Roofer in Mount Pleasant, SC

In the heart of our beloved Mount Pleasant, where the salt-kissed breeze mingles with the laughter of locals and visitors alike, lies a tradition steeped in community spirit: the Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival.

As the sun dances on the tranquil waters of Shem Creek, we will gather to honor our seafaring heritage and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the fearless souls who navigate the unpredictable depths of the ocean to bring sustenance to our tables.

Since 1988, this festival has been a beacon of tradition and camaraderie, a testament to the resilience of our coastal community and the enduring bond between man and sea. Started by the Magwood family, the Blessing of the Fleet is more than just a celebration; it is a tender reminder of the sacrifices made by our local fishermen, whose livelihoods are intricately woven into the fabric of our coastal town. Their unwavering dedication and unyielding spirit serve as an inspiration to us all.

Continuing the tradition begun by the Magwood family, each year the net proceeds from the event are given to local nonprofit organizations. In 2023, Camp Rise Above was named a beneficiary of these proceeds along with the Wayne Magwood Memorial Sculpture to honor the festival’s late founding father.

On April 28, as the 37th annual Blessing of the Fleet unfolds, the air will resonate with the soul-stirring melodies of local musicians, the tantalizing aroma of freshly-caught seafood and the joyous laughter of children reveling in the festivities. It is a celebration of life, community and the timeless traditions that bind us together as one.

At the heart of the Blessing of the Fleet lies a profound sense of gratitude for the bountiful blessings bestowed upon us by the sea. “A big part of our focus over the years has been to try to educate people about the origin of their seafood. We want to emphasize the sustainability and superior quality of local, wild-caught shrimp,” said Nicole Harvey, community affairs and marketing division chief for the Town of Mount Pleasant, who oversees the event.

In an age where the pace of life seems to quicken with each passing day, the Blessing of the Fleet serves as a timeless reminder to pause, reflect and appreciate the simple joys that surround us.

As anticipation builds, envision the festival unfolding before your eyes. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Ravenel Bridge and Charleston Harbor, the park transforms into a bustling haven of creativity and community. Artisans proudly showcase their handcrafted treasures, while vendors beckon children with promises of whimsical balloon animals and vibrant face paint. Local vendors and concessions offer an enticing array of culinary delights to satisfy every palate.

Amidst the excitement, the boat parade reigns as a permanent favorite, accompanied by the spirited competitions of the shrimp-eating contest and the rhythmic allure of the shag contest. And as the infectious melodies of the East Coast Party Band permeate the air, we invite you to delight in the joyous ambience of the festival, where every moment promises a toe-tapping good time.

As we come together to honor our local fishermen and bless their vessels for safe passage, let us also reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who sustainably harvest the bounty of the sea.

So, as we raise our voices in song and toast to the strong spirit of our coastal community, let us also pledge to support our local fishermen and ensure that their legacy endures for generations to come. For it is through our collective efforts and steadfast resolve that we can preserve the rich tapestry of traditions that define Mount Pleasant and ensure that the Blessing of the Fleet remains a cherished cornerstone of our town for years to come.

For more about Blessing of the Fleet, visit www.MountPleasantMagazine.com/Blessing.

By Katie Finch

Two Mount Pleasant restaurants about a mile apart recently turned out the lights.

Outback Steakhouse, an East Cooper fixture for the past 25 years at 715 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., is no longer in business.

The closing comes after parent company Bloomin’ Brands of Tampa, Fla., decided in February to shutter more than three dozen financially underperforming restaurants in its portfolio, which includes Outback, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.

“We periodically review our asset base and, in our latest review, we made the decision to close 41 underperforming locations,” CEO David Deno said in a report by Nation’s Restaurant News. “The majority of these restaurants were older assets with leases from the ‘90s and early 2000s.”

Deno said a variety of factors resulted in the decision, including sales, how close customers live to a business location and how far they might travel to patronize it. He also noted the brand plans to open 40 to 45 restaurants this year. Locations for the new dining spots were not disclosed.

The Mount Pleasant restaurant opened in 1999 as the third Lowcountry Outback venue. Two others launched in West Ashley and North Charleston in 1993. Those sites remain open.

Lights out

Also now closed is The Grit Counter.

