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Category: News

SCDNR and SC7 Complete First Week of 2025 Expedition

30-day journey showcasing South Carolina’s natural wonders

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GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. — Braving scorching summer temperatures that soared above 90 degrees each day, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Director Dr. Tom Mullikin and the SC7 team have completed the first week of the 2025 SC7 Expedition, having traversed more than 70 miles of the Palmetto Trail with over 500 participants joining from across the state.

Now in its sixth year, the SC7 (South Carolina Seven) Expedition is a 30-day journey showcasing South Carolina’s natural wonders—stretching from the Upstate mountains to the coastal Lowcountry. The initiative is led by SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin, Michelle McCollum, and members of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with Global Eco Adventures—all committed to highlighting and protecting the state’s rich natural and cultural resources.

The 2025 journey began with a ceremonial send-off attended by South Carolina Senate President Thomas Alexander and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, both of whom have completed the trail in previous years.

“Thank you to SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin for leading the SC7 expedition to shine a light on all our state has to offer residents and visitors. Eco-tourism is a critical part of our state’s economy, and I encourage all South Carolinians to get outside and enjoy it — from the mountains and lakes, to our rivers and beaches,” said Lieutenant Governor Evette.

According to Director Mullikin, one of the most moving moments of the first week occurred on July 4, when the SC7 team summited Table Rock Mountain in honor of America’s veterans. Along the way, participants learned about the recovery of fire-damaged forest areas, with insights from SCDNR Botanist Keith Bradley, who highlighted native species regeneration and the importance of habitat restoration.

SCDNR’s elite Law Enforcement officers were embedded throughout the journey, assisting hikers in challenging conditions, including on the strenuous ascent to Sassafras Mountain, the state’s highest point. Officers provided guidance and support to visitors facing heat-related stress, ensuring safety while also showcasing SCDNR’s on-the-ground role in conservation stewardship.

“Our game wardens are not only law enforcement officers—they are educators, stewards, and protectors of public lands,” said Director Mullikin. “Their presence this week reinforced the mission of SCDNR in the field.”

The SC7 Expedition has attracted widespread attention, with embedded media coverage reaching more than 2 million homes during its first week alone. Local and national outlets have spotlighted South Carolina’s natural beauty and the collaborative conservation efforts of SCDNR and its partners.

South Carolina spans nearly 20 million acres, with more than 3.4 million acres already protected under some form of conservation. With a goal to conserve 10 million acres, SC7 plays a critical role in advancing public awareness of the cultural, ecological, and historical significance of South Carolina’s landscapes. SCDNR supports this mission by bringing expertise, on-the-ground engagement, and educational resources to the expedition—helping to inspire stewardship across all generations.

As mandated by the state constitution, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources serves as the principal advocate for and steward of South Carolina’s natural resources. Partnering with SC7 aligns with SCDNR’s mission to be a trusted and respected leader in natural resource protection and management, balancing wise decision-making for the benefit of both ecosystems and communities.

As SC7 enters week two, the team continues eastward with stops planned in the Midlands before heading toward the Lowcountry. Participants of all ages are encouraged to join hikes, attend educational forums, and support South Carolina’s environmental legacy.

For more information on SC7 events and how to participate, visit: www.southcarolina7.com

AUDIO: Lt. Gov Evette was in Rock Hill this week talking issues and whether or not she will run for Gov in 26

Originally posted by WRHI AM 1340 on July 3, 2025

Lt. Governor Pamela Evette spoke with OTS Media Group’s Manning Kimmel prior to a Town Hall in Rock Hill hosted by America’s Future Trust and the Republican State Leadership Committee.

Click here to listen now!

SC Lt. Gov. attends event giving results of campaign to fight childhood hunger
By Tyler Scott, originally published Jun. 22, 2025 by FOX Carolina

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette joined with AFL, a global leader in fiber optic technology, in Greenville to announce the results from its employee-driven charitable campaign to combat childhood hunger in the Upstate.

AFL is an international manufacturer providing end-to-end solutions to the energy, service provider, enterprise, hyperscale and industrial markets.

The company presented a ceremonial check in a total amount of $1,422,000 to United Way of the Piedmont at an event at the Greenville Drive Stadium at Fluor Field.

SC Republicans cheer as gender-transition care ban for minors upheld by Supreme Court

By Julia Johnson, originally published June 18, 2025 by Spectrum News

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Republican officials in South Carolina are celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision on Wednesday to uphold a Tennessee law barring transgender treatments for minors.

“This ruling is a major victory for South Carolina and the entire country. Protecting our children from irreversible gender-transition procedures should not be controversial — it’s common sense,” Gov. Henry McMaster, R-S.C., wrote on X.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, R-S.C. echoed this sentiment, writing, “Amen! Protecting our kids and America’s future generations is a non-negotiable.”

The court ruled in favor of Tennessee by a margin of 6-3 in the decision.

Attorney General Alan Wilson shared his satisfaction with the ruling, saying in a statement, “Today’s decision affirms what we’ve long argued that there is no constitutional right to subject children to life-altering, experimental medical interventions.”

