Criminal Defense Lawyer in Mount Pleasant, SC

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) –A major redevelopment project at Patriots Point will go to the Mount Pleasant Design Review Board for final approval on Wednesday.

The site proposes a Grand Patriot Hotel, Seafair Village, and Grand Lawn in place of the parking lot at the U.S.S. Yorktown.

Renderings show Seafair Village will be a mix-used development with shops, businesses, restaurants and public gathering areas closest to the Yorktown.

Behind the village, the plan shows a grand lawn and then the Grand Patriot Hotel.

“It is going to generate jobs and we’re so excited to have that economic development,” said Rebecca Imholz, the executive director at the Chamber of Commerce Mount Pleasant. “Having this development coming where people can live here, shop locally, keeps dollars in our community so we’re really excited to see this happen.”

Mount Pleasant Councilmember Mike Tinkey is supportive of the site but wants to see public access and green space when it comes to design plans. He encourages residents to come to the meeting Wednesday for public comment.

“What we see in the plans here are reduction in green space,” said Tinkey. “I’d like to see people come and talk about the importance of protecting the green space and enhancing it in a public realm. So, you feel comfortable being there and invited to be there you don’t feel like you have to spend some money just to come and be on the waterfront.”

Tinkey also noted he hopes green space will be a priority before construction begins.

“The green space we have there and make sure that goes first before the development of the buildings themselves.” said Tinkey “We preserve that and that becomes the frame within which everything is developed. Taking in mind this is a public space for families and generations to come.”

Bennet Hospitality, the project developer, said public access is important to the project. In a statement to News 2, Development Director Ian Duncan said the goal is to create “a high-quality public realm, in which people want to work, live and play. As a Mount Pleasant resident, I personally look forward to enjoying the waterfront multiuse path, public fountains and green spaces that surround a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, offices, and hotels”

The project has been in the works for years. If the Design Review Board recommend final approval Wednesday, developers can begin plans for construction.

The Design Review Board meeting is open to the public and begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Mount Pleasant Town Hall.

Throughout her new EP, released on Nov. 14, Ballerini grows out of old patterns and returns anew.

Only a few months after the release of the deluxe edition of her 2024 album “PATTERNS,” Kelsea Ballerini has returned. Her new body of work, “Mount Pleasant,” was released on Nov. 14, an extended play consisting of six new tracks. As her stardom rose significantly after her 2023 EP “Rolling Up the Welcome Mat,” Ballerini began writing about her life in a way only comparable to a personal letter to a friend or family member, especially in the wake of her recent breakup and reunion with “Outer Banks” actor Chase Stokes.

Ballerini’s new EP tackles everything from romantic insecurity to the mental health of those around us. Similar to the themes of unpacking baggage and personal vulnerability heard throughout “PATTERNS,” Ballerini brings casual listeners and fans alike into the world she now lives in, following her last year of selling out arenas across the country and experiencing life on her own once again.

“I Sit In Parks”

Ballerini opens “Mount Pleasant” on a fairly somber note, as she describes her trips to parks to see her lifelong dreams unfold in front of her, but not in the way she had hoped they would: “I sit in parks, it breaks my heart / ‘Cause I see just how far I am from the things that I want.” Even though she got some things that she wanted, such as an arena tour and critical success, she wonders if it is too late for her to become a mother and start a family, something she ponders while a happy couple has a picnic and their kids spend time on a playground.

“People Pleaser”

This song is fairly self-explanatory solely based on its title: Ballerini labels herself as a “people pleaser,” something she has described herself as many times in the past, and goes through the meaning of that self-description. Ballerini describes some of her actions of people pleasing, such as jumping into water despite fearing what is in the ocean and buying art even though she hates it, while simultaneously unpacking why she acts in such a way.

“Emerald City”

Jealousy and insecurity play the main role here, as Ballerini compares herself to another woman, who is presumably her partner’s former love. With musical elements most reminiscent of her country roots, Ballerini introduces the important role of colors, particularly the color green, in this song. She compares her eye color, her lip color and even being her partner’s “emerald city” to this past partner, hoping she is still not in the picture.

“587”

Between Nashville, Tennessee, where Ballerini lives, and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, the presumed inspiration for the title of the EP, 587 miles separate them. This physical distance between Ballerini and her partner is reflected in the lyrics, which detail a break in their relationship. Ballerini asks about her presence in her partner’s life following their time apart, before describing the impact of their distance within her own life.

