Statement Regarding Buffalo Shooting from Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston S.C.

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 “To my beloved brothers and sisters in Buffalo, New York.  It is with a heavy heart that I pen these words to you, your families, and the surrounding community.  As the senior pastor of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston S.C., we can relate to your hurt, pain, and anger; the congregation of Mother Emanuel was in the same place almost seven years ago.  

For the last six years, I have personally watched how God continued to strengthen our community and I know that He will do the same for yours.  However, it does not negate the reality of your pain, and the testimony of the empty seat of your loved ones.  Please know that as you mourn, we mourn with you, and will be here for you if you need anything.  In closing, I leave you with the following words that are found in Psalm 121 verses one and two, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

May the God of Heaven continue to strengthen you today, tomorrow, and always. In The Strength of The Lord

-Pastor Eric S C Manning 

CARTA Announces Return of Season Shuttle to Isle of Palms

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BEACH REACH SHUTTLE WILL RUN MEMORIAL THROUGH LABOR DAY WEEKENDS

NORTH CHARLESTON (May 18, 2022) – The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) today announced that the Beach Reach Shuttle, a free seasonal park-and-ride shuttle providing a connection between Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms, will return to service on Saturday, May 28, 2022.

How to ride: Beach Reach riders can board the shuttle at stop No. 715, located behind the Belk Mens store in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, and disembark at 9th Avenue and Ocean Boulevard, adjacent to the Isle of Palms beach access. 

Parking will be available along Market Center Boulevard in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. Connections to Route 40 Mount Pleasant and Route 42 Wando Circulator will also be available.

Full route details and bus tracking can be found in the Transit App, which is available for download in the Apple and Google Play stores. Riders can also view traffic conditions and municipal information for all area beaches via the Beach Reach app, which is also available for Apple and Google smartphones.

When to ride: Beach Reach will operate on Saturdays and Sundays from May 28 through Sept. 5, 2022, as well as on Memorial, Independence and Labor Days. 

Each Saturday, the shuttle will run every hour from 9:15 a.m. (first departure from Towne Centre) to 5:30 p.m. (final departure from Isle of Palms). On Sundays, in order to improve efficiency and ease necessary transfers, the shuttle will run every hour from 9:40 a.m. to 5:55 p.m.

Riders should plan to arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

Word on the beach is … 

“We work hard at CARTA to make sure we’re providing a cost-effective and efficient way of getting people where they need to go – and, in the summer months, that includes the beach,” said CARTA Board of Directors Chairman Mike Seekings. “Thanks to our Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant and Towne Centre partners, we’re able to once again make that happen, and we look forward to re-introducing our riders to the Beach Reach Shuttle.” 

“Now in its second year, we’re proud to announce the highly anticipated return of the Beach Reach Shuttle,” said City of Isle of Palms Mayor Philip Pounds. “This has been a team effort in the truest sense of the term, and we’re glad to be working alongside our remarkable partners to increase beach access and share the beauty of the Isle of Palms shoreline this summer.”

“The Town of Mount Pleasant is proud to stand alongside CARTA, Isle of Palms and our very own Towne Centre to bring the Beach Reach Shuttle back into service,” said Town of Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie. “I hope folks throughout our community and beyond will join us in taking advantage of this exciting opportunity to make the most of this summer.”

“On behalf of everyone at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, we’re happy to be back on board as Beach Reach partners this summer,” said Mount Pleasant Towne Centre Marketing Director Kathleen Herrmann. “We look forward to not only providing convenient and affordable beach access, but also to welcoming riders to explore our wide variety of shops, delicious restaurants and summer-long events.”

Rules of the ride: In order to maintain the safety of all riders and provide adequate space for those on board, Beach Reach passengers must adhere to policies outlined below.

  1. All drinks must be in spill-proof containers. A cup with a spill-proof lid is sufficient per CARTA system policy.
  2. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on any CARTA vehicles.
  3. Limited bags and large items are allowed. Riders may bring up to four regular shopping-sized bags.
  4. Items brought on board must be held by riders or stowed safely beneath the seat. Items may not block the aisle or prevent seats from being used by other passengers at any time.
  5. No large, bulky items are allowed, including, but not limited to: tents, large beach umbrellas, surf boards, etc.
  6. Items such as chairs, small umbrellas, and boogie or body-boards are allowed but must adhere to the size-related rules listed above. Coolers are welcome, but must also adhere to the aforementioned policies.
  7. Shoes/flip-flops, pants/shorts and a shirt are required while riding the bus. Cover-ups are also acceptable.
  8. Riders who have not fully dried off when departing the beach must sit on a towel or mat once on board the bus.
  9. Bikes should be placed on the bike rack located at the front of the bus and are not allowed inside the vehicle at any time.
  10. No eating while on board. As mentioned above, drinks are permitted only in spill-proof containers.

Riders found to be in violation of any of the aforementioned policies may not be permitted on board the shuttle. 

