Good morning, Mount Pleasant.

Boone Hall Farms launches its annual Christmas Tree Festival today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will run tomorrow as well; the free event offers hundreds of trees ranging from 4 ft to 14 ft, fun activities like smore-making contests, ferris wheel rides, and Santa visits (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.).

The Humanities Foundation will hold a series of Thanksgiving food giveaways to help Lowcountry families in need, distributing over 50,000 pounds of food and more than $30,000 in donations from local organizations.

The deliveries will reach food deserts and provide extra groceries for households to last one to two weeks — supporting those who struggle to afford a traditional meal.

A 1.9 magnitude earthquake struck 4.1 miles south-southwest of Ladson at 5:49 a.m. on November 21 — the USGS confirmed it as the second small tremor this month after a 1.7 quake near Centerville on November 9.

Retired Ambassador Jimmy Story, a Moncks Corner native, reflected on his 27-year career in the foreign service—serving in places like Brazil and Afghanistan—and criticized Venezuela's leadership, saying that U.S. measures in the region will continue amid security and drug trafficking concerns. He recalled his service in Venezuela from 2018 to 2023 and stressed that ongoing diplomatic actions remain crucial.

The South Carolina DNR proposed extending the red snapper season from two days in July to 61 or 62 days using a new state-run electronic data collection system in partnership with Sen. Stephen Goldfinch — a move aimed at improving catch reporting, boosting fishermen safety, and supporting the boating and fishing industry. The proposal awaits Department of Commerce approval for the 2026 season — and local marine groups say it will also help rebalance ocean species.

Gov. Henry McMaster signed Act No. 68 on May 22 making November 21 Mayflower Compact Day to honor America's first written self-government document—this law passed unanimously with bipartisan support and will prompt schools and community groups to reflect on early democratic traditions.

Battalion Chief Steve Drozd of the Mount Pleasant Fire Department retired after 34 years of service—his leadership and mentorship shaped the department and will benefit the community for years to come.

HCA Healthcare Trident Hospital broke ground last Friday on a new freestanding emergency room on Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant as part of an $11M project.

The facility will be open 24/7 with board-certified staff and is expected to begin operations in Summer 2026—creating 200 medical-related jobs and expanding local access.

Mount Pleasant realtor Cheryll Woods-Flowers shared easy lighting tips to make homes feel larger and cozier as daylight fades—she advised cleaning windows, using layered lights, and installing smart dimmer controls to boost comfort and energy savings.

Homeowners are encouraged to try warm white bulbs and mirrors to bounce natural light and brighten dim corners.

Play Dayz for Kids

10 AM – 12 PM — CAVA — Free entry — Engage in fun activities designed for kids aged 10 and under at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre.