2025 ® BEST OF THE BEST – YEAR IN REVIEW – NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Chosen by You, Celebrated by All ANNUAL BEST OF EDITION DANIEL ISLAND | ISLE OF PALMS | SULLIVAN’S ISLAND
Trusted by Customers, Year in Review Countdown of town milestones
Anchored in Community Gift of Exercise Treat your body to fitness Quest for Wellness Sober success stories
2 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Belk Barnes & Noble CAVA LŌLEO Juice Bar Bluemercury lululemon PUP BOWL VIII February 8 THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SPEND A DAY ON THE TOWNE
3 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Nobody Knows The Charleston Coast Better® Real Estate Sales 800.476.8444 | Vacation Rentals 888.250.8730 | dunesproperties.com SOLD on S Plaza Ct, The Renaissance SOLD on Parrothead Lane, Downtown SOLD on Hobcaw Dr, Hobcaw Point SOLD on Rush Haven Dr, Dunes West SOLD on Goodwater St, Carolina Park SOLD on Midden Dr, Oyster Point SOLD on Sawyers Island Dr, Carolina Park SOLD on Dawn View Ter, New Parrish Village SOLD on Gypsy Ln, Wakendaw Lakes SOLD on Cooper River Dr, The Tides SOLD on Inland Creek Way, Oakhaven Plantation Add your home to this list! With four offices and agents specializing in each community, we can help you find the perfect place to work, play, live, and grow. SOLD on Civitas St, I'On SOLD on Royall Ave, Old Village Featured Mount Pleasant Sales
4 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com
5 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com A LOCAL HOME FURNISHINGS STORE CHOOSE FROM OVER 5,000 FABRICS & FINISHES. OFFERING THE LARGEST SELECTION OF HIGH QUALITY NAME BRAND FURNITURE, MATTRESSES AND A FULL INTERIOR DESIGN STAFF FOR A IN HOME CONSULTATION. President's Day Sale Save 30% -75% Storewide Plus We Will Pay Your Sales Tax Plus 0% Interest Up To 5 Years Sale starts January 9 and ends Monday, February 19 Custom Orders Produced In 30 Days Huge In Stock Inventory 600 Long Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC Belle Hall Shopping Center I-526 at Long Point Road Exit Mon - Sat 9AM - 6PM, Sun 12PM - 5PM 843.800.4015 FIND US ON SOCIAL jkhomefurnishings.com | ma resszzzs.com Make Your Home The Perfect Place, Trust J&K TALENTED, EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DESIGNERS WHO WILL EXECUTE YOUR VISION Coastal Carolina's Leading Furniture and Design Center for Over 26 Years.
6 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Thank You, Mount Pleasant! For three years in a row, you’ve voted Senior Resource Specialists as the Best Senior Advisor in Mount Pleasant and the surrounding areas. We’re truly honored and humbled by the trust and support of our local families. Serving this community is a privilege, and we are deeply grateful to be part of your journeys through senior living. As a locally owned and operated company born right here in Mount Pleasant, we’ve always believed in the power of neighbors helping neighbors. This commitment drives us to provide personalized guidance and care, ensuring local families feel supported and informed as they navigate the complexities of senior living. Time and again, we hear families say, “I wish we had known more before we needed help.” It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of education and preparation in making these important decisions. With that in mind, we’re excited to announce a new column starting in the next issue of this magazine: Ask the Expert: Senior Living Edition. Each edition, we’ll share real questions from Mount Pleasant families along with practical answers, advice, and insights. It’s our hope that these stories will spark conversations, provide clarity, and help you take proactive steps for your loved ones’ futures. If you have a question you’d like to see featured, visit our website and submit it for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you and continuing to support this incredible community we are so proud to call home. Thank you again, Mount Pleasant, for allowing us to be part of your story. Warmly, Senior Resource Specialists (843) 732-0111 charleston@srspecialists.com www.srspecialists.com THREE-TIME CONSECUTIVE BEST Senior Advisors of Mount Pleasant Thank you to the community for your continued trust and support! 2023 ® 2024 ® 2025 ®
7 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Staff Box.............................................................11 Publisher’s Note...................................................11 From the Editor...................................................13 About the Cover..................................................15 Contributors. ...................................................... 17 On the Web.........................................................19 29 35 15 Calendar of Events...................................................22 Live Music Schedule................................................25 Arts & Entertainment.................. 22 Mayor's Message..................................................... 29 Year in Review........................................................ 32 Richard Cliff Waterfront Memorial Park................ 35 Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce............... 37 The Sweetgrass Bowl............................................... 39 Emma Navarro .......................................................41 Our Town................................. Sober Stories........................................51 Gift of Exercise....................................53 Life with Endometriosis.......................55 LoLeo Juice Bar...................................57 Salon Alexandria..................................58 Health & Wellness........ contents ANNUAL BEST OF EDITION • VOL. 15, ISSUE 1 What's On the Menu............................................. 44 Behind the Bar........................................................ 45 Super Bowl Snacks.................................................. 47 Mocktail Recipes..................................................... 48 Food & Beverage..................... 41 45 39 International Paper Mill......................61 Tour of Georgetown Museums............63 Historical Shipwrecks..........................65 On the Coast.................. 61
8 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 20 MINUTES = HOURS IN THE GYM DON’T PAY FOR YOUR TRIAL! YOUR FIRST TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED WORKOUT IS ON US! 20-MINUTE WORKOUT. LIFE-CHANGING RESULTS. TOP 10 BENEFITS • TRAINING THAT IS EASY ON THE JOINTS, REDUCING STRAIN AND INJURY. • CORRECTION OF MUSCULAR IMBALANCES STRENGTHENING OF CORE AND ABDOMINAL MUSCLES • INCREASED OVERALL STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE • IMPROVEMENT OF POSTURE • REDUCTION IN CELLULITE • RELIEF FROM BACK PAINS • 20 MINUTES EQUALS HOURS OF CONVENTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING • INCREASED MUSCLE DEFINITION FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE TO REACH FITNESS GOALS 1117 Market Center Blvd, Ste 100 Mount Pleasant | 843‑388‑5074 body20.com/mount‑pleasant NEW YEAR, NEW TRAINING METHOD, More Time Back for YOU!
