Latest news with #BeaufortCounty
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Public hearing takes place to discuss possible closing of elementary school in Beaufort County
CHOCOWINITY, N.C. (WNCT) — A public hearing discussing the possible closure of Snowden Elementary School took place at Southside High School Thursday night, May 29, 2025. Members of the school board welcomed the community to hear their thoughts and opinions on the closure's impact. They spoke about student safety, lack of convenience and of what losing the school would mean. One message that was clear from both board members and people in the community was that solutions are needed. Concerns started with the meeting's location as some people said it was too far from the people in Aurora for them to voice their concerns. Beaufort County Schools Superintendent Dr. Matthew Cheeseman said he's grateful for the people who did voice their opinions. 'It's exciting to hear from all these people,' he said. 'We're working on transportation solutions but also enjoyed hearing the support for our strong teachers.' Some parents and other community members remain unhappy with the possibility of the school's closure. If the school does close, Beaufort County Schools would save $1.76 million, according to the recommended budget from Beaufort County Manager Brian Alligood. 'This is a long-term issue, we are seeing less people in Beaufort County,' Dr. Cheeseman said. The board will make a decision Tuesday, June 3rd, but leadership said they are looking at solutions to the problem for both possible outcomes. 'Leave it to the board to have dialogue with each other and approach both possible outcomes,' Dr. Cheeseman said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Beaufort County has among highest complaints against HOAs in SC. Here's why folks are upset
In South Carolina, there has been increasing dismay in homeowner associations, or HOA neighborhoods, with complaints surging by 570% in just seven years. In the latest report, between 2023 and 2024, there was a 19% jump in complaints filed in the state, with Lowcountry neighborhoods far from immune. The biggest concerns homeowners expressed was the enforcement of the HOA's rules and the maintenance and repair of the grounds and homes. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs publishes a comprehensive list of the complaints filed against HOA communities in 28 counties across the state yearly. As the number of complaints continue to escalate across the state, Beaufort County is one of the top five counties in 2024 for the number of complaints reported: Horry: 117 complaints Richland: 58 complaints Charleston: 34 complaints Greenville: 31 complaints Beaufort: 24 complaints Neighboring Jasper County, home to larger HOA neighborhoods like Latitude Margaritaville, Hilton Head Lakes and parts of Sun City, is one of the top three counties for complaints reported per capita, with 1.04 complaints per 1,000 people. In 2024, six complaints were reviewed. The top three areas of complaints filed by residents within HOA communities in South Carolina are: Failure to adhere to and/or enforce covenants and bylaws Maintenance and repair Consumer disagreement with fees or special assessments The total number of complaints reviewed by the SCDCA from 2018 to 2024 saw a spike as well: 2018: 92 complaints filed; 89 cases reviewed 2024: 617 complaints filed; 434 cases reviewed If a case is filed, it does not always mean it will be reviewed. Review is dependent upon the complainant providing adequate information and context, meaning not all complaints can be addressed. Here's what each of the 24 complaints from Beaufort County reported, according to the SCDCA. Half of these complaints have yet to receive responses or adequate information from their HOAs. Some communities have more than one complaint: Queens Grant Complaint Description: HOA ignoring their responsibility and shifting the financial burden of damages caused by the work they were responsible for completing and did. Status: Satisfied - Adequate Business Response Pleasant Point Plantation Complaint Description: Consumer is requesting that the HOA update and correct their documentation regarding their authority related to tree removal within the HOA. Status: Satisfied - Adequate Business Response Hampton Lake Complaint Description: Conflict of interest with board members sitting on multiple boards that interact with one another passing monies. Status: Satisfied - Adequate Business Response Picket Fences Complaint Description: Failure to adhere to and/or enforce covenants and bylaws, Concerns regarding maintenance or repairs, Issue related to Board Elections. Status: Satisfied - Adequate Business Response Hampton Hall Club Complaint Description: Judicial review of the interpretation of voting requirements. Status: Undetermined Azalea Square Complaint Description: Requesting waiver or adjustment of late fees, Request to access information/view documents ignored, Consumer disagrees with HOA Fees/Special Assessments. Status: Undetermined Palmetto Bay Marina Village Complaint Description: Requesting waiver or adjustment of late fees. Status: Satisfied - Adequate Business Response Island Club Hilton Head Complaint Description: Request to access information/view documents ignored. Status: Satisfied - Adequate Business Response Harbor Island