Protect Your Property with Chimney Cap Installation

Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service offers service repairs and installations in James Island and surrounding cities. Call us today for a quote!

  • Gas Fireplace Maintenance
  • Gas Fireplace Maintenance
  • Chimney Cap Installation
  • Fire Hazards with Dryer Vent Cleaning

Chimney Sweep in James Island, SC

There's something alluring about chimneys - whether they're old or new, they have an inherent charm that adds architectural flair to your home. Perhaps more importantly, fireplaces keep you and your family warm and cozy during cold South Carolina winters. Who doesn't love gathering in front of the fire with friends to enjoy a fun board game or a few rounds of drinks?

Anyone who owns a chimney should most certainly enjoy it. But you should know that your chimney isn't there to simply make your house look special - its primary role is to keep you and your family safe. In fact, when you're relaxing in front of a cozy fire with your favorite book, your chimney is hard at work making sure the fire's harmful fumes are directed up and away from you and your home.

Unfortunately, when you fail to clean your fireplace and the flue lining it, things can heat up in a matter of moments - and not in a good way. The truth is that unclean fireplaces can lead to chimney fires, which are known for causing horrible property damage and even harm to people. Chimney fires can be explosive, with flames shooting from the top of your chimney and dense smoke billowing out into the street. It's a horrible situation to endure. Fortunately, homeowners in South Carolina can rely on a chimney sweep in James Island, SC, to keep their chimneys clean and in great working condition. That's where Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service comes into play - to help you enjoy your home's fireplace without worrying about worst-case scenarios.

Chimney Sweep James Island, SC

Stay Safe, Warm, and Cozy withFlowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service

As a local, family-owned chimney sweep company in South Carolina, our team is dedicated to keeping gas fireplaces, wood burning fireplaces, and dryer vents clean and in great working condition for homeowners. By letting our family serve your family, you can rest easy knowing your fireplace and chimney are ready and waiting for you to enjoy this winter, whether you have a gas fireplace with logs or a more traditional wood burning alternative.

Our mission is to serve our customers with superior chimney and gas fireplace service by providing years of knowledge, time-tested solutions, and customer education to build trust and customer loyalty. We offer a range of chimney sweep services in James Island, SC, including the following:

  • Gas Fireplace Service, Repairs, & Installation
  • Gas Log Service, Repair, & Installation
  • Chimney Sweep Service & Cleaning
  • Wood Fireplace Service & Repairs
  • Exterior Chimney Cap Sales & Installation
  • Chimney Inspections

Unlike some chimney sweep companies in South Carolina, our team has been certified to ensure we know how to install, maintain, and repair all types of fireplace appliances. In fact, over our more than 12 years of experience in the fireplace and hearth industry, we've obtained a few credentials along the way, including:

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep

Homeowners looking for reliable and knowledgeable chimney and venting professionals have trusted the Chimney Safety Institute of America's (CSIA) endorsements for over three decades. By selecting a technician who is certified by CSIA, you can rest assured that they possess the necessary expertise, qualifications, and experience to provide you with top-notch chimney sweep service in South Carolina.


NFI Certified Gas Hearth and Wood Burning Hearth Professional

When it comes to planning and installing fireplaces, stoves, and venting systems, skill and technical knowledge are absolutely crucial. There are countless decisions that must be made, including determining the appropriate floor protection, appliance sizing and placement, and venting system compatibility and height.

For the most reliable and proper installation, it's highly recommended that you seek the guidance of a specialist. The National Fireplace Institute is a trusted, independent, non-profit certification agency that has established the highest standards for certification in the hearth industry. Those who pass the rigorous examination covering the fundamentals of proper installation are awarded NFI Specialist Certification, ensuring you can trust their expertise.

Now that you know a little bit about our company and our mission, it's time to learn more about the fireplace and hearth services we offer to homeowners in South Carolina.

  Chimney Sweep Services James Island, SC

Keeping Your Home Safe with Gas Fireplace Maintenance in James Island, SC

Gas fireplaces are one of the most common features of homes in South Carolina and bring a special ambiance to any room. As with any appliance in your home, however, it's important to keep your gas fireplace maintained throughout the year.

