Mortgage Broker in James Island, SC

Fall is fast approaching, and it is one of the most delightful times of the year in the Lowcountry. For anyone trying to decide when to visit Charleston, South Carolina, the return of the local oyster season ticks another box for planning an autumn escape.

Charleston's flat coastline, an extensive network of tidal creeks, and bountiful natural reefs, combined with water temperatures conducive to a long spawning season, create an ideal oyster habitat. The harvests are in-demand nationwide, and the area has even been dubbed the 'Napa Valley of Oysters'. Whether it's fine dining, trendy raw bars, or rustic shuck-your-own outdoor roasts that float your boat, Charleston's oyster scene has it all.

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When Is Oyster Season in South Carolina?

The steadfast yet unofficial rule when it comes to oyster consumption is to stick to the 'r' months. Shellfish aficionados have long followed this well-established norm and only eat oysters from September - April, and evidence shows this practice dates back thousands of years!

Originally, there were several layers to avoiding oysters during the summer months. As they spawn when the water is the warmest, restricting oyster harvesting during this season was a sustainability practice so that they could be given time to reproduce each year. Furthermore, spawning oysters do not have a nice taste or texture; they tend to be small, watery, and flimsy.

The other factor stemmed from food safety. The waters around Charleston (and the southeast in general) get very hot in the summertime, raising algae and bacteria levels that could be absorbed by wild oysters and cause food poisoning if consumed. With the scorching air temperatures, reliable refrigeration (especially during transportation) was also a concern in the past.

Yes and no. With the surging popularity of oysters and aquaponics advancements, restaurants and suppliers are no longer relying solely on wild harvests. Cold water oyster farms safely produce tasty harvests all year round. Warm water farms have triploid breeds, which are sterile and therefore avoid any issues relating to reproduction.

Another thing to remember is that ocean temperatures vary significantly from location to location. While local oysters may be out of season in Charleston in the summer months, restaurants often source them from somewhere else in the country (or even the world) at this time of year. Those in the know come to appreciate different varieties of oysters in much the same way as one would with wine from different regions. Water quality and transportation are closely monitored, and all fresh oysters must be stamped with origin information.

With all of that said, if one is really looking for the most authentic experience of sampling fresh, wild, locally-harvested Charleston oysters, then sticking to the 'r' months is the best idea. More specifically, the official shellfish harvesting season in Charleston opens annually on October 1st.

What Is An Oyster Roast, And Where To Attend One?

Oyster roasts originated in the Charleston area, and they continue to be a much-loved seasonal tradition. Bushels of fresh oysters are steamed over hot coals in a kettle or fire-pit using a burlap sack. They are then served family-style in the middle of a large, communal table stocked with the standard accompaniments of saltine crackers, lemon wedges, and hot sauce (oh, and plenty of cold beer too). Guests gather around with special shucking knives and help themselves to oysters as freshly-steamed batches continue to be piled onto the table.

There are large-scale oyster roasts frequently held at Charleston area plantations, with Boone Hall Plantation annually hosting the largest oyster festival in the world. More low-key oyster roasts pop up frequently at local breweries, parks, bars, and literally anywhere else with a bit of outdoor space. Here are a few other favorites worth checking out:

The Best Restaurants To Eat Oysters In Charleston

Raw oysters and oyster-based dishes grace many a menu across the Charleston peninsula, and its surrounds, but below are a few tried and true favorites to get started. These restaurants have withstood the test of time and have solidified their reputation for serving up a fresh and delicious oyster selection year after year.

The DIY Approach To Eating Oysters In Charleston

For anyone feeling particularly adventurous, there is also the option to harvest your own oysters. There are three recreational shellfish grounds that are open to the public; just be sure to first obtain a South Carolina Saltwater Fishing license. Head out around low tide with a sturdy pair of boots for the pluff mud, and don't forget a hammer, gloves, and bucket. Regardless of the bounty, it's certain to be a fun experience!

The World Is Your Oyster

Charleston has been a go-to foodie destination for years with its wide range of culinary offerings and countless award-winning chefs and restaurants. Oysters are yet another highlight to add to the roster, and whether visitors are experienced aficionados or just dipping their toe into the world of oysters for the first time, they won't be left disappointed! With the oyster season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning the next (or first) Charleston getaway.

