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

Ridge Breaks Ground on 686,300 SF Speculative Project At Charleston Logistics Center

July 12, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

CHARLESTON, S.C., July 12, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ridge, the industrial development arm of Transwestern Development Co., today announces it has broken ground on a 63-acre site at Interstate 26 and Jedburg Road in Jedburg, South Carolina, approximately 30 miles northwest of Charleston. The site will house a total of 686,300 square feet of speculative industrial space in Charleston Logistics Center. The two state-of-the-art industrial buildings are slated for delivery beginning first quarter 2018.

“Charleston is ramping up for significant growth in the industrial market, driven by the Port of Charleston and corporate expansions that have added 8,000 jobs in the region,” said Steve Kros, Executive Vice President at Ridge. “The market is served by a single interstate, creating a scarcity of functional sites for industrial development. Charleston Logistics Center will stand out among competing parks due to its superior access to I-26 for truck transportation as well as employees.”

The two Class A buildings are designed for multitenant use. Each rear-load building will encompass 343,150 square feet, 32-foot clear height, 54-by-48-foot column spacing, 60-foot staging bay, ESFR, 64 dock doors, two drive-in doors, 202 car parking spaces and 76 truck parking spaces.

Collier’s Simons Johnson and Peter Fennelly are leasing the project.

ABOUT RIDGE
Ridge, the industrial arm of Transwestern Development Co., is a leading provider of corporate real estate development and investment in state-of-the-art warehouse, distribution and manufacturing facilities throughout North America. Ridge’s principals have been involved in the development, construction, ownership and management of more than 125 million square feet of institutional-quality real estate and have an average 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. Ridge is based in Chicago, with regional offices across the U.S. in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Houston and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

What you should know about the Travel & Leisure Best of Announcements Today (Carolinas Have Room to Celebrate)

July 11, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

There was a lot of great information relevant to our area that came out today. There is also room to celebrate for the Southeast

We want to share some additional information you may not know.

Three North and South Carolina Hotels Made the Top 100 in the World List

91 – Inn & Club at Harbour Town, Hilton Head, South Carolina (Score: 95.45)
66 – Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Highlands, North Carolina (Score: 95.89)
45 – The Willcox, Aiken, South Carolina (Score: 96.38)

Charleston, South Carolina is the #2 City in the World (Top 15 Revealed)

Charleston, South Carolina is the #1 City in the United States

Two Charleston, South Carolina Hotels Made the Top 15 City Hotels in the United States List

#12 – Zero George – Charleston, SC
#9 – The Vendue – Charleston, SC

Carnival Cruise #7 Mega Ship Ocean Cruise Line

Hilton Head, South Carolina Ranked #2 Best Island in the World

Congratulations to all

Lowcountry

Erin Brockovich’s Response on Facebook to Mount Pleasant/Charleston Water Quality Concerns

July 10, 2017

by Charleston Daily 34 Comments

Posted on Erin Brockovich Facebook 1 Hour Ago:

“There are more unanswered questions about Mount Pleasant and Charleston, South Carolina’s water quality than there are answers.

First, consumers in Mount Pleasant need to understand… most of the year your drinking water is supplied from the City of Charleston. At peak demands… as much as 50% “can be” produced locally… but many of you get 100% Charleston water everyday of the year. The attached press conference is more than just misleading, its crap… and constantly bragging about pristine ancient water that requires reverse osmosis is just bizarre. Further, the City of Mount Pleasant buys so much water from Charleston… several months out of the year they actually inject the severely contaminated excess surface water into Aquifer Storage and Recapture (ASR) wells.

Charleston claims to do thousands of water quality tests but doesn’t really report very much to you the consumer… the USEPA “suggests” they customize the report for the local source water conditions… Charleston DOES NOT.

Your drinking water system uses chloramine as a disinfectant… a poor choice. In fact your drinking water has confirmed toxic chloramine byproducts in it called nitrosamines (NDMA) as a result of the use of ammonia.

Your source water has many pesticides (Dieldren), herbicides (Atrazine), pfoa/pfos (scotch-guard/Teflon), pharmaceuticals (estrogen/Viagra) and other “unregulated” contaminants in it TODAY. These should have been reported to you… some have health advisories, some have maximum contaminant levels (MCL), like atrazine. The herbicide atrazine… if detected, even below the MCL must be reported… it is not.

The citizens of Mount Pleasant and greater Charleston are entitled to more respect and full disclosure… What have they got to hide? If there are contaminants in your drinking water you have the right to make a choice of what your family consumes and what it does not.”