It is crucial to have your gas hearth appliances serviced annually. At Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service, our team of experts will thoroughly clean, service, and inspect your gas hearth appliance, as well as perform any necessary repairs. If you notice black soot on your logs or they are not burning cleanly, it is imperative to shut down the appliance to schedule gas fireplace maintenance or repair ASAP.

It's important to note that your gas logs should only be serviced and repaired by a certified gas specialist from the NFI or National Fireplace Institute. There's nothing wrong with hiring a friend, but if they don't know what they're doing, your safety may be at risk.

 Gas Fireplace Repair James Island, SC
 Wood Fireplace Repair James Island, SC

Why Should You Have Your Gas Fireplace Serviced

At Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service, one of the most common questions we get is whether or not a customer really needs to have their fireplace serviced. The two biggest reasons for doing so are appliance reliability and safety. The truth is it's very important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have the system inspected and serviced annually by a certified gas specialist.

Failure to do so could result in the production of lethal carbon monoxide gas, which is odorless and requires special equipment to detect. Additionally, gas leaks and improper venting can pose serious hazards, which is why inspection of the venting system, chimney, and fireplace is imperative. With proper maintenance and regular checks, you can enjoy the warmth of your gas hearth system with confidence and peace of mind.

If you haven't kept up with gas fireplace maintenance and believe something is wrong with your hearth or chimney, consider gas fireplace repair in James Island, SC.

What About Un-Vented Gas Fireplaces?

Heating systems that don't require vents are like regular home heating systems. But they need to be working properly and checked often. It's a good idea to open a window if you're using a vent-free heater. There are rules about when you can use them. It's a good idea to have an expert check your heater's location. Sometimes, people don't know how to use their fireplace or heater correctly - and that's OK. At Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney, we're happy to answer questions and give you tips so you can safely enjoy your gas fireplace.

 Gas Fireplace Maintenance James Island, SC

Common Signs You Need Gas Fireplace Repair

Whether you have a vented or un-vented gas fireplace, it's important to know when you need maintenance or repairs. Keep these signs in mind, especially as you approach fireplace season.

Burning Smells

Burning Smells

If you detect any unusual odors emanating from your gas fireplace, it is important to take action. While some odors may not be a cause for concern, the smell of gas or burning wires should be taken seriously. To ensure your safety, turn off the fireplace and immediately open windows to let in fresh air. Be sure to also call a certified chimney sweeping company like Flowertown to repair and resolve any further issues. In the event of a suspected gas leak, evacuate your home immediately and dial 911 for assistance.

Turns On and Off

Your Gas Fireplace Turns On and Off

If your custom gas fireplace is turning on and then quickly turning off, this is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. There can be multiple reasons for this malfunction, so it's best to contact a trustworthy chimney sweep in South Carolina who specializes in gas fireplaces. Turn off the unit and wait for the technician to arrive to prevent any further damage.

Buildup of Soot

Buildup of Soot

It's normal to wipe off soot from various areas of your fireplace while you're cleaning. However, if you notice excessive amounts of soot, you're dealing with an underlying problem that needs professional attention.

Pilot Light Malfunctions

Pilot Light Malfunctions

If your gas fireplace's pilot light is not working properly, it could indicate a potential issue with the wiring, gas valves, or thermostat. Keep an eye out for any inconsistencies in its performance.

Reliable Wood Fireplace Maintenance in James Island, SC

While gas fireplaces are more common and often easier to operate, wood fireplaces have their own unique ambiance and allure. If you're like us, nothing sounds better than curling up in front of a crackling fire on a cold winter's night with some hot cocoa and a good book. Unfortunately, when you fail to maintain your wood fireplace and are reluctant to have it repaired, you're putting your safety on the line.

That's why we offer top-notch chimney cleaning services at Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service. Our certified hearth professionals will thoroughly clean your chimney, removing any creosote buildup and inspecting all vital components to ensure everything is in proper working order. Don't take any chances when it comes to the safety of your home - trust us to keep your chimney in tip-top shape.

