If you're an entrepreneur, you know that protecting your intellectual property should be high on your list when it comes to safeguarding your company. However, as a successful business owner, you also know the steps and costs of filing a trademark in the U.S. can be expensive and arduous.
This conundrum can be even more overwhelming for new business owners who want to do everything possible to minimize the price of securing trademarks. They try to handle complicated tasks like trademark registration on their own, which can be a big mistake - especially when juggling the day-to-day tasks of running a business. You may be thinking, "But what about those set-it-and-forget-it services you can find online? All you have to do is plug in your info, and you're done." Using pre-made templates for trademark filing can be tempting, but doing so can leave you with inadequate protection and hurt you in the long run.
So, what is the easiest, most cost-effective route to consider that also minimizes legal risk? The truth is, before you spend money on a service like LegalZoom, it's best to consult with a trademark attorney working with clients in Daniel Island, SC.
At Sausser Summers, PC, our experienced trademark attorneys can help you understand the trademark process step by step. We can even help with U.S. trademark filing, U.S. trademark responses, and U.S. trademark renewals at a price you can actually afford. That way, you can make an informed decision regarding your business without having to break the bank.
Hiring an attorney can be a daunting task, but at Sausser Summers, PC, our goal is to make the process as simple and seamless as possible for you. That's why we offer a straightforward checkout service. First, you choose your flat fee trademark service and fill out a short questionnaire. Then, we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the details of our service. From there, one of our experienced trademark attorneys will get to work on your behalf.
Using a trademark attorney for filing in Daniel Island, SC, can significantly increase your chances of a successful registration. The U.S. government recommends hiring a trademark attorney to help with your application, and our team of trademark lawyers is dedicated to meeting your needs. In fact, we help ensure your application is filed correctly the first time so you can get on with your life and avoid legal risks.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide them with sound professional advice. We never offer incomplete services, such as simply filing for registration, because that would leave you open to legal risks. You can rely on us to handle your intellectual property matters, and our flat fee services can help protect your business in a simple, straightforward, and affordable way. It's really that simple.
In terms of filing a U.S. trademark, we provide an easy three-step process to protect your intellectual property:
1. You provide your trademark info to our team via an online form.
2. Our team performs a comprehensive trademark search. This search ensures that no other marks will prevent you from registering your trademark in the U.S. Once performed, we'll send you a legal opinion letter that details our findings.
3. Sausser Summers, PC, files your U.S. trademark application. We are then listed as your Attorney of Record on file. From there, we'll provide ongoing updates regarding the status of your trademark as it works through the registration process.
The bottom line? At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
It's not necessary to be a lawyer in order to apply for a trademark. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, registering a trademark involves more than just filling out a form. It's essential to conduct thorough research, accurately identify and clearly explain your trademark to ensure it receives adequate protection. And even after securing a trademark, you've got to monitor it consistently to make sure it's free from infringement.
The big takeaway here is that it's always a good idea to work with a trademark attorney to protect the intellectual property that you've worked so hard to establish. According to the Wall Street Journal, applicants are approximately 50% more likely to secure their trademark than people who file applications on their own. If your trademark application is rejected by the USPTO, you will need to revise and refile it, incurring additional filing fees. To avoid delays and extra costs, it is best to have a trademark lawyer help you get it right the first time.
Great trademark attorneys (like those you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC) will help with every step of filing and enforcing your trademark. Some additional benefits include the following:
Check to see if your proposed trademark is registered by another entity.
Conduct research to see if another business is using the trademark for which you're applying.
Provide advice and guidance on the strength of your trademark.
Draft and submit your trademark applications and application revisions.
Advice and guidance regarding trademark maintenance and protection.
Monitor the market for unauthorized use of your trademark.
Trademark enforcement to protect you against infringement.
Curious whether our trademark attorney services are right for you and your business? Contact Sausser Summer, PC, today. Let's talk about what you need, and how we can help.