9 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contents Best Of Mount Pleasant 2025 Charleston Allergy & Asthma.........68 The Men’s Center......................70 High Tide Orthodontics............72 Compass Vision Care.................74 Metabolic Health......................74 Longboard Dental....................77 Wando Family Dentistry...........79 Tidewater Pharmacy................81 Kids Teeth.................................83 Emoji Poké................................88 Bohemian Bull.........................90 Iggy’s Pizza Shop......................92 Beech Restaurants....................94 Brown Fox Coffee.................... 94 Haven’s Furniture......................98 M. Dumas & Sons...................100 Southern Belles......................102 Ascue’s Auto Body & Paint Shop......104 East Cooper Lock & Safe.........106 South Carolina Federal Credit Union...108 Trey Harrell Law Office...........110 SouthState bank.....................112 Children’s Discovery Center....114 Palmetto Christian Academy..117 Your Happy Nest.....................118 Mount Pleasant Gardens........120 The Grove at Carolina Park......124 Poseidon K9...........................126 Park West Vet..........................128 1st Choice Heating & Air........133 Flynn Custom Builders...........135 Starling Chevrolet..................137 Automotive Excellence...........139 Schirmer Insurance Group......141 Vanity Salon...........................143 Charleston Men’s Clinic..........145 GrandScapes. .........................147 Oyster Candle Co....................149 South Bay...............................150 Stephanie Selby Photography......151 Eddie Franco Painting.............153 Planet Fitness.........................154 Shag Salon.............................155 Gloudeman Electric................157 Magnolia Spa.........................158 Erin Bailey Law.......................159 Austin Air...............................159 Paws in Paradise.....................160 Bryne Salon............................161 Buxton & Collie......................162 Pleasant Family Dentistry......163 Crescent Care Veterinary Clinic......165 Beachpups a/k/a aFORTable Grooming.166 Townes Law Firm...................166 Garrett’s Golf Cars...................167 The Posh Pet Salon and Spa.....168 Annie’s Hot Donuts.................169 Charleston Veterinary Referral Center. .169 2025 WWW.BESTOFMP.COM ANNUAL BEST OF EDITION • VOL. 15, ISSUE 1 34 Waterway Island Drive.....................172 Top 10 Agents......................................173 Top 10 Homes Sold North Mount Pleasant....................174 South Mount Pleasant....................175 Dwellings..................... 171 Rescue of the Month...............................178 Pet Friendly Agent..................................179 Heart of a Donor....................................180 Volunteer of the Year...............................182 Pets............................. 177 East Cooper Neighbors... 184 BEST OF WINNERS & FINALISTS Intro......................................................67 Health & Wellness................................69 Food & Beverage...................................85 Shopping & Goods...............................97 Personalities & Services......................103 Entertainment & Leisure....................119 Pets......................................................125
10 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com ® ISLAND COURT OFFICE 1200 Two Island Court, Suite E | Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 www.PalmettoPrimaryCare.com Hayley Bryan, PA-C Call (854) 444-7676 to make your appointment today!
11 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com This is our Best Of edition; some would say it’s their favorite issue of the year. Everyone has their own reasons why Best Of is their favorite, but for me it’s about community. We ask our readers to vote on things like their favorite place to view the Ravenel Bridge or go fishing, the best public boat ramp, the best neighborhood for families, etc. For us here at Mount Pleasant Magazine, it’s about telling the entire story about our community. Yes, we do have six different categories you can view whether digitally or in print, to see who was voted best for Shopping & Goods, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Personalities & Services, Entertainment & Leisure and last but not least, Pets. These are the businesses and individuals that make Mount Pleasant such a great place to live. Beyond the Best Of results, I wanted to mention a recent conversation amongst the team here at Mount Pleasant Magazine, during which someone touched on the fact that the media landscape has changed immensely. Of course, that’s a given, but what I found fascinating was when a team member made the comment that as much as all the other media have evolved, print is still ink on paper. The first book printed in any quantity was the Gutenberg Bible in 1455 by Johannes Gutenberg. I feel like because we’re all caught up in what the newest and shiniest thing out there is, we sometimes forget about the foundation. Practicing the craft started by Gutenberg has never been the way I’ve thought of publishing. The fact that publishing is basically practiced the same as it began shows a strength no other form of media can claim. I recently listened to a podcast produced by marketing experts, www.TheSeasonedMarketer.com, and their entire podcast discussed the benefits of using traditional media. Speaking of podcasting, fun fact: the term “podcast” was first used in 2004, a portmanteau of “iPod” and “broadcast.” I’m a fan of podcasting — primarily because the audience is in complete charge of what and when they want to watch or listen to in terms of their preferred podcast. Can it get any better than that? We hope one of the podcasts we produce is among your favorites. See Page 28 for our list of local podcasts and magazines. Everyone here loves publishing Mount Pleasant Magazine for you, whether you enjoy it in the form of a podcast or prefer a good old-fashioned print copy. Thanks for reading! Positively yours, Bill Macchio Publisher • Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine.com publisher’s note Annual Best Of Edition • Vol. 15, Issue 1 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM MANAGING EDITOR ZACH GIROUX EDITOR@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ART DIRECTOR DANA COLEMAN PRODUCTION MANAGER BETHANY LONG BRAND AMBASSADOR STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM DIGITAL DIRECTOR ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM DIGITAL/WEB EDITOR GEORGE CONKLIN COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS SOCIAL MEDIA SUPERVISOR ANTHONY MACCHIO SOCIALMEDIA@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM SOCIAL MEDIA/EVENT COORDINATOR JOHANNA ROGERS JOHANNA@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM AD DESIGNERS BETHANY LONG KIM HALL WRITERS ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA • KATIE FINCH MAURICE FRAZIER • ALLYAH HARRAR • WILL HAYNIE CARI LAWSON • CLARK LEACH • COLIN MCCANDLESS JOHANNA ROGERS • SARAH ROSE • ANNE TOOLE BROOKE WATSON PHOTOGRAPHER MARK STAFF INDEPENDENT MEDIA CONSULTANTS STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM SARAH ROSE SARAH@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM JOHANNA ROGERS JOHANNA@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM PAUL SMITH PAUL@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE BOSS DOG REGGIE DISTRIBUTION/DIRECT MAIL U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • CVS COASTAL DISTRIBUTION & MEDIA Mount Pleasant Magazine is published locally by a team of independent contractors. Mount Pleasant Magazine is published six times per year by Media Services, Inc. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Media Services 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction electronically or in print format without the expressed written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited and a violation of U.S. copyright laws. Inquiries to: Mount Pleasant Magazine P.O. Box 22617, Charleston, SC 29413 843-881-1481 Info@MountPleasantMagazine.com Traditions outlast trends