 Wood Fireplace Maintenance James Island, SC

Why Should You Have Your Wood Fireplace Inspected by a Chimney Sweep?

There are several compelling reasons why you should have your system inspected by our team. As we mentioned earlier, your chimney is likely to accumulate creosote deposits, which can pose a serious fire hazard. However, with our chimney and fireplace sweeping services, you can significantly reduce this risk. Plus, there may be hidden defects in your system, such as within the flue or smoke chamber, which are difficult to detect without professional inspection.

Suppose you are a new homeowner or have never had your system inspected by a certified chimney sweeper in South Carolina. In that case, it's time to call Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service. Our experts can provide the necessary maintenance and recommendations to ensure your system is safe and functional. Whether you need an inspection, maintenance, or wood fireplace repair, our team is ready and waiting to help.

 Chimney Cap Replacement James Island, SC
 Chimney Cap Installation James Island, SC

Why Should You Have Your Wood Fireplace Inspected by a Chimney Sweep?

There are several compelling reasons why you should have your system inspected by our team. As we mentioned earlier, your chimney is likely to accumulate creosote deposits, which can pose a serious fire hazard. However, with our chimney and fireplace sweeping services, you can significantly reduce this risk. Plus, there may be hidden defects in your system, such as within the flue or smoke chamber, which are difficult to detect without professional inspection.

Suppose you are a new homeowner or have never had your system inspected by a certified chimney sweeper in South Carolina. In that case, it's time to call Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service. Our experts can provide the necessary maintenance and recommendations to ensure your system is safe and functional. Whether you need an inspection, maintenance, or wood fireplace repair, our team is ready and waiting to help.

Essential Wood Burning Fireplace Safety Tips

Having a wood fireplace is a wonderful addition to any home, but it needs to be maintained and repaired, or else it can be very hazardous to your family. Try following these safety tips when enjoying your wood stove or fireplace.

 Dryer Vent Cleaning James Island, SC

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby

To increase the likelihood of effectively controlling a fire and preventing it from spreading, it is important to have a fire extinguisher nearby. This can significantly reduce the response time in the event of a fire, as every second counts.

Chimney Sweep James Island, SC

Look for Chimney Cracks

Try to regularly inspect your chimney for any cracks, obstructions, or signs of damage. Cracks can be particularly dangerous, as they can allow heat, smoke, and harmful gases to escape into your home. Cracks can also serve as an entry point for water, which can be particularly harmful.

  Chimney Sweep Services James Island, SC

Talk to Your Family

To ensure safety around your wood burning fireplace, it's essential to educate your family, especially kids, about the potential hazards of fire and the importance of responsible behavior. By teaching them wood fireplace safety measures, you'll create a secure environment for everyone in your house.

 Gas Fireplace Repair James Island, SC

Have Your Chimney Inspected by a Seasoned Chimney Sweep in South Carolina

Regular chimney inspections and cleanings prioritize safety and maintenance while providing peace of mind and reducing the risk of chimney fires. Plus, by having your wood fireplace inspected, you'll have peace of mind knowing it works when weather starts to freeze.

 Wood Fireplace Repair James Island, SC

Protect Your Property with Chimney Cap Installation in James Island, SC

If you've ever looked at a house and noted how great the top of their chimney looked, it's probably because they had an attractive chimney cap. Chimney caps and chase pans play a crucial role in both the functionality of a chimney system and the aesthetic appeal of a home's exterior. A well-designed chimney cap safeguards the chimney from animal intrusion, minimizes wind-induced downdraft, and is an essential component in preventing water entry, which can cause significant damage to chimneys.

If you're looking to add or replace your current chimney cap, you're in the right place. Our collection of custom chimney caps comes in a variety of styles and colors to match or supplement your home's beauty. Of course, as professional chimney sweepers in South Carolina, we also offer chimney cap repair and water prevention options where necessary.

How Do You Know When a Chimney Cap Needs Maintenance?

