8300 Dorchester Rd Ste B, North Charleston, SC 29418
Hiring the right electrical contractor is essential whether you're selling your home and need a repair addendum, installing a new EV charger, or updating your warehouse's electrical systems. Sure, taking a DIY approach to some tasks isn't a bad idea, but when wiring and electricity are involved, it's always best to rely on licensed, insured electricians in Folly Beach, SC. When you need a team of expert electricians with decades of combined experience, no company fills that need quite like Sievert Electrical Contractors LLC.
Here at Sievert Electrical, we've been keeping Folly Beach and the Tri-State area powered up since 2016, providing the highest quality electrical services for residential, commercial, and industrial needs. Some of our specialties include:
Unlike other electrician companies in Folly Beach, however, we focus on serving customers instead of trying to make an easy buck. As locals in the metro Folly Beach community, we know how hard it is to find trustworthy electrical contractors. Like money, they don't just grow on trees. That's why we strive to be the Tri-State area's premier source for reliable electrical contractors who prioritize hard work, fair pricing, and customer service over everything else.
As a locally-owned and operated electrical company, we believe in putting our customers first. We focus on hard work, attention to detail, and stellar customer service to achieve that goal. You won't ever have to worry about unmotivated workers or unreliable service at Sievert Electrical Contractors. Our licensed, insured electricians in cityname, state, are experts in their trade and equipped with the tools to handle all your electrical projects, large or small. From home EV charger installations to upfits for industrial warehouses, we provide peace of mind when you need it most.
At the end of the day, our vision, mission, and values help remind us of what's most important in our industry: you, our customer. As our customer, you can rest easy knowing we'll take all the time needed to fully understand your electrical needs. In learning about your pain points, we can explain the best options to resolve them and provide you with the best service possible. Call us old-fashioned, but we believe in building long-lasting relationships with our customers, whether they're residential or commercial clients. Instead of tricky fine print and awkward upselling, we've built our business on integrity, respect, and customer service. It's really that simple.
By working with our team of licensed electricians, you're giving yourself and your family or employees comfort, knowing that you're getting the best workmanship around. And when you look at our reviews, our customers agree. When you hire the Sievert Electrical team, you benefit from:
It's no secret that you shouldn't play around with electricity. Whether you're building a new pool or installing an EV charging station, hiring an experienced electrical contractor is a no-brainer when your safety is on the line. Why risk your health or a family member's health when you can trust Sievert Electrical to get the job done right the first time out?
Our licensed and insured electricians bring decades of combined experience to the table, as well as:
High-Level Training: Every member of the Sievert Electrical team must undergo rigorous industry training for residential electricians.
Accuracy & Safety: Our technicians excel at attention to detail to ensure your electrical needs are met with care and precision.
Knowledge & Education: Our electricians are happy to share their knowledge with homeowners and go the extra mile to explain the procedures and techniques used to address your electrical issues.
Looking to add value to your home? Installing a spa or pool is a wonderful idea to add to your list. Plus, your backyard barbecues will be much more fun. The process of installing a pool or spa isn't something you can handle on your own, though. You will need a team of experienced electricians in Folly Beach, SC to ensure your system is set up correctly. That way, you can enjoy your pool or spa for years to come, and it'll be in great working order when it's time to sell.
Installing a pool or spa is a very involved job that includes more than digging out space for a pool or spa. These units are very complex and have a whole host of electrical needs, from heating units and filters to color-changing lights that wow your guests. Having a professional install these parts is vital. Otherwise, you'll be swimming in a dirty, near-freezing pool or spa.
Hiring Sievert Electrical Contractors guarantees your pool or spa will be in proper working order for years and years.
Finding a reliable EV charging station when you're out and about is still a gamble in this day and age. While EV charger availability is improving, most EV owners prefer to have a charging station installed at home. But doing so is easier said than done and often requires the help of a professional electrician.
