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 Isle of Palms, 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 Isle of Palms 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 Isle of Palms, however, we focus on serving customers instead of trying to make an easy buck. As locals in the metro Isle of Palms 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 Isle of Palms, 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 Isle of Palms, 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 Isle of Palms, 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
ISLE OF PALMS — Islanders here may have to learn to live with the resident coyotes as shooting the species is illegal on the island, and trapping is the only other option.Officials don’t know exactly how many coyotes live on Isle of Palms, but most of them linger near the Wild Dunes area.Twelve sightings were documented so far this year. And 59 were counted in 2022, according to Ryan Warren, an animal control officer on the island.But the invasive predators have a presence in each of the state’s countie...
ISLE OF PALMS — Islanders here may have to learn to live with the resident coyotes as shooting the species is illegal on the island, and trapping is the only other option.
Officials don’t know exactly how many coyotes live on Isle of Palms, but most of them linger near the Wild Dunes area.
Twelve sightings were documented so far this year. And 59 were counted in 2022, according to Ryan Warren, an animal control officer on the island.
But the invasive predators have a presence in each of the state’s counties. The species is extremely adaptable and detrimental to deer, turkey and other native animals.
Between 20,000-25,000 coyotes are taken annually in the state.
Summertime is when Isle of Palms animal control officers get the most calls about coyote sightings. Visitors often report the coyotes because they don’t realize the animals are residents on the island, Warren said Feb. 22 at a meeting on how to deal with the animals.
“We’re definitely pushing for people to call more,” Warren said. “So maybe that might be why we have more sightings or maybe there’s more out there.”
The city tries to alert residents and visitors of the animals through its website and occasionally on Facebook. And Warren said they will consider adding signs in the area, too.
Coyote dens might be spotted in a number of locations.
In flat areas like Isle of Palms, it is common to see a den dug up under roots of a fallen tree, in brush areas and on the sides of banks, according to Jay Butfiloski, the furbearer coordinator for the state Department of Natural Resources.
The animals are also known to wander in the dunes on the beach here.
In 2021, a 2-year-old Boykin Spaniel was attacked by four coyotes in the sand dunes on Isle of Palms.
Also in 2021, a Mount Pleasant man said coyotes were to blame for the death of two of his cats in the fenced Sandpiper Point II neighborhood.
Missing or deceased pets are good indicators that coyotes could be nearby.
Officials believe the coyotes on Isle of Palms could be coming from Mount Pleasant and other areas.
The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway between Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms is not a barrier for the animals, as they can easily cross it, Butfiloski said.
He recommends people do a number of things to protect themselves and their pets from coyotes.
First, people should keep pets on short leashes and don’t leave them unattended outside where coyotes are known to roam the area.
Habitat management can be considered as a control method, too, Butfiloski said.
Clearing out brush in areas that are highly traveled, like in parks and even yards, could prove beneficial. It will reduce the habitat for the small mammals that coyotes prey on and also prevent them from hiding.
The biggest issues with coyotes in developed areas is typically food and trash-related, though. People are encouraged not to leave food outdoors for feral cats, pets or other wild animals.
“That allows a free meal, it allows them (coyotes) to kind of get habituated to people, and that’s where things get to be a problem,” he said.
While more calls come in about coyote sightings on the Isle of Palms during tourist season, statewide coyote sightings are typically higher in the wintertime, partly due to vegetation, lost foliage and increased breeding activities and movements.
There tends to be a decrease in sightings in the summer when the animals are pup rearing.
“When the pups are young, they’re like kids. They don’t care if they’re very visible whenever a den is nearby,” Butfiloski said. “But it might not be an indicator (that) you’ve got a whole bunch more.”
No hunting license or permit is required in South Carolina for people to shoot coyotes on their property within 100 yards of the home. But local municipalities may have other regulations.
Night hunting is permitted on registered properties or with a depredation permit. Trapped coyotes may not be relocated.
COLUMBIA — Widening a 53-mile stretch of Interstate 95 through lower South Carolina is a newly designated priority for keeping freight moving safely to the Georgia border, but a start date is still years away.While the timeline is still to be determined, work to widen the segment between U.S. Highway 17 in Jasper County and Interstate 26 in Orangeburg County to three lanes each way likely won't start until at least 2030, S.C. Department of Transportation officials say.That's concerning for state Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Isle ...
