roofer in Mcclellanville, SC

MCCLELLANVILLE — Larry Mcclellan can look from the porch of his century old farmhouse out across Jeremy Creek where the shrimp boats rock under their hanging nets.

Mcclellan captains one of the boats there and his son captains another. The creek, which leads to the rich Bulls Bay shellfish waters, is his livelihood and his life. The hub of it all, where the boats are moored, is the Carolina Seafood dock.

That’s how integral Carolina Seafood owner Rutledge Leland’s business is to McClellanville, the modest fishing village north of Charleston.

The seafood dock is the cultural heart of the place. And it could be lost.

Mcclellan was among a roomful of town residents who turned out at a Charleston County Greenbelt meeting last week to support an East Cooper Land Trust request for funding to conserve the Carolina Seafood dock as an open space and cultural heritage worth protecting with sales tax dollars, but also as a business.

The support “is almost unanimous in this town,” Mcclellan said.

Traditional commercial fishing docks like Leland’s are disappearing across the state because of the niche nature of the business in an international market, as well as development pressures on the lucrative waterfront properties.

But in a region where tasty fresh shrimp, oysters and finfish are sought-after delicacies, commercial dock space is critical for offloading, fueling, taking on ice and provisions and conducting general maintenance.

Saving the docks has become a priority for local groups such as the East Cooper trust, which is working with Leland and other McClellanville residents to pay Leland $1.3 million to put the space under a conservation easement.

Mixing business and nature isn’t a conventional project for conservation groups. But they are turning more to public-private community efforts to conserve the traditions of a place as growth and expansion is seeing the region become more urban. The move has drawn criticism as costing the public too much money in relation to conserving less urban tracts.

Catherine Main, the East Cooper trust director, points to other private-public waterfront conservations seen in Okracoke, North Carolina, and Portland, Maine.

“It has been done before and has been done before successfully,” she said. “We look at culture and history as important to protect the natural and scenic character of the community.”

The trust’s proposal is to put into conservation easement the dock’s 2 acres while opening 1 acre as a community park with a sort of riverwalk working waterfront and restricting commercial use of the other acre to fishing. The Greenbelt committee asked them to resubmit the proposal with more emphasis on the conservation.

The trust plans to go back to the committee with more details and a park design that would include open spaces under live oaks and spots to view wildlife such as dolphins and pelicans.

Leland would add $337,000 to the effort. The conservation payment wouldn’t be a windfall for him, he said. The dock needs to be rebuilt, the seafood house renovated with more advanced equipment.

Carolina Seafood handles 70 percent of the shrimp that comes into Charleston County, which is 30 percent of the shrimp that comes into South Carolina, according to state figures. It is one of the last of a handful of seafood houses left in the state.

The dock is the main mooring for the local commercial boats. A second commercial dock in town has been sold and its seafood house is operating on a lease. The expectation is the property eventually will be developed residentially.

Already the shellfish boats motor down Jeremy Creek past waterfront home docks that cost more than the boat captains’ houses. They pass yacht-size sports fishing boats docked where commercial fishing boats used to tie off.

Leland is 75 years old. He has made a life at the dock since his father brought him down there as a toddler in a life jacket nearly as big as he was.

Running a seafood house, negotiating prices for varying catches in a market that constantly shifts with supply and demand “is not an easy job to put anybody in,” he said.

“I’ve wanted for years to do something to commit this property to local fishermen. I never could come up with a plan,” he said. “There are a lot of people in town who depend on this dock for a paycheck.”

Leland has talked with the captains about forming a community co-op to run the place and hopes the conservation of the property will help them do it.

He, like everyone else in McClellanville, sees the massive growth in the Charleston area and new homes going up in town.

“It’s a reality. You have to deal with realities,” Leland said. “I would like to see this place set aside for commercial fishing. I’d just hate to see that go away, and I’m going to do everything I can to help keep it.”

Reach Bo Petersen at @bopete on Twitter or 843-937-5744.

People who live in the McClellanville area say mosquitoes are becoming a real frustration as Charleston County works to get their volume under control.

McCLELLANVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - People who live in the McClellanville area say mosquitoes are becoming a real frustration as Charleston County works to get their volume under control.

