MORNING HEADLINES | An expected increase in motorists and boaters traversing the Palmetto State this week and through the July 4 holiday weekend is prompting state authorities to urge travelers to stay safe and vigilant.
AAA estimates 72.2 million Americans will travel this holiday weekend, with an estimated 61.6 million Americans on the road. The organization is also urging motorists to check tires and batteries before travel to be able to avoid issues later. Check the tire age, wear and pressure before hitting the road, as the tires can heat up and expand during long road trips.
Authorities’ biggest concern, however, is drunken driving — both by car and by boat. “Pack your patience for the interstate,” said Lance Cpl. Brittany Glover of the S.C. Highway Patrol (SCHP) told reporters. “We are in our season of the 100 deadliest days.”
SCHP will join forces with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources to ensure that drunken driving does not bleed into drunken boating. There will be heightened patrol cars on S.C. roadways, interstates and U.S. highways, as well as additional surveillance on the waters for those speeding in no wake zones.
“Boating is no different. It’s a vehicle, but it’s on the waterways. You need your hand-eye coordination to be able to operate a boat or a vehicle,” said SCHP Master Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway.
Glover suggested the easiest way to avoid trouble is to designate a sober driver. “Make sure you have a valid driver’s license. Get a ride-share,” Glover said. “Find an option that gets you home safe.”
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SCDOT refunds millions to Charleston Co. for Mark Clark project. The state Department of Transportation has refunded $3.1 million Charleston County invested into the now-defunct Mark Clark Extension, which voters overwhelmingly rejected.
Teen cited in first weekend of King Street curfew. One teenager was cited for violating the city’s new curfew during the first weekend of enforcement, according to the Charleston Police Department. The curfew prohibits anyone under 17, with some exceptions, after 9 p.m. to be on King Street,
Suspended North Charleston councilman still getting paid four months after charges. Councilman Mike Brown is still receiving his council member salary and benefits, according to city officials, despite being suspended from office after pleading not guilty to charges stemming from a sweeping federal corruption probe.
Bulletproof doors considered to be added to Charleston Co. schools. R2P Innovations, a Lowcountry-based company, unveiled in June what it claims is the most advanced bulletproof and fire-rated door in the world, specifically designed for schools. However, each door costs roughly $10,000.
Charleston Animal Society to help manage Berkeley Animal Center. Charleston Animal Society will begin helping manage operations at the Berkeley County Animal Center in Moncks Corner on July 1.
Mount Pleasant Town Centre plans put on hold. The 2025 Mount Pleasant Towne Centre plan aims to bring housing, office space, green space, and family entertainment to the Mount Pleasant staple. Residents expressed mixed feelings of the plan, worried it’ll bring more traffic to the area.
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