Action Heating & Air Conditioning in Charleston, SC

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Former State Rep. Lucille Whipper passed away Friday. Whipper, the first Black woman to represent Charleston County at the Statehouse, was instrumental in establishing the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture at the College of Charleston in 1985.

Whipper was born in 1928, and grew up in the Charleston area. She graduated from the Avery Normal Institute, later earning a Master's Degree in political science. She worked in schools across Charleston County, including Bonds-Wilson and Burke High Schools, after returning to Charleston.

According to the College of Charleston, Whipper was active in the Civil Rights Movement in the Holy City, fighting for greater political empowerment through activities like voter registration drives.

The College hired Whipper in the 1970s to direct the its Head Start program in an effort to develop diversity programs for the school.

In 1985, Whipper helped establish her alma mater as a part of CofC. Avery opened in 1990 and continues to be an invaluable resource in the preservation and education of Black history and culture in Charleston.

Just one year later, Whipper began her service as an elected official. Between 1986-1996, she would represent District 109 at the Statehouse, and sponsor legislation regarding women's issues, mental health and the environment.

Whipper would eventually receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Charleston NAACP and the Founders' Medal, the highest honor CofC can bestow.

"Lucille Simmons Whipper was not only a trailblazer at the College of Charleston, but she was also a history maker for the entire State of South Carolina," CofC President Andrew Hsu said in a written statement. "Representative Whipper will be greatly missed, but because of her many contributions to the community, her presence will always be felt."

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said Whipper was one of the finest people he ever met.

"She loved generously and well, lived her life with fortitude and purpose, and left the world better and kinder than she found it. Known to all for her great intellect and indomitable spirit, Lucille will be much missed, but never forgotten," he said.

State Rep. Wendell Gilliard took to social media to say Whipper will sorely be missed.

"Miss Lucille Whipper was a drum major for peace and justice. She was a trailblazer for both Black and white women in politics here in SC. She was seen as an icon, she had a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love," he said.

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey reflect on Whipper's passing, saying that she was a dear friend to the city.

regular COVID-19 updates on Monday and Thursday of each week. If a federal or state holiday falls on a Monday, then a report will be issued the following day. Please read the report in its entirety; information can change quickly.

The Path Forward / Recovery

COVID-19 VACCINATION UPDATE

Q&A 15

Dr. Scheurer answers all our burning questions as related to the coronavirus and vaccination.

MUSC Health has vaccine appointments for all eligible individuals age 12 and up. Eligible individuals can visit muschealth.org/get-vaccine to make an appointment; while appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome at all MUSC COVID-19 vaccine clinic locations. View information and a video with directions on how to schedule a vaccination appointment. The community is encouraged to monitor muschealth.org for COVID-19 vaccine availability criteria, updates and FAQs.

For more information related to public, community vaccination sites operated by MUSC Health throughout the state, please visit https://vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov/. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

Homebound individuals who need in-home COVID-19 vaccination services should contact DHEC’s COVID-19 vaccine information line by calling 1-866-365-8110. Please note that community members should not directly contact the vendors. All calls must be routed through the DHEC COVID-19 vaccine information line to access this program.

MUSC Health vaccination administration data is available upon request.

MUSC Health COVID-19 Vaccination Expectation for all care team members

All MUSC Health leaders and care team members are now required to have the COVID-19 vaccine. Religious and medical exemptions may apply for some care team members. All new care team members should receive a single dose vaccine prior to starting work or the first dose of a two-dose vaccine prior to starting work. The second dose must be completed within three weeks as a condition of employment. As of July 1, more than 99.9% of MUSC Health care team members have complied with this policy. MUSC Health has established this policy for the safety of our care team, our patients and patients’ families and visitors.

FOR UPDATED DATA:

As Charleston area hits new COVID high, scientist looks for “signal of the curve” – indication of when surge may end.

The MUSC COVID-19 Epidemiology Intelligence Project is a digital dashboard that provides leading indicators related to the COVID-19 epidemic to enable informed decisions. Current situation assessments for MUSC Health – Charleston (Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties), MUSC Health Florence, and MUSC Health Lancaster divisions are available on this site.

HELPFUL WEB LINKS FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC:

MUSC COVID-19 mobile diagnostic testing

MUSC Health offers COVID-19 testing in hospital, clinic and other locations. Patients are encouraged to communicate with their providers through MUSC MyChart should they need testing services. Current turnaround time is approximately 24 hours for test results. A full list of testing information is available at this website: musc.co/testing.

MUSC Children’s Health After Hours Care and Pediatric Emergency Department are receiving significant COVID testing requests, which can be a strain on staff as they work to serve sick patients and emergency needs. While the pediatric After Hours Care and Emergency Department are great spots for children’s medical needs, when it comes to COVID-19 testing, our teams are encouraging families to take advantage of community testing locations right now.

