According to CPD, I-526 eastbound was closed shortly after 10:00 p.m.

One lane of I-526 west was also closed as officers investigated.

CPD did not say when the bridge is expected to reopen.

One fatality was confirmed as of Monday evening. The CPD Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating.

Editor's note: This story is breaking and will be updated.

"Hands to Heritage" features basket weavers from Charleston and Rwanda. The film aims to recognize the weavers for their talents and showcase the reconciliation efforts by the City of Charleston.

The "interwoven history" of the Gullah community and the City of Charleston dates back centuries, when Africans were brought over to the colonies as part of the slave trade.

People from all parts of Africa converged in Charleston, bringing bits and pieces of their cultures with them. The medley of African cultures ultimately influenced a new culture, Gullah Geechie, which lives on in the Lowcountry.

In the documentary, basket weavers from Charleston and Rwanda come together to share stories, techniques, and experiences passed down through generations.

Click here to watch the full documentary.

The main focus at Mosquito Beach is to restore the history, starting with the Pine Tree Hotel which was destroyed by a fire in 2019. Project Manager Kyle Taylor said they're hoping to finish the hotel by September, but they need the community's help to reach their goal.

"We’re on board to complete the building and have the budget for it, however, there is a strong need for funds," said Taylor.

The initial funding for the renovation project came in 2019 from the National Park Service African American Civil Rights Grant Program. Since then, developers have been working to restore the hotel, but the property manager for the Historic Charleston Foundation, Justin Schwebler said they have run into many unforeseen costs.

“Stormwater plans, the fire, a sprinkler system we have to install in the hotel, those were unaccounted-for costs when the grant was originally written,” said Schwebler

The group has started a GoFundMe to help supplement the grant money.

Despite the financial setbacks, Michael Riffert, the owner of Construction Consultants, said progress is being made.

"So to this point, we’ve got plumbing electric heating, and air in, we are waiting on our custom-built wood windows," said Riffert.

The owner of the Pine Tree Hotel, Bill "Cubby" Wilder, said he is confident the project will move forward and this is just the beginning for mosquito beach.

"Now Mosquito Beach is here, and Mosquito Beach is here to stay," said Wilder.

Attorneys for Charleston Advancement Academy High School (CAA) have filed a motion with the South Carolina Administrative Law for a stay of the revocation decision, which is set to go into effect on June 30.

According to the school's website, CAA is "helping young adults overcome real-life challenges to earn their South Carolina state-issued high school diploma."

In a summary of the motion, attorneys claim the decision to revoke CAA's charter "was underpinned and motivated by likey unethical and illegal financial ties between SCPCSD officials and a for-profit, Chicago-based private sector company that provides school management services for a fee, Acceleration Academies (AA)."

AA was brought in as the school's education management organization when the school opened in 2018.

According to the summary of the motion filed by CAA attorneys, "When the CAA board voted to terminate AA in late 2019, that action triggered conspiratorial activities between SCPCSD and AA officials intended to undermine and eventually destroy CAA."

Before the revocation decision was made, CAA requested to transfer oversight from SCPCSD to a different charter school association. That decision was denied by SCPCSD board members, and in a letter to CAA notifying them of that decision, it was also written that the district board voted to provide a notice of revocation.

The letter to the CAA Board Chair explains the grounds for revocation are "CAA committed a material violation of the conditions, standards, performance expectations or procedures provided for in the charter school application or charter school contract; or both." And that "CAA failed to meet the academic performance standards and expectations as defined in the charter school application or charter school contract, or both."

CAA attorneys claim that SCPCSD board member's decision to revoke CAA's charter was "a process that was defective and violated multiple laws."

"There was no recommendation by district staff that it be revoked; there was no remediation that's kind of what is required -- none of that took place," explained Edward Pritchard, an attorney for CAA. "And it's our position that the charter revocation was illegal in that it didn't follow the necessary requirements in the Freedom of Information Act and the Charter Schools Act."

Pritchard said that board members never mentioned the potential for revocation leading up to the decision on January 19, 2023, and that SCPCSD did not evaluate the charter school's performance as required by law.

The motion includes several other claims including that the SCPCSD board "did not include revocation on its meeting agenda" and "did not issue any sanctions against CAA or require corrective action in the SCPCSD Superintendent's most recent annual evaluation of CAA."

Attorneys for CAA and the SCPCSD board are expected to appear for a hearing in South Carolina Administrative Court this week.

SCPCSD officials said they are unable to comment on the matter because the case is currently in litigation. They added that their response would be filed in court this week.

It was just one of several stops the former South Carolina governor is making across the state as she campaigns for the GOP nomination.

Haley answered questions from the CEOs of Berkeley Electric, Santee Cooper, and the Central Electric Cooperative during the afternoon event.

The CEO of Santee Cooper told Haley they hope to increase more green energy options, but noted that if not done correctly, it could mean higher electric bills for consumers.

“The problem is there’s a disconnect from DC to what’s happening here on the ground,” said Haley. “They want to talk about clean energy – we all want clean energy. We all want a good environment. We all want clean air, clean water. That’s not debatable. The problem is, what the Biden Administration is doing -- and I had to sue the EPA under the Obama Administration -- is they are picking winners and losers. They’re picking what kind of energy they think is the best for Americans.”

Haley also touted a recent trip to the U.S. southern border where she said border patrol officers claimed they were not being allowed to do their job.

She said that she would change that and discussed how China steals hundreds of billions of dollars in intellectual property from the United States each year, and that the Chinese military would have access to Americans’ data through tech companies that operate in China.

It's all fun and games on the beach, until you get a ticket.

"Our goal is to be safe," IOP's Police Department Lt. Robert Forsythe said.

A ticket could range from $128 dollars to over $1,000 if you have alcohol.

"There's no glass or alcohol allowed on the beach at all," Lt. Forsythe said.

The same price tag is on a ticket for not following rules pertaining to dogs.

"Right now, it's April 1st through September 14th, 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., that's dogs off leash hours. Then you must also pick up excrement, that's an additional fine or citation as well," Lt. Forsythe said.

With tourist season in full swing, visitors like Justin Kuhn say they shouldn't be punished for not knowing the rules.

Kuhn said, "We did not know about any alcohol rules coming into this vacation."

He says vacations are expensive to begin with, and being ticketed for a rule he didn't know he was breaking puts a damper on his trip.

"It costs a lot of money to come down here and spend their money in the Carolinas and to not know about the alcohol rule and get a ticket," Kuhn said.

Other visitors, like Joseph Mosnan who brought his pup along, say it's up to the tourists to make themselves aware of the rules before visiting.

"It's pretty clear that there's certain hours they have to be on the leash and certain hours they can't." Mosnan said.

