Remembering the Life of Walter Scott: A poignant commentary from Avery Research Center on the anniversary of his passing

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Yesterday, April 4, on the ninth anniversary of the untimely slaying of Walter Scott, the Avery Research Center put out an emotional tribute and reflection on the life of Walter Scott who was taken away on April 4, 2015 in North Charleston.

We are so thankful to Avery Research Center and College of Charleston for keeping the conversation going with poignancy and thoughtfulness.

On this day in history, April 4, 2015, Walter Scott was killed in an officer-involved shooting. He was born on February 9, 1965 in North Charleston, South Carolina. Scott served in the U.S. Coast Guard for two years and worked vocational jobs in the Charleston area after his discharge. He came from a large family and was himself a father of four.

His death at the hands of former North Charleston police officer Michal Slager, which was caught on film by eyewitness Feidin Santana, led to a public indictment of the culture of policing in the Tri-County area.

While Slager alleged that Scott gained control of his taser, prompting him to fire his weapon, Santana’s footage proved otherwise. In the video, Scott never gained control of Slager’s taser and was running away when Slager shot him in the back. The video further revealed Slager tampering with evidence.

In 2015, Slager was indicted for Scott’s murder, pleaded guilty to charges of civil rights violations and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Scott’s death helped launch a South Carolina law that required all law enforcement officers to wear body cameras. While it was marketed as a tool to ensure trust in and transparency from law enforcement, it has not been a solution to the issue of police crimes.

Today we commemorate Walter Scott’s memory and how his life and death have prompted us to think more critically about and take action against the impact of over policing of our communities.

Image: Michael Scott, undated (courtesy of ABC News)

Banner Photo Description and Credit: Judy Scott holds a photo of her son, Walter Scott, in Charleston, South Carolina Thursday. Photograph: Randall Hill/Reuters

Charleston, SC based Bright Beauty Collective and founder Susannah Dellinger are bringing conscious beauty products to the forefront

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Did you know the global beauty industry contributes 100 billion units to total plastic packaging consumption annually? Add on energy consumption, waste dumping, waterway contamination and the over-sourcing of indigenous ingredients, and it’s clear why the beauty industry is ranked as the second highest contributor to the planet’s pollution, behind oil and gas. With so many ingredients listed on a beauty product that are unfamiliar, harmful and misleadingly labeled, it’s easy to question what we’re consuming. Since 2009, 595 cosmetics manufacturers have reported using 88 chemicals in more than 73,000 products that have been linked to cancer, congenital disabilities or reproductive harm.

Enter Susannah Dellinger, founder and CEO of Bright Beauty Collective (BBC) and a pioneer of conscious beauty. After working over 17 years as a top executive for leading luxury beauty brands, Dellinger started a personal health journey when faced with sudden hormonal issues, adult-onset acne, unexplained infertility and a devastating miscarriage. She soon realized the ugly truth about the world of beauty: it was doing more harm (to both herself and the planet) than good. 

Susannah Dellinger

Dellinger began to discover effective brands with beautiful skincare and makeup products that left out toxicities, utilized alternative energy sources, gave back to the community, used reusable packaging and minimized beauty’s footprint on the planet. With a firm belief that these rising conscious beauty brands could compete against the big names if given the right access to retail advantages, she founded BBC in October 2021, a leading retail sales agency based in Charleston dedicated to elevating best-in-class conscious beauty brands in top retailers nationally and beyond. Using her expertise in luxury beauty, Dellinger is giving conscious beauty brands and their founders a voice, presence and the tools to stand out on the shelves, with the hope that big-name brands will take notice and start following suit. 

BBC works with elevated, conscious beauty brands Indie LeeOGEEOne Love OrganicsJillian DempseyRMS BeautySolara Suncare and Kjaer Weis. For brands to be considered conscious, they must meet the Bright Beauty Standard consisting of four key elements:

Product – Creating thoughtful formulations while valuing high performance and innovation. 

Planet – Reducing their impact on the planet and its climate. 

People – Demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility, diversity, equity, inclusion and community (with BBC itself donating 3-5% of monthly profits to OneWorld Health). 

Progress – Driving progress in the industry to truly make a better world through beauty. 

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A Murder in Augusta? Novelist Nathan Edmondson Premiers New Crime Thriller THE MASTER

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PARK CITY, Calif., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — “A Novel of Golf and Death.”

