Completed

• Green Street Development — This project converted Greene Street into a three-lane roadway with sidewalks and bike lanes, including a new bridge.
• N. Main Street widening — Repaired and improved safety with lighting and crosswalks on a 1.7-mile stretch of road
• Three Rivers Greenway Phase 1B — This included an eight-ft.-wide concrete trail along the Saluda River, featuring boardwalks, lighting, and amenities.

Underway

• Blythewood Road Widening — A $15.6 million project to enhance safety and capacity in Northeast Richland
• Bull Street at Elmwood Avenue — Improvements aim to boost safety and reduce driver wait times by 60%.
• Gills Creek Greenway — Phase two of the project includes 2,500 linear ft. of a greenway and trail with boardwalks, extending along Gills Creek.
• Polo Road + Windsor Lake Greenway — The project includes 0.75 miles of a greenway and trail with bridges and boardwalks, extending from Windsor Lake Boulevard to Alpine Road.

Upcoming

• Broad River Road Widening — The scope includes a five-lane section between Royal Tower Drive and Dutch Fork Road, with on-street bike lanes and sidewalks.
• Columbia Mall Greenway — The proposed project is a greenway that bypasses the congested areas around the mall.
• Three Rivers Greenway projects — This project continues the greenway north under I-126 and crosses the Broad River.

• First Thursday on Main Street | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 6 p.m. | Main Street, Columbia | Free | This installment features live music from Columbia band Dear Blanca and Charlotte-based rock group Junior Astronomers.
• Modern Shag Night | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 8:30-11 p.m. | Bill’s Music Shop, 710 Meeting St., West Columbia | $5 | Learn this Southern staple dance and mingle with other Shag dancers.

• Nashville Nights Concert Series | Friday, Aug. 4 | 6 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce | Free | Nashville Nights feature talented singer/songwriters traveling from Nashville, TN for special live music performances on stage.
• Devine Street Sidewalk Sale | Friday, Aug. 4 | Devine District, Columbia | Price of purchase | Enjoy half off and BOGO specials on SC’s Tax-free weekend.

• U-Pick Zinnia Flower Farm | Saturday, Aug. 5-Sunday, Aug. 6 | 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Hollow Creek Tree Farm, 228 Windmill Rd., Gilbert | $18 | Walk the pond area or take a mini-hike around the whole 36 acre farm.
• E.Z. Shakes, Numbtongue, Fortune Child | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 7:30-11 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St., West Columbia | Columbia’s E.Z. Shakes is a band that explores spirituality and faith through songs that blend indie, country, and rock influences.
• Lexington County Blowfish Final Regular Season Home Game | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 7 p.m. | Lexington County Baseball Stadium, 474 Ball Park Rd., Lexington | $5 | Root for the Blowfish as they close out their 2023 season.

• Accessibility Morning at the SC State Museum | Saturday, Aug. 12, Saturday, Sept. 9 | 9-11 a.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | Free | Accessibility Mornings are designed for families of children, teenagers, young adults, and adults who would benefit from a quieter, sensory-friendly, and disability-adapted experience.*

• Village Idiot Pizza, a local chain that’s been slinging pies in Five Points since 1990, is looking to expand with franchise locations in Lexington, Irmo, and Chapin. The owners hope to grow the brand and become a part of more communities. (Lexington Chronicle)

• This’ll get your goat. Green Goat Land Management, a Gaston company that uses goats to clear overgrowth, is seeking a city ordinance change to operate in Columbia. The company offers a natural alternative to traditional landscaping. (The State)

• Columbia-area students and teachers are preparing to return to school in August, with the five school districts implementing changes such as increased safety measures and free meals. The first day of school ranges from Aug. 7-16. (The Post and Courier)

• The City of Columbia launched Mayor Rickenmann’s Campaign against breast cancer yesterday at City Hall, unveiling T-shirts for sale. Proceeds will benefit the Prisma Health Midlands Foundation for the Bosom Buddies. (WACH)

• The City of Columbia is amending an ordinance to fine individuals up to $500 for stealing shopping carts from stores. The city aims to tackle the issue of buggy burglars. (WLTX)

• The Free Times released its annual Power List highlighting influential individuals in Columbia. See who topped this year’s list.

• Anemia. This blood disorder is a common condition that can range from mild to severe. Here are the warning signs, causes, and what you can do to prevent it.*