The Senate Republican Caucus was similarly pleased, sharing a celebratory press release.

“We knew this issue would ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, and today’s decision is exactly what we hoped and prayed for,” said Senator Danny Verdin, R-Laurens.  “The facade of so-called ‘gender-affirming care’ is collapsing as Americans begin to see this ideology for what it really is: dangerous.”

Verdin is the Chairman of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee and authored the Senate version of the “Help not Harm” bill prohibiting transgender treatment for minors, which was signed into law by McMaster in May of 2024.

The law was in legal limbo as parties awaited the outcome of Tennessee’s case before the Supreme Court.

McMaster previously led nine other Republican governors in an October amicus brief supporting Tennessee in the United States v. Skrmetti—the case concerning its restrictions on gender-related treatments for transgender minors.

In the court’s opinion authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, he explained, “This case carries with it the weight of fierce scientific and policy debates about the safety, efficacy, and propriety of medical treatments in an evolving field. The voices in these debates raise sincere concerns; the implications for all are profound.”

But, he maintained, the job of the court was solely to determine whether the Equal Protection Clause was violated.

Meanwhile, advocates with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) voiced their disappointment with the Supreme Court’s decision.

“Today the Supreme Court told Tennessee transgender youth and their families that they cannot access healthcare that is vitally important for a successful life,” said Lucas Cameron-Vaughn, Senior Staff Attorney at the ACLU of Tennessee. “This ruling creates a class of people who politicians believe deserve healthcare, and a class of people who do not. We will continue to stand with transgender people in Tennessee and are committed to realizing a world where all people belong, are valued, and can access the necessary healthcare they need.”

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette to attend 250th Anniversary of the US Army Grand Military Parade

by Tim Renaud, originally posted June 13, 2025 by Count On 2 News

WASHINGTON (WCBD) – Preparations are underway in the nation’s capital for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army’s grand military parade.

The parade will be attended by dignitaries from around the country, including South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette.

Evette will join more than 9,000 soldiers from across the U.S. as they march through the streets of Washington and display some of the military’s equipment.

The parade will feature approximately 130 vehicles, including 28 M1A1 tanks, 28 Bradley fighting vehicles, 28 Stryker armored fighting vehicles, and various other vehicles towing artillery launchers.

There will also be more than 50 helicopters and horses, mules, and army bands. The parade is estimated to cost $45 million.

It gets underway Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette visits Lowcountry to discuss energy, education, taxes

by Summer Huechtker, originally published June 11, 2025 by WCSC Live 5

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette paid a visit to the Lowcountry for a town hall in downtown Charleston.

She joined the America’s Future Trust Social Welfare Organization and the Republican State Leadership Committee at a public town hall at Henry’s On The Market, discussing the future of the country.

Just before the town hall, attendees were able to submit questions to ask Lt. Gov. Evette.

During the discussion, moderated by former Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Joe Semsar, Evette addressed topics ranging from technology and energy efficiency and her recent meeting with the Department of Government Efficiency.

Evette her goal is to get South Carolina to a zero-state income tax state and she touched on how to do that.

“You don’t have to keep leveraging high taxes and pushing it down your citizens’ throats,” Evetter said. “That’s where we are, and we have to keep going.”

Evette made a point to praise the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office’s recent ICE sting at a nightclub, when asked about ICE raids happening across the country. She also praised law enforcement as a whole in South Carolina, saying they have done a great job with de-escalation in other protests in recent months and years.

Evette discussed the need to continue cracking down on human trafficking and the fentanyl crisis in the state.

Big focus points for her were technology, education and empowering the next generation, mentioning the workforce initiative that she started.

“As I was touring around to businesses that employ youth, I was at ZF Transmissions up in the Upstate,” Evette said. “So I met this young man. Super impressive. He said, ‘Yeah, I was going to go to Clemson, but I love what I do so much, I realized I love being hands-on. So ZF Transmission said to finish up my degree in mechatronics, work for a year, and we will send you to Clemson if you figure out you want to do that.’”

Evette said that was a testament to the growth of workforce training and technical colleges in S.C.

“And I said, ‘What do we do to get all your friends on this train?’” she said. “And he said, ‘Tell us why you need us.’”

Evette encouraged everyone in attendance to empower the youth and wrapped up saying she hopes everyone left with a sense of pride for their state and country.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette to address ‘policy priorities’ at Charleston town hall on Wednesday

by Ian Kayanja, originally posted June 9, 2025 by ABC News 4

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — South Carolina’s Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette plans to visit Charleston on Wednesday to speak at a town hall hosted by America’s Future Trust.

Evette, though not formally announced, has mulled a gubernatorial run, holding town halls throughout the Palmetto State. Wednesday’s event will have Evette answer questions related to America’s Future Trust policy priorities while reserving time for questions submitted by attendees.

The visit to Charleston marks the second visit to one of South Carolina’s coastal communities in less than a week.

On Tuesday, June 3, Evette held a town hall in Myrtle Beach, where she emphasized the importance of expanding school vouchers, eliminating the state income tax, and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance government efficiency.

