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

City of Charleston Low Battery Seawall Project to Receive Statewide Honor at Tonight’s City Council

At tonight’s meeting of Charleston City Council, which will take place virtually at 5 p.m., the South Carolina Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers will present the city with the 2021 South Carolina Technical Merit Award for its wo...

Mayor Tecklenburg Statement on Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Today, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg sent the attached email to all city staff regarding the new COVID-19 vaccination policy for city employees and released the following statement:

“With new COVID-19 cases surging and the highly contagious d...

Reminder: Annual First Day Festival Set for Sunday, August 8

The city of Charleston’s annual First Day Festival will take place on Sunday, August 8, 2021 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Gaillard Center (2 George Street) and the South Carolina Aquarium (100 Aquarium Wharf). Each year, the festival serves as a cele...

Special Commission on Equity, Inclusion and Racial Conciliation to Discuss Draft Report

Tonight, the Special Commission on Equity, Inclusion and Racial Conciliation will meet at 5:30 p.m. to discuss their draft report, which includes 125 recommendations on ways to promote racial justice and racial equity in the city of Charleston.

The commiss...

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg Statement Regarding the Tragic Passing of Clarissa Saunders

Today, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg released the following statement regarding the tragic passing of Clarissa Saunders:

“Sandy and I are heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of Clarissa Saunders, beloved mother to Raven Saunders and a cher...

City of Charleston to Host Olympic Finals Watch Party in Support of Charleston Native Raven Saunders

The city of Charleston will host an Olympic Finals Watch Party in support of Charleston native and Olympic shot putter Raven Saunders at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 31, 2021 at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, located at 265 Fishburne Street.&nb...

Tecklenburg statement: Thanks to extraordinary vaccines, this is now an ‘optional pandemic.’

After today’s press conference with MUSC Health CEO Dr. Patrick Cawley urging citizens to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg summarized his remarks in the following statement:

“In recent days, I’ve hea...

City of Charleston Awarded 2021 AARP Community Challenge Grant for Philip Simmons Park Improvements

The city of Charleston Parks Department was selected as a 2021 recipient of AARP’s Community Challenge Grant, which will facilitate a number of improvements to Philip Simmons Park in Charleston’s Eastside neighborhood, including an ove...

Annual ‘Operation Move-out’ Initiative to Begin July 29

The city of Charleston’s annual “Operation Move-out” initiative will begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 29 and be conducted through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3, excluding Sunday, August 1. During this time, tenants are asked t...

Tropical Storm Elsa Recovery Efforts Underway in City of Charleston

City of Charleston recovery efforts have been underway since daybreak following last night’s severe weather related to Tropical Storm Elsa. 

Crews from across city departments are assisting with recovery efforts and report the following ...

City of Charleston Prepares for Possible Impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for parts of South Carolina, including Charleston and Berkeley Counties, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Elsa. While the forecast continues to change, city of Charleston Emergency Ma...

July 7 West Ashley Farmers Market Canceled

Due to the potential for severe weather in tomorrow’s forecast, the West Ashley Farmers Market scheduled to take place in Ackerman Park has been canceled. The market is expected to resume regular operations next week.

City of Charleston Prepares for Severe Thunderstorms

According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, a line of severe thunderstorms is expected to impact the Charleston area this afternoon, producing as much as three inches of rain, with locally higher amounts possible, between 3 and 8 p...

City of Charleston Recognizes National HIV Testing Day

Today, in honor of National HIV Testing Day on Sunday, June 27^th, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and regional healthcare professionals held a press conference encouraging Charleston residents to get tested. 

The city of Charleston is now in its...

City of Charleston to Offer Summer of Service Events for Local Youth

Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) of Charleston will hold a Summer of Service series of service projects, leadership development opportunities and team building events for local youth between the ages of 11 and 18, beginning Monday, June 28, 2021 and ending Sun...

Mayor Tecklenburg Expresses Support for US Infrastructure Investments

Today, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg released the following statement:

In just the past two weeks, our region experienced major rain storms that resulted in flood waters in our neighborhoods and streets.  In one storm we had over 5 inches of r...