ABC Article: Mount Pleasant Waterworks responds to concerns about water quality

Bluegreen Vacations(TM), a subsidiary of BBX Capital Corporation, Announces Grand Opening of Charleston’s King 583 Resort

July 10, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL and BOCA RATON, FL–(Marketwired – July 10, 2017) – BBX Capital Corporation (“BBX Capital” or the “Company”) (OTCQX: BBXT) (OTCQX: BBXTB) announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bluegreen Corporation (“Bluegreen Vacations” or “Bluegreen”), recently welcomed its first guests to its newest resort, King 583, located in Charleston, South Carolina.

Newly built, Bluegreen’s King 583 offers timeshare owners and guests 50 luxurious units. Located on historic King Street, acclaimed as one of the Top 10 most famous streets in America, the resort is situated in Charleston’s revamped retail district. This site is within walking distance to restaurants, art galleries, chic boutiques, funky bars, and trendy nightlife.

Marked by a modern, sophisticated vibe, King 583 stands five stories high and features 22 studios, 19 one-bedroom accommodations, 5 two-bedroom units, and 4 two-bedroom luxurious presidential suites. Amenities generally include half-and-full kitchens, complimentary WIFI, flat-screen televisions, granite countertops, fireplaces, balconies, and a Zen-type courtyard.

“There is nothing our owners love more than an exemplary new resort,” said David Pontius, Bluegreen’s Chief Strategy Officer. “With the introduction of King 583, owners will be offered the terrific features synonymous with Bluegreen resorts. This new resort gem is well situated in the unique tourist area of Charleston, where the warmth of Southern Hospitality reigns supreme.”

Developed as part of Bluegreen Vacations’ “fee-based services” business model⁽¹⁾, this project follows Bluegreen’s Horizons at 77^th, located in the neighboring town of Myrtle Beach. King 583 is Bluegreen’s second resort in Charleston; Bluegreen’s The Lodge Alley Inn™ is located nearby on the city’s historic waterfront.

⁽¹⁾ Bluegreen markets, sells and manages vacation ownership interests (“VOIs”) in resorts, which are generally located in popular, high-volume, “drive-to” vacation destinations. The resorts in which Bluegreen markets, sells or manages VOIs were either developed or acquired by Bluegreen, or were developed and are owned by third parties. Bluegreen earns fees for providing sales and marketing services to these third party developers. Bluegreen also earns fees by providing management services to the Bluegreen Vacation Club and property owners associations (“POAs”), mortgage servicing, VOI title services, reservation services, and construction design and development services. In addition, Bluegreen provides financing to FICO® score-qualified individual purchasers of VOIs.

About BBX Capital Corporation:
BBX Capital Corporation (OTCQX: BBXT) (OTCQX: BBXTB), formerly BFC Financial Corporation, is a diversified holding company whose principal activities are its ownership of Bluegreen Corporation and, through its Real Estate and Middle Market Divisions, the acquisition, ownership and management of joint ventures and investments in real estate and real estate development projects and middle market operating businesses.

About Bluegreen Corporation:
Bluegreen, founded in 1966 and headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, is a sales, marketing and management company, focused on the vacation ownership industry. Bluegreen manages, markets and sells the Bluegreen Vacation Club, a flexible, points-based, deeded vacation ownership plan with more than 200,000 owners, 66 owned or managed resorts, and access to more than 4,300 resorts worldwide. Bluegreen also offers a portfolio of comprehensive, fee-based resort management, financial services, and sales and marketing services, to or on behalf of third parties.

As of March 31, 2017, BBX Capital had total consolidated assets of $1.4 billion, shareholders’ equity of $477.9 million, and total equity of $521.6 million.

For further information, please visit:
BBX Capital: www.BBXCapital.com
Bluegreen Corporation: www.BluegreenVacations.com

BBX Capital Corporation Contact Info:
Investor Relations: Leo Hinkley, Managing Director, Investor Relations Officer
954-940-5300
Email: LHinkley@BBXCapital.com

Media Contact:
Kip Hunter Marketing, 954-765-1329
Jodi Goldstein / Nicole Lewis
Email: jodi@kiphuntermarketing.com, nicole@kiphuntermarketing.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements based largely on current expectations of BBX Capital or its subsidiaries that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. All opinions, forecasts, projections, future plans or other statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and can be identified by the use of words or phrases such as “plans,” “believes,” “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “our view,” “we see,” “would” and words and phrases of similar import. The forward looking statements in this press release are also forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. We can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. The Company’s investment in Bluegreen Corporation exposes the Company to risks and uncertainties, which include but are not limited to, the risks of Bluegreen’s operations, markets, products, services and business strategies; risks inherent in the vacation ownership industry; the risk that developments, including the King 583 resort, will not be as successful, attractive or popular as anticipated. Additional risks and uncertainties are described in BBX Capital’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 and BBX Capital’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, which are available to view on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, and on BBX Capital’s website, www.BBXCapital.com. BBX Capital cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive, and we do not undertake, and specifically disclaim any obligation, to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of changes in circumstances, new information, subsequent events or otherwise.