12 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 1885 Rifle Range Rd. • Mt. Pleasant 843.216.2222 or 800.940.7435 AND ONE OF THE BEST Assisted Living and Independent Living Facilities! THANK YOU FOR VOTING FRANKE FrankeAtSeaside.org Best Retirement Community Join our Family Guided by Faith, Inspired by You. Elevate your living experience.
13 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Happy New Year! ‘Tis the season for new year’s resolutions. This is not only an opportunity to focus on self-growth and prosperity, but it’s also a chance to inspire and elevate others in the workplace. As editor, my resolutions come in the form of our magazine’s vows to our readership as a trusted steward of the community. The following goals are personal to me and our editorial department for the new year. Here are a few resolutions that come to mind in no particular order because they are all of equal importance. Embrace Innovation in Storytelling: I’m fully aware that the media landscape is ever-changing and it’s essential to adapt to the times. With the implementation of artificial intelligence, I’ll embrace AI and utilize it as a tool to inspire ideas for fresh and engaging content. Support Diverse Voices: I’ll be more conscious to highlight voices from all walks of life, ensuring our stories are inclusive and truly representative of the community we serve. Foster Collaboration: Teamwork makes the dream work and great content is often the result of great teamwork. I’ll focus on fostering a collaborative environment with writers, designers, photographers and other contributors. Improve Reader Engagement: Writing isn't just about informing, it’s about connecting. I’ll focus on deepening our engagement with readers through online feedback, surveys and other strategies to create interactive content. Promote a Positive Work Environment: The energy of a publication starts with its staff. I will make it my mission to foster a positive, supportive work culture, where creativity can flourish, and everyone’s ideas are shared and heard. For me, these resolutions are not about becoming a better editor — they’re about becoming a better leader. Here’s to a new year full of new opportunities to use our platform to educate others. Positively yours, Zach Giroux Managing Editor from the editor Teamwork makes the dream work SCAN • CLICK SUBSCRIBE YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR MAGAZINE 2025 ® BEST OF THE BEST – YEAR IN REVIEW – NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS ANNUAL BEST OF EDITION DANIEL ISLAND | ISLE OF PALMS | SULLIVAN’S ISLAND
14 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Robyn Jones H all Carolina One Real Estate FOR VOTING ME BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT Put a local's knowledge to work for you! Robyn Jones Hall Broker Associate, Carolina One Real Estate Robyn.hall@carolinaone.com (843)906-5200 you! Thank
15 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com This year’s Best Of Mount Pleasant Magazine cover photoshoot took place on the dock behind Shem Creek’s Geechee Seafood alongside the Richardson Brothers I and II shrimp boats. In the background, tall marsh grasses swayed amongst choppy waters and the blustery cold wind. Warming the gray winter morning were several boxes of Annie's Hot Donuts of the sprinkled, French toast and holiday variety, as well as coffee and hot chocolate. Running the show was our captain, photographer Mark Staff, who styled the set with rustic beat-up chairs and boxes alongside heavy chains, ropes and nets borrowed from the commercial vessels. Strategically placed were a pair of white boots traditionally worn by shrimpers. As Staff positioned our award winners to capture the perfect shot, editor Zach Giroux held down the lighting equipment to make sure it didn’t get swept out to sea by the gales. Other deckhands included publisher Bill Macchio, brand ambassador Stacey McLoughlin, social media manager Johanna Rogers, media consultants Allyah Harrar and Paul Smith and production manager Bethany Long, who was onsite celebrating her birthday. BY SARAH ROSE about the cover About the Boats Deckhand of the Richardson Brothers I and II shrimp boats on Shem Creek, Michael Damon has been working in the industry since he was 14 years old. Over his 40-year career, Damon has experienced countless changes. “Shrimping is a dying business. That’s why there are only eight boats left on Shem Creek,” he said, adding that the vessels started dwindling about 10-15 years ago due to stores selling farm-raised crustaceans. Despite the ups and downs, Damon is in the business for the long haul, he said, because he loves being on the ocean, away from the hustle and bustle. While boat I goes out daily, boat II anchors out to sea for three or four days at a time, according to Damon. He recently gutted and remodeled the interior of the latter’s floating apartment, which accommodates four, with spectacular woodwork framing out the two tight quarters, each fitted with a bunk bed, a bathroom that has a shower, a fully operational kitchen, a dining space and wheelhouse. Below deck is the engine room. During the off-season from January-April, Damon and his colleague Stephen White maintain the boats by freshening the paint, replacing ropes and chains that have become stretched out and checking the engines and generators to ensure they are running properly. When conditions are just right, Damon said, the crew have been known to catch around 700 shrimp in one day. He emphasized that buying local and fresh sustains the business. Best of Mount Pleasant winners (pictured from left to right) Kathi Herrmann, Mount Pleasant Towne Centre; Deniece Guyan, Metabolic Medical Center; Ashish Radhakishun, SouthState Bank; Tim Myers, 1st Choice Heating & Air; Troy Ascue, Ascue's Paint & Body; Ava Phan, 843 Nail & Spa; Andrew Gloudeman, Gloudeman Electric; Katie Carter, Children's Discovery Center; Mandi Yager, Crescent Care Veterinary Clinic; Erin Straughan, Tidewater Pharmacy; Richard Thomasson, Bohemian Bull; Sam Schirmer, Schirmer Insurance Group; Carolyn Murray, WCBD News 2. Photo by Mark Staff. Of course, a Mount Pleasant Magazine shoot wouldn’t be complete without some sort of excitement. This time, when five pups arrived to have their photos taken, our dog-friendly crew made a point of making sure they felt as included as the humans. Not as adorable were the pigeons that swooped in to help themselves to the donuts and attacked Harrar as she tried shooing them away. While no birds or people were harmed in the incident, the same cannot be said of all the donuts.
