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

Early voting for South Carolina’s statewide primary elections begins Tuesday and will continue through June 5.

Voters can cast ballots at any early voting center in their county during the voting period.

Early voting centers will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will be closed on weekends and state holidays.

To vote, SC residents must present a valid photo ID and will use the same voting system available at polling places on Election Day.

Click here to find your voting location: https://bit.ly/4e3pwka

By Mark A Leon

Charleston, South Carolina has long been recognized as a military-friendly city, home to active-duty service members, retirees, and veterans from every branch of the armed forces. From health care and housing assistance to peer support and career development, the Lowcountry offers a growing network of organizations dedicated to helping veterans transition successfully into civilian life.

At the center of these services is Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, one of the region’s most important veteran resources. Located in downtown Charleston, the facility provides comprehensive medical care including primary care, mental health services, PTSD treatment, oncology, substance abuse recovery, caregiver support, and women’s veteran programs. The hospital also offers crisis intervention, social work services, and specialized treatment programs tailored to veterans and their families.  

Veterans seeking help navigating federal benefits can also turn to the Charleston County Veterans Affairs Office. The office assists veterans with disability claims, pensions, survivor benefits, and educational resources. County veterans affairs officers often serve as critical advocates for veterans attempting to understand the complexities of VA paperwork and eligibility requirements.  

Housing insecurity remains one of the largest challenges facing veterans nationwide, and Charleston organizations have stepped in to address the need. One80 Place provides emergency shelter, supportive housing programs, meals, and case management services for individuals experiencing homelessness, including veterans. The organization partners with local agencies to connect veterans with long-term stability and supportive services.  

Another impactful Charleston nonprofit is Veterans on Deck, a community-focused organization that uses sailing and waterfront experiences to support veterans coping with stress, PTSD, and the challenges of reintegration. Programs like these highlight the growing awareness that healing often extends beyond traditional clinical care. Charleston’s coastal environment has become an important part of wellness and therapeutic recreation for many former service members.

Community support also extends to veterans’ families. Fisher House Charleston, located near the VA Medical Center, provides temporary lodging for families of hospitalized veterans receiving medical treatment. The organization helps reduce the financial burden associated with extended hospital stays and travel expenses.  

The Charleston veteran community is also increasingly active online. Local Reddit and social media groups have emerged where veterans share experiences, discuss navigating the VA system, and offer peer-to-peer support. These digital communities provide an additional layer of connection for veterans adjusting to civilian life or relocating to the Lowcountry.  

For veterans looking to connect with resources in Charleston, the following websites provide valuable information and support services:

• VA Charleston Health Care System
• Charleston County Veterans Affairs Office
• One80 Place
• Veterans on Deck
• Fisher House Charleston
• Veterans Crisis Line

As Charleston continues to grow, so does its commitment to those who served. Through medical care, housing support, community organizations, and peer-driven initiatives, the Lowcountry remains a place where veterans can find both assistance and a sense of belonging.

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Over the weekend, Wegmans announced on its social media that the opening date for their first Charlotte, North Carolina area location will be October 14, 2026.

Stay connected and follow on Instagram for more updates.

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Photo Credit: Wegmans

The Hunting Island Lighthouse is finally ready to open up to visitors once again after a $3 million restoration project. The 167 year old lighthouse has been under repair and restoration since 2026.

At 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 26th, it will officially be reopen.

Here are details from the Director of the Lighthouse and Park

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

The historic Hunting Island lighthouse, a beloved landmark at Hunting Island State Park, is currently closed for repairs. This iconic structure has been a beacon of history and beauty for visitors from all over the world, as illustrated by these historic photos from the mid-20th century shared by the state park Historian, Al Hester.

The lighthouse, known for its distinctive black-and-white stripes and towering height of 136 feet, has a rich history. Originally constructed in 1859, it was rebuilt in 1875 after being destroyed during the Civil War. A unique feature of the lighthouse is its construction from interchangeable cast-iron sections, allowing it to be dismantled and moved if necessary. This design proved crucial when severe beach erosion forced the lighthouse to be relocated 1.3 miles inland in 1889.

The current repairs are part of a planned $3 million renovation project aimed at preserving the lighthouse for future generations. The restoration work includes repairs to the lantern room, windows, decks, and rails. A key component of the project is the installation of new, large braces, designed in a style consistent with the historic cast iron, to support the stairs. The timeline for these repairs is expected to extend through late 2025.

Photos of the repairs and the extensive scaffolding surrounding the lighthouse were taken by our own Tyler Blakewood, Master Craftsman for the Construction and Maintenance division, led by Matthew Malovic. Matt recently took his team on a field trip to see the progress of repairs.

“Visiting the Hunting Island Lighthouse during its renovation and repair was truly a once-in-a-career experience. Given the nature of the work Central Maintenance and Construction performs daily for PRT, our team was especially excited and proud to witness firsthand the craftsmanship, planning, and scale involved a project of this magnitude.”

-Matthew Malovic, Construction & Maintenance Manager

While the lighthouse itself is closed, visitors can still view it from the grounds and learn about its history from knowledgeable volunteers. The park remains a popular destination, offering five miles of pristine beaches, a saltwater lagoon, and thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest.

Hunting Island State Park is South Carolina’s most visited state park, attracting over a million visitors each year. Despite the temporary closure of the lighthouse, the park continues to offer a wealth of natural beauty and recreational opportunities for all to enjoy.