The restaurant opened five years ago at 320 Wingo Way in Mount Pleasant, next to sister dining spot Grace & Grit in the hotel district near the base of the Ravenel Bridge. A sign on the door says it’s temporarily closed for renovation and will become part of Grace & Grit, possibly as an events venue.

Grace & Grit, which is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday and on Sunday for brunch, also could add brunch on Saturday to its lineup once the expansion is completed.

More than a dozen tenants are coming to a new grocery-anchored retail development near Summerville that's almost completely leased several months before construction is set to be completed.

The One Nexton commercial node on Nexton Parkway will include restaurants, service-industry providers, a bank and workout site in addition to a new 48,387-square-foot Publix supermarket.

Food-and-beverage offerings coming to the development include Catrina's Cantina, Jersey Mike's Subs, Woodhaven Pizza, Ruby's Bagels, Indian restaurant Naan Appetit, and Dulce Churros, Ice Cream and Cocktails.

The Packie Wine & Spirits retail shop will join service providers Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Heartland Dental, Noire Nails and insurance firm Swamp Fox Agency.

Workout site Basecamp Fitness and Fifth Third Bank round out the announced tenants coming to the site, which is still under construction.

"It's crazy that it's already leased, and we are months away from opening," said Jeff Yurfest, who is handling leasing for the site for The Shopping Center Group. "It shows strength of the market with the amount of people moving to Nexton."

One outparcel site remains to be leased next to the 351-unit Camellia One Nexton Apartments under development on the combined 23-acre One Nexton site, Yurfest said.

The multifamily project is expected to be completed in May or June, according to Nexton spokeswoman Cassie Cataline.

Opening dates have not been announced for any of the commercial tenants, but construction is expected to be completed by the fall on the retail center. It sits across Nexton Parkway from a developing Harris Teeter-anchored commercial site. Harris Teeter is tentatively set to open in the spring.

On the way

A rhyming round of slushy sweet adult beverages is on tap for Upper King this spring with the planned arrival of Zachary’s Daiquiris.

The bar, opening in the former Basil Thai restaurant site at 460 King St., is being touted as “Charleston’s Chic Daiquiri Destination.”

Zachary Elliott, a South Carolina entrepreneur, filed for a liquor license recently for the property, and his social media accounts tease the spring opening of the sing-songy locale.

Elliott is also affiliated with Charleston’s Bourbon & Bubbles, Mesu and Republic Garden & Lounge, and is a partner with the Sweetberry Bowls franchise that has locations in the Carolinas, Georgia and New Jersey.

Elliott did not immediately respond for comment on the daiquiri venture.

The space at 460 King, a former bicycle shop and Huddle House, has been empty since spring 2021, when Basil closed its longtime downtown restaurant.

Gassing up

A Savannah-based convenience store chain is looking to add its first location in Mount Pleasant.

Parker's Kitchen plans to build a 5,175-square-foot shop on S.C. Highway 41 at Wood Park Drive, next to the Lowes Foods-anchored Market at Mill Creek Shopping Center.

Business

Site plans presented to the town show three options for the building's placement: with fueling stations parallel to the store facing the highway, with gas pumps in the rear, and with the store on the corner near the street and pumps set perpendicular to S.C. 41.

The 6-acre site where the store is planned near the entrance to The Gates at Dunes West subdivision is owned by Highway 41 LLC, an affiliate of auto supplier Oakwood Group of Dearborn, Mich. It bought the property for nearly $1.3 million 16 years ago.

Heads up

A new salon focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation of the scalp and hair is now open in West Ashley.

Charleston Head Spa at 1420 Ashley River Road offers a serene atmosphere and personalized treatments to improve scalp health, according to its website. The business, owned by Molly and Josh Smith, is open weekdays by appointment.

Dance steps

A new place to twirl and tumble is being proposed in Mount Pleasant.

The owners of Tapio School of Dance and Gymnastics want to build a 9,500-square-foot studio between existing buildings at 600 and 608 Seacoast Parkway, a frontage road next to the Mark Clark Expressway west of Long Point Road, according to site plans presented to the town.

The school is currently at 455 Long Point Road in a shared-use structure. The proposal is making its way through the town's review process.

Our twice-weekly newsletter features all the business stories shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free.

Listen to this article

Three area hospitals have been sold in a $2.4 billion deal to North Carolina-based Novant Health by the previous owner, Tenet Healthcare of Dallas, Texas.

