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CARTA launches seasonal bus service from Mount Pleasant to IOP

May 30, 2021 by 0 Comments
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CARTA ANNOUNCES SEASONAL SHUTTLE SERVICE TO ISLE OF PALMS
BEACH REACH SHUTTLE TO RUN MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER

NORTH CHARLESTON (May 19, 2021) – The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority(CARTA) today announced details of the Beach Reach Shuttle for summer 2021. The hourly service, which launches May 29, will provide a new connection between Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms. 

Landside Beach Reach parking will be located along Market Center Boulevard in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. The seasonal park-and-ride shuttle will tie-in directly to the existing CARTA system at stop No. 715, a sheltered amenity located near the Belk Men’s store. Connections to Route 40 Mount Pleasant andRoute 42 Wando Circulator will be available.

The on-island Beach Reach stop is located at 9th Avenue and Ocean Boulevard, adjacent to public beach access.

“The Beach Reach Shuttle represents an important expansion of the regional transit system,” said CARTA Board of Directors Chairman Mike Seekings. “With this service in place for the season, access to the ocean has never been greater for residents in our region.” 

Beach Reach will run on Saturdays and Sundays from May 29 through Sept. 6. Hours of operations are scheduled from 9:15 a.m. (first departure from Towne Centre) to 6:05 p.m. (final arrival at Towne Centre). The final departure from Isle of Palms is slated for 5:35 p.m.

Beach Reach will also operate on the Mondays of Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Fare is $2 each way, the standard local CARTA rate.

Full route details and bus tracking will be available in the Transit App, which can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play. Riders can also view traffic conditions and municipal information for all area beaches via the Beach Reach app, also available for Apple and Google.

“This is a win for everyone in our community,” said Mount Pleasant Towne Centre General Manager Andy Lowe. “The new parking location at Towne Centre just makes sense as it creates a vital connection to existing CARTA routes and provides convenient access to dining and shopping options for all who use the service. We are grateful to partner with CARTA on this important initiative to help everyone in our community reach the beach this summer.” 

BEACH SHUTTLE POLICIES

  1. Masks or face coverings are required at all times while onboard CARTA vehicles.
  2. All drinks must be in a spill-proof container.
  3. No alcoholic beverages.
  4. Limited bags and large items: Riders are allowed to bring up to four regular shopping-sized bags. All items must be able to be loaded onto the bus in a single trip
  5. Bags and other items must be able to be held by riders or stowed safely beneath the seat. Items at NO TIME may block the aisle or prevent seats from being used by other passengers.
  6. NO large, bulky items allowed, including but not limited to: tents, large beach umbrellas, surfboards, etc. Items such as chairs, small umbrellas, boogie or body-boards are allowed but must adhere to other rules listed here.
  7. Coolers are welcome, but also must adhere to other rules listed here.
  8. Shoes/flip-flops, pants/shorts and a shirt are required while riding the bus. Cover-ups are also acceptable.
  9. If you or anyone in your party is wet, please have a towel or mat to sit on.
  10. Bikes should be placed on the bike rack in the front of the bus — bikes are not allowed on board the vehicle.
  11. No eating or *drinking while on board. *You may drink from a spill proof cup. (Reminder: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all CARTA vehicles).
  12. Children 6-and-under ride free with a paying adult. K-12 students ride free with 2020-2021 school year ID.
  13. Seniors 55-plus ride for $1.

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.

Lowcountry

Beautiful Video Podcast from the delightful team at RV Miles on their stop in Charleston, SC

May 30, 2021 by 0 Comments
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I’m the latest episode, just released, RV Miles talks everything Charleston. A wonderful perspective on our little hometown.

About RV Miles

Welcome to the RV Miles Podcast, the weekly show for RV and outdoor enthusiasts! Join us as we take you across the country to discover great destinations. On the way, we’ll cover tips and tricks, campground reviews, gear to make life on the road easier, and the latest industry news.

Official Podcast Website

Lowcountry

Charleston welcomes record-breaking vessel, CMA CGM Marco Polo

May 29, 2021 by 0 Comments
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SC Ports to welcome record-breaking vessel

CMA CGM MARCO POLO to arrive in Charleston this week

CHARLESTON, SC — MAY 25, 2021 — South Carolina Ports will soon welcome the largest container ship to ever call the East Coast — the CMA CGM MARCO POLO.

The record-breaking CMA CGM MARCO POLOmeasures 1,300 feet long and has the capacity to carry 16,022 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

CMA CGM’s record-breaking vessel is working its way down the East Coast, with Charleston as the last U.S. port of call before it heads overseas.

