AGP Executive Report

South Carolina’s 250th spotlight: The Palmetto State is bringing its traditions to Washington, D.C., with a Great American State Fair booth featuring rocking chairs, sweetgrass baskets, Catawba pottery, a mini golf green, cornhole, and a postcard station that gets postmarked from South Carolina. Travel & flights: Breeze Airways launched new nonstop options from Tallahassee, including Raleigh and Fort Lauderdale, giving travelers more convenient routes. Coastal retail & summer stops: SALT LIFE opened a Fourth of July grand opening store in North Myrtle Beach, while new dining arrivals include CAVA in Summerville and Grub Shack in Ridgeville. Family fun in the heat: With Independence Day crowds expected, officials are also pushing safety reminders for summer travel and water activities. Road-trip context: Drought and extreme heat are shaping holiday plans across parts of the state and region.

Fourth of July Safety Push: South Carolina agencies are ramping up patrols on roads and waterways for the holiday weekend, targeting impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and illegal fireworks as part of the “100 Deadly Days of Summer” effort. Grand Strand Events: “Salute From the Shore” returns with a coast-to-coast flyover tracing Cherry Grove to Hilton Head, plus local fireworks and celebrations tied to America’s 250th. Drought & Water Limits: Loris has declared a severe drought emergency for the Pee Dee River Basin, triggering stricter water-use thresholds for GSWSA customers and urging residents to cut usage. Lowcountry Outdoor Recreation: The SC7 Expedition continues July 28 with a six-mile walk across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge to spotlight conservation and stewardship. Myrtle Beach Travel & Wildlife: A North Myrtle Beach woman filed a report after a black bear was caught on camera roaming her backyard near the Park Pointe area. Local Community Fundraising: The Myrtle Beach Corvette Club donated $1,000 checks to two charities during the Corvettes at the Beach Car Show, continuing a decade-long giving streak.

Fourth of July in the Grand Strand: “Salute from the Shore” returns with a major military flyover along the coast, starting near Cherry Grove around 1 p.m., plus vintage Warbirds and other aircraft. Drought & water limits: Loris has declared a severe drought emergency as the Pee Dee River Basin tightens rules; for Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority customers, the excess-use threshold drops to 6,000 gallons. Heat wave warning: South Carolina is bracing for a holiday heat wave with dangerous heat index values, especially inland. Big retail expansion: Costco has filed plans for a North Charleston store off I-26 near Blue House Road, including a large gas station. Local events: Bluffton’s Independence Day 5K and Kids Fun Run are set for July 2, with a patriotic drone show added. Travel culture & history: SC250 and other states are planning America’s 250th events with a focus on local stories. Family leave update: New South Carolina paid parental leave rules expand eligibility for temporary and grant-funded workers starting Oct. 1. Safety note: North Myrtle Beach police report a stalking case involving a registered sex offender.

Holiday Fuel Watch: AAA says 72.2 million Americans are expected to hit the road for the Fourth of July, with Aiken County drivers still paying about $3.50 a gallon for regular—down from spring highs near $4.16 but still a noticeable jump from earlier in the year. Tourism Balance in Charleston: Charleston is moving to update its tourism management plan after years without major changes, aiming to protect neighborhood livability as cruise and visitor crowds reshape streets and services. Cruise Ship Shift at Union Pier: The last cruise ship has departed Union Pier Terminal, ending the cruise era while the city looks to a new waterfront chapter. Fourth of July Plans (Charleston): Local coverage highlights weekend events tied to the 250th anniversary, including Daniel Island’s Independence Day celebration and other fireworks-focused gatherings. Safety Reminder for Summer Thrills: A deadly bungee attraction incident in the Grand Strand region has renewed attention on ride safety and operator responsibility. Summer Travel Scam Alerts (SC): South Carolina consumer officials warn travelers to watch for fake rental listings, protect devices and accounts, and avoid risky payment methods while planning trips. Heat & Road Risk: Upstate South Carolina is bracing for extreme heat around the holiday, with safety warnings tied to higher crash risk.