Jon Loveland, the assistant manager for the Charleston County Mosquito Program, says they’re getting calls countywide, but McClellanville is the worst spot right now.

“As soon as you open the car doors it’s like 10 million of them,” Aziarae Green said. “They eat you into the car, they just eat you alive.”

Joe Blake has lived in McClellanville for 65 years. He said he’s never seen the mosquitoes this bad.

“I can’t get out to mow my yard,” Blake said. “My grandson couldn’t go to school this morning because the mosquitoes are so bad.”

Blake said he bought 10 cans of bug spray in two days just to come outside.

McClellanville resident John Kooper said the bugs are aggravating, but he also worries about the disease that the bugs can carry.

“I stay covered up and I spray what I’ve got exposed, hands, face, neck whatever,” Kooper said. “Put a hat on, beat them to death when I can and that’s basically all you can do.”

Loveland said they’re aware of the situation and put up an airplane Sunday morning to treat what they could, and they also had ground trucks in the area Sunday night spraying. He says they will be out again Monday night.

McClellanville is particularly challenging to treat because there are certain areas that are restricted and cannot be treated, like thousands of acres of protected wetlands, he said. They’re also restricted to using one product in the Francis Marion National Forest. Mosquitoes can build resistance to that.

Loveland said a lot of the issue stems from Hurricane Ian and a large amount of rainfall.

“Most of these mosquitoes we’re seeing in the northern part of the county are saltmarsh mosquitoes,” Loveland said. “So really the only thing they’re going to be able to do is wear long sleeves, try to avoid being outside at dusk and dawn and use a repellant with Deet in it.”

Charleston County residents can click here to request spraying or call 843-202-7880. Residents can also text “hello” to Citibot at 843-800-4121 and ask to request a mosquito control spray.

Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Known as the “Palmetto State”, South Carolina is indeed a most beautiful place of natural wonder, fascinating history, and delightful warm weather. Renowned for its hospitality and famed Southern charm, South Carolina offers everything from stunning coastal views of the Atlantic Ocean to tremendous vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. These natural attractions are only rivalled by the splendid culture and history that are on full display in many of the State’s great small towns. Here some of the very best of South Carolina’s beauty can be found, where visits of discovery are ideal for families and solo travellers alike.

McClellanville

Home to a population of just 605 residents (according to 2020 census figures), the small town of McClellanville is indeed a most quaint and charming locale. Framed by the Francis Marion National Forest and right on the coast with the Atlantic Ocean, this town is full of tranquility and loads of natural beauty. Just an hour’s drive from the city of Charleston, McClellanville is a popular fishing destination that traces its history back to the 1860s.

Visitors can learn all about the town and region’s history by spending time at the local Historic District or by exploring the Village Museum. And of course with its vicinity to the ocean, a variety of great and tasty seafood restaurants can be found where specialties like oysters and shrimp can all be savoured. Meanwhile at the aforementioned Francis Marion National Forest, many alluring hiking and biking trails are on hand, creating a most beautiful and intimate encounter with the outdoors.

Beaufort

Founded in 1711, the town of Beaufort is the second oldest colonial settlement in South Carolina. Situated on the Atlantic Coast’s Port Royal Island, Beaufort is full of splendid Southern charm, scenic views, and fascinating 18^th century history. Indeed history lovers will enjoy any time spent in Beaufort and its Historic District, where several pre Civil War buildings continue to engage visitors. Meanwhile for the nature lover, enjoying water activities like sailing and swimming is always an attractive and beautiful experience. And without a doubt even just a wonderful stroll at the charming boardwalk at the Sands in Port Royal will surely make any visitor totally embrace Beaufort.

Hartsville

With a modern day population of 7,446 inhabitants the historic town of Hartsville traces its history back to the 1760s, while Native American peoples had long lived in the area. Indeed with its mix of indigenous and colonial history, Hartsville is home to plethora of important historic sites. Including the Jacob Kelly Mansion and the Hartsville Depot Train Station, an up close encounter with centuries of history can be experienced here. Meanwhile for the nature lover, a stop at the Kalmia Gardens cannot be missed. Here some 30 acres of local plants and trails amaze all who visit in a most serene and stunning ambience.

