Roof Repair in James Island, SC

Published: Nov. 13, 2024 at 1:50 AM PST|

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Department of Transportation is working to improve safety on Folly Road.

In May 2023, SCDOT did a road safety audit of Folly Road and after studying the data, they were able to present improvement concepts to the public. Now, the department is seeking input from the community.

In the SCDOT presentation, they revealed data from a 5 mile section of Folly Road. They looked at the area from Old Folly Beach Road to Maybank Highway. From 2018 to 2022, this small area experienced over 2,103 car accidents, 15 pedestrian accidents and 21 bicycle accidents. 525 of these accidents resulted in injury and 6 of them were fatal.

SCDOT is proposing some road safety improvements for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians including the addition of elements like high visibility crosswalks, relocating bus stops, adding landscaped medians similar to those on Highway 176 in Goose Creek and new pavement markings.

Several residents in the area shared their concerns with the safety of Folly Road. Many said they are excited to see change being made.

Some elements that residents expressed they would like to see added to Folly Road include more crosswalks, more lights and wider roads.

Joyce Ballard has been a resident of James Island for eight years. She suggested more traffic lights and more crosswalks because this road is so frequently utilized, but it isn’t safe enough for the volume of traffic they see.

“It has to be safe because it’s the only road that we have, but I don’t think it’s safe,” she said.

Bobbi Butler moved to James Island two years ago. She said that change needs to happen and she is eager to see what comes of this project.

“Anything that they could do, even for the bikes or pedestrians or cars, Folly Road definitely needs some attention to take care of things on the road,” Butler said.

Kathy Mehrzad moved from Virginia to James Island in 2014. She compares the traffic to Washington D.C. and claims she would rather drive in D.C.

Mehrzad said when she first moved to James Island she would walk and bike on Folly Road, but that ended very quickly.

Now that both she and her family members have gotten in accidents on Folly Road, she tries to avoid even driving on the road. She limits her walking and biking to nearby parks and trails where she feels safer. She said that if pedestrian safety was prioritized on the road, she would use it, but not in the state that it’s currently in.

“I have witnessed many an accident. After my husband and daughter and I moved down, we each had an accident - not our fault - been hit from behind. In fact, [my daughter] had to have rehab,” Mehrzad said. “No, I don’t feel safe on Folly Road. There’s just too much traffic… people come in every which direction, and most are not giving signals, not paying attention. So, I pick and choose when I come out.”

SCDOT is looking to begin construction on these improvement projects in 2026. In the meantime, they are accepting public comment on these proposals so anyone can weigh in with their feedback.

All comments are due by Nov. 22. A link to submit public comments can be found here.

Representatives with the department say that all new sidewalks will be added at specific locations, which are detailed in the project’s concept mockups. More information about these proposals can be found here.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - James Island will soon offer a new way for residents and visitors alike to learn about its connection to the Revolutionary War.

South Carolina 250, which the state General Assembly chartered in 2018, provided a $12,000 grant to the town, which will use it to create a new historic driving tour.

“The interest in that history and the founding of our country, and so much of it started right here it just really important to focus on that. And a lot of folks don’t know about it, and a lot of history can be lost so we want to preserve it,” Mayor Brook Lyons said.

The tour includes eight different stops around the island.

“There’s so many special places on James Island of historical significance, and this is a great way to highlight eight of the most significant ones,” Lyons said.

Lyons and the History Commission Co-Chair Michael Williams saidthey hope to educate locals and tourists with this historical information.

“It preserves history and its educational and it just a real tribute to our staff and committee members how we can all pull together,” Lyons said.

The process of coming up with and executing this concept took about a year. Williams said the grant made it possible for them to move so quickly.

“They took the bull by the horns and went forward and got a grant and found some fantastic people to help with the project,” Lyons said.

The town held a private event with over 60 people attending, honoring the voice actors and those who made the tour possible.

Williams said this will be a game changer for their town. People will be able to scan a QR code on their brochure, for free access to the audio recordings while driving around to see the different stops.

He said this will help those who may not be able to access walking or carriage tours like they may offer in the peninsula.

“You know over here you got Charleston across the Harbor, but this is James Island this is where the stamp act, or where the stamps were torn up which was a precursor to the Revolutionary War,” Williams said.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends, and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? What are the new restaurants? What's everyone talking about? While the Eater 18 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the "it" places of the moment. Enter the Eater Heatmap, which will change continually to highlight the spots crowds are flocking to at the moment or generating a big buzz. Folks are asking, "Have you been yet?" Try one of these newbies today.

