Swift Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration
At Coastal Property Restoration, our water damage mitigation company is always prepared to respond quickly to water damage emergencies. That's because we truly care about our customers and never subject them to half-measures or mediocre work. At the end of the day, we're passionate about restoring the lives of home and business owners who are devastated, confused, and looking for trustworthy water damage restoration.
To help achieve that goal, we use years of expertise and modern, state-of-the-art equipment to remove moisture and standing water from your property. In doing so, we can help protect your family or staff while restoring your quality of life. But you've got to act fast - damage from water in your home or business can spread quickly and just affect every aspect of your property, from its roof to its foundation.
So, if you're trying to put the pieces back together after a water loss, it's time to contact Coastal Properties LLC. With one call, our team of experts will arrive at your home or business to remediate your water damage in Charleston, SC, using advanced tools, superior drying techniques, and detailed documentation. We aim to restore your property to its pre-loss condition so you can return to living a normal life again.
Our team of licensed and insured water damage clean-up professionals uses a streamlined process to address your needs ASAP:
Dealing with an emergency that needs to be addressed sooner than later? With 24-hour service, we're here for you day and night, no matter how severe your water damage issue may be.
Water is undoubtedly essential for our planet, but it can also be incredibly destructive. Among all the potential disasters that could harm your property, water damage ranks high. It has a tendency to sneak into small, unnoticed areas where it can cause warping and discoloration, whether it's from a severe thunderstorm or a tiny leak. Even a small amount of water can be deceptively expensive, costing thousands of dollars if not addressed immediately.
The most concerning part is that it can happen in an instant, catching you and your family off guard. However, by keeping these common causes of water damage in mind, you can take steps to prevent water from causing damage to your property.
Unsure what might be causing water to enter your home in South Carolina? Call Coastal Property Restoration as soon as you can so our team can come to your property and conduct an inspection.
Get a QuoteIn the United States, South Carolina is among the top five states with the greatest number of hurricanes, with a total of 30 making landfall. This accounts for 10.10% of all the hurricanes in the country. While five of those hurricanes were classified as being major (Category 3), smaller hurricanes and even minor rain showers can result in significant water damage clean-up in Charleston, SC.
Properly functioning gutters are essential for directing water away from your home, especially during fall leaf season when clogs are common. However, when gutters do become clogged, rainwater can accumulate and flow over the edges, causing potential leaks into your attic, walls, or basement. It's important to ensure your gutters are free of debris to prevent any water damage to your home.
Water heaters that are old or not properly installed have a tendency to develop leaks. Sadly, these leaks can be quite severe and result in the accumulation of several inches of water in your basement or crawlspace.
Pipe leaks may start small, but they can have devastating consequences. Whether it's loose-fitting pipes under your kitchen sink or old drainage systems under your home, water from a leak can cause serious damage to your property. Not only can it ruin prized possessions and warp wallpaper, but it can also create conditions for mold growth, even with just a small amount of moisture present. It's crucial to address any leaks as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Some other common causes of water damage in residential homes include the following:
As a reputable water damage restoration company in South Carolina, we get questions all the time from misinformed customers asking what the differences are between restoration, mitigation, and remediation. We get it - to the untrained individual, they all sound about the same. But each serves a special purpose in the process of eliminating water from your home or office.
You can think of water mitigation as an emergency response meant to stop and contain water so that it doesn't cause any more damage to your property. Often, mitigation includes an inspection of the damaged area and an advanced water extraction process to ensure a hazard-free workplace.
This stage often involves a detailed clean-up and removal of residual water from the property. Water damage techs will also remove furniture and other items affected by the water damage and dispose of any contaminated materials. During this phase, blowers and pumps may be used to dry areas of the property. Sometimes, boards or tarps are used to protect the property as needed. From there, a final cleaning usually takes place that can include deodorizing and sanitizing items that can be salvaged from water damage. It should be noted that sometimes water mitigation and remediation overlap. For instance, remediating a contaminant from an area of your home might involve mitigating damage to something like a pipe that has burst.
In this final stage, water damage restoration professionals help ensure that moisture levels in the impacted areas are back to normal. They take care of replacing the damaged drywall, repairing the floors that have buckled, and fixing the ceilings affected by water. Additionally, they clean and restore the items that are still in good condition. All of these measures are taken to bring your property back to its original state before the damage occurred. Think of it like this: Water remediation focuses on completing temporary tasks, while restoration centers around more permanent solutions.
