Charleston County Connects

Episode 19 – Emergency supply kits, family plans, evacuation zones, shelters and so much more to consider as we move through the 2024 hurricane season. If you are new to the area or have been here for decades, now is the time to prepare. Interim Emergency Management Director Ben Webster breaks down what is new this year and a few simple tips to help reduce the stress during storm season.

Charleston County Hurricane Guide: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/index.php

Applications are now open for Phase III of the Charleston Homes Program, which invites interested parties, including nonprofit organizations and private entities with experience in the production of affordable housing, to rehab units into livable and affordable homes.  Director LoElla Smalls provides a breakdown of how the program works and some of her favorite success stories during the first two phases.

Interested parties can register and apply here: https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/charlestoncountysc/participant

Department website: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/community-development/index.php

Applications are now open for Charleston County Government’s Summer Youth Internship Program. The six-week program is designed to help teenagers and young adults develop workplace readiness skills and gain experience in Charleston County Government operations.

The internship runs from June 14 to July 26 and interns earn $15.00 per hour, working typically 20 hours per week for a maximum of 120 total hours for the duration of the internship.

 Applicants must meet the following criteria:

•           Be between the ages of 16 and 21 at the time of application submission.

•           Be currently enrolled in high school or college.

•           Be a Charleston County resident.

•           File a completed application and provide parental consent if applicable.

Paper applications will not be accepted. Applicants without access to a computer can use the computers in the Charleston County Human Resources Department in North Charleston. If you have questions, please contact the Human Resources Office at 843-958-4704. The application deadline is May 5, 2024.

Applicants can apply at https://www.charlestoncounty.org/syip/application.php

Episode 16 – Black Expo Preview – County Square

Everything Charleston County has to offer in one location; welcome to the 2024 Black Expo Charleston.  Margie Gamble, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer, handles the county’s participation in this annual event. She details what you can expect to see at this year and the opportunity to join the workforce at Charleston County Government.

Black Expo 2024 Tickets: https://eventpasshero.com/event/blackexpochs/

Episode 15 – Charleston County is set to host several public meetings to receive input on potential future transportation projects and green space. The County’s Greenbelt program has a track record of success in the areas of preservation and conservation. Director Eric Davis breaks down how the funds are spent to provide both public access locations and conservation easements. You can also click the link below to find Greenbelt projects across Charleston County.

Greenbelt Map: https://chascogis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5047aaa8a365417395daa173947cee50

Upcoming Public Meetings:

All meetings are a drop-in style and will be held from 5-7 p.m.

• Monday, January 22: St. Johns High School 1518 Main Road, Johns Island, SC 29455

• Monday, January 29: West Ashley High School, 4060 W Wildcat Blvd, Charleston, SC 29414

• Monday, February 5: James Island Charter School, 1000 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412

• Monday, February 12: Moultrie Middle School, 645 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

• Monday, February 26: North Charleston City Hall, 2500 City Hall Ln, North Charleston, SC 29406

Episode 14 – The holidays are no time to rest for Treasurer Mary Tinkler and her staff as property tax bills are due in mid-January. But several improvements during the last few years is easing the burden on citizens. In this episode, she explains how the Advance Installment Plan works and free ways to pay on-line with eChecks. Mary Tinkler also looks ahead to 2024 and we find out who Athena is.

Charleston County Treasurer’s Office: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/treasurer/index.php

Advance Property Tax Installment Plan https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/treasurer/installment-plan.php

Episode 13 - The Glenn McConnell Parkway Widening is moving closer to completion. In this episode, Project Manager Herb Nimz details when construction will be completed and what citizens can expect during the next few months. He will also explain some of the other project benefits from drainage to a new multi-use path. The goal of this project is to relieve traffic congestion on Glenn McConnell Parkway by widening the road from four-to-six lanes between Bees Ferry Road and Magwood Drive. This project also intends to improve bike and pedestrian facilities through the addition of a multi-use path allowing safe pedestrian access across the CSX Railway.

Project website: https://roads.charlestoncounty.org/projects/glenn-mcconnell/

Episode 12 – October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month and we are talking safe sleeping for newborns. In this episode, we sit down with Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal and Mary Beth Vassy, Pediatric Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator with MUSC. Our guests offer some critical tips on how to create a safe sleeping environment for your child. According to a SC DHEC report released in April 2023, deaths due to sudden infant death syndrome more than doubled from 2020 to 2021, ranking fourth in leading causes of death.

MUSC Safe Sleep Tips: https://advance.muschealth.org/library/2021/september/safe-sleep

Episode 11 – Charleston County Government is hiring and always looking for candidates ready to serve the public. In this episode, we chat with Talent Acquisition Specialist Brian Williams. He explains his role with Human Resources and how we are changing the way we recruit new employees. We explain some of the many benefits to working with Charleston County including 3% longevity increases EVERY YEAR for the first five years on the job. Plus, a competitive retirement package and plenty of opportunities to advance your career.

Check out the open positions: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/employment.php

Episode 10 – Board of Elections Finds a New Home

Elections are a year-round effort in a growing Charleston

***** New address: 4340 Corporate Rd. North Charleston, SC

Charleston County Board of Voter Registration &

Register to Vote: https://vrems.scvotes.sc.gov/OVR/Start

Poll worker application: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/bevr/poll-managers.php