Fans of suspense, intrigue and golf are in for a treat as acclaimed author Nathan Edmondson announces the release of his latest page-turner THE MASTER from Palmetto Publishing and Meridian Imprints.

The Master Cover
The Master Cover
Nathan Edmondson
Nathan Edmondson

In THE MASTER, Edmondson crafts a tale of suspense that grabs readers from the first page. Set against the backdrop of the Masters tournament in Augusta, GA, the novel follows a young virtuoso golfer competing in the tournament while embroiled in the investigation around the death of his caddy.

Order Now on Barnes and Noble
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From the book:

Augusta, Georgia is host to the most prestigious sporting event in the world. Every April, Augusta’s tournament invites the greatest golfers into the heart of the South to compete for the coveted green jacket. It is a “Tradition Unlike Any Other.” Especially when, on the eve of the opening rounds, a body is found swinging over the 12th green – at the infamous Amen Corner.

Young South Africa virtuoso Jonni Lombard arrives to Georgia to discover that his caddie Willy Sharpe is dead. Local Detective Ryals Hall works with local and international authorities to uncover the twisted and complex crime that leads to the apparent suicide of Jonni’s caddie, all while Jonni competes in the world’s most deceptive, challenging and historic golf tournament.

The Master is a crime novel, woven with international intrigue that celebrates the history and legacy of the greatest game of golf in the world.

“This is a book born of appreciation for the greatest course and tournament in golf,” said Edmondson. “Augusta is my hometown, and this takes the reader on an unexpected trip through the most unique week in sports.” 

Edmondson releases THE MASTER as part of a three-book deal through Meridian Imprints and Palmetto Publishing.  In this novel, Edmondson tackles new subject matter, setting and style.  Edmondson has previously worked in literature, comics and film and television. 

The Master is available for purchase April 8 from all major retailers, including Barnes and Noble and Amazon. For more information about the book and the author, visit nathanedmondson.com/the-master

Nathan Edmondson is the writer of many hit graphic novels, the ghostwriter and writing coach of major international publications. He works in Africa, developing wildlife protection capabilities and in the United States in the security industry. He lives in Park City where he raises his children far from his homes state of Georgia, but with as much southern heritage as possible.

SOURCE Meridian Imprints

Century Complete Announces New Community Near Savannah, Georgia

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RINCON, Ga., April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS), one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and an industry leader in online home sales, has announced that its Century Complete brand is now selling at Pine Brook, a new community in Rincon featuring quality single-family floor plans, affordably priced from the low $300s.

Gardner Floor Plan | New Homes in Rincon, GA | Pine Brook by Century Complete
Gardner Floor Plan | New Homes in Rincon, GA | Pine Brook by Century Complete
Essex Floor Plan | New Homes Near Savannah, GA | Pine Brook by Century Complete
Essex Floor Plan | New Homes Near Savannah, GA | Pine Brook by Century Complete

Ideally situated just north of Savannah’s employment and entertainment hubs, and part of the sought-after Effingham County School District, Pine Brook offers three two-story floor plans with up to five bedrooms, three bathrooms and two-bay garages—all featuring modern open-concept layouts with attractive features like flex spaces, great rooms and more.

Learn more and explore available homes at www.CenturyCommunities.com/PineBrook.

“Pine Brook represents a natural continuation of our growth in Georgia, offering a selection of affordable and appealing floor plans in a prime location near Savannah,” said National President Greg Huff. “We’ve already seen strong interest at this community, with several homes under contract, so it’s a great time for buyers to explore available homes online and find their best fit while opportunities last.”

NEED IN-PERSON ASSISTANCE? VISIT OUR LOWCOUNTRY SALES STUDIO.

While our state-of-the-art online homebuying process allows you to buy on your terms—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—we also offer in-person assistance from local experts at our Sales Studio in Pooler!

107 Central Boulevard
Pooler, GA 31322
912.335.3795

THE FREEDOM OF ONLINE HOMEBUYING

Century Complete is proud to feature its industry-first online homebuying experience on all available homes in Georgia, allowing homebuyers to easily find their best fit and purchase when they’re ready—all while continuing to work with their local real estate agent of choice. Homebuyers can further streamline the homebuying process by financing online with Century Complete’s affiliate lender, Inspire Home Loans®.