New to the list:

November 2024: Legami, Chef Loong Dim SumOctober 2024: Linnette’s September 2024: the Archer August 2024: the SelectJuly 2024: Marbled & Fin, MakanJune 2024: Downtown Co-OpMay 2024: Sissy Bar, CoterieApril 2024: Da Toscano Fugazzi, XO Brasserie March 2024: Bodega Mount PleasantFebruary 2024: Cleats, Lowland Dining Room, Palmira BarbecueJanuary 2024: the Harlow, Da Toscano Porchetta ShopDecember 2023: the Quinte, Lowland Tavern, Lost Isle, Costa, BearcatNovember 2023: King BBQOctober 2023: Honeysuckle Rose

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

The team from downtown bar Dalila’s opened a fun new spot in Park Circle. Sissy Bar takes inspiration from Southern California, from mezcal drinks to breakfast burritos to a massive barbacoa taco platter. Bring friends to sample all the sharable plates.

Slow-cooked brisket and whole hog meet Puerto Rican flavors at Palmira Barbecue. Pitmaster Hector Garate has been popping up around the Lowcountry for several years, but now he has a permanent address in West Ashley.

The crew from hip breakfast spot Daps opened a sports bar with better food and drinks found at typical sports bars. Find pit beef sandwiches, Thai-flavored hot dogs, green hatch chili wings, and waffle fries.

Herman Ng grew up working in his family’s Chinese restaurant, and now he owns his own with the opening of XO Brasserie. The menu focuses on Cantonese and Sichuan cooking, including XO lobster, mapo tofu, and garlic pepper beef. Don’t miss the fun cocktails or the desserts.

The couple behind Wagener Terrace hangout Berkeley’s recently opened their second restaurant, the Archer. They want it to have the same neighborhood vibes but raise the stakes with a full bar and fine dining-level comfort plates. Chef Paul Farmer (formerly of Three Sirens), puts out plates like duck frites, baked oysters, beef stroganoff, chicken liver mousse, and chilled crab dip.

Legami is a new Italian restaurant boasting a chef brought in from Rome by a family with roots in Turin, Italy. Washington Street Hospitality, which controls three Pasta Beach restaurants in New England, thought the King Street building would be another location for Pasta Beach, but decided to switch it up once they got into the historic building. Chef Andrea Congiusta cooks modern Italian fare with some influences from France. “We took inspiration from the classic fine dining, but we also want to have something fun, something that looks very fancy, and something you can crave,” says Congiusta. Dishes include king crab tagliolini, beef Wellington, and veal Milanese.

Modern steakhouse Marbled & Fin is giving all the other steakhouses a run for their money. The expansive dining room fills nightly with well-heeled customers ready to see and be seen. On the menu, chef Eucepe “Cepe” Puntriano includes all the steakhouse classics plus an emphasis on seafood dishes for non-meat eaters. Look for seafood towers, wedge salads, wagyu beef, bone marrow with oysters, creamed spinach, and more.

D.C.-based Malaysian restaurant Makan now has a second location in the Lowcountry. Chef James Wozniuk wanted the South Carolina location to feature local seafood. The ikan asam pedas, a Malaysian hot and sour fish curry, is a must-try if you like spice. There’s also rendand daging (dry beef curry), curry mee (noodle soup with chicken sausage), and kerabu mangga (mango salad).

Charleston is going crazy for soup dumplings, and newcomer Chef Loong Dim Sum delivers. The restaurant offers four flavors (pork soup, chicken soup, pork tomato soup, and truffle pork soup). The rest of the menu is quite extensive as well, with selections ranging from Sichuan mala chicken, crab rangoon, dan dan noodles, mapo tofu, and more.

The team behind Italian favorite Le Farfalle has an enticing new cafe in Charleston. The focus of Da Toscano Porchetta Shop is the housemade focaccia and everything that can be sandwiched between the airy bread. Chef Michael Toscano serves a filling chorizo and egg sandwich in the morning and a sumptuous porchetta sandwich in the afternoon. There’s also choices like prime rib, roast chicken, marinated eggplant, and so much more.