16 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 617 JOHNNIE DODDS BLVD. MT PLEASANT, SC 843-739-8238 | 843.nailspa@gmail.com HOURS: Mon-Sat 9:30AM – 7:00PM & Sun 11:30AM – 5:00PM BEST NAIL SALON! and Niene Nguyen as Best Nail Technician! Thank you for your vote! 2025 ®
17 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Katie Finch joined the Charleston Women family as a media consultant in 2022. An Alabama native (War Eagle, anyone?) and a former small business owner, Katie loves connecting with local Lowcountry business owners while putting her marketing degree to good use. Isabel Alvarez Arata is a freelance writer and content creator with a focus on business, marketing and lifestyle. She has her own petrelated podcast and blog, “Covered in Pet Hair.” Interested in contributing to Mount Pleasant Magazine? Email your contact information (name, phone, mailing address) and one sample of work you have created (or a link to your work online) with the subject “Aspiring MPM Contributor” to Editor@MountPleasantMagazine.com. Cari Lawson is a school counselor by day and writer by night. Writing provides an outlet to connect further to the community. She loves to spend time with her husband, toddler and puppy at Disney World. Allyah Harrar is an SEO specialist and certified data nerd. Raised in the Outer Banks, she moved to Charleston in early 2024. She got her bachelor's degree from Ursinus College and has been trying to convince her dog Russ to become her data analyst sidekick. Colin McCandless is a Charlestonbased freelance writer and copy editor who enjoys writing about nature and wildlife, travel, history and outdoor recreation. He has more than 15 years of writing experience working for magazines and newspapers and developing blog and website content. Clark Leach is a business and health writer with more than 20 years of experience. He has written for several publications. His work has appeared in Greenville Business, Charleston Business, Charleston Women, HealthLinks and The Tennessean. Sarah Rose brings a local and global perspective to her freelance writing, editing and independent research. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a decades-long career in interior design and has traveled and lived all over the world. Johanna Rogers is a recent James Madison University communications graduate, social media manager, contributing writer and sales representative. Her friends call her “Jojo” and her hobbies include going to the beach, reading and crafts. Brooke Watson is a College of Charleston student born and raised in Mount Pleasant, where she studies both creative writing and classics. When not writing or studying, she does her best to collect an assortment of hobbies like watchmaking or resin crafting to fuel that spark of creativity. Anne Toole was born and raised in Mount Pleasant, where she still resides with her husband and two children. She works in a school by day and has been moonlighting as a freelance writer for more than a decade. Anne finds joy in writing about the people, places, cultures, history and food that uniquely shape the Lowcountry. contributors
18 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Reset Your Mind. Elevate Your Life. Become Limitless. Use promo code MPMAG10 for $10 oo your first session 1748 Towne Centre Way #102 MINDZERO.com | (843) 798−9596 Sauna | Cold Plunge | Breathwork Directory POINT • SCAN • CLICK Subscribe to Mount Pleasant Magazine Shop Coleman Boulevard Mount Pleasant Hotels Coastal Real Estate Podcast Meet Knowledgeable Agents
19 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com on the web @mountpleasantmagazine MountPleasantMagazine ReadMPM.com MountPleasantMagazine.com BestofMPPodcast.com MountPleasantPodcast.com Editor@mountpleasantmagazine.com @MtPMag Catch Mount Pleasant Magazine online for all events, links and digital information. Flip through the digital magazine. Follow for up-to-date, relevant content and weekly posts for all of Mount Pleasant Magazine. Stay connected and share your thoughts on posts. Listen to first-person stories of community leaders, business owners, and residents. Share your ideas for feature stories, including photos and contact information. Your voice might be featured in the magazine’s “Social Buzz” section. Another platform for community insights and stories regarding all things Best of Mount Pleasant. Local inspiration, from beautiful photography to community highlights. Discover and share the best of Mount Pleasant.
20 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com MARCH 12, 2025 AT 7PM | CHARLESTON MUSIC HALL “Pure Joy” “Powerful” “Unforgettable” SHARON GRACI QUI ANA PARLER KELLEY JAKLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT MIDLIFE-MONOLOGUES.COM See the show critics loved that SOLD OUT twice last year! Join 1,000 women from every generation for storytelling on the arc of a woman’s life KATE BAER ABI CARTER MARY LAURA PHI LPOTT HAYES WARNER TARA STRI NGFELLOW
21 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Entertainment America’s oldest preserved plantation open to the public. Charleston, South Carolina | draytonhall.org Museum Galleries | Historic House | Active Archaeology See it and be moved.
