Charleston Daily Seeking all the beauty that is Charleston, South Carolina

by Natalie DeMore

“Stand. Serve. Salute.”

Sometimes, all it takes is one leap of faith.

For Leah Marly Scarmeas, that leap came in the form of a last-minute decision to enter the Miss South Carolina Teen USA pageant. Bright, gracious, and remarkably humble, Leah entered with few expectations—simply grateful for the opportunity. By the end of that Saturday evening, however, her life had changed forever. She was crowned Miss South Carolina Teen USA 2025, earning not only a coveted title, but also a powerful platform to inspire others and champion the causes closest to her heart.

For Leah, “Stand. Serve. Salute.” is far more than a motto—it is a way of life.

Over the past year, those three words have come to define a reign marked by resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to service. Whether encouraging young girls to pursue their dreams or representing the unique experiences of military children across South Carolina, Leah has worn her crown with humility, purpose, and grace, proving that true leadership is measured not by a title, but by the lives you touch.

At just 18 years old, a graduate of Cane Bay High school in Summerville South Carolina, Leah is far from ordinary. As she prepares to pass her crown to the next titleholder, she reflects on a transformative year that blended personal growth with a mission close to her heart: supporting military children and families.

Raised in a family dedicated to service- her father serving in the United States Air Force- Leah understands firsthand the sacrifices military life demands. Leah was born originally in Wilmington North Carolina, and through that she herself had attended nine schools growing up, eventually graduating here in Summerville, she understands firsthand the frequent relocations, long separations, and the emotional challenges of having a parent deployed; these are the realities she has personally lived. Rather than shy away from these experiences, Leah turned them into purpose.

Her personal nonprofit platform, “Rooted in Service” was created and designed by Leah to give military children a voice, as a way to connect with others going through the same things she went through growing up. As well, she visits many schools to talk to children about pageantry as well as helping them learn to love themselves, yet to stay humble. Leah connected directly with students navigating similar struggles- encouraging them to share their stories and emotions.

“Sometimes it’s easier for a child to open up to someone closer to their age,” she explains. “I wanted them to know they’re not alone-that their feelings matter.”

To further her impact, Leah authored Brave Like Chewie: An Interactive Coloring Book for Strong, Brave Military Kids. Part coloring book, part diary, and more- it allows kids to express their emotions, document their journeys, and map out the many places they have called home. The book is now available on Amazon, with proceeds supporting military families. Completely nonprofit, these proceeds are donated to military bases and children’s programs. One example being obtaining the assets for the ability to have children attend summer programs and camps throughout the states.

As her reign comes to a close, Leah reflects with gratitude.

“I feel so thankful for everything I’ve been able to do this year—the people I’ve met, the lives I’ve touched, and the opportunity to compete on the Miss Teen USA stage,” she says. “None of it would have been possible without my parents and the sacrifices they’ve made for me.”

Though she is stepping away from competition for now, Leah’s passion for pageantry and service remains. She plans to continue mentoring young women, helping them build confidence, prepare for interviews, and present themselves authentically in pageantry.

“It’s such a rewarding feeling to coach other girls—to watch them grow and believe in themselves,” she says. “Pageantry will always be part of my life.”

Looking ahead, Leah will begin college with plans to study political science and broadcast journalism. Her interest in leadership is already beginning, one day hoping to write speeches for political figures. Through her demonstration and leadership, she obtained a scholarship to Mississippi State University, which has in turn fueled her love for public speaking and advocacy.

As she prepares to crown her successor, Leah leaves behind more than a title-she leaves a legacy of empathy, compassion, humility, determination and being a shining beacon to those around her.

In a world that often celebrates surface accomplishments, Leah’s story is a reminder that true impact comes often when we use our voices to uplift others.

And as she passes on her crown, her message remains clear:
Stand strong. Serve others. Salute those who sacrifice.

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The Salute from the Shore is a unique opportunity for individuals, friends, and families to salute our armed forces while celebrating Independence Day on South Carolina beaches. Our role is to organize and promote a military flyover on the 4th of July that will stretch the entire length of South Carolina’s coast. We will capture as much footage of the flyover as possible, from the air and from the ground, for inclusion in a video that will be posted for all to see.

At 1 PM, F-16s from Shaw Air Force Base will make their way down the coastline, beginning at Cherry Grove in North Myrtle Beach and ending in the Beaufort/Bluffton area in the Lowcountry. 

Following the active military aircraft will be an all-volunteer brigade of Warbirds, a civilian-owned and flown vintage plane community that will include T-34s, T-6s, and T-28s.

