Buying a new home is a big deal. For many homeowners, it's one of the most important decisions they ever make. When it comes to such a substantial choice, there are a lot of factors to consider, like:
Getting the answers to those questions can be hard but finding a trustworthy manufactured home company can be even more challenging. Sure, you could settle for a fly-by-night company or a shady mobile home dealer. But if you're like most folks, you want to work with a reliable company that has been in business for years. You need a team of professionals who can answer your questions, address your concerns, and sell you a quality home that will keep your family safe and sound.
Welcome to Ken-Co Homes Inc. - your premier choice for mobile home sales in Bonneau, SC. Ken-Co Homes has been Lake City's go-to manufactured home since 1974. With several locations in South Carolina, we're the first choice for manufactured homes in the state. As longtime locals in the community, we pride ourselves on honesty, hard work, and running a manufactured home business that you can count on.
There's no secret sauce that makes Ken-Co Homes successful. We work hard, sell the finest Clayton, Destiny, Scotbilt, Homes, and treat our customers like we would like to be treated. That's why, when you meet our team for your home tour, you'll be treated with respect and greeted with a warm smile. Whether you have questions regarding financing or the fit and finish of a floorplan, we'll maintain that same level of kindness, courtesy, and honesty. That way, you know for sure that you have invested in a top-notch manufactured home that your family will love.
Unlike other manufactured home dealers, we have a full selection of Clayton Homes for sale with attractive floor plans to fit your unique lifestyle. When you choose Ken-Co Homes, you're also choosing:
We offer our valued customers a $500 guarantee that we will meet or beat ANY competitor who has a lower price on one of our homes with the same options. Don't believe us? Contact our office today!
With decades of combined experience, our team has the tools and know-how to make your buying process smooth and stress-free.
Buying a home can be challenging, especially with travel logistics and other factors at play. Our team can help answer any questions you have about buying a home and transporting it to a park or piece of private land.
When you buy from Ken-Co Homes, you're investing in a high-quality product that your family will love for years to come. With more than a dozen home choices, you're sure to find a new home that matches your lifestyle.
We'll work with you one-on-one to ensure you get the home of your dreams. If you have questions or concerns once you move in, give us a call - we're here to help.
We offer detail-oriented, experienced set-up crews that make living life in your new home easy and efficient.
At Ken-Co Homes, we offer flexible financing options to help make buying your dream home a reality.
Whether you're looking for a smaller two-bedroom manufactured home or a large, luxurious four-bedroom manufactured home, our friendly consultants are ready to help you build the home of your dreams.
"Is there a difference between a mobile home and a manufactured home?" is one of the most common questions we get online and in person. Today, many people use mobile home and manufactured home interchangeably. That's understandable because both types of homes share similar features and benefits for homeowners. However, understanding the minor differences can be valuable when searching for a new place to call home.
Unlike site-built homes, manufactured homes are built in a factory. Once completed, they're shipped to a specific location where the homeowner will live. The term "manufactured home" refers to any factory-built home constructed after June 15, 1976. That date is when the HUD or U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development implemented guidelines centered around manufactured home construction.
HUD code requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a base frame with wheels with a minimum of 320 square feet.
Thanks to fast build times and lower material costs, manufactured homes for sale in Bonneau, SC is often more cost-effective for home buyers. Compared to traditional site-built homes, many manufactured homes can be up to 35% less than more traditional houses.
Any mobile homes built after June 15, 1976, are considered manufactured homes today, though many people use the term mobile home casually. In the past, these homes were used to travel and were more like the expensive RVs that people use today than true manufactured homes. Back then, mobile homes received a bad reputation due to poor build quality, but they've come a long way since that time. Today, mobile homes are safe, comfortable, and structurally sound, with many types of amenities and floor plans.
Manufactured homes are more popular in the U.S. than ever, and for good reason: prospective homeowners are looking for affordable, quality alternatives to traditional homes. That's especially true today, with inflation on the rise, necessitating more budget-friendly options for anyone who wants to put a roof over their heads.