The sale of East Cooper Medical Center in Mount Pleasant, Hilton Head Hospital in Hilton Head and Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville includes the associated physician clinics and other operations, according to a news release from Novant Health.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome our new team members and grow our presence in South Carolina,” said Carl S. Armato, president and CEO, Novant Health, which is headquartered in Winston-Salem. “Novant Health’s long-term vision is to transform the health and wellness of these communities through expanded specialty services and clinical expertise. We are energized and united behind our cause to create a healthier future together by building connections with patients and clinicians in coastal South Carolina.”

The East Cooper Medical Center includes 15 physician clinics. Hilton Head Hospital includes the Bluffton Okatie Outpatient Center and 12 physician clinics. Coastal Carolina Hospital in Jasper County includes the Tidewatch Free-Standing Emergency Department in Bluffton, according to the news release.

Novant Health said continuity of care is a priority and appointments and procedures will continue as scheduled during the transition period. “We are working closely with our new Novant Health team members to ensure a seamless transition for patients and team members,” Joel Taylor, market CEO of Hilton Head Regional Healthcare, said in the release. “We are eager to move forward together in support of our teams and know decisions will be made with our community’s needs at the forefront.”

“There’s a lot to be excited about when planning for our future,” Tyler Sherrill, CEO of East Cooper Medical Center, said in the release. “Novant Health is known for elevating clinician leadership to provide patients with a trusted health care experience through world-class technology, personal connections and convenient access to care.”

Tenet Health also owns a cluster of imaging centers and urgent care clinics in York, Rock Hill and Fort Mill, but those South Carolina properties were not part of the deal for the coastal hospitals.

“We understand that taking care of our patients starts with taking care of our people, so I’m delighted to join a leadership team that strives to not only be a healthc are provider of choice but also an employer of choice,” Ryan Lee, CEO of Coastal Carolina Hospital, said in the release. “I look forward to expanding the resources available to our team.”

Novant Health supports health and wellness programs in the community, including health education/screenings, community health workers and mobile cruisers. Each year, Novant Health provides hundreds of programs that serve patients, neighbors and some of their communities’ most vulnerable citizens, the company said in the release.

The Novant Health network consists of more than 1,900 physicians and more than 38,000 team members who provide care at more than 800 locations, the release said.

MOUNT PLEASANT — In an ongoing backlash to years of soaring population growth and traffic complaints, this affluent suburb plans to extend strict limits on building permits for another five years.

Just 600 new residences would be permitted yearly in the town of more than 94,000 people, and the actual number would likely be lower.

The yearslong effort to slow residential development by capping building permits is a step no other municipality in South Carolina has taken, but few have experienced growth like Mount Pleasant. The town's population has roughly doubled since 2000 and tripled since 1990.

“There was concern in the community about our infrastructure being able to keep up with the growth rate, and I don’t think that concern has gone away," said Councilwoman G.M. Whitley, who put the permit limit extension before Town Council in November.

The measure is scheduled for a Planning Commission hearing Dec. 13, with a final Town Council vote expected in January. The "building permit allocation system" has been in place nearly five years, and instead of expiring in early 2024, it would be extended to 2029.

Mount Pleasant News

It's among many steps the town has taken to thwart rapid growth. There's also a moratorium on new apartment construction that's been in place for seven years, zoning rules have been changed to limit building height and density, and development impact fees were increased dramatically.

In 2018, the year before the permit caps began, the town saw 1,407 new dwelling units — houses, apartments, townhouses and other types of residences. Last year, there were 759.

The permit limits were aimed at slowing the town's annual growth rate for residences from more than 3 percent to a target of 2.1 percent. The result was a growth rate even lower, marked by a low of 1.29 percent in 2020 when just 520 new residences were built.

Real Estate

Mount Pleasant's ordinance in 2019 laid out justifications for limiting building permits, and nearly five years later those have not changed.

The ordinance to extend the permit limits uses the same language, which says "the effects of significant growth are apparent and have resulted not only in increased traffic, congestion and noise, but have also burdened the services.." and "...the town’s road system is barely capable of adequately handling current traffic..."

The permit rules are particularly strict when it comes to higher density multi-family construction, such as apartments and condos. Just 500 new multi-family residences would be allowed over five years, while 2,400 single-family homes could be permitted.