We encourage all visitors to explore the park and learn more about the fascinating history of the Hunting Island Lighthouse.

For those interested in a deeper dive into its story, consider purchasing the book Up Here, available at the South Carolina State Park Store, or join us for the Lighthouse Keepers Talk program to learn more about the history of the lighthouse and its stewards.

Official Website

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By Mark A. Leon

Nantucket’s Meat & Fish Market is coming to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. This will be the second South Carolina location after Hilton Head, SC.

The new location for Nantucket’s Meat & Fish Market will be 616 Coleman Blvd. This additional to the Mount Pleasant grocery and dining market is filled with anticipation.

The team is currently hiring for various openings. If interested, click link to apply: meatandfish.com/hiring

Official Website

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By Mirna Alsharif and Bella LoBue

At least 19 people were injured in a stampede at an annual motorcycle rally Sunday morning in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, according to local officials. 

Horry County Fire Rescue crews responded to a “stage area” near South Ocean Boulevard at around 1:05 a.m., where they located the patients with assistance from local law enforcement. The town of Atlantic Beach confirmed that the incident happened at the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival — held annually in the area over Memorial Day weekend.

Three people were transported to a hospital for treatment; others are believed to have sought care on their own. All injuries are considered non-life-threatening, according to Horry County Fire Rescue.

In a statement, the town of Atlantic Beach said the event was triggered by a person who began running, “causing a brief chain reaction within the crowd that lasted only seconds.”

“SLED [South Carolina Law Enforcement Division] personnel quickly accessed the stage and took control of the situation, addressing the crowd multiple times and clearly communicating that no incident had occurred and that individuals had simply started running,” interim Town Manager Titus Leaks said in the statement. “Their swift response helped calm attendees and restore order.”

Leaks said, “At no time were there any confirmed fights, weapons, or direct threats to public safety,” emphasizing that it was “a brief crowd reaction” that “was quickly identified and managed by law enforcement who were already in position.”

While the town is concerned for anyone who was injured, Leaks said the mishap “does not reflect the overall success of the event.”

“The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival has been held for over 40 years and continues to attract visitors from across the country because of the positive experience it provides,” he said. 

The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival draws crowds of up to 40,000 people to Atlantic Beach each Memorial Day weekend, according to the town

Source: NBC News

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Last week, contractors working on a construction project at The Citadel discovered human remains while digging a pipeline trench. Per the project’s previously-drafted archeology plan, work on the project was immediately halted and the Charleston Coroner and State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) were contacted. 

The coroner’s team removed the remains. Earlier this week, the SHPO visited the site to review conditions. The contractor’s Archaeological Consultant provided the SHPO with a plan to address any future discovery on this project. The SHPO cleared the contractor to restart work on the project. 

The Citadel is committed to being a responsible steward of the history of Charleston and South Carolina and has followed best practices and SHPO guidance throughout this and each of our construction projects.

Source: The Citadel

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Columbia, S.C. (May 22, 2026) – The South Carolina Department of Transportation seeks public comment on the addition of the 2027 Pavement Improvement Program to the 2024-2033 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). SCDOT will receive public comment for a 21-day period from May 22 to June 11, 2026.

View an online map at this link: 2027 Pavement Improvement Program.

The 2027 Pavement Improvement Program includes additional 734 miles of proposed paving work, including 48 miles of preventive maintenance projects, along non-interstate road systems. Road systems included in the program are major roads/primary routes, farm-to-market secondary roads, and neighborhood streets. View a list of selected roads in the May 21, 2026 Commission Agenda Package starting on the page labeled p. 73.

These miles will be added to the previously approved 8,505 miles of paving projects advanced since the implementation of Act 40 of 2017. The paving projects will be incorporated into the “New Gas Tax Trust Fund” transparency and accountability reports. More information is available on our website.

In accordance with Act 114 of 2007, these projects were selected for funding using ranking processes that are based on objective and quantifiable factors. The projects also comply with the Ten-Year Plan and support the performance targets established in the Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP). In order to ensure that every county is guaranteed paving funds, funds are is allocated to counties based on a county’s relative share of lane miles for each road system.

Submit a Comment

Comments will be accepted through June 11, 2026 and should be submitted to Ginny Jones, Public Involvement Director, SCDOT Public Engagement Office, 955 Park Street, P.O. Box 191, Columbia, SC 29201. Comments may also be submitted online or by email to SCDOTpubliccomment@scdot.org. 

Visit scdot.org/projects/public-comment-notices to view all STIP Comment Notices and submit comments online.

To assist those who do not have internet access, a printed copy of this press release and any supporting information is available for public review and comment at any of the South Carolina Department of Transportation District Offices and the South Carolina Council of Government Offices. Please note, any information provided, including names and addresses, is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Micaiah Green, 31, of Columbia, has been sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison for drug trafficking. 

Evidence presented in court established that agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration identified Green as a significant supplier of narcotics in the Columbia area. Investigators learned through multiple sources that Green used various hotel rooms to store and distribute controlled substances. Between April and June 2024, Green distributed more than 2,000 grams of methamphetamine, 200 grams of fentanyl, and 900 grams of marijuana in the Columbia area.

Green has an extensive criminal history that includes prior convictions for burglary, first-degree assault and battery, attempted armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted violent felon, trafficking methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine base, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. Green was on state bond at the time of the offense conduct in this case.

United States District Judge Sherri Lydon sentenced Green to 200 months in prison, to be followed by five years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.

Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office – South Carolina

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