IOP police say they expect residents and visitors alike to read the signs and be informed, but say depending on the situation, they also give a lot grace.

"We give way more warnings than we do citations, especially at the beginning of the season, getting people acclimated to it, but it's very important," Lt. Forsythe said.

Click here to see the full list of IOP's beach rules.

According to Kimmie Stewart Casting, scammers are claiming they work for the company or the show and messaging people who want to be extras. The scammers use email addresses almost identical to the legitimate email address and request money or to meet in person.

Other scam websites copy and paste legitimate casting calls and tell people that they must sign up and pay for access to those sites in order to submit.

The company said that they will never charge for submissions and they will never require subscription to a website.

The only legitimate way to sign up to be an extra is to email stewartcastingbg@gmail.com.

Anyone that comes across a scam is asked to reach out to the company immediately.

Alonza Marable Jr. was found guilty of murder and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature last week following a jury trial.

The charges stem from an April 18, 2020 shooting at the Ferndale Mobile Home Park.

According to the Solicitor's Office, Marable and his then-15-year-old accomplice drove around the park waiting for their victim to return home.

The two shot and killed 16-year-old Lanelle Reed Jr. outside of his home.

The juvenile, armed with a handgun, was likely the one that fired the shot that killed Reed. Marable was armed with a semi-automatic rifle and fired 12 rounds, one of which struck a bystander sleeping in a nearby home.

The bystander survived.

Assistant Solicitor Daniel Cooper, who was on the team that prosecuted the case, said that "Marable was the architect of this entire incident: he drove the car as they stalked and hunted the victim; he provided the weapons and ammunition used in the shooting, and, as he was three years older than his juvenile co-defendant, Marable clearly influenced the younger codefendant."

Marable was sentenced to 30 years in prison, the minimum sentence for murder.

Officials with the Dorchester County Coroner’s Office said it happened on Father’s Day at the Pine Forest Country Club in Summerville.

The coroner’s office said an autopsy has not yet been scheduled.

Details about the drowning are limited. Count on 2 for updates.

Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, commemorated Juneteenth by blessing a new memorial at St. John Cemetery, the final resting place of at least 1,000 Black Catholics.

"The cemetery fell into disrepair, and for more than 20 years the site was vacant and unmarked," officials with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston said.

Very few grave markers remain.

For decades, the property remained vacant and was often used as a dog park. It wasn't until recently that the area was fenced and recognized as a cemetery.

The Diocese of Charleston removed utility poles from the property in 2022 and prepared it for landscape lighting.

Carolina Catholic Professionals, Dominion Energy, and Southland Landscape Management placed a memorial marker at the cemetery during the ceremony.

According to the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office, most drug addictions start at home and among those, they say prescription drugs are the most likely to be abused.

“It's time to clean out your medicine cabinets of the unused medicines no longer needed. This will ensure the prescriptions don't end up in the wrong hands,” the sheriff's office said.

Deputies say you can bring all your unused or expired medications to the sheriff’s office so that they can be thrown away safely.

You are asked to put medications in an unmarked small plastic bag to protect your identity. Deputies say please do not use glass and all liquids should be in a sealed bottle with a lid.

The Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office is located at 200 S Jackson St in Kingstree. Just knock on the front double doors and someone will come out to assist you.

Officials say if you can't bring your unused medications to them, send a message on their Facebook page and they will organize picking them up.

Moore, who currently serves the 15^th district in the South Carolina House of Representatives, announced Monday his intent to serve Senate District 42.

It comes after State Senator Marlon Kimpson announced in March that he will resign from that seat to take a job on President Joe Biden’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.

“I am running for state Senate because the people of Senate District 42 deserve a fighter who will put them first — someone from the community who will never give up,” said Rep. Moore in his announcement.

Rep. Moore, a Lowcountry native, has served the SC House as a Democrat since being elected back in 2018, championing affordable housing, gun reform, and crime reduction not only in his district but across the state.

According to his campaign, Moore's legislative priorities focus on improving social justice, growing the district’s infrastructure development, making progress on key educational reforms, access to affordable housing, supporting veterans, and expanding small businesses.

Moore’s campaign will bolster his commitment to the state by “boosting the prosperity of every South Carolinian and fighting for changes in our society to ensure no one is left behind.”

“Together, we'll build a brighter future for the Palmetto State,” Moore added.

State Reps. Deon Tedder and Wendell Gilliard have also declared runs for Senate District 42. Kimpson is expected to resign from the seat this month before joining the Biden Admin.

Carolina Day is observed annually on June 28 to commemorate the successful defeat of British naval and land forces by the patriots during the 1776 Battle of Sullivan’s Island.

According to the National Parks Service, this was the first decisive victory by the American colonies in their fight for independence.

Sullivan's Island

The Battery Gadsden Cultural Center will celebrate Carolina Day early on June 24 with a musket salute and remarks from local leaders. Organizers say eventgoers will have the chance to hear the story of “the most unusual Patriot,” Robert Smith, and join in raising the Moultrie Flag over the town.

Fort Moultrie will waive admission fees on June 24 and hold live reenactments and demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Georgetown County

Carolina Day will be honored in Georgetown with a group walk from Francis Marion Park to the Charters of Freedom at Rainey Park. The event starts at 5:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Downtown Charleston

The Palmetto Society's annual Carolina Day Concert will feature the Charleston Concert Band and music from the period to commemorate the historic battle. The concert is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on June 28 at White Point Garden.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Charleston said a line of strong to severe storms are moving across Colleton County and will push east toward the tri-county through the early part of the afternoon.

Expect strong wind gusts, which could cause damage to trees and powerlines, forecasters said.

Count on Storm Team 2 for updates.

The Battery Gadsden Cultural Center will celebrate Carolina Day early on June 24 with a musket salute and remarks from local leaders.

Organizers say eventgoers will have the chance to hear the story of "the most unusual Patriot," Robert Smith, and join in raising the Moultrie Flag over the town.

Members of the Daughter of the American Revolution, the Second South Carolina Regiment, and the town mayor will make an appearance.

The free event is scheduled for Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at the Town Hall Plaza.

According to the American Boating Association, the 4th of July holiday weekend is the busiest and often deadliest time of boating season.

SCDNR is working to improve boating safety with inspections for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registrations.

Boaters who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections.