Online services, such as LegalZoom, can provide you with basic assistance in filing your trademark. However, they will never be a legitimate substitute for an experienced trademark attorney helping clients in Daniel Island, SC.
Although services like LegalZoom offer a step-by-step process, they take a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing legal documents. Even their advanced service only provides basic attorney assistance in completing your paperwork and helping with minor roadblocks. LegalZoom's disclaimer highlights the many limitations of its services, including the fact that communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege. In addition, LegalZoom cannot provide advice, explanations, opinions, recommendations, or any kind of legal guidance on possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.
In other words, LegalZoom can offer you the necessary forms and point you in the right direction, but they cannot customize their services to your specific needs or help you with serious complications that may arise.
For the most comprehensive trademark service and protection, it's always wise to work with highly rated trademark lawyers, like you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC.
Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Daniel Island, SC can file a trademark online, only to lose protection in some circumstances? Trademarks differ from patents and copyrights in that they do not have an expiration date. However, to prevent the cancellation of a trademark, you must maintain it. To ensure that your trademark remains protected, you must actively use it in commerce and renew it with the USPTO every ten years.
The Lanham Act tells us that "use in commerce" is the legitimate use of a trademark in the ordinary course of trade. In other words, you cannot register a trademark solely to reserve the rights to it in the future. In most cases, a trademark must be used continuously in connection with the goods or services it is registered for.
Trademarks are registered with the USPTO and generally need to be renewed every ten years. However, there is one crucial exception that you should be aware of. Within the first ten years of owning a trademark, you must file for renewal between the fifth and sixth year from the date of your initial registration.
During this renewal period, you are required to submit a Section 8 declaration, a specimen that shows how the mark is being used, and pay the required fee. You can also apply for Section 15 Incontestability status, which can strengthen your trademark rights. This application, although not mandatory, can make it harder for others to challenge your ownership of the mark.
After the first renewal, which falls between the fifth and sixth year of ownership, the next renewal filing is due between the ninth and tenth year, and then every tenth year thereafter. In the ninth year you will need to file a Section 8 declaration, attesting to your use of the mark or excusable nonuse. You've also got to file a Section 9 renewal application before the end of the tenth year to keep your registration active.
It is worth noting that the USPTO provides a six-month grace period if you fail to renew your mark within the required time frame, but it is best not to rely on it. If you don't file within the grace period time limits, the USPTO will cancel and expire your mark.
By hiring trademark attorneys helping clients in Daniel Island, SC, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.
In the event that you stop using your trademark and have no plans to resume using it in commerce, it may be considered abandoned by the USPTO. This could result in the loss of your protective rights to the mark. Typically, a trademark is assumed to be abandoned if it has not been used for three years. However, you may be able to refute this presumption by providing evidence that you intend to use the mark again in the future.
In addition to trademark abandonment, you should also be wary of improper licensing. It's important to remember that once you allow someone else to use your trademark, you must keep an eye on how they use it. You should monitor the products or services that feature your trademark to ensure that they meet consumers' expectations in terms of quality. Failure to do so can lead to a "naked" trademark license and the loss of your protective trademark rights.
If you're wondering how you can avoid refiling your trademark, the answer is simple: file it correctly the first time around. Filing a trademark isn't inherently difficult, but when doing so, it's very important that certain aspects are filled out accurately in your application. If any information is missing or incorrect, the trademark application may be considered "void ab initio" or void from the beginning, requiring you to file again.
To avoid this, make sure that the information you provide in the application is accurate and complete, including the ownership of the trademark. For instance, if a corporation has multiple shareholders, it should not file under the President's personal name. The rightful owner should be the one/entity that ultimately controls the trademark and the associated goods/services.
It is also important to ensure that the goods and/or services description is precise. For example, if you sell electronic products, you should not file for research and development services despite having a research and development department. The goods/services description should reflect the goods/services you offer to customers, not the departments within your business.
