Wedding & Event Venue Near Mt. Pleasant, SC.

MOUNT PLEASANT — It’s been more than a decade since the town bought more than 120 acres for a future park. Now, voters are being asked to approve a property tax increase to make that park a reality.

Most of the $50 million Mount Pleasant would borrow, if the park tax referendum were to pass in a town-wide vote Nov. 8, would be used to develop the site on Rifle Range Road, with an estimated $10 million going to other recreation projects.

The town’s property tax would rise by 10 percent to pay off the borrowed money plus interest. When the debt is paid off after 15 years the extra tax would end, according to advocates, although the referendum does not mention a time limit.

The impact on total property tax bills would be much smaller than a 10 percent increase because the town accounts for just a portion of those annual bills and the school district gets the largest share.

Most Town Council members — seven of nine — supported putting the referendum on the ballot and some are actively working to see it passed.

“We’re trying to create something for this generation and the next,” Councilman John Iacofano said. “I think it’s going to be tight, but I think it’s going to pass.”

Mayor Will Haynie and Councilwoman Brenda Corley are opposed.

“In bad economic times, not everyone can afford this,” said Haynie. “I’m out there letting people know why they ought to vote no.”

He said the town should rely on impact fees that apply to new home construction to fund growth-related needs for recreation projects. The most those fees could raise would be $1.68 million yearly by Haynie’s estimate and wouldn’t allow the town to borrow tens of millions to put plans in action.

“If the referendum is successful, we can begin building immediately,” Iacofano and Councilwoman G.M. Whitley wrote, urging support for the ballot question.

Plans for the park site include four large playing fields, tennis and pickleball courts, playgrounds, fishing piers, a disc golf course, trails, volleyball and basketball courts, a performance space and a multipurpose building.

“It will be the Central Park of Mount Pleasant,” then-Mayor Billy Swails said in 2010, when the town and county agreed to spend $20 million to buy the land.

Iacofano said that if the town had raised its property tax then, the town would have a park by now.

“I don’t know that people truly understand how inexpensive our taxes are in Mount Pleasant, considering the services received,” he said.

The referendum would put an estimated $40 million toward building the park. The remaining 20 percent of the money would go to renovations of the Park West pool building, improvements at the Mugsy Kerr tennis complex on Whipple Road, and bike/pedestrian trails. If any money is left, the town could use that to fund green space preservation.

So, just how much would taxes increase if the referendum were to pass?

The impact on any particular taxpayer would vary, because the property tax is based on the assessed value of real estate and vehicles. Even next-door homeowners with identical houses could see very different results, depending when they purchased their homes and what vehicles sit in the driveways.

For an owner-occupant with a house valued at $500,000 for tax purposes, passage of the referendum would mean an extra $80, plus the added tax on any vehicles.

If that same house were a rental property, the extra tax would be $120, because commercial properties are taxed at a 50 percent higher rate. Large businesses would see the greatest tax difference.

The last time the town put a recreation referendum on the ballot, in 2015, it was narrowly defeated. The town has planned to develop the park site since it was purchased in 2010, but has not developed a funding plan.

The town’s property is half the 245-acre site that was jointly purchased with Charleston County Parks and Recreation. The town’s portion is planned for more active recreation, with playing fields, pickleball courts and other amenities.

Some people, including Corley, have come to see the town-owned land as green space that should not be developed. In voting against holding a referendum, Corley expressed concern about the impact on wildlife.

Recreation advocates argue that the town has far too few playing fields to handle the current demand, and say most of the jointly owned site would remain undeveloped in any case.

A group called Vote for Parks — Mount Pleasant has put up a website (voteparks.org) advocating for the referendum. There appears to be no organized opposition, but a big hurdle for supporters will be overcoming the history of town voters opposing property tax increases, including the 2015 park referendum and the 2020 Charleston County affordable housing referendum.

Daniel Brownstein, who ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the statehouse against Joe Bustos in 2020, is representing that group. He said it’s being funded by “local citizens who want to ensure that children and adults have adequate parks and recreational amenities.”