Fourth of July Travel Watch: Extreme drought is gripping South Carolina ahead of the holiday, with officials warning that dry conditions plus a heat dome could raise wildfire risk from fireworks and leave boaters dealing with shallow water hazards. Heat Safety: The Upstate is bracing for dangerous triple-digit heat index readings through the Fourth of July weekend, with the National Weather Service urging hydration and cooling breaks. Road Disruptions: SCDOT has closed the 5th Avenue South bridge over Myrtle Swash in Myrtle Beach for emergency repairs, with drivers asked to follow detours and slow down near crews. Charleston Tourism Shift: Union Pier’s final cruise ship stop has been moved to the Columbus Street Terminal to avoid interfering with America 250 events at Waterfront Park, marking the end of the property’s cruise era. Holiday Roadside Help: AAA is activating its Tow to Go program for impaired-driving prevention over the July 4 travel stretch. Local Growth & Travel Economy: A MoveCrew report highlights where Upstate newcomers are settling fastest around Greenville, while Clemson’s new vet school plans farm-call services to address rural animal-care shortages.

Fourth of July Flyover: “Salute from the Shore” will send F-16s, a C-17, and Apache helicopters along the South Carolina coast July 4, starting in Cherry Grove (1 p.m.) and ending in the Beaufort/Bluffton area, with vintage warbirds to follow; beachgoers are asked to avoid flying kites near the helicopters. Road Safety: South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly Williamsburg County crash where a Jeep and semitruck collided during a turn, killing the Jeep passenger. New Dining in the Lowcountry: CAVA opened its third Charleston-area restaurant in Summerville (June 29), joining other Cane Bay options. Heat & Travel Planning: Independence Day week is shaping up for dangerous heat across much of the state, with heat index values near or above 100 degrees, plus record travel expectations and congestion warnings. Outdoor Recreation: Gaston County and partners bought a 562-acre Lake Wylie tract for a new park with trails, public access, and a connection to the Carolina Thread Trail. Local Government: Atlantic Beach certified its 2023 mayoral election results after a South Carolina Supreme Court order.

PTSD & Mental Health Access: Oceanic Counseling Group is urging South Carolinians to reach out during National PTSD Awareness Month, highlighting confidential therapy options in Greenville and expanding Midlands care with new West Columbia LPC Christian McPhail. Road Safety for Holiday Travel: A heat dome is pushing South Carolina into dangerous, high-humidity conditions for the Fourth of July week, while Georgia DOT is suspending interstate lane closures July 3–6 to keep traffic moving. Port & Shipping Update: South Carolina Ports plans to pause container operations at Leatherman Terminal Aug. 1, consolidating activity at Wando and North Charleston amid uncertain trade volumes. Local Travel Disruptions: Clarendon County reports a fatal Paxville Highway crash involving a pedestrian, and I-95 in Clarendon saw another fatal single-vehicle crash early Monday. Beach Planning: Dr. Beach named Poipu Beach, Kauai, No. 1 for 2026, a reminder to book early for summer shore trips. Health Care Access (Telehealth): MUSC is using pediatric e-consults to reduce travel delays for specialty care across South Carolina. Summer Deals: A roundup highlights hotels offering summer rates under $250 ahead of America’s 250th birthday travel season.

Fourth of July Safety (Bluffton): Bluffton officials remind residents that personal fireworks are prohibited inside town limits and urge everyone to attend the July 3 Independence Day Celebration instead, with police enforcement and fire-safety tips including supervision and no alcohol around fireworks. Carolina Day / 250th (Lowcountry): Bluffton Town Council issued a Carolina Day proclamation tied to the Beaufort County 250 committee, and new historical signage is now on display at the Bluffton Welcome Center ahead of the Sullivan’s Island anniversary. Grand Strand Weather: Meteorologists say sunshine continues before another big heat wave hits the Carolinas for the Fourth of July weekend, with temperatures climbing back into the 90s and triple digits in the Pee Dee. Autism-Friendly Travel (Myrtle Beach): The Champion Autism Network, which ran autism-friendly events across the Grand Strand for 10 years, is dissolving after hosting more than 225 inclusive events and serving thousands of families. Road Safety (SC): South Carolina Highway Patrol reports a fatal multi-vehicle crash on I-26 near mile marker 88, and troopers also investigated a deadly Lexington County intersection crash involving a moped. Travel Culture (Charleston): A local boat-club guide highlights how Charleston-area families can get on the water without the cost and upkeep of owning a boat. Tourism Buzz (Buc-ee’s): Buc-ee’s says its World Cup-fueled popularity with international visitors is driving more expansion, with new locations planned nationwide.

