AGP Executive Report

Weather Watch: Showers and thunderstorms could affect several Saturday college football games across South Carolina and Georgia, with the biggest delay risk flagged for Miami at Clemson—rain gear recommended. SEC Spotlight: President Trump says he’ll attend Alabama vs. Georgia at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Oct. 10, adding another high-profile SEC stop to the season. Game-Day Updates (Alabama): Alabama’s Jayvin James is listed out for the trip to Mississippi State, with Tyrell Miller expected to step in. Road Safety: Florida Highway Patrol joined a multi-state commercial truck enforcement blitz along the I-95 corridor, sidelining unsafe drivers and vehicles. Local Travel & Leisure: Beemok Hospitality Collection named Lindsey Silver vice president of sales, aiming to boost luxury tourism in Charleston. Myrtle Beach Notes: Four Starbucks locations in South Carolina closed recently, including stores in Anderson, Darlington, Murrells Inlet, and Taylors. Community Calendar: Belton’s Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival returns Oct. 3 with free admission and parking, plus music, crafts, cars, and food.

New State Park: Ramsey Grove State Park opened in Georgetown County, adding 51st SC state park status. The 2,650-acre Black River property features live oaks, pine forests, a waterfowl impoundment, and seven miles of walking and hiking trails; soft opening runs Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with admission set at $8 adults, $5 seniors, $4 children (5 and under free). Road & Travel Disruption: I-95 in South Carolina reopened after a 69-vehicle pileup on the Lake Marion bridge near Santee; 17 people were taken to McLeod Health Clarendon, with dense fog blamed. Upstate Film Push: South Carolina’s film industry leaders say the Upstate still needs steadier production, but a proposed federal tax credit backed by Sen. Tim Scott and a state pilot incentive aim to attract more projects beyond Charleston. Local Food & Fun: The Landing at the Boathouse plans a second location at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, bringing its live-music waterfront vibe to a new spot next year. Insurance Watch: Greenville homeowners are seeing steep rate hikes—up 16% on renewals—showing the insurance squeeze is spreading inland.

Agritourism Boost: A new grant program could expand agritourism for South Carolina farmers, with one York County family already turning their Blue Bird Farm into an overnight Airbnb experience. Public Safety Funding: FEMA announced nearly $55M in federal fire grants across the Southeast, including about $2.8M for Pooler to hire more firefighters. Lowcountry Travel Ideas: A new Pat Conroy-inspired guide, Pat Conroy’s Lowcountry: A History and Guide, aims to make planning a literary trip through Beaufort, Charleston and Daufuskie easier. Local Culture & Learning: Lander University will host the traveling American Revolution Experience exhibition Oct. 16–29. Road Travel Warning: Dense fog contributed to a major I-95 pileup near Lake Marion, with up to 40 vehicles involved and prolonged delays expected. Sports & Tourism Tie-In: Clemson’s Lowcountry native Elysa Wesolek is spotlighted for her role in Miami’s football nutrition program ahead of the Miami-Clemson showdown.

Charleston & Coast Events: The Post and Courier rounded up 70+ oyster roasts across the Charleston area, the SC coast, and inland spots for the 2026-27 season, with details on dates and ticket pricing as the commercial oyster season runs Oct. 1 through March. Arts & Tourism: Clemson will host the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s free “American Soundscapes” concert Oct. 6 as part of its Utsey Chamber Music Series’ 40th anniversary. Marine Life & Outdoor Travel: A decommissioned 510-foot Navy transport ship is being used as an artificial reef, showing how retired vessels can become habitat for sponges, corals, and fish. Local Travel Safety: A Murrells Inlet-area motorcyclist died after a two-vehicle crash on Highway 501 in Horry County, blocking lanes and prompting an investigation. Travel Costs: AAA reports South Carolina regular gas averaging about $4.06 a gallon, up sharply from last year, with Clemson students feeling the hit. Wildlife Rules: Oman’s turtle reserve tightened enforcement after an influencer sat on a sea turtle, highlighting permit and night-access requirements.