From life in the classroom to hanging out with friends, the College of Charleston’s new Social Media Ambassador program gives students the power to share their CofC experiences through fun, creative content.

A total of 10 students passionate about keeping up with social media trends and the latest happenings in Charleston and campus life have been selected to create content on the main College of Charleston social media accounts, including Instagram and Tik Tok. The program allows students to showcase their daily lives and experiences at the College, including eating in the dining halls, participating in experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom, attending campus events such as athletics games and more!

“I am looking forward to sharing my experiences in the variety of departments around campus, whether in athletics, the theatre and dance department or the communication department,” says Kylee Poole, an Honors College student double-majoring in dance and communication, who is among the College’s first-ever social media ambassadors.

“College is different for everyone, so having students share their unique experiences offers both current and prospective students a chance to see the College of Charleston through the eyes of their peers and hopefully learn something new about campus, clubs or classes,” says Social Media Manager Marissa Bamonte ’18 (’19 M.A.). “Student content is well received because it’s authentic and relatable and helps connect CofC students across campus and beyond.”

Meet the 10 CofC Social Media Ambassadors:

Name: Jenna Cagle, Class of 2026

Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Major: Biochemistry with a pre-dental concentration and minor in healthcare and medical services management

Clubs/Organizations: Honors College, Outdoor Adventures Club, Young Life and Charleston BCM

Why CofC: “I chose CofC for its close-knit community, proximity to the beach, its location across from MUSC, and to just live in a different environment from home. I am looking forward to making so many memories with my new friends in this vibrant city!”

Name: Sydney Scott, Class of 2023

Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina

Major: Exercise science and a double minor in psychology and coaching

Clubs/Organizations: Currently involved in photography around the Charleston area and all over the country

Why CofC: “I chose the College of Charleston because of the beautiful area, the amazing people, and the great academic atmosphere.”

Name: Kylee Poole, Class of 2025

Hometown: Knoxville, Teneessee

Major: Dance and Communication double-major with a theatre minor

Clubs/Organizations: Cougarettes Dance Team, Honors College and Dance Alliance Club

Why CofC: “I chose CofC because Charleston offers the opportunity to be immersed in nature year-round, as well as endless artistic opportunities to get involved in.”

Why be a social media ambassador: “I want to give back to my community. Charleston has something for everybody!”

Name: Charlotte Ottaiano, Class of 2026

Hometown: Morristown, New Jersey

Major: Studio Arts with a concentration in photography and minor in communications

Clubs/Organizations: Cistern Media, Young Life, Film Club, Cheese Club and Planned Parenthood

Why CofC: “I have found a welcoming home here at CofC and want to be involved in the wonderful opportunities presented here.”

Why be a social media ambassador: “I believe I can develop great marketing and communication skills that will further my level of experience.”

Name: Aziya Cureton, Class of 2024

Hometown: Rock Hill, South Carolina

Major: Business Administration

Clubs/Organizations: Works at Einstein Bagels

Why CofC: “I love the atmosphere here and being in downtown Charleston.”

Why be a social media ambassador: “I am looking forward to meeting new people through this program and covering social media during the basketball season.”

Name: Lina Wunderlich, Class of 2026

Hometown: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Major: Psychology on a pre-med track

Clubs/Organizations: Greek Life, Charleston Miracles, Best Buddies and Women in STEM

Why CofC: “I love the atmosphere, and everyone here has been so kind with the adjustment to the college. I also came here because I want to pursue a career in the medical field and there are great opportunities at MUSC.”

Why be a social media ambassador: “I love to be involved in as many organizations as possible. I am looking forward to the social media ambassador program because, I love to create social media content, especially for students who are interested in coming to CofC.”