“We look forward to welcoming the largest container ship to ever visit the Port of Charleston. The arrival of the 16,022-TEU CMA CGM MARCO POLO will be a big moment for South Carolina and our excellent maritime community,” SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “SC Ports has long planned for the arrival of such a ship by investing significantly in big-ship infrastructure and cargo capacity, as well as deepening Charleston Harbor. Congratulations to our partner CMA CGM on this impressive deployment. We are all proud to share in this milestone.”

SC Ports has invested $2 billion in infrastructure in recent years, including enhancements to Wando Welch Terminal, to handle bigger ships and more cargo. Ship-to-shore cranes with 155 feet of lift height above the wharf deck stand ready to work the CMA CGM MARCO POLO at Wando Welch Terminal.

The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, slated for full completion in 2022, will enable Charleston to seamlessly handle fully loaded mega container ships at any time, any tide at 52 feet of depth.

“Our efficient operations and deep harbor are designed to handle ships of this size,” SC Ports COO Barbara Melvin said. “The arrival of such a big ship instills great pride in our maritime community and the Charleston community at large. We are excited to see the impressive CMA CGM MARCO POLO sailing through Charleston Harbor.”

The CMA CGM MARCO POLO is operated by the CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics. The vessel is sailing on CMA CGM’s Columbus JAX service, traveling from South Asia to the U.S. East Coast.

The deployment of the CMA CGM MARCO POLO signifies the company’s commitment to creating agile and flexible solutions to meet the needs of its U.S. customer base, as many ports are seeing unprecedented cargo boosts from increasing e-commerce sales and demand for retail goods.

The CMA CGM MARCO POLO will arrive less than one year after the record-breaking 15,072-TEU CMA CGM BRAZIL, which called on SC Ports last September.

“Bigger ships carry more cargo, further supporting port-dependent businesses and jobs throughout South Carolina and beyond,” said SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern, noting that port operations support 1 in 10 jobs in the state. “Port infrastructure investments make milestones such as this possible, generating future growth for S.C. communities.”

Track the vessel

The vessel is expected to arrive the morning of Friday, May 28. Follow SC Ports on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates on the arrival time.

Get your cameras ready, Charleston! 

Come to one of these vantage points and snap some photos as the CMA CGM MARCO POLO arrives in Charleston:

  • Sullivan’s Island
  • Patriots Point
  • South Carolina Aquarium
  • Charleston Waterfront Park
  • Ravenel Bridge
  • Mount Pleasant Shem Creek Park
  • Pitt Street Bridge
  • Charlotte Street Park Irish Memorial
  • Melton Peter Demetre Park
  • Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

Be sure to tag us in your posts so we can share your photos: @SCPorts, #SCPorts, @CMACGM and #CCMarcoPoloCharleston.

Want an exclusive tour of the CMA CGM MARCO POLO? Here’s your chance!

The CMA CGM Group will host an Instagram contest for the most beautiful pictures in each port city. Here are the details:

  • Snap a photo of the CMA CGM MARCO POLO as it arrives, docks or leaves Charleston.
  • Post your best shots on Instagram tagging @CMACGM with at least one of the following hashtags: #CMACGMRecord, #CMACGMMarcoPolo and #CCMarcoPoloCharleston. (Tag @SCPorts and #SCPorts, too!)
  • CMA CGM will pick three winners for Charleston.
  • The three winners will have an unprecedented opportunity to tour the CMA CGM MARCO POLO during its next port of call in Charleston.
  • Read contest details here.

About CMA CGM

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group is a world leader in shipping and logistics. Its 566 vessels serve more than 420 ports around the world, on all five continents. In 2020, they transported nearly 21 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) containers. With CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics services, CMA CGM handles 400,000 tons of airfreight and 2.8 million tons of inland freight every year.

CMA CGM is constantly innovating to offer customers new maritime, inland and logistics solutions. Present on every continent and in 160 countries through its network of 755 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs more than 110,000 people worldwide, of which 2,400 are in Marseille where its head office is located.

In the United States, CMA CGM, which is based in Norfolk, Va., employs more than 12,000 people. Its subsidiary, American President Lines (APL), operates a fleet of U.S.-flagged vessels and supports U.S. territories and American military stationed around the world.