Complaint Description: Concerns with property lines. Status: Satisfied - Adequate Business Response Oldfield Community Complaint Description: Access to HOA Amenities. Status: Satisfied - Adequate Business Response Harbor Island Complaint Description: Misuse of power by the board. Status: Satisfied - Adequate Business Response Malind Bluff Complaint Description: Modify the governing documents to make them less ambiguous and subjective. Status: Satisfied - Adequate Business Response Bartons Run Complaint Description: The POA refuses to share financial balance sheets with association members outside the hours of 10-3 p.m., and you have to go to the property manager's office. Status: Undetermined Moss Oaks Complaint Description: Failure to adhere to and/or enforce covenants and bylaws. Status: Satisfied - Adequate Business Response The Landings at New Riverside Complaint Description: Failure to adhere to and/or enforce covenants and bylaws. Issue with the decision of the architectural review committee. Status: Satisfied - Adequate Business Response Harbor Island Beach House Ocean Villas Complaint Description: Concerns regarding maintenance or repairs, Request to access information/view documents ignored, Consumer denied right to attend meeting or vote on subject matter changes, Concerns on Allocation of HOA funds, Consumer disagrees with HOA Fees/Special Assessments. Status: Pending Harbor Island Beach House Ocean Villas Complaint Description: Request to access information/view documents ignored, Concerns regarding maintenance or repairs, Consumer disagrees with HOA Fees/Special Assessments, Consumer denied right to attend meeting or vote on subject matter changes. Status: Pending Harbor Island Beach House Ocean Villas Complaint Description: Concerns regarding maintenance or repairs, Consumer denied right to attend meeting or vote on subject matter changes, Consumer disagrees with HOA Fees/Special Assessments, Request to access information/view documents ignored. Status: Pending Harbor Island Beach House Ocean Villas Complaint Description: Concerns regarding maintenance or repairs, Consumer denied right to attend meeting or vote on subject matter changes, Consumer disagrees with HOA Fees/Special Assessments, Request to access information/view documents ignored. Status: Pending Harbor Island Beach House Ocean Villas Complaint Description: Consumer disagrees with HOA Fees/Special Assessments, Concerns regarding maintenance or repairs, Request to access information/view documents ignored. Status: Pending Harbor Island Beach House Ocean Villas Complaint Description: Concerns regarding maintenance or repairs, Consumer disagrees with HOA Fees/Special Assessments, Failure to adhere to and/or enforce covenants and bylaws, Request to access information/view documents ignored, Failure to notify residents of Board actions. Status: Pending University Place North Complaint Description: Failure to produce financial statements, Request to access information/view documents ignored, Failure to adhere to and/or enforce covenants and bylaws, Failure to notify residents of Board actions. Status: Pending Harbor Island Beach House Ocean Villas Complaint Description: Consumer disagrees with HOA Fees/Special Assessments, Concerns regarding maintenance or repairs, Failure to notify residents of Board actions, Request to access information/view documents ignored. Status: Pending University Place North Complaint Description: Failure to adhere to and/or enforce covenants and bylaws, Consumer disagrees with HOA Fees/Special Assessments, Failure to produce financial statements, Concerns regarding maintenance or repairs, Request to access information/view documents ignored. Status: Pending To view the entire list of complaints in South Carolina from 2024, visit the SCDCA complaints webpage. The SCDCA divides complaint statuses into the following categories to help determine the best responses to concerns: Satisfied/Consumer Satisfied: Consumer/complainant received an adequate response to the complaint. Satisfied/Adequate Business Response: A response is received and passes the necessary guidelines from the SCDCA. Unsatisfied: No response received. Referred: The Complaint is handed over to another agency for review. These include: Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division Dept. of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Dept. of Insurance Dept. of Public Health Dept. of Agriculture Secretary of State Human Affairs Commission Information: The complaint is informative and has no response requirement. Duplicate: Complaints already filed. Insufficient Merit: Complaint can't be determined based on the information provided/Not a real complaint. Abandoned: Consumer didn't provide all the required information for their complaint. Undetermined: Adequate response was received, but there are disputed facts still in place regarding concerns and response. Pending: Response and label are still under review. To learn more about the different types of complaint statuses, the SCDCA provides a complaint label explanation video. While South Carolina does not have a designated state law detailing how a homeowners association must operate, there are acts and existing laws in place that help determine how HOAs construct their governing documents. These include: The Nonprofit Corporation Act The Horizontal Property Act The Homeowners Association Act To learn more about South Carolina's HOA guidelines and complaints, visit the SCDCA webpage.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
