Charleston News Update: Addressing School Gun Violence, New Dog-Friendly Venue Opens, and Community Developments

Charleston News Roundup: School Safety, New Spots, and Community Initiatives

Hey Charleston! Let’s dive into the latest happenings around our lovely city and beyond. From rising concerns about school safety to exciting new ventures, here’s what you need to know.

School Gun Violence on the Rise

Gun violence on our nation’s school grounds has become a hot topic, and it’s hard to ignore the numbers. According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, there have been some alarming statistics over the last few years. In 2020, we saw 116 school-related gun incidents. Fast forward a couple of years, and that number has skyrocketed — jumping to 257 incidents in 2021 and hitting 349 by 2023. Just this year alone, there have been 326 incidents reported!

To put this in perspective, nationally, there have been a staggering 488 total mass shootings this year, which includes those occurring in schools. South Carolina hasn’t been spared from this trend. Since November 27, we’ve tragically seen 20 people shot and killed statewide. One of those incidents occurred in Charleston County, while 15 others were injured in various shootings throughout the area.

It’s a tough situation, and David Riedman, who founded the K-12 database, highlighted that no matter how you measure this issue, the trend is clearly on the increase. This topic has gained traction once again after a heartbreaking incident at a Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, where a young student opened fire, resulting in the loss of a student and a teacher.

Brand New Hangout Spot for Dog Lovers!

Now, let’s switch gears a bit! If you’re a fan of furry friends, you’ll be excited to hear about a new spot that just opened in North Charleston. The Broken Leash is the new gem located at 8811 Old University Blvd. This isn’t just any bar—it features two fenced areas for pups to play off-leash. There’s one area for smaller dogs (under 25 pounds) and another for the big pals. And don’t worry, they have “rufferees” on site to ensure all the doggos get along!

For the two-legged customers, there’s a bar serving an array of local craft beers and wines, making it a perfect spot for dog owners to relax while their pooches have a memorable day out.

Hazing Incidents Under Scrutiny

In some more serious news, hazing issues have caught the attention at the University of South Carolina and the College of Charleston. This fall, five fraternities and sororities at these universities were cited for hazing violations. It’s a troubling trend that institutions are taking steps to address, ensuring a safe environment for all students.

Fire Station Progress on Johns Island

There’s something to cheer about as the City of Charleston is making progress on a long-awaited project! The construction of a new multi-million-dollar fire station on Johns Island is finally moving ahead. After much discussion, they’ve approved a contract at a recent council meeting, marking a pivotal step towards enhancing safety and response in our communities.

Oyster Reef Restoration Efforts

Our coastline is getting some TLC thanks to Charleston Waterkeeper! They’re taking part in a fantastic initiative to harvest marsh grass seeds, playing a vital role in the restoration of our Lowcountry oyster reefs. It’s important work that helps ensure a healthy ecosystem along our shorelines!

Exciting Changes at the Grocery Store

If you live near Maybank Highway, you’ll be thrilled about the changes coming to the KJ’s Market at 3575 Maybank Highway. It’s undergoing an exciting transformation to become a Lowes Foods, expected to open its doors in 2025. With the nearest supermarket being three miles away at Food Lion, this upgrade will surely be welcomed by local residents.

Holiday Shopping Made Easy

As the holiday season approaches, Tanger Outlets Charleston has extended their shopping hours and is offering daily deals to help ease the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping in the Lowcountry. Don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities to grab the perfect gifts for your loved ones!

That’s a wrap on today’s news round-up! Let’s keep our hearts and minds open as we navigate through these discussions and changes within our community. Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy the festive shopping season!