Road Safety: A NC man injured in an I-85 crash in Gaffney has died, according to the coroner. Beach Crash Updates: In Surfside Beach, a five-vehicle crash sent three people to the hospital; Highway Patrol is investigating. Local Pride & Community: Greenville’s Colors of Pride Festival drew downtown crowds for a celebration of inclusivity. Travel & Tourism Spotlight: Redmond Municipal Airport in Oregon was named one of the nation’s best “resort airports,” highlighting how convenient airport services can boost vacation appeal. South Carolina 250th Events: Cannon salutes and Revolutionary War reenactors kicked off Carolina Day weekend at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island. Hurricane Season Watch: July is typically quieter for direct South Carolina impacts, but forecasters are monitoring developing activity off the Southeast coast. Family Travel Tips: A South Carolina outdoor-safety reminder urges sunscreen and heat precautions as summer ramps up.

Great American State Fair on the National Mall: The 250th-birthday-themed fair opened with small early crowds and big spectacle—Ferris wheel, animals, and state pavilions—run by Trump-backed Freedom 250 amid tension with the congressionally created America250. Lowcountry 250th kickoff: Fort Moultrie’s Carolina Day celebration brought Revolutionary War reenactors and cannon fire, drawing visitors eager to “experience” history. Hilton Head golf stability: As the PGA Tour reshapes its format, South Carolina’s RBC Heritage is expected to keep its “signature” status, a win for local fans and the state’s tourism draw. Travel safety for July 4: South Carolina and North Carolina officials are reminding residents about fireworks rules and bans on public property, plus general injury and fire risk. Outdoor health reminder: South Carolina health officials stress that sun damage is cumulative—seek shade, use sunscreen, and protect kids and pets during summer water activities. Lake Murray nature tours: Carolina Safari Company is bringing back Purple Martin sunset pontoon tours on Lake Murray, with numbers peaking in late July. Air travel update: Breeze Airways added new routes from Trenton-Mercer, including nonstop service to Charleston and Florida destinations.

Air Travel: Breeze Airways is adding Trenton-Mercer Airport service with four new routes, including nonstop flights to Charleston (starting Sept. 20) plus Florida options like Vero Beach and Fort Myers (from late September and January). Local Attractions: Carolina Safari Company is bringing back Purple Martin tours on Lake Murray for 2026, with sunset pontoon cruises running Wednesdays through Sundays through Aug. 23. Beach Safety: New data ranks South Carolina as a top shark-attack state historically, with Myrtle Beach also high for shark-bite risk—but still extremely rare for visitors. Holiday Weather Watch: Forecasters say a system off the Southeast coast could develop tropical characteristics around the July 4 holiday, so travelers should monitor updates. Road & Pedestrian Tragedies: A Florence County crash killed one person after a truck hit a tree; in Clarendon County, a pedestrian died after being struck on Paxville Highway. Community Alerts: An Amber Alert out of New Bern for a missing 15-year-old with autism was later canceled after authorities found him safe and took a suspect into custody.

Carolina Day in Charleston: The 250th anniversary weekend kicks off with a Palmetto Society program starting at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, then a parade to White Point Garden and the Battery—plus bell-ringing and Palmetto flag flying encouraged. Sullivan’s Island history: A new wrap-up in the Battle of Sullivan’s Island series explains how patriots’ decisive win left British support nearly gone and highlights the “bad plans, poorly executed” behind the British failure. Myrtle Beach charity fun: The first-ever Myrtle Duck Festival lands July 25 at Market Common with live music, food trucks, a Big Duck Truck show, and a helicopter duck drop to start the race benefiting local nonprofits. Travel-weather watch: Coastal Georgia and South Carolina area forecasts point to hot, humid conditions and possible heat advisories this weekend, with storm chances and elevated heat indices. Mega Millions: The jackpot climbed to $489 million ahead of Friday’s drawing (cash option $220.9M). Outdoors & fishing: A Florida Keys dolphin tournament ended in a rare tie at 23 pounds, settled by earliest weigh-in time.