Local Government Moves: Horry County offices will close Oct. 2 for a relocation to the new Central Coast Complex in Carolina Forest, with several departments reopening Oct. 5 at 332 Hinson Drive. Road Safety: A foggy tractor-trailer crash in Santee killed Zachary M. Herron, 26, on U.S. 301; investigators say the Volvo was turning when the Camaro hit. Community & Outdoors: Keep the Midlands Beautiful’s Lake Sweep/River Sweep pulled 6,139 pounds of litter and recyclables from Lake Murray and nearby waterways. Travel & Entertainment: “American Pickers” plans to film in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia in November, seeking private collections in barns and warehouses. Family Fun in Charleston: Local guides share underrated Charleston experiences beyond King Street and the beaches, including a progressive dinner idea. Health & Recovery: American Detox & Treatment Center opened a 40-bed medical detox/residential facility in Taylors, expanding access for Greenville-area patients. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Hampton County at $3.82 (week ending Sept. 19).

Caregiver Charges: In Conway, Sarah Smalls was arrested Sept. 28 and charged with perjury, breach of trust, and exploitation of a vulnerable adult tied to the death of Robert Rowland—his daughter says she’s been pushing for charges for months. Fall Waterfall Guide: Lake Hartwell Country released a new waterfall guide for fall visitors near Clemson, highlighting easy-to-moderate hikes like Waldrop Stone Falls and accessible options such as Issaqueena Falls. Monarch Migration: Greer is leaning into monarch season with its Monarch City USA designation and pollinator gardens meant to help butterflies fuel up for their long journey. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show diesel and gas prices shifting across South Carolina counties in the week ending Sept. 19, with local “cheapest” spots noted for drivers planning trips. Cancer Research Push: More than 750 cancer patients and advocates traveled to Capitol Hill urging higher federal funding, including South Carolinians citing NIH and prevention needs. Travel & Tourism Growth: TripStop is set to build a new travel center at I-81 Exit 105 in Radford, a reminder of how interstate corridors keep attracting visitor-focused development. Safety Reminder: Health officials warn about a synthetic opioid circulating online in the Coastal Carolina area, urging caution as testing options lag behind new substances.

Local Justice: Conway caregiver Sarah Smalls, 58, booked on breach of trust with fraudulent intent, perjury, and exploitation of a vulnerable adult after a WMBF investigation into a disputed deed transfer. Trade & Travel Impact: South Carolina is still trying to gauge how new tariffs on Canadian goods will affect a $8B+ two-way relationship, even as Canadian visitors—especially to Myrtle Beach—remain a key tourism driver. Road & Commute: I-26 lane closures in the Charleston area are backing up traffic with drive times over two hours; SCDOT says delays could be severe. Family & Corrections: Furman’s “Riley’s Readers” lets incarcerated parents record bedtime stories for their kids, aiming to close both the physical and emotional gap of incarceration. Elder Care Legal Milestone: Hughey Law Firm says it has resolved more than 1,000 elder abuse and nursing home neglect cases in South Carolina since 2007. Public Safety Tech Debate: Richland County’s Flock ALPR camera network expands scrutiny as supporters tout crime-fighting and critics warn about a digital dragnet. Gas Prices: AAA reports South Carolina gas averages rising again, with regular at about $4.10 and diesel around $6.01. Tourism Season Reminder: Horry County warns drivers as the 2026 Fall Myrtle Beach Bike Rally brings more motorcycles through Oct. 4.

Air Travel Safety: A Greenwood man, Michael Shane Orndoff Jr., was sentenced to two years in federal prison for a drunken, combative outburst on a Delta flight that led to a diversion to Alaska. Local Tech & Privacy: Richland County’s Flock automated license plate reader network is under fresh scrutiny as deputies use it for major-crime investigations, sparking debate over surveillance and privacy. City Planning: Greenville City Council voted down proposed infill lot width standards in its development code review, a move that could reshape neighborhood growth rules. Road-Trip Costs: AAA says South Carolina’s gas average is $4.10 a gallon, with diesel averaging $6.01, while GasBuddy reports lowest-price deals in multiple counties for the week ending Sept. 19. Grand Strand Travel Safety: Horry County is warning drivers as motorcyclists flood the area for the Fall Myrtle Beach Bike Rally, following multiple deadly crashes. Wellness Travel: Hilton Head Health is highlighting its 50-year GLP-1 support program, aiming to pair medication with nutrition and behavior coaching. Tourism & Sports: USC’s Dawn Staley Leadership Academy launched with 110 students, including tracks tied to sports and tourism careers.

