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 Come out and Meet Your Local Dorchester County First Responders!
The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office invites residents to National Night Out, an evening of camaraderie and fun aimed at fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community. The Sheriff’s Office will host two events on August 1 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ashley River Park (200 Renken Rd., Summerville) and Davis-Bailey Park (5190 E. Jim Bilton Blvd., St George).
The events will consist of the following highlights:
Community Meet and Greet: Connect with Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement officers and first responders.
Law Enforcement Demonstrations: Gain valuable insights into safety techniques and crime prevention strategies through interactive demonstrations by our experienced law enforcement personnel. These include: K9 demonstrations, Aviation demonstrations, and Crime Scene demonstrations.
Kids Activities: Join first responders for games of corn hole, kickball, volleyball, spike ball, and basketball (at Davis-Bailey Park).
Food and Refreshments: Hot dogs and drinks will be available free of charge.
These events are excellent opportunities to connect with your fellow neighbors, local law enforcement, and other first responders in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Special thanks to our sponsors: Shuman Foods, McDaniel Supply Company, and Trinity Services Group, Inc.
 Dorchester County Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Ladson Fire & EMS Station
Dorchester County Government held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Ladson Road Fire and EMS Station on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Elected officials, community leaders, and honored guests gathered together to celebrate the completion of the newly built station located at 4214 Ladson Road.
The new station is one of the Oakbrook TIF District priorities and was primarily funded through TIF limited obligation bonds as well as ARPA funds. This state-of-the-art facility will serve one of the fastest growing areas in Dorchester County. It is equipped with heated bays for all-season training and includes a decontamination entrance for ensuring staff safety and to prevent the spread of hazardous materials. It is also Dorchester's first station to be fully integrated with smart technology that incorporates the new automated dispatch system into the construction of the facility and also features an option for growth that accommodates additional bay expansion ensuring scalability as the needs of our community evolve.
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The ribbon cutting ceremony also honored the Old Fort Fire Department and unveiled the new plaque that is dedicated to long-time fire chief, Larry Hood. Fire Rescue also pushed in Engine 423 as a symbolic gesture that represents the transfer of the fire station's responsibility from the old to the new.
 Dorchester County Polling Location Changes
Beech Hill and Beech Hill 2 Voters
The Beech Hill and Beech Hill 2 Voters polling location has PERMANENTLY changed.
NEW LOCATION: Ashley Ridge High School, 9800 Delemar Highway, Summerville, SC 29485.
Miles-Jamison Voters
The Miles-Jamison Voters polling location has PERMANENTLY changed.
NEW LOCATION: Eugene Sires Elementary School, 301 Chandler Creek Rd, Summerville, SC 29485.
Greenwave Voters
The Greenwave Voters polling location has PERMANENTLY changed.
NEW LOCATION: Gregg Middle School, 500 Greenwave Blvd, Summerville, SC 29483.
A new Voter Registration Card will be mailed within a few weeks. This Voter Registration Card is for informational purposes only and cannot be used as a form of identification at the polls unless it is a Voter Registration Card with a photograph. You will need to bring a current and valid Photo ID to the polls on Election Day. A complete list of acceptable forms of identification is available at www.scvotes.gov.
 Hurricane Evacuation Study
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division's Hurricane Evacuation Study is underway ahead of the 2023 hurricane season.
With your input, this study will guide how the state plans for and responds to hurricanes in South Carolina. Previous studies helped develop the state's evacuation zones, refine planning timelines, and determine the best ways to reach residents with emergency information. This new hurricane evacuation study will help state and local emergency managers adapt to changing communities and populations.
The survey responses are anonymous. Anyone over 18 years old living in or owning property in coastal South Carolina is encouraged to answer the survey. The survey will close in September 2023, and the full study is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
You can find the Hurricane Evacuation Study at https://www.scemd.org/em-professionals/hurricane-evacuation-study/. If you have questions about this survey, please email SCEMD at hurricane@emd.sc.gov.
South Carolina is most vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricanes threaten not only the coast but all areas of South Carolina. Storm surge and flooding are the most deadly and destructive hazards associated with tropical storms and hurricanes. High winds and tornadoes can cause severe damage to buildings and homes far inland.
Hurricane season began June 1 and lasts through November 30.
Dorchester County Veterans Benefits Programs
Veterans Benefits Clinic
Thursday, August 24, 9am-3pm
Dorchester Council Chambers, 500 N. Main St., Summerville
Topics of Discussion:
- V.A.L.O.R. Legal Clinic for Basic/Living Will and POA (call for apt. - booking from 9am-2pm)
- S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department VET
- S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce VET
- VA Medical Center Eligibility
- S.C. Department of VA Outreach
- CapTel Liaison Hearing Impaired Equipment
VA Benefits and Disability Claims Workshop
Friday, August 25, 2pm - 4pm
Dorchester Council Chambers, 500 N. Main St., Summerville
Topics of Discussion:
- Disability Benefits Overview
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and Pension Eligibility
- Q&A Time
Call the Veterans Services Department for more information: 843-832-0050
Dorchester County First Responders Honored by Knights of Columbus
Heroes come in many shapes and sizes, but they aren't always recognized. That was not the case during the July 24, 2023, County Council meeting, where five Dorchester County first responders were recognized for their outstanding dedication to public safety and service. These five men and women received awards from Mr. Rodney Profit representing the Knights of Columbus Council 6629.
The recipients are:
- Ashley Sparks - Dorchester County Dispatcher of the Year
- Cpl. Latish Lewis - Dorchester County Detention Officer of the Year
- Emmanuel Guthany - Dorchester County Firefighter of the Year
- Scott Chisholm - Dorchester County Sr. Paramedic Crew Chief of the Year
- Kyle Gahan - Dorchester County Deputy of the Year
Cpl. Latish Lewis and Deputy Kyle Gahan also received additional accolades from Chief Richardson for their outstanding commitment to public safety. Please join us in congratulating them and thanking them for what they do.
 Dorchester County Economic Development Report
The Dorchester Economic Development Corporation is happy to release its Annual Report for 2022-2023.
With record breaking capital investment and nearly 1200 new jobs created, the year's advancements have positioned Dorchester County for continued success both regionally and nationally. Thanks to the pivotal support of our more than 100 investors we are able to see growth in Product Development, Prospect Development, Workforce Development, and Marketing.
As we prepare for the future with a new strategic plan, we are proud of the progress that has already been made to Advance Dorchester.
 Upcoming Parks and Recreation Programs in August
Dorchester County Parks and Recreation continues to provide fun, quality programs for our community.
Some of the upcoming August programs at Ashley River Park and Davis-Bailey Park include:
- National Night Out - Ashley River Park and Davis-Bailey Park
- Birds of Prey - Ashley River Park
- Geocaching - Davis-Bailey Park
- Sunrise Yoga - Ashley River Park
- Full Moon Yoga - Ashley River Park
You can keep track of or sign up for programs and events at Dorchesterparks.org. Also, make sure to follow Dorchester County Parks and Rec on Facebook and Instagram.
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