YOUR COUNTY. YOUR NEWS.
A Message from the County Administrator
It’s an exciting time to live in Dorchester County! This past month, we officially opened the Ashley River Park. It was with your support, votes, and input that we were able purchase the property and create a beautiful and inviting space for our community. Since Saturday, March 19, there have been more than 10,000 people who have visited the park! The Ashley River Park is just one part of a much broader goal to create a first-class parks system in Dorchester County. Our next priority is opening the 306-acre Pine Trace Park and Natural Area. The Master Plan for Pine Trace includes an extensive trail system, bike/pedestrian connections, six-acre fishing pond, fishing pier, ADA kayak launch, shelters, playground, disc golf course, dog parks, bike playground, community garden, and a primitive group camping area.
We are also moving forward with our library projects. We recently purchased property along Bacon's Bridge Road for the Oakbrook Branch Library. We are completing concept plans and construction drawings, and bid solicitation should be ready by mid-summer. Additionally, the county has awarded a contract to design and construct the 15,000 square foot North Charleston Branch Library and Fort Dorchester High School Media Center, which is a partnership with Dorchester School District Two. More information about these and all of our capital projects can be found on our Capital Projects page.
As the temperatures rise, you know what that means…mosquitoes! Dorchester County will begin mosquito spraying in the next few weeks. To see when we will be spraying your area, visit Dorchester County Mosquito Control to identify your spray zone, see the spray schedule, or request ground spraying.
Last, Dorchester County is hiring! We offer great benefits and competitive pay and have both full and part-time positions available. If you’re interested in joining our team, please visit Dorchester County Job Opportunities.
As always, I hope that you’re able to take some time away to disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty and resources that Dorchester County has to offer. Go for a hike at one of our parks, kayak the Edisto River or Ashley River, bike at Givhans Ferry State Park, run along the Sawmill Branch Trail, and remember to “Do More Dorchester.”
Jason L. Ward, County Administrator
 Ashley River Park Grand Opening
Dorchester County’s new Ashley River Park officially opened to the community on Saturday, March 19, 2022. The 83-acre park located along the Ashley River off Bacon’s Bridge Road features playgrounds, two picnic shelters, a splash pad, fishing pond, riverside walking trail, kayak launch, two dog parks, and an event pavilion. Designed with community input, the park was created to be a dynamic and engaging space where family and friends can gather, celebrate, connect, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
The park is located at 200 Renken Road in Summerville and will be open daily from dawn to dusk. For more information about entry fees or pavilion and shelter rentals, please visit dorchestercountysc.gov/parks or call (843) 806-2426.
Dorchester County recently announced a public-private partnership with Home Telecom and Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC) that will expand high-speed internet access to the western part of the county over the next three years.
This $17.1 million investment is subsidized through matching funds provided by Home Telecom and PRTC along with a maximum grant of $8.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. This partnership will result in 325 miles of buried fiber to more than 4,100 homes that currently do not have access to adequate high-speed internet service.
Click the link below for more information or to view the service areas that will be covered.
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New Partnership Aims to Reduce Wasted Food
40% of the food supply in the United States is never consumed, costing $218 billion in wasted food and resources! This waste happens while more than 41 million Americans are food insecure.
That's why Dorchester County has recently become an "Ambassador" for Don't Waste Food SC (DWFSC). DWFSC is a collaborative outreach campaign that brings together organizations from the public and private sectors dedicated to sharing knowledge, coordinating resources, and working together to reduce food waste in South Carolina.
Virtually anyone can take part in reducing food waste, including kids! Click the button for more information about DWFSC.
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Dorchester County Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief Graduates from Leadership Institute
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Battalion Chief Brian Ducey recently graduated from the South Carolina State Firefighters' Association Leadership Institute. This year-long leadership development and educational program fosters critical thinking, networking, problem-solving, and communication skills in order to advance firefighter leadership throughout the state.
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Community Needs Assessment
Public Hearing
During the regularly scheduled County Council Meeting on Monday, April 4, 2022, at 6:00 pm, Dorchester County will hold a public hearing in County Council Chambers at the Dorchester County Human Services Building, 500 North Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483.
The purpose of the public hearing is to solicit public input on community needs for housing, public facilities, economic development, and other identified priorities to serve low-moderate income households. At this public hearing, Dorchester County will present results in its draft needs assessment and the activities which might be undertaken to meet identified needs, including the estimated amounts available to be used for activities that will benefit persons of low and moderate income.
All are welcome to attend as we value your input. More information along with the draft Community Needs Assessment are available on our website.
Hurricane season is only two months away, with the official start arriving on June 1st. You may be starting to see 2022 hurricane season forecasts popping up on the internet and TV. While seasonal forecasts may be interesting to speculate on…Remember, IT ONLY TAKES 1 to make it an active year! Start your preparations today by learning your hurricane evacuation zone and creating or updating your family emergency plan/emergency kit. Don’t know where to start? Check out the “SC Emergency Manager” app on the App Store/Play Store and Ready.gov/plan for some great resources! Remember, staying informed is key, so stay tuned to your trusted weather source for the latest watches and warnings before and during any storm!
Make sure to follow Dorchester County Emergency Management Department on Facebook and Twitter! Also, don’t forget to check out the National Weather Service Charleston Forecast Office and the National Hurricane Center for great information and updates all throughout Hurricane Season!
 Did you know that telecommunicators have one of the most stressful jobs in the country? No matter what, they are available to answer 911 calls 24/7 often at the callers' worst moments. Last year alone, Dorchester County Consolidated Dispatch answered over 225,000 calls.
During the week of April 10-16, telecommunicators across the country are recognized and honored for their hard work and dedication. If you'd like to show your appreciation for our Dorchester telecommunicators, please email a note of thanks here. We plan to collect and share all of your notes so that they know how valued they are!
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