Boating inspections will be conducted in the following Lowcountry counties:

Saturday, July 1:

• Beaufort County: Lemon Island Landing, Chechessee River, 10 a.m. to Noon
• Charleston County: Wappoo Cut Landing, Intracoastal Waterway, 10 a.m. to Noon

Sunday, July 2:

• Charleston County: Buck Hall Landing, Intracoastal Waterway, McClellanville, 10 a.m. to Noon
• Charleston County: John P. Limehouse Landing, Intracoastal Waterway/Stono River, Johns Island, 10 a.m. to Noon
• Georgetown County: Carroll A. Campbell Landing, Sampit River, Georgetown, 10 a.m. to Noon

Tuesday, July 4:

• Berkeley County: William H. Dennis Landing, Tail Race Canal, Moncks Corner, 10 a.m. to Noon
• Charleston: Remleys Point Boat Ramp, Charleston Harbor, Mt. Pleasant, 10 a.m. to Noon

Saturday, July 15

• Beaufort County: Battery Creek Boat Landing, Beaufort Water Festival, Port Royal, 10 a.m. to Noon

Many also used the opportunity to show off their personality with decor and furniture that fit their vibe. Are you partial to a luxurious fake garden? Or are you more into lawn chairs and tiki vibes?

Globally, many people may have associated the outdoor dining experience with the cafes of European cities or street food stalls in Asia. Travelers and locals alike often spend hours sipping coffee and eating delicious and cheap food. In the U.S., outdoor seating can take the form of small tables, semi-private nooks, or communal-style seating for the masses, like at a beer garden. Key to a good outdoor table is shade from the sun and, in urban settings, walls or barriers that can cut down on fumes and noise from nearby car traffic.

Restaurants may also play up other perks—like having a great view. The coronavirus pandemic also increased demand for outdoor heaters so restaurants could keep serving meals outside in the colder seasons. All these adjustments have led to more Americans rediscovering the pleasures of dining al fresco, away from the noise inside.

While a good chunk of pandemic-era outside seating may have shrunk back since the return to "normal," many restaurants still have their prized patio tables ready for patrons. Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated restaurants with outdoor seating in Charleston using data from Yelp. Rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list.

#30. Timbo's Peanuts

- Rating: 5.0/5 (31 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2484 Ashley River Rd Charleston, SC 29414
- Categories: Street Vendors, Cajun/Creole
- Read more on Yelp

#29. Vined

- Rating: 5.0/5 (25 reviews)
- Address: 5117 Dorchester Rd Unit G North Charleston, SC 29418
- Categories: Vegan, Southern, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp

#28. Charleston Cheese

- Rating: 5.0/5 (15 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 226 Calhoun St Charleston, SC 29401
- Categories: Bubble Tea, Comfort Food, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#27. Sap Lai

- Rating: 5.0/5 (8 reviews)
- Address: 6185 D Rivers Ave North Charleston, SC 29401
- Categories: Asian Fusion, Noodles
- Read more on Yelp

#26. Sorelle Mercato

- Rating: 5.0/5 (8 reviews)
- Address: 88 Broad St Charleston, SC 29401
- Categories: American (New), Italian
- Read more on Yelp

#25. AZUR

- Rating: 5.0/5 (9 reviews)
- Address: 159 Market St Charleston, SC 29401
- Categories: Tapas/Small Plates, Desserts, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp

#24. Bistro A Vin

- Rating: 5.0/5 (74 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 40 Archdale St Charleston, SC 29401
- Categories: Wine Bars, French
- Read more on Yelp

#23. Second State Coffee

- Rating: 5.0/5 (19 reviews)
- Address: 1630 Ashley Hall Rd Charleston, SC 29407
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Waffles, Coffee Roasteries
- Read more on Yelp

#22. Hi! Boba Tea

- Rating: 5.0/5 (10 reviews)
- Address: 5646 Rivers Ave Unit D North Charleston, SC 29406
- Categories: Bubble Tea, Juice Bars & Smoothies, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#21. Taqueria Espres

- Rating: 5.0/5 (34 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2704 Ashley Phosphate Rd North Charleston, SC 29418
- Categories: Mexican, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp

#20. Bangin' Vegan Eats

- Rating: 5.0/5 (35 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: Charleston, SC 29401
- Categories: Food Trucks, Vegan
- Read more on Yelp

#19. Cold Shoulder Gourmet

- Rating: 5.0/5 (32 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1684 Old Towne Rd Charleston, SC 29407
- Categories: Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#18. Camme's International Food and Grocery

- Rating: 5.0/5 (6 reviews)
- Address: 4501 Dorsey Ave North Charleston, SC 29405
- Categories: Caribbean, Herbs & Spices, International Grocery
- Read more on Yelp

#17. The Biscuit Shed

- Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: North Charleston, SC 29406
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp

#16. Platia Greek Goodness

- Rating: 5.0/5 (7 reviews)
- Address: 5060 Dorchester Rd Ste 230 North Charleston, SC 29418
- Categories: Mediterranean, Greek, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp

#15. Chido Taco

- Rating: 5.0/5 (6 reviews)
- Address: 4707 Dorchester Rd North Charleston, SC 29405
- Categories: Food Trucks, Mexican
- Read more on Yelp

#14. Legend Deli

- Rating: 5.0/5 (7 reviews)
- Address: 41 George St Charleston, SC 29401-1464
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#13. VIP Bistro

- Rating: 5.0/5 (11 reviews)
- Address: 616 Meeting St Ste A Charleston, SC 29403
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Burgers, Southern
- Read more on Yelp

#12. Charleston Gullah Cafe

- Rating: 5.0/5 (6 reviews)
- Address: 4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd North Charleston, SC 29418
- Categories: Food Trucks, Seafood
- Read more on Yelp

#11. Dining In

- Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: 1645 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd Charleston, SC 29407
- Categories: Caterers, Kosher
- Read more on Yelp

#10. Empanada Cuisines

- Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: Charleston, SC 29407
- Categories: Food Trucks, Mexican, Empanadas
- Read more on Yelp

#9. Bistro Blue Water

- Rating: 5.0/5 (6 reviews)
- Address: 2493 Savannah Hwy Charleston, SC 29414
- Categories: American (Traditional)
- Read more on Yelp

#8. Maya del Sol Kitchen

- Rating: 5.0/5 (16 reviews)
- Address: 1813 Reynolds Ave Ste b North Charleston, SC 29405
- Categories: Mexican
- Read more on Yelp

#7. Root Note Food Truck

- Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: Charleston, SC 29412
- Categories: Food Trucks, Tacos
- Read more on Yelp

#6. Historic Charleston Supper Club

- Rating: 5.0/5 (19 reviews)
- Address: 30 Pinckney St Charleston, SC 29401
- Categories: French, Supper Clubs
- Read more on Yelp

#5. Wild Wieners

- Rating: 5.0/5 (6 reviews)
- Address: Corner Of King Street And Queen St Charleston, SC 29401
- Categories: Hot Dogs, Street Vendors
- Read more on Yelp

#4. Pure Fluff

- Rating: 5.0/5 (7 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: Charleston, SC 29401
- Categories: Desserts, Food Stands
- Read more on Yelp

#3. Alvin Ord's Sandwich Shop - James Island

- Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: 1291 Folly Rd Ste 119 Charleston, SC 29412
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#2. Sarah's Dumps

- Rating: 5.0/5 (6 reviews)
- Address: Charleston, SC 29403
- Categories: Pop-Up Restaurants
- Read more on Yelp

#1. Gorditas Locas

- Rating: 5.0/5 (9 reviews)
- Address: Charleston, SC 29401
- Categories: Food Trucks, Tacos, Street Vendors
- Read more on Yelp

The Carolina Billfish Classic will be held on June 21 through June 24 at the Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. 

