Luxury Custom Homes in Charleston, SC

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — South Carolina business leaders are weighing in on a new 10-year plan for the state’s economy.

South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC) presented Blueprint 2036: A Roadmap for South Carolina’s Economic Future during its statewide Vision and Voice Tour on Monday at the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce.

The event was hosted by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce and other community chambers.

Blueprint 2036 was developed in partnership with Grant Thornton.

It is a 10-year policy-based strategy designed to address emerging challenges, capitalize on new opportunities and strengthen South Carolina’s economic competitiveness.

Its recommendations focus on improving the business climate, developing the workforce, expanding infrastructure, preparing competitive sites and supporting innovation.

Leaders at the Charleston stop discussed priorities including affordable housing, child care and infrastructure. SCMC says feedback gathered from stops across the state will help shape its 2027 legislative agenda and guide where it focuses its resources.

Will Frierson, vice president of government affairs at SCMC, said the Charleston stop had two purposes.

“One, unveil our Blueprint 2036 documents. So, a 10-year strategic roadmap for the state of South Carolina designed to make sure that we are embracing the challenges and opportunities before our state and making sure that we’re staying as competitive as we can be, but also getting their feedback on a variety of different topics, maybe impacting their business as we work to develop our 2027 legislative agenda,” Frierson said. “So, a great day to talk to local business leaders about the issues impacting their business and their community.”

Frierson said the tour includes nine stops, with more being added, to gather feedback from different regions of the state.

“We’re adding more so that number keeps changing but really getting across the state in the different kinds of regions to get a diversified response,” Frierson said. “You know, one of the most fascinating things to me is to hear what the biggest challenges are in one community. They’re not the same across the state. Again, today we learned and heard about affordable housing, childcare, infrastructure being the top challenges they’re facing. You know, statewide, maybe it’s more infrastructure in other aspects, lack of rural water and sewer. It just depends on where you are. So, it’s fascinating for us. It helps us better understand the needs across South Carolina.”

Frierson said the feedback collected will be compiled and brought back to SCMC leadership.

“It’ll really help us develop our legislative agenda, identifying the major policy areas that business leaders want us to focus on and work in the legislature in 2027 to address,” Frierson said. “It’ll really help narrow down, okay, where do we want to spend our capital and resources in 2027.”

Frierson said the plan was not developed in response to poor economic conditions in the state.

“It’s not because South Carolina is doing poorly. South Carolina is doing incredibly well. So many aspects of our economy, whether it’s more people working than ever before, whether it’s record capital investment, a lot of good things going for us,” Frierson said. “The blueprint is helping us try to figure out, okay, how do we prepare for what’s to come? What’s around the corner? How do we make sure that our state can handle the growth we’ve experienced today and the growth that we’re going to continue to experience? And so, again, things are changing. Our economy is evolving and making sure we’re prepared is important for us and important for the state as business leaders as well.”

Frierson said the Charleston region holds particular significance for the tour.

“I’m just fortunate to be here in the Charleston region. We know that this is one of the most important economic regions in the state,” Frierson said. “And so, I enjoyed talking to business leaders here, and we’ll be back and appreciate learning more about their needs.”

Challenges vary from one community to another, which is why the group is gathering feedback across the state. That input will help determine which issues SCMC prioritizes in 2027.

Copyright 2026 WCSC. All rights reserved.

CHARLESTON — Volkswagen might have to reconsider its slogan to “das boat” once it gets a glimpse of this custom vessel cruising around Charleston Harbor.

The VW bus-turned-trimaran has been turning heads for months and is owned by Teddy Turner Jr. — son of the late media mogul and CNN founder Ted Turner. He docks it in Cainhoy, regularly taking it out for joy rides and going viral every time from locals who can’t get enough of the boat, wondering about the story behind it.

Turner told The Post and Courier he never intended to own the boat he dubs Van Gogh after “the painter and because it’s a van that goes,” joking the last thing he needed was another water toy.

His path to ownership was complete happenstance.

John Lombardi, a custom boat designer, was tasked to build a one-of-a-kind camper van for a customer to use on the Lake of the Ozarks, Turner explained. He wanted to build a fleet and rent them.

“Originally, they were powered by a Jet Ski and you pulled the Jet Ski in the back,” he said. When the driver anchored, he then had a camper and a small vehicle to get around in. “I thought it was pretty innovative.”