While the water damage clean-up steps listed above might sound interchangeable, each addresses a crucial step in the remediation process. If you're working with a water damage restoration company and they tell you otherwise, know that they're perpetrating a myth. Speaking of myths, here are a few of the most common ones that we have run across in our time as water restoration experts.
You can think of water mitigation as an emergency response meant to stop and contain water so that it doesn't cause any more damage to your property. Often, mitigation includes an inspection of the damaged area and an advanced water extraction process to ensure a hazard-free workplace.
Call NowThis stage often involves a detailed clean-up and removal of residual water from the property. Water damage techs will also remove furniture and other items affected by the water damage and dispose of any contaminated materials. During this phase, blowers and pumps may be used to dry areas of the property. Sometimes, boards or tarps are used to protect the property as needed. From there, a final cleaning usually takes place that can include deodorizing and sanitizing items that can be salvaged from water damage. It should be noted that sometimes water mitigation and remediation overlap. For instance, remediating a contaminant from an area of your home might involve mitigating damage to something like a pipe that has burst.
Call NowIn this final stage, water damage restoration professionals help ensure that moisture levels in the impacted areas are back to normal. They take care of replacing the damaged drywall, repairing the floors that have buckled, and fixing the ceilings affected by water. Additionally, they clean and restore the items that are still in good condition. All of these measures are taken to bring your property back to its original state before the damage occurred. Think of it like this: Water remediation focuses on completing temporary tasks, while restoration centers around more permanent solutions.
While the water damage clean-up steps listed above might sound interchangeable, each addresses a crucial step in the remediation process. If you're working with a water damage restoration company and they tell you otherwise, know that they're perpetrating a myth. Speaking of myths, here are a few of the most common ones that we have run across in our time as water restoration experts.
Call NowWhen it comes to water damage restoration, there's a lot of information out there that can be misleading or downright incorrect. This can be especially frustrating for property owners who are caught off guard by unexpected leaks or floods. To make matters worse, there are several common myths about water damage that can actually make the problem worse if you're not aware of them. To help clear things up, we've debunked three of these myths below.
It's important to remember that water damage can often go undetected. Water has a sneaky way of hiding in all sorts of nooks and crannies throughout your home, including behind walls, in carpets, under floors, and in ceilings. The problem with these materials is that they're porous, which means they not only hide water, but they also absorb it. Even if it appears that everything has dried out, the moisture that's lurking beneath the surface can still cause serious damage over time.
That's why it's crucial to take action and not let water dry on its own. If left untreated, it won't simply evaporate; it will be absorbed. Fortunately, the expert technicians at Coastal Property Restoration are equipped with top-of-the-line equipment to help locate and eliminate any hidden moisture or trapped water. You can trust us to thoroughly dry out your home and protect it from any further damage.
Dealing with water damage restoration and preventing further damage requires swift action, as time is of the essence. The longer water remains, the more extensive the damage becomes. The response window is narrow, less than 24 hours, and within this timeframe, mold growth may occur, creating an entirely new set of issues. Plus, salvaging materials in your home after prolonged exposure to water is challenging, so the best course of action is to respond immediately to water damage.
We understand that this can be challenging, but working with a reputable water damage cleanup service like Coastal Property Restoration can make all the difference. Our team can respond promptly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on your life while we take care of your home. The bottom line? If you've got water in your home or business, don't waste any time. Call a trusted water damage restoration company ASAP to minimize losses, mitigate damage, and prevent the risk of mold.
The saying, "Everything heals with time," is not a phrase that applies to mold in your home or business. As mentioned above, it's important to act quickly when dealing with water damage, as mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours. The musty odor that comes with mold won't stay contained to the affected area; it will eventually spread throughout your entire home.
It's crucial to take the necessary steps to stop mold growth and spread, including proper water extraction, drying, dehumidification, and sanitization. Additionally, any saturated materials, such as couches, carpets, floors, and drywall, must be treated properly to eliminate the musty smell. To ensure your home is fully restored and smelling fresh after water damage, it's best to have a professional clean-up crew go through each step of the process to guarantee no moisture is left behind.