Your home's chimney cap is likely the highest point of your home, making it an easy feature to forget about when it comes to yearly maintenance or repair. That's unfortunate, because even small damage to your chimney and its cap can allow debris and water to enter. Do yourself a favor and examine your chimney cap regularly for the following red flags:

  • Visible Cracks
  • Loose Bricks
  • Tiles Falling from Chimney
  • Cracked Mortar Joints
  • Rust in Fireplace
  • More

If you notice any of the following signs, you should call Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service for expert chimney cap repair.

 Gas Fireplace Maintenance James Island, SC
 Wood Fireplace Maintenance James Island, SC

Avoid Hidden Fire Hazards with Dryer Vent Cleaning in James Island, SC

Have you noticed that it's been taking longer to dry your clothes after washing them? If so, your dryer vent might need to be cleaned - and we're not just talking about the screen you pull out to remove lint. But why?

Regular cleaning of your dryer vents is a must for many reasons, but primarily to prevent lint buildup that can lead to house fires and extend your appliance's lifespan. Dryer vent cleaning is especially important if you tend to leave home while your dryer is in use, as a fire could ignite in your absence. Neglecting proper dryer vent cleaning not only wastes energy but also causes longer drying times and increases the likelihood of machine malfunctions.

Unsure whether you need dryer vent cleaning from Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service? Call our office today for an inspection - it's always better to be safe than sorry. You can also keep an eye out for signs like:

  • Burning Smells
  • Extra-Long Dry Times
  • Your Clothes are Unusually Hot
  • Your Lint Flap Won't Open
  • Your Laundry Room is Hotter Than Usual

If you notice one or more of the red flags above, you should act fast. Flowertown chimney sweeps are fully equipped to provide a comprehensive dryer vent cleaning service for all brands of dryers, including gas, electric, and high-efficiency machines.

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 Chimney Cap Replacement James Island, SC

Latest News in James Island, SC

James Island's new park continues the town's efforts of preserving green space

JAMES ISLAND — The town is continuing to add community spaces that will improve the quality of life for its residents, including its newest green space — Mill Point Park.The 6.6-acre park, on Mill Pond Road off Fort Johnson Road a few minutes away from Town Hall, opened in early April and cost a little over $2.7 million with help from Charleston ...

JAMES ISLAND — The town is continuing to add community spaces that will improve the quality of life for its residents, including its newest green space — Mill Point Park.

The 6.6-acre park, on Mill Pond Road off Fort Johnson Road a few minutes away from Town Hall, opened in early April and cost a little over $2.7 million with help from Charleston County greenbelt funds.

Mayor Brook Lyon told The Post and Courier it's part of an effort to preserve more green space on the island.

“People are just sick of all the traffic and overdevelopment, and this place is so unique because it’s so peaceful and so quiet,” Lyon said. “I just have to pinch myself and realize it really is real.”

After she was given a tour of the land, Lyon previously told The Post and Courier she showed each Town Council member the property and they all fell in love with it.

There's not a lot at the park besides picnic tables, a wooden pirate ship that gives a great vantage point and a house the Agricultural Society of South Carolina built. The island used to grow Sea Island cotton, according to Lyon, and the house was built at a time people were trying to figure out how to eradicate the boll weevil. The land is meant to be a passive park, meaning it is more oriented toward enjoying nature rather than structured activities.

The site used to be home to a tidal creek mill, which is where the name of the park came from, Lyon said.

Brooke Blosser, who is the land, water and wildlife project manager at the Coastal Conservation League, helped Lyon secure greenbelt funding by writing a letter in support of the park.

Blosser wasn’t able to visit the park until Earth Day. She was able to count the seven different species of birds she heard and took note of the several different insects and snakes.

“We all put in so much time and effort to conserve our natural spaces,” she said. “To see one in person on Earth Day was really sweet.”

Blosser said she’s happy she was able to help not only preserve land on James Island but invite the public to enjoy it when there might not have been the chance to do that before.

“I think that James Island has a very rich cultural and ecological heritage, and by protecting some of these lands along the coastal regions, particularly on James Island, it helps preserve some of that cultural and historical ecological heritage and allows the public to be able to enjoy that as well,” she said.