The event is known as South Carolina's premier bill fishing tournament and is the third leg of the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series.

Eventgoers can expect world-class fishing, live music, entertainment, and advocacy programming.

The Carolina Billfish Classic is partnering with the South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance to "provide a platform for advocacy and discussion on critical issues facing the boating and fishing community."

“Bringing SCBFA to the Carolina Billfish Classic to discuss these issues directly with our participants assures them that they have a strong voice in the future of boating and fishing in South Carolina,"  Loyd Weston, Carolina Billfish Classic Tournament Director, said.

A live stream weigh-in will be held daily online.

“It’s really hard to top that for a Father’s Day gift,” said new dad Paul Newell. “Just to be a father at all, it’s pretty wild.”

Paul and his wife Olivia welcomed their two new precious girls while at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital in West Ashley on Sunday afternoon.

“My wife has always talked about, like how cool would it be if we could have twins,” he said. “It was really weird too; we both wanted a girl so not only do we have twins, but we have two girls to go with it."

Paul said becoming a father has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but at the end of the day, he’s thankful.

"Very, very relieved that everything went well in there and the kids, the babies, are doing very well from what I hear, and my wife is doing great,” he said.

He said this is just the beginning of the rest of his life as a dad.

"Those two girls, that's the most important thing to me right now and I’m just so excited to see how it goes day by day,” he said.

Dorchester County leaders say the grant will be allocated to purchasing weather stations to help strengthen the county’s monitoring infrastructure.

The goal is to provide stronger real-time weather data and protect citizens from potential severe weather impacts. Stations will collect temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, and other meteorological metrics, according to the county.

"Dorchester County is grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for their investment in our community's resilience and safety," said Dorchester County Council Chairman Todd Friddle. "These weather stations will play a vital role in enhancing our emergency preparedness capabilities, enabling us to proactively respond to potential weather-related challenges and safeguard our residents."

Representatives from the Duke Energy Foundation will present the check to the Dorchester County Emergency Management Director Thomas McNeal and County Council Chairman Todd Friddle on Tuesday, June 20^th.

According to Awendaw-McClellanville Fire District, crews responded to a vehicle fire in the 8550 block of Old Georgetown Road near Bash Road in McClellanville Sunday.

Upon arrival, AMFD found the vehicle fully involved in flames.

The fire was extinguished by 7:10 p.m.

Charleston Fire Department was dispatched to a fire on Fishburne Street around 6:00 p.m.

News 2 has reached out to CFD to learn more about to cause of this fire. Count on 2 for updates.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a motorcycle was traveling east on Martin Luther King Road when it collided with a Kia sedan traveling west.

Reports say the Kia was attempting to make a left-hand turn.

The motorcyclist was taken to a Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital where he died.

Georgetown County Coroner Chase Ridgeway identified the victim as Bernard Sherman, 53, of Pawleys Island.

The driver of the Kia was not injured.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating.

The Charleston Fire Department held a memorial ceremony Sunday evening to honor the nine firefighters for the bravery and sacrifice they displayed 16 years ago.

"I appreciate the opportunity to say a few words tonight on this sixteenth remembrance of our fallen firefighters," Charleston Fire Chief Dan Curia said. "I know that the pain doesn’t go away, but it’s my hope that for the families of our nine firefighters, but also, for everyone affected by this tragedy that that perspective does shift to something happy, something pleasant, more often than when you go to the pain.”

Sunday's ceremony was held on the grounds of the Charleston 9 Memorial, which is also the site where the Sofa Super Store once stood.

Fire officials and city leaders say while this tragedy was a great lost for the community, it also served as the inspiration behind many improvements to firefighter safety procedures that have been implemented in the last 16 years.

"We've invested in state-of-the-art equipment," Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said. "Improved training protocols and programs and strengthened coordination between our fire department and other emergency response agencies."

With Sunday's day of remembrance falling on Father's Day, fire officials wanted to acknowledge that many of the brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice 16 years ago were fathers who were loved by many.

The Charleston Fire Department expects the Charleston 9 Memorial to be completed in the near future, and the department will welcome 42 new recruits starting next month.

Multiple agencies assisted in the search for boaters who had become lost on the lake around 10:30 p.m., according to the Moncks Corner Rural Fire Department.

Personnel from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources connected with a citizen who had recovered the missing boaters.

Officials say the boaters were returned to shore and evaluated by Berkeley County EMS.

Central Berkeley Fire & EMS, North Berkeley Fire District, East Berkeley Fire District, and Berkeley County Sheriff's Office also assisted in the search.

June is Caribbean American Heritage Month. 

Charleston Carifest will hold its 2023 festival June 29 through July 1 in Charleston.

“This year, we are especially excited to recognize The Bahamas as the nation commemorates 50 years of Independence. We will have a variety of events and activities that will showcase the beauty and diversity of The Bahamas which has quite a few connections to Charleston dating back a few hundred years," said Shelton Beck.

Beck is a Jamaican man who has lived in Charleston since 1985. He has ben involved with Charleston Carifest since 2006.

The festivities will start June 29 with a symposium at the College of Charleston. Hon Wendall Jones, Bahamas Ambassador to the USA, Dr. Christopher Curry, Ph.D. with the University of The Bahamas, and Hon Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will speak at the event.

“We are delighted to have Bahamas Ambassador to the United States Wendall Jones and others joining us for 2023, and we are most grateful for the Bahamians who have come over the years to take part in Charleston Carifest," Beck said.

On June 30, All White Fete, Fete en Blanc is scheduled at Founders Hall at Charles Towne Landing. This is a ticketed event. 

The Charleston Carifest Carnival will celebrate Caribbean American Heritage on July 1 at Brittlebank Park. The parade will start from John Street at 4:00 p.m. and travel on King Street, Congress Street, Hagood Street, and Lockwood to end at Brittlebank Park. Buy tickets for the Carnival online.

In honor of Father's Day, we asked our Facebook community for some of the best lessons from their dads.

