🌱 Firefighters' Forced Overtime + Local Bar Protections

Hello, Charleston! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Daily. Let's get this Friday started off right, with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

---

First, today's weather:

A p.m. t-storm in spots. High: 89 Low: 76.

---

Here are the top three stories in Charleston today:

1. Charleston firefighters have expressed concern that "force shifts" are taking a toll on mental health while adding stress. The shifts are a required extra 24-hour shift on top of a shift they didn't sign up for. So far, the Charleston Fire Department has issued 270 force shifts this year. The forced overtime is due to a lack of firefighters voluntarily signing up for the extended shifts. (Live 5 News)
2. The Charleston County Sheriff's Office is warning the community about an ongoing phone scam. According to the department, the scammers are impersonating agency personnel while demanding money to rectify outstanding warrants. The department reminds the public that it will never ask for money to resolve a warrant issue. (WCBD News 2)
3. A local bar owner and council members are demanding the city ensure North Charleston bar protection. The outcry is in response to a series of recent shootings that have occurred at area bars this year. Local bars have reportedly added security measures to protect patrons but they want the police department to create a unit dedicated to protecting bars. (Live 5 News WCSC)

---

Today in Charleston:

• Tai Chi At The Daniel Island Library (9:00 AM)
• Fossil Friday At The The Charleston Museum (2:00 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• The Charleston County Public Library is hosting a cultural journey through Deninufay African Dance & Drum Production. The cultural experience will be at the McClellanville Library on Jul. 30 at 10:00 a.m. (Charleston County Public Library via Facebook)
• The City of Charleston reminds the community that the annual Back to School First Day Festival will be on Sunday, Aug. 7. The event will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Charleston Gaillard Center and the South Carolina Aquarium. (City of Charleston, SC Government via Facebook)
• The Charleston Fire Department is reminding the community to check their smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm dramatically reduces the chance of dying in a fire. (Charleston Fire Department via Facebook)

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Essential Building Services, LLC — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (July 27)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• 💲 PAID 60-Minute ONLINE DISCUSSION ON SOCIAL DRINKING - MINIMUM $75 💲 (Details)
• Add your announcement

---

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.