While the park has only just opened, the town is still figuring out what to do with it. Lyon said the town sent out a public input survey to gather residents’ thoughts on what they should add to the park. While they’re not collecting the survey until sometime in June, she said she’s heard that some people would want a dock and kayaks because of the waterfront access on the property.

There are also plans to plant cotton around the park, Lyon said. The town plans to include signage to educate people about the island’s history of growing Sea Island cotton — a soft and strong long-fibered cotton variety that was introduced to the Lowcountry in the late 1700s. Its bolls popped open to palmfuls of silken fiber so tough that thread from a pound of it was said to be able to stretch 160 miles. And it only grew on the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia.

James Island residents share thoughts on Folly Road improvement project

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — James Island residents attended a public information meeting hosted by the South Carolina Department of Transportation Thursday to share their concerns and ideas about an ongoing safety audit.SCDOT is currently working on improving safety along Folly Road (SC 171), specifically in the 5-mile corridor between Old Folly Beach Road and Maybank Highway.According to SCDOT, nearly 70,000 cars ...

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — James Island residents attended a public information meeting hosted by the South Carolina Department of Transportation Thursday to share their concerns and ideas about an ongoing safety audit.

SCDOT is currently working on improving safety along Folly Road (SC 171), specifically in the 5-mile corridor between Old Folly Beach Road and Maybank Highway.

According to SCDOT, nearly 70,000 cars travel along Folly Road each day.

"The southern end has about 18,000 cars a day. And the in toward the James Island Expressway, almost fifty thousand cars a day, going back and forth all day long,” said Ginny Jones, the public involvement director for SCDOT.

READ MORE | "SCDOT seeks community input on proposed safety project for high crash area along Folly Rd."

The corridor also has a significant crash history. As part of the audit, the SCDOT studied data from January 2018 to December 2022. During that period, Folly Road saw 2,103 vehicular crashes, 15 pedestrian crashes, and 21 bicycle crashes. 75% of the crashes resulted in only property damage (1608), 24% resulted in injury (525), and less than 1% resulted in fatalities (6) according to SCDOT.

To improve safety, the department intends to install more crosswalks, sidewalks, new road signs, improved traffic lights, etc.

Residents of James Island are happy with the proposed improvements for pedestrians.

"I think the pedestrian improvements are going to be very beneficial. There are a lot of people who do travel by bike and walk on Folly Road," said James Island native Sarah Gallahorn.

READ MORE | "SCDOT approves $576M for 2026 pavement plan, boosting road improvements."

Design plans also include raised medians and fewer left-hand turns.

"We do include concrete medians in these road safety audit project designs because they help prevent those angled crashes that end up in injuries and fatalities," said Jones.

However, some residents have mixed feelings about the medians.

"They've talked about landscaping, the raised median portions, so that would be a great improvement," said Paul Comar, a resident of James Island. "The existing median is about eight to 12 feet wide. It's a pretty long, pretty wide expanse, and I think if they're going to raise sections of it, they could go ahead and just reduce the width of it down to about six feet. That would be plenty safe still. And take the extra width that they're gaining and put it onto either wider lanes or frankly probably the bike lane just to make things a little bit safer."

READ MORE | "Folly Beach greenlights major pedestrian safety improvements for Arctic Avenue."

Some residents expressed concerns about access to businesses along the road.

"I understand that it can have some benefits with improving safety in some areas where there are a lot of turns in median lanes, but that's going to affect those businesses and with people going to them," said Gallahorn. "Not everybody's going to sit here and go out of their way to turn around to go back to get to them."

"We had a lot of businesses and folks who drive this highway really interested in like exactly how the turn movements and the new infrastructure would affect them," said Jones. "Really it's those one-on-one conversations that we have tonight that are helpful in understanding their needs, and sometimes we can make really slight modifications that will help everyone be safer and just improve the project."

Traffic improvements are also being discussed.

"We're modifying the exit ramp from the James Island connector onto Folly Road, which will help with the turning movement onto Center Park Road," said Jones.

