City of Sumter, South Carolina

09/04/2026

🌳Keeping Sumter Clean, One Street
at a Time!💚

Our City of Sumter employees recently hit the streets to help clean up litter and keep our community looking its best!

During this cleanup effort, our team collected 25 bags of litter throughout the community. 💪♻️

It takes all of us to keep Sumter beautiful! Thank you to our dedicated employees for going the extra mile and helping make our city a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming place for everyone.✨

09/02/2026

🇺🇸 History comes to life right here in Sumter!

City leaders, elected officials, and special guests recently gathered for a reception to explore the American Revolution Experience and learn more about the stories and history behind this traveling exhibit.

There’s still time for you to discover it for yourself!

📍 Sumter Visitors Center
📅 Now through September 17
⏰ Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.

Come see the exhibit and discover the many people, places, and stories that shaped the American Revolution.

08/20/2026

🌟At Tuesday's City Council meeting, we had the opportunity to recognize some of the outstanding students who participated in the Summer Youth Corps program. These young people have shown incredible hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout the summer, and we are proud to celebrate their accomplishments!

From gaining valuable work experience to developing new skills and contributing to our community, our Summer Youth Corps participants have demonstrated the potential and promise of the next generation of Sumter leaders.

We are proud of each and every one of our Summer Youth Corps participants and grateful for the hard work they have put in this summer. Keep shining, keep growing, and keep making Sumter proud!✨

08/13/2026

Behind every tree, trail, and peaceful moment at Swan Lake Iris Gardens is the dedicated work of the City's Parks & Gardens team. Their ongoing care, stewardship, and expertise made it possible for the Swan Lake to once again meet the professional standards required for Level II Arboretum Accreditation through ArbNet and The Morton Arboretum, a recognition of their commitment to conservation and to keeping this space thriving for our community.

We’d love for you to experience the results of their hard work firsthand. Come visit Swan Lake Iris Gardens and see what our team helps make possible!

08/07/2026

💜 Today, the City of Sumter proudly recognizes August 7, 2026, as Purple Heart Recognition Day.

Mayor Pro Tem James B. Blassingame presented this proclamation in honor of the brave men and women who have been wounded or made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation. Their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms represent the very best of America.

As a designated Purple Heart City, Sumter is proud of its strong military heritage and our enduring connection to Shaw Air Force Base, our veterans, active-duty service members, military families, and all who have served.

On this Purple Heart Recognition Day, we invite our community to join us in expressing heartfelt gratitude to every Purple Heart recipient and their families. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

🇺🇸Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice. We remember. We honor. We are forever grateful.

08/07/2026

🎒📚 The City of Sumter wishes all students, families, teachers, and staff a happy and successful school year!

Mayor Merchant has a special back‑to‑school message—take a moment to watch it here:

08/06/2026

Join us at the Sumter Visitors Center August 25-September 17 for The American Revolution Experience, a nationally traveling exhibit presented by the American Battlefield Trust.

In addition to its engaging displays, The American Revolution Experience offers a variety of educational resources, including lesson plans and classroom materials crafted to support educators and inspire students. Teachers and school staff are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

For information about scheduling field trips, please call 803-436-2640.

Sumter is thrilled to welcome The American Revolution Experience, a national traveling exhibit presented by the American Battlefield Trust!

Explore interactive displays, authentic artifacts, and immersive digital experiences that bring America’s founding to life.

📍 Sumter Visitors Center
📅 August 25 – September 17

Educators, this one’s for you too! The exhibit includes lesson plans and classroom resources perfect for engaging students of all ages. Stay tuned for more programming announcements.

Interested in scheduling a field trip? Call 803-436-2640.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience Revolutionary War history right here in Sumter! 🇺🇸

08/05/2026

🏆At yesterday's City Council meeting, the 2026 South Carolina Municipal Achievement Award in Economic Development was presented by Charlie Barrineau to Mayor David Merchant, Sumter City Council, representatives of the Palmetto Tennis Center, and the Williams-Brice-Edwards Charitable Trust. As the winning project, the Philip L. Edwards Tennis Complex showcases the collaboration and shared vision that make Sumter shine.

This recognition reflects the City's continued commitment to investing in projects that strengthen our economy, enhance quality of life, and position Sumter as a destination for world-class sports tourism.🎉🎾

08/04/2026

📚🐾Growing the Next Generation of
Litter Advocates!

At today's meeting, Litter Control Officer Glenn Button and Liberty the Litter Pup presented a new litter advocacy coloring book designed to educate students about the importance of keeping our community clean.

Pictured here with Mayor David Merchant and Sumter City Council, the coloring books will be distributed to schools throughout Sumter during the upcoming school year, helping inspire young residents to take pride in their community and become lifelong environmental stewards.🌎