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

$100,000 investment will support 30 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Davis Defense Group, Inc. (DDG), a defense contracting company, today announced it is expanding its operations in Charleston County. The company’s $100,000 investment will support 30 new jobs.

Founded in 2002, DDG is a family-owned company providing cutting-edge mission solutions that serve programs critical to national security. The company’s North Charleston office currently supports the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic and the U.S. Marine Corps.

DDG is expanding into a larger office space, located at 2456 Remount Road in North Charleston, to support future growth and contracts.

Operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the DDG team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“Davis Defense Group, Inc. is pleased to grow our presence in Charleston with the opening of our new, expanded office space. Our team has proudly supported NIWC-LANT and the Marine Corps in Charleston for over five years, and this new facility reflects our commitment to the region’s growing defense sector. With an excellent reputation for world-class service in command, control, communications, computers, cyber-defense, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems support, DDG has formed long-lasting partnerships with our customers, teammates and employees. We are excited to create new connections as we continue to expand our footprint in Charleston County.” -Davis Defense Group, Inc. CEO Kristi Wilder

“Today’s announcement by Davis Defense Group, Inc. strongly reflects the company’s confidence in South Carolina and our talented workforce. We celebrate DDG’s partnership and commitment to creating new jobs in the Charleston County community.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“Davis Defense Group, Inc.’s decision to expand in South Carolina and further invest in our people is reason to celebrate. We proudly support DDG’s growth in the Lowcountry and congratulate the company on this expansion which will allow it to continue to support the defense industry.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“This investment and the creation of 30 new jobs are invaluable contributions to our community’s economic success and further strengthen the Charleston region’s role in safeguarding our nation.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Rev. Dr. Kylon Jerome Middleton

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Davis Defense Group, Inc. (DDG) is expanding its operations in Charleston County.
• The company’s $100,000 investment will support 30 new jobs.
• DDG is a defense contracting company.
• The company’s new facility is located at 2456 Remount Road in North Charleston, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the DDG team should visit the company’s careers page.

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Clemson, South Carolina – The South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) is proud to partner with Clemson University to develop and implement an innovative water sensor system as part of the Clemson Intelligent River program. This project will help alert the public and emergency officials to flood events. Currently, the team is undertaking a pilot project to install 125 sensors in the Upper Savannah and Saluda watersheds between May and December 2025.

The Intelligent River BridgeBox™ system consists of small, 5-by-6-inch boxes mounted on bridges and other structures. These devices provide real-time water level information and supplement U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) gauges, offering a more comprehensive view of flood impacts from extreme weather and water volume estimates during dry periods.

This technology uses internet-connected devices to monitor water levels and stream data to a cloud-based system. The system can determine accurate water levels using a radar sensor. It typically measures water level every 6 minutes, with each box having a battery life of more than 2 years. 

With these instruments providing live data, the team will be able to take measurements during rain events to better understand known flooding issues in the region. 

This project aligns with SCOR’s mission to lessen the impact of disasters on the communities and citizens of South Carolina by enhancing the data used to understand hazard risks. The 2023 Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan (Resilience Plan) recommends multiple forms of investment in information infrastructure that will inform and improve water planning, flood forecasting, and flood frequency estimates. For the Intelligent River BridgeBox™ system, SCOR has contributed a $300,000 grant.

SCOR Data Coordination Manager Bryan Rabon explains, “The BridgeBox™ project aligns closely with the Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan data recommendations by addressing the need for improved, high-resolution hydrological monitoring across watersheds. By deploying BridgeBox™ units, this initiative enhances the spatial density of water level data, supplementing the existing USGS network and directly supporting the recommendation for expanding data to inform modeling and resilience planning.”

Developed by Christopher Post, Clemson professor of environmental information science, and Syed Mohammad Ovais, Intelligent River head engineer, the sensor systems can, in addition to alerting flood conditions from bridges, be used for road, tidal, and reservoir monitoring. 

“This system is designed to enable the deployment of thousands of water level sensors to support the critical USGS gauge network,” Post says. “The sensors will provide publicly available information on flood events and water levels to inform environmental conservation and economic development.”

Post further elaborates “this data will also help validate flood models and improve understanding of extreme weather impacts.”