If you're used to living in a traditional, site-built home, you may be wondering what the advantages are of buying a manufactured home. Here are just a few of the most common benefits of buying a manufactured home:
When you boil it down to the basics, buying a new home is all about the money. One of the most attractive reasons for buying a manufactured home is that they are often much less expensive than traditional site-built homes. Today, manufactured housing is considered a crucial part of the housing shortage solution and a viable option with inflation rising. According to statistics, the average square-foot cost of a site-built home is $107, while the average price is only $49 in a manufactured home. Whether you're sticking to a strict budget or your finances have changed due to poor economic conditions, going manufactured might be your best choice.
Owning a manufactured home gives the homeowner long-term living options. Because basic manufactured homes are usually very affordable, families with enough land can start with a small home and add additional units as their needs change. Manufactured homes are also great as starter homes, especially for families that plan on building a permanent structure on their land in the future. Though it could be logistically challenging, manufactured homes can also be moved to a different site if the initial one was on rented property.
Manufactured homes have received a bad rap over the last few decades. In reality, most manufactured homes are purpose-built for longevity with structural integrity. Every manufactured home built today is subject to the HUD code adopted in 1976. This code is the only federally-mandated code in existence. It was designed to ensure that manufactured homes meet strict standards regarding fire safety, structural design, energy efficiency, transportation to home sites, and overall construction. All manufactured homes sold in the U.S. have a permanent red seal to confirm they meet HUD standards.
When you buy a manufactured home, you may be able to move in faster than you would via traditional routes. Some manufactured homes are even move-in ready in less than 45 days. Compared to a traditional home, once a new manufactured home is built in the factory, buyers usually find that installation is a quick process. Once the manufactured home is delivered, utility work usually moves quickly, regardless of whether you're moving to a park or transporting your home to a piece of land. Before you know it, you're eating, sleeping, and enjoying life in your new manufactured home.
When asked about the pros and cons, many buyers cite energy efficiency as one of the most significant benefits of owning a manufactured home. In general, manufactured housing is more energy efficient than traditional because HUD mandates ensure that homes have high energy efficiency ratings.
These ratings are achieved through upgraded insulation installation, on-demand water heaters, and energy-efficient windows. These upgrades often make entire manufactured homes Energy Star certified. It's no surprise that manufactured homes are 27% more efficient than they used to be with other additions like energy-saving appliances in kitchens and bathrooms.
If you've ever lived in an apartment complex before, chances are you heard sounds and noises through your walls that you never wanted to hear. If you hate hearing your neighbors and despise thin walls, looking for mobile home sales in Bonneau, SC is a great idea. Why? Manufactured homes are typically built using separate modules, which reduces sound transference from room to room. When two or more modules are combined and insulated separately, buyers enjoy an even quieter, stronger home with less outside noise.
If there's one disappointing aspect of manufactured homes, the stigma seems to surround them. Yes, mobile homes from 30 or more years ago aren't exactly marvels of construction and deserve to be criticized. However, modern manufactured homes are cut from a different cloth and are often every bit as safe and luxurious as site-built homes.
Here are some of the most common (and annoying) mobile home myths debunked:
Modern manufactured homes are factory-built homes crafted with quality materials that meet comprehensive federal construction and safety standards. These standards, called the "HUD Code," outline how the homes must be built, including safety guidelines. For example, manufactured home builders must take strict measures to ensure their homes are resistant to wind. In terms of hurricanes and tornados, having such measures in place can prevent a tragedy from happening.
The bottom line is that manufactured homes are plenty safe and provide a quality product to people who want a lower-cost option over traditional housing.
One of the most repeated myths surrounding manufactured homes is that they are in poor shape and have an overall poor quality. Today, many manufactured homes are built with quality materials and care. It's not unusual to find a manufactured home with luxurious amenities and features lie state-of-the-art kitchens, high-end appliances, and chic open floor plans. At Ken-Co Homes, we can provide you with a complete list of available upgrades and amenities for you to enjoy in your new home.
Perhaps it's due to their popularity and lower prices, but we often hear that it's hard to find manufactured homes for sale. As seasoned home dealers, we can say this is categorically false. Whether you head over to Google and search for "mobile homes near me in Bonneau, SC," or simply head to Ken-Co Homes' website, you'll see plenty of homes to choose from. Contact our office today for a full list of our homes for sale!
When it comes to home prices in today's day and age, manufactured homes are among the most affordable options available.
That's because manufactured homes cost less to construct than site-built homes, with the average price costing $92K for new construction and $60K for a pre-owned manufactured home, according to recent data. The cost of a traditional home is much higher, with an average of $408K, according to Statista data from 2021. Even though manufactured home living costs change depending on the community, they're often much less expensive than their site-built cousins in the long run.