Additionally, providing accurate dates of first use when filing for a trademark is crucial. The USPTO requires two dates to be specified - the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in interstate commerce. Contact our trademark law office today to learn more about having accurate dates on your filing paperwork.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we often get questions about how to distinguish run-of-the-mill consultants and others from great trademark attorneys. After all - when you're looking for an attorney to file or prosecute your business trademark, you should know their qualifications. Here are three ways you can separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff when it comes to trademark attorneys.
It's crucial to seek legal advice from a licensed trademark lawyer rather than relying on advice from non-professionals like trademark consultants. The USPTO even recommends hiring an attorney to help with the trademark process. Although trademark consultants may provide advice on trademark availability or name marketability, they cannot file the trademark for you or offer legal advice. According to the Rules of Practicing in trademark cases, "Individuals who are not attorneys are not recognized to practice before the Office in trademark matters." This rule applies to individuals who assist trademark applicants.
When searching for a trademark attorney, it's important to find someone with a strong background in trademark law. Look for an attorney who specializes in this area and has significant experience handling trademark-related cases. Avoid lawyers who don't have expertise in this field, as they may not be able to provide the guidance and support you need.
Ensure your attorney provides updates throughout the trademark registration process to avoid missing deadlines, including responding to any Office actions within six months. Failure to do so can result in trademark abandonment. The USPTO will only correspond with the listed attorney of record, so make sure your attorney keeps you informed.
In summary:
Building your brand and gaining recognition for it is a significant achievement, and it's important to protect it. However, there are certain pitfalls and mistakes that can arise, causing you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it. By working with knowledgeable trademark attorneys, you can avoid these issues and file your trademark successfully.
With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Sausser Summers, PC, offers comprehensive guidance, strategic advice, and reliable representation for a variety of trademark matters. Our attorneys have years of real-world experience and, having registered countless trademarks with the USPTO, provide our clients with individualized representation when they need it most.
If you're looking for skilled, adept, and experienced counsel, look no further than our trademark law firm. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you safeguard your brand.
This week there are several developments coming before the various City of Charleston boards and committees. Below are those items as well as results, if any, from the prior week’s items specific to Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area. More detailed agendas and results can be found at charleston-sc.gov/agendacenter.June 29: Del Webb Entrance Road – Road construction plans for a new road for future residential subdivision at 1236 Clements Ferry Road.June 29: Point Hope Parkway North Phase 1 – Two items: Prelimin...
This week there are several developments coming before the various City of Charleston boards and committees. Below are those items as well as results, if any, from the prior week’s items specific to Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area. More detailed agendas and results can be found at charleston-sc.gov/agendacenter.
June 29: Del Webb Entrance Road – Road construction plans for a new road for future residential subdivision at 1236 Clements Ferry Road.
June 29: Point Hope Parkway North Phase 1 – Two items: Preliminary plat and road construction plans for 26.5 acres at 1698 Clements Ferry Road.
June 22: Mankiewicz Expansion Phase 1 – Site Plan for 16.06 acres at 1024 Clements Crest Lane, Cainhoy. Addition of a warehouse building and logistics building and the filling of a pond on site. Results: Revise and resubmit to TRC.
June 22: The Waterfront Phase 3 - Site Plan for 41 units on 2.2 acres at 610 Waterman St. involving three buildings, parking lots and utilities. Results: Open pending delivery of comments from Zoning and Stormwater Management.
June 22: Woodfield Point Hope 3 – Site Plan for 24.9 acres at 1260 Clements Ferry Road for early site work including tree removal and rough grading. Results: Revise and resubmit to TRC.
Berkeley Co. Bd. of Education meets the first and third Monday of each month. Executive Committee meets at 5:30 p.m.; meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.
Berkeley Co. Council meets fourth Mon. of each month, 6 p.m., Berkeley County Admin. Blg., 1003 Hwy 52, Moncks Corner.
