Information will be added here before, during, and after a storm.

City of Charleston March 27 Coronavirus Update

The city of Charleston continues to operate at OPCON 1 with the stay at home ordinance in effect and non-essential businesses closed citywide.

Earlier today, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and Police Chief Luther Reynolds held a press conference to prov...

City of Charleston Releases Statement on AG Office’s Opinion

Today, city of Charleston Corporation Counsel Susan Herdina released the following statement with regard to the SC Attorney General Office’s opinion on home rule and emergency authority:

"The city appreciates the strong support for the princ...

City of Charleston March 26 Coronavirus Update

The city of Charleston continues to operate at OPCON 1 with the stay at home ordinance in effect and non-essential businesses closed citywide.

The Community Development Committee and Charleston City Council met today and approved an emergency ordinance to ...

City of Charleston releases further guidance on ‘Stay at Home’ ordinance

In response to the stay at home ordinance passed by Charleston City Council last night, the city has received a number of questions regarding the closure of non-essential businesses.

In order to provide guidance, the city’s Legal Department has r...

Mayor Tecklenburg’s Coronavirus Press Conference Remarks, March 24

Today, at a 2:30 p.m. press conference, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg gave the following remarks regarding the city’s continued efforts to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19:

Good afternoon.

For the past several weeks, governments and residents ...

City of Charleston March 23 Coronavirus Update

The city of Charleston continues to operate at OPCON 1, with city buildings closed to the public and employees transitioning to working from home. Those who are unable to telecommute are now working in alternating A and B teams in order to protect the cit...

Mayor Tecklenburg’s Coronavirus Press Conference Remarks, March 22

Today, at a 4 p.m. press conference with representatives from Charleston County, the City of North Charleston and the Town of Mount Pleasant Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg gave the following remarks:

With the coronavirus now aggressively spreading acros...

City of Charleston March 20 Coronavirus Update

Effective at 5 p.m. today, the city of Charleston shifted to OPCON-1 and closed all remaining offices and facilities, including recreation centers, to the public. 

Many city staff members will transition to working remotely effective Monday, with ...

Statement from Mayor Tecklenburg on City’s Coronavirus Response

At a press conference today, Mayor John Tecklenburg made the following statement on the city’s efforts related to COVID-19:

Since the threat of the coronavirus first became clear in China and later in Europe, the city of Charleston has taken a nu...

City of Charleston Coronavirus March 19 PM Update

Tonight, at an emergency meeting, Charleston City Council voted to amend the city’s emergency ordinance regarding gatherings to align with Governor Henry McMaster’s guidelines for bars and restaurants and to limit social gatherings to ...

City of Charleston Coronavirus March 18 PM Update

The city of Charleston remains at OPCON 2, with modified operations designed to limit in-person contact.

According to SC DHEC, there are now 60 positive cases of coronavirus in South Carolina, four of which tested positive in Charleston County. For the lat...

City of Charleston Coronavirus March 17 PM Update

The city of Charleston remains at OPCON 2, with modified operations designed to limit in-person contact.

According to SC DHEC, there are now 47 positive cases of coronavirus in South Carolina, three of which tested positive in Charleston County. For the la...

City of Charleston Coronavirus March 16 PM Update

The city of Charleston continues to operate at OPCON 2, indicating a state of modified operations intended to limit person-to-person contact.

Charleston City Council met telephonically this afternoon to receive an update on the city’s response to...

City of Charleston Coronavirus Update March 16, 2020

UPDATED BELOW

At an emergency telephonic City Council meeting at 2 p.m. today, Council will be briefed on city actions to date and consider a State of Emergency declaration. The call in number for the meeting is 1-800-747-5150; access code: 7243729#.

Follow...

City of Charleston March 13, 2020 Coronavirus Update: Most Recent Cancelations and Postponements

The city of Charleston today announced the postponement of the upcoming Trust and Security Community Summit, sponsored by the city and Mayor’s Clergy Advisory Council, which was scheduled to take place at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020 at G...

Frequently Asked Questions About the Coronavirus in Charleston

Updated: March 26, 2020, 10:00 a.m.

What is the coronavirus and where did it come from?

Coronavirus 2019, also called COVID-19, is a virus that first appeared in Asia late last year. It is a contagious disease that is easily passed from person to person, ca...

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sponsors Announce Cancelations Due to Coronavirus

In phone calls with Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg this morning, the sponsors of both St. Patrick’s Day parades scheduled to take place in the city of Charleston on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, have agreed to suspend their plans due to the rapidl...