And in the heart of the town’s downtown numerous tasty restaurants, charming boutique stores, galleries, museums and more can all be discovered. For anyone looking for a genuine sampling of Southern charm while in South Carolina, then a visit to Hartsville is a sure fire way to find it abundantly.

Mount Pleasant

Despite its relatively large population of 90,000 inhabitants, Mount Pleasant still maintains a most unique and beautiful small town charm, full of Southern history and beauty. Indeed any visitor can experience first hand several centuries worth of historic sites, buildings and park from the 1700s to the mid 20^th century.

Stop by the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and see the amazing aircraft carrier the USS Yorktown, or spend time at the Mount Pleasant Historic District. Here architectural styles like Victorian, Georgian and Greek Revival can all be seen in a most serene and charming ambience. Meanwhile, being a coastal town means residents and tourists alike will always have easy access to the Atlantic where sailing and swimming are very popular throughout the year. Indeed for great fun in the sun and a fascinating dose of history, a stop in Mount Pleasant will certainly a most pleasurable one.

York

Established in the 1750s, York was an important battle site during the War of Independence, and two major campaigns were fought there. Known as the “White Rose City”, today a population of just over 8,000 call York home, and it remains a place of fascinating living history. Indeed in the York Historic District nearly every building has been included on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Allison Plantation, the York County Courthouse, and the Hart House among others. And a special picture with the Old Town Clock should certainly not be missed. Meanwhile an assortment of tasty local restaurants, charming boutique shops, galleries, and other businesses round out this most beautiful town, where residents are always ready to show off their best hospitality.

Aiken

Known as the “City of Trees”, and near the border with the State of Georgia, the town of Aiken is a splendid place where natural beauty and Southern charm come together. Take a stroll through the beautiful Hopeland Gardens, where an abundance of local flowers and hot sun make it an enjoyable afternoon for the whole family. Meanwhile at the Boyd Pond Park, stunning hiking and biking trails bring visitors up close with raw nature and local wildlife. And for the history lover visiting the Aiken Train Museum cannot be missed. Learn about the Eastern Railroad’s expansion and the rail industry in a most fun and interactive place.

Georgetown

South Carolina’s third oldest town, Georgetown was formally established by Spanish colonists in 1526 before becoming a prominent English colony. The State’s second largest seaport, this town of just over 8,000 residents is full of old world charm and offers visitors a most unique glimpse into the America of the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Once an indigo and rice production centre, cobblestone streets, historic buildings and homes, and other landmarks make up the Historic District for a most fascinating excursion. And of course as a seafront settlement, Georgetown offers great boat tours where delightful scenic views of the coastline will surely make for some of the best vacation memories.

Pendleton

Home to a population of nearly 3,500 residents, history lovers will adore the town of Pendleton. Well known for its historic district, visitors will be immersed into a veritable slice of 18^th century America. View such landmarks like the Woodburn and Bonne-Douthit Plantations and discover how Pendleton transformed from a farming town to an industrial centre leading to the Civil War.

But beyond its historical allure, the town is also full of great Southern charm where warm hospitality and an assortment of services make any day memorable. Browse through several local shops and boutique stores, tasty restaurants, and an ever important atmosphere of genuine Americana.

Hilton Head Island

The resort town of Hilton Head Island is situated only 20 miles from the border with the State of Georgia, offering visitors and residents alike a most stunning and beautiful Atlantic Ocean beachfront. Featuring nearly 12 miles of coastline there is certainly never a shortage of exquisite panoramas and warm sun. Here opportunities for sailing, swimming, and sunbathing can all be enjoyed while a relaxing game of tennis or golf is always a delight for sports enthusiasts.

Stop by the Coligny Beach Park where great boardwalk vistas, fine dining options and an eclectic range of shopping outlets all round out the landscape. And with loads of live music and artists selling their craft, Hilton Head Island is without a doubt one of South Carolina’s most picturesque and charming locales.

South Carolina is indeed a most extraordinary place where history and nature are always hand in hand. From beautiful mountains, to delightful coastal ocean views, and loads of fascinating American history, the towns of the “Palmetto State” delight the senses. With their rustic beauty, unique histories, and healthy dose of always sought after Southern charm, these South Carolina towns are perfect destinations to discover America and its hidden gems.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Plans are finally in motion to replace the old Lincoln High School with a brand new school in McClellanville.