Name: Casey Riley, Class of 2026

Hometown: Medford, New Jersey

Major: Exercise Science

Clubs/Organizations: Charleston 40, CofC OPTA, NJAC and a peer educator in the FYE program

Why CofC: “The College of Charleston has stood out to her ever since vacationing and visiting family in the area as a child. My dad is a CofC alum and has helped me fall in love with the city and school.”

Why be a social media ambassador: “I started becoming interested in videography and photography in middle school and developed a passion for it as I’ve gotten older. I am looking forward to representing CofC as an ambassador and continuing to share my work in hopes of having my own videography/photography side business.”

Name: Emma Willingham, Class of 2026

Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Major: International business

Clubs/Organizations: Greek Life, Cheese Club and Honors College

Why CofC: “I chose CofC because of the business program, study abroad options and ease, and of course because I love Charleston.”

Why be a social media ambassador: “I’m looking forward to meeting new people and trying out new things in the social media world for the ambassador program.”

Name: Sofie Maraganore, Class of 2026

Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts

Major: Undecided but focusing on marketing with a minor in studio art

Clubs/Organizations: Social Media Ambassador program

Why CofC: “I chose College of Charleston for its location and school atmosphere. I loved how supportive and friendly everyone was when I toured here!”

Why be a social media ambassador: “I applied to the CofC Social Media Ambassador program because it is my dream to manage a fashion brands social media accounts and would love to create content for CofC. I am so excited to see what experiences College of Charleston and this program brings me!”

Name: Emily Coker, Class of 2025

Hometown: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Major: Studio art with a minor in environmental studies

Clubs/Organizations: CofC Empowher and HerCampus

Why CofC: “I chose CofC because my mom is an alumna and loved her experience here.”

Why be a social media ambassador: “I am very excited for what the future holds for the new ambassador program and using my photography skills across campus.”

We're in the thick of state championship season in high school football, but don't let that get basketball off your mind.

ESPN released its television and streaming schedule for the AXE National Interscholastic Basketball Conference Series in high school boys basketball this season, with six games on ESPNU and a bunch being streamed on ESPN+.

The schedule is chock full of teams in the SBLive/Sports Illustrated Power 25.

The 10 NIBC teams competing are: Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.); AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.); Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.); IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.); La Lumiere School (La Porte, Ind.); Long Island Lutheran High School, aka LuHi (Brookville, N.Y.); Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.); Bishop Walsh School (Cumberland, Md.); Legacy Early College (Greenville, S.C.); and Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah).

Here's the schedule, which runs from Dec. 1 through March 4 (all times Eastern; all games on ESPN+ unless otherwise noted):

Thursday, Dec. 1

IMG Academy (Fla.) at Montverde Academy (Fla.), 5 p.m. (ESPNU)

Oak Hill Academy (Va.) at Sunrise Christian (Kan.), 6:30 p.m. (ESPNU)

Legacy Early College (S.C.) vs. LuHi (N.Y.) at Montverde Academy (Fla.), 7 p.m.

AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) vs. Wasatch Academy (Utah) at Koch Arena (Kan.), 8:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 2

Bishop Walsh (Md.) vs. AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) at Koch Arena (Kan.), 5 p.m.

La Lumiere (Ind.) vs. Legacy Early College (S.C.) at Montverde Academy (Fla.), 6 p.m.

Wasatch Academy (Utah) vs. Oak Hill Academy (Va.) at Koch Arena (Kan.), 7 p.m.

LuHi (N.Y.) at Montverde Academy (Fla.), 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 3

IMG Academy (Fla.) vs. La Lumiere (Ind.) at Montverde Academy (Fla.), 4 p.m.

Bishop Walsh (Md.) at Sunrise Christian (Kan.), 7 p.m.

Legacy Early College (S.C.) at Montverde Academy (Fla.), 8 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 8

Montverde Academy (Fla.) at Bishop Walsh (Md.), 6 p.m.

Legacy Early College (S.C.) vs. Sunrise Christian (Kan.) in Cumberland, Md., 8 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 9

Sunrise Christian (Kan.) vs. La Lumiere (Ind.) in Cumberland, Md., 6 p.m.