City of Charleston to Host Free Fourth of July Celebration

The city of Charleston will host a free Fourth of July concert featuring the Charleston Symphony with special guests Charlton Singleton and Quiana Parler at 8 p.m., July 4, 2021 at “The Joe.” 

The family friendly, upbeat musica...

City of Charleston Monitors Potential Tropical Cyclone Three

City of Charleston Emergency Management officials are in close contact with the National Weather Service as they monitor Potential Tropical Cyclone Three, which is currently in the Gulf of Mexico. While it is too soon to know what impacts the storm may ha...

Dale Morris Named City of Charleston’s New Chief Resilience Officer

At a press conference this afternoon in the Church Creek area of West Ashley, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg announced the appointment of Dutch Dialogues Co-Founder Dale Morris as the city of Charleston’s new Chief Resilience Officer...

City of Charleston to Host Webinar Regarding Johns Island Restoration Plan to Improve Flood Resilien

The city of Charleston Stormwater Department will host a virtual webinar to discuss flood resiliency on Johns Island at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 17, 2021 via Zoom.

The webinar is being held as part of the department’s ongoing Johns Island Rest...

City Crews Respond to Overnight Flooding

Following last night’s storms that dumped several inches of rain across Charleston, city crews are responding and report the following:

Environmental Services Division: Street sweeping and grounds custodian teams are working to clean up the waste...

Mayor John Tecklenburg Statement on Recent Acts of Vandalism

Today, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg released the following statement in response to the recent acts of vandalism at the Denmark Vesey statue in Hampton Park and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace’s home on Daniel Island:

“These cowardly acts of ...

City of Charleston Investigates Vandalism of Denmark Vesey Monument

Earlier today, in response to citizen reports, city of Charleston police officers inspected the Denmark Vesey monument in Hampton Park and discovered significant damage to the statue's granite pedestal.

The damage is believed to have been caused b...

2021 Piccolo Spoleto Festival Poster Unveiled, Advance Program Guide Released

The city of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs has unveiled the 2021 Piccolo Spoleto Festival Poster, "A Song of Charleston" by Kate Hooray Osmond. 

This year’s festival runs May 28 to June 13, 2021. The advance program guid...

City of Charleston Awarded Arbor Day Foundation Grant to Plant 30 Trees in the Eastside Neighborhood

In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and Westrock Foundation, the city of Charleston has been awarded funding that will facilitate the planting of 30 trees in Martin Park, located at 155 Jackson Street in the city’s Eastside neighborhood...

West Ashley Essentials Market to Return to Ackerman Park

The West Ashley Farmers Market will return to Ackerman Park in its essentials-only format on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 3 to 7 p.m., and will continue every Wednesday thereafter through October 27.

This essentials-only format will feature the following v...

Statement from Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg regarding the tragic death of Jamal Sutherland

Today, May 13, 2021, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg released the following statement regarding the tragic death of Jamal Sutherland:

“As mayor, I speak on behalf of our entire city in saying that we mourn the tragic death of Jamal Sutherland, ...

City of Charleston Announces Added Public Safety Measures for King Street

During a press conference this afternoon, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg, members of Charleston City Council and Police Chief Luther Reynolds joined local business owners to announce the following series of public safety measures that will be implement...

Deadline Extended for Public Comment on Ashley River Crossing Project

The city of Charleston has extended the deadline for public comment on the Ashley River Crossing project, a bicycle and pedestrian bridge that will connect West Ashley and downtown Charleston.

Citizens can now share their feedback via the project website, ...

April 24 Charleston Essentials Market Canceled Due to Hazardous Weather Forecast

Due to this weekend’s severe weather forecast, which includes the possibility of damaging winds, the Charleston Essentials Market scheduled for Saturday, April 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. has been canceled. 

Weather permitting, the Market i...

City of Charleston Holds Online Public Meeting for Ashley River Crossing Project

The city of Charleston is seeking public comment on the Ashley River Crossing project, a bicycle and pedestrian bridge that will connect West Ashley and downtown Charleston.

Why it matters

With nearly half of all city of Charleston residents residing in Wes...

