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Sam Robertson

Samantha Robertson

Content & Platform Strategy Manager

Sam is based in Columbia, SC and previously worked in PR marketing for several local brands and startups in the Soda City before joining COLAtoday as a City Editor in 2021. When she’s not content creating, she loves staying active, brunching around town, rooting for the Gamecocks, and spending time by the rivers.

Each summer, hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins flock to Bomb Island on Lake Murray, forming the largest known roost of its kind on the planet.
Culture
How to see the Purple Martins in Columbia
These migratory songbirds, the Purple Martins, gather here nightly through the summer, filling the sky in a swirling display before making their way to South America.⁠
May 19, 2025
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Staff
Finlay Park
Arts
The City of Columbia is looking for artists to feature in Finlay Park
Artists looking to display their art for two years inside of the revitalized Finlay Park must submit their applications by the end of May. Keep reading to see how it will work, what you’ll win if chosen, and the artwork criteria.
May 15, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
Richland Mall rendering (may 2025)
Development
Richland Mall development to be anchored by Kroger Marketplace
The City of Forest Acres released updates on the Richland Mall development, including its first tenant, a prototype Kroger Marketplace, and construction timelines.
May 15, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
Initial renderings of the new development project proposed for the block bordered by Main, Hampton, Washington, and Assembly streets.
Development
Columbia’s skyline is set to feature two new apartment towers
The 26-story and 22-story towers will change Columbia’s skyline and house apartments for both residents and students — we want to know your thoughts on the project.
May 13, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
Keith Lee.png
Food
Viral TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee came to Columbia
Keith Lee’s viral food reviews bring massive crowds to locally owned businesses that deserve the spotlight — where else should he have gone in Columbia?
May 13, 2025
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Allie Remhof
Parking pay station in Columbia, SC
Live
How to park in Columbia
Parking can be frustrating, especially while living in a city, so we’ve put together a handy go-to guide on how to park in Columbia.
May 9, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
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Small Business
Four new local businesses to try in Columbia
As part of Small Business Week, we are shouting out a few new local businesses in Columbia that opened earlier this year. Long live local businesses. May these 2025-founded businesses still be here when it’s 2125 and even longer than that.
May 7, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
Bald Cypress Edenwood
Small Business
Local home improvement and service companies in Columbia
It’s Small Business Week, and we are highlighting ~10 home service companies that will help you get around to those looming home projects that seem to fall off the to-do list when weekends roll around. Hire local pros so those to-do lists don’t seem as daunting.
May 5, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
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Dawn Staley’s bronze statue was unveiled this week in Columbia
Coach Dawn Staley has been cloaked in gold medals, SEC titles, and many other accolades. Now, she is featured in bronze, championing her legacy not only as a basketball player + coach, but as a leader and advocate for equity.
May 1, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
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