If you're like most homeowners, you don't have the proper permit to install your own EV charging station. For that reason alone, you need to rely on a pro who has the right tools and electrical know-how to handle the job. Plus, EV chargers need much more voltage than standard electrical systems you may find in your home. That makes installing these devices much more dangerous than average appliances. Hiring Sievert Electrical Contractors to install your charging station ensures it's completed quickly, correctly, and safely.
South Carolina's hurricane season is nothing to take lightly. Every year, homeowners in the Lowcountry prepare for high winds, heavy storms, and even evacuation. One of the best ways to protect your home and family in the event of a power outage is to purchase a standby or portable generator that can power your home when electricity is out.
At Sievert Electrical, we offer the equipment and electrical services needed to keep your lights on during emergency power outages. As an Authorized Generac dealer in South Carolina, our standby and portable generators can give you the power you need when it matters most. Contact our office today to discuss what type of Generac generator is best for your home or business.
It's always a safe choice to rely on professionals than yourself when electrical matters are involved. That's true for generator installation, too. At Sievert Electrical Contractors, our team uses OSHA and National Electrical Code standards when installing residential and commercial generators. We know how to properly install generators, maintain them, and recommend them depending on your needs.
Because we truly care about your property and your family, we always take great care to operate with safety and efficiency in mind. When we're done, you'll know without a doubt that you made the right choice hiring our electricians in Folly Beach, SC
If you're searching for a trusted partner for commercial electric needs, Sievert Electrical Contractors have the tools, talent, and training to address all of your commercial electric issues. Our team has spent years helping professionals in a wide range of industries, from small offices to sizeable warehouses and every kind of commercial enterprise in between.
Without properly working electrical systems, you can't serve your customers. And when you can't serve your customers, you can't put food on the table for your family. That's why, when you own a business, you need a reliable team of electricians to keep your business up and running.
At Sievert Electrical Contractors, we know how important electricity is for your daily operations. We understand that you need every facet of your business to run smoothly so you can focus on making a profit, not working in the dark. That's where we come in.
Are you building a new storefront or physical location for your business? After your foundation is set and the frame is up, it'll start taking shape. But before you can open your doors, you've got to make sure your building is wired with a functional electrical system. Otherwise, you'll be using candles to light your office.
Sievert Electrical Contractors provides the highest quality new construction wiring for your commercial needs. Our wiring projects are always completed by licensed, insured electricians who are masters of the trade. That way, you have confidence knowing your business is in good hands.
With electrical systems, the smallest mistakes often lead to the biggest failures. In worst-case scenarios, you may have to deal with an electrical fire in your new construction building. Trusting professional electricians to handle the job correctly is the best way to keep your property safe and wired correctly.
Here at Sievert Electrical Contractors, one of our many commercial services involves turning working vehicles into vehicles that work for you. Whether you're an electrician or occupy a different profession, our commercial upfit services will help make your workday easier and more productive, so you can be more profitable.
Our commercial upfits help experts with a wide range of issues, including:
Organization: One of the most common complaints we hear from tradespeople and business owners is that their trucks or vans are an organizational mess. Our upfit services help you get organized, so you're not having to toss important tools into the back of your truck.
Efficiency: With our commercial upfits in place, you won't waste time trying to find all those items you had to toss in the back of your truck. Our upfits let you carry more gear, maximize your space, and ultimately be more productive.
Professionalism: When you travel to a client's home or business, you need to present a proper image of professionalism. You'll give the wrong impression if your work van is messy and disorganized.
Don't see the commercial electric service you need? Chances are we can still help. Give our office a call today and let us know about the challenges you're facing. In the meantime, here are some additional commercial services that we offer:
Are you fed up with spending money on new fuses? Do your employees nag you about weird electrical glitches that interrupt their workflow? If so, it's time to call Sievert Electrical. Our team of commercial electricians will diagnose and remediate your electric panel problems quickly and effectively.
Installing or updating the panels in your industrial facility protects you, your co-workers, employees, and your building from electrical fire risks. Electrical panel installation from our electricians in Folly Beach, SC is important because it protects your other electrical systems, which prolongs the overall lifespan of your system. Safety is always our top priority at Sievert Electrical Contractors, which is why we believe the right way is the only way to install or upgrade your industrial-grade electrical panels.