This myth parallels the stereotype that manufactured homes are cheap and poorly built. Unfortunately, many people still believe that living in a manufactured home community isn't safe. They think that the parks are run down and riddled with reprobates. In reality, many manufactured home parks mimic gated communities with 24-hour security and mandated quiet hours. Some manufactured home neighborhoods even offer community-wide amenities like spas and pools. If you're a fan of the gated community lifestyle but don't want to pay hundreds of thousands for a site-built home, a manufactured home community could be your best bet.
Are you giving serious thought to buying a manufactured home for sale in South Carolina? You're not alone - more than 365K people in the Palmetto State live in manufactured homes. At Ken-Co Homes Inc., we're not your average run-of-the-mill manufactured home dealer. We only do business with manufacturing partners committed to building top-quality products that our customers are proud to own.
If you're looking for modern amenities, energy-efficient appliances, unique floorplans, and homes constructed with quality materials, Ken-Co Homes is the company for you. Contact our office today to learn more about our beautiful Clayton homes for sale in Bonneau, SC.
COLUMBIA — Doctors and other medical providers in South Carolina can refuse to perform non-emergency procedures they find objectionable under legislation steps from becoming law.The bill approved 28-15 by senators May 10 protects doctors, nurses and health care facilities from lawsuits for denying non-lifesaving services they find wrong on moral or religious grounds.Medical professionals fired for refusing to partic...
COLUMBIA — Doctors and other medical providers in South Carolina can refuse to perform non-emergency procedures they find objectionable under legislation steps from becoming law.
The bill approved 28-15 by senators May 10 protects doctors, nurses and health care facilities from lawsuits for denying non-lifesaving services they find wrong on moral or religious grounds.
Medical professionals fired for refusing to participate in treatments against their convictions could sue their employer.
Supporters say it’s about ensuring health care workers aren’t forced to violate their conscience. Opponents include LGBTQ advocates who contend it’s about enabling discrimination and denying needed care.
Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau, insisted that’s not the case, saying it’s about objections to procedures not people.
Examples of things he said no doctor, nurse, technician or medical student should be forced to participate in included assisted suicide, sterilization, genetic experimentation and research on embryonic stem cells. They could also deny giving hormonal treatments to transgender youth or writing birth control prescriptions to teenage girls, he acknowledged.
“No physician should lose their job because they decline to perform these services,” Grooms said. The so-called “right of conscience” bill “provides a layer of protection so they can say, ‘No, I won’t do this.’”
The bill would expand on existing state law protecting doctors who refuse to perform an abortion.
That 1974 law, passed in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision, says physicians, nurses and health care employees can’t be required to perform or assist in an abortion if they advise their employer of their objections in writing.
South Carolina is among 46 states that allow doctors to refuse to provide abortions, according to the New York-based Guttmacher Institute, a pro-choice research organization.
State law also already protects pharmacists who decline to provide emergency contraception known as the morning-after pill.
The legislation echoes expanded legal protections put in federal regulations in 2019 by the Trump administration.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden intends in the coming weeks to undo those rules, which were blocked by numerous court challenges.
States that passed similar legislation include Arkansas and Ohio, where it was inserted into that state’s budget package. A lawsuit challenging Ohio’s budget clause was filed last week.
A perfunctory vote in the Senate would return the bill to the House, which approved the bill 81-26 in March. If the House agrees to the Senate’s changes, the bill will head to Gov. Henry McMaster’s desk.
South Carolina - In South Carolina, there are a variety of thrift stores you can visit. For example, you can find clothes and shoes for less at PATH, a ministry-run thrift store. The shop also distributes free clothing. Another great thrift store in the area is St. Paws, which has a great selection of new and gently used items. This store offers a wide variety of items and has convenient hours. Fair Haven Market PlaceThrift Store in BonneauThe Fair Haven Mar...
South Carolina - In South Carolina, there are a variety of thrift stores you can visit. For example, you can find clothes and shoes for less at PATH, a ministry-run thrift store. The shop also distributes free clothing. Another great thrift store in the area is St. Paws, which has a great selection of new and gently used items. This store offers a wide variety of items and has convenient hours.
