February 2024 Council Highlights

  • The Mayor and City Council are excited to share news about our January 2024 city-wide junk removal initiative. We removed an impressive 1.2 million pounds of debris from our city streets! We've made strides in clearing eyesores and providing our residents with opportunities to dispose of items that might have been difficult to remove otherwise.
    • Now that we've made significant progress, let's keep this momentum going! Remember, for items unsuitable for regular curbside collection, you should utilize the nine (9) Sumter County Recycling Centers. They are free to use for all City and County residents. Visit com for more locations nearest you. Let's keep the spirit of 'Love Where You Live' alive, Sumter!
  • Thanks to our partnership with Duke Energy, their Foundation presented a $10,000 grant to the City of Sumter last week in support of expanding our youth mentoring and senior fitness programs at the South Sumter Gym. Currently, the gym, located in the middle of the residential areas of South Sumter offers programs serving low to moderate-income African American residents.
    • The afterschool program focuses on empowering students in the community by focusing on academic support and structured physical activities. The program also provides a safe and nurturing environment for children after school while parents work and need childcare assistance.
    • Additionally, the city offers a wide range of fitness classes and activities tailored to the unique needs of our senior residents. These classes specifically help seniors improve their physical health, reduce the risk of injuries from falls, combat loneliness, and alleviate symptoms of depression.
    • We are excited to be able to expand these programs that work in enhance soft skills and academic performance and improve the physical health and well-being of our residents.
  • Recently, the City of Sumter welcomed Chris Singleton to speak at three engaging events at Sumter High School and the Sumter Opera House.
    • Following the heartbreaking attack on Emanuel AME Church in 2015, Chris, son of victim Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, chose a path of love over hate. His mission to combat the culture of division and hatred has taken him across the nation, bringing his powerful message to sports teams, companies, communities, and schools.
    • Through his heartfelt words, Chris emphasized that love triumphs over hate and stressed the importance of listening, discussion, and understanding in eradicating hatred. During each session, Chris encouraged all youth and adults to break down barriers by standing up, embracing someone who looked different, and sharing words of love—a simple gesture that has the power to transform lives.
    • Let us continue spreading love, understanding, and unity in our community.
  • For nearly 90 years, the iconic baseball field at Riley Park has been home to thousands of players in Sumter, SC, including the legendary Bobby Richardson - former Yankees second baseman!
    • Last weekend, we honored his legacy with a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling of the new Bobby Richardson Field. Featuring top-of-the-line improvements like artificial turf, sub-surface drainage systems, MLB standard pitching mount, and infield elevations.
    • Thank you to the Sumter Legislative Delegation - Speaker of the House Murrell Smith, Representative David Weeks, Senator Thomas McElveen, and Senator Kevin Johnson - for the funding and ongoing support for Riley Park.
    • We have more upgrades coming to this historic park soon.
  • The 2024 Litter Community Clean-up dates have begun. Saturday, February 17 groups young and young-at-heart gathered and collected litter along our roads in Sumter. The next clean-up date is scheduled for 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 and pick-up sticks as needed. Call (803) 305-5266 or visit sumtersc.gov/litter.
  • As we have a break on renovations at the Sumter Opera House that opens up schedules to allow for more entertainment. They recently announced four new shows in March in April, including The Ultimate Eagles Experience, Ricky Skaggs, a Celebration of Women Composers, and Jukebox Saturday Night. For full details and tickets visit SumterOperaHouse.com.
  • Did you know that the City of Sumter sends out email and text updates? We send regular updates about city services directly to you – and it’s FREE to participate! Sign up today on our website at sumtersc.gov.
  • Another avenue to catch up on what’s happening in your community is coming up on Friday, March 1st. The State of Sumter allows attendees the opportunity to receive updates from the City of Sumter, Sumter County, Sumter Economic Development Board, and The Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce all at once. This is your opportunity to learn what’s new, what’s coming, what’s concerning, and what should be celebrated! Join us and other business, civic, and community leaders to discuss the state of Sumter and share ideas to plan for a successful future. A hot breakfast will be served.
    • This is a ticketed event and tickets must be purchased in advance through the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce’s website. sumterchamber.com.

Upcoming Events:

  • The 4th annual INSPIRE! Festival is a 6-day food music and art celebration combining unique performances and exhibits from both local and regional talent – March 5-10th. Performances at the Gallery of Art, Sumter Little Theatre, Sumter County Museum and Sumter Original Brewery. Also, check out the Student’s Walk of Art all week displayed in business windows in Downtown Sumter along Main and Liberty Streets.
  • Visit Downtown Sumter on March 23rd for the Sumter Springfest from 2:00 pm - 10:30 pm. There will be an eclectic group of bands offering a wide range of music for all interests. The bands will include, Eddie Rogers and the Sundown Band, the Jake Bartley Band, Lewis Brice, 20 Ride, and Honey & the New Era Band. Lots of food too! For tickets and info visit SumterSpringFest.com.
  • For more events around Sumter visit LoveSumter.com.
  • 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, March 5th at 1 PM and Tuesday, March 19th at 5:30 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.