COLUMBIA — Widening a 53-mile stretch of Interstate 95 through lower South Carolina is a newly designated priority for keeping freight moving safely to the Georgia border, but a start date is still years away.
While the timeline is still to be determined, work to widen the segment between U.S. Highway 17 in Jasper County and Interstate 26 in Orangeburg County to three lanes each way likely won't start until at least 2030, S.C. Department of Transportation officials say.
That's concerning for state Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Isle of Palms, who questioned whether continued patchwork repairs of "the worst roadbed in the entire state" makes financial sense.
"It is literally falling apart," he told DOT Secretary Christy Hall following her presentation to senators last week on the status of the state's highways.
"I actually take (U.S. Highway) 15 instead of the interstate because of the potholes," said Campsen, whose coastal district extends to Beaufort County.
"I see boat trailers abandoned on the side of the interstate because they’ve busted an axle — their springs broke — because they hit a pothole," he added. "You better know where the potholes are to safely drive it. I wouldn’t dare drive 70 miles an hour on it."
DOT is "very much aware of the situation," Hall said.
The twofold problem is unique to that section of interstate through the Lowcountry. Regular washouts erode where the pavement connects to the interstate shoulder, plus soil that tends to stay wet undermines 30- to 50-foot slabs of concrete that rock and crack under traffic, she said.
"When these slabs break, we try to safen them up as best we can, then bring somebody in to do an overnight repair by removing that slab and replacing it," she said. "There is some challenge in that because it seems as soon as you fix one, the next one starts to crack."
The good news, she said, is that much of that cracking is occurring on the southernmost segment where widening work starts next year, and major repairs of the existing lanes south of the I-26 intersection are under contract.
A complete reconstruction has begun of the four lanes — two each way — between the U.S. 17 connection at mile marker 33 and the Walterboro exit at mile marker 68. The $86 million contract includes tree clearing for safety, patching concrete and laying asphalt on top. That work will continue through 2025, said DOT Chief of Staff Justin Powell.
A separate contract of $7.4 million covers patch repairs only on the 18 miles between the Walterboro exit and the I-26 interchange, which started last March and should be done by year's end.
Widening the first 33 miles from the Georgia border will be done in three stages, wrapping up in 2030 with a total price tag of roughly $1 billion, Hall said.
Work on the first 8 miles, to include replacing the Savannah River bridge, will start in 2024, followed by 13 more miles in 2026. Plans calls for the next 12-mile segment, from mile marker 21 to the Ridgeland exit at U.S. 17, to start in 2028.
That construction was accelerated by a $600 million infusion of state and federal money the Legislature approved last year for the DOT's existing plan for interstate widening through rural areas.
In addition to the first 33 miles of I-95 completed at least two years ahead of schedule, a 70-mile segment of I-26 between Lexington and Berkeley counties is on track for completion by 2034 — six years sooner than projected.
Speeding up those projects allowed for more to be added to the priority list for rural interstate widening.
Last month, the state DOT Commission added three. Ranked highest among them was the remaining 53-mile stretch of I-95 to the Interstate 26 connection, followed by 29 miles of I-95 from the North Carolina border to Florence exit 170 — the Buc-ee's travel center exit. Ranking third is a 34-mile stretch of I-26 from the Little Mountain exit in Newberry County to the Interstate 385 split at Exit 51.
It's important to prioritize the movement of freight through rural South Carolina, not just urban centers, said DOT Deputy Secretary Brent Rewis.
"First and foremost, if South Carolina wants to continue to attract business and increase manufacturing, it’s imperative we have a reliable interstate system. Secondly, we need to improve safety," he said. "We also want to make sure we have an efficient system. Hopefully, that will help lower costs from a freight perspective. It doesn't do any good if we have commercial motor vehicles stuck in traffic."
About 9,500 commercial trucks travel daily on the three stretches that total 116 miles. And over the last five years, there were an average of eight accidents per mile involving commercial trucks, he said.
"The bottom line is, it's time to expand our rural interstate program," Rewis told DOT commissioners before they unanimously approved adding the segments to the priority list.
Their addition allows for engineering, environmental studies and long-range planning, not construction in the short term, Powell said.
"A tremendous amount of interstate work is moving forward," Hall said.