How it works:

  1. Shop homes at CenturyCommunities.com
  2. Click “Buy Now” on any available home
  3. Fill out a quick Buy Online form
  4. Electronically submit an initial earnest money deposit
  5. Electronically sign a purchase contract via DocuSign®

Learn more about the Buy Online experience awww.CenturyCommunities.com/online-homebuying.

About Century Communities

Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS) is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and an industry leader in online home sales. Through its Century Communities and Century Complete brands, Century’s mission is to build attractive, high-quality homes at affordable prices to provide its valued customers with A HOME FOR EVERY DREAM®. Century is engaged in all aspects of homebuilding—including the acquisition, entitlement and development of land, along with the construction, innovative marketing and sale of quality homes designed to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. The Company operates in 18 states and over 45 markets across the U.S., and also offers title, insurance and lending services in select markets through its Parkway Title, IHL Home Insurance Agency, and Inspire Home Loans subsidiaries. To learn more about Century Communities, please visit www.centurycommunities.com.

SOURCE Century Communities, Inc.

Make Your Beach Visit a Breeze: Important Beach Park Tips from Charleston County Parks

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(CHARLESTON COUNTY) – With spring break upon us and summer just around the corner, many locals and tourists will soon flock to the Lowcountry’s beaches. Charleston County Parks encourages all beachgoers to familiarize themselves with important information and best practices to ensure the most enjoyable and safe time at our local beach parks.

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) operates Folly Beach County Park, Isle of Palms County Park, and Kiawah Beachwalker Park. From spring break through September, the beaches are quieter on weekdays, with weekends, holidays and Fridays seeing large crowds. 

CCPRC encourages beachgoers to take note of the following tips and important information:

Park Capacity

While approaching the islands, CCPRC encourages drivers look for digital highway signs denoting beach park capacity. The capacity of the parking lot for CCPRC’s beach parks will be updated in real time by staff, so guests know before they reach the park if parking is full.

Kiawah Island

Kiawah Beachwalker Park has 150 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. during the summer. The Town of Kiawah enforces a traffic ordinance that prohibits vehicles from idling or parking outside the entrance to Kiawah Beachwalker Park. If the park is full upon arrival, staff can add guests to a virtual line. Timely updates and text notifications alert customers as they move to the front of the queue. Parking for buses, RVs, and/or campers is never guaranteed, even on weekdays.

Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms County Park has 445 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays, with spots becoming available again more consistently in the late afternoon. When the parking lot is full, police will allow up to about 20 vehicles to wait in line for spaces to open. Once the turn lane outside the park is full, police direct vehicles to keep moving to other parking areas not operated by CCPRC. Be aware of City of Isle of Palms parking ordinances. And note that there are only two lanes of traffic leaving Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. On a crowded day, if weather or another event creates a reason for everyone to try leaving the islands at once, traffic will back up, and it could take up to two hours for the park to empty.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach County Park has 225 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays, with spots becoming available again more consistently in the late afternoon. When the parking lot is full, look for City of Folly Beach parking lots on West Ashley Ave. to prevent blocking roads and driveways. Review City of Folly Beach parking ordinances in order to avoid being towed or ticketed.

Pets on the Beach

Pets must always remain leashed within the parks, and each municipality has their own ordinances pertaining to dogs on the beach:

City of Folly BeachCity of Isle of PalmsTown of Kiawah Island

Alcohol & Smoking

·         Possession or consumption of alcohol is not allowed at any of the beach parks.

·         Smoking, vaping and tobacco use are prohibited at CCPRC facilities, programs and events.

·         Additional beach park rules and information can be read on the parks’ webpages: https://ccprc.com/3222/Beach-Parks

Safety tips

·         Swim near a lifeguard when possible and obey their commands

·         Watch children at all times

·         Learn to identify a rip current and how to break free from one by swimming parallel to the shore (more info from USLA)

·         Seek shelter when lightning is in the area


Other Resources

Keep up to date on the latest beach traffic reports by downloading the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Government’s Beach Reach app, available for Apple and Android. Also consider taking CARTA’s Beach Reach Shuttle to Isle of Palms County Park.

For more information on Charleston County Parks beach parks and safety, call 843-795-4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com (direct link to the beach park page: https://ccprc.com/3222/Beach-Parks).

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, or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.