READ MORE | "Charleston County awards contract for $2.7M project to bring improvements to James Island."

The project is federally funded and will cost approximately $12.5 million.

If you weren't able to attend the meeting in person, you can view more information and provide feedback about the project online.

SCDOT is accepting public feedback until June 6.

Jones says the goal is to begin construction in late 2026.

SC Senator's boat has been stuck in Charleston waters for months. State says it's not abandoned.

JOHNS ISLAND — A 30-foot sailboat bobs in a narrow channel cut through the spartina marsh grass along New Cut Creek.Wind hasn't filled its blue sails since at least August, according to neighbors who nervously watched the vessel drift until Helene's tropical storm-force gusts lodged it in the marsh.The falling tide reveals an old engine block meant to anchor it in place.Paw prints muddy ...

JOHNS ISLAND — A 30-foot sailboat bobs in a narrow channel cut through the spartina marsh grass along New Cut Creek.

Wind hasn't filled its blue sails since at least August, according to neighbors who nervously watched the vessel drift until Helene's tropical storm-force gusts lodged it in the marsh.

The falling tide reveals an old engine block meant to anchor it in place.

Paw prints muddy the side of the fiberglass hull. A raccoon has taken shelter inside.

The boat, named Rebellion, is owned by state Sen. Matt Leber, R-Johns Island, and is one of over 100 littering South Carolina's waterways.

Not only are these vessels an eyesore, but they can pose environmental and navigational risks. State lawmakers, including Leber, tried to address these concerns with a pair of bills that toughened penalties for those who desert boats and imposed a tax to pay for their removal.

"It's among dozens and dozens in Charleston County, except here, we got an elected state senator that ought to be living by the book," said Shay Stoney, one of several frustrated neighbors who lives across from the derelict Rebellion.

The $3 fee that would have been levied on all South Carolina boat owners failed to reach the House floor for a vote before the session ended. However, a bill that shortened the window for claiming a possibly abandoned vessel and doubled the maximum penalty for dumping a boat made it to the desk of Gov. Henry McMaster, who signed it into law effective May 8.

"How can you vote for it when you're in violation of it?" Stoney asked.

"I voted in favor of being responsible for our boats," Leber told The Post and Courier on May 19. "I'm trying to do that, and we’re going to do that."

Leber said he's hiring a boat towing company to remove Rebellion. TowboatU.S. Capt. Greg Giggi confirmed he was preparing a cost estimate for Leber.

"I don't want the boat torn up," said Leber, reflecting on the decade of memories made on the sailboat. "I've been in session, so it's been a very complicated time, busy. But I think we have the plan together, and then we're going to get it seaworthy again."

Though Rebellion has sat for months in the marsh, with its hatch open to the elements, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources officials don't consider the sailboat abandoned because they already identified Leber as its owner. While neighbors say the senator has made little effort to move it since August, Leber said he has tried to four or five times.

As the state agency awaits guidance on how to enforce the new law, boats like Rebellion continue to mar the coastline.

Neighbors complain for months

For weeks, Rebellion floated in the channel that connects the Wadmalaw and Stono rivers, before neighbors grew impatient and started reaching out to Leber directly.

Leber had been storing the boat at one of the docks lining the creek. An issue with the dock’s owner arose, and the boat was anchored with an old engine block in the middle of the channel.

Angela Shelton said the vessel was hard to see, especially at night.

“No lights, no battery, no nothing,” her husband, Jimmy Dewberry added.

It was August and another hurricane season was underway.

"We've got kids running through here; it's summertime; storms coming," Dewberry recalled telling Leber. "All of the reasons that we could give him to come and get his boat."

"It was always the same thing and just no action," he said.

Dewberry recalled Leber coming by once last summer, circling Rebellion in a pleasure craft wrapped in an advertisement for "Booze Pops," before leaving after about an hour of tinkering. The Post and Courier confirmed a boat matching that description is one of two sitting in Leber's front yard.

Neighbors described one other attempt when Leber, apparently in a borrowed boat, towed the vessel about 150 yards up the channel, where he left it, promising to come back the following weekend.

