City Council met last night for its regular meeting, with special recognitions for the Mayor's Christmas Card Competition and employee achievements. Here is a summary of the key actions and discussions.
The City of Sumter is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Card Contest.
- Students from across the community submitted artwork that showcased creativity, imagination, and hometown holiday spirit.
- This year’s front cover artist is Analeah Rigby, a 6th grader at Hillcrest Middle School.
- The inside artwork was created by Phillip Brock, a 4th grader at Cherryvale Elementary School.
- Both students will receive an Apple iPad from FTC, and their artwork will be featured in the Fantasy of Lights display at Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
- This year’s front cover artist is Analeah Rigby, a 6th grader at Hillcrest Middle School.
- Honorable Mentions were awarded to:
- Kindergarten: Raelyn Thames, Manchester Elementary
- 1st Grade: Kylen Vanvuren, Manchester Elementary
- 2nd Grade: Gunner Goff, Manchester Elementary
- 3rd Grade: Vincent Biehl, Cherryvale Elementary
- 5th Grade: Brent Mandani, Cherryvale Elementary
- 7th Grade: Ashtyn McCray, Chestnut Oaks Middle
- 8th Grade: Laila Givens, Hillcrest Middle
- Honorable Mention students each receive a framed certificate and a $20 gift card.
- All students were recognized during the Fantasy of Lights Opening Ceremony on December 1 at Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
We’re celebrating our employee anniversaries all December long!
- At the December 2nd Council meeting, we celebrated employees with 10 and 15 years of service to the City of Sumter
- At last night’s December 16th meeting, we honored employees with 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 years of service.
- We honored two individuals who have surpassed 50 years of service.
- Robert C. Watts with the Fire Department was honored for 50 years
- Leola Sessions with Police Clerical was honored with 55 years of service
- We honored two individuals who have surpassed 50 years of service.
- Thank you to all of our wonderful employees for your service to our community. This is truly a wonderful time of year where we can celebrate your contributions to Sumter!
- At last night’s December 16th meeting, we honored employees with 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 years of service.
To see the full agenda from last night’s meeting, go to sumtersc.gov
All City Council meetings are now available to watch the next day on the City’s YouTube channel.
Our Curbside Junk Removal is coming back!
- Mark your calendars for February 2-6, 2026!
- Residents with city residential trash service can set bulky items like furniture, appliances, tires, and electronics at the curb for free pickup.
- Place items at the curb by Sunday, February 1st, and separate materials into categories (trash, vegetative debris, construction debris, e-waste, tires), and avoid hazardous materials — this service is in addition to regular trash collection.
- For more information and to view a diagram of how to separate your trash, visit keepsumterclean.com
Swan Lake Iris Gardens is set for some major upgrades soon!
- The Sister Wimberly Playground
- A full renovation with modern, nature-inspired equipment.
- Designed for children of all ages and abilities.
- The first major playground upgrade since the 1970s.
- This means the playground will be closed at Swan Lake for most of 2026, until completion.
- The North Entrance Renovation
- We are in store for upgraded walkways, erosion control, new brick-and-stone columns, refreshed steel gates and fencing, and updated planting and irrigation.
This will create a polished, welcoming entrance that honors the Gardens’ history and allows for a great viewing area for the Seven Swans sculpture by Grainger McKoy.
The City of Sumter and Love Sumter are proud to unveil the 2025 Sumter Landmark Series Christmas Ornament.
- This year’s ornament honors Willie “Bill” Pinkney Park.
- Pinkney was a founding member of The Original Drifters, known for hits such as “Money Honey” and “White Christmas.”
- In 2025, Pinkney’s family partnered with the City to relocate the park from Dalzell to downtown Sumter at the corner of Manning Avenue and Davis Street.
- The 2025 Landmark Ornament is available at the Sumter Visitor Center/Gift Shop at Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
For details, call (803) 436-2640 or visit LoveSumter.com.
- Fantasy of Lights – the state’s largest FREE light display - is up and running at Swan Lake Iris Gardens until December 31st!
- Santa’s Village has moved to the green space near the Visitors Center
- You have one more weekend to check out Santa!
- This free event will be open from 6-8 PM on the first three Fridays and Saturdays in December
- For details, call (803) 436-2640 or visit LoveSumter.com.
- Santa’s Village has moved to the green space near the Visitors Center
We invite you to visit and attend a regular City Council meeting, our meetings are typically held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Please note that there will be no meeting on the first Tuesday of July. The next scheduled meeting is January 6th, at 1:00 PM. If you can’t make a meeting public comments may also be submitted online anytime through our website at sumtersc.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.