The Dairy Alliance Supports Runners at Cooper River Bridge Run Expo

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Highlights dairy milk’s performance benefits and advocates for #TEAMMILK, April 4 -5

CHARLESTON, S.C., April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farmers in the Southeast, is heading to the races and will be supporting the Cooper River Bridge Run Expo in Charleston. The organization will have a presence at the two-day Bridge Run Expo preceding the race on April 4 and 5 at the Charleston Area Convention Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston, SC 29418.

“Running is one of the most practiced and accessible sports in the world, and dairy milk is a key player in this sport. Its nutrient profile makes it a powerhouse for training, hydration, and recovery for everyday athletes,” said Geri Berdak, Chief Executive Officer at The Dairy Alliance. “Milk provides performance benefits many runners look for through a unique nutrient package tailored for runners, including high-quality protein, electrolytes, B vitamins, vitamin D, and calcium, yet most runners do not include milk as part of their training nutrition. The Dairy Alliance is working to help change this!”

The race is a 10k walk-run that spans point to point from Mt. Pleasant to downtown Charleston. It also features a Kids Run and Family Festival. The run draws around 40,000 participants.

Visit and connect with registered dietitian, Tori Medelin, Director of Sports Nutrition at the College of Charleston, and The Dairy Alliance during the Bridge Run Expo on April 4 from Noon-8 p.m. or April 5 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. The pre-race expo features nearly 200 vendor booths, and The Dairy Alliance will be providing white milk, free giveaways, and nutrition information to attendees.

“This expo is one of a number of races that are leading up to Every Woman’s Marathon, an initiative led by MilkPEP. The Dairy Alliance is committed to showing up big for women and the race on April 6 is just the beginning,” added Berdak.

Fans can show their support Every Woman’s Marathon, designed to revolutionize the marathon landscape which has been historically male-centric, by joining #TEAMMILK. Simply, sign up for Every Woman’s Marathon, either as a runner or a supporter, and you can become part of the special #TeamMilk community. Visit https://everywomansmarathon.com to learn more.

For more information about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram @TheDairyAlliance.

About The Dairy Alliance
The Dairy Alliance is a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families of the Southeast. We work diligently with dairy farmers, schools, sports teams, health professionals, local organizations, state leaders, the media, and the public to promote dairy foods and knowledge about the dairy industry. Our efforts center in eight states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Social
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/thedairyalliance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedairyalliance/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedairyalliance/

Media Contact
Kaitlyn Ianiro
Kaitlyn@inklinkmarketing.com
305.631.2283

SOURCE The Dairy Alliance

SC Ports to Buy WestRock Site to Expand Port Capacity at North Charleston Terminal

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SC Ports to master plan infrastructure with SCDOT, Palmetto Railways

CHARLESTON, SC — MARCH 19, 2024 — With support from the state and unanimous approval from the SC Ports Board of Directors, SC Ports plans to purchase the former WestRock paper mill site in North Charleston to further expand port capacity at the Port of Charleston.

The SC Ports Board of Directors voted today to move forward with a purchase sales agreement with WestRock. The transaction is expected to close as soon as practical.

“The tremendous backing from our state and an excellent partnership with WestRock allows us to make investments today that will support our state’s economy and create opportunities for future generations of South Carolinians,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “We are adding significant port capacity to support growth in South Carolina and throughout the Southeast.”

The roughly 280-acre industrial waterfront property sits adjacent to North Charleston Terminal, offering a natural extension of the container terminal that will enable SC Ports to handle more cargo for port-dependent businesses.

The additional land will expand the terminal’s capacity to handle 5 million containers in the future, and create 5,000 feet of linear berth space for container ships and around 400 acres of terminal space for cargo.

“South Carolina’s economy is prospering, and we must continue to invest in our world-class port system to support the companies investing in our state,” Melvin said. “This is an incredible opportunity to enhance our high-performing North Charleston Terminal with renewed capacity to handle future growth.”

SC Ports plans to modernize the existing North Charleston Terminal with an optimized layout, upgraded cargo-handling equipment and significant new container capacity — yielding even more reliable, productive port service. Customers will also benefit from the on-terminal rail service offered by Palmetto Railways with dual connectivity to CSX and Norfolk Southern, and proximity to Interstate 526.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation is playing a pivotal role in the project. As part of its expansion of Interstate 526, SCDOT plans to replace the Don Holt Bridge, which will remove height constraints for larger vessels.