Water damage can be a major setback for any commercial property and business, causing loss of revenue and productivity. But fear not; Coastal Property Restoration has got your back with skilled technicians and reliable water damage restoration services. As a savvy business owner, however, it's important for you to stay vigilant and look out for early signs of water damage to your property so you can take action before it becomes a major problem.
It's important to thoroughly inspect the piping both inside and outside the building. Pay close attention to any signs of oxidation or corrosion around pipe fixtures, and don't forget to check your water heater for rust as well. If you do notice corrosion or rust, it could be an indication of a water leak that needs to be addressed promptly.
Mold can begin to grow less than 24 hours after water has compromised your business. If you see any signs of mold growth where there have been leaks, contact Coastal Property Restoration ASAP to diagnose the problem.
Water damage can usually be identified in businesses by dark spots on walls and ceilings, with older damage likely showing rings around the stain. Multiple rings with varying shades may indicate an intermittent problem, where the area has been repeatedly soaked and dried.
As the owner of commercial property, it's important to stay aware of your building's pipe system. Being knowledgeable about what's old and new, and identifying areas at risk for water damage is key. Areas with a higher potential for leaks, especially during rainstorms, should be monitored closely.
When a commercial property owner observes rust on equipment or AC units of a building, it is highly probable that water damage is the root cause. This could be an indication of an unaddressed old leak in the vicinity. It is crucial for property owners to seek assistance from a specialist to assess the extent of the damage.
It's important to thoroughly inspect the piping both inside and outside the building. Pay close attention to any signs of oxidation or corrosion around pipe fixtures, and don't forget to check your water heater for rust as well. If you do notice corrosion or rust, it could be an indication of a water leak that needs to be addressed promptly.
Mold can begin to grow less than 24 hours after water has compromised your business. If you see any signs of mold growth where there have been leaks, contact Coastal Property Restoration ASAP to diagnose the problem.
Water damage can usually be identified in businesses by dark spots on walls and ceilings, with older damage likely showing rings around the stain. Multiple rings with varying shades may indicate an intermittent problem, where the area has been repeatedly soaked and dried.
As the owner of commercial property, it's important to stay aware of your building's pipe system. Being knowledgeable about what's old and new, and identifying areas at risk for water damage is key. Areas with a higher potential for leaks, especially during rainstorms, should be monitored closely.
When a commercial property owner observes rust on equipment or AC units of a building, it is highly probable that water damage is the root cause. This could be an indication of an unaddressed old leak in the vicinity. It is crucial for property owners to seek assistance from a specialist to assess the extent of the damage.
Effective water damage clean-up is an essential process that requires a high level of expertise to ensure your property sustains minimal damage. Selecting the best water remediation company is equally important, especially when it comes to the health of your family or your customers. Whether your kitchen is full of standing water because your dishwasher overflowed or your business is at risk because of an extensive pipe leak, our team of trained and certified experts is only a phone call away, 24 hours a day.
Contact our office to discover the Coastal Property Restoration difference and what separates our water damage mitigation company from others in South Carolina.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Those both for and against the transportation sales tax are making their last-ditch effort to sway undecided voters.Two separate news conferences were held on Wednesday. The first urged voters to vote yes and the second urged voters to vote no.If the tax is renewed, Charleston County residents would pay a half-cent sales tax for 25 years, starting in 2027. From that money, $5.4 billion will go toward 22 large-scale transportation, drainage and greenbelt projects.Officials for the tax say the ren...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Those both for and against the transportation sales tax are making their last-ditch effort to sway undecided voters.
Two separate news conferences were held on Wednesday. The first urged voters to vote yes and the second urged voters to vote no.
If the tax is renewed, Charleston County residents would pay a half-cent sales tax for 25 years, starting in 2027. From that money, $5.4 billion will go toward 22 large-scale transportation, drainage and greenbelt projects.
Officials for the tax say the renewal is necessary to fund several projects that will relieve traffic congestion and accidents.
They believe voting no is a vote to kill Charleston’s transportation program.
“It doesn’t have anything to do with some agenda, we just need to get it done,” North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess said. ”If we can get it done, the county, city and state can do so much more around that. It’s time, it’s time.”
Vice Chairwoman Jenny Honeycutt is in favor of the tax and says there’s a lot more to do as the county continues to grow.
