AC Repair in North Charleston, SC

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC. – The South Carolina Stingrays are proud to announce that forward Jack Adams has been selected as the recipient of the 2023-24 ECHL Community Service Award. This is the second year in a row that a Stingrays player has earned this recognition. Last season, the award went to Chaz Reddekopp. This marks the first time in ECHL history that a player from the same team has been selected for the award in back-to-back seasons.

Each ECHL team was given the opportunity to nominate a player for their efforts in supporting community and charitable causes during the 2024-25 season. The nominations were voted on by League Office personnel.

Adams dedicated over 32 hours to various community initiatives in Charleston during the season.

"We’re so excited to have won this prestigious award again for the second season in a row," said Stingrays Community Relations Coordinator Olivia Harrison. "It has been a pleasure working with Jack throughout the season and seeing the positive impact he’s had on our community. He embodies the values we hold close, setting an unparalleled standard for community engagement among our players."

At the start of the season, Adams expressed interest in working with first responders and wanted to assist with executing the Stingrays' First Responders night on March 30. The team partnered with ServiceMaster, the night's sponsor, to drop off essentials at local fire stations.

Adams and teammate Austin Magera spent a day with the North Charleston Fire Department Station 5 and the Saint Andrews Fire Department and tried a variety of tasks that firefighters face while on the job.

"It was an honor and a privilege to spend the day with the North Charleston and West Ashley fire departments. I was taken aback by the quality of the people and how hard they work on a daily basis," said Adams. "We're all so lucky to have heroes like them protect us day in and day out, and I'm looking forward to spending more time with them soon."

Another notable aspect of Adams' community engagement was his frequent visits to the local children's hospital. His genuine connection with the children, evident in the joy he brought through simple activities like air hockey games and Connect Four, showed his sincere desire to make a positive impact. Adams went above and beyond by extending invitations to some of the children to attend Stingrays games, further enriching their experiences throughout the season.

Adams also entered the season with an established nonprofit affiliation through his family. Following a tragic event in 2018, where Adams lost his older brother, Mark "Roo" Adams, to a heart attack, his family founded the Mark Roo Adams Foundation in his memory. This foundation honors Roo's legacy and focuses on charitable endeavors close to his heart. Specifically, the foundation organizes an annual golf tournament to raise funds for causes such as supporting children in foster care, aiding animal rescue efforts, and awarding an annual scholarship to a Providence College student who exemplifies Roo's values and character traits.

On March 2, the Stingrays donated $1,000 to the Mark Roo Adams Foundation as a part of the team's Community Assist of the Game initiative, where Stingrays' principal owner, Todd Halloran, donates $1,000 to a deserving nonprofit organization at each home game.

The Stingrays are back in action tonight when they take on the Florida Everblades at 7:30 pm at Hertz Arena.

The annual North Charleston Business Expo is less than a month away.

As a primer for the event, which is hosted by the Charleston Regional Business Journal in partnership with the North Charleston Chamber of Commerce, here are the Top 5 reasons (in no particular order) for you to stop by the Charleston Area Convention Center on May 8.

What, you haven’t registered for the event? Don’t worry, you still have time. Click here to register.

On to the Top 5 reasons to attend the expo:

Make connections: More than 500 participants are expected to stroll the convention floor. That’s a lot of hands to shake and business cards to swap. Or should we say QR codes to scan? Meet with 500-plus professionals in sales, marketing, business development, operations and more looking to make connections that ignite business growth.

Shake hands: With over 100 exhibitors showcasing their businesses — including a special section for nonprofits — the expo is a great place to rub elbows. You’ll have the opportunity to network with small business owners in industries including insurance, real estate, education, hospitality, finance, health care, technology and more.

Learn something new: The expo is full of content to help your business flourish, featuring breakout sessions on marketing, the hottest HR topics affecting your business or organization and a luncheon with the Lowcountry’s newest mayors and regional economic experts to showcase how you can help the region stretch its economic development legs.

Related: Meet the new Lowcountry mayors at CRBJ’s North Charleston Business Expo

We’re all winners: The event kicks off with the Charleston RiverDogs and their mascot, Charlie. Attendees will have the chance to win a a Segra Club package from the RiverDogs, with an estimated value of $1,500. If you don’t score the package, you’ll round the bases with tips from RiverDogs executives on how to market your business and engage the community.

