📷️ This week’s photo submitted by Emma McMonagle. Congrats to Emma on winning a $10 gift card to Liberty Beans Coffee. Submit your photo here for a chance to win!

 📰 Top Local Headlines -

Local Gators Doing Good…Nearly $50K raised for beloved local commercial fisherman whose boat was hit by lightning.

Hands off our Historic Districts…Mount Pleasant puts halt to developments in Historic Districts.

You’re Gonna Need A Bigger Boat…IOP considers a ban on shark fishing.

Need A Four Legged Companion? - 40 local dogs in need of a home.

🎾 Seriously…Who Came Up With That Name?

Local Pickleball clubs on the rise.

Who Knew…Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, Washington. They created the game as a way to entertain their families with a fun, accessible sport. The game's name is said to have originated from Joan Pritchard, Joel's wife, who compared the mixed-up equipment to a "pickle boat" in rowing.  Whether your looking for competitive action, exercise or a social atmosphere, pickleball may be your thing.

Here’s A Few To Check Out…

1. Pickleball Kingdom - Mount Plesant

2. The Pickle Bar - Summerville

3. Crushyard - Mount Pleasant

4. Pickleball Charleston - Charleston

☕️ Liberty Beans Coffee Co has locals buzzing!

Founders Jim & Diane are keeping our community caffeinated with their bold…never bitter coffee blends and single origins.

This award winning coffee roastery sources beans from around the world. According to Jim, founder and head roaster…”we have several importers which allows us to select the best organic and fair trade beans from around the world.”

***Order today for quick delivery to your door!

Jim spilled the beans (see what we did there ) on the green coffee bean industry. Says Jim…”we only purchase the best arabica beans that allow us to produce incredible tasting coffee without bitterness. Our coffee is known for its low acid content as well”.

Diane also heads up Liberty Beans fundraising programs. “We work with schools, teams, organizations and charities to help them reach and exceed their fundraising goals. For schools and teams, we realized that whatever kids are selling…adults are buying. We work with them to create a custom label for the coffee bags to highlight their organization. It has been tremendously successful!”

To order or find out more about Liberty Beans Coffee, click here.

🍴 Local Bites

Local Chef Shuai Wang of King BBQ was runner up on Top Chef! In the article he dishes up (hehe) on the life of a busy chef.

New York style deli, The Wedge, known for it’s chicken cutlet sandwiches coming to Charleston.

Your weekly Shrimpgate update…Mount Pleasant Seafood has reached a resolution with shrimpers association. Others still on the hook (hehe).

🌆 Five Events This Week

1. High Wire Distilling Co celebrates National Bourbon Day in style - July 14. Whether you're a bourbon novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this class is the perfect way to honor this iconic spirit.

2. Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series - James Island - July 16.

3. Party At The Point - East Coast Party Band - 5pm Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina.

4. Dancing On The Cooper - Mount Pleasant - July 18

5. Live at Firefly — Outdoor concert series, check schedule.

💡 Insider Tip of the Week…SHHH

🍸️ In celebration of National Bourbon Week, here is one of our favorite Bourbon cocktails…

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

½ ounce blackberry syrup

Squeeze of lime juice

3 dashes chocolate bitters (you’ll thank us later)

2 ounces of your favorite bourbon

Ice

Splash of soda water

Add blackberry syrup, lime juice and bitters to a rocks glass. Add bourbon and ice and stir thoroughly. Top with a splash of soda water.

🌟 Hidden Gem

Head to Prohibition for a stellar bourbon list.

🌟 Please support our local sponsors! Thank you! We appreciate you!

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Stay Salty my friends…

Your Local Gator Staff