Charming new hotel the Dunlin offers sweeping views of the Kiawah River, abundant hospitality, and coastal Southern fare in its signature restaurant, Linnette’s. Chef Michael DeCicco puts out dishes like a pressed and pickled watermelon salad, wood-fired oysters, cornmeal-crusted flounder, and a sorghum-benne lacquered steak with charred okra.

The team from downtown bar Dalila’s opened a fun new spot in Park Circle. Sissy Bar takes inspiration from Southern California, from mezcal drinks to breakfast burritos to a massive barbacoa taco platter. Bring friends to sample all the sharable plates.

Slow-cooked brisket and whole hog meet Puerto Rican flavors at Palmira Barbecue. Pitmaster Hector Garate has been popping up around the Lowcountry for several years, but now he has a permanent address in West Ashley.

The crew from hip breakfast spot Daps opened a sports bar with better food and drinks found at typical sports bars. Find pit beef sandwiches, Thai-flavored hot dogs, green hatch chili wings, and waffle fries.

Herman Ng grew up working in his family’s Chinese restaurant, and now he owns his own with the opening of XO Brasserie. The menu focuses on Cantonese and Sichuan cooking, including XO lobster, mapo tofu, and garlic pepper beef. Don’t miss the fun cocktails or the desserts.

The couple behind Wagener Terrace hangout Berkeley’s recently opened their second restaurant, the Archer. They want it to have the same neighborhood vibes but raise the stakes with a full bar and fine dining-level comfort plates. Chef Paul Farmer (formerly of Three Sirens), puts out plates like duck frites, baked oysters, beef stroganoff, chicken liver mousse, and chilled crab dip.

Legami is a new Italian restaurant boasting a chef brought in from Rome by a family with roots in Turin, Italy. Washington Street Hospitality, which controls three Pasta Beach restaurants in New England, thought the King Street building would be another location for Pasta Beach, but decided to switch it up once they got into the historic building. Chef Andrea Congiusta cooks modern Italian fare with some influences from France. “We took inspiration from the classic fine dining, but we also want to have something fun, something that looks very fancy, and something you can crave,” says Congiusta. Dishes include king crab tagliolini, beef Wellington, and veal Milanese.

Modern steakhouse Marbled & Fin is giving all the other steakhouses a run for their money. The expansive dining room fills nightly with well-heeled customers ready to see and be seen. On the menu, chef Eucepe “Cepe” Puntriano includes all the steakhouse classics plus an emphasis on seafood dishes for non-meat eaters. Look for seafood towers, wedge salads, wagyu beef, bone marrow with oysters, creamed spinach, and more.

D.C.-based Malaysian restaurant Makan now has a second location in the Lowcountry. Chef James Wozniuk wanted the South Carolina location to feature local seafood. The ikan asam pedas, a Malaysian hot and sour fish curry, is a must-try if you like spice. There’s also rendand daging (dry beef curry), curry mee (noodle soup with chicken sausage), and kerabu mangga (mango salad).

Charleston is going crazy for soup dumplings, and newcomer Chef Loong Dim Sum delivers. The restaurant offers four flavors (pork soup, chicken soup, pork tomato soup, and truffle pork soup). The rest of the menu is quite extensive as well, with selections ranging from Sichuan mala chicken, crab rangoon, dan dan noodles, mapo tofu, and more.

The team behind Italian favorite Le Farfalle has an enticing new cafe in Charleston. The focus of Da Toscano Porchetta Shop is the housemade focaccia and everything that can be sandwiched between the airy bread. Chef Michael Toscano serves a filling chorizo and egg sandwich in the morning and a sumptuous porchetta sandwich in the afternoon. There’s also choices like prime rib, roast chicken, marinated eggplant, and so much more.

Charming new hotel the Dunlin offers sweeping views of the Kiawah River, abundant hospitality, and coastal Southern fare in its signature restaurant, Linnette’s. Chef Michael DeCicco puts out dishes like a pressed and pickled watermelon salad, wood-fired oysters, cornmeal-crusted flounder, and a sorghum-benne lacquered steak with charred okra.

Published: Oct. 31, 2024 at 5:00 PM PDT|

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - James Island visitors and residents alike will have a new way to learn about the community’s history starting in November.

The town will launch “Voices of the Revolution,” an immersive driving tour on Nov. 10 from 2-5 p.m. at Fort Johnson.

The tour will include historic interpreters, refreshments, maps and details for downloading the free tour.