Press Contact:
Jennifer Williams
305-300-1002
Jennifer.Williams@BluegreenVacations.com

GALLERY: Hunting Island Lighthouse / State Park – A View from the Top in South Carolina

July 10, 2017

by Charleston Daily 2 Comments

Located 20 miles east of Beaufort, lies the scenic natural wonder of the Lowcountry, Hunting Island State Park. With acres of forest and wildlife, miles of open beachfront, picnic areas, camping options, cabins, a majestic view of the sunset, gift shop and the only lighthouse in the state of South Carolina where you can walk up, Hunting Island State Park offers the total family package.

Fee spoiler alert: There is an admission of $5.00 a person (unless you have an Annual Palmetto Passport) and $2.00 fee to walk up the Lighthouse

The Lighthouse is 185 steps to the top and 132 feet above sea level with the ability to see up to 40 miles on a clear day and what a view it is.

Come along with us on a virtual trip as we provide you pictures and some fun facts to entice you to pack the car and make a great day or overnight trip. (P.S. – Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort is a stunning place to watch the sunrise and sunset).

The original brick lighthouse was constructed between 1857-1859 on the North end of the Island standing at 95′ tall.

In 1861, the lighthouse was destroyed by the Confederates so the Union would not be able to use the light against them.

The new lighthouse was build and completed in two years in 1875. For all the hard work and upkeep of the lighthouse, keepers and assistants earned $500-$700 annually.

In 1889, due the ocean water reaching the base of the lighthouse, it was dismantled and moved 1 1/4 miles southwest. It took only 4 months to rebuild.

Reflection of the lighthouse while looking down

Let us take a walk on the beach together.

Bonus: Sunset in downtown Beaufort, South Carolina

If this doesn’t warm your spirits and get your yearning for the great outdoors, then I don’t know what will.

Make a plan to explore South Carolina and see one of the most beautiful state parks.

Lowcountry - Photography

GALLERY: Discover Georgetown, South Carolina: America’s Coastal Small Town

July 10, 2017

by Charleston Daily 7 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

Just a stone’s throw away from Charleston, one hour north on Highway 17, is Georgetown, South Carolina, one of the many beautiful reminders of small town America. This marina based town is rich in tradition, history and family values. At its core, it is a proud town built on manufacturing and coastal commerce. Over the years, this family rich culture has maintained the simplicity and wholesomeness of its founding days nearly 200 years ago.

Over the course of the day, we were greeted with open arms as the locals charmed us with an inviting atmosphere. During the mid afternoon, I was walking on the marina boardwalk and I heard an acoustic guitarist singing “Let Her In” by Hootie and the Blowfish. As he concluded, he shared an anecdote about playing guitar on King Street in Charleston when Mark Bryan, stopped and offered to play his second guitar and jam together. This was one of the many warm feelings we had throughout the day, but none more enriching then breakfast at the Coffee Break Cafe among the locals over a fresh cup of hot coffee and a croissant sandwich.

The pride of Americana and the warm Southern charm of a traditional small town is alive and well in Georgetown, South Carolina. We invite you to make an outing and discover Georgetown. If you have the time, take Cap’t Rods Lowcountry Boat Tour’s 4 hour excursion which includes a boat ride to the old lighthouse, Shell Island, rice fields and so much more for only $35.00 a person (Monday – Saturday). Of course, stop in to the local sweets shop for a mint OREO or homemade praline or the ice cream parlor for a cup of Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Ice Cream.

Come with us as we share our gallery of life in Georgetown, South Carolina

Are you ready to your next South Carolina discovery?

Lowcountry

Top Reasons Charleston Is Choosing Tourism over Basic Resident Livability

July 8, 2017

by Charleston Daily 31 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

In a destination city environment, the municipality walks a fine line between catering to the tourists and the local community. It is a challenge to balance the needs of one without neglecting the other. A number of factors play into the decisions around how each group is treated. Often times, perception plays a part in people’s reactions to some decisions that may affect one group adversely. We have looked at perception and reality and determined that is there a strong sentiment that local residents are losing the battle to tourism.