Our industrial panel services include:
When it comes to electrical repair services, serving industrial needs is often more comprehensive and complex than those in the residential space.
Industrial electricians must deal with more complex electrical systems. These advanced systems often need different equipment and tools when repairs to industrial-grade elements are required. Unlike residential repairs, in industrial settings, electrical systems are usually custom-made for the facility and include unique parts with higher voltages than in the typical home. And while no electrical issue is good, industrial failures have massive repercussions that can often shut enterprises down when their temperature control, machinery, and automated PLCs are affected.
For those reasons alone, you need the best electric pros to perform industrial-level electric repairs. Fortunately, Sievert Electrical Contractors is here to help. Our industrial electricians have the experience and expertise to tackle the most complicated industrial electric repairs, whether you own a warehouse, medical center, or another type of industrial facility.
Don't leave your home or business in the hands of unqualified handymen or unlicensed contractors. With decades of combined experience, Sievert Electrical Contractors specializes in a wide variety of custom electrical services. We go the extra mile to exceed expectations, because that's how we would want our families treated. Call us today to discover the Sievert Electrical difference.
843-873-6331
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Folly Beach is using new marshfront data to update its 2023 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan.The barrier island floods more and more every year due to sea level rise. That’s why the city hired a local coastal geologist to map the marsh and see how it plays into the landscape.Elko Coastal Consulting President Nicole Elko and those working with her spent the summer of 2022 surveying and mapping what’s called the critical line of the marsh. They took satellite measurements every 20 ...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Folly Beach is using new marshfront data to update its 2023 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan.
The barrier island floods more and more every year due to sea level rise. That’s why the city hired a local coastal geologist to map the marsh and see how it plays into the landscape.
Elko Coastal Consulting President Nicole Elko and those working with her spent the summer of 2022 surveying and mapping what’s called the critical line of the marsh. They took satellite measurements every 20 feet to the elevation of where the marsh ends and where the upland ecosystem begins.
“In our survey of the critical line, we found that the critical line sits at an elevation of about eight feet relative to our tidal datum. So, if you’re out here on Folly, we talk about six-foot tides, we talk about eight-foot tides-- that’s normally your king tide. It’s that one that’s starting to come up over the marsh, perhaps cause some flooding on the island,” Elko explains.
This information can be used to map sea level rise and understand how the landscape will change in coming years. For the city, they will use the information to adjust irrigation, assess the seawall and plan infrastructure to grow with the changing environment.
“The guidance tells us that events that we’re seeing now are going to happen 10 times more often by 2050. So, in less than 30 years. We are going to be seeing these inundating king tides which are happening once a month now happen 10 times a month. So it’s going to have a significant impact on all coastal property as well as the way the city is managing the infrastructure here on the island,” Elko says.
For people who live on the island, like Kristen Phillips Kappel and her daughter Drayton, the natural wonders are what drew them to Folly.
“I like when we walk down the beach and find like different kinds of animals like one time we found this really weird thing and we looked it up. It was called like, an onion...a sea onion,” Drayton says.
The mother daughter duo believe cataloguing, protecting, and growing with nature is essential to Folly’s community.
“It’s absolutely enhanced our life to be able to have this beauty of nature around us and kind of live in synchronicity with it. We take a lot of walks and we probably have our best talks when we’re walking,” Kristen says.
Elko says while the State and Army Corps of Engineers along with hired coastal geologists have surveyed the beaches and replenished that land for year, there hasn’t been the same focus on the marsh. Yet, the marsh also has a significant impact across barrier islands.
“The marshes are the nursery grounds for all of the fish that end up in the ocean as well as oysters, crabs, etc. It’s very important resource for us to maintain with sea level rise with climate change over the next five to 10 years. We’re already seeing some more routine flooding on the island. So, the ocean is kind of crossing that critical line boundary more often than it has in the past,” Elko says.