City of Charleston Council typically meets the second and fourth Tues. of each month, 5 p.m., City Hall, 80 Broad Street, Charleston, SC and/or virtually via Conference Call #1-929-205-6099; Access Code: 912 096 416. Exceptions: Summer Schedule - 3rd Tues. of June, July, and August; December meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tues. Dates and locations subject to change.
City of Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals – Site Design meets the 1st Wed. of each month at 5 p.m. via Zoom.
City of Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals – Zoning meets the 1st and 3rd Tues. of each month at 5:15 p.m., except for January and July when no meeting is held on the 1st Tues.
City of Charleston Design Review Board meets the 1st and 3rd Mon. of every month at 4:30 p.m.
City of Charleston Planning Commission meets the 3rd Wed. of every month at 5 p.m.
City of Charleston Board of Architectural Review – Large projects meets the 2nd and 4th Wed. of every month at 4:30 p.m.
City of Charleston Board of Architectural Review – Small projects meets the 2nd and 4th Thurs. of every month at 4:30 p.m.
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys will play the 2024 Credit One Charleston Open, the largest women’s-only tennis tournament in North America, March 30 - April 7, 2024 on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina. The WTA 500 tournament, which is the clay season kickoff event on the Hologic WTA Tour, takes place annually at the newly renovated and modernized Credit One Stadium. Pegula and Keys are joined in the Charleston field by World No. 7, three-time Grand Slam finalist and 2023 Charleston Open champion Ons ...
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys will play the 2024 Credit One Charleston Open, the largest women’s-only tennis tournament in North America, March 30 - April 7, 2024 on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina. The WTA 500 tournament, which is the clay season kickoff event on the Hologic WTA Tour, takes place annually at the newly renovated and modernized Credit One Stadium. Pegula and Keys are joined in the Charleston field by World No. 7, three-time Grand Slam finalist and 2023 Charleston Open champion Ons Jabeur and World No. 15, Olympic Gold Medalist and 2022 Charleston Open champion Belinda Bencic.
Pegula is currently ranked No. 4 in the world in singles and shares the No. 2 doubles ranking with her frequent partner, Coco Gauff. Her most recent title came at the WTA 1000 Canadian Open in August. World No. 12 Keys is the 2019 Charleston Open champion. She recently reached the semifinals of the US Open for the third time in her career. Pegula and Keys have both advanced to the quarterfinals or better of all four Grand Slams. The two were members of Team USA at this year’s United Cup, contributing to the team’s 22-2 match record and title.
“Jessie and Madi are two of the biggest fan favorites in our sport, so we are delighted to bring them back to Charleston next year,” said Bob Moran, Tournament Director of the Credit One Charleston Open and President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment. “Not only are they incredible tennis players but they are also remarkable women off the court, each founding their own nonprofit organizations and inspiring the next generation of players. With four top 15 players already committed, we know that next year’s tournament will feature world-class competition right here in the Lowcountry.”
Pegula holds three WTA singles titles and seven WTA doubles titles. Her 2023 singles season featured 11 quarterfinals or better finishes, including the title in Montreal, a finals appearance in Doha and semifinal runs in Dubai, Miami, Charleston and D.C. In addition, she was a Wimbledon quarterfinalist. In doubles, she captured titles in Doha and Miami, reached the finals in Madrid and Rome and the semifinals of the Australian Open and French Open. This will be her sixth time competing in the Charleston Open main draw.
Keys captured her seventh WTA title this season in Eastbourne. She also reached the quarterfinals in Dubai, Charleston, D.C., and Wimbledon. At the US Open, she defeated current Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova to reach her sixth Grand Slam semifinal.
Keys holds a 20-9 career record in Charleston, where she’s reached two quarterfinals, one semifinal and two finals. Keys won the Charleston title in 2019, defeating fellow champion Caroline Wozniacki. The 2024 Credit One Charleston Open will be her eleventh time in the field, competing in every Charleston tournament since 2013.
