james island

Large Fuel Spill in the Charleston Marsh

A diesel fuel spill at Dill Creek on James Island has the U.S. Coast Guard involved in the cleanup. Over 3,100 gallons of fuel were spilled from an above-ground tank near Plum Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Immediately 20% of the spill was cleaned up, leaving 80% floating in the marsh. Mike Saia of Charleston Water System says it might take up to a week to clean the entirety of the spill. The leakage began around 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15.

In order to best remove the diesel fuel from the marsh, a vacuum truck has been placed at the site. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is aiding the U.S. Coast Guard in the cleanup.

The marsh has a strange red tinted color, due to the red-dye diesel fuel. The main concern for the spill is geared toward the many small animals and wildlife that reside there. Baby crabs, shrimp, and fish are all largely impacted by the spill. Long-term effects have yet to be reported.

Uncategorized

Charleston Farmers Markets to Check Out

Making plans for the weekend? Join local Lowcountry farmers as they open for essential goods as mini-markets during COVID-19. You don’t have to forgo your favorite stands and sellers. They’re now available under new guidelines and restrictions. With plenty of farm-fresh produce, you’re sure to find what you need while enjoying the displays.

Downtown Charleston

This farmers market is known for its music, delicious food, and lively atmosphere. Though its 2020 Opening Day is still TBD, its return will be filled with all of the above. You can find the sellers at Marion Square on King and Calhoun St. from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays, pending its return.

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market

Open as an essential farm goods supplier, the Mount Pleasant farmers market offers a festival-like atmosphere to their approach. The Coleman Boulevard gathering is still open for business during COVID-19, though their vendor list has since been limited. Join the band of vendors every Tuesday from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. for live music and organic crops.

Sea Island Farmers Market

As of May 17th, Sea Island’s back every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Hosted at Charleston Collegiate’s campus, this farmers market is a paradise for produce. Each vendor sells their goods as a way of bringing the community together. Check out their calendar to see what’s on the lineup.

James Island Farmers Market

Join James Island locals for “Sunday Brunch” behind The Pour House on Maybank Hwy. Recently voted best Pop-up Market by Charleston City Paper’s “best-of” awards, you can expect high-quality goods from this welcoming locale. Open from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for a Sunday-Funday you can enjoy with the family!

Eat & Drink

Maple Street Biscuit Company Coming To James Island

Featured Image Credit: Maple Street Biscuit Company Facebook

According to the Post & Courier, Maple Street Biscuit Co. is going to fill the blank space sitting right across from local favorite Muddy Waters Coffee, in the James Island Harris Teeter shopping center at 1739 Maybank Hwy.

Originating in Jacksonville, Florida, Maple Street Biscuit Company is a community of stores that specialize in all kinds of comfort food while adding their own modern twist. On their menu you can find a few sure to be favorites like a variety of signature biscuits, smokey mountain mac and cheese, vanilla bean waffles, bluegrass grits with cream cheese and even mason-jar salads for those who want to go a tad healthier!

So far there is no word on when James Islanders can expect this new southern hot-spot but with its prime location, we are sure it will be a hit!

News

Hurricane Irma Washes Away Folly Boat Into James Island Backyard

Featured Image Credit: WCIV

The Folly Beach Boat is a staple to the Charleston Community. It’s hard to miss while you’re driving along the highway on your way to Folly Beach. It’s always painted differently with a different design and a different message. It all started when Hurricane Hugo Hit in 1989 and the boat washed ashore on the side of the highway. Now, 28 years later, Hurricane Irma has washed it away and into the backyard of a James Island resident.

People from all over come to Folly to cover the landmark with painted messages for all occasions such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, disasters, encouraging notes, and much more. The boat was most recently painted with “Godspeed Florida” and “This Too Shall Pass” in honor of Hurricane Irma hitting the coast.

Stephanie Lee took this photo of the famous Folly Boat on Sunday night and it had messages of support for the Florida Keys and others impacted by Hurricane Irma. Image Credit: Stephanie Lee

Then Monday came and so did Irma….

Charleston did not get directly hit by the hurricane but experienced violent winds, heavy rain, and tons of flooding. The Folly Boat has swept away with the storm and the Charleston community was threatened with losing the boat along with all the memories. Thankfully, the sentimental boat turned up in a James Island backyard after floating a half-mile and crashing into a local dock owned by Chris John. Social media kept people updated about the boat’s disappearance and rediscovery.

“All the sudden, it was just floating by,” said Chris. The boat currently resides in his front yard. We hope the boat will be able to be returned to its original location and provide messages to the community again. The condition and if it will be returned to its home is still unknown.

The messages this boat has endured is important to the people and community. The boat has become a part of Folly Beach life and we are glad that we did not lose it for good!