IMG Academy (Fla.) vs. LuHi (N.Y.) in Scottsdale, Ariz., 6:30 p.m.

Oak Hill Academy (Va.) vs. Montverde Academy (Fla.) in Cumberland, Md., 8 p.m.

Wasatch Academy (Utah) vs. AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) in Scottsdale, Ariz., 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 10

La Lumiere (Ind.) vs. Oak Hill Academy (Va.) in Cumberland, Md., 2 p.m.

Legacy Early College (S.C.) at Bishop Walsh (Md.), 4 p.m.

LuHi (N.Y.) vs. Wasatch Academy (Utah) in Scottsdale, Ariz., 5 p.m.

AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) vs. IMG Academy (Fla.) in Scottsdale, Ariz., 8 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 5

Wasatch Academy (Utah) at La Lumiere (Ind.), 3 p.m. (ESPNU)

Montverde Academy (Fla.) vs. Sunrise Christian (Kan.) in La Porte, Ind., 5 p.m. (ESPNU)

Bishop Walsh (Md.) vs. LuHi (N.Y.) in La Porte, Ind., 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 6

Legacy Early College (S.C.) vs. AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) in La Porte, Ind., 3 p.m.

Oak Hill Academy (Va.) vs. IMG Academy (Fla.) in La Porte, Ind., 7 p.m.

Wasatch Academy (Utah) vs. Montverde Academy (Fla.) in La Porte, Ind., 9 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 7

Bishop Walsh (Md.) vs. Legacy Early College (S.C.) in La Porte, Ind., 2 p.m.

AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) vs. Oak Hill Academy (Va.) in La Porte, Ind., 4 p.m.

Sunrise Christian (Kan.) vs. IMG Academy (Fla.) in La Porte, Ind., 6 p.m.

LuHi (N.Y.) at La Lumiere (Ind.), 8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 14

Oak Hill Academy (Va.) vs. LuHi (N.Y.) in Springfield, Mass., 2:30 p.m.

La Lumiere (Ind.) vs. Montverde Academy (Fla.) in Springfield, Mass., 4 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 15

AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) vs. Oak Hill Academy (Va.) in Springfield, Mass., 4 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 2

LuHi (N.Y.) vs. Bishop Walsh (Md.) in Union, N.J., 1 p.m.

La Lumiere (Ind.) vs. Montverde Academy (Fla.) in Union, N.J., 3 p.m. (ESPNU)

Sunrise Christian (Kan.) at IMG Academy (Fla.), 5 p.m. (ESPNU)

Legacy Early College (S.C.) vs. Wasatch (Utah) in Bradenton, Fla., 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 3

Sunrise Christian (Kan.) vs. Wasatch Academy (Utah) in Bradenton, Fla., 6 p.m.

Legacy Early College (S.C.) at IMG Academy (Fla.), 8 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10

Montverde Academy (Fla.) at IMG Academy (Fla.), 8 p.m.

Thursday, March 2

Wasatch Academy (Utah) vs. Bishop Walsh (Md.) in Greenville, S.C., 5 p.m.

LuHi (N.Y.) at Legacy Early College (S.C.), 7 p.m.

La Lumiere (Ind.) vs. Oak Hill Academy (Va.) in Greenville, S.C., 9 p.m.

Friday, March 3

LuHi (N.Y.) vs. Sunrise Christian Academy (Kan.) in Greenville, S.C., 5 p.m.

Oak Hill Academy (Va.) at Legacy Early College (S.C.), 7 p.m.

La Lumiere (Ind.) vs. AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) in Greenville, S.C., 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 4

Oak Hill Academy (Va.) vs. Bishop Walsh (Md.) in Greenville, S.C., 1 p.m.

Wasatch Academy (Utah) at Legacy Early College (S.C.), 3 p.m.

AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) vs. LuHi (N.Y.) in Greenville, S.C., 5 p.m.

