As part of its new Transportation Sales Tax (TST) planning process, Charleston County has launched an online public input form to gather ideas and feedback from community members that will help shape the future of transportation throughout the region. Public Works Director Eric Adams explains why YOUR input is a critical step. We also discuss the survey available now to the public and how transparency will be a priority.
Link to survey: https://charlestontransportation.com/survey/
More information on thesuccess of the Transportation Sales Tax program: https://charlestontransportation.com/
Episode 24 The Charleston Center, in partnership with FAVOR Lowcountry, is proud to announce the launch of Bridge2Hope, a new mobile app designed to connect community members with vital resources for drug and alcohol treatment, recovery, and harm reduction.
Charleston Center employees Kelley Grobmyer and Sarah Halse managed the new initiative and detail how the new app can help those in need and their families.
Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cutcom.apparmor.cc
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/az/app/bridge2hope/id6747781698?uo=2
Charleston Center (DAODAS) https://cc.charlestoncounty.gov/
Charleston County Government is wrapping up its annual Summer Youth Employment program and, in this episode, we hear from three of this year’s participants. They’ll discuss the work they performed in each department, lessons learned, and why this program can help shape a career.
Program Information: https://www.charlestoncounty.gov/syip/
Recent rainfall is good for your lawn, garden, and flowers but also means an increase in the mosquito population. Our staff in Mosquito Control breakdown how we Fight the Bite by ground and air. Plus, a few tips to make your outdoor time more enjoyable.
Mosquito Control Request: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/ecc5ff92daaa44509482a38cfff9e249?portalUrl=https://chascogis.maps.arcgis.com
Department info: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/public-works/mosquito-about.php
Community Representative LaMonica Smalls details our free Earth Day event for Charleston County residents on Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Recycling Center located at 8099 Palmetto Commerce Parkway.
The event will be held rain or shine and is for residents only, not commercial businesses.
LaMonica is available to speak with school groups or local organizations about how to Recycle Right. Give her a call at 843-720-7111 or e-mail at LRSmalls@charlestoncounty.org
Episode 23 – Are you thinking of adding on to your home, maybe removing a tree or adding a shed in the backyard? There’s a good chance you’ll need a permit before work can begin. In this episode, we chat with Spencer Antos with the Zoning and Planning department. He explains what issues they deal with daily and what it can cost you if you skip a step.
Permitting and Code Enforcement Information: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/zoning-planning/files/avoid-getting-a-fine.pdf?244
Charleston County Zoning and Planning: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/zoning-planning/index.php
If anyone is uncertain if they need a permit to remove a tree or for any activity on their parcel, they can always call 843-202-7200 to speak with staff. We’re happy to help.
Episode 22 - Palmetto Commerce Interchange, a featured project from the 2016 Transportation Sales Tax, recently completed a key piece of the construction process. Project Engineer Mackenzie Kelley breaks down the latest, what’s next, and how this project provides relief to the traveling public. Plus, the all-important completion timeline.
Project website: https://www.palmettocommerceinterchange.com/
Charleston County Transportation Home: https://roads.charlestoncounty.org/index.php
Episode 21 – The Charleston County Coroner’s Office recently earned the 2024 Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Regional Cooperation Award presented by the South Carolina Association of Counties (SCAC). The award recognizes the importance of regional partnerships by honoring two or more local governments that collaborated on an innovative project to better serve their communities. Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal discusses the partnership between the Charleston and Beaufort County Coroners’ Offices, establishing a framework for sharing resources and investigative tools to improve data standardization and communication between the counties.
SCAC Award Announcement: https://www.sccounties.org/news/collaboration-between-coroners-beaufort-charleston-counties-earns-2024-barrett-lawrimore
Episode 20 – Citizen engagement and communication is at the top of Charleston County’s priorities. New platforms are making it easier to have your opinion heard on a multitude of county issues. Niki Grimball, Project Officer with Zoning & Planning, details the new Public Input platform - Engage Charleston County. Citizens can now weigh in on a number of zoning topics anywhere, anytime.
Engage Charleston County: https://publicinput.com/Portal/s3577
Episode 19 – Emergency supply kits, family plans, evacuation zones, shelters and so much more to consider as we move through the 2024 hurricane season. If you are new to the area or have been here for decades, now is the time to prepare. Interim Emergency Management Director Ben Webster breaks down what is new this year and a few simple tips to help reduce the stress during storm season.
Charleston County Hurricane Guide: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/index.php
Applications are now open for Phase III of the Charleston Homes Program, which invites interested parties, including nonprofit organizations and private entities with experience in the production of affordable housing, to rehab units into livable and affordable homes. Director LoElla Smalls provides a breakdown of how the program works and some of her favorite success stories during the first two phases.
Interested parties can register and apply here: https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/charlestoncountysc/participant
Department website: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/community-development/index.php
Applications are now open for Charleston County Government’s Summer Youth Internship Program. The six-week program is designed to help teenagers and young adults develop workplace readiness skills and gain experience in Charleston County Government operations.
The internship runs from June 14 to July 26 and interns earn $15.00 per hour, working typically 20 hours per week for a maximum of 120 total hours for the duration of the internship.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Be between the ages of 16 and 21 at the time of application submission.