“One of the very misleading messages is that parts of the county may not gain as much from this, but we are regionally connected, and it has always been our priority to make sure every area is represented,” Honeycutt said. “In other sales taxes, east of the Cooper has seen much more improvement while Johns Island and south parts of Charleston haven’t, and now it’s their turn.”
Officials against the tax say the only project listed as a priority is the Mark Clark Extension, which will consume almost half of the entire 2024 tax and lead to overdevelopment.
Councilman Larry Kobrovsky is voting no and wants to see council to create something that covers all needs of the county in a fiscally responsible manner.
“They are hundreds of millions of dollars short of being able to build those other things and they aren’t committed to it, those other projects are just a wish list,” Kobrovsky said. ”There’s no way of knowing whether or not it’s going to be done. I ask people to vote now and make us come back with something that is definite.”
The decision is up to the voters, and we’ll know what they’ve decided in less than a week.
For more information on the referendum, click here.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County council members met Tuesday night and approved to be a part of the Tax Increment Financing District, or TIF, for the redevelopment of Union Pier.Charleston mayor William Cogswell presented the redevelopment plan for Union Pier last month and county officials said they had until Nov. 4th to vote on if they wanted to be a part of it or not.A TIF is a public financing tool designed to stimulate private investment in a blighted area.Using a TIF system will allow the city to ...
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County council members met Tuesday night and approved to be a part of the Tax Increment Financing District, or TIF, for the redevelopment of Union Pier.
Charleston mayor William Cogswell presented the redevelopment plan for Union Pier last month and county officials said they had until Nov. 4th to vote on if they wanted to be a part of it or not.
A TIF is a public financing tool designed to stimulate private investment in a blighted area.
Using a TIF system will allow the city to divert the property tax revenue generated by private redevelopment projects into a fund to pay for public infrastructure projects. This includes stormwater drainage, public spaces like parks, water access, as well as affordable housing at Union Pier.
Essentially, it will increase the assessed value of the property in the project area, which will lead to higher tax revenue.
Currently, Union Pier does not bring in any tax revenue. Cogswell said that this private investment could be worth about $2 billion, with it anticipated to generate $47 million in tax revenue annually in 30 years.
However, Charleston County School District, Charleston County and the City of Charleston would not see that tax revenue from the project until the 30-year financing period is over.
CCSD was approved to be a part of the Union Pier TIF on Monday night. Part of the school district’s deal with the city was that they had to surrender their office space located at 75 Calhoun St., leaving that additional 30,000 square feet to CCSD.
Charleston County also made an intergovernmental agreement with the city to get their approval for this TIF. With that agreement, the city would be giving up ownership of 294 parking spaces located in the Cumberland Street Garage. The money that comes from people who pay to park there would then be going back to the county. The city will still have the option to use those spaces however they’d have to pay the county 30.6% of the operating costs.
Charleston County Council member, Brantley Moody, said he is looking forward to seeing the redevelopment of Union Pier. One concern he had previously mentioned was making sure that the county had its expenses covered for the next 30 years.
“So the area as it grows, we are going to see apartments come there, hotels, restaurants and things like that, that the county has to provide services for whether its EMS, 911, and things like that, so my big concern was making sure we had a revenue source to cover those costs and I’m confident that we do,” Moody said.
Another Charleston County Council member, Jenny Honeycutt, also said that she was excited to see what would come out of this project.
“The county is really looking forward to what the city can do with this incredible resource we have. We are very glad that we have a local partner willing to redevelop this area and the county is happy to be partnering in that,” Honeycutt said.
The IGAs for both the school district and the county will go to the City of Charleston on Nov. 4 for a second and final reading.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Two ballot questions up for vote in next week’s election have Charleston County residents split, with notable advocacy groups and community leaders loudly proclaiming their opposition.Charleston County is seeking to extend a half-penny sales tax previously passed in 2016 to generate $5.4 billion to pay for large-scale infrastructure projects — including the extension of Interstate 526 across Johns Island. Almost half of all funds raised through the half-cent tax (about $2.3 billion) would go toward the interstate project, ...
Two ballot questions up for vote in next week’s election have Charleston County residents split, with notable advocacy groups and community leaders loudly proclaiming their opposition.
Charleston County is seeking to extend a half-penny sales tax previously passed in 2016 to generate $5.4 billion to pay for large-scale infrastructure projects — including the extension of Interstate 526 across Johns Island. Almost half of all funds raised through the half-cent tax (about $2.3 billion) would go toward the interstate project, including more than $600 million to pay interest costs on a tax-backed loan worth $1.8 billion.