Elko will present her findings to Folly Beach City Council at Tuesday’s regular meeting. Her advice to the city is to collect new data every three years on the marsh.
You can read her report in the agenda on pages 3-18.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) – Folly Beach is gearing up to welcome in the new year with a flip flop drop and Bill Murray look-a-like polar plunge.The annual tradition of the flip flop drop has ushered in the new year at Folly Beach since 2011. A giant pair of sparkling flip flops will descend from high above Center Street as a crowd of celebrators count down to the new year on Saturday, ...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) – Folly Beach is gearing up to welcome in the new year with a flip flop drop and Bill Murray look-a-like polar plunge.
The annual tradition of the flip flop drop has ushered in the new year at Folly Beach since 2011. A giant pair of sparkling flip flops will descend from high above Center Street as a crowd of celebrators count down to the new year on Saturday, December 31st.
Crews with Folly Beach Public Safety were practicing for the big event on Wednesday.
“The crowds, they keep coming to the Flip Flop Drop- they normally stop off at the business establishments and get revved up as we get closer to about 11 o’clock or so. The crowds begin building up around the ladder truck in anticipation of the flip flop drop,” said Deputy Director Rocky Burke with Folly Beach Public Safety.
There will also be a Bill Murray look-a-like polar plunge that happens on New Year’s Day. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best Bill Murray costume before jumping into the cold Atlantic Ocean in front of the Tides hotel.
“A lot of brave souls come out for that and jump in that cold water,” said Burke. “You know, on January 1, dressed in bikinis and things of that nature and a lot less clothing, braver than me.”
And of course you can always enjoy the brand new Folly Beach Pier which opened on the day after Christmas. A lot of people are already taking advantage of what is once again another beautiful place to spend some time enjoying Folly Beach.
“We just want people to come have a good time. Spend your money, have a good time and do it in moderation- be safe about what you’re doing and enjoying the flip flop drop,” Burke said.
Festivities for the Flip Flop Drop start at 11:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve with the drop happening at midnight. Meanwhile, the Bill Murray costume contest takes place New Year’s Day at 10:00 a.m., following by the plunge at 11:00 a.m., and a party at the Tides hotel at noon.
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - A date has been set for Folly Beach residents to vote on whether or not the city will limit investment short term rental licenses.This comes after a citizen petition to cap short term rental licenses at 800 units, which represents about one third of the island.After verifying the signatures, the city decided not to outright adopt the petit...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - A date has been set for Folly Beach residents to vote on whether or not the city will limit investment short term rental licenses.
This comes after a citizen petition to cap short term rental licenses at 800 units, which represents about one third of the island.
After verifying the signatures, the city decided not to outright adopt the petition, but to put it to an island-wide vote.
Now residents are preparing to cast their ballots. The special election will be Feb. 7, 2023. The election is at-large and by majority. Permanent residents, or people whose primary address is on Folly Beach can vote. Voters must be registered by Jan. 8th to participate.
Ann Peets, a nearly decade long Folly resident, has been actively following the petition.
“Basically it’s every single-family homeowner with 4% tax status. Any condominium owner or any long-term renter whose primary residence is Folly Beach can vote,” Peets says.
The following precincts will be able to participate: Folly Beach 1, Folly Beach 2, James Island 1A, and James Island 1B. Polling will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Baptist Fellowship Hall (61 West Indian Folly Beach) on the day of the election.
Peets signed the original petition for a cap and plans to vote in favor of the cap. She says it’s important that every resident is prepared to vote and knows how the petition will affect them and Folly as a whole.
“For any information or answers or frequently asked questions as you’re getting ready to vote, we encourage you to check the Folly Beach Residents Facebook page, where we post all the facts and frequently asked questions,” Peets says.
If you cannot vote in person on Feb. 7 in the special election, you can vote early or absentee. Early voting is from Jan. 23 – Feb. 3 of 2023. Early voting hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Charleston County Board of Elections office (4367 Headquarters Rd. North Charleston, SC 29405). To learn how to absentee vote you can reach out to the Charleston County Board of Elections at 843-744-8683.