Source Link

Lowcountry

South Carolina and Charleston filmed and produced award-winning docudrama “John Laurens’ War” now available for streaming rental on Amazon

May 29, 2021 by 0 Comments
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John Laurens legacy is one of heroism and sacrifice. From growing up on a farm in South Carolina to his final breaths on the battlefield, John dedicated his life and efforts to the preservation of freedom for all regardless of color, background, or economic status. From his friendship with Alexander Hamilton to his honorable service under General Washington, John Laurens is a figure in American and South Carolinian history that must be celebrated.

Thanks to the award-winning team at Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina, his story is now told with elegance, authenticity, and respect. Now you can be a part of a very relevant part of our nation’s history as we continue to the conversation for social justice.

Click Here to Rent or Purchase

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Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

Mount Pleasant Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for FASTSIGNS of Mount Pleasant

May 28, 2021 by 0 Comments
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By John Greenberg, Mount Pleasant Communications and Marketing Coordinator

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (May 24, 2021) – Owners Scottie and Jennel Mahl, together with Mount Pleasant Council Member Kathy Landing, along with Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Members Ben Knight, Brian Sherman, and Rebecca Imholz, on May 21 attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for FASTSIGNS of Mount Pleasant, located at 1110 Clarity Road. 

FASTSIGNS of Mount Pleasant is a local independently owned sign, graphics, and visual communications company. They provide comprehensive visual marketing solutions to clients of all sizes, and across all industries to help them extend their branding across all touchpoints. Jennel brings her background in accounting and finance to FASTSIGNS of Mount Pleasant while Scottie will utilize his military experience and extensive knowledge in marketing and product management to direct day-to-day operations.

“We look forward to providing the highest quality product and unparalleled service to the local Mount Pleasant business community,” Scottie said.

The Mahls are members of the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce and the local American Marketing Association. They are ready to connect with more local organizations and members of the community.

Find more information about the products and services that FASTSIGNS of Mount Pleasant offers by visiting their website. See their current projects and other updates by following them on Facebook and Instagram. Call FASTSIGNS of Mount Pleasant at (843) 654-9778 to contact them directly. 

Lowcountry

Charleston Ranks #5 in most self-storage space growth in latest study

May 25, 2021 by 0 Comments
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As metro Charleston’s apartment market surged in the past decade, the business of storing people’s belongings boomed along with it. So much so, that Charleston witnessed an expansion of 49% of its 2010 inventory that resulted in the addition of 2.3M square feet of storage space.

That’s according to the latest RENTCafé self-storage report in which we’ve researched both multifamily and self-storage development trends in the 100 biggest US metros between 2011 and 2020 to find out which places offer the best self-storage options to apartment renters.

Here are other highlights on Charleston’s self-storage and multifamily markets:

  • Over 2.3M square feet were added in the past decade to Charleston’s self-storage inventory, surpassing Jacksonville, Greenville, and San Diego.
  • The market has grown by 4% each year since 2010, and now offers 8.7 square feet of storage space per capita, above the national benchmark of 7.
  • Charleston expanded its apartment market at a higher rate, an increase of almost 60%. The city added more than 21,000 rental units in the last decade.
  • The uptick in both self-storage and apartment construction was sustained by the almost 21% growth in population — the seventh-largest share of newcomers compared to 2010 populations among the top 100 metros.
  • And how much does it cost to rent a self-storage facility in the Charleston market? This year, a 10×10 storage unit rented for an average of $93 a month. That’s a significant decline of 16 percent over the past 5 years.

Please find the full report together with what experts are saying about the boom in self-storage development, here:

Lowcountry

Mary Alice Monroe Teams Up with Fellow Writer Angela May on First Children’s Novel

May 24, 2021 by 0 Comments
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‘The Islanders’ releases June 15 with a series of local events, including

a Charleston County Public Library summer reading author signing

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe has teamed up with first-time author and friend Angela May on a new children’s novel set on Dewees Island. 

“The Islanders” releases on June 15 (Aladdin books; $17.99). This page-turning adventure series is well suited for younger readers ages 8 to 12. It’s Monroe’s first middle grade novel, introducing a new generation of readers to her trademark passion for the environment.

The novel focuses on environmentalism and animal conservation, specifically loggerhead turtles, all while covering important middle grade topics of family, friendships, and mental health.

“The Islanders” tells the story of 11-year-old Jake and the summer he’s forced to spend on tiny Dewees Island with his grandmother. Everything in his life is turned upside down: Jake does not know anyone, the island is a nature sanctuary with no cars or paved roads, no stores or restaurants and to make matters worse, Jake’s grandmother doesn’t believe in having cable or the internet at her house. When Jake meets new friends Macon and Lovie, the three embark on island adventures until one mistake changes everything. Ultimately, Jake discovers a deep love for the island and the healing power of nature.

