Charleston County Connects

In this episode, host Shawn Smetana welcomes Aly Petruch, Charleston County’s Sustainability Coordinator, for an inside look at some exciting community sustainability initiatives. Aly shares details about the upcoming Bees Ferry Compost Facility tour, offering listeners a chance to learn how Charleston County turns everyday organic waste into high‑quality compost that benefits local soil health an...

In this episode Senior Project Manager Sheila S. Parker and project engineer John Martin join us to highlight Charleston County’s latest quarterly update on the Fort Johnson Road intersection improvements. They break down current construction progress, what’s underway at Secessionville Road, and how the new roundabout at Camp Road will enhance safety and traffic flow for James Island travelers.

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Van Koughnett, Director of the Tri-County Biological Science Center, to discuss the new 21,480-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is set to expediate DNA processing by dramatically reducing turnaround times and streamlining local forensic analysis. This project marks the first regional collaboration on DNA testing in state history, bringing together law en...

As part of its new Transportation Sales Tax (TST) planning process, Charleston County has launched an online public input form to gather ideas and feedback from community members that will help shape the future of transportation throughout the region. Public Works Director Eric Adams explains why YOUR input is a critical step. We also discuss the survey available now to the public and how transpar...

Episode 24 The Charleston Center, in partnership with FAVOR Lowcountry, is proud to announce the launch of Bridge2Hope, a new mobile app designed to connect community members with vital resources for drug and alcohol treatment, recovery, and harm reduction.   Charleston Center employees Kelley Grobmyer and Sarah Halse managed the new initiative and detail how the new app can help those in need and...

Charleston County Government is wrapping up its annual Summer Youth Employment program and, in this episode, we hear from three of this year’s participants. They’ll discuss the work they performed in each department, lessons learned, and why this program can help shape a career. Program Information: https://www.charlestoncounty.gov/syip/

Recent rainfall is good for your lawn, garden, and flowers but also means an increase in the mosquito population. Our staff in Mosquito Control breakdown how we Fight the Bite by ground and air. Plus, a few tips to make your outdoor time more enjoyable. Mosquito Control Request: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/ecc5ff92daaa44509482a38cfff9e249?portalUrl=https://chascogis.maps.arcgis.com   Depart...

Community Representative LaMonica Smalls details our free Earth Day event for Charleston County residents on Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Recycling Center located at 8099 Palmetto Commerce Parkway. The event will be held rain or shine and is for residents only, not commercial businesses. LaMonica is available to speak with school groups or local organizations about how to Re...

Episode 23 – Are you thinking of adding on to your home, maybe removing a tree or adding a shed in the backyard? There’s a good chance you’ll need a permit before work can begin. In this episode, we chat with Spencer Antos with the Zoning and Planning department. He explains what issues they deal with daily and what it can cost you if you skip a step. Permitting and Code Enforcement Information: h...

Episode 22 - Palmetto Commerce Interchange, a featured project from the 2016 Transportation Sales Tax, recently completed a key piece of the construction process. Project Engineer Mackenzie Kelley breaks down the latest, what’s next, and how this project provides relief to the traveling public. Plus, the all-important completion timeline.   Project website: https://www.palmettocommerceinterchange....

Episode 21 – The Charleston County Coroner’s Office recently earned the 2024 Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Regional Cooperation Award presented by the South Carolina Association of Counties (SCAC). The award recognizes the importance of regional partnerships by honoring two or more local governments that collaborated on an innovative project to better serve their communities. Charleston County Corone...

Episode 20 – Citizen engagement and communication is at the top of Charleston County’s priorities. New platforms are making it easier to have your opinion heard on a multitude of county issues. Niki Grimball, Project Officer with Zoning & Planning, details the new Public Input platform - Engage Charleston County. Citizens can now weigh in on a number of zoning topics anywhere, anytime. Engage...

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. Charlesto...

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...

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 tota...

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...

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 t...

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. C...

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 Pa...

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 re...

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 Y...

Episode 10 – Board of Elections Finds a New Home Elections are a year-round effort in a growing Charleston County. To accommodate additional needs, the Board of Voter Registration & Elections recently moved to a new location.  Executive Director Isaac Cramer joins us to explain why the move was necessary and how it will help staff better serve the public. We also chat about the need for poll m...

Episode 9 - The opioid epidemic is a nationwide crisis and public safety professionals are on the front-lines. Charleston County Government supports a treatment center and coordinates community training opportunities year-round. But, what about the families looking to help a loved one suffering from addiction? EMS is the first call in an overdose emergency and now staff will be working with those...

Episode 8 – It’s called Titanium Dioxide and it can make roads cooler and last longer. It’s a process Charleston County launched in 2021 under its Pavement Management system. Program Manager Mackenzie Kelley joins us to explain how this product helps with pollution and reduces heat. It’s a lot of engineer talk but we do our best to break it all down. Pilot program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=...

Episode 7 – Mosquito season in Charleston County is almost a year-round event. The County’s Taxonomist. Ed Harne, discusses how staff combats mosquitos by land and air. It’s a tough gig and one that grows more difficult following periods of heavy rain. He’ll explain how you can keep the blood-sucking bug population at bay and how mosquitos can spread disease. Enjoy the chat and let us know what yo...