During that town hall, the Lieutenant Governor also shared her support for the state to send more support to technical colleges to promote building upon the need for stronger cybersecurity and a blue-collar workforce.

It can be expected that Evette will field similar questions at Wednesday’s event.

Evette and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster have worked closely with the Trump administration during their tenure. McMaster was sworn in as Governor in 2017 following former Gov. Nikki Haley’s appointment as Ambassador to the United Nations, and Evette was elected Lt. Gov. in November 2018. Both McMaster and Evette were re-elected to four-year terms in 2022.

One of the most recent Republican polls on the state of the would-be 2026 gubernatorial field found that among likely candidates, Evette leads with 31 percent of the vote, according to data from the Trafalgar Group.

Not far behind was Rep. Nancy Mace, claiming 29 percent of would-be voters, who has ramped up her direct attacks on Evette in recent weeks.

Mace is also mulling a run at governor of South Carolina, and recently, the three-term congressmember claimed Evette is an “empty suit” and an outsider from Ohio.

Evette, in turn, has brushed off Mace’s attacks.

No candidate has formally announced their gubernatorial run.

Wednesday’s town hall will begin at 5:45 p.m. and run until 7:15 p.m. Doors for the event open at 5:15 p.m.

It will be held at Henry’s On The Market and moderated by Joe Semsar, the former under secretary of Commerce for International Trade.

South Carolina Lede: Grand Strand with Pam

by Gavin Jackson, originally published June 7, 2025 on SC Public Radio

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for June 7, 2025: state Democrats got a boost with a big special election House seat win; Lt. Gov. Pam Evette continues to test the waters; we look at some of the ramifications of the tariffs on businesses in our region; and more!

Click HERE to Listen Now

‘Big decisions’ to come as Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette considers run for S.C. Gov.

by Andrew Brown, originally posed by My Horry News on June 4, 2025

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette hasn’t announced a run for governor, but she’s moving and speaking like a candidate.

Her most recent stop in the Palmetto State brought her back to Horry County — where she and her family own a home — for a townhall at Veterans Cafe and Grille in Myrtle Beach on Tuesday evening, June 3.

Speaking to a packed crowd of approximately 100 Republicans — many sporting President Donald Trump themed apparel and spilling out the doors of the cafe — Evette shook hands, posed for photos and delivered a message heavy on economic growth and conservative values.

“I’m excited for South Carolina because we have a lot of great things happening,” Evette said.

She fielded questions from the audience, touching on core conservative issues — including cracking down on illegal immigration, backing law enforcement and cutting taxes. But no issue got more of a reaction from the crowd than the idea of eliminating South Carolina’s state income tax.

“I’ll be very clear. We can and will get South Carolina to a zero state income tax. We are U-Haul’s number one drop off state. The secret’s out, people, we can’t turn on a ‘closed’ sign,” Evette said. “We are now competing against other states: Tennessee, Florida, Texas. They’ve done it, and we can do it.”

Evette said her and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster have worked closely with the Trump administration during their tenure. McMaster was sworn in as Governor in 2017 following former Gov. Nikki Haley’s appointment as Ambassador to the United Nations, and Evette was elected Lt. Gov. in Nov. 2018. Both McMaster and Evette were re-elected to four-year terms in 2022.

“I think we have had a great legacy. We’ve seen amazing growth and change within our state, lots of amazing things are happening, and there’s still a lot left on the docket left to do,” Evette said. “I think the key part is just our amazing relationship with the Trump administration and being able to work with them hand in glove. So, I’m really excited about things to come.”

Evette touts workforce development, Trump ties in Myrtle Beach ahead of possible gubernatorial run

by Adam Benson, originally posted by WBTW News 2 June 4, 2025

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Pamela Evette is among the handful of big-name Republicans whose names are tied to next year’s gubernatorial race, and she spent time in Myrtle Beach on Monday touting her record of success.

The Ohio native has been in office since 2019, when Gov. Henry McMaster selected her as a running mate.

Evette hasn’t formally said whether she’s planning a run for the state’s highest office, but has been linked to the job along with other contenders, including U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.

Mace, in particular, has launched attacks against both.

“Gov. McMaster has said that I’m the best lieutenant governor in the country. President Trump said I was doing a great job, so I’ll take their compliments over Nancy Mace’s criticisms any day,” Evette said following a town hall meeting at Veterans Cafe and Grille. “I’m going to continue to do what I do. I’m going to help business, I’m going to work on school choice.”

Evette said she hasn’t yet committed to running for governor, but hinted at the likelihood as she spoke with reporters.

“Now that session is over, this is the time to start to think about what’s going to happen but I do believe this legacy that the governor and I have had does need to continue on. I think it’s been very successful, and it’s worked very well for the people of South Carolina.”

Earlier in the night, Evette said building up technical college systems is the best way to build an employee pipeline for manufacturers.

“We can do better creating a workforce for tomorrow, and we can do that by ‘let’s start reappropriating some of this money going to big colleges, and let’s give it to our technical college system,’” she said. “It is something that I’ve been talking about for the seven years that I’ve been in office.”