City of Charleston Coronavirus Preparations as of March 10, 2020

City of Charleston Emergency Management Director Shannon Scaff will address Charleston City Council tonight to provide an update on the city’s coronavirus preparations. Among the steps he’ll be discussing are the following:

Joint Federa...

Charleston, SC Coronavirus Fact Sheet - Thursday, March 12, 2020

Charleston, SC Coronavirus Fact Sheet 

Updated: 9:00 a.m., Thursday, March 12, 2020

For the latest on City of Charleston Coronavirus Preparations please read, "City of Charleston Coronavirus Preparations as of March 12, 2020" available he...

City of Charleston Takes Precautionary Steps Regarding Coronavirus

To date, no cases of coronavirus have been detected in the state of South Carolina or any of the immediately surrounding states. However, as a precautionary measure, today Mayor John Tecklenburg and city of Charleston leaders consulted with federal, state...

City Offices, Parking Garage at Gaillard Center to Close for Democratic Presidential Primary Debate

The Democratic Presidential Primary Debate will take place at the Charleston Gaillard Center Tuesday, February 25. Due to the heightened security protocols required by this event, the city offices located at 2 George Street will close to the public at 11:...

Repairs to Shade Structures at Waterfront Park Begin

The City of Charleston has contracted with IPW to perform repairs on the three shade structures on the pier at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Waterfront Park. 

The pier will remain open to the public, but the areas underneath the shade structures, which incl...

City of Charleston Prepares for Severe Weather, Cancels Evening Recreation Programs

The National Weather Service Charleston is forecasting a line of strong to severe thunderstorms in the Charleston area late this afternoon into the evening, with the possibility of damaging wind gusts exceeding 58 mph. The most significant threat is expec...

City of Charleston Seeks Public Input Regarding Affordable Housing

­ The city of Charleston’s Department of Housing and Community Development, in partnership with JQUAD Planning Group, LLC, will hold a series of community input meetings regarding the preparation of their five-year Consolidated Plan and ...

City of Charleston Breaks Ground on Municipal Golf Course Renovation

January 16th, Mayor John Tecklenburg, Golf Course Architect Troy Miller, representatives of Friends of the Muni, members of City Council and the Municipal Golf Course Commission, and community leaders broke ground on the Charleston Municipal Golf Course R...

City of Charleston to Host AmeriCorps VISTA Information Session

The city of Charleston will host an Information Session for the 2020 AmeriCorps VISTA Site Selection Process to provide an overview of the AmeriCorps VISTA Program and review related regulations and site requirements. The Information Session will be held ...

City of Charleston, YWCA to Host MLK Day Concert, “Hold Fast to the Dream”

The city of Charleston and YWCA Greater Charleston will sponsor a concert titled “Hold Fast to the Dream” honoring the legacy of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at 5 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2020 at First Baptist Church of ...

City Finalizes Preparations for Rain, Winds, Tides Through Tuesday

In consultation with the National Weather Service, City of Charleston emergency management officials have begun finalizing preparations for a significant storm event beginning overnight tonight and continuing through Tuesday evening.  

The worst c...

Potential for Severe Weather, Flooding This Weekend

The National Weather Service Charleston currently forecasts significant weather this weekend beginning Saturday night through Monday, which may cause moderate flooding, especially during the times of high tide.

The worst of the weather is currently expecte...

Single-Use Plastic Regulations to Take Effect January 1, 2020

Beginning January 1, 2020, the grace period will expire and new single-use plastic regulations will take effect in the City of Charleston, Town of James Island, and in the unincorporated areas of Charleston County.

At that time, operations must eliminate u...

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents Linda Fantuzzo: Penumbra

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents Linda Fantuzzo: Penumbra, a new exhibition by artist Linda Fantuzzo, on view at City Gallery January 18 through March 1, 2020. A reception for the artist will take place on January 17 fro...

Delayed Start to City of Charleston Holiday Parade Due to Weather

In consultation with the National Weather Service, the City of Charleston will delay the start of the Holiday Parade to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, December 1, 2019. 

Rain and winds are forecast to move through the area tomorrow and are expected to clear i...

City of Charleston’s Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting to Take Place December 1, 2019

The city of Charleston’s annual Holiday Parade will take place on Sunday, December 1, 2019, beginning at 3 p.m.

The parade will begin near Colonial Lake on Broad Street, will continue east on Broad Street to Meeting Street, where it will turn and...