Check out some of these quotes:

• "It is what it is; there is nothing you can do about it except fix it and move on!" - Tori
• "You’ll never know unless you ask." - Sherry
• "Slow down, it isn’t that serious. Sometimes the things that you make a big deal are just not and you need to learn to see the difference. Don’t be so quick to anger." - Dustin
• "Go. Do. Explore. And don't every worry if you are sad or homesick. The same road that took you there will bring you back home." Vicki
• "People that speed have money in their pocket for a ticket, you don't!" - Robin
• "Time is against you, so pay your bill’s on time." - Kevin

Police said Spencer Dale Brown was reported missing by his mother on Saturday evening.

Brown is known to frequent the Camp Road area of James Island.

He has blue hair and may be driving a black Toyota Tacoma (SC license plate HRW253).

If you see her or know where he may be, you are asked to contact the Charleston Police Department Central Detective via NCIC operations at 843-720-2422.

According to Charleston Police Department, officers were responding to a shots fired report at Wragg Square when they heard three to four additional shots nearby.

Reports say one shell casing was discovered nearby.

An area search failed to discover any victims or witnesses.

CPD is investigating.

On the evening of June 18, 2007, fire alarms sounded at the West Ashley furniture and warehouse as black smoke poured from the building.

As firefighters from the Charleston Fire Department began to battle the flames, an emergency call came in saying an employee was trapped inside. Crews rushed inside to save the employee, but flames quickly engulfed the building once the employee was rescued.

Firefighters who were still inside the building sent out a "mayday call." Then, the roof collapsed, leaving nine of Charleston's bravest trapped beneath the rubble.

“Tonight… a great and heroic tragedy has befallen our community. Brave members of the City of Charleston Fire Department, fighting this massive blaze in a store filled with fuel, among the most combustible of fuel, a sofa store. This massive fire has produced several City of Charleston firefighters who are now missing,” said former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley as he addressed the community that night.

The following day, each fallen firefighter was carried out of the store by their fellow crew members, one by one, in a silent, solemn salute.

The Charleston Nine:

• Captain Billy Hutchinson (48)
• Captain Louis Mulkey (34)
• Captain Mike Benke (49)
• Engineer Brad Baity (37)
• Engineer Mark Kelsey (40)
• Assistant Engineer Michael French (27)
• Firefighter Brandon Thompson (27)
• Firefighter Earl Drayton (56)
• Firefighter Melvin Champaign (46)

Charleston Fire Department Station 11, which honors the fallen, was recently built and opened on land adjacent to the park.

As the community continues to mourn the loss of fathers, sons, and brothers, the 16th anniversary holds extra significance this year: It falls on Father's Day.

“We have one of our firefighters, Hunter Benke, who’s on the job here, and it’s Father’s Day, and his dad lost his life on June 18th, 2007," Assistant Chief of Administration David Griffin said. "For me to watch that young man be in our department and work so hard and strive to be such a good firefighter that’s an honor for me.”

Hunter, following in his father's footsteps, graduated from the Charleston Fire Department's recruit program just days before the fire's 15th anniversary in 2022.

Several years ago, the city built Charleston 9 Memorial Park on the site where Sofa Superstore once stood. It currently includes a pathway that leads to the flagpole, a plaque in the center of the park, and nine markers that represent the location of each fallen firefighter, but improvement plans are now in the works.

Fire Station 11, which houses Charleston's only command training center, was built and opened on land adjacent to the park in 2021.

The community and fellow firefighters are invited to gather at the park on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. for a memorial service honoring the nine lives lost.

In addition, Charleston Fire Department personnel will initiate a watch at the park's flagpole of starting at midnight and continuing for the 24 hours of June 18th. 

According to DCSO, deputies responded to reports of a shooting on Dorchester Manor Boulevard around 4:15 p.m. and found a male victim lying in the driveway suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

The victim -- identified as 21-year-old Thomas Anthony Carter -- was taken to the hospital where he later died, Dorchester County Coroner Paul Brothers said.

The shooting remains under investigation. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to call DCSO at 843-873-5111.

The Susie Jackson Freedom Memorial Garden is named after the oldest victim. Susie Jackson was 87 when she and eight other church congregants were shot and killed during a bible study on June 17, 2015.

On Saturday, exactly eight years later, the garden was dedicated to Jackson during a ceremony.

“It’s an amazing thing to have a park named after your mother. It’s something you know will always be here. Something I’m proud of and everything,” said Walter Bernard Jackson, the son of Susie Jackson.

The memorial garden is located nearby Jackson’s home of more than 50 years on Alexander Street. It’s the same spot she used as a short cut to get to church.

Nine Japanese blueberry trees stand tall in the garden, symbolizing the victims. Five noisette roses were planted in honor of the survivors and four olive trees represent the four anchors of peace: freedom, forgiveness, faith, and family.

“It’s reassuring knowing that we’ll always have a place here in Charleston, and I think just coming back and just knowing all of the love and support that we feel,” said Tiana Jackson, one of Jackson’s nine great-grandchildren.

Jackson’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren came back to Charleston this weekend to honor their family’s matriarch.

“Losing her was definitely very hard, but seeing her life and legacy live on really means a lot to all of us,“ Ina Jackson McBean said of her grandmother.

The corner of Chapel and Alexander Streets became known as “Susie Jackson Way” in 2019.

"This is a chance for the families and everybody to kind of be a part of the sendoff and kind of include them," National Guard member, Bruce Lester said.

Hundreds of members of the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade are being deployed to Africa for a year to support the United States Africa Command.

"Primarily based out of a country called Djibouti, there's a little base there called Camp Lemonier and we're the staff for the 2-star general there, and we'll work directly for her." Lester said.

A part of the brigade is the husband of presidential candidate Nikki Haley, Major Michael Haley.

The Haley family was all together Saturday to send him off.

National Guard members say it's going to take people with the skillset Haley has, to do what they're doing.

"Directly things like the Secretary of Defense and the President want done within the continent of Africa we're kind of patrolling. So, you really are seeing what the big picture of what American foreign policy," Lester said.

Soldiers say they know deployment is hard not just for them but for their family as well, and they're thankful for the sacrifice.

"Thank you to them for dealing with all of that se that we can do our job and advance our careers," Lester said.

The brigade will travel to Texas where they will go through examinations, and then arrive in Africa in July.

Officials said CSX crews are performing maintenance on the crossing's cantilevers -- the structure that warns drivers of an approaching train.

Two lanes on the northwest side will be closed on Monday and two lanes on the southeast side will be closed on Tuesday. The closure is expected to last from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day.

Motorists are encouraged to use caution when driving in the area.

The work was originally slated to be completed in January but was rescheduled, according to officials.

That stranger would turn out to be a radicalized white supremacist who carried out what is still regarded as one of the most grisly and brazen hate crimes in recent history.

MORE: REMEMBERING MOTHER EMANUEL

Dylann Roof, a then 21-year-old man from the midlands, traveled from his home to one of the most historic Black churches in the state and opened fire during worship.