Support local business: Local businesses are the engine that powers the Lowcountry’s economy. Through your participation in the North Charleston Business Expo, you give these businesses and organizations a voice — and yourself an opportunity.

“There’s something for everyone at the North Charleston Business Expo,” said Scott Warofka, associate publisher of SC Biz News, which publishes the Charleston Regional Business Journal. “From the diverse lineup of exhibitors to the informative content sessions, attendees are sure to leave the expo floor with something to help them grow personally and professionally. I look forward to seeing you there.”

North Charleston, South Carolina, United States--The $20 million redevelopment project, Park Circle Re-imagined, features a 55,000 sq. ft playground featuring elements that will ensure inclusion for all children of different abilities to interact; nearly 85% of the playground is covered in shade and features canopy shades and a section with water misters; the Park Circle Playground sets the world record for being the World's Largest Inclusive Playground, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"The entirety of the inner circle has been redeveloped and includes the largest inclusive playground in the world, a new community building with art/rehearsal studio, flexible event space, a history and archives repository, an artist in residence studio and meeting room, an inclusive baseball field, a farmers market pavilion, nature garden, open green space, and walking trails.

"Play that challenges and inspires them physically, supports and stimulates them cognitively and facilitates an emotional and social connection," the official website says.

"A well-designed inclusive playground welcomes children and adults of all abilities to a play experience where everyone can interact and play together."

CHS Today says.

"Park Circle Reimagined includes:

"The project’s centerpiece is a 55,000 sqft playground featuring elements that will ensure inclusion for all children of different abilities to interact. The Post and Courier reports that nearly 85% of the playground is covered in shade and features canopy shades and a section with water misters."

"We’re so proud that South Carolina is now home to one of the world’s largest attractions – the Park Circle Playground, the world’s largest inclusive playground! Having a place where children of all abilities and gifts can gather and play and interact together is important to their healthy learning, growing, and developing," the Only In Your State says.

"A diverse selection of elements have been incorporated into the playground, providing plenty of options that meet a variety of needs, skills, and abilities, each carefully chosen with the goal of creating an environment where the highest level of inclusion is possible!

"Covers positioned over the playground provide shade to reduce the heat from the South Carolina sun, and some areas of the ground have been covered with rubber material to create a softer place to land in those areas."

WCBO News 2 says.

"The playground isn’t just meeting the needs of the neighborhood, but also children with disabilities. “It accommodates anyone and everyone,” said North Charleston Recreation Director, TJ Rostin. It’s designed to be an inclusive haven for people of all ages and abilities.

"City leaders in North Charleston say their hope is when families step on these grounds, they have the best possible experience.It doesn’t stop with just the playground. The project also included a new baseball field and community building."

WCBD News 2 says.

"That means children of all abilities will be able to play on the equipment. There are even swings with wheelchair ramps. The beautiful ballfield is also fully accessible. Kids of any ability will be able to play. But since it has artificial turf, traditional ball games can be played here as well.

"There are even many exercise stations so that parents can work out while their kids play. In total, the city is spending about $20 million on its renovation of Park Circle. Hundreds of people have been working on the 18-month project."

Can't start the morning/afternoon/life without a large cup of caffeine? Try one of these local coffee purveyors for a fix. Whether it's free wifi or a cozy atmosphere, there's a place for each need.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

A savior for the citizens of Park Circle, The Orange Spot Coffeehouse supplies caffeine to North Charleston. The setting recently expanded with a new address but maintains the same cozy atmosphere. Try the cha yen, a traditional Thai iced tea.

Not only does Owlbear make an excellent cold brew or a iced caramel macchiato (if you’re into that), but this cafe puts out filling bagel sandwiches, waffles, and fancy grilled cheeses.

The Harbinger is a whimsical space full of plants, Instagram-worthy shelves full of treasures, and cozy seating. The coffee drinks are creative, like the maple latte or the Jack Rudy espresso tonic, but do not miss the baked goods — customers are instantly hooked on creations like a take on Rice Krispy Treats with puffed brown rice, tahini, and chocolate. Check out the sister cafe Harken when visiting the heart of downtown.

In addition to expertly prepared espresso drinks, Mercantile offers free wifi, plentiful seating, and a full breakfast and lunch menu — what’s not to love. Oh, and parking. Sold.

The Daily is the place to go for a morning coffee, breakfast sandwich, or an afternoon lunch. Try the golden latte with turmeric-agave syrup and the spring-ish vegetable hash.