22 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com JANUARY D&D Night at Owlbear Cafe When: 1/1 and 2/5 from 6-9 p.m. Where: Owlbear Cafe Drop in on the first Wednesday of every month to play D&D 5e at Owlbear Cafe! Bring a character (level 8) and get ready to game, eat and drink! --------------------------------------------------------------------- January Healing of 100! When: 1/11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Ivy Chiropractic Studio A channeled group healing experience where you get the opportunity to tap into the unknown and unseen - where all possibilities exist. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Fairy House Day When: 1/18, Session 1, 10 a.m.-noon, Session 2, noon- 2 p.m. Where: Palmetto Islands County Park Kids of all ages are invited to join us for the greatest, tiniest building project ever! Fairy houses and gnome homes are made from non-living, natural items, such as twigs and leaves, and the fairies and gnomes of Palmetto Islands County Park once again need your help to build their abodes. --------------------------------------------------------------------- MLK Day Brunch When: 1/18 from 12-3 p.m. Where: Park Circle Community Building Join us for a chill MLK Day Brunch in 2025 to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with good food and great company! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Coats & Cocktails When: 1/19 from 7-11 p.m. Where: 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd. An unforgettable night of luxury awaits! Gourmet food, open bar, red carpet glam, live entertainment and a VIP party bus. Experience it all! Calendar of Events
23 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com FEBRUARY --------------------------------------------------------------------- Visioning Love in 2025 When: 1/25 from 12-3 p.m. Where: Online event on Zoom Learn the keys to inspiring a series of breakthroughs in your love life, so that you can finally manifest your soulmate in 2025! This is a live online event on Zoom. --------------------------------------------------------------------- “I am Unapologetically Me” Purpose & Vision Board Experience When: 1/25 12-3 p.m. Where: 4565 Gaynor Ave. Join us for an extraordinary vision board experience unlike any other. Our upcoming event is not your ordinary vision board party. Led by a seasoned life coach, this immersive workshop is designed to help you clarify your purpose and bring your vision to life. Through guided exercises and thoughtful discussions, you'll gain valuable insights and practical tools to manifest your dreams. --------------------------------------------------------------------- DIA Southern Social + Fundraiser When: 1/31 from 6-9 p.m. Where: Pierce Park Pool and Pavilion Come join us for a shuckin' good time at the 2nd Annual DIA Southern Social + Fundraiser! Tickets include event access, pig and oyster roast, beer/wine and non-alcoholic drinks, activities, live band and an incredible silent auction supporting PADIA. Adults only please as this is our chance to get out and get to know our fellow DIA parents. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Valentine’s Candle Making Class with Blooming Kosmos When: 2/1 from 2-5 p.m. Where: Park Circle Community Building SKZ CHS and Blooming Kosmos are partnering to present a Valentine's Day-themed candle making class with a K-pop twist! Learn how to make your very own scented 8.5-ounce, 100% soy wax candle with Rina of Blooming Kosmos. Attendees will also enjoy sweet treats and bubbly bevs while listening to K-pop love songs with other stans. All materials are provided. Space is limited. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Lowcountry Oyster Festival When: 2/2 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Boone Hall Plantation The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival! Highlights include live music, raw oyster eating and shucking contests, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, specialty cocktails, a children’s area (“Pluffa-Palooza”) and a food court showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste. calendar of events MOUNT PLEASANT PARKS ARE HIRING FOR SUMMER! And it’s more than a summer job when it means skills that last a lifetime. Apply at CCPRC.com/jobs. SPLASH ISLAND WATERPARK ISLE OF PALMS COUNTY PARK
24 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- Fittest of the Coast When: 2/7-2/9 Where: Charleston Area Convention Center Join us at one of the country’s largest fitness events! We can guarantee you will experience big vibes and big moments! 20+ fitness vendors. --------------------------------------------------------------------- SEWE When: 2/14-2/16 Where: Different venues throughout Charleston Experience the nation’s premier celebration of wildlife art and the great outdoors at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. Hunt for your next piece of fine art, collect handcrafted goods, witness live demonstrations and get a taste of the Lowcountry. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Winter Charleston, 2025 Wedding Festival When: 2/16 from 1-4 p.m. Where: North Charleston Area Convention Center See the latest wedding trends and ideas for your wedding while saving thousands in show discounts and show specials for your big day. Tickets are $10 at the door and $8 online. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Charleston Mardi Gras Bar Crawl When: 2/22 from 4-10 p.m. Where: Downtown Charleston Kick off Mardi Gras in grand style at the epic Mardi Gras Bar Crawl! Get ready for a night packed with vibrant celebrations, Mardi Gras magic and unforgettable moments. This event promises a wild adventure through top bars and venues, complete with drinks, lively atmospheres and everything you need to bring out your carnival spirit. calendar of events
25 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Live Music January/February JANUARY----------------- SAM BURCHFIELD When: 1/10 from 8-11 p.m. Where: LO-Fi Brewing His latest album “Me & My Religion” was produced with his touring band The Scoundrels. It is the first collaboration for the group after years of paying dues to the highway. Colin Agnew (drums), Trygve Myers (bass) and Ryan Plumley (guitar) accompanied Burchfield to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, along with Nashville producer Rachael Moore to record the album. --------------------------------------------------------------------- SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE When: 1/10 and 1/11 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Gaillard Center During this concert, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Charleston Symphony, featuring the extraordinary violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and revered Austrian conductor Hans Graf. You’ll be captivated by Ravel’s “Mother Goose” and Barber’s “Violin Concerto,” as well as the epic orchestral masterpiece that is Berlioz’s “Symphonie fantastique.” From tender love scenes to a gripping march to the scaffold and an opium-fueled nightmare, Berlioz’s mesmerizing composition takes you on a thrilling, unforgettable journey. --------------------------------------------------------------------- CHRIS JANSON When: 1/16 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall Chris Janson is a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry and a multi-platinum songwriter and artist. His hits include “Buy Me a Boat,” “Fix a Drink” and “Good Vibes.” Rolling Stone proclaimed him “a live legacy in the making.” --------------------------------------------------------------------- HALESTORM’S LZZY AND JOE When: 1/22 at 7 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall Backing their monster riffs and euphoric choruses with pure rock and roll attitude, the band released their third studio album “Into the Wild Life” (2015), featuring "Amen," "I Am the Fire" and "Dear Daughter.” Halestorm’s latest release is the third installment of their EP “ReAniMate” covers series, featuring takes on Whitesnake, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Soundgarden and more! --------------------------------------------------------------------- JAMES MCMURTRY W/ BETTYSOO When: 1/28 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House The celebrated songwriter’s highly anticipated new record marks his debut on New West Records and garnered a slew of “Best Of 2021” awards plus an Americana Music Association Song of the Year nomination for “Canola Fields.”