Purchase “The Islanders” wherever books are sold. Learn more at maryalicemonroe.com/childrens-books. 

Monroe is bestselling author of 27 books, including the beloved Beach House series. Her latest book in the series, “The Summer of Lost and Found,” was released in May by Gallery Books/Simon and Schuster. Monroe lives on Isle of Palms where she finds inspiration for the environmental and animal conservation themes that permeate many of her novels. 

May is an award-winning journalist who spent more than a decade working in television newsrooms before launching her own company, May Media and PR, to help local businesses and individuals promote their stories in positive and effective ways. May has been working with Monroe for more than 10 years as her assistant and PR manager. May lives in Mount Pleasant with her husband and two sons. 

Monroe approached May four years ago about co-writing a book for middle grade readers. They chose Dewees Island, S.C., as their setting because of their shared love for this residential barrier island that is also a nature sanctuary. They dedicated “The Islanders” to Monroe’s grandchildren and May’s children.

Monroe, who has published two children’s picture books, had always wished to write for this age group. “When they are ages 8 to 12, children are so impressionable. They dream big and believe they can change the world,” she said. “And I wanted to create a story that helps encourage that passion to help our planet through my own passions for storytelling and coastal conservation.”

May said, “Children don’t need to simply daydream about having magical powers. Through a relatable and engaging story, they can discover they have all the power they need to triumph over obstacles,” May said. “After they finish reading our books, I want kids to feel encouraged that they can be a force of good in their own lives.”

A second book in this series is planned for release in 2022.

LOCAL BOOK SIGNING AND AUTHOR EVENTS: 

Charleston County Library Summer Reading Event: Young readers will have the chance to get early access to the book and have it signed by the authors at an event hosted by Charleston County Public Library. Join Monroe and May for this free in-person drive-thru book signing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 12 at Wando Mount Pleasant Library, 1400 Carolina Park Blvd. This event is part of CCPL’s 2021 Summer Reading program, Tails and Tales.

Reservations are required for this free event. Drive-thru time-slots are available in 15-

minute increments. Copies of the book are not included with admission; however

books can be purchased in advance to be picked up at the event. 

Book Signings at J.McLaughlin: Enjoy a Sip & Sign Book Event from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 12 at the J.McLaughlin location at 212 King St. in Charleston and on Tuesday, June 15 at the J.McLaughlin location in Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island.

Book Signing in Mount Pleasant: Join the authors for a book party with signings and an in-store scavenger hunt at Barnes & Noble in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 18. 

Book Signing in Summerville: Get a copy of the book at a meet and greet with the authors from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 26 at Main Street Reads in downtown Summerville. 

Meet and Greet on Isle of Palms: The public is invited to an ice cream social and book signing on Sunday, June 27 at Wild Dunes. The event will be at the pool deck.

PRAISE FOR ‘THE ISLANDERS’

“This is storytelling for young readers at its finest — equal parts summer adventure and environmental suspense. ‘The Islanders’ is a middle-grade love letter to family, friendship, and the natural world.” — Kwame Alexander, New York Times bestselling author of “The Crossover”

“This lush, Lowcountry adventure will sweep up readers both big and small.” — Ryan Graudin, award-winning author of “The World Between Blinks”

“…comforting beach read about the healing power of friendship and nature.” — Publishers Weekly

“‘The Islanders’ is a triumph! Mary Alice and Angela have written a thrilling young reader’s summer vacation story that authentically explores the magic found in nature, friendships, and family. Full of authentic real-world themes, middle-grade readers will see themselves in the multi-faceted characters and at the end will be anxious to begin their own summertime adventures! Highly recommended for adults too. — Ron Block, Cuyahoga County Public Library”Readers will admire Jake’s compassion, perseverance, and strength and find themselves moved to laughter and tears as his summer unfolds…A tender, warmhearted tale in a memorable setting.”  — Kirkus

Lowcountry

Updated: 5Church and Tempest (5th Street Group) offering military 70% discount

May 24, 2021 by 0 Comments
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5th Street Group Announces Military DiscountActive or Retired Members of the US Military will receive 70% off their Bill 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 24, 2021) – 5th Street Group, which owns and operates restaurants in Charlotte, Charleston and Nashville, is pleased to announce that all active or retired members of the United States Military will receive a 70% discount on their bill at all restaurants. In addition, military family members will also receive 25% off their bills.