Sightsee is a fun, hip shop with a side of coffee bar. Tucked back on Line Street, the space offers coffee to go for those exploring the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood. Try the unique iced cascara tea, which is brewed from the coffee cherry.

Vintage Coffee Cafe offers caffeine, eats, and wifi to the Mount Pleasant set. The kitchen puts out sophisticated breakfast items, like seasonal quiches, oven-roasted tomato tarts, acai bowls, and lox plates, among others.

The pick-up window at Brown Fox Coffee makes it a quick and easy stop to grab a morning latte or a cold brew on the way to the beach on Sullivan’s Island.

Kudu not only has a handsome outdoor patio, but an extensive coffee and craft beer program as well. It doesn't offer wifi, so this shop is for relaxation, not work.

Highfalutin Coffee Roasters really cares about its beans. Roasted in-house, the coffee at this Avondale shop is routinely touted as some of the best by local aficionados — don’t ask for a pumpkin spice latte here.

Petite shop the Rise attracts those in search of a perfect cortado or a honey lavender latte. The space is small, so most customers get their coffee to-go.

Since its located on the Market in the Emeline hotel, Clerks Coffee Company is always buzzing with visitors, but this shouldn’t deter locals. The seating area at Clerks makes for a handsome background to sip a latte and get some work done. After the laptops close, the coffee bar offers beer and wine in addition to slices of Detroit-style pizza and salads.

Sunlight-filled caffeine emporium Second State Coffee (formerly Black Tap Coffee) is the spot to get creative lattes (try the brown sugar or lavender) and kick-ass pour-over brew. It is also the meeting spot for creatives and neighborhood friends to chat about the day or upcoming projects. Check out the Second State in Mount Pleasant for a full menu of hearty breakfast and lunch options.

Entrepreneur Amy Wright has four children, and two, Bitty & Beau, were born with Down syndrome. Wright saw an opportunity to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in finding steady jobs. Her coffee shops Betty & Beau are staffed with a very enthusiastic crew that live with issues like autism and cerebral palsy. Stop in for a cup of joy in the morning.

Muddy Waters is an old-school coffee shop on James Island. Around since 2001, it’s a reliable spot for a latte, a macaron, and a quiet place to sit and read a book.

A savior for the citizens of Park Circle, The Orange Spot Coffeehouse supplies caffeine to North Charleston. The setting recently expanded with a new address but maintains the same cozy atmosphere. Try the cha yen, a traditional Thai iced tea.

Not only does Owlbear make an excellent cold brew or a iced caramel macchiato (if you’re into that), but this cafe puts out filling bagel sandwiches, waffles, and fancy grilled cheeses.

The Harbinger is a whimsical space full of plants, Instagram-worthy shelves full of treasures, and cozy seating. The coffee drinks are creative, like the maple latte or the Jack Rudy espresso tonic, but do not miss the baked goods — customers are instantly hooked on creations like a take on Rice Krispy Treats with puffed brown rice, tahini, and chocolate. Check out the sister cafe Harken when visiting the heart of downtown.

In addition to expertly prepared espresso drinks, Mercantile offers free wifi, plentiful seating, and a full breakfast and lunch menu — what’s not to love. Oh, and parking. Sold.

The Daily is the place to go for a morning coffee, breakfast sandwich, or an afternoon lunch. Try the golden latte with turmeric-agave syrup and the spring-ish vegetable hash.

Sightsee is a fun, hip shop with a side of coffee bar. Tucked back on Line Street, the space offers coffee to go for those exploring the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood. Try the unique iced cascara tea, which is brewed from the coffee cherry.

Vintage Coffee Cafe offers caffeine, eats, and wifi to the Mount Pleasant set. The kitchen puts out sophisticated breakfast items, like seasonal quiches, oven-roasted tomato tarts, acai bowls, and lox plates, among others.

The pick-up window at Brown Fox Coffee makes it a quick and easy stop to grab a morning latte or a cold brew on the way to the beach on Sullivan’s Island.

Kudu not only has a handsome outdoor patio, but an extensive coffee and craft beer program as well. It doesn't offer wifi, so this shop is for relaxation, not work.

Highfalutin Coffee Roasters really cares about its beans. Roasted in-house, the coffee at this Avondale shop is routinely touted as some of the best by local aficionados — don’t ask for a pumpkin spice latte here.

Petite shop the Rise attracts those in search of a perfect cortado or a honey lavender latte. The space is small, so most customers get their coffee to-go.