The separation point of perception and reality is data. Data will always provide substantiated evidence.

We have looked at some data points, daily observation and chatter to compile a list of the reasons we feel the city is choosing tourism over resident livability.

Multi-million dollar investment firms from out of state and locally are monopolizing on an opportunity to reduce the historic footprint and create a new hospitality center focused on boutique hotels, luxury stay experiences and high end shopping and dining. These investments range from small to large, including a group of New York investors that purchased the building housing Blind Tiger on Broad Street and the new $100M complex that is being planned for Spring and King. In between, we are showered by the Dewberry, Spectator, Grand Bohemian, Zero George, Hyatt, Holiday Inn Suites and Hotel Bennett that are changing the face of historic Charleston. When you have a hotel that can charge $600 a night while you still have issues around waste management and homelessness, it is time to re-think strategy.

Generation old local business are being forced out or into retirement due to urban pressures and rising rents. 2016 saw the end of Hughes Lumber, Bob Ellis Shoes, King Street Grille and Morris Sokol. Those four foundations closing their doors speak volumes. Even this past week, we heard that Fish will be closing on Upper King Street.

Limited improvements in roadway infrastructure. A recent article in the Post and Courier indicated that Charleston residents are paying $1850 annually on average for car repairs due to the poor road systems as a result of the increased traffic in the surrounding counties. In the cross town we added an aesthetically pleasing divider, yet there are cones, cranes and construction throughout the entire span with some projects taking us through 2020 and beyond.

Cost of dining and entertainment have forced many locals to reduce the amount of leisure activity. With a 10.5% dining food tax and 15% alcohol and increased base prices across the board, the dining experience is shifting from a locals experience to a tourist luxury.

Increases in the price of parking garages and more opportunistic valet options.

Corporate transition of downtown Charleston – Hyatt, Vans, Forever 21, West Elm, 3 Starbucks on King Street alone (8 total downtown), Panera, Walgreens, Carolina Ale House, Chipotle, Five Guys Burgers, Chik-fil-a, Subway, Williams-Sonoma, Urban Outfitters and Earthbound. The local names and generational families businesses are losing out to corporate brands.

Removing the only neighborhood grocery store in the Northern central part of the peninsula where most of the East Side would shop and masking the concern by funding short term busing options for the residents to get groceries out of the city limits.

A poorly managed parking meter system and mass transit service. There are a few groups that are working hard to change the culture and promote a change in thinking around mass transit, but that isn’t enough. When cities like Beaufort and Asheville have credit card meters and apps where you can pay, we are lagging far behind.

No monthly or annual subsidized parking for employees who work in downtown Charleston.

Limited enforcement of jaywalking laws and thus increasing risk of injury. Limited proposals and implementations around increased biking options for residents.

These are a few of the major reasons, the emphasis is on the tourist and local residents are faced with daily challenges that will continue to mount over the upcoming years.

Charleston, SC Based Knapheide Truck Equipment Company Opening a New Facility Adding 63 Jobs

July 6, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Media Release: Thursday, July 6th, 2017

Knapheide Truck Equipment Company Charleston Inc., a subsidiary of The Knapheide Manufacturing Company, is opening a new manufacturing facility in Charleston County. The development is projected to bring $1.3 million of investment and create 63 new jobs.

Since 1848, Knapheide has provided its customers with high-quality, work-ready transportation solutions. Headquartered in Quincy, Ill., the Knapheide family has owned and operated the company since its inception. Today, Knapheide is a leading manufacturer and provider of vocational commercial vehicle solutions.

Knapheide will be locating its new operations in a 75,000-square-foot facility located at 8449 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston, S.C. Designed to upfit the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Metris vans, the company will be providing and installing van interiors, service bodies, utility bodies, platform bodies and more.

QUOTES

“The close proximity to the new Mercedes-Benz Vans manufacturing facility made Charleston County an ideal choice for Knapheide, from both a collaboration and logistics perspective.” –Knapheide Vice President of Sales and Marketing Mandar Dighe

“South Carolina continues to elevate itself as a global industrial leader, and the fact that Knapheide is launching their new operations in Charleston is another example of that. We look forward to seeing what the future has in store for them in Charleston County.” –Gov. Henry McMaster

“Knapheide’s decision to locate operations within our borders is a testament to the robust manufacturing industry we’ve worked hard to foster in South Carolina. This project will be yet another boon to Charleston County, and we look forward to watching this company thrive here for years to come.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“Our congratulations go out to Knapheide on their new facility in Charleston County. Knapheide’s rich history and commitment to being a leader in commercial vehicle solutions makes them a perfect fit for our community.” –Charleston County Council Chairman Victor Rawl