The Fair Haven Market Place Thrift Store is where you can buy great finds for a low price. The store has one to ten employees and is located at 1438 Main Street in Bonneau, South Carolina. It is a nonprofit thrift store and offers a variety of different items. It also has daily sales, including the Quarter Clothing Sale. The store offers an array of quality merchandise, including clothing, furniture, sporting goods, and household items. It also donates its profits to help children and families in need. The store also accepts donations of clothing, household, kitchen, and books. You can also shop for antiques, furniture, and other items.
Whether on a budget or looking for unique items, you can find great items at the Oconee Restoration Thrift Store in the historic downtown of Walhalla, South Carolina. The store features donated home goods, furniture, and clothing. The prices are often amazingly low.
There are plenty of thrift stores in Spartanburg, South Carolina. But Carol's Hope Thrift Store is among the best, located at 3225 Boiling Springs Rd. It's open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. On Thursdays, it stays open until 7:00 p.m. The store is a treasure trove for thrift lovers.
If you're looking for a great place to shop for used clothing and home goods, visit the PATH Thrift Store in York, SC. You'll find great bargains and unique items for cheap prices. The website also includes a map, contact information, and operating hours. PATH is a not-for-profit organization in York that's been serving the community for 25 years. Its mission is to help people in need. It provides food, clothing, and other services, including a thrift store and emergency financial aid. These services are available to any member of the York community experiencing a financial crisis or other hardship. During the average year, the organization serves around 12,000 to 13,000 people who live in poverty.
The Boys Camp Thrift Store in Seneca offers a variety of second-hand items at a discounted price. This thrift store has a great selection of home goods, clothing, and novelty items. There are also many furniture items available for purchase. This store is known for its great bargain prices, which are hard to beat. The Palmetto Thrift Store donates a percentage of its profits to local children suffering from cancer. The store is well-organized and offers a good selection of books, clothes, and accessories. The store also supports Helping Hands of Clemson, a non-profit organization that helps neglected children in the area. Donations of clothing, household goods, sporting goods, and kitchen items are always welcome.
St. Paws Thrift Store is a non-profit organization that donates proceeds to animal rescue organizations in the area. During the hours of operation, you can shop for great deals on gently used items. Donations are also welcome during store hours. You can drop off clothes, books, toys, and more for rescued pets. The shop is small but inviting, and there are plenty of items to look at. There is even a dressing room inside the store for those who want to try on new outfits. The shop is well organized and clean, and you'll find a wide variety of goods for very affordable prices. The store donates its profits to animal rescue groups, so every visit will help a good cause.
Joey Edens still remembers going to Atkins Landing as a little kid.The boat landing at the end of Broughton Road was one of the premier access points in Berkeley County to Lake Moultrie, so Edens’ family used to launch their boat from there. The lake was where he learned to swim, drive a boat and fish. As an adult around 1987, he caught his biggest freshwater fish ever, a 62-pound catfish, in the same lake.Atkins Landing was steps away from Lions Beach, where families would spend their days swimming or relaxing on the san...
Joey Edens still remembers going to Atkins Landing as a little kid.
The boat landing at the end of Broughton Road was one of the premier access points in Berkeley County to Lake Moultrie, so Edens’ family used to launch their boat from there. The lake was where he learned to swim, drive a boat and fish. As an adult around 1987, he caught his biggest freshwater fish ever, a 62-pound catfish, in the same lake.
Atkins Landing was steps away from Lions Beach, where families would spend their days swimming or relaxing on the sand, watched over by YMCA lifeguards. There was a pavilion that served as a kind of community center. Edens used to go to the beach with his sister, and he remembers “pool tables and arcade games and a grill and hotdogs and hamburgers.”
“I used to have a blast out there,” Edens said. “That was the go-to place.”
That was in the boat landing and beach’s heyday in the 1970s. Now, the area sits mostly abandoned, kept separated from the public by a locked gate, though boaters on the lake can still access the now unguarded beach.
But a year from now, Edens and others dream the beach will look more like it did when he was a boy.
In fall 2021, Berkeley County announced a partnership with state-owned power and water utility Santee Cooper and the town of Moncks Corner to build a 14-acre “mega” boat landing at the site. The $6.5 million project will include more than 300 parking spots for boat trailers and passenger vehicles, a dock with a new breakwater wall, a pavilion and picnic areas and six boat ramps, more than twice the number at most landings in the county.