Since its located on the Market in the Emeline hotel, Clerks Coffee Company is always buzzing with visitors, but this shouldn’t deter locals. The seating area at Clerks makes for a handsome background to sip a latte and get some work done. After the laptops close, the coffee bar offers beer and wine in addition to slices of Detroit-style pizza and salads.

Sunlight-filled caffeine emporium Second State Coffee (formerly Black Tap Coffee) is the spot to get creative lattes (try the brown sugar or lavender) and kick-ass pour-over brew. It is also the meeting spot for creatives and neighborhood friends to chat about the day or upcoming projects. Check out the Second State in Mount Pleasant for a full menu of hearty breakfast and lunch options.

Entrepreneur Amy Wright has four children, and two, Bitty & Beau, were born with Down syndrome. Wright saw an opportunity to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in finding steady jobs. Her coffee shops Betty & Beau are staffed with a very enthusiastic crew that live with issues like autism and cerebral palsy. Stop in for a cup of joy in the morning.

Muddy Waters is an old-school coffee shop on James Island. Around since 2001, it’s a reliable spot for a latte, a macaron, and a quiet place to sit and read a book.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The family of a Charleston man who suffers from dementia says he has been missing since last Wednesday in Cozumel and they want others in the Lowcountry to be proactive so no one else has to go through this.

Charleston native Edmond Bradley Solomon III just celebrated his 66 birthday at the beginning of the seven-day cruise to Mexico.

“My sister knew it would probably be the last vacation that she was able to take with Brad based on his deterioration over the last couple months,” Ashley Hyer, Solomon’s sister-in-law, said.

Solomon’s family says he has frontotemporal dementia, which is an earlier onset dementia that causes personal, behavioral and emotional changes in one’s personality. The group was shopping along the terminal area docked in Cozumel when Solomon wandered off. Hyer says there’s only been a few sightings since then.

“In a grocery store,” Hyer said. “And the grocery store owner try to approach him and he ran.”

Medical University of South Carolina Neuroscience professor Dr. Heather Boger says wandering is very common for those with dementia. She advises how to best approach the situation if one recognizes a missing person who may have some sort of mental diagnosis.

“Obviously don’t broach the person, but instead follow them,” Boger said. “Contact law enforcement — again, number one response. And try to follow that individual and keep law enforcement on the phone until you have the connection made between the three parties.”

Boger says if someone’s loved one has dementia, to get a tracker. “Baby-proof” or “dementia-proof” the house so they don’t have easy access to things that may harm them. And most importantly, be proactive.

“Be patient with the individual because you don’t understand what they’re going through,” Boger said. “They don’t ultimately understand what they’re going through. And you want to be as patient with them as possible, but make sure you also realize the warning signs so that they’re getting the proper care and attention.”

Trident Area Agency on Aging dementia consultant Don Bagwell agrees that wandering is common and it can even occur with the most attentive caregivers. He says it’s easy to get overwhelmed as a caregiver, but to remember the top priority for the patient is safety.

Bagwell says GPS and technology devices are helpful too, but they have limitations and can offer a false sense of security.

Hyer says Solomon did have a tracker, but only one that works with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which stopped pinging about two hours into the search. She says everyone should have some sort of GPS tracker instead.

“That could’ve made all the difference in the world if we had just known,” Hyer said.

When talking about Solomon’s impact on their family, Hyer speaks through tears.

“He adores, Mimi, my sister,” Hyer said. “All he wants to do is be with her. So, he’s a good man.”

As the search continues, the family wants those in the Lowcountry to think about them.

“Pray,” Hyer said. “Pray about this. That Brad is found safe.”

Click here for more information on MUSC’s Memory Disorders Clinic.

Bagwell provided additional documents for a more comprehensive breakdown on keeping your loved ones with dementia safe:

TridentAAA Scans (1) by Live 5 News on Scribd

TridentAAA Scans by Live 5 News on Scribd

FBI Columbia spokesman Kevin Wheeler says they are aware of the missing person report and have been in contact with Mexican authorities, but are unable to comment further.

Royal Caribbean has also not responded for a comment.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department released the following statement on Tuesday:

The Department of State has no higher priority than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad.

We are aware of reports of a missing U.S. citizen in Merida, Mexico.

When a U.S. citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts, and we share information with families however we can.

We are monitoring the situation and seeking additional information, and we stand ready to provide consular assistance. We have no further comment at this time.

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