Stay up to date on the event through the official website.

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The Fifth Annual Taste Of Sweetgrass Culture will be held Friday, July 24, 2026 at Omar Shrine Auditorium in Mount Pleasant SC.

Click HERE for tickets.

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Sale of 2009 Abeking & Rasmussen 60-Meter Superyacht, Last Asking $45,000,000, Marks Company’s Largest-Ever Brokerage Transaction

WILMINGTON, NC / ACCESS Newswire / June 29, 2026 / NextBoat Inc. (NYSE American:NXB) (“NextBoat” or the “Company”), today announced that its Autograph Yacht Group division has completed the sale of a 2009 Abeking & Rasmussen 60-meter superyacht, last asking $45,000,000 – the largest brokerage transaction in the Company’s history. Burgess represented the seller; Gary Hardcastle of Autograph Yacht Group represented the buyer.

With fewer than 20 superyacht sales of this scale occurring worldwide each year, the transaction signals that Autograph Yacht Group has arrived at the very top of the global luxury market – a competitive tier reserved for the world’s most established brokerage houses.

“This milestone reflects the caliber of clients, brokers, and partnerships that continue to drive our business forward,” said Mike Burke, President of Autograph Yacht Group. “This transaction demonstrates that Autograph Yacht Group is building a brokerage platform capable of serving every segment of the market, from premium center consoles to the world’s most exclusive superyachts.”

The transaction also marks a meaningful expansion in the caliber of client NextBoat serves. Superyacht transactions of this scale generate significantly higher commission revenue than the mid-market deals that represent the bulk of the industry’s volume and bring the Company into direct relationships with ultra-high-net-worth buyers and sellers that few platforms can access. Management believes this deal validates a core element of its growth strategy: that by attracting world-class broker talent, NextBoat can drive substantial increases in revenue per transaction while expanding its addressable market upward.

“Transactions like this don’t happen without years of relationships and a platform with the credibility to compete at the highest level,” said Gary Hardcastle of Autograph Yacht Group. “What NextBoat provided was the infrastructure and backing to bring this deal across the finish line, and this transaction marks the beginning of the next chapter of our growth.”

This transaction represents a tangible proof point in NextBoat’s strategy to build a platform capable of serving every tier of the marine market – from entry-level recreational boats to the world’s most exclusive superyachts. As the Company continues to recruit top-producing brokers and deepen its global relationships, management expects transactions of this caliber to become an increasingly consistent part of its revenue mix.

About NextBoat Inc.

Founded in 2012, NextBoat Inc., previously known as Off The Hook YS Inc., is a vertically integrated, AI-powered marine marketplace transforming how boats are bought, sold, financed, and serviced across the United States. Through proprietary technology, transaction data, financing capabilities, and a growing national acquisition network, the Company operates across boat brokerage, wholesale inventory acquisition, auctions, financing, and marine services. NextBoat’s ecosystem includes Off The Hook Yachts, Autograph Yacht Group, Azure Funding, and proprietary lead-generation platforms. Headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, NextBoat is rapidly expanding its national footprint and market share within the $57 billion U.S. marine industry.

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By Alicia Lutz

The College of Charleston has earned its first STARS Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

The College of Charleston has earned its first STARS Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. 

“Earning our first STARS Gold rating is a significant milestone for the College of Charleston and a testament to the collective efforts of students, faculty, staff and campus partners who have worked to embed sustainability into every aspect of campus life,” says Nicole Killen, director of sustainability. “This recognition reflects years of commitment, collaboration and innovation, while also inspiring us to continue advancing our sustainability goals and preparing students to lead in a rapidly changing world. Sustainability is no longer a standalone initiative at the College of Charleston – it is increasingly woven into how we teach, learn, operate and engage with our community.”

“Sustainability remains a core institutional priority, demonstrated through our progress toward carbon neutrality, zero waste, holistic integrated learning and a vibrant culture of sustainability,” Killen and Brad Weiland, vice president for Facilities Management, wrote in the STARS application letter. “The College of Charleston aspires to be a leader in sustainability education, research and practice. We are proud of the accomplishments highlighted in this report and remain committed to continuous improvement and alignment with the standards set by AASHE and our peers in higher education.”

The College’s STARS report provides a full list of the College’s sustainability efforts and accomplishments.

“The College of Charleston has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS Gold Rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts,” says Meghan Fay Zahniser, AASHE executive director. “STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts.”

ABOUT AASHE AND THE STARS PROGRAM

With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in five overall areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.