On behalf of those who signed the original petition, Peets says she is looking forward to the vote.
“We feel like we had a really good, high number of people turn out for the petition to really share their views. And we just hope that everybody remembers that to take it all the way through. They’ve got to go to this referendum and cast their ballot. But we are feeling very positive. We feel like there’s a lot of groundswell around making sure that Folly stays Folly and stays funky and family and livable, and basically that we can strike a balance with the investors on the island so that everybody can kind of keep things in a nice balance between us,” Peets says.
Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Looking for the best beaches for surfing in the United States? Our country is home to numerous action-packed beaches suitable for both beginners and experts. Large and powerful waves account for an unforgettable experience that make the surfer’s time in the water worthwhile. On the other hand, manageable or low waves build a perfect beginner’s guide to understanding the height of waves. If you’re ready for the ultimate adventure, you may be wondering which beaches experts agree are the very cream of the crop in the U.S. for...
Looking for the best beaches for surfing in the United States? Our country is home to numerous action-packed beaches suitable for both beginners and experts. Large and powerful waves account for an unforgettable experience that make the surfer’s time in the water worthwhile. On the other hand, manageable or low waves build a perfect beginner’s guide to understanding the height of waves. If you’re ready for the ultimate adventure, you may be wondering which beaches experts agree are the very cream of the crop in the U.S. for surfers.
Now, if you are a surfing fan, you might love this recent study that reveals a wave’s “sweet spot” for surfers. Mastering the menacing waves of the Pacific Ocean is no easy chore. Researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California sought to figure out how to find the most forceful part of a wave — the area that will most efficiently propel the surfer forward. “Based upon the speed and geometry of the wave, you can determine the conditions to surf a wave and also where on the wave the maximum acceleration, or ‘sweet spot,’ will be located,” says study co-author Nick Pizzo. The authors say that the location can be found right inside the curl of the breaking wave.
And for your safety from shark attacks, we recommend you read this study that says wearable technology could save swimmers and surfers from shark attacks. The gadget was developed by Australian scientists, who hope the device will help reduce such frightening events. While shark attacks are very rare, they have a severe impact on the victim and their family, with a third of survivors experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being bitten. Researchers also point out that while the chances of being eaten by a shark are slim, more and more people are staying out of the water.
Coming back to the topic, places like Florida, California, the Carolinas, and Hawaii have enormous beaches perfect for diving into the fun. Our list of the best beaches for surfing in the U.S. is based on the most recommended locations across nine expert reviews. If you have a beach that’s a must-visit for fellow surfers, please leave your suggestion in the comments below.
ParkSleepFly says Florida’s Cocoa Beach tops their own list with a score of 8.32 out of a possible 10. “In Cocoa Beach, which produced world-renowned surfer Kelly Slater, the average sea temperature is a balmy 80 degrees, and there are 78 surf breaks packed in almost 12 miles of coastline,” they write in their review. “The beach is also trending online, with more than 3,000 surfing-related Instagram hashtags and 5,800 Google searches.”
According to Trip Savvy, “Situated about 45 minutes from Orlando on Florida’s “Space Coast,” Cocoa Beach is a renowned surf town that’s home to two of the world’s best surfers (Caroline Marks and Kelly Slater) and a favorite for surfers of all levels.”
Gotham mentions that Cocoa Beach is a great place not just for surfing, but simply to spend the day. “Enjoy a visit to the Kennedy Space Center and world famous surf breaks all in one visit. Surrounded by gorgeous maritime forest and a lovely beach town, Cocoa Beach is a great surf destination for those looking to unwind. With year-round warm temperatures and waves suitable for beginners and pros alike, this spot is the place to be if you’re in search of a slice of paradise.”
“No Best Surf Locations in America list would be complete without Cocoa Beach, Florida. Home of the world famous surfer Kelly Slater, Cocoa Beach isn’t something to turn your nose up at. This beach has calmer waves that are perfect for beginners and longboarders and with a few different spots providing these kinds of waves, there’s no shortage of options on where to surf all on a single beach,” states Surfing Waves.