S.C. Senator Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney (who was the church’s pastor at the time), Cynthia Graham Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, Depayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Rev. Daniel Simmons, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, and Myra Thompson were all killed in the shooting.

Three people in the room at the time of the shooting survived, including Tywanza Sanders’s mother Felecia Sanders, her granddaughter Ka’mya Manigault, and Polly Sheppard.

Rev. Pinckney’s wife, Jennifer Pinckney, and their then-six-year-old daughter, Malana, were in another room across the hall at the time of the shooting. They also survived.

In the days after the massacre, an outpouring of support for survivors and those impacted by the tragedy came from all corners of the Lowcountry and the nation.

Former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said that while June 17, 2015, was the saddest day of his life, the days after were some of the proudest in his 40 years in office.

Then-President Barack Obama traveled to Charleston to deliver a eulogy for Reverend Pinckney, rightfully shifting the focus from the trauma of the event to the healing power of unity.

President Obama, along with other lawmakers, also called for renewed focus on gun safety legislation.

Since the shooting, South Carolina Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC) has been working to close a gap in the firearms background check system that has become known as the 'Charleston Loophole.' On June 13, Clyburn again urged Congress to pass the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2023:

"In Charleston, because the gunman’s background check had not been completed within three days, the shop had already sold the gun before he was deemed to be ineligible.  Every year, thousands of weapons are purchased through this loophole that otherwise should be prohibited due to criminal records or other factors—more than 5,200 in 2021 alone.  Though this problem was discovered too late for the 12 victims at the Emanuel AME Church, we must narrow this loophole to prevent future tragedies."

On the state level, lawmakers like S.C. Rep. Wendell Gilliard (D-Charleston) have been working to pass a hate crimes law. South Carolina is one of only two states without a hate crimes law, which are laws that enhance penalties for violent crimes in which a victim was targeted because of race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, or religion.

Roof is facing several state and federal charges, but hate crimes charges were only brought on the federal level. He was sentenced to death on the federal charges.

Between 2022 and 2023, two separate lawsuits have been filed on behalf of Manigault and Reverend Pinckney's daughter, both naming Facebook and other social media sites. The suits allege Roof was targeted by online algorithms contributing to his radicalization.

The Emanuel 9 commemorative events began Wednesday evening with a special bible study.

Thursday, the Susie Jackson and Ethel Lance Senior Citizens’ Virtual Luncheon was held. Jackson and Lance were both integral parts of Mother Emanuel’s Senior Ministry.

The church encouraged everyone to perform a kind act as part of Friday’s Random Acts of Kindness Day, then use #E9LOVE to show off their act of kindness via social media.

Church leaders say sharing love and kindness embodies the spirit of each of the nine members they lost 8 years ago.

Emanuel AME’s Senior Pastor Eric Manning provided details about several commemorative events happening this Saturday and Sunday.

“The Cynthia Hurd Foundation will be doing an activity on June 17^th,” Manning said, “as well as the dedication for the Susie Jackson Memorial Garden. Then, of course, Sunday which is Father’s Day, we have the service of commemoration, but it’s also Father’s Day, so we have a guest preacher who will be coming in.”

Mother Emanuel will have a youth commemorative activity next Tuesday before hosting the Emanuel 9 Humanitarian Awards next Friday.

Manning says each of these events are important as their congregation continues the healing process.

“Regardless of how dark the night is,” he said, “regardless of how long the storm is, regardless of how deep the valley is, regardless of how long the wilderness seems to be, you must always have a hope that says, ‘We will continue to fight the good fight.’”

News 2 will have coverage of this weekend’s commemorative events.

On the night of June 17, 2015, worshippers were attending Bible study at Emanuel A.M.E. Church – it was just after 8:00 p.m. when the shooter walked into the church and sat with church members for about an hour before he pulled out a gun and shot nine innocent people.

Six women and three men were killed that night. State Senator Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, Cynthia Graham Hurd, Tywanza Sanders, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Depayne Middleton-Doctor, Rev. Daniel L. Simmons, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, and Myra Thompson.

"In just a few minutes, God changed my life just like that," Rev. Anthony Thompson, who lost his wife Myra, said reflecting on that tragic night.

For Thompson, like many other family members, summing up the last eight years is not easy, but he said granting forgiveness is what ultimately helped him through the heartbreak.

"Forgiving him and other family members forgiving him made a difference in how I feel right now," he shared.

Thompson's path to forgiveness began when he spoke at the gunman's bond hearing after his arrest.

"You know, I experienced a whole lot in just a few minutes," he said. "I thought that I was up there for hours."

Before that day in court, Thompson says he was ready to give up after losing his wife.

"I fell on the ground crying and I really couldn't take it," he said. "I threw in the towel and I told God 'I'm not gonna pastor, don't expect me to be in church on Sunday.' I literally threw in the towel."

But, Thompson says God would speak to him about forgiveness and when he finally decided to listen -- it changed everything.

"Instantly, immediately, I was released," he shared. "Anger, hate, everything I felt, even sadness, it was gone. I received peace like no other...it was him."

Thompson now shares his testimony with others who are struggling both in the Lowcountry and abroad through his organization, One New Humanity Charleston, in hopes that others can find healing.

"We're not pointing fingers," he explained. "We're just saying, 'Come on and join us and let's do this together so God can change our hearts.'"

Life is moving forward for Rev. Thompson -- he recently remarried -- but he says he still carries parts of Myra with him every day.

"I thought I knew how to love. I thought I was a loving person and no one could out love me," he said. "But she taught me that there was more to it than what I knew. She was all about love."

He says June 17 will be a day he never forgets and believes Myra would be proud of him for granting forgiveness in the face of such tragedy.

Rev. Thompson also wrote a book titled "Called to Forgive" which he says answers a lot of people's questions about forgiveness and healing.

On Sunday, community members and fellow firefighters are invited to attend a memorial at the park to honor the 9 lives lost.

The Charleston Fire Department's current Deputy Chief of Operations, Forrest Cockroft, said that night changed everything.

“That night as many will tell you was probably one of the worst nights of their careers… but out of it has been born such a lot of great things," said Cockroft.

Today, the community is still mourning the lives of the fathers, sons, brothers, and friends that were lost in that fire. This year's anniversary holds a special significance, as it falls on Father's Day. Assistant Chief of Administration David Griffin said that brings new battles.

“We have one of our firefighters, Hunter Benke, who's on the job here, and it's Father's Day, and his dad lost his life on June 18th, 2007. For me to watch that young man be in our department and work so hard and strive to be such a good firefighter that’s an honor for me.”

Sunday's ceremony will be held at the memorial park, built where the Sofa Superstore once stood.

Improvements to the park are being made not only to honor the 9 firefighters, but to inform the public about what happened roughly 16 years ago.