GLP-1 Support for Visitors: Hilton Head Health Wellness Resort & Spa (marking 50 years in South Carolina) says it’s adding GLP-1 weight-loss support with nutrition and behavior coaching, responding to medical groups’ concerns that the drugs alone aren’t enough. Tuition Rules Clash: A South Carolina family says two public colleges charged different out-of-state/in-state tuition rates to siblings with the same home address, prompting lawmakers to consider clearer state guidance. Living Shoreline Progress: Volunteers and partners near completion of one of South Carolina’s longest living shorelines, using oyster-shell-based projects to curb erosion and expand public access. Coastal Storm Impact: Reports highlight how major coastal weather has left “the beaches are gone,” underscoring ongoing storm recovery along the Palmetto State’s shoreline. Road Safety: Horry County identified a motorcyclist and passenger killed in a crash on SC 19 at SC 410; South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating. Gas Watch: GasBuddy data shows the lowest Fairfield County premium price at $4.45 (week ending Sept. 19), with multiple other county price lows reported statewide. Surveillance Debate: A Ridge Spring resident’s profanity comment about Flock cameras escalated into a First Amendment dispute involving police and potential federal involvement. Travel & Events: Charleston hosted an outdoor college basketball exhibition at Credit One Stadium, drawing fans from across the region.

Education Leadership Move: Dr. Brenda Schrantz left School District 56 to become an executive leader at the South Carolina Department of Education, focusing on curriculum, standards, assessment, special education, and Virtual SC. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported the week ending Sept. 19 brought spotty low points across the state—diesel hit $5.99 in Williamsburg County and $5.49 in Lexington County; midgrade lows included $3.99 in Chesterfield County and $3.97 in Horry County; regular lows ranged down to $3.54 in Richland County. Lowcountry Events: College basketball went outdoors at Credit One Stadium in Daniel Island with the first-ever TheLinkU Invitational, drawing fans from across the Lowcountry. Local Safety & Travel Disruptions: A fatal motorcycle crash shut down travel plans for families in Horry County after a collision at SC-410 and SC-19; Anderson County also marked a bicentennial parade Oct. 4 in downtown Anderson. Sports & Community: Shrine Bowl rosters named seven local seniors for the Dec. 19 game at Spartanburg High School.

Hurricane Readiness (Charleston): A new report lays out how South Carolina could respond to a worst-case Category 5 direct strike on Charleston County—covering early planning, emergency activation, and the long recovery that would follow. Coastal Travel & Safety: Two separate fatal crashes are under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol—one in Anderson County where a motorcyclist hit a tree, and another in Horry County where a motorcycle collision at SC-410 and SC-19 killed both rider and passenger. Local Visitor Economy (Folly Beach): A judge struck down Folly Beach’s short-term rental cap and registration fee, and the city is set to appeal to the S.C. Supreme Court, keeping the dispute—and visitor impact—alive. Road Trip Tech (Auto Travel): A Tesla owner describes a near all-driving supervised trip from Florida to Ohio, with one key moment requiring human takeover. Weekend Planning (Oxford, SC): Daybreak Coffee reopens a coastal-themed shop in Oxford—built from a camper-turned coffee setup—already drawing lines from the community.

Road Safety: South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating two fatal early-morning crashes: a driver died after a truck left the road and hit an embankment in Orangeburg County, and another driver died after a vehicle left S.C. Highway 34 near Ninety-Nine Road and struck trees in Fairfield County. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular prices in the week ending Sept. 19 included $3.54 in Richland County, $3.62 in Horry County, $3.75 in Clarendon County, and $3.79 in Newberry County, while diesel lows ranged from $5.39 in Dorchester County to $5.73 in Charleston County. Game Day (SC): South Carolina heads to Alabama for a Week 4 matchup, with TV/streaming info pointing to ESPN and ESPN Unlimited, and prediction-market promos circulating for fans planning the trip. Local Culture/Travel: Charleston’s new “Welcome to Charleston County” sign project and a temporary downtown library opening Oct. 5 add fresh stops for visitors.