Plans are also moving forward to achieve a 52-foot depth up to North Charleston Terminal. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, has requested a feasibility study — a critical first step toward deepening this stretch of the Cooper River an additional five feet.

This deepening effort, combined with the new bridge height, will allow the biggest container ships calling the Port of Charleston to seamlessly access North Charleston Terminal.

“Modernizing the terminal, raising the Don Holt Bridge, deepening the Cooper River and purchasing the former WestRock property are all critical components that will yield a state-of-the-art North Charleston Terminal,” Melvin said. “These achievements would not be possible without the support and foresight from Governor Henry McMaster, SC House Speaker Murrell Smith, SC Senate President Thomas Alexander and the entire SC Legislature.”

The site also provides key support functions for Ingevity Corporation’s North Charleston manufacturing facility. SC Ports has been working closely with Ingevity to align their future needs during the transition.

SC Ports will work with SCDOT, Palmetto Railways, Ingevity and the City of North Charleston to master plan the infrastructure to best support the region’s economy and residents.

“This land purchase represents a tremendous opportunity to position our port system and our state competitively for decades to come,” SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern said. “Our port infrastructure investments directly support thousands of South Carolina companies that depend on SC Ports to do business, and we are expanding to ensure we have the capacity to handle the growth in the Southeast.”

Notable quotes from elected leaders:

“South Carolina Ports is widely known as a top driver of our state’s booming economy, but that success doesn’t come by accident — it takes timely, strategic investments like this one. Every time we invest in port infrastructure, we see significant success at port-dependent businesses and new, good-paying jobs for our people. Our state’s investment in the expansion of North Charleston Terminal will yield dividends and create opportunities for future generations.”
— Governor Henry McMaster

“An investment in our port system is an investment in South Carolina — unlocking more economic potential through new business and new jobs. This land purchase will enable SC Ports to expand the North Charleston Terminal, and the additional port capacity will make South Carolina even more competitive. This is a win for all South Carolinians.”
— SC House Speaker Murrell Smith

“Many of our industries rely on SC Ports to move their products to global markets. The expansion of the North Charleston Terminal is critical to supporting the efficient flow of goods throughout our state and ensuring we have ample port capacity to handle companies’ growth. Our commitment to build vital port infrastructure will ensure South Carolina remains globally competitive for decades to come.”
— Senator Larry Grooms, Chairman of the SC Senate Transportation Committee and the Review and Oversight Commission on the South Carolina State Ports Authority

“Investing in South Carolina’s ports ensures our state remains competitive on a global stage and it brings greater opportunities for our workforces. SC Ports supports 1 in 9 jobs in South Carolina, and the purchase of this property will benefit South Carolinians for decades to come.”
— Representative Bruce Bannister, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee

“The paper mill site has been in the fabric of our community for decades, helping support many generations of North Charleston families, including my own. As it transitions into a port terminal, we are eager to collaborate closely with South Carolina Ports to guarantee this site continues to be a cornerstone of economic vitality, all the while seamlessly integrating into the
community.”
— North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess

Notable quotes from partners:
“WestRock and its predecessor companies had a long history operating the North Charleston mill, and we greatly appreciate the contributions made by our team members over the years. We are pleased that SC Ports intends to transform the site into a world-class container terminal and continue to support the state’s economy and create jobs for South Carolinians.”
— WestRock President and CEO David Sewell
“We are excited to have SC Ports as the buyer of this site as we both strive to deploy innovative solutions to the marketplace and drive economic growth for South Carolina. We look forward to our continued partnership with SC Ports to master plan the site.”
— Ingevity President and CEO John Fortson
“We know how important it is to our thriving economy to ensure that goods can move efficiently across the state and region. We look forward to working closely with our state leaders, partners and SC Ports to further enhance our state’s infrastructure to benefit our state’s port system and the people of South Carolina.”
— SC Department of Transportation Secretary Christy A. Hall, P.E.