Jeff Sochko/Tim Cowie Photograph

CLINTON, S.C. - The Presbyterian College men’s soccer team has announced a talented 15 players signing class.

We are excited to announce our 2022 recruiting class. I would like to thank former assistant coach, Luke Oesterle, who was pivotal in the formation of this group of young men joining Presbyterian College. We feel these student-athletes will help elevate the program both on and off the field. We look forward to integrating these student-athletes into our program and welcoming each of them to the Presbyterian College soccer family.

CHEIKH ATAMAODefender, Longwy, France/Universite de Strasbourg

Helped his Excelsior Virton club team capture the 2018 and 2019 Belgium Youth Championships. Experience at FC Metz Academy in France.

JAMARI BUSBYDefender, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada/Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secondary School

Named to the Provincial team. Helped his Toronto FC club team capture two Ontario Cup titles while finishing runner-up three times.

DAVIT CHINCHALADZEDefender/Midfielder. Tbilisi, Georgia/High Mowing School (New Hampshire)

Sophomore transfer from Kansas City Kansas Community College. Earned All-Conference honors at the High Mowing School. Hails from the country of Georgia, he played an integral role in helping his club team, Dinamo Tbilisi, finish in first place in the Georgian League five times.

DAVID CITRONMidfielder, Fontaine-le-Comte, France/Lycee de la Venise Verte

Played club soccer for the Chamois Niortais Football Club. Scored his first goal this year in the fifth level in France. Named MVP of the National Team as a U14 player. MVP of the Regional Championship as a U15 player. Earned a promotion to the U19 National team this year.

JAMES DEEGoalkeeper, Gainesville, Ga./North Forsyth High School

Finished the spring ranked as the number one goalkeeper in the South Atlantic region by TopDrawerSoccer. He was a three-star recruit who played club soccer for the Atlanta United FC.

URIEL FERGUSONDefender/Midfielder, Los Angeles, Calif./Loyola University (Chicago)

Sophomore transfer from Loyola, who saw action in five matches in the spring of 2021. He played club soccer for Boca Juniors in Los Angeles. He was the Far West Regions’ second-leading goal scorer in 2018. He played a major role in helping his club team capture the SoCal National Cup Championship twice and reached a ranking of number two in the state of California. At Loyola High School, he was captain of the basketball and track teams.

CARSON GRIFFITHMidfielder, Gastonia, N.C./Charlotte

A junior transfer from Charlotte who saw action in five games during his two years with the 49ers. Led his Forestview High School team in goals and assists while helping the team reach the third round of the state playoffs as a sophomore. Was a team captain as a junior and a senior for his Charlotte Soccer Academy Club team. His father Mike Griffith is the head men’s tennis at Gardner-Webb University.

IRAGI KALALAMidfielder, Pittsburgh, Pa./Brashear High School

As a senior, he earned all-state and all-conference honors. He was named to the WPIAL team as a junior and a senior. He made the Big 56 team as a sophomore, junior and senior. He played a major role in helping his Century United club team win the state cup twice and reach the national finals in 2022.

CHASE KENNEDYMidfielder/Forward, North Charleston, S.C./Fort Dorchester High School

Named the Low Country Player of the Year while leading all 5A players in goals, assists, and points. Was a two-time all-region selection who claimed all-state honors as a senior. Played in the Clash of Carolinas All-Star game. Played a major role in helping his South Carolina Surf ECNL club team capture three state titles. In 2017, his club team won the national championship while finishing third in the nation in 2018.

LORENZO NAGYMidfielder/Forward, Kecskemet, Hungary/University of South Carolina

Junior transfer from the University of South Carolina, who saw action in 28 games while scoring two goals including scoring a goal in the Gamecocks’ win over Winthrop in 2021. While at South Carolina, he was named to the Dean’s list four times and the President’s List twice. Graduated high school from Felcsuti Letenyey Lajos in Hungary.

TRAVIS SAMATOVDefender, Charleston, S.C./James Island Charter

Earned all-state and all-region honors. Played an integral role in helping James Island win the state championship. Helped his South Carolina United Soccer Club team capture the U15 USYS National Championship.

