Sam Robertson

Samantha Robertson

Content & Platform Strategy Manager

Sam is based in Columbia, SC and previously worked in PR marketing for several local brands and startups in the Soda City before joining COLAtoday as a City Editor in 2021. When she’s not content creating, she loves staying active, brunching around town, rooting for the Gamecocks, and spending time by the rivers.

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A shot of highrise buildings in downtwon Tampa. The sun is shining on the towers and there are palm trees in the foreground.
Culture
Our readers’ local horror date stories
We get it — dating is scary. Share your horror date stories that still haunt you to this day.
October 21, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
columbia
Government
Here’s how to join a city board or commission in Columbia
Want to get involved locally but don’t know how? Browse through the City of Columbia’s city boards and commissions that have vacancies and apply.
October 18, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
Aerial view of the Dallas skyline
Food
Come on, dish: What Dallas restaurants and meals do you miss most?
We want to know — What Big D restaurant or meal sparks nostalgia in your bellies and hearts, and why?
October 17, 2024
 · 
Mitch Hooper
On a fall day, two people wearing pumpkins on their heads pose for a kiss. One wears a khaki jacket and black pants, and the other wears jeans and a long-sleeved white shirt. Leaves are all around them on the ground, and a wooden fence is behind them. In the background, trees are changing color with the autumn season.
Culture
Got ghosted? Share your Austin dating horror story
Now’s the time to spill the local date fright that keeps you up at night.
October 17, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Shade Lovers COLA-Lead Story Image Crop.png
Travel and Outdoors
Grow some shade in Columbia, SC 🌳
Join in on the initiative created by Columbia Green.
October 17, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
GVL_COLA_Dating_Horror_Stories_OCT2024
City
Our readers’ local horror date stories
We get it — dating is scary. Share your horror date stories that still haunt you to this day.
October 16, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Peak Drift Brewing Facility
Food
Updates on Peak Drift Brewing
Peak Drift Brewing Company is expanding locally + globally, announced a new taproom menu, an shared updates on the brewery.
October 16, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Holiday light display Columbia Fireflies segra park
Events
Preview of this year’s Fireflies Holiday Lights
This year’s Fireflies Holiday Lights promises to be bigger, better, and brighter. See what packages, food options, and activities are available for the whole family.
October 14, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Vicious Biscuit
Food
Recently opened or coming soon restaurants in Forest Acres
Get ready for more espresso, teas, and baked goods, Soda Citizens. Construction on the Lazy Daisy Coffee Co. coffee shop is supposed to start in the fall and open in early 2025. Check out a handful of recently-opened restaurants in Forest Acres.
October 10, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
State Fair Food.png
Food
10+ new food options at the SC State Fair
You can’t spell friend without fried — This year’s SC State Fair will take place Wednesday, Oct. 9, and run through Sunday, Oct. 20.
October 10, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Government
Updates on the progress of restoring the historic Columbia Canal
Since the historic flooding in 2015, the Columbia Canal has needed repairs. The City of Columbia + Columbia Water held a briefing to share how the restoration will be done by December 2027.
October 8, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Segra-Park-Columbia-Fireflies-stadium
Volunteer
The Columbia Fireflies are hosting a Hurricane Helene disaster relief drive
For three days, Segra Park will transform into a donation drop-off site to garner supplies for the Asheville and Augusta communities.
October 4, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Food
Participate in Restaurant Week happening around Columbia
Enjoy local meals and deals through Restaurant Week, happening around Columbia from Thursday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 13.
October 3, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
Helene-9451.png
Government
Helene’s impact on SC and disaster relief resources
Gov. Henry McMaster announced assistance programs for several counties across SC to help aid in disaster relief from Helene. Plus, find local resources + updates on Helene’s impact.
September 30, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Riverbluff high school
Education
25+ elementary, middle, and high schools in Columbia
We’re giving you all the pertinent details about some of the elementary, middle, and high schools in Columbia so you can make the best decision for your family.
September 30, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Flooding on Blossom.png
Weather
How to prepare for severe weather in Columbia
Here are some resources to help keep you and your family safe when severe weather rolls into Columbia.
September 26, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Events
Local annual gingerbread house competition is scheduled for November
Get out your rolling pins + roll up those sleeves, Soda Citizens because NoMa Warehouse announced the date for the annual gingerbread house competition, benefitting a nonprofit.
September 24, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
congaree river
Government
A new Water Resources Working Group (WaterSC) is tasked with developing a state water plan
An Executive Order 2024-22, issued by Gov. Henry McMaster, announced the formation of WaterSC — a new water resources working group — to protect the state’s water resources.
September 24, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
AsWellAs.png
Business
As Well As: a coffee shop, boutique, wellness studio, and community space rolled into one
From specialty coffees to infrared workouts, As Well As — a multi-concept space in Rosewood — blends wellness and cafe offerings.
September 20, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Fried chicken from Zesto
Sports
A how-to guide for building a local tailgate in Columbia
In case you missed it — tailgating is a pretty big deal in Columbia. This is your how-to-guide on preparing the tastiest tailgate in town.
September 20, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Image Studios.png
Business
Almost 30 salon studios owned by Image Studios are coming to the BullStreet District this November
Image Studios will offer private, customizable spaces to independent local beauty professionals to own + operate their own fully-equipped mini-salon suites.
September 19, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Freedom Park in Charlotte with a lake and trees.
Culture
How to find your third place in the Charlotte area
Third places are public, informal gathering spaces that you frequent in your community.
September 17, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Sports
Ray Tanner leaves role as Athletics Director
Ray Tanner will transition to senior advisor to the president as USC begins searching for a new athletics director.
September 13, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
Old MIll Pond Trail.png
Travel and Outdoors
The Old Mill Pond Trail is open for Lexington locals to enjoy
Nine years after the unprecedented flooding in Columbia, the Old Mill Pond Trail is now open for locals to stroll.
September 12, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
State House-4442.jpg
Weather
Rainy days are coming: Columbia’s 2024 fall weather forecast
Prepare for fall weather in the the Capital City with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.
September 12, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
9/11 memorial and 5K walk
Events
Here are the details for the Morning of Remembrance Ceremony
Gather together with local community members for the ‘Morning of Remembrance Ceremony as Cola honors SC’s first responders + military service members.
September 10, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Columbia’s skyline at night. | Photo by Timothy M.
City
Breaking down the tourism impact for the Columbia area
Visitation increased from 15.8 million in 2022 to 16.4 million in 2023. We’re breaking down some other tourism stats + we’ll give you ways to get involved and keep the ball rolling as citizens.
September 10, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
State House reflection-8532.jpg
Small Business
How a new law addresses liquor liability insurance in South Carolina
SC small businesses are facing closures due to rising liquor liability insurance premiums. A new law hopes to address that.
September 5, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
Columbia Fall Scapes
Travel and Outdoors
4 drivable fall destinations within four hours of Columbia, SC
Southern Living released a list of 15 fall foliage destinations and we’re breaking down four destinations that are within four hours of Columbia so you can see the leaves change before they fall in fall.
September 4, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
River Access Point 2.png
Travel and Outdoors
The City of Cayce announced a new river access point on the Congaree River
If you enjoy floating down the river, the City of Cayce introduced a new and open access point on the Congaree River that will offer families more recreation river use.
August 29, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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