“SC Ports is an economic engine for our state, with an impact that touches nearly every industry. Thousands of South Carolina businesses depend on SC Ports to reach domestic and international markets every day. The expansion of the North Charleston Terminal and additional capacity at the Port of Charleston signals South Carolina’s emphasis on strategic growth to benefit both our economy and citizens, alike. We’re excited to see how SC Ports’ expanded capacity allows existing businesses to continue to thrive and encourages new industry to consider our state.”
— Harry M. Lightsey III, Secretary of Commerce

“As the Southeast economy and the Port of Charleston continue to grow, the demand for transporting more goods in and out of the Charleston region is increasing. SC Ports’ acquisition of the WestRock mill site and investment in the North Charleston Terminal and supporting infrastructure will add more fluidity and capacity to our regional supply chain as we handle more cargo by rail at the terminal and throughout the state.”
— Palmetto Railways President and CEO Patrick McCrory

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The US has a record-high 550 ‘million-dollar’ cities – South Carolina ranked #12 for U.S. States

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Low inventory is keeping competition high and home values rising

  • There are currently 550 U.S. cities where the typical home value is $1 million or more, up from 491 a year ago.
  • California easily boasts the most million-dollar cities, followed by New York and New Jersey.
  • Florida, Texas and Delaware are the only states with a net loss in million-dollar cities over the past year.

SEATTLE, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. has a record-high 550 “million-dollar” cities — cities where the typical home is worth $1 million or more — a new Zillow® analysis shows. That is 59 more million-dollar cities than a year ago,1 reversing losses from when home values were wobbling this time last year.

Zillow logo (PRNewsfoto/Zillow Group)
Zillow logo (PRNewsfoto/Zillow Group)

A tight housing market with few homes available has kept home values rising, even while affordability challenges have hampered buyers. The good news for buyers in the market this home-shopping season is that new listings are on the rise as the effects of “rate lock” — occurring when homeowners are financially incentivized to keep their current home because of the low rate on their current mortgage — are weakening, and the hope for lower mortgage rates later this year may mean a second wave of buyer demand this summer.

“Affordability is still a big challenge for buyers, but that hasn’t stopped prices from growing,” said Anushna Prakash, an economic research data scientist at Zillow. “Buyers this spring are going to see more options to choose from, but they’ll also see a lot of other buyers wandering through the same open houses. Competition will stay fierce, especially for the most attractive and well-priced homes. If mortgage rates drop later this year, as many expect, we may see a surge in million-dollar cities as even more buyers jump in and drive prices higher.”

While million-dollar cities were affected more than the typical U.S. city when home values fell in late 2022, they have generally tracked with the national market over the past year. The typical U.S. home is worth 4.2% more than it was a year ago. In current million-dollar cities, the median year-over-year home value growth is 4.6%.

California is home to 210 million-dollar cities, more than the next five states combined. New Jersey has added the most million-dollar cities over the past year, gaining 14.

Florida, Texas and Delaware are the only states to have a net loss in million-dollar cities over the past year. Florida lost three million-dollar cities — Siesta Key, Santa Rosa Beach and Sanibel — while adding one, the Village of Palmetto Bay, near Miami. Texas lost two million-dollar cities in the Austin area, Sunset Valley and Volente, and added Bellaire, outside of Houston. The typical home in Delaware’s Dewey Beach fell below the million-dollar cutoff.

The New York City metro area, which includes parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, has the most million-dollar cities with 106 — 24 more than a year ago. San Francisco is next with 69, followed by Los Angeles with 63. Other than the New York City metro area, Los Angeles gained the most million-dollar cities over the past year, adding seven. Boston added four during that time, and San Diego, Chicago and San Luis Obispo each added three.

Whether a buyer or renter is searching for a home in a million-dollar city or somewhere with home values closer to average, Zillow has tools that can help.

An affordability calculator can help a buyer better understand what they can afford and set a budget. Buyers can then use Zillow to search for homes filtered for a monthly cost they are comfortable with, instead of only by list price. Buyers can also find and connect with a knowledgeable real estate professional and loan officer on Zillow to help guide them through the home-buying process.

Million-Dollar Cities by State
State$1 Million Cities – February 2024$1 Million Cities – February 2023
California210198
New York6654
New Jersey4935
Florida3234
Massachusetts3127
Colorado2121
Washington1816
Hawaii1716
Texas1415
Maryland108
Virginia75
South Carolina66
Connecticut65
Minnesota, Utah64
Illinois63
Missouri55
Nevada, North Carolina, Wyoming44
Montana43
Arizona42
Idaho, Tennessee33
New Hampshire32
Ohio22
Pennsylvania20
Delaware12
Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Rhode Island, Wisconsin11
Metro Areas With the Most Million-Dollar Cities
Metro Area$1 Million Cities
– February 2024
$1 Million Cities
– February 2023
New York, NY10682
San Francisco, CA6969
Los Angeles, CA6356
Boston, MA2319
San Jose, CA1818
Seattle, WA1715
MiamiFort Lauderdale, FL1716
Washington, DC1412
San Diego, CA107
Santa MariaSanta Barbara, CA; Santa Rosa, CA99

About Zillow Group:

Zillow Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: Z and ZG) is reimagining real estate to make home a reality for more and more people. As the most visited real estate website in the United States, Zillow and its affiliates help people find and get the home they want by connecting them with digital solutions, dedicated partners and agents, and easier buying, selling, financing and renting experiences.