Ultimately, this initiative will increase resilience in the area, which SCOR defines as the ability of communities, economies, and ecosystems to anticipate, absorb, recover, and thrive when presented with environmental change and natural hazards. 

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About SCOR: The South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) is committed to enhancing the state’s ability to anticipate, absorb, recover, and thrive when presented with environmental changes and natural hazards by planning and coordinating statewide resilience, long-term disaster recovery, and hazard mitigation. In addition to serving 3,459 homes in our Disaster Recovery Program, SCOR has 81 active flood mitigation projects, including voluntary buyouts, stormwater infrastructure, and plans and studies, across the State. SCOR continues to implement and maintain the Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan, which provides a framework to guide investment in projects, programs, and policies to protect the people and property of South Carolina from the damage and destruction of extreme weather events.

By Nina Totenberg

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed South Carolina to bar Planned Parenthood’s access to federal Medicaid funding for non-abortion services. The decision allows states to ban the organization from getting Medicaid reimbursements for cancer screenings and other care not related to abortion.

At issue was a provision of the federal Medicaid law that guarantees Medicaid patients the ability to choose their doctors, or in the words of the statute, they are entitled to “any qualified and willing provider.” South Carolina, however, maintained that it could disqualify Medicaid providers for “any reason that state law allows.” Or as Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, put it, “Taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize abortion providers who are in direct opposition to their beliefs.”

On Thursday, the Supreme Court — by a 6-3 vote along ideological lines — agreed.

Justice Neil Gorsuch, writing for the court majority, said that regardless of the words in the statute, the law does not “clearly and unambiguously” provide individuals the right to sue to enforce the “any qualified provider” measure, as Congress didn’t specifically authorize such suits.

“Though it is rare enough for any statute to confer an enforceable right, spending-power statutes like Medicaid are especially unlikely to do so,” he wrote. And he wrote that allowing someone to sue over one aspect of Medicaid plan requirements could also open the door to a flood of lawsuits over other requirements.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, writing for the dissenting liberal justices, described the case as a civil rights issue, saying citizens have the right to sue over deprivation of rights.

South Carolina is evading its liability “for violating the rights of its Medicaid recipients to choose their own doctors,” she wrote.

Dispute over who is a “qualified” provider

Since 1976, federal law has prohibited using federal Medicaid funding for abortion services with limited exceptions for rape, incest and life-threatening complications. But the Medicaid program reimburses “any qualified medical provider” for non-abortion services, and in South Carolina, a state with a shortage of primary care providers, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic has long provided routine medical services for low-income residents — including physical exams and cancer screenings.

When the governor removed the clinics from the state’s Medicaid roster, the clinics sued, arguing that Medicaid patients should be able to choose their own health care providers, “including those who provide abortion.”

They won, not once but repeatedly. Lower courts ruled that Planned Parenthood South Carolina is qualified to provide Medicaid services, and that since they are willing to provide those services, patients have a right to seek them out. Blocking the governor’s order, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals required South Carolina to include Planned Parenthood in its Medicaid program, granting residents the right to choose their health care providers.

The Supreme Court reversed that decision on Thursday.

The court’s decision comes at an important time for Planned Parenthood, which is facing financial difficulties nationwide — NPR reports that Planned Parenthood has closed at least 34 clinics since last year. And in Congress there is pending federal legislation that, if passed, would eliminate all federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

Source: NPR

From the award-winning owner of Spice Palette, Rivayat brings coastal Indian cuisine to Charleston — rooted in heritage and inspired by local seafood.

Charleston, SC  — A bold new addition to Charleston’s culinary scene is on the horizon: Rivayat, a coastal-inspired Indian restaurant, is set to open in downtown Charleston later this summer. Created by Sujith Varghese, the award-winningrestaurateur behind Mount Pleasant’s Spice Palette, Rivayat will offer a refined, seafood-forward take on the vibrant cuisines of India’s coastal regions.

The menu at Rivayat will draw particular inspiration from Kerala, Sujith’s home state in southern India, known for its bold spices, coconut-rich curries, and proximity to the sea. Growing up, Sujith spent summers visiting his father’s home on the backwaters ofKerala, where freshly caught seafood like fish and shrimp were prepared daily, forming the foundation of their family meals.