“The Revisionist”

Based around a simple piano track, Ballerini explores the concept of wanting to “erase a bad decision,” implying that her mistakes, no matter how recent, sit with her forever. She explains her desire to erase them from her memory or possibly “outwrite it,” but then she begins to understand that nothing can be changed. However, she calls “the revisionist” to hopefully change these actions as a last resort.

“Check On Your Friends”

As Ballerini wraps up the EP, she decides to remind listeners to check up on the people around us to make sure everyone, not just your friends, is doing their best. She describes someone acting as if they are doing well with their life but privately struggles behind closed doors. The song and EP close with an almost minute-long instrumental bridge section, followed by Ballerini reciting lyrics from “I Sit In Parks,” seemingly bringing the EP’s storyline together at its close.

As someone who has experienced a significant amount of growth, both personally and in my musical interests, during my time at Vanderbilt, I have been grateful for my connection to Ballerini’s music throughout the years, especially the growth she has showcased on “Mount Pleasant.” Solely because of that, I wonder what is next for Ballerini: Will she continue down this path of growing through her experiences, or has it come to a close? I look forward to discovering in the years to come.

MOUNT PLEASANT — A century-old tree is set to place new roots as crews prep the oak for relocation next week.

The tree will be the focal point of Gather MTP, a planned entertainment and restaurant hub located on Midtown Avenue in Mount Pleasant, just off of Hungry Neck Boulevard.

The 5.5-acre site is mostly cleared as the development nears a Dec. 3 groundbreaking. Many of the trees that populated the property next door, which is slated for a brewery, have already been removed — save for the 40-foot, 500,000-pound oak.

Gather MTP Developers Mack Cross, a managing principal for Four Oaks Property Group, and Preston Wendell, a manager for Whitewater Property Ventures, said it was important for the gathering space to be anchored with the mature, lush oak.

“We chose not to look at it as an inconvenience, but really find the opportunity with that tree,” Cross said. “It's an investment in the tree, and in something that has been here long before us and will be here probably long after us.”

This tree will soon be relocated to the corner of the Gather MTP site, roughly 700 feet away. The move is being handled by Environmental Design, a Texas-based company that routinely transplants mature trees.

The move has been over a year in the making said Phillip Zellner, an arborist with Environmental Design. The tree’s roots were pruned to encourage new growth. Zellner said crews have kept it watered and monitored it closely since October 2024 to ensure it’s ready for the big move.

The earth around the 100-year-old tree, moss hanging from its branches and leaves crinkling in the wind, had already been cleared on Nov. 26. The tree’s root ball was shielded with a wooden barrier.

Though the tree predates much of the buildings and developments surrounding it, the oak is strong enough to withstand relocation, Zellner said. Environmental Design claims its success rate for transplanted trees is nearly 100 percent. Zellner said he’s only ever lost two trees he’s relocated, both to lightning strikes.

“Trees are not like people. It's not like operating on a 99-year-old man,” Zellner said. “If the tree's healthy, it's actually got a lot better chance for transplant success than a small tree does.”

The process doesn’t involve picking the tree up with cranes or heavy machinery, which could do more harm to a mature tree than good, Zellner said.

“When we move the tree, we're not pulling at all on the canopy. We're not pulling on the root ball.” he said.

The tree will be loaded onto a platform and then rolled along a series of inflated air bags, lining the several hundred feet between its current spot and future placement site. Crews will load the tree onto the bags with a ramp and slowly roll it to its new home on the corner of the development, where Midtown Avenue and Hancock Street meet.

The relocation will take place on Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. and will coincide with a groundbreaking for Gather MTP. Once completed, Gather MTP will contain a mix of office space, restaurants, and small businesses.

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) — HCA Healthcare is building a new freestanding emergency room on Long Point Road as development continues in the town of 95,000 residents.

The healthcare company is investing more than $11 million into an emergency room with essential care services. HCA officials said patients will experience shorter wait times and access to a team of more than 50 staff members who can quickly assess and treat patients in critical or unstable conditions.

“One of the needs is to not have to fight traffic to get here for emergency care, and this cuts down on that,” Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie said. “Berkeley County is growing, and there’s also a lot of people that do not live in Mount Pleasant. They’re working in hospitality later in the evening. This is another choice for them for healthcare.”

Patients will be able to get lab work, imaging screenings, medication and rapid procedures at the emergency room, which will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Mount Pleasant facility marks the second freestanding emergency room to break ground in two months. Another facility on Johns Island is expected to open in September 2026. HCA Healthcare’s James Island emergency room has been open since September 2023, spanning 13,000 square feet with 11 patient beds.