Still, legislators were hoping to hear of more work faster.
"That's the welcome to South Carolina — at least, when you're coming from the south," Campsen said about I-95. "And it's not a very welcoming welcome mat when you're coming from Georgia, which has great roads, and then you get to 95 in South Carolina, and it's like no-man's land in World War I with the craters."
Hall reminded senators that South Carolina has the nation's fourth-largest state highway system serving the third-fastest-growing population.
A 12 cents-per-gallon increase to the state gas tax is funding $3 billion of road and bridge work across the state. Legislators approved the phased-in tax hike in 2017, the first for state gas taxes in 30 years. South Carolina gas taxes, at 28 cents per gallon after the increase fully phased in last July, remain 3.2 cents below Georgia's and 12.5 cents below North Carolina's.
"Of course, Georgia has twice the budget and half the responsibility," Hall told Campsen.
The much-anticipated third season of the Netflix hit series “Outer Banks,” filmed in Charleston, is out now.To mark the occasion, Condé Nast Traveler released a video featuring one of the stars of the show, Charleston native Madelyn Cline, who plays “Pogue for Life” Sarah Cameron.In the video, Cline sips sweet tea while revealing some of her favorite pla...
The much-anticipated third season of the Netflix hit series “Outer Banks,” filmed in Charleston, is out now.
To mark the occasion, Condé Nast Traveler released a video featuring one of the stars of the show, Charleston native Madelyn Cline, who plays “Pogue for Life” Sarah Cameron.
In the video, Cline sips sweet tea while revealing some of her favorite places and dining experiences in the Lowcountry. (She admits she was late to work once, stuck in the drive-thru line to get sweet tea; you always squeeze the lemon in, she added.)
“I’m going to personally show you around Charleston,” the actress begins. “What makes Charleston a special place for me, for starters, I am from there, so it is home.”
Cline grew up in Goose Creek, and her family still lives in town.
Among Cline’s favorite spots are:
“Just talking about Charleston gets me really excited, and I hope you guys want to go check it out for yourself,” Cline says while wrapping up the video.
There are 10 episodes in Season 3 of “Outer Banks,” available for streaming on Netflix now.
The first day of spring will be here before we know it, and despite what our dear groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicted, I’m hoping for warmer weather sooner than later.
This month, The Windjammer’s beach stage will be in full force with a variety of gigs, while other outdoor venues like Firefly Distillery and Credit One Stadium gear up for the spring and summer seasons.
While most shows remain indoors for the time being, we have a lot to look forward to. These March concerts are certainly on my radar, from Gladys Knight to Boyz II Men and everything in between.
WHAT: The “Empress of Soul” is coming to town and bringing with her a catalog of favorite hits, from “That’s What Friends Are For” to “Midnight Train to Georgia.”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. March 2
WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive
PRICE: $72+
MORE INFO: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com/events/detail/gladys-knight
WHAT: The Charleston Wine + Food Festival is presenting this show featuring Southern hip-hop group Nappy Roots and DJ BLord. There will be curated food and craft beers to go with the tunes.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. March 3
WHERE: The Music Farm, 32 Ann St.
PRICE: $125 (all you can eat and drink)
MORE INFO: musicfarm.com/event/hip-hops-the-remix
WHAT: Brooklyn, N.Y.-based queer rock band Razor Braids will perform punk rock, while local bands Tree Limbs and Catholics open.
WHEN: 9 p.m. March 3
WHERE: Tin Roof, 1117 Magnolia Road
PRICE: $10
MORE INFO: citypapertickets.com/events/134096760/razor-braids-w-tba
WHAT: Local players Gavin Hamilton, Andy Greenberg, Noah Jones, Sean Bing and Tim Khayat will get together to play a gig that promises funk, soul, rock and jam.
WHEN: 10 p.m. March 8
WHERE: Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway
PRICE: $10 advance, $15 day of show
MORE INFO: charlestonpourhouse.com/event/charleston-the-band
WHAT: This indie folk-rock band behind hits “Rivers and Roads” and “Honeybee” will play the first of three shows at The Riviera Theater marking the venue’s one-year anniversary since reopening to the public. The followups will be Patrick Davis on March 24 and Andy Grammer on April 7. During all three shows, concessions will be 1939-era prices, an ode to the historic venue’s founding date (65 cent local and domestic beers and $1.10 glasses of wine).