“Rivayat is a love letter to the coastal flavors I grew up with — dishes that are modern, memorable, and deeply rooted in tradition,”says owner Sujith. ““Charleston’s growing love for global cuisine – paired with its incredible access to fresh, local seafood – makes itthe perfect place to bring this next chapter to life.”

Rivayat will feature a curated selection of dishes that reflect the layered diversity of Indian cuisine, with a strong emphasis on coastal traditions. Guests can expect to find South Indian staples, North Indian favorites, and bold new interpretations that highlight thebounty of Charleston’s waters. The restaurant will also debut a thoughtfully crafted cocktail program designed to complement its spice-forward menu.

The restaurant has undergone a complete renovation to reflect a coastal-meets-modern aesthetic, blending natural textures, warmtones, and Indian-inspired accents to create a space that feels both inviting and elevated.

Located in the heart of downtown Charleston (210 Rutledge Ave), Rivayat is expected to open in late summer 2025. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner six days a week. Follow along on Instagram at @rivayat_chs for opening updates, soft launchdetails, and a behind-the-scenes look at the journey leading up to opening day.

About the Owner

Sujith Varghese is a New York native and hospitality entrepreneur with deep Indian roots. His parents, originally from India, own and operate an Indian grocery store in New York, where Sujith was immersed in the ingredients, aromas, and traditions of Indian cooking from an early age. His culinary perspective was further shaped by childhood visits to Kerala, where meals centered around freshly caught seafood and vibrant, home-cooked flavors. 

After relocating to South Carolina, Sujith opened Spice Palette in Mount Pleasant, which quickly earned acclaim — including the title of Best Indian Restaurant in Charleston. With Rivayat, he returns to those coastal roots, blending tradition and innovation in a refined new concept.

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Lowcountry Land Trust & Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission Expands Recreation and Restores Waterway Access on Johns Island

Protection of 66-acre property responds to community needs while preserving forestland, fields, and water quality for future generations

Charleston, SC, June 25, 2025 – Lowcountry Land Trust, a nonprofit committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for current and future generations, is proud to announce the recent permanent protection of 66 acres on Johns Island. This project marks a crucial step toward restoring the community’s historic access to the water while preserving the area’s natural beauty and ecological health. The property will eventually become a county park managed for public use by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission(CCPRC). The project will provide water access and historical and cultural interpretation. It will also protect the surrounding forests and fields and preserve water quality. 

In 2018, the Johns Island Community Conservation Initiative, funded by the Donnelley Foundation, identified a growing concern among island residents: decades of development had drastically reduced community access to waterways. Responding directly to this need, Lowcountry Land Trust secured this waterfront property and worked with CCPRC to transfer ownership while protecting the property forever with a conservation easement. The project was made possible through generous grants, a land donation, and other funding support from the South Carolina Conservation Bank, Charleston County Greenbelt Program, the Ceres Foundation, the Lowcountry Land Protection Capacity Fund, Gary McLaurin, and an anonymous supporter. 

“We’re happy to welcome this property into the CCPRC family of parks and facilities,” said Phil Macchia, associate executive director of CCPRC. “This beautiful property offers the unique opportunity to enjoy water access, explore nature, and connect with Johns Island’s history. We look forward to working closely with our community to help shape the future of this park and the amenities it will offer.” 

“This acquisition reflects our commitment to listen and respond to community voices,” said Natalie Olson, Sea Islands program director at Lowcountry Land Trust. “We hope this project inspires the community to join us in protecting Johns Island’s rural heritage and natural resources. With this project, the Angel Oak Preserve, and the recent acquisitions of Main Road Park and Grayson Oaks, we are building a vibrant network of conserved lands that honor the island’s unique character and enhance residents’ connection to nature.”

Funding from the Ceres Foundation was provided in honor of the late forester Sam Carlton, a Johns Island resident, former Lowcountry Land Trust Board member, and trusted advisor to many conservation easement donors and other landowners. Sam’s humane spirit and dedication to the conservation and sound management of Lowcountry land will be memorialized at the future county park.

