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[CHARLESTON COUNTY] – The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) recently acquired property adjacent to the Sol Legare boat landing on James Island. 

The property is over 4 acres in size, including marsh and wetlands, with 3 acres of highland. CCPRC purchased the property with the intention to expand parking at the boat landing in the future while also protecting open space along the water’s edge.

“This addition is important to CCPRC’s inventory, as it represents one of the last undeveloped properties in close proximity to any of our boat landings. We will have the ability to expand this landing’s parking in the future, potentially doubling its current capacity,” said CCPRC Senior Planner Matthew Moldenhauer.

The Sol Legare boat landing provides boat access to the Stono River. As Charleston County’s population continues to grow rapidly, the demand for parking at boat landings throughout the county is increasing as well. By expanding parking at the Sol Legare boat landing, CCPRC hopes to alleviate some of the pressure at other popular boat landings throughout the area.

The property was purchased from private owners who desired that it be available for public use and enjoyment.

CCPRC operates and maintains the Sol Legare boat landing, along with 18 other public boat landings located throughout Charleston County. For more information on the landing and for updates on the expansion, visitCharlestonCountyParks.com. 

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, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, a historic plantation site, a skate park, 19 boat landings, 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 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.

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South Carolina Ports and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District signed a feasibility study agreement today, marking the first step toward investigating additional depth to North Charleston Terminal, which is currently maintained at 48 feet.

Charleston Harbor already has the deepest harbor in the Southeast at 52 feet. The successful deepening of this stretch would enable all SC Ports’ container terminals to handle the biggest ship at any tide, further enhancing port competitiveness.

“Deepening this final stretch makes our port more competitive and supports our long-term plan to modernize and enhance North Charleston Terminal,” SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace said. “Having the deepest harbor in the Southeast ensures expedited logistics for port customers and enhances South Carolina’s competitiveness, helping to drive cargo growth and create jobs.”

Charleston Harbor was successfully deepened in 2022 to 52 feet — including up to SC Ports’ Wando and Leatherman Terminals — to accommodate two-way traffic and vessels sailing at any tide. Adding additional depth to this stretch of the Cooper River — between Leatherman and North Charleston Terminals — will complete the deepening project for the Port of Charleston.

Today’s agreement starts the Army Corps’ engineering, environmental and economic analysis of the proposed upper harbor deepening. Congress authorized the study in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, and federal funding was included in the FY26 Federal Appropriations.

“SC Ports, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the SC Legislature and the Congressional delegation worked together for more than a decade to successfully deepen Charleston Harbor, giving South Carolina a lasting competitive advantage,” SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern said. “This next deepening effort aligns with the port’s mission to deliver projects that support economic growth and jobs throughout South Carolina.”

“Building on the success of the Charleston Harbor Post 45 Deepening Project, the Charleston District looks forward to continuing our collaboration with the South Carolina Ports Authority and stakeholders to evaluate options for improving navigation and to strengthen the economy of South Carolina and the nation,” said Lt. Col. Todd Mainwaring, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, commander.

Federal support:

“The agreement to begin a feasibility study to deepen the Upper Harbor shipping channel of Charleston Harbor is an important step forward for the Lowcountry and South Carolina’s economy. This project will help make sure the region remains an epicenter of the East Coast’s port system, supporting jobs, businesses, and manufacturers across our state. I am grateful to President Trump, the partnership of the South Carolina Ports Authority and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as the efforts of all those who have helped make this project possible.” – U.S. Senator Tim Scott

“The Port of Charleston is the economic engine of our state. Ensuring the harbor remains the deepest harbor in the Southeast preserves the Port’s competitiveness and efficiency by attracting the biggest container ships in the world. It’s vital we examine the feasibility of deepening the Upper Harbor. I look forward to reviewing its findings and working with stakeholders to make sure the federal government remains helpful and engaged.” – U.S. Senator Darline Graham

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Source: Dredge Wire

By Mark A Leon

If you love pickles—or simply appreciate a festival that refuses to take itself too seriously—September is bringing a very big, very briny weekend to Charleston.