All guests must present their military ID. “COVID-19 has given us a new lease on life, and I am happy to give back to those who have and continue to support us,” says Patrick Whalen, owner and CEO of 5th Street Group. “South Carolina and North Carolina are two of the largest population centers for members of the military and their families. This military discount is our gratitude for their service.” 

Details: Active or retired members of the United States military will receive a 75% discount on their bill at 5Church Charlotte, 5Church Charleston, Sophia’s Lounge (Charlotte) and Tempest (Charleston), La Belle Helene (Charlotte). 

This announcement comes on the heels of 5th Street Group’s newest initiative titled, “Tip the Kitchen,” where guests have the choice to tip (or not to tip) back-of-house staff, in addition to the standard gratuity line. 5th Street Group owners see server gratuity as an integral part of the restaurant experience and now guests have the option to tip the back-of-house staff too, if the service and food exceed their expectations.  In true “There is only WE” fashion, 5th Street Group will also match collective kitchen tips at all restaurant locations up to $500 per day, per restaurant. 

5th Street Group

Charlotte Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO recipient Patrick Whalen, Alejandro Torio and Top Chef Alum Jamie Lynch of 5th Street Group began in 2012 with the opening of 5Church Charlotte in North Carolina. The group went on to open 5Church Charleston in South Carolina in 2015, Sophia’s Lounge in Charlotte in 2017, Tempest in Charleston in 2020, La Belle Helene in Charlotte in 2021 and Church and Union in Nashville in Summer 2021.

Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

Interested in donating? The Town of Mount Pleasant have several donation programs available

May 23, 2021 by 0 Comments
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Interested in Making a Donation?  The Town of Mount Pleasant has several donation programs:

cultural arts center Donations (3) Opens in new window

The Wayne Magwood Fishermen’s Memorial Statue Donation Program

Welcome to the Wayne Magwood Fishermen’s Memorial Statue Donation Page. The Fishermen’s Memorial Statue will be dedicated to preserving the history and honoring the rich maritime heritage of fishermen, past and present, who have called Mount Pleasant home. The recent and untimely passing of Captain Wayne Magwood has brought forth the need to commemorate and celebrate the shrimping lifestyle and culture that is an integral part of the fabric of Mount Pleasant. Your donation will not only help recognize the investment, dedication and sacrifices the shrimping fleet has made to preserve a culture at the heart of Mount Pleasant, but it will recognize an iconic shrimping family synonymous with Shem Creek.

Captain Wayne Magwood and his father Captain Clarence Magwood, Jr.  fished the Lowcountry waters for over 100 years. Their lifetime dedication to the community they served brought them and the many people they helped and mentored much joy. Captain Wayne Magwood’s daughters Tressy Magwood Mellichamp, Jennifer Magwood Ray, Tara Magwood and Melissa Magwood, in partnership with the Town of Mount Pleasant, are raising funds to erect a statue in the likeness of Captain Wayne Magwood to be housed on the Magwood Boardwalk on Shem Creek to honor their father and the local maritime industry. 

Your donation to the Fishermen’s Memorial Statue at the Shem Creek Pedestrian Bridge is much appreciated and will help recognize the Mount Pleasant fishing fleet and preserve its rich maritime history. All donations are tax deductible. 

Donations may be submitted through the Town’s GoFundMe page.

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The Mount Pleasant Cultural Arts Center Donation Program

From music to art to theater to sweetgrass basket making and beyond, Cultural Arts are an integral part of the fabric of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The Town of Mount Pleasant and Town Council are seeking ways to further support our cultural arts community through the construction of a Cultural Arts Center. A Cultural Arts Center donation page has established an initial goal of one million dollars to support this effort through public/ private partnerships. It was kicked off with a generous donation of $20,000 from Davis & Floyd. Join us in fundraising for the Cultural Arts Center.  Your tax deductible donation will have a big impact in making this wonderful addition to our art community a reality.

Donations may be submitted through the Town’s GoFundMe page.

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The Town of Mount Pleasant Memorial Program

The Town of Mount Pleasant has adopted a Town of Mount Pleasant Memorial program. The program enables interested families, organizations and businesses wishing to make a monetary donation toward a lasting memory of a loved one or in name of your organization or business possible. Donations will be used toward bi-annual landscaping improvements at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park or Mount Pleasant Town Hall. The specific landscaping improvements will be determined by the Public Services Department and all donors will be sent a photo of the landscaping improvements once installed.

Donations may be submitted through the Town’s GoFundMe page.