SC is now a hands-free state. What that means, what to know
South Carolina's new hands-free law is here and that means no more texting, scrolling or holding your phone while behind the wheel. Gov. Henry McMaster signed into law the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act on May 12, marking a significant step toward enhancing road safety across the state. While this act does not take effect until Sept. 1, this legislation aims to reduce accidents caused by mobile device distractions, aligning South Carolina driving laws with over 30 other states. So before you buckle up and hit the gas, make sure your phone's out of sight. According to the latest available traffic collision data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, there was a total of 143,426 traffic collisions reported across the state in 2022. The total number of collisions caused by distracted driving in South Carolina adds up to a total of 9,240 accidents. What about Beaufort County? In Beaufort County, 3,726 total traffic collisions were reported in 2022, with 877 accidents caused by distracted drivers, accounting for 23.5% of accidents. Distracted driving makes up one of the top three causes of accidents in Beaufort County, according to the SCDPS. While the Palmetto State has banned texting and driving since 2014, this new law prohibits drivers from using mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle, with specific exceptions. A 'mobile electronic device' is defined as any portable electronic device capable of providing data or voice communication, including smartphones, tablets, GPS receivers, electronic games or other stand-alone devices. Under the law, drivers are not permitted to: Hold or support a mobile device with any part of their body. This does not prohibit the use of an earpiece or device worn on the wrist used for 'voice-based communication.' Use a mobile device to write, send or read text-based communications. Watch motion, including a video, movie, game or video call. Violating the provisions of the Hands-Free Act can result in the following penalties: First Offense: A fine of $100. Second or Subsequent Offenses: A fine of $200 and the addition of two points to the driver's license. The law takes effect on Sept. 1 to allow residents time to adjust to the new requirements and ensure compliance. During the first 180 days after the law takes effect, officers will only issue warnings for violations. Violations of this act are classified as summary offenses and do not lead to arrest unless the individual fails to appear in court or pay the imposed fine. While South Carolina is cracking down on distracted drivers, the Hands-Free Act includes several exceptions for the use of mobile devices. The exceptions include: Using a device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode. Using a mobile device to listen to audio-based content, such as navigation services, music or podcasts, provided the device is not held or supported by the driver. Using a mobile device to report a traffic accident, hazardous road conditions or a medical emergency. The law does not apply to law enforcement officers, firefighters or emergency medical services personnel while performing official duties. These exceptions are in place to ensure that the law does not impede necessary communication during emergencies or official duties. The SCDPS offers tips and guidelines to encourage and support drivers to avoid distractions of all kinds. These include: Put away your phone when behind the wheel. Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers. Avoid eating while driving. Be sure children are properly and safely buckled up. Properly secure pets in a pet carrier or portable kennel. To learn more about the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, click here.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: BFT Memorial Day parade road closures
BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) — The Beaufort Memorial Day parade is Monday at 10 a.m. and will affect some driving routes. The following roads will be closed from 10 a.m. to approximately 11:30 a.m.: Boundary Street (Adventure to Carteret) Carteret Street (Boundary to Bay) Bay Street (Carteret to Bladen) Bladen Street (Bay to Boundary) The parade route starts in front of Beaufort National Cemetery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Woman in wetsuit found unresponsive on Hilton Head Island. Investigation underway
A 50-year old woman was found unresponsive on Hilton Head Island early Sunday morning, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office said. Deputies responded to Collier Beach Road — near Coco's on The Beach — just before 1 a.m. to find a woman in the surf, still wearing a wetsuit with a boogie board attached to her ankle. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, deputies said. The death 'does not appear to be suspicious' at this time, according to a press release. The Beaufort County Coroner's Office will conduct an autopsy on the woman to determine the cause of death. Anyone with information on the incident is encouraged to contact The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 843-524-2777