WHEN: 8 p.m. March 11
WHERE: The Riviera Theater, 227 King St.
PRICE: $92.50+
MORE INFO: therivierachs.com/shows/the-head-and-the-heart
WHAT: This “evening with” performance will feature They Might Be Giants’ breakthrough album “Flood” in its entirety, along with early favorites, career anecdotes and more from the art rock-meets-children’s music-meets-geek rock band from the ’80s.
WHEN: 8 p.m. March 12
WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St.
PRICE: $35-$55
MORE INFO: charlestonmusichall.com/event/an-evening-with-they-might-be-giants
WHAT: Mark Bryan of Hootie & The Blowfish will perform this tribute show to R.E.M., which also doubles as a St. Patrick’s Day party.
WHEN: 7 p.m. March 17
WHERE: Lo-Fi Brewing, 2038 Meeting Street Road
PRICE: $15-$25
WHAT: Local music blog Extra Chill will present a performance at The Royal American featuring three South Carolina acts. Electrifying and funktastic Leone & The Ascension and psychedelic escapist Leopard & The Diamond Sky will open for lush and luring pop outfit Babe Club.
WHEN: 9 p.m. March 18
WHERE: The Royal American, 970 Morrison Drive
PRICE: $10 cash at door
MORE INFO: theroyalamerican.com/schedule
WHAT: Former marching band students will play eclectic hooks, featuring horns and all, with Charleston’s Orange Doors, while two-piece Athens, Ga., indie rock band Monsoon and two-piece Boone, N.C., instrumental math rock band Cloutchaser open the show.
WHEN: 8 p.m. March 19
WHERE: Music Farm, 32 Ann St.
PRICE: $15 advance, $19 day of show
MORE INFO: musicfarm.com/event/orange-doors
WHAT: The Windjammer is already ramping up its outdoor shows as spring sneaks up on us (The Midnight City on March 3-4, Departure: Journey Tribute on March 17 and Everclear on March 31), but this one will take place indoors. This country concert will feature some local love: Cody Webb, the singer behind “She’s Carolina,” along with another South Carolina native who still resides in Charleston and performed at Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival Festival, Drew Dangerfield.
WHEN: 9 p.m. March 24
WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
PRICE: $10
MORE INFO: the-windjammer.com/event/cody-webb-with-drew-dangerfield-on-the-beach-stage
WHAT: Tribute concert to and celebration of Aretha Franklin, featuring a live band and vocalists.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. March 26
WHERE: Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St.
PRICE: $32+
MORE INFO: gaillardcenter.org/events/r-e-s-p-e-c-t
WHAT: This three-decades-and-running R&B group will play hits from “On Bended Knee” to “I’ll Make Love to You.” Bring your sweetheart, and feel the magic from these crooners.
WHEN: 8 p.m. March 30
WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive
PRICE: $69.75+
MORE INFO: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com/events/detail/boyz-ii-men
WHAT: This annual festival celebrates the late life of Bert Griggs, a live music fan and merch slinger behind Drifter Merch. Tishamingo and George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners will play along with Gavin Hamilton & Friends with Wallace Mullinax, Broken Speakers and Just Groove. A portion of proceeds go to Carolina Studios.
WHEN: 5 p.m. March 31-April 1
WHERE: The Refinery, 1640 Meeting Street Road
PRICE: $20 one-day, $35 weekend pass, $50 VIP one-day, $90 VIP weekend pass
MORE INFO: ticketweb.com/event/drifter-fest-the-refinery-tickets/12897335
Since 2010, the 65-plus age group in South Carolina has grown 48% — more than the national average. In South Carolina, nearly 40% of the population is more than 50 years old. These 2 million South Carolinians are getting ready to retire, or have already retired, hoping to live out their golden years alongside trustworthy neighbors in a quiet and safe community.South Carolina is a wonderful place for seniors to put down roots. There are beaches and mountains, small towns and large metropolitan areas, and historic districts in cit...
Since 2010, the 65-plus age group in South Carolina has grown 48% — more than the national average. In South Carolina, nearly 40% of the population is more than 50 years old. These 2 million South Carolinians are getting ready to retire, or have already retired, hoping to live out their golden years alongside trustworthy neighbors in a quiet and safe community.