Though officials initially said they hoped to complete the boat landing this fall, the project was short about $4 million from the state Legislature. That money was finally approved this past session, joining about $1 million from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and another half-million from the county’s hospitality tax.
The funding delay hasn’t stopped the county from planning, said Supervisor Johnny Cribb. As state Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau, secured the funding, county designers went to work to plan what Cribb describes as a waterfront county park. He hopes the boat landing will attract major fishing tournaments, other events and literally boatloads of water enthusiasts.
Managed by Santee Cooper, Lake Moultrie is the state’s third-largest lake at more than 60,000 acres and home to what local anglers swear is one of the best places in the country to catch bass, catfish and myriad other species.
Moultrie and other Santee Cooper lakes are “world-known for catfishing, world-known for striper fishing, world-known for the crappie fishing and bass fishing,” said Todd Smith, owner of sporting goods store Phantom Outdoors, where Edens works as manager. Bassmaster, a fishing organization that hosts national tournaments, listed the lakes as the third-best place for bass fishing last year.
Local fishing clubs already fill the parking lots of existing Berkeley County boat landings. Smith, who along with Cribb is a member of a local Bassmasters group in Moncks Corner, said there will be 30 boat trailers crammed into one parking lot on tournament weekends.
Beyond fishing, the lake is popular with boaters and personal watercraft enthusiasts, families out for a weekend of camping and swimming, and nature lovers who come out to watch the wildlife, said Jimmy Staton, president and CEO of Santee Cooper.
But despite the opportunities, there haven’t been major fishing tournaments at Lake Moultrie because the infrastructure’s not there, Cribb said. Most public boat landings have small parking lots with only two or three boat ramps, not enough to accommodate Bassmaster or similar events.
“We’ve always wanted them, but it’s like inviting somebody to dinner and then you have no food to feed them,” Smith said.
Those events instead go to places like Summerton, Smith said. And they bring in a lot of money.
Dozens of fishermen travel for tournaments, sometimes bringing their families. Bigger events like Bassmasters Elite often draw outside media like ESPN. All of those people spend money to stay in hotels or campgrounds, eat at restaurants and purchase equipment at sporting goods stores and bait and tackle shops, making a huge impact on the local economy.
When Cribb was running for supervisor, Edens drove him to the old Atkins Boat landing and suggested the county do something with it.
About the same time, Santee Cooper was already in talks with the county over the land, Staton said. It gave the county a 40-year lease to build the boat landing.
The two entities landed on a partnership wherein the county would handle design and management of the on-land aspects of the park, while Santee Cooper designed the marine elements.
“Part of the role of Santee Cooper is to improve the lives of South Carolinians, so any activity that we can do like this provides greater public access to what we think are fantastic lakes,” Staton said.
The county’s plans for the park include not just adding boat ramps and picnic tables, but renovating and preserving the old pavilion where Edens and his sister used to play games and grill while at the beach.
“If you’re a grandparent here now and you were out there 50 years ago, it’s going to be the same building that you were in,” Cribb said.
The county will also build a new open-air pavilion closer to the boat ramps. Cribb said that will be an ideal place for anglers to weigh their catches during tournaments.
But he hopes it will also attract concerts and other events.
“You’re probably going to see a car show out there, for example,” he said.
One important safety feature is a slip for Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office watercraft that can respond to emergencies on the water. Right now, if a boat capsizes or there’s some other emergency, first responders have to hitch their rescue boat to a trailer and drive to the lake. Cribb said the addition of the slip will save at least 15 minutes, which can be critical during an emergency.
Another safety feature is Santee Cooper’s construction of a breakwater wall, which will make it easier to use the launch ramps, said Pamela Williams, chief public affairs officer and general counsel.
“Lake Moultrie is a relatively shallow lake, and when storms come up or when wind events come up, it can get pretty rough out there pretty quick, choppy,” Williams said. “So the breakwater would provide safe harbor really for folks to get their boat in and out.”
Santee Cooper also will clear impediments such as underwater stumps to ensure boaters can safely use the ramps.
Cribb said he was conscious during the planning process that not everyone is as avid about boating and fishing as he is. It’s why the landing will include features like the beach and a perimeter walking trail.