City of Charleston to Give Away Free Reusable Bags and Straws at Upcoming Workshops for Residents

Residents are encouraged to join one of two free workshops designed to provide tools and resources that will help support a smooth community-wide transition to the City's new single-use plastic regulations that take effect January 1, 2020.

The following w...

City of Charleston, Doha, Qatar enter into Charleston Sister Cities International Partnership

Last week, Charleston City Council unanimously approved a Sister Cities partnership with Doha, Qatar. 

During a Qatari delegation visit to Charleston in October, the Ambassador of Qatar to the United States of America Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al Th...

West Ashley Farmers Market to Return for Special Thanksgiving Market

The West Ashley Farmers Market will return for a special Thanksgiving Market on Sunday, November 24^th, 2019 from 12 to 4 p.m. in Ackerman Park (55 Sycamore Avenue, behind CVS and Rogue Motion).

The Farmers Market will feature fresh local produce, prepared ...

Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Police Department Forensic Services Division Building

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg, members of City Council, Police Chief Luther Reynolds and Parks Director Jason Kronsberg broke ground Wednesday on the Charleston Police Department Forensic Services Division Building at 1975 Bees Ferry Road. 

Th...

City of Charleston Accepting Annual Holiday Parade Applications

The city of Charleston is accepting applications for participation in the annual Holiday Parade through 5 p.m. on Friday, November 1st, 2019. The Holiday Parade will take place on Sunday, December 1, 2019, beginning at 3 p.m.

Those interested in applying c...

City of Charleston to host Workshops for Businesses Transitioning from Single-use Plastics

The city of Charleston Sustainability division is hosting two free workshops to provide businesses with tools and resources to help support a smooth transition to the city’s new single-use plastic ordinance, which will go into effect on January ...

City of Charleston Office on Aging to Host 2019 Senior Information Summit

In partnership with the Trident Area Agency on Aging and Louis Waring, Jr. Senior Center, the city of Charleston Mayor’s Office on Aging will host the 2019 Senior Information Summit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at the Wari...

The Office of Cultural Affairs presents We The People: Portraits of Veterans in America

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents We The People: Portraits of Veterans in America, on view October 26 through December 22, 2019. In 2010, internationally renowned artist Mary Whyte set out on an inspirational seven-year mission to...

City of Charleston October 4 Hurricane Dorian Debris Update

Since collection began, city crews and contractors have picked up more than 170,000 cubic yards of debris citywide. Today, 41 crews continue moving throughout the city picking up curbside debris.

Contractor crews will begin the final stage of debris pickup...

Preliminary Racial Bias Audit Report of Charleston Police Department Released

Today, the city of Charleston is releasing the preliminary findings of CNA’s Racial Bias Audit of the Charleston Police Department, which will be followed by a 30-day community review and comment period before CNA finalizes its report.

Link: http...

City of Charleston Hurricane Dorian September 12 Recovery Update

As of 5 p.m. today, crews had collected more than a quarter of a million cubic feet of debris from neighborhoods throughout the city of Charleston.

Crews will continue to collect until 7 p.m. tonight and will resume first thing in the morning.

Contractors h...

City of Charleston Hurricane Dorian Recovery Efforts Continue

Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts continue as crews work to clear debris, remove fallen trees from the public right of way, and restore traffic signals citywide.

Of the more than 100 emergency road closures reported at the height of the storm, 16 remain cl...

City of Charleston Hurricane Dorian Recovery Efforts Underway

The city of Charleston began Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts at first light this morning and will dispatch more than 500 city employees to all areas of the city throughout the day.

City offices and facilities remain closed today as crews focus on recover...

City of Charleston September 5 Hurricane Dorian 12 PM Update

The city of Charleston remains at OPCON 1, with the Municipal Emergency Operations Center fully activated, and strongly encourages residents to remain off the roads due to continuing hazardous conditions expected throughout the day today.

Charleston City C...

City of Charleston September 4 Hurricane Dorian 7 PM Update

The city of Charleston remains at OPCON 1, with the Municipal Emergency Operations Center fully activated. City officials across various departments continue working in 12-hour shifts to prepare for Hurricane Dorian response and recovery.

During their 1:30...

City of Charleston September 4 Hurricane Dorian 12 PM Update

The city of Charleston continues to operate at OPCON 1, and the Municipal Emergency Operations Center remains fully activated with city officials working in 12-hour shifts to prepare for Hurricane Dorian response.

Charleston City Council will hold a teleph...

