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Articles by Kenna Coe
Dorchester Statehouse races too early to call election night
Follow Dorchester Statehouse races too early to call election night Updated Tue, November 3, 2026 at 9:00 PM EST "I Voted" stickers are cut for voters at James Island Elementary School, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Charleston. Voters in Dorchester County cast ballots in several Statehouse races on Election Day.
From North Charleston to St. George, here's who's running for Statehouse in Dorchester County Original
In addition to governor and federal races, Dorchester County voters will decide who will represent them at the Statehouse when they cast their ballots this election season. As the Summerville area sees continued growth and rural parts of the county deal with some of the fallout from that growth, here’s who’s running to address those issues and more in Columbia.
Major SC cities like Charleston and Columbia have homeless courts. Why doesn't North Charleston? Original
CHARLESTON — Once a month, a meeting room inside Charleston’s homeless shelter turns into a courtroom. On Oct. 22, light filtered through the second-floor windows of One80 Place as nearly two dozen people experiencing homelessness took their seats. Like a traditional courtroom, the judge wore a robe and sat at the front of the room facing the prosecutor and defense attorney. But unlike a typical court proceeding, the atmosphere was relaxed and supportive.
Historic North Charleston neighborhood’s National Register bid advances
Liberty Hill celebrates Juneteenth with a parade on East Montague Avenue, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in North Charleston. Liberty Hill's nomination for the National Register of Historic Places moves forward with state approval scheduled for Nov. 20. File/Grace Beahm Alford/Staff More NORTH CHARLESTON — The oldest surviving community in the city is one step closer to securing a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
From Hanahan to Cane Bay, here's who's running for the SC Statehouse from Berkeley County Original
In addition to major races at the top of the ticket, Berkeley County voters will be deciding who represents them at the Statehouse in Columbia when they cast their votes on or before Election Day. As affordability, growth and its impacts, and other issues take center stage for many voters in the county, here’s who’s running to try and address those issues in Columbia.
North Charleston base is set to be Coast Guard's largest home port. Here's its progress so far. Original
NORTH CHARLESTON — Thirty years after the Charleston Naval Base closed, a major military investment is set to return to the banks of the Cooper River. The U.S. Coast Guard is making progress on its base expansion at the 64-acre site just south of the former Navy base in North Charleston. The development project, which broke ground in early 2024, is on track to become the service’s largest home port.
From cocktails to coffee, Bar Polari will soon transform into a café during the day
NORTH CHARLESTON — The LGBTQ+ bar on Reynolds Avenue with moody lighting and leather booths that serves craft cocktails through the late hours of the night will soon be open during the day. Bar Polari will turn into Café Polari during daylight hours and serve coffee and tea, alongside sandwiches and salads. Brighter lights and Wi-Fi during café hours will transform the bar into a place to get work done or casually meet up with friends.
Nearly 130,000 tri-county households struggle to afford basic needs. A nonprofit calls for action. Original
NORTH CHARLESTON — While the region continues to experience rapid growth and economic development, thousands of families cannot keep pace with rising costs. Nearly 37 percent of tri-county working families, or 130,000 households, struggle to afford everyday essentials like housing, transportation and food, according to Trident United Way’s annual report.
Train tracks cross planned bus rapid transit route in North Charleston. A study explores solutions.
Cars pass the train track along Rivers Avenue near Durant Avenue in North Charleston. The railroad crossing is part of a study to determine solutions for traffic issues in the area. File/Gavin McIntyre/Staff More NORTH CHARLESTON — Community leaders are asking for the public's feedback on how to improve a railroad crossing that could slow down traffic when the region's planned bus rapid transit route arrives.
James Island, Shem Creek projects get funding, Park Circle exhibit honors artists with disabilities
With fall in full swing and cooler weather settling in, residents have no shortage of ways to enjoy the weather. One event this week aims to celebrate the season. The North Charleston Harvest Festival on Oct. 17 in Park Circle’s downtown strip will feature live music, an artist market, costume contests and a petting zoo.