Unlike other rating or ranking systems, this program is open to all institutions of higher education, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible to anyone. Because STARS is a program based on credits earned, it allows for both internal comparisons as well as comparisons with similar institutions.

AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. AASHE’s mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation. It provides resources, professional development and a network of support to enable institutions of higher education to model and advance sustainability in everything they do, from governance and operations to education and research. For more information about AASHE, visit www.aashe.org.

Source: The College Today

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What’s it really like to work in social media? A College of Charleston faculty member’s new research examines burnout, expectations and the reality of always-on digital work.

In this episode of the Speaking of … College of Charleston podcast, College of Charleston marketing professor Kelley Cours Anderson discusses her latest research – recently published on The Conversation as “The hidden burnout crisis facing social media marketers” – on burnout among social media managers and the pressures shaping digital marketing careers.

As Anderson and her co-authors write, “For the people who run brand accounts on social media, the workday never really ends.”

Anderson’s research was informed by themes identified in one of her students’ bachelor’s essays on social media wellness and draws on interviews with industry professionals. She explains how constant content demands, real-time engagement and the expectation to monitor trends make it difficult for social media managers to fully disconnect. Many spend significant portions of their day on social platforms, blurring the line between work and personal time.

The conversation also explores the realities behind what is often seen as an entry-level role. Social media managers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including content creation, brand voice, analytics, customer service and crisis communication, often with limited support.

More than 40% of social media marketers plan to leave their jobs within two years, underscoring the growing pressure in these always-on roles.

Anderson shares what students and aspiring professionals should understand before entering the field, including the importance of setting boundaries, managing expectations and developing both creative and analytical skills.

Beyond the workplace, the episode highlights the often-invisible labor behind social media and encourages listeners to better understand the human impact of managing the digital spaces people use every day.

Click HERE to watch.

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The Palmetto State’s premier maritime ambassador takes on the historic role of HMS Ranger, culminating in Sunday’s Carolina Day reenactment of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island.

CHARLESTON, S.C. — All eyes will be on the Spirit of South Carolina as she steps back in time to portray the British Royal Navy vessel HMS Ranger to commemorate the historic naval action of June 28, 1776. Onlookers will watch as the 140-foot schooner fires upon Fort Moultrie at the tip of Sullivan’s Island to reenact Carolina Day on this significant Revolutionary War Battle’s 250^th anniversary.

Currently docked at The Cooper Hotel (176 Concord Street, Charleston) for the duration of the festival, the ship will serve as the focal point for both immersive living history education and dramatic tactical harbor maneuvers. 

Public Dockside Interpretation Schedule

Local “loyal subjects” and history enthusiasts are summoned to the docks at The Cooper Hotel to tour the ship, interact with living history interpreters (including the Bully Boys of HMS Phoenix), and experience 18th-century maritime life. Free public deck tours and dockside interpretation are open during the following hours: 

• Saturday, June 27: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 
• Sunday, June 28: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

“Cannon Fire” Will Echo Across Charleston Harbor Saturday and Sunday

On Saturday, the Spirit of South Carolina will sail across the harbor to Sullivan’s Island for an 11:40am cannon salute to Fort Moultrie. 

However, the weekend’s events reach a spectacular crescendo on Sunday morning during a joint commemoration ceremony with the National Park Service. 

The Spirit of South Carolina will cast off at 10:45 AM to position itself in Charleston Harbor. Following a military flyover, a wreath presentation, and the ringing of church bells, the true climax will take place at 11:40 AM. The Spirit of South Carolina will fire the historic first ceremonial naval gun shot across the water toward Fort Moultrie, prompting an immediate live artillery return-fire salute from the cannons stationed at the shore. 

Spectator & Viewing Information

The public is encouraged to witness the ship cast off from The Cooper Hotel dock, or secure prime viewing spots along the shores of Sullivan’s Island and the Fort Moultrie historic waterfront to watch the live exchange of cannon fire. Please note that both the Saturday morning and Sunday morning battle-maneuver on-board cruises are by invitation only. These historic celebrations are made possible thanks to SC250 Charleston and SC250.