MUSC Health, in partnership with the state legislature, is also rotating mobile screening and collection sites in rural and underserved areas throughout the state, for both walk-up and drive-through patients, which are advertised locally in partnership with municipalities, community organizations and businesses. Prescreening is not required and there is no cost to patients. Patients will be contacted within two days with the results of their test, if not sooner. Patients are asked to bring photo identification and an insurance card if they have one. The CARES Act requires MUSC to bill insurance providers if patients do have insurance. Patients may email drivethruresults@musc.edu if they have questions regarding their results. If they do not have an email address, they may call 843-985-8888.

Sites may close early or operate with reduced hours if weather conditions become unsafe for care team members or if volume exceeds site safety capacity.

Information related to Healthy Me — Healthy SC free, statewide mobile testing sites for each week can be found here.

MUSC Health antibody testing

MUSC Health is offering voluntary COVID-19 serologic testing through MUSC MyChart and results will be available within 48-72 hours. Testing is available at select locations in the Charleston, Florence, and Lancaster divisions and by appointment only. Repeat testing, for those who test negative, will be offered no more than every 30 days for qualified candidates. The cost of the test will be billed to insurance carriers. Based on the recent CARES Act, insured patients will not have an outstanding balance for this test. It is important to make sure individuals and the media understand what the test results mean.

COVID-19 related stories for follow-up

Mutations of Delta variant show up in testing at Medical University of South Carolina.

One group that is especially lagging in COVID-19 vaccination also happens to be at higher risk of severe illness – pregnant women.

Charleston Tri-county records highest weekly COVID case average since start of pandemic. Scientist describes what to expect next.

Children can develop neurological disorders from COVID-19 and, for some, they can be life-threatening.

In the last month, cases among CCSD kids reached two-thirds the number of cases that were recorded during the entire fall semester of 2020.

Basic stats / COVID-19 positive cases

Previously reported data points, such as the total number of COVID-19 community screening tests completed by MUSC Health- Charleston and the number of positive cases determined via those tests, the number of telehealth screenings, total number of specimens collected at various mobile sites, or the number of COVID-19 positive MUSC care team members are available upon request. Information related to vaccinations is at the top of this release.

For specific information about MUSC Health Florence or Marion Medical Centers, please contact Kim Geiger at geigerki@musc.edu.

For information about MUSC Health Chester or Lancaster Medical Centers, please contact Ashley Shannon at shannona@musc.edu.

For information about MUSC Health Columbia Medical Centers Downtown or Northeast and MUSC Health Fairfield Emergency and Imaging, please contact Tina Creighton at creightt@musc.edu.

For information about MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center, please contact Karlin Ferguson at fergukar@musc.edu.

About MUSC

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is home to the oldest medical school in the South as well as the state’s only integrated academic health sciences center, with a unique charge to serve the state through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and nearly 800 residents in six colleges: Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy. MUSC brought in more than $271 million in biomedical research funds in fiscal year 2020, continuing to lead the state in obtaining National Institutes of Health funding, with more than $129.9 million. For information on academic programs, visit musc.edu.

As the clinical health system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest quality patient care available while training generations of competent, compassionate health care providers to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. Comprising some 2,000 beds, more than 100 outreach sites, the MUSC College of Medicine, the physicians’ practice plan and nearly 275 telehealth locations, MUSC Health owns and operates eleven hospitals situated in Charleston, Chester, Fairfield, Florence, Kershaw, Lancaster, Marion and Richland counties. In 2021, for the seventhconsecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org.

MUSC and its affiliates have collective annual budgets of $4.4 billion. The more than 20,000 MUSC team members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers and scientists who deliver groundbreaking education, research, technology and patient care.

We’re thankful for Lowcountry beach days + outdoor dining. Luckily, around here, there is no shortage of great places to grab a bite near the water or on the beach.

Check out this list of some beachside + waterfront restaurants around town.

The winner of the 2020 Charleston’s Choice award for best waterfront restaurant, Fleet Landing provides diners with the ultimate Charleston experience. Whether you’re seated outside on the large deck or inside beside floor-to-ceiling windows, you’re guaranteed breathtaking waterfront views + mouthwatering dishes, like shrimp and grits, and oysters on the half shell.

A James Island favorite, this Charleston Crab House location is perched beside Wappoo Creek and lives up to its name with a menu overflowing with crab-inspired dishes. Crab stuffed mushrooms, crab cake sandwiches, and fried soft shell blue crabs are just a few of the delicious options available. Check out the Mt. Pleasant location along Shem Creek as well — which is serving up seafood galore.

Since the 1980s, California Dreaming has served the Charleston community proudly beside the Ashley River. In fact, this restaurant is even accessible by boat. Protip: Try the buttery croissants + the roasted salmon salad. We recommend dining in or outside on the patio for the incredible water views + atmosphere.

Head over to this lively spot on Shem Creek for endless outdoor, waterfront seating, delicious cocktails, and good vibes. With a sprawling deck, fun music, and generous drink menu, it’s nearly impossible to leave without a smile and full belly.

A Lowcountry gem that’s been around for 75 years, this restaurant is located at the edge of a 13-acre island just a few minutes from Folly Beach and serves oysters straight off the boat. Sit outside, enjoy fresh seafood, and catch brilliant island sunsets.