This conservation effort is part of a system of protected lands along an emerging paddling “blue trail” linking key existing and future paddling access sites such as the Sea Island Small Farmers Cooperative (a future county park), Holly Grove (a land expansion of Caw Caw Interpretive Center), and other locations along the Stono River and Rantowles Creek. Together, these properties form a network of preserved natural spaces that support recreation, water quality, and wildlife habitat.

“This effort represents exactly what the Conservation Bank was created to do by helping fund projects that protect a community’s ecological and historic features while expanding public access to the waterways by way of a new County Park,” said Raleigh West, director of the South Carolina Conservation Bank. “This is an investment in community resilience and the future of Johns Island.”

Stay connected by following @LowcountryLandTrust on social media and signing up for their email newsletter to receive the latest updates on conservation efforts and ways to get involved.

ABOUT LOWCOUNTRY LAND TRUST

Lowcountry Land Trust—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—permanently protects land throughout coastal South Carolina that is foundational to the area’s coastal ecosystem and residents’ quality of life. Having protected over 163,000 acres of land since its founding in 1986, Lowcountry Land Trust is one of the most impactful local land trusts in the United States. More information about Lowcountry Land Trust is available at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.

in a statement on Instagram and Facebook, the team spoke to its loyal fans and customers saying:

”It is with a heavy heart that we announce the Palmetto Brewery taproom at 289 Huger Street’s last day will be Thursday, June 26, 2025.

After 32 unforgettable years, the time has come for us to say goodbye to our Charleston Taproom. Since opening our doors in 1993, we’ve had the immense honor of being more than just a place to grab a pint. We’ve been a gathering spot with countless memories made between friends, families, and neighbors.

To all who raised a glass with us, brought their out-of-town guests, celebrated milestones, or simply sat at the bar to unwind after a long day, we thank you. To all of our hard working employees past and present who have endured the hot struggle, you are the soul of this place and we thank you. We also want to thank everyone in our community for your continued support—through the ups and downs, the changing times, and most recently, the challenges that led us to this bitter outcome. Your belief in us, year after year, is what kept us going. We will never take that for granted. Thank you & cheers!”

With all our gratitude and love,
The Palmetto Brewery Taproom & Staff

Thank you! And Cheers 🍻🍺🍻🍺

Your Favorite Disney Characters Return to North Charleston!

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party Brings the Magic to Fans at the North Charleston Coliseum Through Innovative Technology and Transformative Performances from October 23-26

(NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – May 6, 2025) — Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party is bringing the magic to guests through dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air.  This adventure delivers compelling storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers so be prepared to join this magical search and help unlock an epic journey when Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party delivers an unforgettable experience at North Charleston Coliseum from October 23-26, 2025.

Ø  Disney On Ice Preferred Customers can purchase advance tickets starting today to get the best seats available before tickets go on-sale to the general public on Tuesday, May 13.  Fans can still sign up to become a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code.

Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts! Look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell through immersive, fantastic worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing-along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. Make memories during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration! 

Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic.  Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice. 

Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room. Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka. And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration.

Click here to view Mickey’s Search Party Show Trailer

WHEN: 

• Thursday, October 23 – 7:00 PM
• Friday, October 24 – 7:00 PM
• Saturday, October 25 – 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM & 6:30 PM
• Sunday, October 26 – 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

WHERE: North Charleston Coliseum – 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC  29418

TICKETS: Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue Box Office.   

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$12 million investment will create 50 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Barnwell Tissue Solutions, a tissue manufacturer, today announced it is establishing operations in Barnwell County. The company’s $12 million investment will create 50 new jobs.

Barnwell Tissue Solutions plans to purchase the existing tissue mill located at 285 Midfield Road in Barnwell. The company will manufacture large paper rolls from recycled paper, which will be converted into away-from-home tissue products.