The emergency rooms are part of a growing Trident system that officials said serviced more than 190,000 Lowcountry residents last year.

“This improves access to healthcare, and it builds community and it’s a great spot because for an emergency freestanding clinic like this, you don’t have to go through anybody’s neighborhood to get here, so it’s a welcome addition in Mount Pleasant,” Haynie said.

The project is expected to be completed late next year.

CHARLESTON — Small Business Saturday may have been founded by one of the largest credit card companies in the U.S., but the spirit to support local is strong, especially in the Lowcountry.

American Express originated the idea in 2010 to encourage consumers to shop small during the holiday season. It gained government support a year later when the U.S. Small Business Administration became a co-sponsor.

In the Charleston area, supporting small makes the economy tick.

For every dollar spent in a local establishment, about 67 percent stays in the community, supporting neighborhood families and helping to “preserve the personality” that makes this area so special, said Matt Brady, economic development director for the Town of Mount Pleasant.

“Supporting local businesses is one of the most powerful things we can do as a community,” he said.

He added, “You are not just making a purchase, you are investing in your neighbors and strengthening the small businesses that give our town its special character.”

Mount Pleasant's locally owned shops, include Drifter Merch, owned by Lorrie Dixson Griggs. Founded in 2016 out of a deep-rooted love for live music, Drifter Merch has grown into a thriving hub for music enthusiasts, offering more than 60 high-quality, band-inspired designs from Widespread Panic and Billy Strings to the Grateful Dead and Willie Nelson in the form of T-shirts, hoodies, hats, accessories and more.

“Drifter Merch was built by fans, for fans,” Griggs said. “Every piece we create is meant to capture the spirit of the music that brings us all together.”

Mount Pleasant also has multiple bookstores. Pick up a new or secondhand book at The Village Bookseller, the buy-sell-trade shop Trade-A-Book and The Archive, which also offers coffee, wine and snacks.

Cara Otto, owner of her own small business — furniture and home-décor company Indigo Refurb — said an unknown gem is Grammy’s Attic off Clements Ferry Road.

“Also Eclectic Finds in Mount Pleasant is a mall with tons of small businesses inside featuring home décor, furniture, collectibles, body care products and so much more,” Otto said. “Both are great options for shopping small.”

For locals Julie Collins and Connie Robertson, they recommend Yesterday’s and Today's Unique Treasures in Moncks Corner.

With more than 50 small businesses under one roof, Robertson said, “it is a fantastic store with so many unique vendors truly has something for everyone!”

On James Island, Lounge with Us has the cozy factor with lounge clothes, pajamas and accessories.

The Cannonborough-Elliottborough district in downtown Charleston is a trove of small women-owned shops. There’s The Paper Canopy with curated cards, stationery and an adorable children’s section. Taxidermy features luxury exotic leather handbags, shoes and jackets in statement-making colors. And Tiny Tassel is known for its beaded jewelry and bags.

Shoppers can also dine at Pink Cactus or a number of the new restaurants around Spring Street, or grab some fresh groceries at The Veggie Bin.

A number of businesses on Oprah’s “Best Charleston-Made Holiday Gifts” feature favorites sold here in the Holy City. The list includes a bow tie from West Ashley-based Brackish, jewelry from woman-owned Hermosa and award-winning tea at veteran-owned Oliver Pluff & Co.

In North Charleston, Park Circle has The Station and Odd Duck Market for shopping; Paddock and Whiskey, Orange Spot and Common House Aleworks for dining; and Park Circle Ceramics for a fun and inexpensive spot to make your own gifts.

And while not open yet, Off Track Ice Cream on Beaufain Street is moving to Park Circle soon.

In West Ashley, visit local favorites like Consign Charleston, where shoppers can find gently used clothing, collectibles and furniture on a budget, or Charmed Beauty Gifts and Apparel and Rhodes Boutique, which have an array of Southern-inspired jewelry, gifts, apparel, handbags and more. Garfield Jewelers also has an ever-changing selection of estate jewelry, Charleston-themed rice bracelets and seasonal gifts, while local record store Monster Music and Movies offers the Southeast’s largest selection of vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray and cassette tapes.

Hungry? Grab a bite at Betty Lou’s Bistro or Cafe Roca, or satiate your sweet tooth at Christophe’s Macaron et Chocolat. Betty Lou’s is run by Kris Kincaid, also the owner-operator at local Cannon Distillery.

Or take a drive to Owlbear Cafe in Mount Pleasant, where the extensive library of board games are free to use.

Lowcountry Local First has more than a dozen pages of small businesses you can shop and support on Nov. 29.