Historic Arts & Community: Newberry Opera House keeps drawing visitors with its restored 19th-century charm and intimate performances, a reminder that South Carolina’s live-entertainment scene is still thriving. Local Governance & Patriotism: Dobson’s Surry County Courthouse lawn will host a 1,198-flag planting honoring Revolutionary War patriots as part of America 250 observances. Family Travel & Outdoors: Santee Cooper Outdoors is expanding youth fishing with a statewide traveling “Bass Class” program after launching Fish School on Lake Marion. Tourism & Booking: Charleston Sharktooth Hunting rolled out a new interactive booking site to make it easier for visitors to reserve fossil hunts and cruises. Safety on the Road: Aiken saw a fatal hit-and-run involving two utility workers; a suspect later turned himself in and was arrested. Travel Deals: Fall flight prices may be lower if you book earlier—Skyscanner says international fares are often cheapest 3–6 months out. Summer Events: Travelers Rest unveiled a statue of Revolutionary War hero Dicey Langston during the Travelers Rest 250 event.

New Routes for Travelers: Breeze Airways announced new service that could boost South Carolina travel, including 2x-weekly flights from Trenton-Mercer Airport to Charleston starting Sept. 20, plus new links to Fort Myers and Vero Beach. Conservation & Outdoor Access: Dorchester County dedicated its first-ever state forest, Old Beech Hill State Forest, protecting more than 1,000 acres and setting up future hiking, hunting, and birdwatching opportunities. Drought Impacts Summer Plans: Severe South Carolina drought is pushing river residents and tourists to change holiday weekend plans, with families abandoning usual boat and swimming spots. America 250 Tourism Spotlight: Charleston is leaning into the nation’s 250th birthday with Revolutionary-era talks, Carolina Day events tied to Sullivan’s Island, and other arts-and-culture programming. Local Travel Culture: A new “book travel” trend is turning vacations into reading-focused itineraries, with travelers seeking destinations tied to stories they love. Safety Note for Visitors: A Ridgeland man was sentenced to eight years for a 2019 hit-and-run death of a pedestrian in Shell Point, underscoring the importance of road safety around events and nightlife.

Ports & Tourism: South Carolina Ports Authority will temporarily idle its $1.2B Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston starting Aug. 1, citing a global shipping downturn—while Charleston leaders push a tourism policy rewrite after a new report warns the city has hit a “tipping point” balancing visitors and quality of life. Lowcountry Heritage: The Angel Oak on Johns Island was added to the National Register of Historic Places, the first South Carolina tree individually recognized—highlighting Indigenous, Gullah-Geechee, and Civil Rights connections. Road-Trip Buzz: Buc-ee’s expansion keeps accelerating: the chain opened its first Arizona store in Goodyear and is lining up 15 more locations nationwide, including major travel-center stops that could boost highway tourism. Family Travel Safety: A bus crash near a Buc-ee’s on I-95 sent five people to hospitals; officials say the South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating. Local Summer Disruption: Columbia police say “teen takeovers” disrupted Juneteenth festivities at Finlay Park, including reports of ammunition found in the playground area. SC Economy Snapshot: First-quarter GDP growth was strongest in Western and Southeastern states, with both North Carolina and South Carolina up 3.2%.

America 250 Kickoff in DC: President Trump launched the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations on the National Mall with a rally, military flyovers, and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA,” while also using the moment to spotlight his border crackdown and other familiar themes. Stargazing in SC: The Strawberry Moon rises June 29, and the Bootid meteor shower runs June 25–July 2, with slower meteors that are easier to spot. Heritage Tourism (Upstate): Travelers Rest is honoring Dicey Langston with a statue and a planned Heritage Garden, aiming to make the site a year-round destination for education and visitors. Lowcountry Art & Conservation: Gullah-Geechee artists are turning coastal trash into bird-themed works through a grant-funded project, while volunteers also capture diamondback terrapins for long-term monitoring. Coastal Travel Tip: If the ocean looks extra blue along the Grand Strand, it’s likely calmer offshore conditions and less runoff—expect it to change quickly if storms roll in. Air Service Updates: Breeze Airways adds new nonstop routes, including Charleston–Trenton and more Florida connections, plus new service from Trenton-Mercer starting in September. Road Trip Safety: A bus crash near Buc-ee’s on I-95 in Florence County sent five people to the hospital with serious injuries; lanes were blocked while responders worked. Myrtle Beach Dining: Del Taco opens its first South Carolina location in Socastee July 1, followed by a second in Little River later this summer.