governor mcmaster Archives

Feature Image Source: WCIV

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster took steps to reopen the state’s beaches and businesses this week, announcing on Monday that he will allow public beaches, docks, piers and ramps to open. Additionally, McMaster modified existing executive orders to allow some nonessential businesses to reopen, including department stores, florists, furniture stores, book stores, and also churches. All businesses that have reopened must enforce strict social distancing measures, both for staff and customers.

At this time, South Carolina schools are still closed indefinitely. McMaster also lifted restrictions on restaurants, allowing outdoor dining services with social distancing guidelines. Restaurants opening back up will need to space tables for outdoor seating at least eight feet apart, and seat no more than eight people per table. Additionally, all tables, chairs and seats must be sanitized after every customer is finished using them, and social and physical distancing guidelines should be followed by staff.

Featured Image Credit: Michael Holahan/The Augusta Chronicle via AP

There are so many wonderful aspects to living in the Lowcountry, however, we can all agree that flooding is not one of them.

Unfortunately, this issue is only going to become exacerbated over the next couple of decades. The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that nearly 8,000 homes in Charleston County would flood at least 26 times a year if the sea level rises by just 2 feet.

Recently, Governor Henry McMaster addressed this threat and the importance of protecting our coastline during the last gubernatorial debate – in his own unique manner of speaking.

The key takeaways from Governor McMaster’s statement highlight a very serious – and ever-growing – concern for the Holy City: “I know water’s coming up in Charleston … It’s a real threat to us. We’ve got to be very careful with the coast and got to protect our economic engine.”

South Carolina ranks fifth in the nation for most homes at risk in 2045, with properties such as 29928, Hilton Head, and 29455, Johns island being among the top zip codes threatened by frequent flooding. At this rate, roughly around 24,000 people living there today could be displaced and with sink property values decreasing, this would cause large-scale problems for the housing market and the tourism economy.

What used to be known as a nuisance to any Charleston local, flooding is no longer just a minor annoyance but a major issue that needs to be addressed before it’s ‘too little, too late.’ We’re hoping that Governor McMaster follows up his rhetoric with decisive action that makes the issue of sea level rise a top priority.