For example, brick pillars are placed around the park to outline the layout of the store. Cockroft said they want to take their time creating the park and make sure they get it right.

“We’re hopeful of getting it done soon, but more importantly we’re focused on getting it done right because they deserve that. However long it takes we will continue to work through and make sure that it gets done the way it needs to get done,” he said.

Firefighters like Griffin and Cockroft say they hope the space will continue to be a place for the public to remember the nine brave firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty

The memorial is set to begin at 7:00 PM.

The Founder's Day initiative, which started in 2016, gives employees paid time off to do volunteer work with non-profit organizations and public service agencies in their local communities.

This year, we celebrated Nexstar's 27th birthday by volunteering at Hope to Home Furniture Resource, a Charleston-based nonprofit that provides basic home furnishings to people looking for a fresh start.

"The most difficult one is when we are dealing with children, women and children who are coming out of domestic violence or trafficking, or they have been homeless, families that have been homeless," Hope to Home Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer Tom Young said. "Sometimes we encounter kids and this is the first time they have ever had their own bed."

Our team spent Friday morning assembling "move-in" kits with kitchen supplies, repairing furniture, and delivering those essentials to people in need.

"We went to two houses today and made deliveries," News 2 anchor Brendan Clark said. "The first person was sleeping on the floor, and didn't have one piece of furniture, so we go in there, we load them up, give them a bed, give them chairs give the tables, everything he needs. He was so grateful. A veteran of ours...thank you for your service, thank you for being here. We just love to help him."

On Hope to Home deliveries, the work extends far beyond just unloading the truck. Young says volunteers will help make the beds, hang pictures, and do whatever else is needed to transform the living space into a true home.

"Our objective is to make them as comfortable as they can be," Young said.

For more information about how you can get involved with Hope to Home, please click here.

Nexstar Media Group is one of the largest media groups in the U.S., owning stations across the country including WCBD News 2.

According to DCSO, one person was injured.

The extent of the victim's injuries is unknown.

DCSO said that no one is in custody as of 4:45 p.m.

Editor's note: This story is breaking and will be updated.

"We all have our different talents that makes other people work harder. if one’s better at this, someone’s going to work harder at matching them. We all help, it’s a big circle. We all try to help each other grow our strengths and weaknesses,” JIYSC U13 goalie Katie Claire Helms said.

The JIYSC U13 girls are a force to be reckoned with.

In the entire 2022-23 season, they are 29-4-4.

“I think it has to do with our hard work and dedication to do well and win,” said center back Scarlett Kingston.

A month ago, they won the Piedmont Division State Cup. and will now represent South Carolina in regionals.

“It means a lot. It’s a lot to carry. I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” Kingston said.

The girls will pack their bags next week for Baton Rouge.

A 16 team 12 state tournament with the winner advancing to nationals.

"It's gonna be kind of scary, because we've never played these teams before and I'm just scared if we don't win or not," quipped striker Kinsley Miller.

But on the other hand, their opponents should be weary of JIYSC.

"Yea, they should be nervous," Miller exclaimed.

The club is poised and confident taking their southern style down to the bayou.

"There are definitely some great kickers here. I love my defense because they're really strong and aggressive. And our wings, they can kick really far," said Katie Claire Helms.

Helms and the rest of her team are hoping to have their kicks, in Red Stick.

According to Charleston Police, Lucius Gibbs was last seen in Charleston on June 6. His family reported him missing one day later. CPD said that he was driving a white Ford F-150.

On June 9, the sheriff's office in Lee County, Alabama responded to reports of a drunk driver on Highway 280. A witness said someone in a white Ford F-150 "was swerving across lanes and had run off the road into a ditch."

Responding deputies approached the truck and found Gibbs asleep at the wheel. They also saw a rifle in the passenger's seat.

The deputies called for backup and a few minutes later, saw the truck backing out of the ditch. The Lee County Sheriff's Office said that while backing out, Gibbs fired a shot at the deputies.

The deputies returned fire and approached the truck.

When deputies found Gibbs, they said he had a handgun in one hand and a semi-automatic shotgun with an extended magazine in the seat beside him.

Gibbs appeared to be hit, so EMS was requested. EMS confirmed that Gibbs died on scene.

The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation is investigating, per protocol.

Despite their call for the A-1 Food Store on Dorchester Road to close its doors, several members of the community said the problem is not with the business.

“This store has been a nuisance in this community for over 20 years,” said Elder James Johnson, CEO of the Racial Justice Network. “Now, we are going to file legal papers to reject the license, business license, liquor license, or whatever license they have.”

The North Charleston Police Department provided News 2 with a list of calls they responded to at the A-1 Food Store since January 1, 2021, including 430 calls for various issues during that nearly two and a half years.

While there were hundreds of calls for service, only approximately 19 appeared to be significant in nature including carjackings, assaults, burglaries, and thefts. There were eight calls listed as either weapons, firearms, or shooting incidents.

The most recent shooting happened during the evening of June 8. Three people were injured, and one person was killed.

Attorney and State Representative Marvin Pendarvis, who attended a press conference outside the store Friday, said they will first ask the city to shut the business down based on their nuisance ordinance.

If that does not work, they plan to file suit.

“When an establishment becomes such that it becomes a nuisance and from that, there’s violence and people crime and people’s lives are in jeopardy. We have a responsibility to do something,” he said.

But while the press conference was underway, several people who live in the neighborhood began voicing their opinion and asking questions.

“This has nothing to do with what’s going on in this community right now. I live here. What does the store have to do with anything," the neighbor questioned. "They don’t sell drugs. It’s the parents. Why are we not going after the parents? Why are we not going after programs for the parents? People got mental issues out here. Why nobody talking about that?”

“And I guess if you shut these guys down, you shutting me down also,” added Rickey Fyall, who owns RaiShaun Fyall’s Soul and Seafood next door. His restaurant is connected to A-1 Food Store.

“Well, if they shut them down, they shut me down also. That’s just plain and simple. I rent from them. So, you shut them down, you shut me down. I mean nobody’s talked to nobody in the community. Nobody’s talked to me. Nobody asked me anything. But we got all the protest and unity marches,” he said.

News 2’s Raymond Owens spoke with the owner of A-1 Food Store by phone on Friday. He told us that he’s met with Mayor Keith Summey who made several suggestions to him.

The owner said the business now has new signs they are putting out at the business and will be clearing the windows of signs so the inside of the store can better be seen from the outside.

They will also be installing more cameras on the property.

The owner also said there have been shootings at other businesses in North Charleston and questioned why there is no push for those places to close their doors.

According to the report, the victim parked her car outside the ER and left her son in the car as she took someone inside.

When she walked out, told police she saw a man removing her son from the back seat and a woman sitting in the driver's seat. The woman then sped away in the car.

