The Commissioners of Public Works for the Town of Mount Pleasant announced plans to remove the elevated water storage tank located at the site of its Old Village water plant on King Street. A specialty water storage tank contractor, Iseler Demolition, will remove the 87-year-old tank between July 13 and 23, 2021. Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW) will share construction details as they are received.
MPW decommissioned the elevated tank in the 1990s. Since then, the aging structure has served solely as a location for wireless provider antennas.
MPW Operations Manager Allan Clum said that the decision to remove the tank was not taken lightly. He stated that the tank is no longer structurally safe for MPW employees to maintain or the wireless carriers to access equipment.
A temporary communications tower will be built at the site to ensure cellular services are not interrupted. The tower will be in place for 120 days as the wireless providers work with the Town of Mount Pleasant to secure a permanent location.
“We encourage everyone who’s interested to swing by to say goodbye in the coming days,” said Clum.
Beech Restaurant is excited to announce that a third location is now open in the James Island Shopping Center located at 1739 Maybank Highway. This new spot joins their established first location Downtown at 215 King Street and a second location at 864 Island Park Drive on Daniel Island.
“Last year was undoubtedly a very unprecedented time for everyone. And while other restaurants had to scramble to stay afloat, we not only survived, we were able to thrive, and we want to thank our many patrons for the outpouring of support,” Keegan Bird, Owner and CEO of Beech Restaurants said. “We are honored to know that while many very well-established restaurants didn’t weather the storm, we were able to expand in the face of adversity.”
Beech Restaurants’ focus has and always will be, on delivering the freshest, healthiest, and above all, tasty, fast food in the Lowcountry area and beyond. They never stop trying to improve on their bowls, introduce new eclectic tastes, and fascinate their customers. Their latest bowls are sure to be a hit, and they can’t wait to bring them to James Island, as well as the first and second locations in Charleston and Daniel Island.
The New Poke Bowl
Their poke bowls are sushi-based concoctions that are made with the healthiest and freshest ingredients in the Lowcountry. Poke Bowls, which originated in Hawaii, have quickly become a hit in the Charleston area and beyond. They feature cubed-cut raw fish, and then they are blended with rice, veggies, and your favorite toppings for a taste sensation that is sure to please! The newest creations are:
“The Original “OG” – Avocado, pickled cucumber, scallion, and spicy mayo
New Acai Bowl “Coco-Cashew” – House-made cashew butter, Gluten-free 100% organic granola, blueberries, coconut flakes, and raw honey
Don’t Forget the Juice!
One of the things that have made the Beech Restaurants so popular is their commitment to providing the freshest juices using only sustainably sourced and organic ingredients for both a healthy and delicious refreshment. And for the smoothie lover, they have the most uniquely combined flavors to delight the senses.
Commitment to Community and Health
Their restaurant was born out of the desire to deliver the highest quality ingredients at their peak, all-natural, and healthy, while still being insanely delicious. Beech believes that health starts at both a community and personal level, and if you do your part, they will continue to provide all the best flavors. Whether you partake in their fresh juice concoctions or their poke bowls, you can rest assured knowing you are doing all that you can to improve your health, all without punishment; just pure enjoyment.
They can’t wait to see you in their new location soon. And don’t forget to post your pleasure to social media @beechrestaurants! To learn more visit their website http://www.beechrestaurants.com or call 843-513-7441. There is also a mobile app available in the app stores to download to skip the lines and collect loyalty points.
About Beech Restaurants: The Beech Team started as two brothers chasing a dream of serving their community through healthy, yet fast foods. Now, we are all passionate about creating an easy lifestyle for our community. Beech is taking the guesswork out of eating healthy™ and eating right. We are focused on delivering a fresh, fast, and healthy menu based on the four pillars of a balanced diet: fruit, fish, rice, and vegetables. All three locations are open Monday to Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Sundays 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Visit their website http://www.beechrestaurants.com or call 843-513-7441.
Setting sail on the water with Charleston County Parks
Tips to ensure a positive boating experience at Charleston County’s boat landings
(CHARLESTON COUNTY) – Charleston County Parks maintains 19 public boat landings throughout Charleston County. During the summer months, these waterway access points reach their highest volume.
Boat landings are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are self-managed, unstaffed facilities. During peak times (holidays, weekends), landings are very busy.
Landings
with the highest traffic volume are:
Folly Beach
Wappoo Cut (West Ashley)
Remley’s Point and Shem Creek (Mount Pleasant)
W.O. Thomas Jr. (North Charleston)
Battery Island/Sol Legare (James Island)
John P. Limehouse (Johns Island)
Plymouth (Riverland Terrace – James Island)
Canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards are better suited for launching at the following boat landings. Standard-sized or larger boats are not recommended.
Pierpont on Church Creek (West Ashley)
Penny Creek Landing (Willtown)
Gadsonville and Paradise (Mount Pleasant)
Arriving
at a Landing and Preparing to Launch
CCPRC encourages boaters to be courteous to others. Use the make-ready lanes to prepare a boat for launching. After launching, patrons should move away from the ramp to allow access for others and they should not stay at the dock for an extended period.
Parking
On weekends and holidays, vehicles without boat trailers are prohibited from parking in spaces dedicated to boat trailers. Failure to heed this Charleston County ordinance carries up to a $500 fine from local law enforcement.
Rules and Regulations
Boaters should read and follow all Department of Natural Resources (DNR) boating regulations at www.eregulations.com/southcarolina/huntingandfishing/boating/. Helpful information can also be found at boat landings with kiosks. For a complete list of boat landing rules, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com/Boating. In an effort to keep the boat landings clean and safe for both humans and wildlife, Charleston County Parks encourages the pack it in, pack it out a program to reduce human-created impacts during guests’ visits by remembering that what is brought to the boat landing should be removed from the boat landing at the end of each visit.
Safety Awareness
Caution should be exercised at all public boat ramps.
Tides, currents, and natural conditions can greatly affect the usage of ramps at any time. Serious drop-offs may be present at low tide.
Two boat landings, Shem Creek and W. O. Thomas have a life preserver (PFD) loaner program. This service is provided by a private business and PFD availability is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Vehicles should be locked and valuables removed from view. Charleston County Parks is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen property.
More Helpful Hints
Before leaving the house, make sure you can start your motor and have everything you need for a great day on the water.
Check your fuel levels.
Make sure someone who is not going with you knows your plan.
Make sure the boat is plugged before launching your boat.
Boat and trailer maintenance should be done prior to boat landing arrival.
Occasionally, boat landings and docks may be closed for repairs or upgrades; patrons are encouraged to sign up to receive email alerts about closures. For a full list of boat landings and to sign up to stay notified, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com/Boating
The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs, and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes six regional parks, three beach parks, four seasonally-lifeguarded beach areas, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, 19 boat landings, a skate park, a historic plantation site, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. CCPRC also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, and much more. For more information on CCPRC, call 843-795-4386, download the Charleston County Parks mobile app, or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.
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