The new driving tour was made possible thanks to a $12,000 grant from the SC250 Commission, which was chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the work our History Commission, town staff and community members have done on this project,” James Island Mayor, Brook Lyon, said. “This history tour is going to be a fun and educational experience for residents and visitors for years to come.”

The tour is narrated and produced by Evans Byrd, a native Charlestonian and certified history tour guide with more than 20 years of experience.

Additionally, historic figures are brought to life with the following voice talents:

Neal Kinard

A beloved local historian and storyteller, Neal Kinard has dedicated his life to uncovering and sharing Charleston’s rich history. His work often appears on local platforms, and he is known for his engaging presentations at the Charleston Museum and various historical societies.

Dominica Harrell

An advocate for cultural preservation, Dominica Harrell is the founder of the James Island Cultural Heritage Society. With a deep familial connection to the area, she has played a vital role in initiatives that honor the island’s diverse heritage through events and educational programs.

Tessa Spencer

A well-known television personality, Tessa Spencer is a news anchor at WCIV. With years of experience in broadcasting, Tessa brings her passion for storytelling and community engagement to the project.

Roger Gaither

A prominent artist and educator, Roger Gaither has exhibited his work throughout the Lowcountry.

Phillip Koontz

A talented musician and local performer, Phillip Koontz has shared the stage with various artists at renowned Charleston venues.

Bill Sharpe

A respected journalist and former anchor at WCSC, Bill Sharpe has reported on Charleston’s evolving landscape for decades.

Terry Bryant

A dedicated community leader, Terry Bryant has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of residents on James Island. Through her advocacy and civic engagement, she emphasizes the importance of community involvement in shaping the island’s future.

Kenneth Ursin

A cherished educator with over 30 years of experience, Kenneth Ursin has taught in various Charleston schools and is known for his innovative teaching methods.

The event and the tour are free and open to the public. For more information, please visit the Town’s website at jamesislandsc.us

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A science teacher at James Island Charter High School hopes you’ll help her provide her students with the tools to collect and analyze scientific data, specifically how sea level rise is changing our local environment.

Eve Kendrick believes her students could be the key to solving serious environmental problems in the Lowcountry.

“My students are very enthusiastic and passionate, and they’re full of life,” she says. “I want to capture and harvest that energy and maybe direct it toward some environmental stewardship through learning about different aspects of sea level rise in environmental science.”

Kendrick plans to encourage this stewardship through a real-world research project in the field looking into coastal freshwater streams. The project aims to document how sea level rise and saltwater moving further inland are transforming these freshwater environments.

“We’re going to be looking at insects, and using these insects as an indicator of how our streams are changing,” she says. “They’ll be able to process these samples on the streambed outside, and they’re really going to get a personal connection with these ecosystems that maybe wasn’t on their radar before as something really critical to monitor.”

Kendrick hopes to provide her students with the tools to carry out this monitoring through her project on Donors Choose is called "Too Salty! Sea Level Rise & Freshwater Environments."

She plans to buy nets, waders, sieves and other testing equipment to track how these delicate coastal environments are being affected.

“I’m going to partner with the Adopt-a-Stream organization in South Carolina, and so this data that my students will collect through my ‘Too Salty’ Donors Choose project, that’s actually going to go into a state database,” Kendrick says. “Scientists will be able to access it, and it’s going to allow my students to take ownership of the research that’s currently happening in our state.”

With your donation, you’ll be able to not only make an impact on students but also your local environment now and into the future, Kendrick says.

“We’re going to take all of our skills and take them outside so [my students] can actually get their hands dirty and wet and actually collect insects and process their own data,” she says. “I think that going outside and having a personal connection with the environment helps to encourage students to become lifelong learners. It also might encourage them to have some environmental stewardship as they move forward as adults and citizens in South Carolina.”

Kendrick also has a second Donors Choose project called "Interactive Biology and Data Analysis" that is designed to bring biology concepts to life through collaboration, realistic case studies and interactive labs. She plans to use basic resources funded through the project, including calculators and clipboards, to create a notebook documenting her students' problem-solving and analyses.

You can become a Live 5 Classroom Champion for these students by helping to fund these projects. All donations are tax-deductible. The Donors Choose organization collects the money, purchases the items and sends them to the teacher. That way you know your donation is used appropriately.

If you’re a teacher who would like their Donors Choose project featured on Classroom Champions, please email classchamp@live5news.com.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.