Perhaps surprisingly, despite the limits in place since 2019, hundreds of single-family-home permits went unclaimed.

“Right now we have in excess of 800-900 single-family permits," said Michele Reed, the town's planning director.

Real estate professionals said a lack of developable land in Mount Pleasant and the high cost of any land available help explain why hundreds of permits to build houses were not used.

“Mount Pleasant, in a lot of ways, is near build-out," said Josh Dix, government affairs director for the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors. "There’s not a lot of opportunity for single-family."

Real Estate

If the town were to annex more properties, that could change. The town is currently in a lawsuit over rules that require property owners to become part of the town in order to get the water and sewer service needed for development.

The suit was filed by owners of a 185-acre tract on the Wando River, known as the Republic tract.

If it were to be developed in the town, Mount Pleasant's impact fees would apply and permit limits would allow just 25 new homes per developer every six months. If it could be developed as an unincorporated part of Charleston County, town officials have said the county's zoning would allow about 1,600 homes.

So, Mount Pleasant is mostly built-out, but that could change.

In the current permit-limiting plan that started in 2019, all but 10 of the 500 multi-family permits were claimed, as were all 100 of the permits allowed for accessory dwellings — generally small second homes on the same property as a primary home.

Mount Pleasant News

Unclaimed permits will not roll over into the next proposed 5-year program. And as with the current program, there would be limits on how many single-family permits could be obtained every six months.

Drew Grossklauss, a Mount Pleasant realtor who became president of the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors in November, said he understands the town needs to address growth but the length of the permit limit extension seems unnecessary.

“I would say five years seems like an extreme to do something," he said.

There are exceptions to the permit caps. The two developments that have ongoing agreements with the town, Carolina Park and Liberty Hill Farm, are exempt, as are developments of affordable housing.

Real Estate

During the last five years, there was one townhouse development, Gregorie Ferry Towns, that qualified for the affordable housing exception — townhomes started at $279,000 — but real estate professionals doubt private developers could create more.

"The cost of land, the cost of construction — all these things add up," said Dix. He said allowing more permits for multi-family housing could help create more affordable housing.

“There is a lot of talk from realtors that if we build a lot of multi-family housing, Mount Pleasant would be more affordable, but I think that’s not true," said Whitley. "They will charge what the market will bear."

Reach David Slade at 843-937-5552. Follow him on Twitter @DSladeNews.

has secured new space in Mount Pleasant at 11 Ewall St.

With a 22,000-square-foot facility and support from the town of Mount Pleasant, the South Carolina Research Authority and Charleston County Economic Development, the location is designed to provide a collaborative space to inspire, educate and elevate entrepreneurial organizations, venture capital investment and innovation, according to a news release.

Executive Director Grady Johnson said in an email the additional location for the center “will greatly expand our ability to house entrepreneurs and deliver services to them, like education, etc.”

The Harbor Entrepreneur Center’s objective is to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem for students, veterans, career changers and businesses to develop new enterprises and ideas to grow in the Charleston region, the news release said.

“The town’s economic development strategy specifically calls for a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation,” Mount Pleasant Economic Development Manager Matt Brady said in the news release. “Our partnership with Harbor addresses this directly, and lets the world know that Mount Pleasant is the hub of innovation for South Carolina. We are excited for the companies coming over with HEC and look forward to collaborating with our stakeholders to recruit high-growth firms and create jobs in our community and region.”

The Harbor Entrepreneur Center was recently selected to serve as the lead agent for innovation and entrepreneurship, one of the areas of focus of the One Region Roadmap, part of the strategy of a partnership among the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance and the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. The roadmap provides a broad platform for the community to address economic challenges heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as threats to our region’s prosperity and global competitiveness, according to the release.

“Naming the Harbor Entrepreneur Center as the lead agent for innovation and entrepreneurship gives us the opportunity to take the foundation the HEC has built over the past 10 years and create a high-impact resource for the region,” Johnson said in the release. “The town of Mount Pleasant’s ability to immediately recognize this opportunity and provide us with financial support allowed us to quickly propel this project from vision to reality.”

The Harbor Entrepreneur Center a 501c3 non-profit founded in 2012 by local entrepreneurs John Osborne and Patrick Bryant with support from the town of Mount Pleasant.

The center is housed in the Epic Center at the Citadel Mall, 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.