• Be currently enrolled in high school or college.
• Be a Charleston County resident.
• File a completed application and provide parental consent if applicable.
Paper applications will not be accepted. Applicants without access to a computer can use the computers in the Charleston County Human Resources Department in North Charleston. If you have questions, please contact the Human Resources Office at 843-958-4704. The application deadline is May 5, 2024.
Applicants can apply at https://www.charlestoncounty.org/syip/application.php
Episode 16 – Black Expo Preview – County Square
Everything Charleston County has to offer in one location; welcome to the 2024 Black Expo Charleston. Margie Gamble, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer, handles the county’s participation in this annual event. She details what you can expect to see at this year and the opportunity to join the workforce at Charleston County Government.
Black Expo 2024 Tickets: https://eventpasshero.com/event/blackexpochs/
Episode 15 – Charleston County is set to host several public meetings to receive input on potential future transportation projects and green space. The County’s Greenbelt program has a track record of success in the areas of preservation and conservation. Director Eric Davis breaks down how the funds are spent to provide both public access locations and conservation easements. You can also click the link below to find Greenbelt projects across Charleston County.
Greenbelt Map: https://chascogis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5047aaa8a365417395daa173947cee50
Upcoming Public Meetings:
All meetings are a drop-in style and will be held from 5-7 p.m.
• Monday, January 22: St. Johns High School 1518 Main Road, Johns Island, SC 29455
• Monday, January 29: West Ashley High School, 4060 W Wildcat Blvd, Charleston, SC 29414
• Monday, February 5: James Island Charter School, 1000 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
• Monday, February 12: Moultrie Middle School, 645 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
• Monday, February 26: North Charleston City Hall, 2500 City Hall Ln, North Charleston, SC 29406
Episode 14 – The holidays are no time to rest for Treasurer Mary Tinkler and her staff as property tax bills are due in mid-January. But several improvements during the last few years is easing the burden on citizens. In this episode, she explains how the Advance Installment Plan works and free ways to pay on-line with eChecks. Mary Tinkler also looks ahead to 2024 and we find out who Athena is.
Charleston County Treasurer’s Office: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/treasurer/index.php
Advance Property Tax Installment Plan https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/treasurer/installment-plan.php
Episode 13 - The Glenn McConnell Parkway Widening is moving closer to completion. In this episode, Project Manager Herb Nimz details when construction will be completed and what citizens can expect during the next few months. He will also explain some of the other project benefits from drainage to a new multi-use path. The goal of this project is to relieve traffic congestion on Glenn McConnell Parkway by widening the road from four-to-six lanes between Bees Ferry Road and Magwood Drive. This project also intends to improve bike and pedestrian facilities through the addition of a multi-use path allowing safe pedestrian access across the CSX Railway.
Project website: https://roads.charlestoncounty.org/projects/glenn-mcconnell/
Episode 12 – October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month and we are talking safe sleeping for newborns. In this episode, we sit down with Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal and Mary Beth Vassy, Pediatric Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator with MUSC. Our guests offer some critical tips on how to create a safe sleeping environment for your child. According to a SC DHEC report released in April 2023, deaths due to sudden infant death syndrome more than doubled from 2020 to 2021, ranking fourth in leading causes of death.
MUSC Safe Sleep Tips: https://advance.muschealth.org/library/2021/september/safe-sleep
Episode 11 – Charleston County Government is hiring and always looking for candidates ready to serve the public. In this episode, we chat with Talent Acquisition Specialist Brian Williams. He explains his role with Human Resources and how we are changing the way we recruit new employees. We explain some of the many benefits to working with Charleston County including 3% longevity increases EVERY YEAR for the first five years on the job. Plus, a competitive retirement package and plenty of opportunities to advance your career.
Check out the open positions: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/employment.php
Episode 10 – Board of Elections Finds a New Home
Elections are a year-round effort in a growing Charleston County. To accommodate additional needs, the Board of Voter Registration & Elections recently moved to a new location. Executive Director Isaac Cramer joins us to explain why the move was necessary and how it will help staff better serve the public. We also chat about the need for poll managers, how to register to vote, and a few details about upcoming elections. Check out the YouTube version to see some very questionable attire choices.
***** New address: 4340 Corporate Rd. North Charleston, SC 29405 *****
Charleston County Board of Voter Registration & Elections https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/bevr/index.php
Register to Vote: https://vrems.scvotes.sc.gov/OVR/Start
Poll worker application: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/bevr/poll-managers.php
Episode 9 - The opioid epidemic is a nationwide crisis and public safety professionals are on the front-lines. Charleston County Government supports a treatment center and coordinates community training opportunities year-round. But, what about the families looking to help a loved one suffering from addiction? EMS is the first call in an overdose emergency and now staff will be working with those families on-scene. Chief Safety Officer with Charleston County EMS, Nathaniel Bialek, explains in this episode of Charleston County Connects.
Charleston Center for substance abuse, intervention, education and treatment: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/charleston-center/index.php
Work for EMS: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/ems/employment-info.php