The nine-day Credit One Charleston Open showcases a singles draw of 56 players, a qualifying draw of 32 players and a doubles draw of 16 players. The event traditionally hosts more than 90,000 attendees on Daniel Island.
Charleston Tennis, LLC, which manages Credit One Stadium under a lease from the City of Charleston, recently renovated and modernized the 20-year-old facility. The city-owned venue underwent upgrades to enhance the stadium experience for patrons, performers, tennis players and event management, allowing the venue to attract world-class athletes and talent to Daniel Island.
The Credit One Charleston Open celebrated its 50th year, and for the first time in tournament history, was recognized as the WTA 500 event of the year in 2022. The tournament has been a pioneer in women’s professional sports since 1973, paving the path for female tennis players to receive equal recognition, respect and pay in the sport. Originally held on Hilton Head Island, the event moved to Charleston in 2001 and is played on Daniel Island at the LTP Daniel Island tennis center, home to the Credit One Stadium.
Tournament Long Ticket Packages and Mini-Plans for the 2024 tournament will be available to the general public on September 25 and can be purchased online at creditonecharlestonopen.com or by calling (843) 856-7900. Single session tickets will be available on November 6.
For additional information, please email [email protected]. For more information on the Credit One Charleston Open, visit creditonecharlestonopen.com or call 843-856-7900.
About the Credit One Charleston Open:
The Credit One Charleston Open is North America’s largest women’s-only tennis tournament. The event, formerly known as the Volvo Car Open, moved to Charleston, S.C., in 2001 from Hilton Head Island, S.C., and celebrated its 50th year in 2022. In the same year, and for the first time in tournament history, the Credit One Charleston Open was also recognized as the WTA 500 event of the year. The Credit One Charleston Open traditionally welcomes more than 90,000 spectators each year. The tournament features a singles draw of 56 players, a qualifying draw of 32 players and a doubles draw of 16 players. In conjunction with Tennis Channel and WTA Media, the Credit One Charleston Open is showcased from the first ball struck in main draw competition to the last ball played in finals, throughout the U.S. and 174 international partners. The tournament receives more than 100 hours of tennis coverage, broadcast live from Charleston across the globe to millions of fans. The tournament is operated by Charleston Tennis, LLC. For more information on the Credit One Charleston Open, visit creditonecharlestonopen.com, call (843) 856-7900, email [email protected], Facebook (Credit One Charleston Open), Twitter (@CharlestonOpen) or Instagram (@CreditOneCharlestonOpen).
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
All of the residences in Phase II at the mixed-use lifestyle community The Waterfront Daniel Island have been sold, a little more than a year after they were released, according to developers East West Partners.Phase II comprises 41 one-, two-, and three-bedroom condominium units across three new buildings, according to a news release from the development company.“We are thrilled to officially close out sales on this second residential phase at ...
All of the residences in Phase II at the mixed-use lifestyle community The Waterfront Daniel Island have been sold, a little more than a year after they were released, according to developers East West Partners.
Phase II comprises 41 one-, two-, and three-bedroom condominium units across three new buildings, according to a news release from the development company.
“We are thrilled to officially close out sales on this second residential phase at The Waterfront,” Harriette Calder, project manager for The Waterfront Daniel Island, said in the release. “Demand for this community has remained strong ever since its inception, reflecting a continually growing interest in the elevated, yet relaxed coastal lifestyle and vibrant social environment we’ve been able to cultivate here. Our residents truly make this community a one-of-a-kind destination in the Lowcountry and we can’t wait to welcome our Phase II residents home to The Waterfront soon.”