Pickle Palooza III: A Briny Bash returns to Charleston September 18–20, 2026, expanding from a one-day festival into a full three-day weekend following last year’s reported sellout and strong demand. The festival will take place at 1734 Signal Point Road in Charleston, at Cannon Distillery. 

Official Pickle Palooza website⁠

Three Days. Three Different Ways to Get Your Brine On.

Organizers are giving each day its own personality.

Friday, September 18 — Palooza Kickoff Party
6–10 p.m.

The weekend begins with a pickle-powered happy hour and dance party featuring pickle-inspired drinks, food, a DJ, themed photo opportunities and early access to festival merchandise. 

Saturday, September 19 — The Main Festival
2–6 p.m.

Saturday is the big event—and the day for serious pickle enthusiasts. The festival promises 40+ food, retail and artisan vendors, live entertainment, pickle competitions, interactive games, pickleball activities, themed photo installations and plenty of opportunities to sample the goods. 

Expect everything from pickle-inspired dishes and drinks to the wonderfully ridiculous competitions that have helped make Pickle Palooza a Charleston curiosity.

Among the planned activities are pickle tasting, pickle-eating and pickle-juice-chugging contests, pickle bobbing, pickle-themed games and Clash of the Cukes, a competition highlighting some of Charleston’s best pickles. 

And this year, pickleball gets a much bigger role, with organizers promising expanded activities, challenges and opportunities for newcomers and experienced players alike. 

Sunday, September 20 — Pickle Brunch & Market
11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Sunday slows things down with a pickle-inspired brunch and market. Guests can expect brunch dishes, mimosa and Bloody Mary bars, artisan vendors, live acoustic music and a more relaxed atmosphere to close out the weekend. 

Tickets & Planning Ahead

General admission tickets are available for individual days, while a VIP Weekend Pass provides access to all three days, early entry, exclusive merchandise and access to a Saturday VIP lounge. Ticket prices increase as the event approaches and ticket batches sell out. 

Pickle Palooza tickets⁠

The festival is family-friendly, with children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Alcohol will be available, but guests must be 21 or older with valid ID to drink. Organizers also note that parking is limited and encourage carpooling or rideshare services. 

Whether you’re passionate about fermented cucumbers, curious about pickleball, looking for a wildly unconventional weekend outing—or just want to see what happens when Charleston goes all-in on pickles—Pickle Palooza III is shaping up to be one of the city’s most unusual festivals of the fall.

After all, Charleston has festivals for food, wine, music and art.

Why not pickles? 🥒

Pickle Palooza III
📅 September 18–20, 2026
📍 1734 Signal Point Road, Charleston, SC
🌐 thepicklepalooza.com⁠
🎟️ Tickets & festival information⁠

Photo credit: Pickle Palooza

By Mark A Leon

Food lovers have another reason to dine out across the Lowcountry this September as Indigo Road Hospitality’s third annual Charleston Restaurant Week returns September 3–13, 2026.

The 11-day celebration brings together nine restaurants from the Indigo Road family, offering diners specially created three-course dinner menus for $55 per person, with Oak Steakhouse priced at $60 per person.

It’s an opportunity to experience some of Charleston’s best-known restaurants while enjoying special menus designed specifically for Restaurant Week.

Nine Charleston Restaurants, One Delicious Week

This year’s participating restaurants span downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Daniel Island, giving diners plenty of options for exploring different neighborhoods and culinary styles.

Participating restaurants include:

• Brasserie La Banque — 1 Broad St., Charleston
• Edmund’s Original — 1081 Morrison Dr., Charleston
• Indaco — 526 King St., Charleston
• Oak Steakhouse — 17 Broad St., Charleston
• O-Ku Charleston — 463 King St., Charleston
• Two Bit Club — 93 Society St., Charleston
• Shokudō — 479B King St., Charleston
• Post House — 101 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant
• The Kingstide — 32 River Landing Dr., Daniel Island

The lineup offers something for nearly every appetite, from Italian-inspired dishes and sushi to steakhouse favorites, contemporary American cuisine and creative neighborhood dining.

A Chance to Try Somewhere New

Restaurant Week is often about more than finding a good deal. It’s an excuse to step outside your usual dining routine.