Charleston Essentials Market to Return to Marion Square with COVID-19 Restrictions in Place

Due to the ongoing situation related to COVID-19 in South Carolina, the Charleston Farmers Market will return to Marion Square in its essentials-only format on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will continue every Satur...

COVID-19 Scheduling Assistance Available at Recreation Facilities Throughout Charleston

With all South Carolinians 16 years and older becoming eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine on March 31, trained city of Charleston Recreation Department staff will begin assisting citizens with the vaccine appointment scheduling process at city facilities thr...

Public Engagement Sought for Final Phase of Charleston City Plan

Charleston residents are invited to participate in the upcoming final round of community engagement for the Charleston City Plan, where they will have the opportunity to review segments of the draft plan and provide feedback before a full version is prese...

City of Charleston Seeks Public Input on Draft Climate Action Plan

The City of Charleston’s Office of Resilience and Sustainability has released the draft strategies and action items for the Climate Action Plan and is seeking public input to help shape the final plan. 

What is the Climate Action Plan? T...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, March 19, 2021, and will remain open until 7 a.m. t...

In-Person Municipal Court Proceedings to Resume March 15

Effective Monday, March 15, 2021, the Municipal Court will re-open for in-person Traffic and Criminal Bench Trials. No jury trial cases are being scheduled at this time.

Following an order by the Supreme Court of South Carolina in January 2021, in-person c...

City Awarded HUD CDBG-MIT Grant to Alleviate Flooding in Medical District

On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, the city of Charleston was awarded $10 million from the HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Mitigation Program to construct the Medical District Drainage Tunnel Extension at Ehrhardt Street, which will provide critical ...

Consistent with Gov. McMaster's Order, City Mask Ordinance Remains in Effect

In response to inquiries, city of Charleston attorney Susan Herdina today issued the following statement:

"As Gov. McMaster's latest order makes clear, local mask ordinances continue to apply in local jurisdictions. Therefore, the city of Cha...

2021 Business License Renewal Reminder

Reminder: Sunday, February 28, 2021 is the last day to renew a city of Charleston business license without incurring late fees.

Learn more about renewing your business license at: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/135/Business-License-Renewals

 Questio...

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs Presents Like A Girl: Dare to Dream by Fer Caggian

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents Like A Girl: Dare to Dream, a new exhibition by artist Fer Caggiano on view at City Gallery from March 11, 2021 through May 2, 2021. Featuring portraits of more than 35 South Carolinian women, Lik...

City of Charleston Warming Shelter to Re-Open Tonight, February 19

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Friday, February 19, 2021 and will remain open unti...

City of Charleston Piloting Free Mattress Recycling Program

The city of Charleston recently received grant funding from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to pilot a mattress and box spring recycling program for city residents. 

Why it matters: Due to their padding and spring...

Mayor John Tecklenburg to Launch Mayor’s Book Club for Kids

The Mayor’s Book Club, a fun new initiative for kids, will launch today as Mayor John Tecklenburg records a virtual reading of the inaugural book selection, “The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls,” by Louise Meriwether, which was...

First Funds Deployed to Small Businesses from LDC Revolving Loan Fund

This afternoon, Mayor John Tecklenburg held a press conference with Steve Saltzman, CEO of the Charleston LDC, to announce the initial deployment of loans from the revolving loan fund created in September to aid Charleston small businesses impacted by the...

City of Charleston to Begin Golf Cart Registration Initiative

With the use of golf carts on public streets continuing to rise, the city of Charleston, in cooperation with South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, will begin actively enforcing state registration requirements on March 1, 2021.

This effort comes in r...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, February 2, 2021, and will remain open unt...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Friday, January 29, 2021, and will remain open unti...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Thursday, January 28, 2021, and will remain open un...

City of Charleston Welcomes New City Architect

The city of Charleston has hired Tory Parish as its new City Architect.

Ms. Parish, who began work this week, will help shape the city’s built environment by overseeing the work of the Board of Architectural Review - Large, Board of Architectural...

City of Charleston Warming Shelter to Re-Open Tonight, January 18

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Monday, January 18, 2021 and will remain open until...

City of Charleston Warming Shelter to Re-Open Tonight, January 17

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Sunday, January 17, 2021 and will remain open until...

