Where the sidewalk ends

Project: 700 Crosswalks in the Lowcountry

Look forward to improved crosswalks in the Lowcountry. | Photo provided by SCDOT

Why did the Charlestonian cross the road? To get to their dinner reservations on time. All jokes aside, a project is well underway at the SC Dept. of Transportation to update or install 700 crosswalks across the Lowcountry in seven years. Josh Johnson, SCDOT District Six Traffic Engineer, provided the latest on the initiative.

Who’s behind this project?

Project: 700 Crosswalks is an initiative by SCDOT District Six to add or improve 700 crosswalks at intersections across Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, Colleton, Beaufort, and Jasper counties by 2025.

What changes are being made?

The project includes creating new crosswalks with pushbuttons and pedestrian signals and upgrading existing crosswalks with pedestrian ramps, pushbuttons, and signals.

What’s been accomplished so far?

Approximately 288 crosswalks are complete out of the goal of 700. Last year, 51 were completed. Increased costs and limited contractor availability impacted progress in 2022.

What’s still left to go?

There are ~412 crosswalks left to be completed to meet the goal. Approximately 256 of these are in the planning, design, or construction phase.

This year, progress has been made at locations including Orangeburg Road and Tupperway Drive in Summerville, Rembert C. Dennis Boulevard in Moncks Corner, and Highway 17A in Summerville.

Click here to have your event featured.

Friday, Feb. 24

Gimme Gimme Disco | Friday, Feb. 24 | 10 p.m. | Music Farm, 32 Ann St., Charleston | $25 | Put on your dancing shoes for this DJ dance party featuring ABBA hits and other tunes from the 1970s and 1980s — disco attire encouraged.
Disney’s Aladdin | Friday, Feb. 24-Sunday, Feb. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston | $52+ | Discover a whole new world during this hit Broadway musical.

Saturday, Feb. 25

31st Annual Sea & Sand Festival | Saturday, Feb. 25-Sunday, Feb. 26 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Center Street, Folly Beach | $10-$15 | Look forward to local vendors, live music, and art plus a free-to-attend sand sculpting competition on Sunday at 9 a.m.
Cork Shuckin’ Festival 2023 | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Deep Water Vineyard, 6775 Bears Bluff Rd., Wadmalaw Island | $20+ | Head to this annual oyster roast featuring food trucks, live music, tastings, and oysters by the bucket from Old Man Oysters.
Stingrays Hockey: Star Wars Night + Light Sword Giveaway | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 6-9 p.m. | North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston | $21 | Calling all “Star Wars” fans, come cheer on the Stingrays against the Atlanta Gladiators.

Sunday, Feb. 26

“Bring Your Own Shuckers” Oyster Roast Series | Sunday, Feb. 26 | 12-5 p.m. | Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave., North Charleston | $25+ | Dig into all-you-can-eat oysters and enjoy local DJs spinning tunes at this oyster roast series.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

KEEP PLANNING YOUR WEEKEND

Wellness newsletter loading... 👀

We’ll explore how pickleballl is sweeping the nation (and our city) in our first wellness newsletter. | Photo via Flickr

Ready for a change? This Monday, you’ll be introduced to a brand new product for Charlestonians who choose salad instead of fries (or, who get a salad with a side of fries, because #balance).

We’re launching a wellness newsletter dedicated to sleeping well, eating better, getting in your daily 10,000 steps, and just feeling all-around stronger in mind, body, and soul in the Holy City.

A project three years in the making has finally turned reality with the support of Roper St. Francis Healthcare (thanks, y’all) — look for it in your inbox on Monday at noon. 📩

Weather

81º | Evening showers | 61% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 6:52 a.m.
Set: 6:14 p.m.

Tide

Low: 4:56 a.m. + 5:13 p.m.
High: 11:13 a.m. + 11:37 p.m.

Civic

Dorchester County will review its five-year comprehensive plan and determine which action items are complete, underway, or outstanding. Stay tuned for information on public meetings to discuss the future plan. (WCSC)

Award

SC Biz News has chosen this year’s honorees for the Lowcountry Diversity Leadership Awards spotlighting leaders and organizations in the tri-county area. Register for a virtual celebration on March 23. (Charleston Regional Business Journal)
Local real estate firm The Beach Company has two new accolades. The firm won bronze for Development Company of the Year and its downtown community, The Jasper, won gold for Best Development: Mixed-Use. 🏆

Arts

Several traffic signal boxes in North Charleston are getting a new look. Ten digital designs by local students will be selected and displayed throughout the city. Selected artists will receive a $100 prize and the deadline to enter is March 31. 🧑‍🎨 (WCSC)

Plan Ahead

The Lowcountry Cajun Festival returns this spring with Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, and kids activities. The celebration is set for Saturday, April 22 at James Island County Park. This year, admission is charged per car. Snag tickets.

Watch

“Outer Banks” star Madelyn Cline recently shared her hometown guide to Charleston. Watch the video. FYI: Season three of this locally-filmed show was released yesterday on Netflix. 🎥 (Condé Nast Traveler)

Drink

Wondering where to grab a cocktail or mocktail with friends? Check out this list of “Where to Drink in Charleston Right Now, February 2023” including spots like Bar Rollins and Sorelle. 🍹 (Eater Carolinas)

Finance

This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — and its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards financial freedom. Try it out for yourself.*

Number

55°. That’s the optimal temperature for storing wine. So unless you enjoy keeping your humble abode chilled year round, we recommend buying a wine fridge to foster favorable conditions for long-term aging. Our pick: this sleek wine fridge with touch-panel control and capacity for 24 bottles. Cheers. 🍷 *

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Got clutter?

Where to donate items in Charleston, SC

We’re getting the itch for some home reorganization. | GIF by Pottencial Seguradora S.A. via Giphy

Where are our Monicas at? Spring cleaning season is on the horizon.

Start planning your attack (we mean, your approach) with these three tips to manage clutter:

If you’re looking to donate furniture

Hope to Home in IOP provides free furniture to displaced people and people transitioning out of homelessness. The organization collects items such as dressers, couches, and pots + pans. If you’d like to donate, send an email.

If you’re cleaning out your closets

Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach accepts gently-used clothing + nonperishable foods such as saltines, peanut butter, and boxed pasta. Bring your donations to the Johns Island location Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. or downtown location Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

If you simply need more space

Neighbor offers storage options listed by locals. Rent anything from an attic, a shed, a spare bedroom, and a garage to store your stuff. Bonus: You can also rent parking spots.

MORE SPRING CLEANING TIPS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Tatum.

Editor’s pick: It’s the last weekend of February (thank goodness) and I don’t know about y’all, but I’m looking forward to celebrating the season. From art fests to sporting events, here are 10 things to do this spring. 🎉

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out Charlestonian 101, our guide to all things CHS citizenship, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alexandra Garian, Tatum Jacaruso, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Stephanie Zapiecki | Advertise with us.

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