But soon the owner backed out and Lombardi, a one-man builder, had a boat a third-of-the-way finished and no customer, Turner said.

He called Turner and asked for help finishing it. And eventually to take it off his hands.

“He said, ‘I'm losing my lease on the shop. It's over. Come pick up your boat,’” Turner said with a laugh. “And I was like, ’But John, I don't want the boat. I love the boat. … But what am I gonna do with it?’”

The answer was to drive it all over the Charleston Harbor, much to the delight of locals.

Built in 2024, the custom vessel was a close collaboration between Lombardi, Whitacre Yacht Design and Duckwater Boats, an upscale duck-hunting boat builder out of Ohio.

It’s made from a genuine Volkswagen bus with settees providing lounge seating and storage. The back door and roof open for access and ventilation.

One step beyond a pontoon, the tritoon features three aluminum tubes underneath its deck instead of the traditional two.

The turquoise and white bus sits atop the three aluminum amas and has working headlights and taillights. The original steering wheel serves as the helm while a 200hp Suzuki outboard and two Minn Kota trolling motors propel the vessel.

The boat has become so iconic that back in May, when Turner first took it out for an appraisal and insurance drive around the harbor, his daughter heard about it all the way in Denver.

“Before I got to the dock from just running it around the harbor, she called me and said, ‘Oh my God, somebody just posted this on Facebook and it got to me,’” Turner said. I was like, ‘Yeah, well, it's funny. People love this boat.’”

Van Gogh is primarily docked in the Safe Harbor City Boatyard in Cainhoy, but Turner admits he’s trying to get it tweaked and sell it to someone who could find a better use for it.

“I love it but just don't have room for it in the arsenal,” he said. “It needs to take wedding parties or be a charter boat.”

The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.

An updated coastal flood advisory was issued by the NWS Charleston SC on Sunday at 7:18 a.m. in effect until 11 a.m. for Charleston County.

"Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level along shorelines and tidal waterways (7.1 to 7.3 feet Mean Lower Low Water at Charleston)," can be expected according to the NWS. "High tide will occur around 9:15 a.m. this morning at Charleston. Saltwater inundation will be possible 1 to 2 hours before and after high tide."

"This could result in some roads becoming impassable. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water," describes the NWS. "If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help."

This advisory is in effect until 11 a.m.

In case you reside within a flood-prone area or are currently camping in a low-lying zone, it is crucial to promptly seek higher ground. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Ensure your home is securely locked when vacating the premises. If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances. Avoid entering basements or rooms with submerged electrical outlets or cords. Should you observe sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate immediately. Refrain from entering water that might carry an electric current and avoid walking through floodwaters. Remember, as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.

During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is imperative to avoid driving through any water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the NWS, most cars can be swept away by just 12 inches of rushing water.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.

This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. The top three contributors to hydroplaning are:

In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots South Carolina

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Hundreds of new universal pre-K seats could be coming to North Charleston, as Charleston County School District leaders move forward with a plan to expand the program to North Charleston Elementary and Pepperhill Elementary starting in the 2027-2028 school year.

District officials say the expansion would help families struggling to find or afford child care while also preparing students for long-term academic success. The district currently offers universal pre-K on the peninsula, and Superintendent Anita Huggins wants to expand the program districtwide in the next five to eight years.

As part of the proposal, the district would add about 180 seats for pre-K 3 and pre-K 4 at North Charleston Elementary, and about 75 seats at Pepperhill Elementary.

To make room, the plan includes rezoning that would shift some students to other schools. About 100 students would move from North Charleston Elementary to Hursey Montessori, and 146 students would move from Pepperhill Elementary to Pinehurst Elementary. Heather Studer, the district’s director of planning, facility use and real estate, said, “We know that zoning and changing schools can be difficult for families. So we do try to try to make it as easy as we can.”

Studer also said that “in most cases, they are going to be closer to their new school than their current school.”

The district said rising fifth graders at North Charleston Elementary would be grandfathered in, and all students at Pepperhill would be able to be grandfathered over time.

Jeff Borowy, the district’s chief operating officer, said expanding pre-K in schools instead of relying on daycare can make a major difference for children and families.