North Charleston man says the city's flood mitigation damaged his home. His neighbors want to help. Original
NORTH CHARLESTON — One Wando Woods resident says years of persistent flooding have caused extensive damage to his property and he believes the city is to blame. Now, his neighbors are rallying behind him. Dennis Connolly, 72, has lived in the neighborhood in the southwest corner of the city for his entire life. The home where he now lives has been in his family since the 1950s. The two-acre marsh front property backs up to the Ashley River.
I-26 rest stop in Charleston County closed for yearlong reconstruction
NORTH CHARLESTON — Construction equipment and mounds of dirt now occupy the site of the Interstate 26 rest stop in Charleston County. The eastbound rest area, near exit 204, is closed for the duration of a renovation project, which will take about a year. Signage approaching the rest area alerts drivers of its closure.
Charleston landlords filed more than 1,000 evictions in consecutive months, among highest in 5 years
CHARLESTON — Charleston County saw some of its highest numbers for eviction filings within the last five years in recent back-to-back months. Princeton University’s Eviction Lab reported that 1,073 eviction filings were recorded in July and 1,021 in August. The county has one of the highest eviction filing rates in the country, with an 18 percent filing rate, according to the lab. Over the last five years, six months have surpassed 1,000 filings in the county.
Community invited to make blankets for veterans during 9/11 remembrance event in North Charleston
NORTH CHARLESTON — A nonprofit is inviting volunteers to a blanket-making workshop benefitting homeless veterans during a day of community service and reflection. Wrapped in Hope CHS: A 9/11 Day of Service is hosted by Blankies 4 My Buddies Foundation, a Charleston-born nonprofit that offers comfort through blanket donations to those who are sick, homeless or facing other difficult situations. On Sept.
Lowcountry Rapid Transit bus line will transform nearby communities. Residents help shape the plans.
NORTH CHARLESTON — The state’s first mass rapid transit system is expected to spark economic growth throughout its 21-mile corridor. To help shape how the growth unfolds, project planners are using community input to guide development in neighborhoods along the route. The neighborhood framework plans outline resident-driven recommendations for areas close to the Lowcountry Rapid Transit line.
A North Charleston book club embraces gathering outdoors, building friendships beyond books
NORTH CHARLESTON — Beneath the shade of oak trees, a group of avid readers comes together once a month to dive into their latest book club pick, sparking a lively discussion about bestsellers like “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver and “The Women” by Kristin Hannah. Book Club in the Park, organized by Keep North Charleston Beautiful, meets at a different pocket park in North Charleston each month.
2 Charleston recreation centers are in the works, Folly Beach adopts new plastic regulations
The largest statewide litter cleanup day is coming up on Sept. 19. Groups of volunteers from all corners of the state will be picking up trash along beaches, marshes and waterways. The one-day event is in partnership with S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and the state Department of Natural Resources. Volunteers are welcome to sign up and participate in the litter sweep.
Vacant lots have become dumping grounds in North Charleston. Here's how to properly discard items.
NORTH CHARLESTON — Certain locations across the city have become notorious dump sites, piled high with old mattresses, broken furniture and debris, despite cameras and signs posted to deter the illegal activity. While the city can cite the person who dumped the items, the onus is often on the property owner to clean up the mess.
This small SC town made it a mission to memorialize 9/11: 'It’s all of our job to share'
WALHALLA — Nearly 800 miles from ground zero, a small town surrounded by mountains and lakes in South Carolina’s northwest corner is far removed from the bustle of New York City. Still, a group of residents has made it their mission to ensure the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, are never forgotten. Not in this town, anyway.
This small SC town made it a mission to memorialize 9/11: 'It’s all of our job to share'
The Oconee 9/11 Memorial features a piece of debris from the Pentagon, dirt from a farm in Shanksville, Pa. and part of a steel beam from the World Trade Center to commemorate the day and honor victims, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, in Walhalla. Henry Taylor/Staff More Nearly 800 miles from Ground Zero a small band of residents in Oconee County, South Carolina have put together a unique and grassroots memorial that pays tribute to the victims at all three crash sites.