LEONARD STRITTERGoalkeeper, Eschborn, Germany/Carl von Weinberg Schule

Recorded five shutouts while saving two penalty kicks in 25 appearances for his U19/U17 Bundesliga South-Southwest club team. Earned several top goalkeeper awards while being an All-Hessen selection.

TOMAS WHITEMidfielder, Buenos Aires, Argentina/Bethel College

Junior transfer from Bethel College in Kansas. Earned Kansas College Athletic Association all-conference honors. Played a major role in helping Bethel reach the KCAA Tournament in each of his two seasons. Played club soccer for Alianza FC in Panama. Graduated high school from Panamerican School in Panama City, Panama.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - To fight back on an uptick in illicit behavior inspired by the social media platform TikTok, a Charleston County school is taking the traditional hall pass digital.

Through an application called SmartPass, students at James Island Charter High School can request permission to leave the classroom for things like going to the restroom or stopping by their lockers. The app is downloaded to each school-issued laptop but can also be downloaded to a cell phone as well.

“We have had people, unfortunately, try to sneak into our school and they’re not supposed to be here. Now, at any given moment, we know there should be, say, seven people in the hallway and who they are,” Principal Timothy Thorn said. “It has a lot of safety components that allows us to keep our buildings safer.”

While the app does not track movements, all active passes are monitored on a screen by the principal, student concern specialists or the school resource officer. When students are issued a pass, they’re given a time limit before they’re supposed to return. When they run out of time the pass turns red on the screen and school officials can then follow up as needed.

Thorn says this system is new for them this year and is a direct response to some of the issues exposed last year.

“Last year, there was a TikTok challenge that a lot of schools went through. Kids would text each other to leave class. They’d meet up and then they’d go around the building and film themselves doing various things. The TikTok challenge was vandalism and stealing things from school,” Thorn said. “We are trying to cut back on the vandalism in our school, the sinks being ripped off the wall. . . it’s not a new problem but it definitely escalated in the last couple years.”

The time allowed for each hall pass is adjustable. For now, Thorne says bathroom breaks are generally given five minutes, while trips to the water fountain could be three minutes. Students start with five bathroom passes a day, but Thorn says they’re still figuring out what works best and teachers have the authority to override daily limits.

The app also has a feature that can control which students can have hall passes at the same time. Thorn says this feature allows them to crack down on significant others who might want to meet up in the middle of class or prevent groups of students known to abuse bathroom privileges from all being allowed to leave the classroom at the same time.

Thorn says the feature helps them keep students safe who are being bullied.

“It’s really about the bullying, harassment and safety contracts,” Thorn said. “If we can say student A, B and C can’t be out with student D to make sure it [bullying] doesn’t go on, that’s a tremendous way to keep kids safe. We have had to have adults follow students around just to get through some of these school harassment issues.”

You can learn more about the app, how it works and some of the reviews at its website.

Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Six Charleston-area high school teams were ranked in the final S.C. Prep Media football poll of August.

The polls were released on Aug. 30, revealing at least one squad from the Lowcountry in each of the five classifications.

Fort Dorchester is the highest ranked among the local contingent, coming in at No. 2 behind Dutch Fork in Class AAAAA. The Silver Foxes, who play at Stratford Sept. 9, received all 19 first-place votes. Summerville moved into the poll at No. 10 after cruising past Carolina Forest on Aug. 26.

In Class AAAA and Class AAA, James Island and Hanahan broke into their respective polls with wins on Aug. 26. The Trojans and Hawks are ranked ninth, well behind top-ranked South Pointe in Class AAAA and Daniel in Class AAA. Both received 17 of 19 first-place votes.

In Class AA, Oceanside Collegiate dropped back a spot to No. 3 after falling by a single point to South Florence, 29-28, on Aug. 26. The Bruins, who also hammered Goose Creek by 44 points in Week 0, are ranked fifth in Class AAAA. The Landsharks actually received seven first-place votes, more than top-ranked Saluda in Class AA.

In Class A, Baptist Hill backed up from No. 6 to No. 7 despite knocking off St. John’s on Aug. 26. Bamberg-Ehrhardt is No. 1 in Class A and received 14 first-place votes.