He recalled a conversation he had with a constituent who was concerned about the increased traffic the boat landing would bring. The constituent pointed out he didn’t have a boat.
“I was like, ‘Do you have a dog? Do you like to go for walks?’” Cribb said.
“What we’re excited about is expanding our park system,” he said. “The land that we have and the waterways that we have, that’s one of the greatest treasures we have as a county, and providing public access to all of those things is a goal and a focus of ours.”
Plans still have to be turned over to the Army Corps of Engineers. Once the Corps approves those plans, construction can begin at the old Atkins Landing site. With luck, Staton and Cribb said, the new park will be open and running by fall of 2023.
For fishermen like Edens and Smith, the project is long overdue. They are happy though about the county’s efforts to improve its parks and boat landings.
In May, the county cut the ribbon on an expansion to its boat landing across from Cypress Gardens that cost just under $410,000, taking it from 35 boat trailer parking spaces to 91, along with other improvements. Smith said before the expansion, on tournament weekends, fishermen would park their trailers in the woods across the street, which was dangerous because the area is poorly lit, near railroad tracks and most tournaments weren’t over until after dark.
Other boat landings are either private or not secured, Smith said.
He and other members of his fishing club say traffic may back up around Broughton Road sometimes once the new boat landing opens, but that’s the only downside they see.
“I told Johnny I ought to be the first one to back (my boat) in there,” Edens said.
It’s not just about the fishing, they said. It’s about getting out onto the water, not looking at your phone because of the glare of the sun, and spending time with family or with nature.
This boat landing, they say, will just make it easier to do.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- August 31 is recognized as “National South Carolina Day” and celebrates the charm, history, and beauty of the Palmetto State.And whether you have lived in South Carolina your entire life, just moved, or are visiting, there are numerous town, city, and community names that might trip you up.Here are some commonly mispronounced places in the state:AlcoluThere is a hidden key on how to pronounce the name of this unincorporated community in Clarendon County. The na...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- August 31 is recognized as “National South Carolina Day” and celebrates the charm, history, and beauty of the Palmetto State.
And whether you have lived in South Carolina your entire life, just moved, or are visiting, there are numerous town, city, and community names that might trip you up.
Here are some commonly mispronounced places in the state:
Alcolu
There is a hidden key on how to pronounce the name of this unincorporated community in Clarendon County. The name is derived from the family who established the town and is a mash-up of three different names—Alderman, Colwell, and Lula. Folks from Clarendon County swear the correct pronunciations is “al-col-loo,” but you also might hear “al-cuh-loo.”
Beaufort
Pronouncing the name of this Lowcountry town can be a little confusing for new residents and tourists alike as it is often mistakenly pronounced like a town with the same name in North Carolina. There, it’s pronounced “bow-fort”, but here you’ll want to pronounce it like “byou” so that it rhymes with “you.”
Blenheim
You’ll want to make the “h” silent when you pronounce the name of this Marlboro County known for its namesake ginger ale. The end of the word should not rhyme “time,” so the correct pronunciation is “blen-um.”
Bonneau
While it’s technically acceptable to pronounce this Berkeley County town like the popular name of the U2 lead singer (bahn-oh), you may get some funny looks from locals who insist it should be pronounced like “bun-oh.”
Cayce
The name of this city right outside of Columbia is not too difficult to pronounce. Simply say the first syllable like “kay” as in the body of water and the second syllable like “see.”
Chapin
Similar to Cayce, you’ll want to pronounce the first syllable of this small lake town as “chay.”
Chappells
Keep the emphasis on the first syllable of this dual-county community and pronounce it like the plural of the place of worship “chapel.”
Cheraw
These is technically a correct way to say the name of this Chesterfield County town. An official town resolution says it should be said as “chuh-RAW,” but you’ll likely hear a lot of people say “shuh-RAW” instead.
Clinton
This one seems like a no-brainer, right? Well, locals say the quickest way to reveal yourself as an outsider in this Upstate city is to pronounce the “T” syllable. All the syllables should be soft and sound like “clin-nin”
Eutawville
This one may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually pretty simple. Just pronounce the first half of the Orangeburg County town like the state “Utah.”
Galivant’s Ferry
Nationally known for its biennial festival, the first syllable in “Galivant’s” is pronounced the same as “gala” and the second rhymes with “since,” so together it is “gala-vince.”
