April 2024 Council Highlights

  • If you noticed some larger trailers taking up parking at the Sumter Opera House this week, that is the cast and film crew from the Faith-based drama movie ‘Gods Not Dead’ working on their next film. We look forward to seeing Sumter on the big screen again soon!
    • This is not the first time Sumter has been the backdrop to a Hollywood production. Our staff works with the SC Film Commission on these ventures, and we appreciate the contribution the film industry makes to state and our community. 
  • In solidarity with the Defense Department’s celebration of military children, the City of Sumter proudly lights up its iconic Sumter Opera House clocktower in a shade of purple. This is a symbol of honor and recognition for the 1.6 million young heroes across the globe facing unique challenges due to their parents’ service. Join us in saluting their strength, bravery, and resiliency.
  • The City of Sumter is now accepting applications for the 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program. Students aged 14-15 will work in city government, and students ages 16 through high school will work in the Co-Op Program for local businesses. Applications will be accepted through May 3, 2024.
    • Students should see their school counselors for applications and guidelines (students must live within the city limits and meet the income requirements set by HUD). Applications may also be received Monday-Friday in the Community Development Office, located at 12 W. Liberty Street.
    • For additional information, visit the city's webpage and search Youth Programs: gov or call the Community Development Office at 803-774-1649.
  • The next Litter Community Clean-up date is scheduled for this Saturday, April 20th. Groups may choose this day or any day of the month that suits their schedule to help keep our city beautiful. Sign up with our litter office and our staff will get you trash bags, gloves, safety vests, and pick-up sticks as needed. Call (803) 305-5266 or visit gov/litter to sign up.
    • Thank you to everyone participating in our Tire Buy Back Sponsored by Continental Tire the event on Saturday collected 1,341 tires, which was seven (7) trailer loads at almost 40,000 pounds in total. This is a great program, keeping tires from becoming accumulating junk in our community and out of our roads and rights-of-way. We are currently planning for another date in the Fall of 2024.
  • We want to introduce you to Liberty the Litter Pup, the newest tail-wagging resident of the City of Sumter! Liberty is on a mission to remind everyone to ‘PAWS before you TOSS!’ Streets aren't garbage cans, folks! It’s time to show some love for your city. Make the right choice and give litter its rightful place - in the bin. Love where you live, bark with Liberty, and let's clean up Sumter together! Liberty the Litter Pup Mascot is currently accepting visitations to share our message, please visit Liberty’s webpage to complete a form at com.
  • We invite you to the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, on Thursday, May 2 starting at 6:45 AM at Alice Drive Baptist Church on Loring Mill Road. The Keynote speaker is Judi Gatson, an award-winning journalist and anchor for WIS TV News.
    • Judi is also a trusted voice in covering critical issues confronting public education. She is also known for her smart and insightful political coverage. She has a heart for service and devotes much of her community involvement to working with organizations that benefit youth and families. 
    • Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door and are available at Swan Lake Visitors Center, The Olive Tree Christian Bookstore, and the Sumter YMCA.
  • The Aquatics Center will be open for the season on Monday, May 27th, Memorial Day. The Aquatic Center offers classes and activities, including a free Water Aerobics class. They also allow for party rentals, which include the use of our new lazy river. Open swim times are Tuesday – Sunday. Check them out at com.
  • The Palmetto Tennis Center is offering Youth Summer Camps June 17-20, June 24-27, July 8-11, and July 15-18. There is a fee associated with the camps; however, the city offers scholarships through our First Serve Program. Applications are available on our website at com.
  • Get ready to kick off Summer with the Fourth Fridays Concerts Downtown, starting in May. These free concerts are held on the Sumter County Courthouse Lawn from 6:30 to 9 PM. Food and beverages will be available to purchase. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, but no coolers, please. This year the bands are:
    • May 24 – Honey and The New Era Band
    • June 28 – The Live in the Flesh Experience
    • July 26 – Chief Complaint
    • August 23 Second Nature
    • September 27 – Too Much Sylvia
  • National Police Week is coming up in May and the City of Sumter and Sumter Police Department invites you to participate in our annual Golf Tournament, on Thursday, May 16 at The Links at Lakewood. Teams are limited and registration includes a post-tournament meal. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Sumter Crime Stoppers in honor of law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Please email Barron Hite [email protected]. Information is also available on the Sumter Police Department’s Facebook page.
  • The annual Sumter Iris Festival is coming up on Memorial Weekend and we are asking the City to turn itself purple yet again! Show your purple in honor of our 82nd annual event. This year’s festival kicks off with a Hawaiian Luau at The Taste at the Gardens on Thursday, May 23rd at 6PM. Door prizes, music, great food, and a special performance by the Charleston Polynesian Dancers. Come on out and have some fun. It’s free admission and free parking.
    • Then Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, starting at 10 AM enjoy entertainment, arts & crafts, food vendors, kids games, and family fun all weekend long. An old school carousel, featured artists painting throughout the gardens, parade, car shows, and the only time at the gardens you can purchase your very own heirloom Japanese Iris from the Sumter Master Gardeners booth… and so much more! For more details visit org.
  • We invite you to visit and attend a regular City Council meeting, our meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is Tuesday, May 7th at 1 PM and Tuesday, May 21st at 5:30 PM. If you can’t make a meeting public comments may also be submitted online anytime through our website at gov/council/meetings or city residents can contact the Mayor or their Council representative any time before any meeting to discuss a concern or idea.