Aug. 30 polls

Class AAAAA

1. Dutch Fork (19 first-place votes)

2. Fort Dorchester

3. Hillcrest

4. Byrnes

5. Dorman

6. Sumter

7. Gaffney

8. T.L. Hanna

9. Spartanburg

10. Summerville

Class AAAA

1. South Pointe (17)

2. Northwestern (2)

3. A.C. Flora

4. West Florence

5. South Florence

6. Hartsville

7. Irmo

8. Catawba Ridge

9. James Island

T10. Indian Land

T10. Ridge View

Class AAA

1. Daniel (17)

2. Camden (2)

3. Dillon

4. Powdersville

5. Clinton

6. Gilbert

7. Seneca

8. Woodruff

9. Hanahan

10. Beaufort

Class AA

1. Saluda (6)

2. Abbeville (2)

3. Oceanside Collegiate (7)

4. Barnwell (3)

5. Fairfield Central

6. Gray Collegiate

7. Wade Hampton

8. Cheraw

9. Buford

10. Silver Bluff

Class A

1. Bamberg-Ehrhardt (14)

2. Christ Church (1)

3. Southside Christian (3)

4. Whale Branch

5. Johnsonville

6. St. Joseph’s

7. Baptist Hill

8. Lamar

9. Lewisville (1)

10. Lake View

Oceanside Collegiate lineman Freeling commits to defending champions

Oceanside Collegiate offensive lineman Monroe Freeling announced a commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs in late August.

The 6-7, 295-pound senior picked the Bulldogs over Alabama, Clemson, Florida and Miami.

The four-star prospect is considered one of the top offensive tackles in the country.

The Landsharks play at Timberland Oct. 28.

Fan Fest on tap for South Carolina Stingrays

The South Carolina Stingrays are set to host Fan Fest Sept. 10 at the North Charleston Coliseum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Stingrays, who play in the ECHL and are an affiliate of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, are counting down the day to their opening night at home, Oct. 22. Featured activities include a locker room tour, select a seat event, merchandise table, equipment sale and a kids corner.

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - People who live on James Island are rallying together and encouraging an email campaign against a development off of Folly Road and Grimball Road Extension.

The development would build 68 townhomes, 5 workforce units and commercial space. It would also allow for filling in 0.23 acres of freshwater non-tidal forested wetlands.

Greg Payton lives on Donnie Road, right off of Grimball Extension. His family has lived in the home and community for more than 100 years. The proposed development would back up to his home. He says he is worried about a lot of things, including stormwater runoff and traffic.

“They want to fill in the wetlands, and they’re going to have to cut down some trees, so if it rains, where is the water going to go? It’s going to come on our families, it’s going to be in our backyards and we’re going to be flooded under,” Payton says.

He also has concerns about how the amount of people moving in would affect traffic and the livability of his neighborhood.

“I say each unit is two cars, that’s 140, where are they going?” Payton asks “People have to go to work in the morning, how long will it take for people to come down Grimball Road Extension?”

He says he wants to attend a public hearing about the plans.

“We want to make sure that if they are going to build something, that they do it correctly,” Payton says.

The applicant developers are requesting to fill a little less than a quarter of an acre of wetlands. That filling would not have “a substantial adverse impact,” according to an Army Corps of Engineers initial study. The study found the filling would have ‘no effect’ on any federally endangered or threatened species.

The applicant is asking to fill .2 acres to construct a commercial parking lot and the other .03 to install a stormwater drainage structure, according to a June 24th, 2022, Army Corps of Engineers’ notice.

The report says the applicant will preserve the remaining .75 acres of wetlands to compensate for any impacts.

The Army Corps of Engineers is taking comments on the project through Monday, July 11. Operators of the ‘Save James Island’ Facebook page are encouraging people who are opposed to sending an email reading in part:

“I oppose the filling of any wetlands (no matter how ‘small’)…this historic area is plagued by flooding and drainage issues, and the preservation of natural wetlands and trees are our best and least-costly defense. Pleas hold a public hearing so the Army Corps of Engineers has ALL of the information, including the voice of the people who live here.”

The applicant appeared before Charleston City Technical Review Committee in April and is working to resolve some of the comments before coming back with a revised plan for the development.

Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.