"I don't go knock on a neighbor's door and let them know what I'm doing," said Leber, who lives about six miles up the Stono River from where Rebellion is stuck in pluff mud. "Maybe they've seen me, maybe they haven't."

On Aug. 12, Leber texted Terry Heinz, one of the neighbors living on New Cut Creek: "moving it as soon as I can."

Four days later, Leber wrote back that he had a "strong lead" on a pier where he could dock the sailboat. But he went on to say that another of his boats was having electrical issues he needed to resolve before it could be used to move the larger watercraft.

Another time, Leber referenced a failed drain plug that kept him from coming, according to text messages both Heinz and Dewberry provided to The Post and Courier.

A month passed and Heinz followed up.

"We're all wondering whatever happened to your plan," Heinz texted on Sept. 21. "I'm sure you're busy with your re-election approaching, but we’re still counting on your word."

Leber again assured Heinz he would "be moving it."

On Sept. 27, Heinz wrote Leber: "it looks like Helene is moving your boat for you."

Attached were a series of pictures of turbulent water jostling the vessel closer to their neighborhood docks.

Shelton said the tropical storm-force winds brought Rebellion within 100 yards of their property.

An hour and a half later, Heinz sent Leber another photo that showed the vessel across the channel in the marsh, where it remains.

Leber said he would come that afternoon. But later he said the father of the "young guy" he had enlisted for help vetoed their trip due to the storm's ongoing effects.

The following day, Heinz told Leber the Rebellion is "so far into the marsh that, even at high tide, it will probably take a commercial salvage operation.

"Barring another hurricane, I don’t think it will be moving at all," Heinz continued.

Leber told reporters May 19 that insurance didn't cover the cost of recovering the boat, which delayed matters.

"I've had other companies go out, make attempts, but I think I've got the right plan now," Leber said referring to his contacting TowboatU.S.

Leber, who had been serving as a state representative, in November was elected to the state senate. Three days later, Heinz texted Leber to congratulate him on his victory.

"Now that the election is over, we are hoping that you will put your attention on your boat, Rebellion, and make good on your promise to remove it from the creek," Heinz wrote. "We urge you to take responsibility for your derelict boat and do the right thing in removing it."

On Nov. 18, Leber said: "I'm not going into January session with this over my head."

SCDNR doesn't consider Rebellion abandoned

On Jan. 17, three days into the legislative session, DNR agents tagged Rebellion as abandoned, photos provided to the newspaper show. The boat was also recorded in the Department of Environmental Services' reporting tool for abandoned boats.

Maj. Michael Paul Thomas oversees DNR marine investigations, including abandoned watercraft. He said the state agency has a backlog of over 100 abandoned and derelict boats in South Carolina waters.

Thomas said in the eyes of the state, Rebellion isn't technically abandoned because Leber affirmed his ownership of the boat after it was tagged. DNR has not issued any fines or penalties to Leber, either.

Several miles down the Wadmalaw River, another derelict vessel, a 120-foot decommissioned Navy ship, sticks out of the idyllic creek.

Residents of Rockville, a tiny community on the bank of Bohicket Creek, have spent years calling on DNR and the Coast Guard to remove the hulking torpedo retriever. Last September, the Coast Guard removed from the ship roughly 3,500 gallons of oil and oily water that neighbors were concerned might seep out.

But DNR doesn't consider the rusted and barnacled HAZAR to be abandoned either, agents told The Post and Courier in March. The agency identified the owner, who is in regular contact with officials discussing plans to remove HAZAR or relinquish its title to the state.

If the agency is made aware of a possibly abandoned boat, the department places an orange tag with a date on the vessel. Before May 8, a 45-day countdown would begin for DNR agents to contact the last known owner. If no one responded within that window, the boat was considered abandoned.

Thomas said Leber made attempts to remove Rebellion, though the agency doesn't keep track of when or what these efforts were.

"We don't really keep a record of that, you know. We are trusting that that's happened," Thomas said. "We don't want to touch anybody's boat that they have the intention to move themselves. We're not in the moving business. We just deem them abandoned."