“Oahu’s North Shore is what surfing legends are made of as the home of the Triple Crown of Surfing competitions and the birthplace of many internationally known surfers. Also referred to as the ‘Seven Mile Miracle,’ this is where you’ll find the world-famous Pipeline surfing break. Winter swells roll in and push up onto a very shallow reef that creates some of the most incredible waves, forming spectacular rideable barrels that pro surfers dream about, ” writes travel blog Trips to Discover.
57 Hours adds: “There is every kind of surf break here, from reefs to points to beach break and everything in between. Some of these breaks have become legendary names in the lexicon of surf history: Sunset Beach, Velzeyland, Gas Chambers, Rocky Point, Waimea Bay, Chun’s Reef, Haleiwa, and the notorious Banzai Pipeline, which is regarded as one of the best, if not the best wave in the world.”
Gotham ranks it on the top and writes, “As one of the most iconic strips of sand in the world, this spot is definitely worthy of its ranking as a top surfing destination. With world-class surfing conditions and plenty of great eateries and shops that line the surrounding streets, this spot is great for surfers and explorers alike!”
“Known for its beautiful boardwalks, abundance of longboards and incredible surf, Huntington Beach is a great destination for a day of play,” says Gotham. “Take a post-surf walk on the eight miles of stunning beach. With a mild climate and lively skate and surf culture, Huntington is sure to provide great memories on your next excursion!”
10 Best writes: “There’s a reason Huntington Beach is known as ‘Surf City USA,’ as this destination is home to year-round surf conditions making it an ideal place for newcomers who wish to learn how to shred, or at least stand up, on their board.”
Trips to Discover calls Huntington Beach a “mecca for wave lovers” (and their pets) in its review. “It was the stomping ground of surf pioneer George Freeth over a century ago and Duke Kahanamoku, the Big Kahuna, who chose it as his base in later decades. You’ll find surf schools, surf camps, and surf shops in the town center while popular places to ride the waves include the Huntington Beach Pier, which holds the U.S. Open of Surfing. Huntington Dog Beach even hosts its own dog surfing competition every year in late September, so you can bring your skilled four-legged best friend to get in on the fun.”
We’ve already ranked the historic city of Charleston as one of the Best of the Best Places to Retire. As it turns out, not too far down the street is one of the best beaches for surfing in the U.S. “This chill surf town is 20 minutes south of Charleston, making Folly Beach an awesome place for a surfing and culture trip. While the west coast and Hawaii see more consistent swells with longer rides, if you hit Folly Beach on a hurricane swell, you won’t be disappointed. If you are in the Southeast, Folly Beach is one of the best surf beaches in the area,” writes Trip Outside.
Why is The Washout such a perfect spot for surfer? According to Salty Home, “It is a long beach break that can become quite powerful during hurricanes swells or northeastern swells.”
Adds TripSavvy: “In South Carolina, the lovely Folly Beach draws surfers who enjoy a laid-back vibe and a pumping surf break. Located just south of Charleston, Folly Beach is a favorite local getaway on the Atlantic Ocean—with a pier, several parks, and an abundance of shops, restaurants, and great family fun. New and experienced surfers here can enjoy several waves in the area year-round, as the temperatures here are relatively mild. If you’re seeking lessons, there are a number of surf shops to choose from, including Oceans Surf Shop and McKevlin’s Surf Shop.”
Many surfers might be shocked that this location isn’t number one on the list. “Santa Cruz is world renowned as one of the top surfing towns, offering everything from gentle waves to massive and dangerous crashing swells,” writes Trips to Discover. “Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point are the most popular spots, with the latter a favorite for its variety, ideal for both first-timers and the pros. Steamer Lane hosts the Cold Water Classic Surf Contest and attracts onlookers year-round as one of the most beloved places to surf on the planet.”
