Mount Pleasant Town Hall is buzzing with anticipation for plans and projects after securing a third All-America City Award. The town has now won the prestigious award three times (2010, and 2018) which is the most of any municipality in the Palmetto State. In early 2023, a team of town staff members began the lengthy process of applying for the designation while emphasizing … [Read more...]
Bust a Move: The Legislator Who Made the Shag the Official SC State Dance
Twenty-four states do their Promenades, Do-Si-Dos and Allemande Lefts with pride during their official state dance, the square dance. Wisconsinites claim the polka. Out in California itâs the West Coast Swing while the bayou country of Louisiana rocks with the Cajun Jig. North Carolina and Kentucky hit the dance floor for clogging while in Hawaii, of course, the official dance … [Read more...]
Attention, Class! Mount Pleasant Schools Seat Two New Principals
Chas Coker at Wando In a significant education development for the local school community, Chas Coker has been named the next principal of Wando High School. The announcement, made by the school district in early May, marks a new era for Wando. Coker, a highly respected and experienced leader, brings with him extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of education, … [Read more...]
Served & Protected Beloved: Longtime Mount Pleasant P.D. Officer Retires
At the age of 12, Mount Pleasant Police Department Captain Chip Googe already knew exactly what career he wanted to pursue when he grew up. Googeâs father worked for the Charleston County Police Department, eventually moving to the Charleston County Sheriffâs Department. His uncle worked in law enforcement as well. Growing up around a family with law enforcement ties made an … [Read more...]
Power (Up) Lifting with Carl Ritchie
Charleston native Carl Ritchie has always lived a life of service. From the military to law enforcement to Mount Pleasant Town Council, everywhere he goes he tries to leave things better than he found them. Presently his focus is on the South Carolina Special Olympics Powerlifting team, where heâs using physical fitness and strength training to empower young athletes to succeed … [Read more...]
Autism and Man’s Best Friend: Our world is Coming Up Daisies
Autism. The word may invoke some preconceived notions and conjure up movie scenes ..from Tom Cruiseâs âRain Main.â But as ..a mother of a young adult on the spectrum, Iâll be the first to tell you, just like neurotypical kids are all different, so are neurodivergent ones. Sometimes my son Luke (19) â a brilliant classical guitarist, musician and techie â just like all of us, … [Read more...]
The Start of the Mount Pleasant Boom: Bayview Acres
Bayview Acres. The name itself is charming, and it was meant to be. In the early 20th century, Bayview Acres was created to lure city folks to the burgeoning suburban community of Mount Pleasant, an early piece of the puzzle that would grow into the modern metropolis we know and love today. In 1937, the town of Mount Pleasant launched a campaign to draw downtown Charleston … [Read more...]
A Blast from Our Past: Mount Pleasant Families Recite Memories of Growing Up in Town
Many families are drawn to Mount Pleasant because of its great schools, variety of sports activities, the wonderful neighborhoods, its lovely parks â the list goes on and on. But some families have known the charm of Mount Pleasant for generations, long before it grew into a bustling suburb approaching 100,000 residents. Anne DuPre Royallâs family is one. Her branch of … [Read more...]
A Lowcountry In Bloom: The Gardens Are Open, So Come On In
Spring has arrived again, and throughout the Lowcountry the landscape is transforming all around us. Dedicated gardeners have returned to their modest flower beds while full-time horticulturists prepare their tools to create magnificent floral and arboreal masterpieces for all to see. Many of the areaâs prominent plantations and historic sites boast some of the most amazing … [Read more...]
SommbĂĄ Cocina: The Dance Between Wine and Food
On Jan. 31 the front doors opened to SommbĂĄ Cocina restaurant, and the shape of dining in Mount Pleasant would never be the same. From the high-octane team that brought you SAVI Cucina and Wine Bar, SommbĂĄ promises small plates with big flavor â and an even bigger wine cellarâto keep guests coming back for more. When they set out to open their new restaurant, business … [Read more...]