26 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- EDDIE 9V W/ PAUL MCDONALD & THE MOURNING DOVES When: 1/30 at 8:30 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House It would be near impossible to overstate the uniquely singular quality of Paul McDonald’s voice and stage presence. FEBRUARY---------------- EDWIN MCCAIN When: 2/1 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall Edwin McCain of Greenville, South Carolina, is an alternative and indie rock guitar player. While his albums are released under his name, he does have a permanent band, referred to as the Edwin McCain Band. --------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ARCADIAN WILD W/ OH, JEREMIAH When: 2/4 at 6 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House The Arcadian Wild is a four-piece indie folk/pop group from Nashville. Led by songwriters Isaac Horn and Lincoln Mick and Bailey Warren on fiddle, The Arcadian Wild confidently inhabits and explores an intersection of genre, blending the traditional with the contemporary. --------------------------------------------------------------------- BOURBON, BLUES, & BONFIRES When: 2/8 from 3-7 p.m. Where: The Refinery The Refinery presents the 2nd Annual Bourbon, Blues, & Bonfires Festival! We invite you to join us on Saturday, Feb. 8 for this unique event, where casual sophistication meets the world of carefully curated bourbons, soulful blues and the warm allure of crackling bonfires. --------------------------------------------------------------------- TELL ME LIES – THE FLEETWOOD MAC EXPERIENCE When: 2/14 at 9 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House Tell Me Lies showcases the timeless hits of Fleetwood Mac, a band renowned for their exceptional songwriting and energetic live performances. The accomplished members of Tell Me Lies have been creating music together in various styles and combinations for many years. It was only natural for them to unite and honor the legacy of Fleetwood Mac. --------------------------------------------------------------------- PENELOPE ROAD When: 2/19 at 10 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Atlanta, Penelope Road is a five-piece band that boldly embraces the selfawarded label of “stanky funky junk.” Their sound is a captivating fusion of ‘70s rock, funk and soul, culminating in a distinctive and unforgettable musical experience. live music
27 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Our Town 751950 2025 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Join Our Legacy! Apply today at www.coksm.org 1183 Russell Drive Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 (843) 884-4721 Enroll your child and experience the difference of a Christ-centered education. For 75 years, Christ Our King - Stella Maris School has been dedicated to educating the whole child. We believe in nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth of our students. CHRIST OUR KING - STELLA MARIS SCHOOL
28 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com “Very fast response and very friendly staff. The plumber Mike who came over to fix our plumbing was very helpful and very knowledgeable. Very professional I would definitely call again.”- James B. MT. PLEASANT & CHARLESTON PLUMBING SERVICES AtlanticPlumbingServices.com 843-884-9444 Licensed and insured plumbers make sure you regain your comfort and safety quickly. 2025 ® POINT • SCAN • CLICK MAY/JUNE 2023 THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES ON MOUNTPLEASANTPODCAST.COM CALENDAR OF EVENTS • FAMILY EDITION The Love of Family The Heartbeat of Mount Pleasant Inclusion Positions Town for Third All-America City Award Boredom Busters, Perfect Picnics and Summer Soirées Extraordinary Businesses Embracing Extraordinary People 2023 THE DINGHY TURNS 10! (Page 22) IOP CHAMBER AND EXCHANGE CLUB JOIN FORCES (Page 6) THE LIFE AND TIMES OF J.C. LONG (Page 28) PARKING SUGGESTIONS FOR TOURISTS See Page 9 WILD DUNES SHOAL MANAGEMENT UPDATE See Page 3 MARINA PARKING SITUATION EXPLAINED See Page 5 Photo by Rachel Basye Vol.2 Issue 7 July 2024 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | FB & Instagram @CharlestonWomen The Evolution of Style Culture and Couture Donation Closets Hope for working women Fall gets Festive Fashion Week to Food & Wine Tag Along! Tour of Boutiques Photo by Mark Staff Photographer. CHARLESTON FASHION EDITION Fall 2024 WATCH OR LISTEN MountPleasantPodcast.com IsleOfPalmsPodcast.com CharlestonWomenPodcast.com Access area PODCASTS and DIGITAL MAGAZINES. MPMsubscribe.com subscribetoIslandVibes.com subscribetoCW.com ADDITIONAL PODCASTS TO WATCH OR LISTEN To be featured on these podcasts or in these magazines or for marketing information Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine or 843-530-0304 CarolinaRealEstatePodcast.com 302 Wingo Way, Suite 303 Mt. Pleasant @reformedermatology by @gabvasile Now accepting new patients for medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Gabriella Vasile (843) 974-1230 ReformeDermatology.com filler • botox • facials • hydrafacial • chemical peels • microneedling *when you mention this ad! ANY COSMETIC PROCEDURES glow into the new year 10%OFF Double Board-Certified Dermatologist + Fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon
29 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town Since this is Mount Pleasant Magazine’s Best Of Edition, I’d like to add a few things that weren’t up for a vote but which I think also represent the best of Mount Pleasant (these are not ranked in order). LOCALLY CAUGHT SEAFOOD The cover photo of this edition speaks to the popularity of our locally caught seafood. This eye-catching photo elicits the flavor, the culture, the history and the mystique of our Shem Creek fishing and shrimping fleet and its bounty. The flourishing restaurants lining the creek are a testimony to the demand for fresh, local seafood, as are the local seafood vendors who don’t cook it but sell it to us by the pound. I often say that if we lose the shrimping fleet, Shem Creek would look like any generic marina from Maine to Miami. God bless the fleet! Our shrimpers tell me that due to changes in environmental factors, they now have to go farther away from the mouth of Charleston Harbor to catch shrimp. Conservation of natural resources and limiting development runoff are key to protecting local seafood. SETTLEMENT COMMUNITIES At a big event recently, I was asked by a new resident about settlement communities and why they exist. They are called settlement communities because they are where formerly enslaved people settled upon leaving their former way of life on local plantations when slavery ended with the Civil War. I view them as living historic monuments representing the often slow, often contentious but inevitably effective American march of freedom and civil rights. Our settlement communities are spread all across east of the Cooper, reminding us of our Gullah-Geechie culture and our ties to the land. The town’s Sweetgrass Overlay Zoning District and our Community Conservation zoning category were passed in order to protect settlement communities for generations to come. MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD This is the most important of my Best Of list items because it involves a life and death issue. Due to our partnership with locally-based nonprofit WakeUp Carolina, founded by Mount Pleasant native Nanci SteadmanShipman, we were the only municipality in the state BY WILL HAYNIE MAYOR OF MOUNT PLEASANT Mayor’s Message Take joy in town pride
30 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com f Litigation, mediation and arbitration of family law matters f Divorce and high-net-worth divorce f Child support, custody and visitation f Qualified Domestic Relation Orders f Prenuptial Agreements f Trust and estate planning f Termination of parental rights and adoption A Different Approach to Family Law Services The experienced Family Law attorneys at Saxton & Stump craft individual strategies for each family’s unique divorce, custody, or child support situation. Give Us a Call: 843.414.5080 or Scan the QR code to learn more Rene Stuhr Dukes | J. Michael DeTreville | Jessica L. Partain | Emily C. Ford | Jennifer M. Shafer
31 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com to achieve a reduction in opioid-related overdoses — a whopping 40% reduction. The partnership is funded with money from the nationwide opioid settlement and enables our police department to work with WakeUp Carolina on community awareness, prevention and treatment. Since its inception in the wake of the loss of Nanci’s son Creighton to an opioid overdose in 2016, WakeUp Carolina’s message of hope and treatment has reached 1 million people from right here in our community. NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP Did you watch the Army-Navy game in December? Every year it is one of the highlights of college football and I predict it will become more so in this age of the transfer portal and paid college athletes. A new tradition during Army-Navy week is called “Worthy Rivals,” and emanates from right here in Mount Pleasant. Worthy Rivals is a discussion panel organized by our locally-based National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership in partnership with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, comprised of Medal of Honor recipients. The event occurs each year at the location of the Army-Navy game. This year’s event in Washington, D.C., was moderated by NBC News’ Courtney Kube and featured eight-time NFL Super Bowl champion coach and coordinator Bill Belichick; newly-elected U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, who is a West Point alumnus; Vice Admiral Sean Buck, U.S. Navy (Ret), superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy; and primary honorees, Medal of Honor recipients Ed Byers Jr. and Earl Plumlee. As demonstrated in the Worthy Rivals event, the mission of the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership is to take the values and principles of the Medal of Honor to all of America and demonstrate how commitment, sacrifice and character affect leadership not just on the battlefield, but in all walks of life. That’s a big reach and a profound effect originating from right here in Mount Pleasant. our town oasis Danco WWW.DANCOHOME.COM 1035 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant Open M-Sat.10am-5pm ph: 843.884.2256 e: sales@dancohome.com Charleston’s Coolest Modern. With its deeply splayed legs producing dramatic cantilevers and crafted in solid cherry or walnut hardwood, our Astrid Bedroom is an engineering feat that defies expectations and inspires a sense of possibility. With its dreamy combination of impressive design, innovative features, and organic wood grains, the LINQ collection is engineered for today’s connected lifestyle. Imported from Vermont. New Linq from BDI.