It's been nearly a decade since Lincoln High closed. At a board meeting Wednesday night, there was finally talk of what a new school would bring the community.

Charleston County School District leaders presented a slideshow detailing the future of the new high school and middle school in northern Charleston County.

CCSD considering magnet program for future high school in McClellanville area. (WCIV)

Since the closure of Lincoln High School, kids are waking up earlier to make the bell at Wando High and returning home late because of the long drive.

The constituent school board said a new school will bring relief to the people living in Awendaw and it will provide help to the schools already reaching capacity.

The district is looking at attendance lines within the area while looking at creating a magnet program.

"I do believe a partial magnet or magnet program of some kind might be within the programming options and given that it's going to have a size of 1,000 students it will probably need to pull in some areas other than just the McClellanville and Awendaw area," said Pamela Jouan-Goldman, Chair of the District 2 Constituent School Board.

Scenarios of possible zoning were shown during the meeting.

The methodology was based off the fiscal year 2022 data.

Parents voiced their concerns of drawing the line further down into Mount Pleasant.

"You do not want to force a family who is living right next door to a school go up the road to another school if at all possible so that's why were looking at the magnet as an opportunity to attract families that want to go there despite any increase in distance then they would have," Chief Operating Officer of CCSD Jeff Borowy said.

The district's goal is to get 500 students in both the middle and high school.

Thomas Colleton, Chair of the District 1 Constituent Board, said the school will need to offer something enticing.

“It is important to this build the school but at the same time let's figure out what were going to be doing inside. The curriculum means a lot," Colleton said.

“I don't know how much it would make sense to drive by Wando High School to get on (Highway) 17 to go up to Awendaw, but it does sound like they are going to have different specific programs at their school. So for example if they have got a great art program and my daughter is really into art, that sounds like a nice option to have," said Jonathan Mars, a parent of students at Carolina Park.

Colleton said it's crucial everyone is transparent throughout this process.

Their next steps will be to develop a blue-ribbon committee to review these options and create a draft to be presented to the constituent boards in October.

"I'm hopeful this blue ribbon commission will ease some of this tension, and let people know going to another school, which would be a state of the art school, why wouldn't you want your child to go there," Colleton said.

The Kaiser Farm Tract property was leased in December of 2021 to the former owner to be used as a hay farm.

The three-year lease agreement is able to be terminated at any time with a 90-day notice.

It's also possible a park and library could be built on the property in the future.

MCCLELLANVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) – The Charleston County School Board’s Committee of the Whole on Monday heard details of a proposal to breathe new life into a shuttered school.

Lincoln High School in McClellanville was closed in 2016. Since then, it has been available to the community in limited ways.

Graduate Lewis Porchet’s vision is to transform the building into a cultural center and community hub with a number of uses to fit the area’s unique needs.

“Lincoln… presented the opportunity to create a model that can not only celebrate our Gullah Geechee cultural heritage, preserve it to enrich the culture, provide a space for local artists and continuing education programs, all of that is in the plan, but also will be a model that can be duplicated along the corridor and assist in rural community development,” he told the committee Monday afternoon.

The proposal would also see the former school become a hub for rural community development, with space for entrepreneurial training, continuing education and medical resources.

“Most of these initiatives have the goal of cultural appreciation, community education or creation of new jobs,” Porchet said.

The group plans to cover its costs through grants, private funds and revenue from leasing, and asked the district to consider leasing it the building for $1 and eventually sell it to them.

A number of community members said the biggest need in the area is a space for kids.

“There’s lots of possibilities. Open up the community center, game center for the kids, something for them to do here, especially in the summertime,” Sherry Howard, who lives behind the former school, said.

Regardless of its final form, Porchet said the project also serves as a chance to build trust between the Gullah Geechee community and the school district, which haven’t always seen eye to eye.

“The Gullah Geechee community has a skewed or negative perception of the way that it’s been served, and we believe that happened for a variety of that we’re not here to even argue, we’re here with solutions,” he said.

Monday’s presentation was just for informational purposes so the board was not able to take any action, but they asked staff to review the proposal and report back by next month.

Copyright 2021 WCSC. All rights reserved.