City of Charleston Warming Shelter to Re-Open Tonight, January 16

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Saturday, January 16, 2021 and will remain open unt...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight, January 15

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming center will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Friday, January 15, 2021 and will remain open until 7 a.m. tomorrow.

How it works: Guests must arrive by 11 p.m. to be chec...

City of Charleston to Co-Host Stimulus Webinar for Small Businesses

The city of Charleston Business Services Division has partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Small Business Development Center to host a free webinar, The Stimulus Round 2: What Small Businesses Need to Know, to provide important inform...

In-Person Court Proceedings Suspended Statewide Due to Rise in COVID-19 Cases

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the state, the Supreme Court of South Carolina has announced that all in-person court proceedings statewide are suspended until further notice, beginning Monday, January 11, 2021.

This suspension is subject to l...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming center will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Friday, January 8, 2021 and will remain open until 7 a.m. tomorrow.

How it works: Guests must arrive by 11 p.m. t...

Statement from Mayor Tecklenburg on New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Today, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg released the following statement with regard to New Year’s Eve celebrations:

“Thanks to continued responsible practices by our citizens, Charleston has so far been spared the worst of this second...

City to Host 155th Emancipation Proclamation Association Parade and Commemorative Worship Service Vi

In consideration of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the nation’s oldest continuous Emancipation Day parade will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 1, 2021 as a virtual event.

The parade can be viewed at http://chsepa.wordpress.com.

The eve...

City of Charleston to Host AmeriCorps VISTA Virtual Information Session for 2021 Site Selection

The city of Charleston will host a Virtual Information Session for the 2021 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 ...

Sponsorships Available for New King Street Hanging Baskets

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure that King Street remains one of the most beautiful and walkable main streets in America, the city of Charleston has partnered with Charleston Water System, Explore Charleston and the Charleston Restaurant Foundation to...

Charleston Municipal Golf Course Reopens Following Extensive Renovation

This morning, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg, Golf Course Architect Troy Miller, representatives of Friends of the Muni, members of City Council and County Council, and community leaders held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Charleston Municipal Golf C...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming center will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight and will remain open until 7 a.m. tomorrow.

How it works: Guests must arrive by 11 p.m. to be checked in. The warm...

Late Charlestonian Mayo Read Honored at City Arbor Day Ceremony

Today, the city of Charleston and Charleston Parks Conservancy planted a live oak tree in Hampton Park in recognition of Arbor Day and in memory of the late Charlestonian Mayo Read, who influenced the planting of more than 1,000 trees throughout the city ...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming center will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight and will remain open until 7 a.m. tomorrow.

Last evening, the warming center housed a total of 37 people, including 30 men,...

City of Charleston 2020 Holiday Events Update

This holiday season, the city of Charleston will hold the following holiday events. NOTE: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Holiday Parade and Holiday Boat Parade have been cancelled.

From December 5, 2020 through Decemb...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Open Tonight

The city of Charleston will operate a warming center beginning at 8 p.m. tonight to 7 a.m. tomorrow. Guests must arrive by 11 p.m. to be checked in. The warming center at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, at 265 Fishburne Street, will offer indi...

City Announces COVID-19 Regulations for West Ashley Holiday Market

The city of Charleston today announced plans for the West Ashley Holiday Market in Ackerman Park, which will take place on Sunday, November 22, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 55 Sycamore Avenue and will provide citizens an opportunity to shop local in pre...

St. Julian Devine Community Center Smokestacks Task Force to Meet Today

The St. Julian Devine Community Center Smokestacks Task Force will meet for the first time at 11 a.m. today to hear an update from City of Charleston Capital Projects on the status of most recent inspection of the chimneys and the status of the Bennett Pr...

With Coronavirus relief stalled in Washington, city Budget Committee works to close $18M shortfall

As Congress continues to squabble over emergency Covid relief funds for cities and counties, the city of Charleston Ad Hoc Budget Committee will meet via Zoom at 2 pm today to consider options to balance their 2021 budget in the face of an $18 million sho...

