7/20 NEWSBREAK: Oppressive heat continues to sizzle Lowcountry

Heat advisories are expected across the state today as hot, humid weather continues to cause the Palmetto State to sizzle. The National Weather Service predicted heat indexes of up to 112 degrees in Charleston and Berkeley counties, issuing a heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday.

Berkeley County nonprofit Project Love RDBNK is opening a cooling center at 133 Red Bank Road from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m today. It will provide movies, board games, coloring sheets and cold water for the homeless, those who work outside or those who don’t have access to working air-conditioning.

As the heat is expected to continue through the weekend, S.C. Rep. Wendell Gilliard, D-S.C., and other Lowcountry leaders are hosting an emergency air conditioner giveaway July 22 at the Lowes off of Glenn McConnell in West Ashley. Air conditioners will be given out to the first 135 cars in line.

Officials say they’re also seeing an increase in heat-related medical conditions. Symptoms to recognize illnesses include dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea and heavy sweating.

“When you know that you’re starting to feel any signs or symptoms, find access to other things such as cold blankets or towels you can apply to the skin, getting to a place where there’s a fan [or] air conditioning,” said Dr. Charlotte Collins of the Medical University of South Carolina.

In City Paper news:

CP: Charleston council defers bike safety proposal amid safety opposition. Charleston City Council deferred a motion that eliminates a lane of traffic on King Street between Calhoun and Broad streets, expands street parking and adds additional loading zones to keep large vehicles out of the way.

CP: How to find the good stuff for National Tequila Day. Beverage director Brian Livesay and general manager Jordan Huschka of the Matador restaurant in Charleston offered several tips on how to avoid the hangover and enjoy tequila ahead of July 24, National Tequila Day.

In other news from around the state:

Organizations to host 4th annual Rescue Brew Spokesdog and Spokescat contest. Five South Carolina-based organizations are coming together to honor dogs, cats and the people who care for them for the Fourth annual Rescue Brew Spokesdog and Spokescat contest. One winning dog and one winning cat will have their photo appear on the new release of the 2023 Rescue Brew beer this fall. Meanwhile, Charleston Animal Society is asking for more funds from Charleston County to help pay for the services provided.

Folly Beach charter group sued by feds over ‘party island’. The federal government alleged that Hooley Island, operated by Hooley World Wide Inc., is an illegal obstruction in navigable waters and a violation of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 189, citing that the business did not have permission to install the man-made wooden deck, which sits in the middle of a creek that flows into the Folly River.

Seawall issue will not be in November elections. Charleston City Council did not add a referendum on a proposed seawall on the November ballot. City legal counsel said the idea came too late for the county’s deadline for such proposals.

Charleston Co. leaders discuss, vote on developments in Ten Mile Community. Charleston County leaders discussed the potential for three new developments in the Ten Mile Historic Settlement Community Wednesday during a Historic Preservation Commission meeting.

Cyclist travels across S.C. to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. Charleston cyclist William Sweezy traveled 255 miles during the Ride to End Alz, cross-state journey event to raise funds and awareness for the research, care and support efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

North Charleston BBQ restaurant to open, Summerville restaurant to see new life. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is set to open at 4950 Centre Pointe Drive next to Carolina Crab House in the Shoppes at Centre Pointe near Tanger Outlets. Meanwhile, Hushpuppies Seafood Kitchen plans to open in the former space that once housed Crust Wood Fired Pizza at 1097 N. Main St.