Kinards
This community between Newberry and Laurens counties shares the pronunciation of its first syllable with the greeting “hi.” For the second half of the name, keep candy on the brain and pronounce it like “nerds.” So the correct way to say it would be “KYE-nurdz”
Lancaster
Located near the border with North Carolina, this city’s name is often said wrong. South Carolinians use a long “a” sound and place emphasis on the first syllable, so it is said like “lank-uh-stur.”
Lobeco
For the name of this Beaufort County community, you’ll want to pronounce the middle syllable like the insect “bee.”
Lugoff
This Midlands community which has been the epicenter of a months-long earthquake swarm pronounces the first half of its name the French word for bathroom “loo.”
Okatie
The name of this community just outside Hilton Head seems easy on first glance, but it’s actually slightly more complicated. The name should be said with three syllables “oh-kuh-tee” instead of two like “oh-katie.”
Pacolet
While it is common to hear the name of this Spartanburg County town said with three syllables, locals insist the “uh” syllable should be barely pronounced so it sounds like “PAK-let.”
Pinopolis
The first syllable of this Berkeley County community shares a pronunciation with the dessert “pie,” not like the “pin” you knock over in bowling.
Sumter
Don’t forget the “p” when pronouncing the name of this city east of Columbia! It should be said “sump-ter.”
Yemassee
This one is tricky because there are two accepted pronunciations of this Lowcountry town–“yam-uh-see” and “yem-uh-see,” but you’ll most often hear it pronounced the second way.
ISLE OF PALMS — As the new year approaches, the fight over public beach parking remains unsettled with a court case awaiting a decision by the state Supreme Court.The Palm Republic group created by Isle of Palms’ former mayor and a current councilman has asked the court to hear a constitutional challenge to a 2021 state law that says free beach parking along state roads can’t be removed without the state’s permission.It’...
ISLE OF PALMS — As the new year approaches, the fight over public beach parking remains unsettled with a court case awaiting a decision by the state Supreme Court.
The Palm Republic group created by Isle of Palms’ former mayor and a current councilman has asked the court to hear a constitutional challenge to a 2021 state law that says free beach parking along state roads can’t be removed without the state’s permission.
It’s a law created by Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau, and signed by Gov. Henry McMaster in the spring of 2021, following the island’s attempt in 2020 to remove much of the beach parking on the island and charge for the parking that would remain.
The S.C. Department of Transportation had already rejected the island’s plan to eliminate hundreds of parking spaces, and later stepped in to increase the amount of free parking near the beach on the island — “unilaterally and illegally” according to the Palm Republic lawsuit.
Those actions prompted Councilman Blair Hahn and former Mayor Jimmy Carroll to declare the island “The Palm Republic” in an airing of grievances that included a declaration of independence, signed in costume at a local bar.
At the time, Hahn was declared to be The Palm Republic’s “attorney general, also known as His Beaudacious Highness, Admiral and Grand Ruler of All Seas Less than 1 Fathom.” But he says the legal issues in play are not joke.
Carroll and Hahn have said the state law is an affront to home rule and the power of municipalities.
“We want our home rule back,” said Carroll. “We just want them to hear the case.”
State Rep. Joe Bustos, R-Mount Pleasant, agrees.
“There’s either going to be home rule, or there’s not,” he said.
The issue now is whether the Supreme Court will take what’s known as “original jurisdiction” and agree to hear the case, as Palm Republic LLC has asked.
The state, through Attorney General Alan Wilson’s office, and the DOT have both urged the court to not take the case. Both said there’s no urgency to rule on a law that’s been in effect for more than 18 months, and the case should be heard in a lower court.
“If the Supreme Court does not take the case, we’ll file the case in Charleston County,” Hahn said. “The only issue is, is the statute constitutional or not?”
He said the case would end up before the Supreme Court one way or another.
Like many barrier islands, Isle of Palms has sought to manage the flood of beach-bound traffic that arrives during the warm months. Conflict over the parking issue flared up in 2020 when the island prohibited non-residents from using the hundreds of free parking spots near the beach, citing COVID-19 concerns.
The attempt to eliminate parking and charge for what remained came the following year, prompting the creation of a nonprofit group that sued the city, the new state law, and action by SCDOT.
The Palm Republic group has been urging residents to write to local and state lawmakers, and the Supreme Court, to ask that the high court take the case.