Charleston Gears Up for a Busy Thanksgiving Holiday
As the festive season approaches, Charleston is bracing itself for what is expected to be a bustling Thanksgiving holiday! With traffic on the highways and crowds at airports set to swell, many locals and visitors are ready to hit the road (or the skies) to reunite with friends and family.
Travel Predictions: A Massive Surge Ahead!
According to experts, nearly 80 million Americans will be traveling at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday. That’s a whole lot of folks! Most of these travelers are expected to stay on the ground, preferring the open road over air travel, thanks to lower gas prices across the nation.
Let’s break down those prices: The nationwide average for gasoline sits at around $3.06 a gallon, which is quite the drop from last year’s $3.26. Here in South Carolina, the average price is even lower at $2.74 per gallon, although it has nudged up by 3.5 cents recently. Traveling by car just keeps getting easier and cheaper!
Air Travel Expected to Break Records
If you’re one of the many planning to fly, you might be pleased to hear that the Transportation Security Administration estimates that they will be screening about 18.3 million people at airports throughout the U.S. over this holiday period. Fingers crossed for good weather, as the end of the Atlantic hurricane season has a lot of travelers hopeful for smooth skies and safe travels.
Local News: Monitoring the Pulse of Charleston
And in the realm of education, what’s the scoop? Well, teachers in South Carolina have seen a decline in vacancies as the number of open teaching spots has decreased. However, it’s still important to note that these numbers remain above the levels reported before the pandemic. A mixed bag for sure!
Health Concerns and Community Support
On the health front, local doctors are beginning to notice an uptick in walking pneumonia cases. This slow-developing lung infection may feel like just a pesky cold, but it can leave people feeling pretty under the weather. If you’re feeling off, it might be a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional.
Good News for Affordable Housing
In a positive development for residents looking for affordable homes, the Charleston County Council has approved a substantial $1.6 million initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. This is aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing through their Land Acquisition Grant Program. Because let’s face it—finding housing in Charleston can be a challenge!
Reflections from Mayor Cogswell
On a community note, Charleston’s Mayor William Cogswell took some time to reflect on his past year in office. He discussed his accomplishments, challenges, and what lies ahead, reminding everyone that there’s always more work to be done for our lovely city.
Nonprofit Funding Still Available!
Last but not least, it’s great to see that Charleston County has reopened the application period for their nonprofit funding program! With over $154,000 still up for grabs, local nonprofits have another shot at securing crucial funding for their programs and initiatives.
So, whether you’re gearing up for a long road trip, booking a flight, or just trying to keep up with local news, Charleston is buzzing with activity. Let’s make this Thanksgiving a memorable one!