BLU | 1 Center St., Folly Beach

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, BLU is undeniably one of the top beachside restaurants around town. The menu includes outstanding surf + turf options like cold water lobster tail, scallops, and filet mignon.

Get ready to party. Located on IOP, The Windjammer is known not only for its ideal location, but also for its live performances on the Beach Stage, where some of the Lowcountry’s best musicians perform nearly every weekend, so long as the weather cooperates. Order up some buffalo wings + a cold drink to enjoy dinner and a show right on the beach.

Feel the ocean breeze at Coconut Joe’s while you sit on the rooftop, order a cocktail, and enjoy dinner with a stunning view of the water. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation at this IOP staple.

Indulge in the little luxuries with Cambria Hotels

At our Charleston hotel, enjoy amenities like an outdoor patio space, a seasonal outdoor pool, an on-site fitness center and a business center. WiFi is included in your room and throughout the hotel, so it's easy to stay connected during your stay. Stop by our hotel restaurant and bar to grab a bite to eat or a sample a local craft beer from neighborhood brewers. Parking for buses and other large vehicles is available.

Hotel Amenities

Southern charm and history in Charleston

You’ll never run out of things to do and see in and around historic Charleston—and at our hotel, you’ll be close to it all. From seeing sights like Fort Sumter and reliving history along cobblestone streets to top-notch shopping on King Street and delectable restaurants throughout the city, you’ll have easy access. Want a taste of Southern hospitality at Magnolia Plantation or some sunrise beauty at Folly Beach? You’re just a short drive from both of those destinations, as well.

Charleston attractions

Hotel Information

Some hotel features and other amenities may not be available due to COVID-19. Face covering requirements may vary as hotels comply with state and local requirements, health ordinances and other regulations. Call the hotel for more information.

Our new Restaurant hours are from 7am to 10am and from 4pm to 10pm, daily.

A hotel services fee of 2.00 USD per night applied will be charged. Hotel does not accept cash at check in, credit cards required. Upon check in all credit cards will be authorized for an additional 75.00 per stay.

Real Guest Reviews

Ripley Grill & Bar

Relax, unwind, and socialize at our full-service restaurant and bar. At Ripley Grill & Bar, we serve classic American dishes along with signature cocktails, wine, and local craft beers from neighborhood breweries. At Cambria, curating the perfect craft beer selection is a passion. That’s why we have a Cicerone, or beer expert, who travels to each destination and hand-selects the beers on tap. No matter which Cambria hotel you visit, you’ll find a restaurant that gives you a taste of the city.

Charleston meeting facilities

Looking for a Charleston event venue? The meeting space at our upscale Charleston hotel is the perfect place to host a party, reception or business function in coastal South Carolina.

Enough to redeem for up to 4 free nights at select Choice hotels.

Charleston city guides and information

If you are relocating or moving about in the Lowcountry, consider one of these local Charleston moving companies to take the fuss out of the must.

Transporting your possessions from one place to another is the daunting task of any move. This part of the moving process isn’t fun for you, your family, or your friends, and can often be an overwhelming aspect that takes the enthusiasm out of your dream purchase.

Moving into a new home is an exciting symbol of a fresh start and our recommended moving companies in Charleston, SC will make it easy to get settled.

What are the Best

Here's a list of our Top 5 Moving Companies in Charleston, SC and the Lowcountry:

Low Country Moving Specialists is a reputable, locally owned and operated company in the South Carolina Lowcountry. They offer a range of services including labor-only and full-service moving.

With consistent praise on their customer service and efficiency, they are an excellent choice for those in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, and the surrounding areas.

Since 2010, Ready Set Movers has offered its customers a smooth and stress-free moving experience. They are a locally owned and operated company that provides a variety of services.

Full-service packing, commercial moving, local moves, long-distance moves, and labor-only services are all available.

Professional Movers of Charleston is one of the most respected moving companies in the Lowcountry. The company is proudly owned and operated by Citadel alumni.

They offer dependable and quality service, including long-distance moves, clutter removal, hourly labor, and more. Pricing is competitive, and the staff receives consistent praise for their timeliness, courtesy, and professionalism.

Established by Charleston locals in 1998 on the motto “You build a great moving company by giving great service every move”, Island Moving Professionals serves Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island and Charleston.

Island Moving provides reliable, friendly and efficient service offering loading, unloading, packing and supplies. All moves include furniture blankets and stretch wrap protection.

If you’ve already got your moving truck, then we recommend We Love Moving Charleston. In addition to providing movers, We Love Moving Charleston also provides essential supplies for a safe move, such as appliance dollies, tie downs, and tools for assembling and disassembling furniture.

Removing the overhead by providing your own truck is one way that We Love Moving helps their customers save on moving costs.

With over 40 years of vacation rental and real estate experience, Pam Harrington Exclusives is proud to be the No. 1 source for prime and luxury realty in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Whether you are looking for a cozy villa for retirement or a luxurious oceanfront home, we can help you find a home that matches your budget and lifestyle needs.

After you find the perfect place to begin your new life in the Lowcountry, these quality Charleston moving companies will make your move more seamless and efficient!

Browse our extensive collection of Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island real estate listings, or contact us today for a customized search.