City of Charleston September 3 Hurricane Dorian Update

The city of Charleston continues to operate at OPCON 1, indicating the highest state of emergency operations, and the Municipal Emergency Operations Center remains fully activated as officials prepare for potential impacts from Hurricane Dorian.

Charleston...

City of Charleston September 2 Hurricane Dorian Update

The city of Charleston continues to operate at OPCON 1 with the Municipal Emergency Operations Center fully activated as officials prepare for potential impacts from Hurricane Dorian.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has ordered a mandatory evacuatio...

Three City of Charleston Parking Garages to Open for Free During Hurricane Dorian

At 6:30 p.m. this evening, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster ordered a mandatory evacuation for several areas of the state, including the entirety of Charleston County, beginning at 12 p.m. tomorrow.

In conjunction with this order, city of Charleston ...

September 1 Hurricane Dorian PM Update, Sandbag Distribution Locations Announced

­ The city of Charleston continues to operate at OPCON 1 as officials monitor Hurricane Dorian’s path and make pre-storm preparations.

Beginning at 8 a.m. tomorrow, the city of Charleston will have a limited supply of free sand and bags a...

City of Charleston Moves to OPCON 2, Officials Continue to Monitor Storm

At 1 p.m. today, the city of Charleston shifted to OPCON 2, in coordination with Charleston County, as city officials continue to monitor and prepare for Hurricane Dorian.

Charleston City Council held a telephonic meeting at 3 p.m. today to discuss prepara...

August 30 Hurricane Dorian, Tidal Flooding Update

The National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston has issued a Coastal Flood Warning for Charleston and Berkeley Counties, in effect from 7 p.m. tonight until 12 a.m. Saturday morning, and is forecasting moderate to major coastal flooding due to an 8.1-foot h...

City of Charleston Under Coastal Flood Watch, Officials Continue to Monitor Hurricane Dorian

The National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston is forecasting moderate to major coastal flooding due to an 8.1-foot high tide expected at 7:58 p.m. this evening, and has issued a Coastal Flood Watch for Charleston County from 6 p.m. tonight until 12 a.m. F...

City of Charleston Closely Monitoring Hurricane Dorian

City of Charleston officials met today and have begun initial preparations for any potential impacts Hurricane Dorian may have here in the Lowcountry. City Emergency Management is working closely with state and regional officials to monitor the storm&...

Developers Invited to Attend Meeting to Discuss Affordable Housing

The Mayors’ Commission on Homelessness and Affordable Housing is sponsoring a conversation with developers related to opportunities and challenges in the preservation and development of affordable and workforce housing. Developers with varied ba...

City of Charleston Files Suit Against Opioid Manufacturers, Distributors

Today, the city of Charleston joined other South Carolina jurisdictions in filing a complaint (attached) in the Court of Common Pleas Ninth Judicial Circuit against manufacturers and distributors of opioids, seeking to end the destructive effects the opio...

City Reports on Progress of Eastside Initiatives

Tonight, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg, Police Chief Luther Reynolds and other city officials attended a neighborhood meeting organized by the Eastside Community Development Corporation to give an update on city initiatives in the Eastside neighborhoo...

Without Regard to Sex, Race or Color and HBCUs: Creating Power Through Education

Andrew Feiler Food Court - Middleton Towers

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents two concurrent exhibits, Without Regard to Sex, Race, or Color by Andrew Feiler and HBCUs: Creating Power Through Education by Synthia SAINT JAMES, on vi...

City of Charleston to Activate PSOC Due to Coastal Flood Watch

Annual Operation Move-out Initiative to Begin July 31

The city of Charleston’s annual “Operation Move-out” initiative will begin at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31 and be conducted through 5 p.m. on Monday, August 5. During this time, tenants are asked to place trash items at the c...

Charleston Police Announce Stepped Up Presence in Response to Recent Incidents

Due to a number of recent incidents, the Charleston Police Department has increased police presence in the Market Street and Waterfront Park areas.

Many of the offenders in these incidents appear to be older teenagers and young adults who initially came to...

Statement on July 19 Horse Carriage Incident

 Today, city of Charleston director of Livability and Tourism Dan Riccio issued the following statement regarding an incident involving a Palmetto Carriage horse that took place this afternoon:

“At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, Palmetto...

City Adds Two Yard Waste Collection Days This Week for James Island, Johns Island, Outer West Ashley

Due to unusually high volume, two additional yard waste collection days will be added this week for James Island, Johns Island, and outer West Ashley, and collection is expected to be completed on Saturday, July 20.

Public Service Director Tom O’...

City of Charleston Kicks Off Annual First Day Festival School Supply Drive

In preparation for the Annual First Day Festival, the city of Charleston is coordinating a school supply drive to ensure that local students have the materials they need to begin the new school year. Donations will be accepted through Wednesday, August 14...

City Council to Vote On International African American Museum Construction Contract

Tonight, Charleston City Council will vote on a construction contract with Turner Construction Company to build the International African American Museum for a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $58,457,323.

In addition to the construction contract, the following...

City Crews to Collect Garbage, Trash on Daniel Island Friday

On Monday, a truck operated by Republic Services, the contractor that provides garbage and trash collection on Daniel Island, broke down and could not complete its collection route. Republic Services sent another truck out on Tuesday, but did not complete...

Dutch Dialogues Public Involvement Opportunities Scheduled Week of July 15

The city of Charleston, Historic Charleston Foundation and numerous community partners will host a series of public Dutch Dialogues Charleston events this month to provide community members and local stakeholders an opportunity to engage with the team and...

City of Charleston Announces Hire of Diversity, Racial Reconciliation, and Tolerance Manager

The city of Charleston today announced its hiring of Amber Johnson as the first-ever manager of Diversity, Racial Reconciliation, and Tolerance.

Johnson received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Hampton University and a Juris Doctora...

Charleston Visitor Center to Close for Renovations

Beginning Monday, June 17, 2019, the Charleston Visitor Center, located at 375 Meeting Street, will be closed for interior renovations. A temporary Visitor Center will operate out of the Best Friend Train Museum, located at 23 Ann Street, while the work i...

City of Charleston Storm Update for June 12, 2019

With the potential for heavy rain continuing into the evening, and in order to keep as much traffic off the roads during rush hour as possible, city of Charleston offices, including the municipal court, will close at 3:30 p.m. today. The early release doe...

City of Charleston to Activate PSOC Due to Severe Weather Forecast

Due to the latest severe weather forecast from the National Weather Service, the City of Charleston will activate the Public Safety Operation Center at 6 a.m. Wednesday to manage the city’s response during and after the storm, as needed.

Shortly ...

City of Charleston Mayor’s Office on Aging, MUSC to Host World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Events

In honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which will take place on June 15, 2019, the city of Charleston Mayor’s Office on Aging has partnered with the Medical University of South Carolina to host a series of events designed to raise awarenes...

City of Charleston Debuts New Website Featuring Improved Navigation, Mobile-friendly Access

As part of its ongoing transparency initiative, Monday morning the City of Charleston launched a newly designed and significantly more accessible website. The site can be viewed at www.charleston-sc.gov, and with a mobile-friendly design, it is now more u...

Demetre Park Repairs to Begin June 3rd

This week, Charleston City Council approved a contract with Salmons Dredging Corporation to stabilize and repair damage caused by Hurricanes Matthew and Irma at Demetre Park on James Island. This work will require Demetre Park to close beginning June 3, 2...

LDC and the City of Charleston Announce Settlement Agreement

The LDC and the City of Charleston announced today that the LDC, the City of Charleston, Mayor John J. Tecklenburg and former Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. have entered into a settlement agreement to help address the City’s growing affordable housi...

Mayor Tecklenburg Cuts Ribbon on New Affordable Homes in Ashleyville Maryville Neighborhood

Mayor John J. Tecklenburg, along with members of Charleston City Council and community leaders, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for seven newly constructed affordable homes on Minnie and Sycamore Streets in the Ashleyville Maryville neighborhood in West As...

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information

Mayor John Tecklenburg and city of Charleston leaders remain in close communication with federal, state and regional officials including representatives of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the South Carolina ...

Emergency Ordinance on Stay at Home

In response to the stay at home ordinance passed by Charleston City Council last night, the city has received a number of questions regarding the closure of non-essential businesses.

In order to provide guidance, the city’s Legal Department has r...

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering a number of programs to assist small businesses during the Coronavirus crisis such as Low Interest Disaster Loans, Express Bridge Loans, Automatic Deferment on Existing SBA Disaster Loans and more. To lea...

Notice of Changes to the City of Charleston Municipal Court Schedule

Updated: March 18, 2020 2 p.m.

Please be advised of the following notice from the City of Charleston Municipal Court Administration:

The City of Charleston is implementing the following plan:

• All court sessions are postponed indefinitely and will be reschedu...