Zillow Group’s affiliates, subsidiaries and brands include Zillow®, Zillow Premier Agent®, Zillow Home Loans℠, Trulia®, Out East®, StreetEasy®, HotPads®, ShowingTime+, Spruce® and Follow Up Boss®.

All marks herein are owned by MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow affiliate. Zillow Home Loans, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #10287 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). © 2023 MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow affiliate.

1 February 2023 Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) figures are unavailable for 11 cities with ZHVI above $1 million for February 2024.

SOURCE Zillow

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Food & Wine Announces Winners of Its 2024 Global Tastemakers Awards – Congratulations Chubby Fish and Charleston, SC

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Honoring the Best Culinary Travel Experiences Domestically and Abroad: Restaurants, Cities, Bars, Hotels, Airlines, Cruises, Airports, Coffee, Bakeries and More

Charleston, South Carolina named #6 Top U.S. City for Food and Drink and Chubby Fish named 7th Top Restaurant in the U.S.

NEW YORK, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — FOOD & WINE announces its 2024 Global Tastemakers awards, a celebration of the best food and drink experiences and destinations in the U.S. and abroad. From the best restaurants and bars to the best cities, hotels, cruises, airports, and airlines for food and drink, the results were curated and ranked by respected food and travel experts from around the globe in collaboration with FOOD & WINE editors. The complete lists and awards methodology are now featured on foodandwine.com/globaltastemakers with highlights in the May issue of FOOD & WINE, on newsstands April 19.

May 2024 Issue Food & Wine Cover
May 2024 Issue Food & Wine Cover

“From a boundary-pushing pizzeria in Caserta, Italy, to a family-owned Thai restaurant in Los Angeles and a fresh new Mexican-American cocktail bar pulsating with its own rhythm in New York City, this list spotlights the finest culinary experiences around the world,” said FOOD & WINE Editor in Chief Hunter Lewis. “Each winner of our Global Tastemakers offers a thoughtful and passionate approach to cuisine, hospitality, and a true taste of place that will inspire readers to book their next trip.”

This year’s results reveal a surprising mix of honorees in the Best International Restaurants rankings, with Mérito in Lima, Peru, taking the top spot, followed by Peterman in Sydney and SodaBottleOpenerWala in Mumbai, ranked No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Domestically, small cities made their mark with Charleston, South Carolina, and Portland, Maine, among the top 10 U.S. Cities for Food and Drinks. On the Best U.S. Cities for Bakeries list, Indianapolis captured the Plus One designation, an editors’ pick for honorable mentions of up-and-coming spots they don’t want readers to miss. A majority of the Best Hotels in the U.S. for Food and Drinks are almost exclusively outside of big cities, aside from Honolulu and New Orleans.

FOOD & WINE editors introduced the 2024 Global Tastemakers awards on foodandwine.com, saying: “We’re here to celebrate the culinary experiences that draw us to a destination from those life-affirming meals that define a trip to creatively crafted cocktails that elevate an evening with every sip, standout culinary offerings at hotels to unforgettable bites on cruises — the flavors we can’t wait to share with fellow travelers.”

FOOD & WINE Global Tastemakers 2024 highlights are as follows:

TOP 10 U.S. CITIES FOR FOOD AND DRINKS
1. New York City                                        
2. New Orleans                        
3. Chicago                       
4. Austin, Texas                                         
5. Los Angeles                                             
6. Charleston, South Carolina                                             
7. Miami                  
8. Washington, D.C.                                                
9. Portland, Maine                                    
10. Honolulu, Hawai

TOP 10 INTERNATIONAL CITIES FOR FOOD AND DRINKS
1. Tokyo, Japan
2. Istanbul, Turkey
3. Mexico City, Mexico
4. Paris, France
5. Lima, Peru
6. Rome, Italy
7. Singapore
8. Copenhagen, Demark
9. Osaka, Japan
10. Madrid, Spain