“Knapheide’s announcement of a new North Charleston facility and the creation of scores of new jobs is yet another component to keep our region’s economy on an upward trajectory.” –City of North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey

“With Knapheide locating in Charleston County, another key cornerstone has been laid for automotive success. As the company supports the Mercedes-Benz Vans Sprinter program, we know they will share in the mutual prosperity of this exciting opportunity.” –Charleston County Economic Development Director Steve Dykes

Fun July 4th Facts

July 4, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Today is American Independence Day: The day, the United States became a free and sovereign nation. It is a day of BBQ, beach, beer and celebration of patriotism. There are also some very interesting, and not quite holiday related tidbits of information we wanted to share about this most festive of days.

July 4th Fun Facts

Nathaniel Hawthorne – Author of ‘The Scarlet Letter’ was born in Salem, Massachusetts on July 4, 1804
President Calvin Coolidge – Our 30th US President was born in Plymouth Notch, Vermont on July 4, 1872
American Soldier and Grandson of President Ulysses S. Grant, Ulysses S. Grant III is born July 4, 1881
World War II propagandist Tokyo Rose was born July 4, 1916
Playwright Neil Simon is celebrating his 90th birthday today – Born in the Bronx, NY on July 4, 1927
Iconic sports franchise owners Al Davis (Oakland Raiders) and George Steinbrenner (NY Yankees) both born on July 4
Also born on July 4th: Musician Bill Withers (1938), Basketball start Hal Lanier (1942), Ron Kovic, theme of ‘Born on the 4th of July (1946), tennis star Pam Shriver (1962) and columnist Ann Landers (1918)
On July 4th, 1826, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died
Only July 4th, 1831, President James Monroe (5th US President), just 5 years after Adams and Jefferson, died
On July 4th, 1934, Marie Curie, Nobel Prize winning Physicist/Chemist died of radiation poisoning
Barry White left us on July 4, 2003
The first edition of Walt Whitman ‘Leaves of Grass’ is published
On July 4, 1976, The Clash played their first live gig
Edward Rutledge was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence at aged 26 and Benjamin Franklin was the oldest at 70
In 1938, the Fourth of July was declared a paid US holiday
On July 4, 1862, Lewis Carroll told Alice Liddell a story that would grow into Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
George Everest, whom the worlds highest mountain is named was born on July 4, 1790
On July 4, 1983, NY Yankees pitcher Dave Righetti threw a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox and the Yankees won 4-0
Only two men, John Hancock and Charles Thompson actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776
July 4, 1986 – The Second Farm Aid is held in Manor, Texas
July 4, 1999 – Victoria Adams and David Beckham wed
Born on July 4, 1952, John Waite known for his #1 hit ‘Missing You’

Independence Day is about Family

July 3, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

For once Facebook got it right.

As I browsed through the wall posts this evening, the one common theme throughout most of the pictures was family. Whether it was on the boat, at the beach, in the pool, by the grill or just playing in the yard, the day’s memories shared are those of families sharing in celebration.

Several years back, I had the fortunate opportunity to be on the America’s Dream Team radio show out of Lincoln, UK (www.sirenonline.co.uk or on 107.3FM) to talk about July 4th and the question was posed to me, “What does July 4th mean in the states?” After a moment of thought, I stated that in the end it is about family. Yes there is grilling, beaches and fireworks, but like Christmas, Easter and other significant holidays, it is one shared with family and friends.

America is an incredible country that is built on so many freedoms that we often take for granted the level of peace and acceptance we have all around. Today is a day not only to celebrate but to reflect and truly understand the importance the struggles our forefathers made and the sacrifices our soldiers and statesman continue to make around the world so we and our children can continue to celebrate each year.

Independence Day is a symbol of all that we stand for. Through the music, movies and tapestry of flags flying from every home, we are surrounded with a beautiful shower of red white and blue.

I was able to spend today with family in person and by phone. When I think of my special holiday memories, they aren’t crazy over the top risk taking events, they are the simple times shared with the people that have always been important to me.

Today is no different.

I am proud to be an American
I am proud to be a son
I am proud to be a friend
I am proud to be an uncle
Most of all, I am proud and honored to be free.

Today is our Independence Day. A time to shout to the moon and rejoice in all we have as the rockets red glare in the sky.

I hope each and every one of you had an amazing day that you will remember always.