South Carolina is a wonderful place for seniors to put down roots. There are beaches and mountains, small towns and large metropolitan areas, and historic districts in cities such as Charleston. However, it is becoming more difficult to maintain a good quality of life, especially for those with fixed and lower incomes, due to increasing housing costs and reduced housing availability.
A key driver of this phenomenon is an increase in short-term rentals. Because South Carolina is also such a desirable place to vacation, Airbnb and Vrbo rentals are popping up across the state, oftentimes taking homes off the market and reducing housing options for local residents. Seniors deserve a place where they can afford to retire safely and comfortably — not a neighborhood plagued by noisy parties, strange neighbors and other unruly behaviors.
As commercially operated short-term rentals continue to proliferate across the state, they are raising alarms among seniors and families who are concerned about neighborhood safety and care about the future of their neighborhoods. Seniors should be able to walk around their neighborhoods and know their neighbors. Parents and grandparents want their children and grandchildren to be able to play outside without worrying about unknown guests next door. If communities begin to fill up with short-term rentals, you might not even know your neighbors — they could change every weekend.
Charleston, Hilton Head Island and Greenville are just a few cities that have already taken action to restrict short-term rentals. However, if South Carolina’s Legislature passes a state preemption bill aimed at changing the oversight of short-term rentals, this will replace any regulations implemented by localities with a one-size-fits-all law that will not adequately address the issue. Local leaders, who know the issues facing their communities, are best equipped to create regulations regarding short-term rentals.
State legislators who are unfamiliar with the nuances of individual cities and towns cannot be expected to create policies that work for the entire state. Charleston, Columbia, Isle of Palms and Rock Hill are all vastly different communities that are affected by short-term rentals differently. It is important to support legislation that allows local leaders to determine what works best for their residents.
As you age and transition from working to retirement, the community you live in becomes extremely important. The fabric of our communities is greatly affected by the continued presence of short-term rentals. As an advocate for America’s aging population, I urge state legislators to oppose any proposal to take away the ability of cities and towns to protect their residents from the negative impacts of short-term rentals that are flooding neighborhoods. Our seniors deserve better than a revolving door of strangers next door. They deserve to feel safe in their own homes.
You can trust your local leaders to make the best decisions for their residents without the state stepping in and taking over. If you have any doubts, look no further than Arizona. In 2016, Arizona passed one-size-fits-all legislation that hurt the housing market with higher costs to rent and buy and increased property insurance prices. The bill was such a disaster that Gov. Doug Ducey signed a new law in 2022 that now gives regulatory power back to local municipalities.
A state preemption law is not the right choice for South Carolina. Legislators can avoid making the same mistakes by opposing a state preemption law and empowering local leaders to make these critical decisions. Ultimately, they will make the best choice.
Saul Anuzis is president of the 60 PLUS Association and the American Association of Senior Citizens.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation is asking residents to weigh in on a preferred concept for the Isle of Palms Connector restriping project. At the transportation committee meeting on Feb. 6, Mount Pleasant council members discussed a new alternative concept presented by town staff that includes a larger multiuse path compared to SCDOT’s concepts.The Town’s concept includes a 14-foot multiuse path on the south side of the bridge (left shoulder when facing Mount Pleasant) with designated bike and pedestrian la...
The South Carolina Department of Transportation is asking residents to weigh in on a preferred concept for the Isle of Palms Connector restriping project. At the transportation committee meeting on Feb. 6, Mount Pleasant council members discussed a new alternative concept presented by town staff that includes a larger multiuse path compared to SCDOT’s concepts.
The Town’s concept includes a 14-foot multiuse path on the south side of the bridge (left shoulder when facing Mount Pleasant) with designated bike and pedestrian lanes, a four-foot buffer between the path and traffic and two 11-foot vehicle lanes with an 11-foot median in the middle. The median provides space for emergency vehicles to pass through, and it could be used as an additional westbound lane off of the island for planned special events or evacuations.
“The main change that was proposed as part of that concept was actually to provide a wider pedestrian lane and a wider bicycle lane, separating those uses,” said James Aton, the deputy director for capital projects and transportation for the Town.
At the base of the connector on the Mount Pleasant side, there’s an option to restripe the road to include two westbound lanes leaving the island.