TOP 20 U.S. RESTAURANTS
1. Anajak Thai in Los Angeles
2. Aragosta in Deer Isle, Maine                                    
3. Semma in New York City                                     
4. Birdie’s in Austin, Texas                                   
5. Kasama in Chicago                                               
6. Damian in Los Angeles              
7. Chubby Fish in Charleston, South Carolina                         
8. Daru in Washington, D.C.                                     
9. Bell’s in Los Alamos, New Mexico                       
10. Kann in Portland, Oregon                                 
11. Locust in Nashville, Tennessee 
12. Naro in New York City
13. Leah and Louise in Charlotte, North Carolina
14. March in Houston, Texas
15. Maty’s in Miami
16. Kin in Boise, Idaho
17. Nixta Taqueria in Austin, Texas
18. Mister Jiu’s in San Francisco
19. Tatiana in New York City
20. Mosquito Supper Club in New Orleans

BEST OVERALL U.S. WINNERS 
BEST U.S. RESTAURANT: Anajak Thai, Los Angeles
BEST CITY IN THE U.S. FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: New York City
BEST CITY IN THE U.S. FOR BAKERIES: New York City
BEST HOTEL IN THE U.S. FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee
BEST U.S. HOTEL BAR: Silver Lyan, Washington, D.C.
BEST BAR IN THE U.S.: Superbueno, New York City

BEST OVERALL INTERNATIONAL WINNERS
BEST INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT: Mérito, Lima, Peru
BEST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: The Lodhi, New Delhi, India
BEST CITY FOR COFFEE: Copenhagen, Denmark         
BEST INTERNATIONAL CITY FOR BAKERIES: Paris
BEST MARKET FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: La Boqueria, Barcelona, Spain 
BEST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL BAR: Connaught Bar, London
BEST INTERNATIONAL BAR: Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
BEST AIRLINE FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: Emirates Airways                                                   
BEST AIRPORT FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: Changi, Singapore
BEST INTERNATIONAL CITY FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: Tokyo
BEST CRUISE LINE FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: Silversea  

The 2024 FOOD & WINE Global Tastemakers awards were voted on by 180 food and travel writers from across the globe and ranked by an expert judging panel. To access the methodology and the full list and descriptions of the honorees, please visit foodandwine.com/globaltastemakers and on Instagram @foodandwine.

Capital One is the presenting sponsor of the FOOD & WINE 2024 Global Tastemakers awards.

About FOOD & WINE
Food & Wine celebrates the global epicurean experience with its award-winning magazine, website, social platforms, newsletters, podcasts, premium events such as the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, and accolades like its annual Best New Chef awards. With rigorously tested recipes and the most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel, and home coverage, the brand inspires and empowers people to discover, create, and devour the best in food and drink—every day and everywhere. FOOD & WINE is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

SOURCE Dotdash Meredith

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Is Launching 4 Intergalactic Ice Cream Flavors Just in Time for the Solar Eclipse

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Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is bringing outer space to scoop shops across the country with its brand-new LTO collection, Punk Stargonaut, launching today!

Ahead of this natural phenomena, Jenis is taking ice cream lovers on a flight through the galaxy with four cosmic ice creams and edible space dust! 

Three NEW Flavors

  • Nebula Berry – tart like a blueberry and vibrant like a raspberry with an elderflower fragrance
  • Cosmic Bloom – a tropical delicacy, citrusy like a mandarin, refreshing like a kiwi, and punchy like passion fruit
  • Purple Star Born – reminiscent of Concord grape and puckery-like blackcurrants – intensely juicy

A Fourth Flavor – returning for a victory lap around earth

  • Supermoon – created from the moon dust that glitters in the sky during a harvest supermoon + tastes like candied violet and marshmallows 

Space-Themed Topping

  • Space Dust (NEW) – an LTO fizzy popping candy topping from a distant galaxy for a flavor explosion that rocks

Additionally, in local scoop shops, Jeni’s will be offering exclusive branded eclipse glasses, complimentary with purchase beginning the weekend of April 5th. As an extra treat, customers can enhance their favorite Punk Stargonaut flavor(s) with Space Dust for just $0.50. And mark your calendars for eclipse day (April 8), when Space Dust will be free with any Punk Stargonaut flavor purchase!

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