But that was before the governor signed into law harsher penalties for abandoning watercraft and reduced the number of days a boat can be left on the water before it's considered abandoned.

The Abandoned Vessels, Derelict Vessels, and Sunken Vessels bill received unanimous support from both the House and Senate — including Leber.

The bill defines abandoned boats as watercraft that are left on the water 10 days after DNR tags them. Owners found guilty of abandoning a boat could be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to 60 days, or both. Previous legislation limited the penalty to $5,000 or 30 days in jail.

Leber also threw his support behind the South Carolina Waterways Protection Act, which would tack on a $3 fee to boaters' tax bills. The money would be used to create a fund for removing abandoned and derelict boats in state waterways, but the bill never made it out of a House committee.

This was the tipping point for the group of neighbors, who had spent months asking the senator to retrieve the sailboat and had offered help moving Rebellion.

"That was the catalyst that really made us upset," Shelton said.

"Is he, being a state senator, either sponsoring or supporting the bill that's going to charge all of us to get his boat out of the marsh?" Dewberry asked.

Leber said May 19 he is planning to pay for the boat's removal.

Reach Ali Rockett at 843-901-1708. Follow her on Twitter @AliRockettPC.

Urgent care facilities to open on Johns Island for the first time as area continues to grow

JOHNS ISLAND — Johns Island residents will see the first of two urgent care centers open in June, providing emergency services for an area that has seen rapid population growth since 2010.Both locations are along Maybank Highway, a busy stretch that will see a slate of health-care facilities, including a planned standalone emergency room and 50-...

JOHNS ISLAND — Johns Island residents will see the first of two urgent care centers open in June, providing emergency services for an area that has seen rapid population growth since 2010.

Both locations are along Maybank Highway, a busy stretch that will see a slate of health-care facilities, including a planned standalone emergency room and 50-bed acute care hospital.

Johns Island Urgent Care, a privately owned clinic, is set to open June 1 in the Hayes Park 16-acre mixed-use development.

Roper St. Francis Express Care is set to open June 16 in the shopping center anchored by KJ’s Market grocery store.

Accessibility to emergency services is a critical need for island residents, where it can take 30 to 45 minutes to drive to the nearest hospital on either bridge off the island — often longer in heavy traffic and inclement weather.

“I've been living on Johns Island for several years and it's almost impossible to get good healthcare close by — you always have to leave the island,” said Dr. Kevin Hinson, a former traveling physician and co-owner of Johns Island Urgent Care. “We thought Hayes Park would be accessible for anybody in the neighborhood and anybody driving by on Maybank would be able to see it.”

Johns Island Urgent Care is co-owned by Hinson, Dr. Laura Helgran and physician assistant Peter Wilson.

Hinson said there will be two doctors, three physician assistants, an emergency medical technician, nurse practitioner and office workers on staff.

The center will treat minor illnesses and injuries with X-ray services, labs, wound care and an in-house pharmacy with plans to add an ultrasound machine.

Johns Island Urgent Care will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. for walk-ins and reserved appointments and will accept private insurance plans as well as Medicare and Medicaid.

"We have plenty of support and the goal is to make healthcare services accessible and take care of the residents on Johns Island,” Hinson said.

Less than half a mile away, Roper's Express Care is set to open at 3575 Maybank Highway. It will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Johns Island residents, now totaling about 25,000, will have to wait a couple more years for Trident Medical Center’s proposed $277 million, 50-bed hospital and a $15 million, nearly 11,000-square-foot standalone emergency room. Both are also planned for Maybank Highway, directly across from the Live Oak Square development.

The Trident emergency room is slated to be built first and the plan is working through the permitting process.

The modern farmhouse architectural style received approval from the city of Charleston’s Design Review Board last fall.

About 15 miles south, the Kiawah and Seabrook island communities will soon get their own free-standing emergency department and clinic when MUSC Health opens its Sea Islands Medical Pavilion on Kiawah in late 2025, complete with a helipad for critical cases.

Residents have overwhelmingly supported the project in order to get life-saving emergency and critical care quickly.

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