About the Spirit of South Carolina

The Spirit of South Carolina is a 140-foot, traditional sailing vessel called a schooner, a type of sailing vessel of archetypal American design dating from approximately the 1700s. The American schooner design achieved world-wide fame when, in 1851, the American schooner yacht America defeated a fleet of British yachts in a race circumnavigating the Isle of Wight to win what came to be known as America’s Cup. The Spirit of South Carolina was designed as a replica of the 19th century Charleston Harbor pilot schooner Frances Elizabeth.   Her builder based her designon the famous schooner yacht America. The vessel is more than a ship, she is a classroom without walls. Aboard the Spirit of South Carolina, students, sailors, and community members experience hands-on learning in seamanship, leadership, maritime history, and environmental awareness. Through participation in the real work of sailing a traditional schooner, our programs connect people to the sea, to each other, and to the heritage that has shaped the South Carolina coast for centuries. We believe that preserving this knowledge is not just about honoring the past — it is about equipping the next generation with the skills and confidence to navigate the unknown.

Photo Credit: Spirit of South Carolina

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Both bodies of the South Carolina state legislature have passed a bill requiring country-of-origin labeling for all shrimp sales in the state, though differences between the two versions will need to be sorted out before the bill becomes law.

On 14 April, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed HB4248, legislation requiring all shrimp sold in the state to have a clear label noting its country of origin.

The legislation is largely a response to genetic testing conducted by Houston, Texas, U.S.A.-based SeaD Consulting, with the firm claiming 40 of 44 restaurants tested in Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.A., were selling imported shrimp. SeaD Consulting accused those companies of “misleading consumers in their branding, menu descriptions, or proximity to local docks,” calling more than half of the restaurants “outright fraudulent.”

“This is not only deceptive but also insulting to the hardworking shrimpers whose livelihoods are being undermined,” SeaD Consulting Founder and COO Erin Williams said in a statement. “It’s decimating the entire regional economy and culture they’ve worked for generations to build and promote.”

The results drew outrage from the South Carolina shrimping sector, and the South Carolina Shrimpers Association sued the companies for falsely presenting imported shrimp as a local product.

“It’s illegal to say that a product is from South Carolina when it’s not, and similarly, federal law prohibits the mislabeling of the origins of seafood. It’s simply illegal at a state and federal level,” South Carolina Shrimpers Association Attorney Gedney Howe said, according to local news outlet WCSC-TV.

However, the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by a district court in November 2025, which ruled that the plaintiffs had no legal standing to sue.

“We are incredibly disappointed that a judge dismissed our ‘Shrimpgate’ lawsuit, denying us the chance to present the undisputed DNA evidence of shrimp fraud in the Lowcountry,” the association said at the time. “This ruling hurts shrimpers, consumers, and the many honest restaurants that work hard to serve you real local shrimp. Once again, it feels like big money is winning over the truth.”

HB4248 represents an attempt to instead find a legislative solution to the shrimpers’ complaints by effectively barring restaurants from selling imported shrimp as a local product.

“South Carolina’s shrimpers built a heritage and an economy that feeds our communities and supports our coast. But, too often, consumers are served imported shrimp without knowing it. Transparency matters,” the Law Offices of Gedney M. Howe, IV said in a social media post. “That is why we support [this] legislation that would require country-of-origin labeling for shrimp and shrimp products sold in South Carolina. Consumers deserve to know what they are buying, and our local fishermen deserve a fair and honest marketplace. Clear labeling protects consumers, strengthens our coastal economy, and helps preserve one of South Carolina’s most important working waterfront traditions.”

The House passed the bill unanimously, sending it onto the Senate for approval. However, state senators sought to strengthen the legislation further, ensuring that shrimp caught in other parts of the U.S. cannot be sold as “local.”

“All foodservice establishments including, but not limited to, a restaurant, cafeteria, food stand, saloon, tavern, bar, lounge, or other similar facility engaged in the business of selling ready-to-eat food to the public shall not advertise or otherwise make claims to serve ‘local shrimp’ unless the shrimp served has been harvested from the waters of South Carolina,” the bill states.

While the legislation does have some overlap with federal country-of-origin labeling (COOL) requirements, advocates say the bill would enable state enforcement of shrimp fraud.

State lawmakers in the House will have to pass the Senate’s version of the bill or negotiate a compromise bill that will pass both bodies before sending it on to the governor to be signed into law.

Source: Seafood Source

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CHARLESTON COUNTY] – The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) recently acquired a nearly 94-acre property south of Awendaw for future development as a public park.

The purchase of this property was made possible through Charleston County Greenbelt funds and a partnership with the GBSC Foundation, which initially acquired the land to ensure it would become a place that supports wellness, outdoor recreation, and community connection.

The 93.92-acre property is located off Highway 17 North just south of the town of Awendaw. The property features a 4.7-acre freshwater pond, 33.4 acres of wooded highland with a hardwood forest, 42 acres of wetlands, and shares a boundary with the Francis Marion Natural Forest.