32 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com BY L. C. LEACH III Year in Review Countdown of town milestones If you had a time machine that could take you back to the Town of Mount Pleasant in 1970, you might be tempted to think you had landed elsewhere by mistake. The landscape would be home to less than 6,200 people. There would be no Memorial Waterfront Park, no Ravenel Bridge, no long-term economic development strategy for the future, no worries over greenspace and resources and no reason to think that Mount Pleasant would ever be anything more than simply another Lowcountry area attractive for its mild weather, fishing, water sports, summer beaches, history and food. Since that time 54 years ago, Mount Pleasant has been constantly growing: steadily through the 1980s, doubling in size in the 1990s and now more than triple its population from 1990 to around 95,000 and counting — with annual 2022 overnight visitors topping 1.42 million. With this growth has come concerns regarding affordable housing, traffic management, freshwater supply and resources, social crises and whether to limit future growth and development in drastic fashion, or to let the market continue to decide. In 2024, area leaders and officials addressed many of these concerns with more roadway improvements, first responder upgrades, preservation projects and other proactive measures intended to lead to major turning points in the area’s long-term direction. “All of these things are to enhance the quality of life in Mount Pleasant,” said Mayor Will Haynie. To this end, here is a countdown of the Town of Mount Pleasant’s Top 10 achievements in 2024: NO. 10: INSTALLATION OF EV CHARGING STATIONS This past summer, TOMP completed the installation of 23 electric vehicle charging stations, enhancing accessibility for EV users and promoting sustainability. Eleven of the charging stations are located at town hall and 12 are at Memorial Waterfront Park. The charging rate is set at 20 cents per kilowatthour, ensuring the long-term viability of this essential infrastructure. These new stations will not only provide accessible and convenient options for residents and visitors but encourage the use of electric vehicles and contribute to a greener, more sustainable community. NO. 9: LAUNCH OF OPAL PERMITTING SYSTEM Also this past summer, TOMP introduced a new online permitting and application licensing system (OPAL), a onestop digital platform designed to streamline the permitting process for planning, building and construction projects. OPAL is designed not only to enhance efficiency and provide a user-friendly experience for residents and businesses, but is also expected to ease the process of planning, building and other construction-related permit applications. Once registered, all users – such as architects, engineers, private providers, homeowners and administrative staff for contractors/qualifiers—can submit permit applications, track requests through the review process and pay for multiple permits in one transaction. NO. 8: LAUNCH OF GIS HUB This most recent innovation, launched last November, will make the town’s map-based resources more accessible and interactive. This online platform offers a range of tools for exploring Mount Pleasant’s infrastructure, zoning, trash pickup and development projects. “The new GIS Hub is a dynamic tool that provides residents and businesses with easy access to critical GIS data and applications,” said Amanda Brooks, town GIS manager. “As the site grows, we look forward to expanding its content and involving additional town departments to better serve our community.” Residents can now easily navigate local data through an intuitive, user-friendly interface at gis-tomp.hub.arcgis.com/. NO. 7: GRANTS AND APPROPRIATIONS The town successfully secured appropriations to fund
33 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com the Shem Creek Sustainability project, as well as grants for Capital Projects and Transportation totaling nearly $24 million. These funds support key initiatives such as roadway improvements, intersection upgrades and dedicated bike, pedestrian and transit infrastructure. The money for Shem Creek, for example, made possible through the efforts of state Sen. Chip Campsen and the South Carolina Legislature, will specifically allow for dredging in the area near the town-owned public docks and the working shrimp docks, ensuring public access and economic support of the shrimping and fishing fleet. NO. 6: TREE PLANTING AND PRESERVATION INITIATIVES As part of its Canopy Restoration Program and through the use of tree bank funds, TOMP took a big step forward in advancing tree planting and preservation efforts. This year, with the support of a grant from the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the town introduced the Community Forest Master Plan (CFMP), a comprehensive, long-term roadmap to create a healthy, thriving, proactively-managed community forest. Complementing this effort is an expanded Take Root program, which began in 2021 as a tree-planting initiative and has since grown to include tree giveaways, educational events and beautification projects. With nearly 5,000 trees distributed since spring 2021, Take Root empowers residents to preserve and expand the town’s tree canopy – especially since this canopy is now under constant threat from various factors including increased air pressure, the Asian long-horned beetle, hurricanes, flooding and sea level rise. Some of the town’s public planting projects so far include: • Pitt Street Bridge • Memorial Waterfront Park • Town hall • Highway 17 streetscape • Coleman Boulevard streetscape • Future capital projects “The overall intent is to not only keep a balance between nature and progress, but to foster a greener, more beautiful community for generations to come,” said Haynie of the initiatives. NO. 5: NEW FIRE TRUCKS FOR MOUNT PLEASANT FIRE DEPARTMENT The Fire Department enhanced its emergency response capabilities with the addition of two new fire trucks this past summer. Approved by the town council as far back as the 2020-21 budget, the vehicles comprise an Engine 503 and a Ladder 505, with a total cost value of $2.5 million. Together, the two new trucks have a total water capacity of 1,250 gallons and come equipped with state-of-the-art technology and safety features, such as: • Ability to pump 1,500 gallons of water per minute. • Command zone TM electrical systems, currently considered among fire departments as the most reliable and configurable. • TAK-4® independent front suspensions, which allow for up to 10 inches of suspension travel, a light spring rate, robust design and independent wheel movement, and a system that keeps tires on track for improved overall handling and performance. • 500 HP Cummins X12 engines, which have been powering the fire service since 1937 and are designed with power-to-weight ratio as the lightest heavy-duty engine on the market. Deputy Fire Chief William Barnes added that both new additions not only sport a shorter wheelbase for better maneuverability in making sharp turns and navigating tight spaces, but also a standard cab height of 12 feet, 3 inches for “better clearance in areas.” NO. 4: AWARDS AND RE-ACCREDITATIONS TOMP was honored with the 2024 Municipal Association of South Carolina Achievement Award for its partnership with WakeUp Carolina, which addresses the opioid crisis through peer-based recovery support. Opioid use in the Palmetto State has been classified as an epidemic, with the South Carolina Department of Public Health reporting 2,296 drug overdose deaths in 2022 alone. “But in the past year, we have been able to reduce overdoses in Mount Pleasant by 40% for 2023,” said WakeUp Carolina Executive Director Nanci SteadmanShipman, who founded the community organization in 2016. “And our partnership with the Town of Mount Pleasant has really been a huge factor in making this happen.” Since 2020, WakeUp Carolina has provided numerous events and outreach gatherings including: 657 family recovery group sessions, 825 recovery group sessions and 1,232 community events to name a few. It has also referred 2,735 individuals so far to other recovery support services, 909 individuals to recovery housing and 1,024 individuals our town
www.scfederal.orgRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1