Operations are expected to be online in the third quarter of 2025. Individuals interested in joining the Barnwell Tissue Solutions team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

QUOTES

“Barnwell Tissue Solutions, a proud member of the ST Group of companies, is honored to expand our manufacturing footprint into Barnwell, South Carolina. This acquisition reflects our commitment to investing in rural American communities and creating high-quality manufacturing jobs – particularly for local residents. We are excited to partner with the community to build a skilled workforce and generate long-term economic opportunity. We extend our sincere thanks to the visionary leaders at both the state and county levels whose support made this project possible. Together, we look forward to shaping a vibrant future for Barnwell County.” -Barnwell Tissue Solutions Owner Sahil Tak

“This $12 million investment is a vote of confidence in South Carolina’s business climate and manufacturing expertise. By revitalizing an existing tissue mill in Barnwell County, Barnwell Tissue Solutions will restore 50 valuable jobs to the community. We are proud to welcome this company to our state and look forward to its continued success.” -Gov. Henry McMaster  

“Today’s announcement is another indication that companies continue recognizing the benefits of doing business in our state. We are excited to welcome Barnwell Tissue Solutions to one of our state’s rural communities and look forward to the positive impact it will make in Barnwell County and beyond.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Barnwell Tissue Solutions will bring good jobs and investment to our county. On behalf of Barnwell County, we look forward to providing a business-friendly home for their operations for years to come. Every good job created represents a brighter future here in Barnwell County.” -Barnwell County Council Chairman Freddie Houston

“SouthernCarolina Alliance welcomes Barnwell Tissue Solutions to our diverse array of manufacturers in the region. We appreciate the good direct jobs and investment this operation will bring to the region, as well as the opportunities it will provide in indirect jobs and economic stimulation in Barnwell County and the surrounding area.” -SouthernCarolina Alliance President and CEO Danny Black

“The city of Barnwell is excited about the announcement of Barnwell Tissue Solutions opening a plant in our community. We are looking forward to working with Barnwell Tissue Solutions and forming both an economic as well as a community partnership that will help us both grow now and in the future.” -Barnwell Mayor Ron Still

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Barnwell Tissue Solutions is establishing operations in Barnwell County.
• The company’s $12 million investment will create 50 new jobs.
• Barnwell Tissue Solutions is a tissue manufacturer.
• The company will be located at 285 Midfield Road in Barnwell, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Barnwell Tissue Solutions teamshould visit the company’s career page.

THE PROJECT

Located in a rapidly growing area of the Interstate 26 corridor between US 78 (University Boulevard) and Ashley Phosphate Road, the Palmetto Commerce Interchange project will reduce travel times, improve access options, increase traffic mobility in the I-26/Ashley Phosphate Road area, and provide a more efficient commute. The project is led by Charleston County.

Charleston County will construct the urban diamond interchange design, pictured left.

Construction began August 1, 2023.
The County anticipates substantial completion early in 2026.

Click HERE to follow quarterly updates.

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ADA Anniversary Celebration: Building Community – Wednesday, July 23, 2025

[CHARLESTON] – In partnership with the City of Charleston and City of North Charleston, the Charleston County Park andRecreation Commission (CCPRC) will present an event celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law.

The event, open to the public, will be held at Park Circle (4800 Park Circle) in North Charleston on Wednesday, July 23 from 4 – 7 p.m. Participants will hear from renowned motivational disability speaker Alycia Anderson, and also enjoy refreshments and vendor booths on site. Following the event, guests are invited to enjoy the Park Circle playground, the world’s largest inclusive playground. This event is free and all are welcome.

The event is sponsored by refreshment provider Odd Duck markets, cake provider Cakette Bakeshop, and flower provider Roadside Blooms

“The signing into law of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 represented a long overdue step forward for people with disabilities throughout America,” said CCPRC Chief Operating Officer and ADA Coordinator Steve Hutton. “The ADA gives protections to people with disabilities similar to those provided to others on the basis of race, sex, national origin, age and religion.”

“It’s exciting to see accessibility grow throughout the Lowcountry as more companiesand organizations are improving their ADA compliance. CCPRC is proud to be a part of this celebration to honor the passage of this important civil rights legislation at one of the area’s newest and most thoughtfully designed facilities at Park Circle on July 23!”

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990. For more information on the ADA, please visit https://www.ada.gov/.

The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission invites people with disabilities to experience their programs, services, trails and facilities to discover how the agency’s 11,000+ acres of parkland can enrich their lives. CCPRC strives to go beyond compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide opportunities for recreation, physical and emotional well-being, and peaceful respite.

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, threebeach 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 varietyof recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, and much more. For more information on CCPRC, call 843-795-4386, or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.