During Charleston's extreme heat, there is little refuge for people without homes
Down a narrow trail into the woods off Rivers Avenue, Amy Stevens sat outside the green tent where she sleeps. Above her, a canopy of trees shielded the campsite from the worst of the midday sun, but the shade offered little relief. The humid air hung heavy and still. On Aug. 20, Stevens wore a white athletic tank top and spandex shorts during a stretch of days in late August when temperatures rose into the high 90s.
Coastal Community Foundation launches $100M fund to increase Charleston area affordable housing
NORTH CHARLESTON — As the tri-county region faces a growing shortage of affordable housing, Coastal Community Foundation launched a fund to fill the gap. The Tri-County Housing Futures Fund aims to raise $100 million in five years. The hope is the money will support the creation of at least 2,500 homes across Dorchester, Berkeley and Charleston counties, along with providing repairs to 1,000 existing homes.
Mount Pleasant raises income limit for workforce housing, Charleston poses new food vendor policy Original
North Charleston’s roads are notoriously dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians. Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 130 traffic deaths occurred on these roads. A previous Post and Courier analysis found four of the five most dangerous roads in Charleston County are within North Charleston limits.
Some North Charleston council members criticized mayor’s memo on police chief exit. Others disagree. Original
NORTH CHARLESTON — Two council members said the news of former Chief Ron Camacho’s resignation revealed communication issues between the mayor’s office and City Council. Councilman Chris Emde learned of the resignation from residents. Councilwoman Stephanie Ganaway-Pasley said she found out on social media. She acknowledged she received an email that was sent to all 10 council members before the news was publicly released, but she said the subject line was vague and she didn’t open it immediately.
A new North Charleston transit hub will link riders to future Lowcountry Rapid Transit
NORTH CHARLESTON — Plans are moving forward for a modern transit center on Rivers Avenue that will allow riders to transfer easily to the planned bus rapid transit line. The Shipwatch Square Transit and Workforce Development Center will be located between the Keith Summey Library and Teddie E. Pryor Social Services Building. In addition to serving as a transit hub, the building will house SC Works services that connect job seekers with employers and provide workforce training.
North Charleston mayor says police chief resigned over leadership differences, not HR investigation
NORTH CHARLESTON — After just 20 months on the job, including nearly a year under internal investigation, Ron Camacho resigned as police chief. Camacho’s Aug. 10 departure was announced days after the city’s Human Resources Department completed an investigation into allegations of gender and age discrimination that a longtime employee levied against him. The investigation determined there was no evidence of discrimination based on any protected status.
With loss of another grocery store, North Charleston’s food desert grows drier Original
NORTH CHARLESTON — One of the last stores offering fresh produce and meat in the city’s south end closed its doors, further limiting food access in an area already facing few options. The Save A Lot on Durant Avenue served its last customers Aug. 5 before moving all operations to the Dorchester Road store five miles away. Shannon McPherson, a North Charleston resident who owns both discount stores, said the decision was not made in haste.
Ex-North Charleston Councilman Mike Brown released from jail after providing financial records Original
CHARLESTON — A judge ordered that Mike Brown, a former North Charleston city councilman, be released from the Al Cannon Detention Center after providing court-requested documents and promising to supply others relating to a lawsuit involving a shuttered bar he co-owned. Around noon on Aug. 7, Brown appeared in front of Master-in-Equity Mikell Scarborough in a downtown Charleston courtroom wearing a blue-and-white striped jumpsuit.
Ex-North Charleston Councilman Mike Brown arrested for withholding records in Blue Note lawsuit Original
NORTH CHARLESTON — Former City Councilman Mike Brown will remain in the Al Cannon Detention Center until he provides court-ordered financial records related to a lawsuit involving a shuttered bar he co-owned. Brown opened Blue Note Bistro in 2019 with business partner Henry Smalls. During its five-year run the cocktail lounge off Dorchester Road was at the center of nearly a dozen lawsuits and many police calls.
First veterans move into Tunnel to Towers housing in North Charleston
NORTH CHARLESTON — After serving in the U.S. Army for a decade, Mark Delbrook faced an unexpected hurdle: a thyroid cancer diagnosis. Despite receiving disability benefits, he found himself with mounting medical debt that he couldn’t pay off. The financial strain became overwhelming as he struggled to balance other expenses like housing. A few months ago, he learned on Facebook about the affordable veteran housing complex opening in North Charleston.