Phase II, for which began construction in April 2022, will feature luxury condominium residences spread across the Sabal, Camellia and Magnolia buildings, most of which offer direct, unobstructed views of the Wando River. Ranging from approximately 1,220 to 3,400 square feet, floor plans in the second collection feature outdoor terraces, elevated finishes by interior designer Betsy Berry, and river views, with some penthouse units. In addition to the residences, this second collection also features exclusive new homeowner amenities, including a shared, elevated outdoor courtyard for residents of the Sabal and Magnolia buildings and an outdoor terrace and gathering space called The Perch for residents of the Camellia building. Construction is expected to be complete on units early in 2024, the release stated.
Later this fall, East West Partners expects to announce the release of sales for Phase III of the development, a new collection of 47 total residences including condominiums, townhomes and a handful of marsh cottages, representing a new product offering for the community. East West Partners will expand upon its collaboration with Berry for the interior design of Phase III products and will partner with two architectural firms, including MacMillan Pazdan Smith and Court Atkins, to bring the residences to life.
All homeowners who purchase at The Waterfront enjoy access to standout amenities, including:
Direct access to Daniel Island’s newly redesigned waterfront park, featuring two public docks with paddle launch and dog ramp, an interactive fountain, waterfront swings, and children’s play area.
Access to an array of natural and planned amenities, including 25+ miles of trails with views along the marsh and water; The Kingstide, Daniel Island’s only waterfront restaurant with rooftop bar; and The Daniel Island Market and Eatery (The Dime), a gourmet grab-and-go market.
Private amenities including a resort-style pool; pool pavilion with fire pit, fireplace, and grilling station; fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment; community outdoor gathering spaces; and post center with onsite property management.
The master plan for the development of The Waterfront on Daniel Island includes six phases.
DANIEL ISLAND — The Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band concert at Credit One Stadium slated for May 20 is being rescheduled due to an unexpected and undisclosed health issue that has befallen the “Cheeseburger in Paradise” singer.The last-minute show, which was announced on May 12, with ticket sales beginning May 15, will now take place at a yet-to-be-announced later date.Buffett was quoted in a news release regarding the rescheduling, with mentions of an unexpected hospitalization after a recent Bahama...
DANIEL ISLAND — The Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band concert at Credit One Stadium slated for May 20 is being rescheduled due to an unexpected and undisclosed health issue that has befallen the “Cheeseburger in Paradise” singer.
The last-minute show, which was announced on May 12, with ticket sales beginning May 15, will now take place at a yet-to-be-announced later date.
Buffett was quoted in a news release regarding the rescheduling, with mentions of an unexpected hospitalization after a recent Bahamas trip and his promise to return to the Lowcountry, or, as he calls it, the “land of she-crab soup.”
“Hello, my faithful fans in Charleston and beyond. These few words from Mark Twain about life changes, seemed perfect to pass on at this time. ‘Challenges,’ he said make life interesting however overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. I had a sudden change of plans this week that affected us all. Two days ago, I was just back from a trip to the Bahamas, thawing out from the California ‘winter tour,’ and chomping at the bit to get to Charleston. I had to stop in Boston for a check-up but wound up back in the hospital to address some issues that needed immediate attention. Growing old is not for sissies, I promise you. I also will promise you, that when I am well enough to perform, that is what I’ll be doing in the land of she-crab soup. You all make my life more meaningful and fulfilled than I would have ever imagined as a toe-headed little boy sitting on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts, your amazing years of loyalty, and just remember, ‘NOT YET!’”
Buffett and his band’s show would’ve been part of the Second Wind Tour 2023. They’ve been working on a new album as a followup to 2020′s “Life on the Flip Side,” which debuted at No. 2 on Billboard.
In initial anticipation of the event, Credit One Stadium’s general manager, Chris Meany, said, “We can’t wait to have the Parrot Heads join us for what will be the biggest party of the year! Don’t miss out — Fins up!”
Poetry and community go hand-in-hand. Sometimes lacking a defined form but always full of heart, they create a space for discussing, relating, exploring, expressing, healing.
This year’s Free Verse Poetry Festival, returning for its seventh year from Oct. 18-22, is doing just that.