ABOUT CARTA

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit in the Charleston community through local fixed routes, on-demand paratransit service and express commuter routes. For the latest on CARTA, visit ridecarta.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RideCARTA. All customers are encouraged to plan rides and track buses with the CARTA-endorsed Transit app.

U.S. News & World Report has named “The Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2022”

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U.S. News & World Report has released its list of the top 25 places to live in the United States in 2022. Let’s see who made the list and why.

The Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2022:

  • Huntsville, Alabama
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado
  • Green Bay, Wisconsin
  • Boulder, Colorado
  • San Jose, California
  • Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina
  • Fayetteville, Arkansas
  • Portland, Maine
  • Sarasota, Florida
  • San Francisco
  • Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • Naples, Florida
  • Austin, Texas
  • Des Moines, Iowa
  • Boise, Idaho
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Madison, Wisconsin
  • Boston
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Melbourne, Florida
  • Albany, New York
  • Portland, Oregon
  • Salt Lake City
  • Jacksonville, Florida
  • Nashville, Tennessee.

Click Here for Full Rankings

15 Best Restaurants in North Charleston, SC – New Video from Family Destinations Guide

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Charleston has everything you need for a relaxing vacation. From the exciting culinary culture to the hodge-podge of antique stores, there are plenty of fun opportunities.

With a variety of local and international flavors, food lovers will enjoy a gastronomical adventure here. Some of the cuisines you’ll find here include pasta, salad, Asian seafood, and American classics.

Want a list of spots to eat? Play this short video and see for yourself all the best restaurants in North Charleston.

St. Andrew’s City Church Returns to the Charleston Music Farm (Downtown Charleston, SC)

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If you live or love downtown Charleston, SC, St Andrew’s City Church has returned to bring friends and faith together once again for a weekly 10:00 AM service every Sunday morning.

What makes this service so unique is the diversity of congregants that attend. There are college students, couples, families/children, empty nesters, single parents, suburban commuters, and tourists. This eclectic and inclusive mix makes this one of the most unique service experiences in the area.

Here is what you need to know:What: St. Andrews City Church

Where: Charleston Music Farm – 32 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403

When: Every Sunday at 10:00 AM

Daycare: City Kids in the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry (across the street) offers daycare for 0 – 5th Grade during the service

Parking: Free validated parking for the Visitor’s Center Garage (63 Mary Street) and all meters are free on Sunday

The Music Farm is open at 8:30 AM if you want to help set up or mingle, you can come early.

6 Awesome Reasons it Rocks to be a Girl in Charleston, SC

Charleston is a haven for lovely, charming, and beautiful girls, women, and ladies from around the world and locally. It is a mecca of shopping, dining, exploring, spa, tanning, and just celebrating the beauty that is life.

If you want a true Southern hospitality experience that will leave lasting memories and Instagrammable moments, Charleston is built for you.

Here are a few reasons it is awesome to be a girl in Charleston, SC

Courtesy of Camellias

Camellias, the pink champagne bar at the luxurious Hotel Bennett – If you need any more a reason to be at one of the most Instagrammed spots in Charleston, check out the experiences shared by so many. It truly is a pink wonderland Camellias Instagram

Courtesy of The Pink Figgy

The Pink Figgy – It’s style! It’s elegance! It’s playful! It’s a Barbie Dreamcar!! Most importantly, it has become a mobile ambassador for the Southern hospitality culture we have come to know and love. If you are seeking the perfect engagement, wedding, or friend pics, they are for hire!

Folly Beach, SC

The scenic and vast wonderful beaches of the Charleston area – Depending on where you live and personal preference, you are never more than 30-45 minutes away from one of many coastal escapes. From Sullivan’s Beach, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, Edisto Beach, Seabrook, or Kiawah Beach we have got you covered (or uncovered). Great your suntan lotion, a good book, and maybe sneak in a cocktail (we won’t tell) and enjoy your favorite Charleston area beach.

Spa Treatment – Nothing says pampering like a good spa experience. Thanks to our friends at the Charleston Vistors Bureau, here are 11 of the best area spas to spoil yourself silly – 11 Best Charleston Spas

Rooftop Bars – There is no denying the Holy City has a remarkable skyline filled with scenic architecture and if the time is right remarkable sunsets. Indulging in a cocktail among friends high above the city streets is a dream and one to be embraced. Here are a few options:

Second Sunday on King Street

Shopping on King Street – King Street is a shopping paradise. From the shops of Firenze, Italy to Louis Vitton, Target to William-Sonoma, local designers to high-end antiques, art galleries to H&M, King Street is a unique shopping experience, unlike any other place. If you want to take a break, you can sample whiskey, enjoy a craft beer or sit on a rooftop at the Restoration Hotel over a cocktail and appetizer. King Street Shopping is an attraction all its own.

Also, if you are fortunate enough to be in town on the Second Sunday of each month, the streets are closed off to traffic from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM for a festival of two and four-legged friends, musicians, and artists.