Charleston Travel & Transit: Breeze Airways adds nonstop service from Charleston (CHS) to Trenton, N.J. (Trenton-Mercer) twice weekly, launching Sept. 20 with fares starting at $89 one way—its 29th nonstop destination from CHS. Road Trip Planning: A new $555,060 “Welcome to Charleston County” gateway sign has been installed along I-26, replacing a decades-old marker. Family & Community Tourism: The South Carolina African-American Tourism Conference draws nearly 100 people to the College of Charleston this weekend, focusing on using culture and history to build tourism jobs and wealth. Outdoor & Nature: The Harvest Moon peaks Saturday (Sept. 26) and Charleston-area stargazers may also spot Saturn’s rings with a telescope. Local Events: A sea turtle nesting panel discussion is set for Oct. 1 at the Marine Discovery Center. Safety & Travel Tips: A new report highlights how TSA Precheck can cut airport security hassle for frequent flyers. Sports (Big Weekend): Week 4 college football headlines include Texas at Tennessee (noon ET, ABC) and Alabama hosting South Carolina (7 p.m. ET), with Kalshi promo codes tied to prediction markets.

Black Tourism Push: Nearly 100 people gathered at the College of Charleston for the South Carolina African-American Tourism Conference, touting a $2.4 billion impact and offering workshops on funding, grants, and building authentic visitor experiences. Historic Lowcountry Stop: Folly Beach unveiled a historical marker at the Porgy House on West Ashley Avenue, honoring the collaboration between DuBose Heyward and George Gershwin that helped inspire “Porgy and Bess.” State Tourism in NYC: South Carolina took over part of Manhattan with an immersive “SC in the City” showcase at Grand Central and Times Square billboards running Sept. 25-27 to spotlight beaches, food, culture, and craftsmanship. Kiawah Island Lodging Tips: A guide focused on choosing the right Kiawah Island vacation stay by prioritizing location, beach access, paths, and the trip pace you want. Travel Safety & Local Impact: A Myrtle Beach chase involving a Virginia teen ended with an arrest after authorities say the suspect led police across multiple states. Road & Travel Planning: SCDOT plans temporary lane closures on I-85 in Spartanburg County Sept. 26-27 for repairs. Community Events: SC State’s Career Day Extravaganza brings 100+ recruiters to connect students with jobs, internships, and graduate programs.

Road & Bridge Updates: SCDOT will close a westbound lane on the I-26 bridge over Lake Bowen starting 7 a.m. Sept. 25 for rehabilitation, reopening early Sept. 26 if weather cooperates. Coastal & Community Cleanup: Bluffton held its 37th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep Sept. 19, with hundreds of volunteers removing litter around the May River at Oyster Factory Park. Historic Tourism Moment: Folly Beach will install a historical marker for the “Porgy House,” where DuBose Heyward and Dorothy Heyward worked and where “Porgy and Bess” was created, at 10:30 a.m. Local Development & Travel Stops: Parker’s Kitchen is nearing its second Aiken-area opening, with a new store expected to open in early October at Whiskey Road and Chukker Creek Road. Sports Tourism: Winthrop announced a 32-game men’s basketball schedule with 15 home games, plus registration is open for the 9th annual Winthrop Golf Classic Nov. 2 at Rock Hill Country Club. Safety & Infrastructure: Stormwater improvements in Laurens’ Watts Mill area are complete, upgrading drainage and adding a detention basin to reduce flooding.

Gas Prices Watch: South Carolina’s regular gas averaged $3.98/gal for the week ending Sept. 19, with Charleston County hitting a low of $3.63 and Dorchester County $3.62, while premium prices averaged $4.86/gal statewide. Public Safety on the Coast: Surfside Beach Police added a UTV, funded by the accommodations tax, to speed emergency response between the beach and town. Infrastructure & Flood Resilience: Laurens County says stormwater upgrades in the Watts Mill Neighborhood are complete, funded by a $2.3M ARPA Stormwater Infrastructure Program award. State Infrastructure Score: ASCE’s 2026 report card moved South Carolina from D+ to C-, but still flagged drinking water and bridges as problem areas. Recovery Month Spotlight: Advocates gathered at the Statehouse for National Recovery Month, citing progress and continued need as fentanyl remains a major factor in overdoses. Travel & Tourism Growth: Breeze Airways announced new nonstop routes from Atlantic City International, including Myrtle Beach starting Oct. 22. Family-Friendly Events: Duplin Winery’s 50th Grape Stomp drew visitors for music, wine, and the annual grape-stomping tradition. Monarch Migration: Peak monarch movement is expected around Sept. 24 across much of South Carolina and northern Georgia.