Have you always wanted to try Oak Steakhouse? Looking for a new date-night destination on King Street? Maybe it’s time to make the trip to Daniel Island for dinner at The Kingstide.

With nine restaurants participating, diners can turn the week into their own personal Charleston food tour.

And because the promotion runs for 11 days, there are opportunities to fit Restaurant Week into everything from a casual weeknight dinner to a special weekend outing.

Reservations Are Recommended

Restaurant Week is expected to bring increased demand, so reservations are recommended.

Diners can make reservations through OpenTable, where participating restaurants can be found and availability checked.

Make reservations through OpenTable⁠

For complete details about Indigo Road’s Restaurant Week menus and participating restaurants, visit:

Indigo Road Charleston Restaurant Week⁠

Put It on Your Charleston Calendar

Indigo Road Charleston Restaurant Week
📅 September 3–13, 2026
🍽️ Three-course dinner: $55 per person
🥩 Oak Steakhouse: $60 per person
📍 Nine participating restaurants across Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Daniel Island
📅 Reservations recommended

Whether you’re looking for a new favorite restaurant, a memorable night out or simply an excuse to eat your way through Charleston, Indigo Road’s Restaurant Week is a delicious way to celebrate the Lowcountry dining scene.

Grab your appetite, gather your friends and make a reservation—Charleston Restaurant Week is back.

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By Mark A Leon

There are coffee shops you visit for the caffeine—and then there are coffee shops that become part of your daily rhythm.

In Goose Creek, Ra Coffee Company has built something that feels distinctly more personal: a neighborhood gathering place where a morning coffee can turn into a conversation, a quick breakfast becomes a familiar routine, and customers are treated less like transactions and more like neighbors.

Located at 110 S. Goose Creek Blvd., Ra Coffee Company describes its mission simply: quality products, outstanding service and an atmosphere that feels like being “at home with family.” That philosophy is at the heart of what makes the business feel.

More than a cup of coffee

Ra Coffee’s menu makes it easy to see why the shop has become more than a coffee stop. Specialty coffees, lattes, cappuccinos and mochas share the menu with teas, smoothies, Lotus energy drinks and other specialty beverages. There is also a food component that makes Ra a natural destination for breakfast or a casual lunch.

Customers can choose from breakfast sandwiches, New York bagels, sandwiches, keto and low-carb options, and a selection of pastries baked in-house. 

That combination matters in a community like Goose Creek. A neighborhood coffee shop doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it simply needs to be a place where people can grab a good cup of coffee, pick up something to eat and know they’ll see a familiar face.

The small-town feeling

Perhaps Ra Coffee Company’s greatest strength isn’t found on the menu at all.

It’s the feeling.

There is something wonderfully old-fashioned about having a local place where the staff recognize regular customers, where people linger for a few minutes longer than necessary and where the morning rush still manages to feel personal.

Even as Goose Creek continues to grow, businesses like Ra Coffee help preserve that small-town quality—the sense that a community isn’t simply a collection of neighborhoods and subdivisions, but a collection of relationships.

Ra’s own description of creating an atmosphere that feels like home speaks directly to that idea. 

And while the company has expanded beyond its original shop, that community-centered philosophy remains part of its identity. Ra operates additional Goose Creek locations, including locations serving the military community. 

A place to make part of your routine

The beauty of a neighborhood coffee shop is that it can mean something different to everyone.

For one person, Ra might be the place to grab an iced latte on the way to work. For another, it’s a breakfast sandwich and a pastry before starting the day. For someone else, it’s simply the familiar stop where the people behind the counter know their order.

And that’s what makes Ra Coffee Company worth celebrating.

In an era of increasingly large, polished and impersonal chains, there is something special about a local coffee shop that still feels connected to the people it serves.

Ra Coffee Company isn’t just selling coffee in Goose Creek. It’s helping create the kind of community destination that makes a growing town still feel like home.

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Photo credit. Ra Coffee

By Mark A Leon

Johns Island is getting ready for another addition to its growing restaurant scene — and this one promises to bring plenty of smoke, barbecue and personality to the island.

Anthony DiBernardo, the chef and owner behind Swig & Swine, recently announced that he is bringing a new concept to John’s Island, located next to Wild Olive.