“The value of having a three or a four-year-old in an actual class and not daycare is phenomenal,” Borowy said. “When you talk to kindergarten teachers, they'll tell you firsthand what the impact is of having a kindergartener that's been in a school before and one that's not and trying to bring those kids that are not up to that level to the point where when they finally get the third grade, they are reading on grade level so that we don't lose ground. We're actually gaining ground to get kids toward graduation.”

Borowy said the initiative could also help parents and guardians who are forced to stay home because they can’t afford or find child care.

“This initiative is extremely valuable to those families, not only because our kid is in a legitimate or an educational environment, not a daycare environment, but it also could potentially free them up to do things for the person that's forced to stay at home because they can't afford daycare or they can't find daycare, as the case in many situations,” Borowy said. “They can put their kid in a safe place and know that, again, we're just not on the playground all day. The kids are learning and so it helps the families as well.”

District officials said the rezoning tied to the pre-K expansion is also intended to address past issues connected to Hursey’s opening, so that students living closest to the school won’t have to go through the choice process to attend.

“We're taking advantage of this opportunity to develop the universal pre-k plan to correct in some ways, to better align students and their families with the closest school, which in the past, for some reason or another, this is a legacy program that changes hadn't been made in years for these kinds of reasons,” Borowy said. “So it's an opportunity to correct or to improve the current zoning in this case, as well as several others.”

Studer said the district is projecting it wants to serve 7,500 total 3K and 4K students. “We're projecting that there's going to be 7,500 3K and 4K total that we want to serve, and our plan right now is six to ten years, but Superintendent Huggins would like it to be two or three years,” she said. Studer added that the moves being proposed are meant to serve students faster and get children “kindergarten ready faster.”

The district said it can cover the costs of the expansion because of a recent $2 million donation.

The proposal was being presented to the CCSD Committee of the Whole on Monday night for information purposes, with community meetings continuing for the next few weeks before a board vote at the end of the month.

The next community meeting is scheduled for North Charleston Elementary on Oct. 22.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Many Lowcountry schools are celebrating academic milestones following the release of South Carolina School Report Cards.

The Charleston County School District saw 57 school report cards earn “Good” or “Excellent” ratings. In Dorchester District Two, 15 schools earned those ratings. In Colleton County, six of the district’s seven schools received an overall “Average” rating.

An “Excellent” rating is a milestone for any school, especially a Title I school. At Meeting Street Schools, leaders say limited resources don’t mean limited potential.

“There’s a lot of good intentions in Title I schools. People care about kids. Care is not enough. It requires real strategies and real training to get every educator to unlock that potential,” Nisha Vasavada, chief academic officer for Meeting Street Schools, said.

Burns and Brentwood are the only two Title I elementary schools in Charleston rated “Excellent.”

At Brentwood, teachers trained strategically, putting themselves in students’ shoes as they teach one another and work to keep improving.

“How do I at once meet these students where they are, right? In their knowledge gaps, in their language barrier gaps, etc. While still holding this high expectation,” said Marianna Sanford, history teacher at Meeting Street Brentwood Elementary & Middle.

Sanford said parent feedback reflects the results. Brentwood ranked No. 1 statewide among middle schools for student progress.

“One, culture matters, belief matters in what kids are capable of, and we have to like agree on that in order to have a starting point,” Sanford said," and two, you have to have the right mindsets and the right people to unleash that. But then it’s how we actually got a system of adults to produce that for kids.”

Military Magnet Academy, a Title I school, earned its first “Excellent” rating after moving from “Average” to “Good” over the past two years.

“We’re looking at data in terms of a tool that will drive how we provide instruction, but also how we’ll plan for success as we move forward,” said Dr. Robert L. Perrineau Jr., principal of Military Magnet Academy.

That hard work across the Lowcountry helps students overcome challenges in school and beyond.

“We are getting a number of students that may be behind grade level when they get to us. And that is our academic achievement score. We went from being average in that bucket to now being rated good, which is super exciting because it’s one thing to have growth for students, which is important and it’s exciting. But the name of the game is to make sure students are proficient so that they can truly have the tools and skills that they need to live a life of choice,” said Roger Michael, Principal for Meeting Street Brentwood Elementary & Middle.

To find a specific school report, visit the South Carolina School Report Card website.

Copyright 2026 WCSC. All rights reserved.