North Charleston drops plan to allow short-term rental permit transfers
NORTH CHARLESTON — To offer a temporary solution to a short-term rental loophole, the city considered allowing rental permits to transfer to new owners. However, City Council voted to remove the provision during a July 16 committee meeting. Last year, the city capped the number of vacation rentals that operate on sites like Airbnb and Vrbo. Sixty permits are allowed in each of the 10 council districts.
Mount Pleasant's Sweetgrass Festival to showcase traditional Gullah Geechee art
MOUNT PLEASANT — Honoring the generations-old craft, the annual Sweetgrass Festival returns to Memorial Waterfront Park on July 25. More than two dozen sweetgrass basket makers will showcase their traditional Gullah Geechee art during the free event that runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tracy Richter, the town’s events coordinator, said the festival offers an opportunity to meet artisans, learn more about the craft and discover details that make each piece of art unique.
Roper’s North Charleston hospital starts taking shape, Charleston sticks with current pedicab rules
If you’ve driven through North Charleston recently, you may have noticed a large crane towering over the construction near City Hall and steel beams rising from the ground — visible signs that Roper St. Francis’ $1.2 billion hospital campus is taking shape. “Starting to see the site go vertical is exciting to us,” Troy Powell, a chief operating officer at Roper St. Francis Healthcare, told North Charleston City Council last month.
Local groups to host vigil in North Charleston honoring men killed by ICE agents out-of-state
NORTH CHARLESTON — More than a dozen local organizations and faith groups are uniting to host a vigil July 18 honoring the two men killed by federal immigration agents in separate incidents within a week. On July 7, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot and killed in Houston during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation, The New York Times reported. Days later on July 13, Joan Sebastian Guerrero was fatally shot by a federal agent in Maine.
A new North Charleston group looks to those experiencing homelessness to guide resources
NORTH CHARLESTON — A new group is working to improve access to resources for people who are experiencing homelessness by bringing those with lived experiences into the conversation. The homeless council is made up of a handful of members who are unhoused, including a mix of people living in encampments, temporarily staying at hotels, couch surfing or sleeping in their cars, he said. The other half of the group includes nonprofit leaders and community members.
Abandoned shopping carts are a nuisance in North Charleston, officials say. A new plan aims to help.
NORTH CHARLESTON — The city is taking steps to improve the appearance of its streets and sidewalks — one shopping cart at a time. Abandoned buggies perched on curbs, lying in the middle of sidewalks and strewn across grassy medians have been a local nuisance for years, officials said. “At any given time, you will see an excess of 100 shopping carts … just on the side of the road,” Councilwoman Rhonda Jerome said.
North Charleston’s Remount Road may get improved crosswalks. Some residents hoped for bike safety.
NORTH CHARLESTON — Residents trickled into the elementary school off Remount Road on July 9 to hear about proposed improvements to one of the deadliest roads in the county. In its road safety assessment, the state Department of Transportation identified the Remount Road corridor from Rivers Avenue to North Rhett Avenue as a high crash zone. The report revealed 489 car crashes, plus 11 pedestrian and nine bicycle crashes, along this section from January 2021 to December 2023.
Improvements are coming to one of Charleston County's deadliest roads. Here's how to offer input.
NORTH CHARLESTON — A stretch of road that claimed five lives in three years is set to undergo upgrades as officials work to make the corridor safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Residents have a chance to weigh in on improvements they want to see. Remount Road is a major east-west thoroughfare in the center of the city that saw 31,300 vehicles per day last year in its busiest section.
Navy Base project still stalled after 2 years. Here’s the federal snag holding it up.
NORTH CHARLESTON — The development of the 50-acre waterfront property envisioned as the city’s future downtown district hinges on ending existing federal leases on the site. That has yet to happen more than two years after the city agreed to sell the property on the northern end of the former Charleston Naval Base to joint venture Jamestown L.P., WECCO and Weaver Capital.