Events at this year’s rendition of Charleston’s poetry festival include readings from locals on Ohm Radio 96.3 FM, two writing workshops, a film night, and a combination yoga and live music event focused on relaxation, said festival founder Marcus Amaker. All events are free.
A key theme in curating this year’s festival has been conveying how poetry shouldn’t be a passive experience, said Amaker, former poet laureate of the city. Free Verse, outside of its October festival, looks to use poetry as public art and make participation accessible with regular open mic nights across venues in the Charleston area.
Programming outside of October has been key to the festival’s success so far, with open mic nights gaining a steady following, he said. The artist collective strives to put poetry front and center in daily life, showcasing and exploring its ability to process the big issues of today’s world.
Poetry isn’t limited to the page, but words have been strewn across Lowcountry sidewalks and billboards. Teaching and sharing at libraries and schools has also been a focus.
“This year’s poetry community has grown immensely from last year,” said Amaker.
What has made it successful, even through the tumultuous years of the pandemic, is its focus on staying grounded to supporting and providing a platform for the people and poets of Charleston, steering away from the book-talk model of many conferences and festivals. Amaker looks for regular new voices — those often overlooked by conferences, academia and public forums. Then, he amplifies them.
The city of Charleston helps Free Verse secure funding and support through grants and other national programs. Scott Watson, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs, said Amaker’s practice of making spaces of “radical inclusion” keep Free Verse focused on the people who call Charleston home.
The city of Charleston will be voting Monday and Tuesday night on the approval of a $2 million replacement bridge on Daniel Island.DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Charleston will be voting Monday and Tuesday night on the approval of a $2 million replacement bridge on Daniel Island.The Beresford Creek Bridge is one of the only two ways to get onto Daniel Island, but officials say the bridge is in need of demolition and replacement after years of use.The final approval of the project from the city council would in...
The city of Charleston will be voting Monday and Tuesday night on the approval of a $2 million replacement bridge on Daniel Island.
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Charleston will be voting Monday and Tuesday night on the approval of a $2 million replacement bridge on Daniel Island.
The Beresford Creek Bridge is one of the only two ways to get onto Daniel Island, but officials say the bridge is in need of demolition and replacement after years of use.
The final approval of the project from the city council would include adding a pedestrian and bike lane since the current bridge is very narrow.
Charleston City Councilman Boyd Gregg has been pushing for approval of the project to reduce dangerous traffic conditions on the bridge.
“More than anything, right now, I’d say pedestrian access,” Gregg says. “There’s not a really safe path for pedestrians cross or bikers to cross; the new bridge will have much improved pedestrian access.”
The bridge experienced damage to its infrastructure about three years ago, forcing load limits on the bridge for heavy trucks.
More recently, fire vehicles and ambulances are no longer to access the island from the bridge due to its current condition.
City of Charleston Director of Public Service Tom O’Brien says the bridge was built in the 90s, and it used to be the only way to access Daniel Island before Interstate 526 provided another entry point.
“Obviously with all the development with the homes and the town center, traffic has increased,” O’Brien says. “The bridge we will be replacing it with will be a very solid bridge and will provide great access for the people.”
Daniel Island is also working on another project to build a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Nowell Creek.
“I think it shows the city’s commitment to provide these passages and safe ways to allow for pedestrians and bicycles to use the city,” O’Brien says.
Both O’Brien and Gregg are pushing for the project to finish before the next school year.
“There’s a significant amount of school traffic on this road, particularly for those traveling up with Phillip Simmons High School,” Gregg says. “We really wanted to try to get this done as much as we could during the summer to try to alleviate some of that school traffic and take advantage of school being out.”
In efforts to address traffic concerns, the city will be holding a meeting in the next month to explain the entire construction process and answer questions from nearby homeowners.
The project will be voted on at Monday night’s Public Works and Utilities Commission meeting and Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.