To all the wonderful ladies, whether you are planning a bachelorette event, day trip, or friends’ vacation, you are certain to have a memorable time here in historic Charleston, South Carolina. Cheers!

Charleston Daily is seeking a Freelance Music Journalist

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  • Do you have a passion for live music?
  • Do you have a talent for interviewing creative spirits and sharing their stories?
  • Do you want to build your writing portfolio?

If you answered yes to these questions, this may be the right gig for you.

Here are the details:

Our musical footprint in the Lowcountry has always been present, but it is expanding as more great talents are performing in the area. We need assistance with a music journalist or aspiring music journalist to do freelance interviews and/or attend shows and document their experiences.

  • Each piece pays $25.00 with full writing and photo credit to you
  • We will the contacts and assist in scheduling
  • You will have an opportunity to speak with great musicians and attend some of the hottest shows in the area.

How to Apply

Either email us at mark@charlestondaily.net or text 612-812-5226 and just share a few sentences on why you want this gig.

That’s all. Be creative, honest, passionate, and most of all, yourself.

Some of the new realities of Charleston, South Carolina

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By Mark A. Leon

Times are changing in the Lowcountry and opinions are strong along the spectrum. While many are embracing the new face of Charleston, others yearn for a time of yesteryear where simple family values and traditional Southern living was the way of life.

No matter what camp you support, we are evolving and the train is moving whether you are on or remain behind.

As a result of the rapid change, we wanted to take this opportunity to share some of the new realities or norms of everyday life here in the coastal haven we call home.

Here we go:

  1. The Lowcountry is a hot destination for retirees. We are seeing that with communities such as Del Webb and the new senior living community on the Crosstown. This trend will also be prevalent in drivers. Older drivers are more cautious and on average slower. This is a factor all of us must accept as we take to the roads. Be safe and careful and adjust to some of the more cautiously slower drivers on our roadways.
  2. Food and alcohol taxation in restaurants may have an adverse effect on locals. For a tourist who is in and out in 3-4 days, 10.5% food tax and 16% alcohol tax is just part of the vacation game, but for locals who live year-round, there may be a trend toward reduced dining out. Will this impact restaurants in the area? Time will tell.
  3. More opportunities for small businesses and partnerships. We have all seen or entered an Instagram giveaway where several local businesses and/or artisans give away a big prize. The idea of collaboration to maximize exposure and sales is a growing theme and we see this continuing into the future. When you see “Shop Local” you could find yourself tripping on several local brands at once. Embrace the unstructured business approach of the Lowcountry from our brick and mortar to our farmer’s markets.
  4. Construction! Construction! Construction! Who hasn’t done a crane count over the beautiful downtown skyway? Now the cranes are stretching, west, south, and north. Construction, whether commercial or residential is here to stay.
  5. Neighborhoods are seeking their own identity.  Charleston is no longer the dominant neighborhood. As we expand and develop communities and neighborhoods, the desire for a unique identity is becoming more prominent. What was once the Tri-country is now individual neighborhoods and towns such as Cane Bay, Del Webb, Nexton, WestEdge, East Side, Summerville, Hanahan, Ladson, North Charleston, Mixson, Ion, Charleston, James Island, Johns Island, Kiawah, Dunes West, IOP, and so on who all want to be recognized.
  6. Real Estate is THE dinner party conversation. Try going to a dinner party, friends’ happy hour, festival, or brunch and not have real estate come up in conversation. Whether you are looking to move, take advantage of the hot market, flipping homes, or trying to get your piece of the American Dream, real estate is as popular as food in Charleston.
  7. Music is finding a home in the Lowcountry.  With the birth or revitalization of Riverfront Park, Firefly, The Bend, and established ambassadors of music including the Music Farm, CreditOne Stadium, Charleston Pour House, and Charleston Music Hall, Charleston is becoming a new mecca for established and emerging artists.
  8. Charleston is a coastal port city. No matter what highway you are on and what time of day, you will be surrounded by CDL vehicles transporting to and from our area ports.

There you have it, eight of the new norms of the Charleston Lowcountry area. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

James Island Connector
Charleston Music Fsrm
1 Broad Street

Banner Photo: Second Sunday

Full Commencement Videos for The College of Charleston, The Citadel and Charleston Southern University

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The Charleston area boasts 3 of the most prominent Southern colleges/universities, the College of Charleston, The Citadel, and Charleston Southern University. For those that attended last weekend’s emotional send-off, you witnessed our future take a giant leap forward.

For those that could not attend, here are recordings in the entirety of all four commencement ceremonies from this past weekend (2 for CofC).

Charleston Southern University Commencement 2022

The Citadel Commencement 2022

College of Charleston Class of 2022 Commencement: Humanities and Social Sciences, Languages, Cultures and World Affairs

College of Charleston Class of 2022 Commencement: School of the Arts, Graduate School, School of Science and Mathematics