The news was shared with a simple message to the community: “Get ready, John’s Island.”

While details about the new restaurant have not yet been released, the announcement has already generated excitement among local food lovers. The new location will expand the Swig & Swine family into another corner of the Charleston area, giving Johns Island residents a chance to experience DiBernardo’s approach to barbecue closer to home.

Swig & Swine has built its reputation around traditional barbecue, smoked meats and a laid-back, neighborhood atmosphere. DiBernardo’s restaurants have become a familiar part of the Charleston dining landscape, combining serious barbecue with the kind of casual environment that makes people want to linger.

The John’s Island announcement also comes with an interesting backstory.

In a social media post celebrating the deal, DiBernardo recalled advice he received years ago from Sal Parco: “The one thing that will make you money in the restaurant business is the real estate.”

For years, DiBernardo said, his restaurant group had operated primarily through leases. This latest opportunity represents something different — a chance to take another step forward while surrounded by a team of friends and professionals who helped guide him through the process.

DiBernardo specifically thanked John Davis for his work and guidance on the deal and Kevin W. Carroll for helping with due diligence. He also credited his restaurant team and his wife for supporting him as he embarked on “yet another adventure.”

And then came the celebration.

The team marked the occasion with a tailgate-style meal from their new neighbors, Wild Olive, sharing food and celebrating the next chapter.

The location itself offers plenty of potential. Set beneath mature Lowcountry live oaks, the property has an unmistakably Johns Island feel, with open outdoor space and a relaxed setting that could lend itself perfectly to the casual spirit associated with Swig & Swine.

For Johns Island, the announcement is another sign of how quickly the area’s dining scene continues to evolve. Established local favorites are being joined by new concepts, giving residents more opportunities to eat, gather and stay close to home.

For now, DiBernardo and his team are keeping the details under wraps.

But one thing is clear: something special is cooking on Johns Island.

And if Swig & Swine’s track record is any indication, there will likely be plenty of people lining up when the doors finally open. 🐷🔥

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Photo credit: Sig & Swine

By Mark A Leon

There are photographs of Charleston that capture what the city looks like—and then there are photographs that capture what Charleston feels like. For local photographer Amanda Vargo, the difference is in the details: the changing light over the water, the shifting colors of a Lowcountry sky, the quiet beauty of a familiar landscape and the unexpected character found around a downtown corner.

Through AV Photography, Vargo has spent nearly a decade documenting the landscapes and visual personality of Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry. Her work moves naturally between coastal scenes, sweeping landscapes and urban environments, creating a portfolio that feels distinctly Charleston while still revealing new perspectives on places many locals know well. 

Vargo is a self-taught photographer whose connection to the camera began when she was young. Her grandfather introduced her to photographing wildlife and landscapes in parks, planting the seeds for an artistic journey that would eventually lead her to the South Carolina coast.

That journey took an unexpected turn in 2015, when Vargo was injured in the historic flooding that struck downtown Charleston. After surgery and physical therapy, she ultimately left her career as a commercial truck driver and began searching for a new direction.

Photography provided the answer.

A sunrise shoot on Folly Beach became an important turning point. While photographing the morning light and reflections along the beach, Vargo captured an image that caught the attention of another photographer. That encounter eventually led to an opportunity selling photography at the Charleston City Market—and, not long afterward, the beginning of AV Photography. 

Today, the coast remains central to Vargo’s creative vision.

There is a particular magic in her coastal photography: water meeting sky, silhouettes appearing in the distance and sunlight transforming an ordinary stretch of beach into something almost cinematic. She has developed a special appreciation for the moments when the sky changes color, making sunrise and sunset more than simply times of day—they become part of the story.

Her work also demonstrates how much visual variety exists within the Charleston area. Beaches and marshes provide wide-open horizons, while historic streets, architecture and city details offer a completely different kind of composition. Charleston’s ability to shift from centuries-old buildings to tidal creeks, live oaks and oceanfront landscapes within minutes gives photographers an almost endless supply of inspiration.

For Vargo, finding those different perspectives is part of the fun.

