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🛤️ Seaboard Vista project on track
Mayor Rickenmann said, “It is our time as the capital city to shine” at the groundbreaking event. | Photo by COLAtoday
The Seaboard Vista project on Gervais Street is officially underway after a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday morning. The mixed-use redevelopment, led in part by Mashburn Construction, will bring restaurants, retail, office space, and apartments into a group of historic buildings along Gervais and Lady streets.
A view of what’s to come on Gervais Street. | Photo by COLAtoday
Looking back at Seaboard
The buildings tied to Seaboard date back to the early 1900s, when this stretch of the Vista centered around rail travel, with passengers stopping to eat and shop along the way.
Looking forward
As Historic Columbia’s John Sherrer said at the event, the expectation is that Seaboard Vista “will surpass any expectations that we here and others in the community may have in forging an exciting next chapter for economic and cultural success for the Capital City.”
Fireflies vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $6+ | Bring your furry best friend to the ballpark for free for a fun doggy play date and enjoy $5 White Claws specials all night long.*
Hip or back pain? Here’s how to tell the difference.
Presented by Prisma Health
Don’t ignore the signs — understanding your pain today can help protect your mobility tomorrow. | Photo provided by Prisma Health
Hip and lower back pain can feel similar — but knowing the source matters. Often, pain in the back or hip is caused by herniated discs. The experts at Prisma Health are here to tell us the difference.
Likely back pain: shoots down the leg, tingling, worsens with sitting
Likely hip pain: worse at night, persists despite treatment
Prevention: stay active with walking, swimming, or Pilates
If pain lingers, worsens, or limits movement, it’s time to seek care. What you know today could help you stay active tomorrow.
The soft-shell crab sandwich at War Mouth only appears on the menu for a few weeks each year. | Photo by COLAtoday
Eat
It’s soft-shell crab season, and seasonal dishes are crawling onto Cola menus. Spots like Motor Supply, Mr. Friendly’s, and The War Mouth are serving up fried soft-shell crab plates and sandwiches. (Free Times)
Talk
A Wall Street Journal reporter is coming to USC to talk all things Murdaugh. Valerie Bauerlein will speak at USC’s Buchheit Lecture on Wednesday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the Capstone Building. The event is free, but tickets are required.
Transit
A $490 million project will replace the aging Lake Marion bridges near Santee, adding lanes and a shared-use path. Construction will begin this summer and is expected to finish by 2030. (WLTX)
Community
The City of Columbia is hosting a Community Development Block Party on Friday, April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Finlay Park. Stop by for food and informational booths highlighting city services focused on housing, economic opportunity, and neighborhood resources.
Show
USC dance students will take the stage with original choreography in the Spring Student Choreography Showcase on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 at Drayton Hall Theatre. Performances start at 2 p.m. daily, featuring 11 student-created works across a range of styles.
Volunteer
The City of Columbia is looking for volunteers to help count pedestrians and bicyclists at intersections across the city. Shifts run on select dates from Saturday, April 11, through Saturday, April 25, with two-hour time slots available.
Talk
Dive into democracy at the Civic Engagement & the Constitution. Join leading scholars and civic leaders April 13-14 at the Joseph F. Rice School of Law for engaging talks on civic participation, bridging political divides, and shaping the future of democracy. Free to attend — learn more + register.*
Finance
Motley Fool Money’s top-rated cash back card just got even better. For a limited time, earn a $250 bonus after spending just $500 in the first 3 months. Plus, earn unlimited cash back and pay 0% intro APR well into 2027. Learn more + apply.*
Listen
Did you hear that? Most hearing aids have one processor. These bad boys have two, making speech clearer and crisper by processing speech and noise separately. No wonder 670,000+ customers love them.*
With Gamecock Athletics officially switching to Nike in July, fans will soon have a new spot in Five Points to stock up on gear. Signage is up at Rally House Carolina at the new Harden Street location, just a few blocks from the USC. The store is set to open on Friday, April 10, according to its website.
The shop will carry officially licensed Gamecocks apparel, along with Columbia- and South Carolina-themed merchandise. Expect everything from tailgate essentials to everyday gear, plus additional SEC apparel for fans looking beyond garnet and black.
The Buy Editor Emily here. Meet my dog Meredith. Like so many incredible pups, she’s a rescue.
Until recently, I didn’t know much about her breed, or how to best care for her. Thanks to Embark’s Breed + Health Dog DNA Test, that’s all changed. I’ve learned Meredith is a mix of American Pit Bull, Australian Cattle Dog, Dalmatian, and that she may be at higher risk for Intervertebral Disc Disease. Now I can take proactive steps to support her health — like keeping her on a balanced diet and opting for a harness over a collar to help reduce strain on her spine.
Try Embark for your dog, discover their unique DNA, and give them the best possible care.
Fun fact: Both the new Seaboard Vista spot and Rally House in Five Points were once drugstores. Murray Drug Company served passengers waiting at the depot (now Blue Marlin), and Eckerd on Harden Street is one that many of you probably remember.