Hey, Johns Island. This is what you’ll get every Thursday morning: what’s being built, what’s opening, what’s on this weekend, and a straight answer to something neighbors keep asking. Every item links to where we got it.

Roads & growth

Tuesday’s vote decides the southern pitchfork

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, Charleston County voters decide whether to approve a half-cent sales tax for up to 25 years, or until it raises $4.25 billion: $2.702 billion for roads, $858 million for transit and $690 million for greenbelts. The County says it would continue the half-cent tax that began in 2004. For Johns Island, the project list includes the Maybank Highway southern pitchfork and roundabouts. The City of Charleston calls those part of a $65 million project that depends on the tax. The Mark Clark extension isn’t on the list. Read the ballot questions. (We don’t take sides on ballot questions.)

Early voting runs through Saturday, Oct. 31, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Any registered county voter can use any early-voting center, including the one on the island at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3673 Maybank Highway. On Tuesday, polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. What to bring and where to vote

A new roundabout where Main, River and Chisolm meet

Charleston County scheduled the new roundabout at Main, River and Chisolm roads to open Monday, Oct. 19. It’s part of the Main Road Segment A project, which is due in September 2028. Next up is the ramp connection to US 17 northbound, expected by the end of the year. County announcement

Maybank’s fourth lane heads to bid

The County lists the Maybank Highway fourth lane, from River Road to the Stono River bridge, for bids this quarter. Reported start dates range from October to early 2027. Where every project stands

This weekend

The Angel Oak is open Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m., and it’s free. Know before you go
Legare Farms: October hours have been Friday 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m., per the state agritourism listing. Its “Timber Scares” haunted walk runs through October. Confirm with the farm before you go.
Saturday market: the Sea Island Farmers Market runs 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 2024 Academy Road, year-round. More things to do

Openings & closings

Closed: The Heyday, the restaurant and bar at 605 Kindred Court in Hayes Park, closed Oct. 25. It opened in April 2025. Post and Courier
Coming soon: Stono’s Oyster Bar, 2409 Maybank Highway, is aiming for spring 2027. What Now Charleston
Coming soon: Locals Sushi & Sports Pub is taking over the former Blu Smoke Pit space at 1804 Crowne Commons Way. What Now Charleston
Coming soon: Asian Hibachi Grill, 3575 Maybank Highway. What Now Charleston

Every opening and closing we’ve tracked is on our openings and closings page. Know about one we missed? Send us a tip.

Island answers

How old is the Angel Oak, really?

Older than the country, though probably not as old as some websites say. The City of Charleston estimates 300 to 400 years, and other credible estimates run to 500. We couldn’t find a credible source for the 1,500-year figure you’ll see online. And as of May 21, the tree is on the National Register of Historic Places, the first tree in South Carolina to be listed on its own. The full answer

Before you go

Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30. Under the 2026 state plan, Johns Island is in evacuation Zone B, not Zone A as older documents say. Your zone, route and alerts

That’s the preview. Subscribe below and Issue 1 lands in your inbox on a Thursday morning.

Hey Johns Island