The Town’s concept is similar to SCDOT’s Concept 3, except SCDOT proposes a 10-foot multiuse path with a six-foot buffer and the median between the two travel lanes is 10 feet. SCDOT’s Concept 4 is a mirror of Concept 3 with the bike and pedestrian lane on the other side of the roadway. However, both municipalities favor the bike and pedestrian lane on the south side of the bridge – in Mount Pleasant it allows cyclists and pedestrians to easily access shopping, restaurants and nearby apartments and the Isle of Palms has infrastructure in place to gather pedestrians on that side.
SCDOT presented five concepts in front of the Isle of Palms city council on Dec. 13 and the Mount Pleasant transportation committee on Jan. 3.
SCDOT’s Concept 1 includes a 10-foot bike and pedestrian lane on the south side of the connector, a six-foot buffer, two 11-foot travel lanes with a four-foot paved median in the center and a 10-foot shoulder on the north side of the bridge. Concept 2 is a mirror of Concept 1.
The first four concepts presented by SCDOT do not add capacity to the connector. On a typical travel day, the center median lane or shoulder lane would be used in emergency situations, whether its drivers pulling over for an emergency vehicle or first responders moving an accident out of the way. It would not be used for travel except for planned special events.
Concept 5 presented by SCDOT creates two westbound travel lanes leaving the island to help reduce travel time on the bridge, especially during the busy summer months. This concept includes the 10-foot multiuse path with a five-foot buffer area on the south side of the bridge.
Another option is to leave the current configuration as is. The Isle of Palms Connector was restriped early 2021 to provide more safety for cyclists and pedestrians. The existing configuration includes bike and pedestrian paths on each side of the bridge in a single direction with a 3.5-foot buffer on each side. There are two 11-foot travel lanes with a 4-foot paved median in the center. Additionally, the speed limit went from 55 to 45 mph.
“The benefits of that [configuration] is you’re separating direction of travel for bikes and pedestrians, sort of improving the overall safety of the interaction of those users,” said Aton.
The main goal for revisiting the restriping, initiated by the City of the Isle of Palms, was to assess emergency vehicle response times and find a solution for traffic leaving the island. Police and fire chiefs for both Mount Pleasant and the Isle of Palms said there have not been any issues getting emergency vehicles through the connector and there have not been any delays in response times.
“It’s not something we’ve seen as an issue,” said Mount Pleasant Fire Chief Mike Mixon, “but [a median lane] would keep the cars from having to move to the side.”
The SCDOT survey opened Jan. 17 and closes after 30 days. To provide input on SCDOT’s five concepts, visit http://bit.ly/3YJMtOZ.
Seven Lucy Beckham High School student athletes signed letters of intent to play their sport at the collegiate level.
“I have the privilege to be around these student athletes who have worked hard at all those practices,” said Athletic Director Scott McInnes at the signing ceremony on Feb. 9. He acknowledged the sacrifices the parents of student athletes make throughout the four years.
Each coach shared a few words about the athletes, plus the athletes had an opportunity to thank family and friends for helping them reach this goal.
Baseball
Lane Lockhart — University of South Carolina Union
Football
Malachi Coakley — Union County
Tierell Milligan — St. Andrews University
AJ Kut — The Citadel
Jack Weil — The Citadel
Track & Field
Allison Kammer — University of South Carolina Upstate
Sam Seifert — The Citadel
Bishop England High School hosted a signing day ceremony on Feb. 1 to celebrate nine athletes who committed to playing sports in college. The student athletes took the stage individually with their parents and coaches as their high school sports accomplishments were recognized.
Swimming
Lindsay Burbage — University of Massachusetts
Matthew Piccard — Virginia Military Institute
Softball
Adelaide Coyle — Erskine College
Football
Tommy DiLiegro — Wofford College
William Poole — Gardner Webb University
Charlie Ranney — Bates College
Track & Field
Maggie Long — Anderson University
Rowing
Sophia Savage — Fairfield University
Baseball
Asher Western — University of South Carolina Beaufort
Football
Zach Hagedon — Old Dominion
Timmy Castain — North Greenville
Swimming
Ben Hutson — Converse College
Gabe Grimm — Lees-McRae College
Soccer
Beck Dean — Furman University
Soccer
Turner Orvin — Johns Hopkins University
Soccer
Maile Merklein — University of South Carolina Lancaster