According to Trip Outside, “Santa Cruz is arguably the best place to surf in Northern California, and one of the best places to surf in the world. The water’s cold, for sure, but there are tons of breaks for all levels–from very beginner to extreme expert,”
Surfing Waves says, “Also known as ‘surf city’, Santa Cruz is quite possibly one of the best locations for surfing in the whole of California, if not the whole of America. Pleasure Point and Capitola Beach make for perfect surfing for beginners, with calm waves, or for a step up there is Cowell’s beach if you want to practice your wave catching. Steamer Lane offers surfing for the more experienced, or for anyone who likes a bit of seafood, the Crow’s Nest restaurant is a good place to settle at the end of a long day’s surfing. Check out the little Surf Museum there also. FYI: you’ll need a 4/3 wetsuit as the water can be a little chilly.”
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
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FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — You won't be hearing the sounds of turtles splashing their way to the ocean yet from Folly Beach and surrounding sea turtle hot spots.But efforts continue to make sure when sea turtle season kicks off on May 1st that the creatures' path to a long life is as clear as can be.It’s pretty darn critical. We’re constantly, every season dealing with disorientations with the turtles. Where they get distracted by the lighting on the beachfront," said Eric Lutz, the City of Folly Beach's ...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — You won't be hearing the sounds of turtles splashing their way to the ocean yet from Folly Beach and surrounding sea turtle hot spots.
But efforts continue to make sure when sea turtle season kicks off on May 1st that the creatures' path to a long life is as clear as can be.
It’s pretty darn critical. We’re constantly, every season dealing with disorientations with the turtles. Where they get distracted by the lighting on the beachfront," said Eric Lutz, the City of Folly Beach's Director of Public Works.
Lutz says the City's ordinance 151.45 deals directly with artificial nighttime lighting coming from properties right off the beach.
That lighting can impact a hatchling's travels during hatching season.
City officials and marine biologists say the light draws the turtles toward that source instead of following the horizon and straight into the Atlantic Ocean.
According to Lutz, “we’ve seen tracks of 40 and 50 turtles heading the wrong way, not towards the ocean, dead turtles on the beach the next morning. It happens more often than people would think.”
The City's Business License Official, Stacee Ritche said, “We have a very active turtle season here....Mothers are 30 years old before they can come to nest. And if there are lights on or you know, noise or holes or anything that, that could hamper them nesting they will turn around and go back to the ocean.”
Both Lutz and Ritchie say they want enforcement of the ordinance to include warnings and education about what needs to be done instead of just giving out fines.
The rules impact homeowners, property owners, property managers and renters.
Ritchie says, "the guests can receive a citation. The property manager can receive a citation, as well as the owner.”
According to Ritchie at least five violations led to convictions in court last year. Those convictions came with a $500 fine.
However, Ritchie says all of those convicted have fixed up their homes to comply. And many more warnings were given.
Lutz tells us it's not necessarily locals who violate the ordinance, "in fact the majority of our issues most years tend to be with the rental properties because they have new guests coming in every week that don’t know the rules. They may not be from the coastal areas.”
Lutz and Ritchie say it's up to the owner or manager of the property to inform any guests about the rules of the beach.
Some of the injured turtles find their way to the South Carolina Aquarium.
Cait Crosby, the Senior Sea Turtle Biologist tells us, "any sea turtle that is found on our coastlines or in our waterways is brought to us the by the South Carolina Department of Resources Marine turtle program."
Crosby says it's important to keep turtle movement during the night free of artificial factors if possible.
Crosby and the Folly Beach officials say compliance can start now, months away from May and there are tips to handle the situation while walking the beach this Summer.
"If you're going to be out on a beach, a sea turtle nesting beach specifically, you want to have a red flashlight. with you if you can. Or a red filter on your cellphone," says Crosby.
Meanwhile Lutz has several tips that should be followed to get your property ready:
"After 10 pm during turtle season they have to have lights out or they have options for shading on the interior of the windows, blinds. They make special blinds you can use to black it out, or you can actually switch to low wattage bulbs, similar to like a bug type bulb.”