Her photography has earned recognition well beyond the Lowcountry. In 2019, three of her photographs were exhibited at Grand Central Station in New York City as part of a Fujifilm global exposition. She has also had multiple photographs featured in the Folly Beach Civic Club calendar over several years. 

Yet some of her most meaningful work remains close to home. Vargo has volunteered her photography for Surfer’s Healing Folly Beach, an organization that gives children with autism the opportunity to experience surfing and the ocean. She has also incorporated reclaimed wood from the former Folly Beach Pier into some of her framed artwork, connecting her photographs not only to the landscape but to the history of the place itself. 

What makes Amanda Vargo’s photography especially compelling is her ability to make familiar places feel worth stopping for.

A sunrise. A wave. A lighthouse. A street corner. A dramatic sky.

Through her lens, Charleston becomes less a postcard and more a living landscape—one constantly changing with the tide, the weather, the light and the people who call it home.

Follow Amanda Vargo and see Charleston through her eyes: www.instagram.com/avphotographysc

Ypu can find her local work at Look Up Charleston – 128 Meeting Street (upstairs) or at the Charleston Night Market on most weekends.

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SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C.- A layoff at an Upstate solutions facility will affect over 200 employees.

According to a SC WARN report, DP World on GSP Logistic Parkway in Spartanburg County will permanently lay off 205 employees.

The layoffs are scheduled for Oct. 31.

The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce was notified of the layoffs on Sept. 1.

DP World issued the following statement:

“DP World confirms that approximately 205 employees at our Spartanburg, South Carolina, operation have received notice that their employment with DP World will end effective October 31, following the conclusion of our customer contract at this location.

We understand that many of these employees may have opportunities to continue working at the site with the incoming service provider, which we welcome. DP World is committed to supporting our employees through this transition and is working with state and local resources to help ensure appropriate support is available.

We remain focused on ensuring a safe and orderly transition of operations while continuing to deliver for our customer through the conclusion of our contract.”

Source: Fox Carolina

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By Mark A Leon

Park Circle is turning the page on one of its longtime neighborhood hangouts.

DIG in the Park, the popular sports bar and restaurant at 1049 E. Montague Ave., has been sold and has officially been replaced by a new concept: Rocko’s. The new restaurant opened in late August, bringing a refreshed look and a noticeably different personality to the familiar Park Circle space. 

For more than a decade, DIG was part of the fabric of Park Circle. The restaurant opened in 2011 in the former Zocalo space, transforming the location into a sports-focused neighborhood bar with burgers, wings, sandwiches, tacos, a large collection of TVs and a sizable outdoor patio. 

DIG eventually became known as much for its patio and casual atmosphere as it was for watching games. The restaurant was even recognized as one of Charleston’s popular North Charleston happy-hour destinations in the Charleston City Paper’s Best of Charleston awards. 

Now, however, the familiar DIG signs are gone.

Rocko’s is positioning itself as a neighborhood bar and restaurant built around good food, cold drinks, sports and a more relaxed atmosphere. Its website now lists the restaurant as open, while current listings show the same 1049 E. Montague Avenue address. 

The menu remains firmly in the approachable bar-and-grill category, with items including burgers, wings and other familiar favorites. The restaurant is also emphasizing its beverage program, with current hiring information describing cocktails, wine, craft beer and specialty drinks as part of the experience. 

But perhaps the biggest change is the atmosphere.

Rocko’s is bringing a country-Western influence to the space, along with sports and outdoor hangout areas. The change has already generated plenty of conversation among Park Circle residents, with some longtime DIG customers welcoming the renovations and others wondering how the new concept will fit into an already evolving neighborhood. 

That conversation is part of a much larger story happening in Park Circle.

North Charleston’s neighborhood has evolved into one of the Lowcountry’s most active dining and entertainment districts, with restaurants, breweries, bars, coffee shops and other businesses continuing to reshape East Montague Avenue and the surrounding streets. 

For Rocko’s, the challenge—and opportunity—is to take over a space with a built-in history while creating something distinctly its own.

DIG may be gone, but the corner isn’t going anywhere.

For Park Circle, it’s simply another sign that the neighborhood continues to change, one restaurant, bar and gathering place at a time.

