charleston sc

Charleston County School District Hires 104 Full-Time Nurses

With the 2020 school year in full swing, the Charleston County School District (CCSD) has announced that every elementary, middle, and high school within their district will hire one full-time nurse. This comes as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 104 nurses will be placed in total.

The team at CCSD remains committed to the health and safety of the staff and students. Ellen Nitz, Director of Nursing Services at CCSD, explains that “the nurses took contract tracing courses to be versed in the procedures and can answer questions from parents and administrations.”

Protocols to reduce the spread of Coronavirus are also being put in place. CCSD has installed a plate of plexiglass in front of each nursing station, in addition to following social distancing guidelines. The clinics also feature an isolation area or bay with a cot and a curtain to act as protection. Nightly sanitation is in place as a means of following guidelines.

As their schools reopen and welcome students back in-person, CCSD is continuously working to keep all members safe and healthy.

New In Charleston

Large Fuel Spill in the Charleston Marsh

A diesel fuel spill at Dill Creek on James Island has the U.S. Coast Guard involved in the cleanup. Over 3,100 gallons of fuel were spilled from an above-ground tank near Plum Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Immediately 20% of the spill was cleaned up, leaving 80% floating in the marsh. Mike Saia of Charleston Water System says it might take up to a week to clean the entirety of the spill. The leakage began around 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15.

In order to best remove the diesel fuel from the marsh, a vacuum truck has been placed at the site. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is aiding the U.S. Coast Guard in the cleanup.

The marsh has a strange red tinted color, due to the red-dye diesel fuel. The main concern for the spill is geared toward the many small animals and wildlife that reside there. Baby crabs, shrimp, and fish are all largely impacted by the spill. Long-term effects have yet to be reported.

Eat & Drink

Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” to Feature This Charleston BBQ Icon

You’ll soon be craving BBQ because Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” has decided to feature Charleston icon, Rodney Scott. For their seventh season, it’s all smoked and juicy barbeque. The local and fan-favorite, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ will make its debut on the streaming service come Sept 2.

Scott will be highlighted alongside world-renowned names for BBQ. The fellow chefs and pitmasters hail from all different corners, each with a unique take on grilling. As the show airs, it will take you through their dishes as well as the stories behind them. Netflix is teasing viewers with a short preview.

Charleston’s Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ has been officially smoking hogs since 2017. Though Scott is no newbie when it comes to grilling. He’s been behind the smoke since he was 11-years-old. In the restaurant’s first year of operation, it was named one of the 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit Magazine. Come 2019, Scott had opened up a second location in Birmingham, AL. This isn’t Scott’s first time on screen, as he’s made appearances on The Today Show helping Al Roker feed folks affected by devastating tornadoes in Alabama.

Folks can taste the classic BBQ at the King Street locale, as well as classic sides like potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, collard greens, and hush puppies. Open for guests Monday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. The restaurant’s motto is that “Every day is a Good Day,” so there’s no wrong time to grab a plate of smoked BBQ.

Eat & Drink

Local Charleston Hotel and Restaurants Ranked Amongst Best in The World

Charleston has been home to so many accolades over the years, including Top City in the World Outside the United Kingdom for the 9th year running. Now to add to the tally, Tripadvisor has released it’s annual Travelers’ Choice Awards. Charleston received a #1 hotel in the country title and 3 restaurants made the top 10 fine dining list.

The fabulous French Quarter Inn was named #1 hotel in the country and #24 in the world. Hall’s Chophouse comes in #3 for fine dining, Charleston Grill at #9, and Peninsula Grill at #10. With over 7 million visitors each year, it’s no surprise that Charleston hotels and restaurants are consistently successful.

This year, Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travelers’ Choice Awards were conducted pre-pandemic. “This has been a tough year for our industry, but the global desire to go and explore, whether the destination is an hour away or across the world, remains strong,” said Lindsay Nelson, chief of experience and brand officer at Tripadvisor. “The Travelers’ Choice program is one way that travelers and diners can benefit from the real-life experiences of other people so they can plan their perfect trip that meets their needs, budget and style.”

The French Quarter Inn is open for business this summer, so you still have a chance to book a stay. As for the restaurants, they remain practicing social distancing, and take-away is a safe option for those unable to leave their homes.

Events

Safe Sounds at Firefly Distillery

Not all concerts are canceled this summer! Now in regulation with social distancing, Firefly Distillery announces “Safe Sounds,” a seven week-long outdoor concert series which began June 12th.

Listen to live music every Friday and Saturday night throughout the months of June and July. Stocked with beer, wine, and local food trucks, this outdoor arena can be enjoyed by up to four guests in each 10×10 safe space.

In order to respect social distancing, Firefly has several precautionary measures in place. Aside from general suggestions of hand-washing, Firefly has several safe spaces on their field so guests are evenly spread out. With 8-ft distances between each 10×10 square, you won’t have to stress about keeping apart. All common surfaces are sanitized after each customer’s use, and several hand sanitizing stations are scattered around the premises.

At this week’s concert on Saturday, June 27th you can expect performances from The Majestics and Lady & The Brass with special guest DJ Natty Heavy. All sets are 21+ with doors open at 6 p.m. and showtime at 7 p.m. Leave your furry friends at home and kick back on the greenspace. Each Safe Space Square is available for four friends starting at $25.00 an individual ticket.

Eat & Drink

The Best Rooftop Bars in Charleston

Open-air restaurants are all the rage this summer, as establishments adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. Luckily, Charlestonians already love to dine outdoors. While many restaurants are finding ways to create more patio seating, nothing quite compares to a rooftop view. Here’s a roundup of the best rooftop bars in Charleston for the next time you decide to hit the town.

Stars Rooftop & Grill Room

This King Street beauty has a short, but sweet, rotating menu. With stellar drinks and a downtown view, this establishment is nothing short of fabulous. Locals love the weekend Brunch as it’s known iconically for their decadent selection. Pop a cork and cheer mimosas with friends on their open-air rooftop.

The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue

Enjoy al fresco lunch on the highrise patio at this chic hotel. For lively atmosphere and Southern architecture views, join the folks at the Vendue. On hotter days, a Strawberry Basil Lemonade will quench your thirst. Their plethora of seating offers options for parties of all sizes.

The Watch

You’ll forget to check your watch as time spent on the rooftop of the Restoration Hotel is time well spent. Guests will want to head to the restaurant at sunset for an incredible Holy City golden hour. As you soak up the last of the sun, share appetizers while picking through their selection of sweet libations.

Revelry Brewing

Calling all IPA drinkers! This rooftop brewery is young, lively, and perfect for an evening escape. Their large selection of home-brewed beer is iconic in this city. Crack a cold one safely outdoors at this large beer garden.

Red’s Ice House

Ditch downtown and head to Shem Creek for sunset drinks at Reds. The motto here? “Inside is boring!” Enjoy this laid back setting for seafood and drinks as you watch boats float by. The occasional dolphin even makes an appearance along the creek!