North Charleston was the only SC city to win All-America award this year. What set it apart?
NORTH CHARLESTON — When Mayor Reggie Burgess took office in 2024, he set out to improve public safety and quality of life for residents while also working to change perceptions of the city where he grew up. “Those days of us being the doormats to all other cities and all other towns, those days are done,” he told The Post and Courier days before the city’s merits were tested on a national stage.
Berkeley County awards grants to nonprofits, push for noise barriers in North Charleston continues
Turns out North Charleston is loud, at least according to a recent study. The city is ranked 17th noisiest among 300 U.S. cities with at least 100,000 residents when it comes to road, rail and aviation noise. Large cities including Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles all ranked higher. Surprisingly, New York City landed farther down the list. Two other cities in South Carolina with more than 100,000 residents — Charleston and Columbia — ranked 262 and 187, respectively.
Dashi suddenly closes its North Charleston restaurant. Owner says he is ‘devastated.’
NORTH CHARLESTON — The quirky Asian and Latin fusion restaurant on Remount Road has closed for good. Dashi’s last day of service was June 14, co-owner Oscar Hines confirmed to The Post and Courier. He did not comment further as to why the restaurant suddenly shut its doors. He said the Dashi Wine Bar and Emporium, located down the road on Rivers Avenue, will remain open. The wine bar opened last summer.
Mount Pleasant to discuss opposed mixed-use development, Charleston County seeks North Bridge grant
If you’ve lived in the Charleston area for a while, you likely have a least favorite bridge. The Don Holt Bridge during rush hour probably tops the list for many drivers. Today, though, let’s talk about the North Bridge, also called the World War II Memorial Bridge, which connects West Ashley to North Charleston.
North Charleston is developing a ‘new rule book’ for future growth. How can residents get involved?
NORTH CHARLESTON — In an effort to guide future growth and development, the city is overhauling its outdated zoning code. “We’re creating a new rule book,” said Tim Macholl, the city’s planning and zoning director. The Unified Development Ordinance will combine all development regulations into a single, user-friendly document. It will establish guidelines for the city’s neighborhoods, streets, sidewalks and public spaces.
New SC law seals evictions after 7 years. Advocates say it’s a good start for tenant protections.
In South Carolina, an eviction would follow a tenant for the rest of their life. Starting next year, a new law will cut that short. Gov. Henry McMaster signed legislation, H. 4270, on May 19 that seals evictions from renters’ records after seven years. Advocates told The Post and Courier it was a great start to adding more protections for renters, but there’s more work to be done.
Last defendant pleads guilty in North Charleston federal corruption probe
CHARLESTON — All the defendants have now pleaded guilty in the federal corruption probe centered on North Charleston more than a year after the charges went public. Rose Emily Lorenzo of North Carolina was the last of eight defendants to take responsibility for her role. She was set to go to trial in July. Instead, on May 29 she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds.
North Charleston to donate 4 vacant lots to nonprofits to expand affordable homeownership options
NORTH CHARLESTON — The city is moving forward with plans to donate four city-owned lots to nonprofits as part of an initiative to expand affordable homeownership. In August 2025, the city identified 10 vacant lots that were not needed for municipal purposes. Most of these residential properties are in the city’s southern end with a few near Remount Road and Midland Park Road.
Charleston designers share ways to incorporate antiques into home decorating
One antique can tell quite the story. Ellie Proctor, an interior designer and antique dealer from Mount Pleasant, decorates her home by blending antiques with contemporary pieces. From a centuries-old handcrafted chest of drawers imported on a boat from Europe to an early 20th-century mahogany table made in the United States, antiques offer a glimpse into what life was like years ago.
A North Charleston mobile home park was sold to a developer. Residents ‘scramble’ to relocate.
NORTH CHARLESTON — Over the last year, Bruce Ford has spent thousands of dollars on improvements to his mobile home where he has lived for 15 years and planned to stay for the long run. He used his inheritance from his parents to invest $20,000 into the mobile home he owns, including a new roof and flooring, and a $3,000 porch so he can sit outside and enjoy the weather on nice days.
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