Visit Rocko’s⁠

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By Mark A. Leon

South Carolina is putting millions of additional dollars into local communities following Gov. Henry McMaster’s signing of H. 3305, a supplemental appropriations bill that directs one-time state funding toward infrastructure, public safety, health care, tourism, recreation and community projects across the state.

Signed September 1, 2026, the legislation—now Act 261—uses residual nonrecurring funds from the previous fiscal year to support a wide range of locally designated projects. The money is not part of the state’s recurring operating budget, but instead represents one-time funding that can be used for specific capital and community needs.

For Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry, the legislation provides funding for projects that touch some of the region’s most pressing issues, including emergency services, drainage, tourism, homelessness, public safety and community infrastructure.

Among the most notable Charleston allocations is $1 million for the Charleston County EMS Headquarters. The investment comes as emergency medical services continue to play an increasingly important role in a region experiencing significant population growth.

The City of Charleston is also receiving $650,000 for infrastructure and community projects, while another $100,000 is designated for Brockman Drive drainage improvements. Drainage and stormwater management have become increasingly important throughout the Charleston area as development, population growth and major rainfall events place additional pressure on existing infrastructure.

The bill also recognizes Charleston’s role as one of South Carolina’s largest tourism and cultural destinations. The International African American Museum is receiving $500,000 for marketing, providing additional resources to promote one of the city’s newest and most significant cultural attractions.

Another $100,000 is designated for the City of Charleston’s homeless initiative, addressing a challenge that has become increasingly visible as housing costs and demand for social services continue to rise.

Public safety is also included, with $100,000 going to The Citadel for cadet parking lot safety and access improvements.

But the impact of H. 3305 extends well beyond the Charleston city limits.

In Berkeley County, the legislation provides $3.5 million for the Live Oak Complex and $1 million for wastewater infrastructure in Saint Stephen. Dorchester County receives $2 million for Dorchester County Fire Rescue, while the Town of Summerville receives $1.2 million for a new Public Safety Campus.

Colleton County is receiving $1.5 million for self-contained breathing apparatus equipment, supporting firefighters and emergency responders.

Several coastal communities are also receiving funding. The City of Isle of Palms receives $250,000 for beach-access improvements, $150,000 for public greenspace at the marina and $1 million for stormwater and drainage infrastructure.

Edisto Island receives $1 million for youth recreation, while the Town of Edisto Beach receives another $300,000 for drainage improvements. James Island is receiving $500,000 for Bay Front drainage improvements.

Further up the coast, Georgetown County receives $1.5 million for the replacement of the Murrells Inlet Landing Ramp and $130,000 for parking and ADA improvements at the Wacca Wache boat landing.

Taken together, the allocations highlight a broader trend across the Lowcountry: communities are attempting to keep pace with growth while maintaining the infrastructure and quality of life that make the region attractive to residents, businesses and visitors.

The bill also provides a glimpse into the state’s broader priorities. Funding is directed toward career and technical education, workforce development, health care, EMS facilities, fire departments, water and wastewater systems, transportation, parks, recreation, tourism and economic development.

For Charleston, the combination is particularly notable.

The state is simultaneously investing in the infrastructure needed to support a growing population and in the cultural, recreational and tourism assets that help drive the region’s economy. At the same time, money is being directed toward public safety, emergency response, drainage and homelessness—areas where population growth can create additional pressure on local governments.

The timing is also significant. H. 3305 was originally filed in late 2024 and spent nearly two years moving through the legislative process before receiving final approval in August 2026. The House concurred with Senate changes on August 25, and McMaster signed the bill September 1.

The legislation directs the State Treasurer to distribute the appropriations by September 30, 2026.

H. 3305 is not a new recurring spending program or tax increase. Instead, it represents the state’s decision to put remaining one-time funds toward projects identified by lawmakers and local communities.

For the Charleston region, however, the impact is very real.

From EMS headquarters and drainage projects to museum marketing, beach access, fire rescue and public safety, millions of dollars in state funding are now headed toward projects throughout the Lowcountry.

And perhaps more importantly, the spending provides a snapshot of the challenges facing one of the fastest-growing regions in South Carolina—and where state leaders believe additional investment is needed most.

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