The suspects were identified as Tanner Chechelashvili (35) and Travis Gillespie (40). Both were charged with kidnapping, assault and battery first degree, and carjacking.

Both are being held in the Al Cannon Detention Center. Bond has not been set.

A fire broke out at the furniture store and warehouse during the evening of June 18, 2007, and eventually caused the roof to collapse, leaving nine firefighters trapped inside.

Firefighters included Brandon Thompson, Brad Baity, Louis Mulkey, Mark Kelsey, Mike Benke, William Hutchinson, Melvin Champaign, Michael French, and Earl Drayton.

Personnel from the Charleston Fire Department will initiate a 24-hour watch at the Charleston 9 Memorial Park flagpole beginning at midnight on June 18.

Fire personnel from across the Lowcountry and community members are invited to attend the ceremony, along with family members of the fallen heroes. It begins at 7:00 p.m. and will be streamed online for those who cannot attend.

Officials say there will be limited seating with priority given to families of those lost on June 18, 2007, and past members of the Charleston Fire Department. Carpooling is encouraged.

The memorial parking lot along Savannah Highway will be reserved for CFD apparatus. There will be limited parking available behind Fire Station 11 and off Wappoo Road near the bike trail.

Members from the Lowcountry Firefighter Support Team, Inc., counselors from Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center, and members from the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy will be on-site to offer support, according to the Charleston Fire Department.

The park is currently undergoing renovations.

The Charleston Symphony will perform "a blend of patriotic melodies and classical favorites," including "a salute to the armed forces and [popular] favorites by renowned composers such as Tchaikovsky."

Guest musician Javetta Campbell will join the concert, performing popular songs and Broadway showtunes.

Mayor John Tecklenburg will also narrate "Lincoln Portrait" by Aaron Copland.

A fireworks show will take place after the concert.

Concessions will be available.

Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. and the family-friendly event begins at 8:00 p.m.

A limited number of tickets are available and must be reserved in advance.

Deputies with the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) are working to identify an individual who allegedly used a fake $50 bill to buy items from the Circle K on Ocean Highway and Waverly Road this week.

The suspect was driving a gray Honda Pilot, according to the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Carter Weaver asked that anyone with information call GCSO at 843-546-5102.

The South Carolina Ports Authority announced Friday the City of Charleston will take the lead on the project and come up with a new plan over the next year.

South Carolina Ports Authority CEO Barbara Melvin said during a press conference they will defer recommendations to the city’s Planning Commission to allow more time and community input on the project.

“People shared with us what they wanted to see at Union Pier, and more importantly, what they did not want to see at Union Pier,” Melvin said.

City officials will be joined by third party consultants, advocacy groups, the College of Charleston’s Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the effort.

“Today is, in a way, a day of celebration because we kind of breath a little sigh of relief that we are going to have a pause, a reset, so we can get this right,” said Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg.

SC Ports owns the 70-acre site and planned to redevelop it into a mixed-use neighborhood with housing, retail, hotels, and green space.

The Ports Authority presented their proposal earlier this year, and held numerous public meetings. The community expressed concern about the height and density of the project, the environmental impact, and how quickly it was unfolding.

Melvin said neighbors also made it clear they want to see the project address resiliency, traffic, and affordable housing needs. There was also a call for more green space.

“We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and do what we have been asking for, for a while, which is to have a city-led and community-engaged planning process for this really important piece of our city,” Cashion Drolet said. She serves as the Chief Advocacy Officer for the Historic Charleston Foundation.

Melvin said the core components of the project will remain the same – including creating a mixed-use neighborhood and expanding waterfront access.

“This is really a major step forward, not only in sending a message to the community that we can be effective in our advocacy, but it’s a note to all the other real estate developers that want to capitalize on what we built in this city. It’s beautiful,” said the Preservation Society of Charleston’s President & CEO, Brian Turner.

The mayor and advocacy groups planned to meet after the press conference to discuss the timeline moving forward.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A woman who law enforcement officials say was driving under the influence when she struck and killed a new bride and severely injured a groom on their wedding night is expected in court Friday afternoon.

Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, has been housed at the Charleston County Detention Center since the morning of April 29, 2023. She was initially denied bond in that deadly crash that involved several members of a wedding party.

A wrongful death lawsuit that was filed on behalf of the groom, Aric Hutchinson, alleges that Komoroski was heavily intoxicated when the struck the back of their golf cart on Folly Beach at a high speed.

Police reports show Komoroski was driving 65 mph in a 25 mph zone when she rear-ended the golf cart around 10:00 p.m. on East Ashley Avenue.

Samantha Miller-Hutchinson, still in her wedding dress, was killed while her new husband and several others were injured.

Several restaurants also named in that lawsuit are accused of overserving Komoroski. Attorneys claim she had been bar hopping in the hours leading to that collision. A toxicology report revealed that her blood alcohol content level was three times over the legal limit.

Attorney Danny Dalton, who spoke about the lawsuit in May, explained why they filed the lawsuit. “Part of the reason we wanted to file a lawsuit was to get into the formal discovery process where we and the families can more definite answers to some of the questions that are still a little vague to us,” he said.

“This case is about keeping the public and keeping all of us safe from drunk driving. Keeping the community safe, and doing what we can to combat drunk driving,” he added.

Komoriski's attorneys filed a motion last month seeking bond. They argued she poses no flight risk or danger to the community.

“The personal characteristics of Jamie Lee Komoroski, coupled with her strong family support and ties to the community, heavily counsel in favor of her release from custody,” the motion reads.

Attorneys painted Komoroski as an exceptional student with a tight-knit family bond and a passion for the service industry and babysitting.

“Jamie Lee Komoroski has never been convicted of any crime, has never been accused of perpetrating violence against anyone, has never been disciplined for even a school-related behavioral infraction, and has led a law-abiding life throughout her twenty-five years,” documents state.

The motion also states that Komoroski has struggled with alcohol dependence, depression, and anxiety for several years and has sought treatment for those issues, which attorneys say would continue if she were released.

Komoroski, who is charged with three counts of felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury and one count of vehicular homicide, is expected to have that initial court appearance at 2:00 p.m.

Randall Fowler, who was voted "Best Country Male Singer" and "Best Male Vocalist" by the Charleston City Paper, recently signed a record deal with veteran music producer Clay Myers.

The deal comes just ahead of Fowler's new single "Other Side Of A Heartbreak," which will release June 16 as Fowler's first song on the new label.

Fowler grew up in Goose Creek, playing sports and nurturing his love of music.

His influences include Travis Tritt, Joe Diffie, and Tracy Lawrence.

Fowler will be back in the Lowcountry performing a concert in Cane Bay on July 1st for their Independence Day celebration. He will also be performing October 7th as part of Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival concert in North Charleston.