Keep Charleston Beautiful Receives Funding to Support Beautification and Cleanup Efforts

Earlier this year, Keep Charleston Beautiful received a Keep South Carolina Beautiful (KSCB) Annual Support Grant in the amount of $9,000 to help fund initiatives related to litter prevention, litter cleanup, beautification, recycling and environmental ed...

Deadline Extended to Complete City Plan Survey

In order to maximize opportunities for public engagement, the deadline to complete the city of Charleston’s City Plan survey has been extended, and responses will now be accepted through Monday, November 16, 2020.

Why it matters: The sur...

City encourages citizens to celebrate Halloween safely

With coronavirus cases on the rise and Halloween approaching, the city of Charleston is asking citizens to stay safe by following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines while celebrating the holiday this year.

 First and most impor...

City Gallery Announces New Fall Exhibition

In partnership with the MOJA Arts Festival and the Charleston 350 Commission, the City Gallery presents The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls, its newest exhibition on view beginning October 29, 2020. 

About the exhibition: This exhibition presents la...

Keep Charleston Beautiful to Host Halloween-Themed Clean-Up Event in West Ashley

Keep Charleston Beautiful will host a “Hallo-clean” Litter Walk, a Halloween-themed community clean-up event, along Highway 17 in West Ashley from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2020. The morning of the event, volunteers will...

Funding Available to Support Rain Garden Installations for Charleston Rainproof Pilot Project

Grants in the amount of $200 to support the installation of rain gardens are now available to city of Charleston residents, businesses and organizations through funding provided by Keep South Carolina Beautiful.

 Why it matters: Rain gard...

Call for Volunteers for City of Charleston Warming Center

Volunteers are needed to help the city of Charleston operate a warming center, which will offer individuals who are homeless a place to spend the night during inclement weather this winter. The warming center at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center,...

Charleston Artisans Market to Begin Saturday in Marion Square

This weekend, artisans and packaged food vendors will return to Marion Square for the Charleston Artisans Market on King Street Plaza. The market will run Saturday, October 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., across the park from the Charleston Essentials Market o...

Flooding Due to King Tides Forecast Through Sunday

Beginning tonight and for the next several days, motorists in the city of Charleston are asked to use caution and plan their travel to avoid low-lying areas during periods of high tide.

The National Weather Service in Charleston has forecast moderate floo...

Local Students Invited to Participate in Mayor’s Youth Commission Virtual Summit Series

Charleston-area students in grades 9-12 attending public, private, home, or virtual school are invited to participate in the Mayor’s Youth Commission’s Virtual Summit Series from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2020. 

Why ...

City of Charleston to Host School Supply Distribution Drive-Thru

The city of Charleston will host a school supply distribution drive-thru on Sunday, October 18, 2020 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, located at 265 Fishburne Street for local students in need of school supplies.

Why it matters: ...

Public Safety Committee to Receive Preliminary After Action Review

At this afternoon’s Public Safety Committee meeting, scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. via Zoom, the Charleston Police Department will present the preliminary After Action Review evaluating the police response to the protests and riots that occu...

Mayor Tecklenburg Encourages Citizens to Receive Flu Shot

This morning, as part of the city of Charleston’s flu shot program for city employees, Mayor John Tecklenburg received his flu shot and encouraged citizens throughout the Lowcountry to do the same.  

Why flu shots matter, especially this...

City of Charleston, Charleston LDC Announce COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund

Today, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and Charleston LDC CEO Steve Saltzman announced an $850,000 revolving loan fund to aid Charleston businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funds were authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic...

Road Closures Due to Heavy Rain Remain in Effect; Additional Rain Expected This Evening

As of 2 p.m. today, 2.5 inches of rain had fallen in the city of Charleston, with continued precipitation expected.

Currently, 26 roads are closed due to flooding, primarily in the downtown area.

The next high tide, which is expected at 4:08 p.m., is foreca...

Connect with the City via Text

As part of its customer service offerings, the city of Charleston is now using Citibot, an interactive text messaging and customer service tool for civic engagement with government.

With Citibot, residents and visitors of Charleston can use text message-ba...

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information

Updated September 3, 2021

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 (...