Sunrise Christian Academy (Kan.) vs. La Lumiere (Ind.) in Greenville, S.C., 7 p.m.

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – News 2 spoke with college football fans who gathered Saturday afternoon at the Charleston Sports Pub to watch the 2022 Palmetto Bowl.

It’s a day marked on everyone’s calendar.

“We wait for it every year,” Clemson Football fan Linda Snider said.

That day is when the Tigers and Gamecocks clash in the Palmetto Bowl.

“The Carolina and Clemson thing that’s been going on for years is just huge throughout the entire state,” Gamecocks fan Bryan Longtine said, “whether you’re in the Upstate, the Midlands or down here in the Lowcountry.”

Fans of both schools say it’s a rivalry that runs deep.

“We’ve just had lots of family graduate from Clemson,” Snider said, “so we have orange in our blood and that’s how it is.”

“It’s great for the state,” Longtine said. “Everybody’s usually pretty friendly about it.”

Tigers’ fans are riding high after winning the last seven meetings, including a 30-0 victory last year.

“Go Tigers baby,” Tigers’ fan William Hawkins said.

But the Gamecocks are coming off an impressive 63-38 win over the top-ten ranked Tennessee Volunteers.

“That Tennessee game was great motivation for USC,” Longtine said.

Which had some Clemson fans worried.

“I have a lot of anxiety over the game,” Snider said. “I think the Gamecocks did a great job last week.”

However, others are not too concerned.

“Coming off that game last week,” Hawkins said, “I mean, that scared all of us Clemson fans a little bit, but I believe our defense will be ready for them.”

And aside from the winner of Saturday’s match-up taking home the Palmetto Bowl Trophy, fans say something much sweeter is at stake.

“It’s a year of bragging rights man,” Hawkins said. “It’s a year of being able to pat your co-workers on the back and say, ‘Good game, guys. Good game.’ Sarcastically, of course.”

The South Carolina Gamecocks went on to beat the Clemson Tigers, 31-30, for their first Palmetto Bowl victory since 2013.

Charleston, S.C.: For forty years, Charleston Friends of the Library (CFOL) has given community members the opportunity to become more involved with Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) by volunteering their time and services and providing financial support for programming across all 18 branches. With support from its members and the community, CFOL has been able to help CCPL maintain being the main pillar in the Charleston community for resources of the present and a bridge to opportunities in the future.

This past year, CCPL safely produced 1,016 programs over 18 branches virtually and in person. CFOL wants to continue to help CCPL produce programs that our community members can participate in and with the support of generous donors, they have contributed to donating over 1.2 million dollars to help with programs such as the Summer Reading Program, Take and Make, Free and Fresh Community Fridge Program, Books on Buses, and other regular programming at your local branch.

Each year, CFOL continues to raise the bar and this year is no different. We’re hoping to raise $5,000 to continue to provide our donation to the CCPL.

For our 40th birthday, you can give $40 (or more!) to help ensure 40 more years. Thanks to a challenge issued by a generous donor, if we raise $5,000 in total donations, it will be matched by an additional $5,000. You may donate online (https://charlestonlibraryfriends.charityproud.org/Donate/?cid=14614), or send a check to Charleston Friends of the Library (CFOL), 68 Calhoun St., Charleston, SC 29401.

“It’s been an honor for me to lead the CFOL Board for the last few years. I am standing on the shoulders of previous great board leaders and many dedicated volunteers who keep our engine running,” said Carin Jorgensen, President, CFOL Board of Directors. “I look forward to celebrating more milestones with this great organization and continuing to raise funds to support the important programming that takes place through CCPL. Please join me in supporting CFOL during this amazing 40th anniversary so we can reach our matching gift challenge!”

Follow us on Social Media for updates at @chslibfriends and or directly support us by being a member, making a donation, or signing up to volunteer on our website charlestonlibraryfriends.org. Becoming a Friend of the Library is a great way to show your support for the CCPL, help fund library programs, and encourage reading in our community.

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