At an Oct. 15 Charleston County Council meeting, dozens of residents and local advocates spoke for roughly an hour during a special public comment period. Those who spoke against the sales tax pointed to its unclear language, the unfinished projects from the 2016 tax and grievances with the Mark Clark extension project as reasons to vote against the measure.“The county has already failed to pursue all but one of the projects from the previous sales tax,” one speaker said.
The new tax would also pay for millions of dollars of work that was supposed to be covered by the 2016 referendum. About 5% of the new tax’s revenue, or $282,223,000, would go toward “carryover projects” from the 2016 sales tax.
“Once more, we’re back where we started again,” another said. “It’s time to start from scratch.”Meanwhile, groups like Citizens for Safe Roads, a grassroots movement, support the referendum.
In its “Vote Yes” campaign, the group said: “The transportation sales tax potential distributions include billions for road improvements across Charleston County necessary to improve the safety of dangerous intersections; reduce response times for EMS, fire, police; improve hurricane evacuation routes; and reduce traffic injuries and fatalities.”
Altogether, the funds raised by the sales tax would be allocated to:
Opponents say lumping the massive Mark Clark extension project with other, crucial improvements is unfair to voters.
“Charleston County voters deserve to make informed choices when they head to the polls. They should not be forced into an all-or-nothing decision,” Coastal Conservation League Executive Director Faith Rivers James said in a statement. “Voters deserve the right to vote for preferred needed improvements — like Greenbelt and CARTA funds — without being forced to support the destructive and unnecessary Mark Clark extension as the priority project.”
Republican County Council member Larry Kobrovsky of Sullivan’s Island added that there’s no guarantee all of the projects funded by the new sales tax would be built, either, adding to the uncertainty of the measure.
“My fear is that we will jeopardize ongoing projects from the [2016] sales tax,” he told the Charleston City Paper in a previous report. “By lumping it all, we’re holding hostage all these other projects to 526.
“When people vote on this, they think the projects will be built,” he said. “This is just a fantasy. … There’s no guarantee we will have the money to finish these projects. How can we in good faith put out something that we don’t have the money for? To me, that wouldn’t be ethical or fair.”
A second question on the ballot would approve the issuance of up to $1 billion in bonds to the county payable from the new sales tax. If passed, the new sales tax would be active starting in 2027 and remain in place for no more than 25 years, or until a matching total of $5.4 billion in returning revenue has been collected.
Election Day may look a little different this year. Up to 140,000 Charleston County voters are expected to have voted before Nov. 5, according to county election officials, which will make it much smoother at the polls for same-day voters, projected to be about 80,000 people.Here is a list of all candidates in contested races who will be on Charleston Countyballots to help readers prepare to check the box when they arrive at their polling locations.
District 1 — Nancy Mace (Republican, incumbent); Michael B. Moore (Democrat)
District 6 — Duke Buckner (Republican); James Clyburn (Democrat, incumbent); Gregg Marcel Dixon (United Citizens); Joseph Oddo (Alliance); Michael Simpson (Libertarian)
District 20 — Kendal Ludden (Libertarian); Ed Sutton (Democrat, incumbent)
District 41 — Rita Adkins (Democrat); Matt Leber (Republican)
District 43 — Chip Campsen (Republican); Julie Cofer Hussey (Democrat)
District 44 — Brian Adams (Republican, incumbent); Vicky Wynn (Democrat)
District 15 — J.A. Moore (Democrat, incumbent); Carlton Walker (Republican)
District 80 — Kathy Landing (Republican, incumbent); Donna Brown Newton (Democrat)
District 110 — Tom Hartnett (Republican, incumbent); John Moffett (Democrat)
District 111 — Wendell G. Gilliard (Democrat, incumbent); Joe Jernigan (Libertarian)
District 112 — Peter Brennan (Democrat); Joe Bustos (Republican, incumbent)
District 114 — Gary Brewer (Republican, incumbent); Adrienne Lett (Democrat)
District 115 — J. Warren Sloane (Republican); Spencer Wetmore (Democrat, incumbent)
District 116 — Charlie Murray (Democrat); James Teeple (Republican)
District 119 — Brendan R. Magee (Republican); Leon Stavrinakis (Democrat, incumbent)
District 3 — Hayden W. Seignious (Republican); Rob Wehrman (Democrat, incumbent)
District 7 — Brantley Moody (Republican, incumbent); Sydney Van Bulck (Democrat)
9th Circuit Solicitor — David Osborne (Democrat); Scarlett A. Wilson (Republican, incumbent)
Sheriff — Kristin R. Graziano (Democrat, incumbent); Carl Ritchie (Republican)
Coroner — Frank Broccolo (Democrat); Bobbi Jo O’Neal (Republican, incumbent)
Treasurer — Mary Tinkler (Democrat, incumbent); Mike Van Horn Sr. (Republican)
District 2 — Carolina D. Jewett; Ed Kelley (incumbent)
District 4 — Kevin D. Hollinshead; Craig Logan
District 6 — Daron Lee Calhoun II (incumbent); Michele Leber; Samuel Whatley II
District 8 — Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson (incumbent); Michelle Faust; Charles Glover Sr.