Neighboring the property are the Shea Family Fields, which are currently home to SC Surf soccer club and also used by The Charleston Battery, College of Charleston, The Citadel and US Club Soccer. 

“Charleston County Parks is grateful to acquire this beautiful property, and we are excited for the public park it will one day become,” said CCPRC Senior Planner Matthew Moldenhauer. “Our next step will be a public master planning process, which will include opportunities for the community to tell us what they would like to see on the property. Potential amenities include walking trails, picnic areas, multi-use recreational facilities, pond access, recreational and educational programs, and a swimming pool, which may be considered over multiple phases of construction.”

Public meetings and other opportunities to provide input on the property will be posted on CharlestonCountyParks.com when available.

CCPRC purchased a total of approximately 93.92 acres from the GBSC Foundation for $7.51 million. The Charleston County Greenbelt Program provided $4 million to fund the purchase of 79.9 of those acres.

Through a mutual vision of promoting wellness and access to water and recreation, the acquisition of the property was also made possible by the GBSC Foundation. The GBSC Foundation was established by a local family focused on creating more wellness and outdoor playing and field space in the Charleston community; one of the foundation’s most recent projects was the opening of the adjacent Shea Family Fields, which offers two full-sized turf fields for use by local soccer organizations including SC Surf. The GBSC Foundation acquired the land from the McCaskill family, who owned it since the 1970s. The McCaskills wished for the land to be used for public good, as well as conservation of the wetland and forested parcels, all of which will be part of the park’s future under Charleston County Parks.

For updates on CCPRC’s future East County Recreation Site and future public planning processes, please visit CharlestonCountyParks.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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Charleston is moving forward on several business-regulation changes that could significantly affect street vendors, mobile food operators, and short-term rental owners.

Street Vendor Rules Under Review

The most active proposal involves downtown street vendors operating on the Charleston peninsula. During a June 2026 meeting of the city’s Traffic and Transportation Committee, officials discussed revisions to the city’s street-vending ordinance aimed at reducing disputes over prime vending locations. 

Key proposed changes include:

• Creating designated vending spaces on peninsula streets.
• Awarding those spaces through an annual competitive bidding process rather than informal occupation.
• Potentially removing some high-traffic intersections, including King & Queen Streets and King & Princess Streets, from the list of approved vending locations.
• Providing vendors with exclusive rights to specific locations for a one-year period if they submit the winning bid. 

City officials say the review began after complaints involving conflicts between vendors and repeated calls for police and livability staff to intervene. The proposal is expected to receive additional public discussion and review this summer. 

New Business License Subclassifications

The City has also been modernizing its business-license framework by creating more specialized categories and permit requirements for certain business types, including:

• Mobile food vendors.
• Short-term rentals.
• Sidewalk cafés.
• Late-night entertainment venues.
• Home occupations and other specialized operations. 

The goal is to better align licensing requirements with the specific impacts and regulatory needs of different businesses rather than treating all businesses under a single licensing structure. The city’s permitting system now routes applicants through specialized reviews depending on the business activity involved. 

Strict Enforcement of Short-Term Rentals

Charleston continues to maintain some of the strictest short-term rental regulations in South Carolina.

Current requirements include:

• A valid business license.
• A separate short-term rental permit.
• Annual permit renewals.
• Compliance with zoning and location-specific rules.
• Ongoing enforcement and inspections. 

The city categorizes short-term rentals into different permit classes depending on location, including residential categories on the peninsula and in suburban areas, as well as commercial short-term rental districts. Each category carries its own parking, occupancy, and property requirements. 

Among the stricter provisions:

• Owner occupancy is generally required for residential short-term rentals.
• Investment properties typically do not qualify for residential STR permits.
• Additional off-street parking is required.
• Permits must be renewed annually.
• Operators must maintain both a permit and business license to legally operate. 

The city has dedicated staff focused on STR compliance, and officials have repeatedly emphasized that illegal rentals will not be grandfathered into compliance. Enforcement remains a major priority as Charleston balances tourism with neighborhood livability. 

What Happens Next?

The street-vendor proposal is still under discussion and could see revisions before reaching Charleston City Council for a vote. If approved, it would represent the most significant change to downtown vending operations in years by replacing informal location claims with a formal bidding system. Meanwhile, the city’s tighter business-license classifications and aggressive short-term rental enforcement are already being implemented through Charleston’s permitting and regulatory framework. 

For Charleston businesses, the overall trend is clear: more specialized licensing categories, clearer operational requirements, and stronger enforcement of existing regulations.