District 1, St. James Santee — Thomas Legrant Colleton Jr.; Chayann Lashay Simpson; Marie Snyder-Facine
District 3, James Island — Sue McManus; George Tempel
District 4, Cooper River Area 3 — Lala B. Fyall; Jametta L. King
District 4, Cooper River at Large — Michael Garnett; Jametta L. King
District 9, St. Johns — Bill Antonucci; Pat Cline; Gertie S. Ford; Cedric I. Solomon
District 10, St. Andrews — Francis Marion Beylotte III; Joy Brown; Piare A. Powell
District 20, Peninsula — Downing Child; F.X. Clasby
District 23, St. Pauls — Blanche Bowens; Marvin Lamar Bowens; Tiffany Deas-Smalls; Elijah Hammer Dent; Damian M. Jones; Richmond Truesdale
The Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections is reminding voters to double-check their polling locations ahead of the 2024 general election next week,as some locations in the county have moved.
Of the locations that have moved, one is in McClellanville, six are in Mount Pleasant, three are in North Charleston, one is in West Ashley and one is in Hollywood.
Charleston County residents can check their polling location and make sure their voter registration is up to date online at chsvotes.gov.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 5.
It’s not too late to vote early, but time is running out.
Voters can cast an early ballot at seven locations through Saturday. Early voting is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Polling locations:
Help keep the City Paper free.No paywalls.No subscription cost.Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.
[empowerlocal_ad sponsoredarticles]
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Charleston County School District has now approved and adopted a new rule to regulate which books are allowed in public schools.The approval came from Monday night’s Board of Trustees meeting but was discussed more in-depth Tuesday at a news conference with district leaders.Tuesday’s event was held at Edith L. Frierson Elementary School on Wadmalaw Island because the school jumped from an unsatisfactory rating to excellent on the state report card in just one year, with the district wan...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Charleston County School District has now approved and adopted a new rule to regulate which books are allowed in public schools.
The approval came from Monday night’s Board of Trustees meeting but was discussed more in-depth Tuesday at a news conference with district leaders.
Tuesday’s event was held at Edith L. Frierson Elementary School on Wadmalaw Island because the school jumped from an unsatisfactory rating to excellent on the state report card in just one year, with the district wanting to highlight that achievement.
The news conferences are a new initiative for the district to hold after each Board of Trustees meeting to help offer more transparency and access to Charleston County schools.
Superintendent Anita Huggins focused on major topics from the night before including the approval of the Union Pier TIF, instructional materials and the cellphone ban.
Specifically focusing on the book ban vote from Monday night, the South Carolina Department of Education implemented a new law this summer which left the CCSD with really no choice in approving the policy.
“Since the summer and since we’ve had more knowledge about this regulation, we have been working to ensure that they (principals) know the support that we want to offer them and to their teachers,” Huggins said.
The state law completely bans material for any age group if it includes visual depictions or descriptions of sexual conduct. It also outlines a process for someone to challenge them all the way up to the State Board of Education.
Board members were presented with multiple, very detailed policies that are aligned with state regulations and unanimously approved each specific policy.
One of the major changes in the regulation now requires teachers to catalog books which puts a challenge on educators to select and retain materials.
“Our principals, they have welcomed the opportunity to really ensure that the content of the curriculum that we’re choosing, the materials are rigorous and they’re appropriate for the age with which the students that they’re serving,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Luke Clamp said. “So they’ve not necessarily been concerned, but really it’s an opportunity.”
When asked about feedback from parents, Huggins said there are two very different views from parents…
“We hear from parents who want students to have access and opportunity related to books of all content, and then we have parents who want a voice in what their students read and have access to in our library media centers across the district,” Huggins said.
The regulation allows the State Board of Education to have the final say in local disputes over what materials are appropriate, ranging from school library books to even those read by an afterschool student book club.
The State Board of Education will be holding its first book review hearing on Thursday to decide if famous books such as “Romeo and Juliet” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” will still be on the shelves of public schools in the state.
“This week’s first committee review at the State level has sparked some interesting dialog and debate,” Huggins said. “There are various titles on the list to be considered among the committee, and so we await the decision and the recommendation of that committee to the state board and the next steps.”
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston International Airport’s director delivered his first-ever “State of the Airport” address Tuesday, giving a glimpse at the facility’s future.Elliott Summey, the executive director and CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority, said multi-million dollar projects will expand where folks park and check their bags and will ultimately make it easier for Lowcountry residents and visitors alike to get where they need to go.“It’s going to create the bes...
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston International Airport’s director delivered his first-ever “State of the Airport” address Tuesday, giving a glimpse at the facility’s future.
Elliott Summey, the executive director and CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority, said multi-million dollar projects will expand where folks park and check their bags and will ultimately make it easier for Lowcountry residents and visitors alike to get where they need to go.
“It’s going to create the best quality of life and economic development story of any airport, not only in South Carolina but in the southeast,” Summey said. “And I know we can deliver. It’s time to get to work.”
This airport saw record-breaking travel last year with 6.1 million passengers and is preparing for the time the area eventually reaches 10 million. The airport has recorded a few record-breaking holiday travel weekends in 2024. For its July 4th travel weekend, airport officials recorded a 12% increase in the number of travelers passing through security checkpoints during compared with the previous year.
It then recorded a 15% jump in passengers during 2024’s Labor Day travel weekend compared to 2023.
As far as overall population, Summey said during the address that Charleston could have million people by 2030. Summey said besides the Tri-County area, people in Horry, Georgetown, Lexington and Richland Counties — and others as far as 200 miles away — make the drive to Charleston International Airport.
He says it’s cheaper to fly in and out of Charleston now than it was in 2019.
“So many people are moving here. So many people are visiting here. Mayor, elected officials, we have to make sure that as we grow, we have to keep what makes us special,” he said. “That’s what we’re going to strive to do at the Aviation Authority as well.”
Construction on a six-level parking garage is already underway. When that $348 million project is finished, the new garage will offer 5,164 spaces for private vehicles and 2,036 spaces designated for rental cars.
As far as where the current rental cars are, that will be replaced by temporary gates until it becomes Concourse C, where those gates will become permanent.
The addition of a consolidated rental car facility will streamline the rental process, allowing travelers to conveniently pick up and drop off rental vehicles all in one location, Summey said. A new Concourse C will also house a new federal inspection station for international flights.
“This is the community’s airport,” Summey said. “This is South Carolina’s airport. So, they deserve to know what we’re about to do.”
READ MORE: Long-term expansion plan revealed for Charleston International Airport
This expansion will also include adding eight new gates and a state-of-the-art baggage handling system on the side of the airport closest to Boeing. This will become the East Concourse.
In this area, the curb where passengers get picked up and dropped off will expand by almost a mile. This will also take the number of ticket counters from 28 to 60. Three more TSA lanes will be added on top of one that’s already in the works.
They also plan to expand the central energy plant here to ensure they can handle the 20-30% higher capacity of travelers.
Surrounding the airport, overnight parking for airplanes will be added as well.
“You come to this community. You spend the money to get here,” he said. “You should have a great experience. And for us, it starts when you land and it ends when you takeoff. And everything that happens in between is so vitally important.”
Some of the funding is still needed for the projects that have yet to start, but Summey thanked U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R - South Carolina, Tuesday for helping kickstart what’s already begun.
Summey says they plan to break ground on the overnight airplane lot during the first quarter of 2025 and start the temporary gates in the middle of the year. The East Concourse and ticket hall expansion can be expected to start in the first quarter of 2026.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.