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 National Night Out with the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office invites you to join us for an evening of community, fun, and engagement at our National Night Out event! This event is designed to strengthen community spirit and enhance the relationship between law enforcement and the communities we serve.
Activities Include:
- Games
- Vehicle displays
- K9 demonstrations
- Drone demonstrations
- Various fun-filled activities
We encourage everyone in the community to come out, meet your local law enforcement officers, and enjoy an evening of entertainment and camaraderie. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office and the services we provide, while having a fantastic time with your neighbors.
Event: National Night Out
Date: Tuesday, August 6
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Locations:
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Ashley River Park: 200 Renken Road, Summerville
Admission: To gain entry to the Ashley River Park, please bring a non-perishable food item. Your contribution will support local food banks and blessing boxes.
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Davis-Bailey Park: 5190 E. Jim Bilton Blvd., St. George
 Oakbrook Sports Complex Groundbreaking Ceremony
Dorchester County and the Summerville YMCA are excited to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Oakbrook Sports Complex on August 7th at 9:00 AM located at 900 Crosscreek Drive in Summerville.
With a substantial investment of over $12 million from Dorchester County and a generous contribution of 17 acres from the YMCA, the new state-of-the-art sports complex is set to become a central hub for recreational activities in the community. This initiative represents a key milestone in the broader redevelopment goals for the Oakbrook area in Summerville.
This $12.35 million project, funded through Dorchester County's Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and an additional $2 million from the Legislative Delegation, will transform 17 acres donated by the YMCA into a state-of-the-art recreational facility. This development is a key part of the Oakbrook Redevelopment Plan and will help to revitalize the area with upgraded infrastructure and enhanced community amenities.
The complex will feature advanced turf fields, multipurpose spaces, a concession building with restrooms, a playground, and access to the Sawmill Branch Trail System. The Summerville YMCA will oversee year-round programs catering to various community interests.
To RSVP for the groundbreaking ceremony, please visit the following Eventbrite Link.
 Dorchester County Awarded $1 Million Community Development Block Grant for Stratton Capers Water Upgrade Project
Dorchester County is excited to announce that it has been awarded a $1 million Community Development Block Grant from the South Carolina Department of Commerce. This grant will fund the first phase of the Stratton Capers Water Improvement project, a significant step forward in enhancing the infrastructure and safety of the Stratton Capers neighborhood.
The funding will be used to install 4,694 feet of new 8” PVC waterline, along with additional fire hydrants throughout the Stratton Capers 2 neighborhood. These improvements will not only provide better water access to residents but also significantly boost fire safety in the area.
The project designs are already shovel-ready, and construction is planned to begin by early September. This timely progress ensures that the residents of Stratton Capers will soon benefit from these vital improvements.
This grant represents a commitment to the community's health, safety, and quality of life, underscoring Dorchester County's dedication to continuous development and support for its neighborhoods. Please click for more information.
 2024 Dorchester County Economic Development Corporation Annual Report
The Dorchester Economic Development Corporation is happy to release its Annual Report for 2023-2024.
Dorchester County continues to excel in economic development, achieving remarkable milestones in FY2023/2024. We continue to make significant strides in product development, prospect development, workforce development, and marketing.
As we look forward to a new giving cycle, we take pride in the progress we have already made to Advance Dorchester.
Essential Safety Skills: First Aid, CPR, Fire Extinguishers, and Utility Shut-Offs
Being prepared for emergencies is crucial for the safety and well-being of your household. Learning essential skills such as first aid, CPR, using a fire extinguisher, and knowing how to shut off utilities can make a significant difference during a crisis. Here's why these skills are important and how to acquire them:
Learn First Aid and CPR
- Taking a first aid and CPR class, available through the American Red Cross, equips you to respond effectively in medical emergencies.
- Certification protects you under Good Samaritan laws when providing first aid.
Learn to Use a Fire Extinguisher
- Having at least one ABC type fire extinguisher in your home is essential for fire safety.
- Ensure everyone in the household knows its location and how to use it properly.
- Only use a fire extinguisher if trained; contact your local fire department for training.
Know How to Shut Off Utilities
Natural Gas
- Familiarize all household members with the gas shut-off procedures specific to your gas meter configuration.
- Contact your gas company for guidance.
- In case of a gas leak, evacuate immediately, shut off the gas if possible, and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.
- Only a qualified professional should turn the gas back on.
Water
- Learn how to shut off the main water valve to your house and tag it for easy identification.
- Ensure the valve can be shut off completely and replace it if necessary.
- Shut off the water to prevent contamination if authorities indicate it’s unsafe to drink.
Electricity
- Teach responsible household members how to shut off electricity at the circuit box.
- Always turn off individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit to avoid sparks that could ignite leaking gas.
By mastering these essential skills, you can protect your family, prevent damage, and ensure a swift response in emergency situations.
 Dorchester County Rosebrock Park and Davis-Bailey Park Open TRACK Trails for Kids and Families
On National TRACK Trails Day, August 17, the Dorchester County Parks and Recreation Department and Kids in Parks program will celebrate the grand opening of new TRACK Trails at Rosebrock Park (507 Beech Hill Rd, Summerville) and at Davis-Bailey Park (5190 E Jim Bilton Blvd, St George).
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on August 17 at 10AM at Rosebrock Park located at 507 Beech Hill Rd, Summerville.
This new TRACK Trail offers visitors a series of self-guided activity brochures that turn an ordinary hike into a fun-filled, discover-packed adventure. The trail’s Types of Trees activity helps children learn about the different varieties of oak, maple, and pine trees found along the trail. The Birds of the Woods and Wetlands activity provides participants with identification information for some of the park’s popular bird species.
Kids who participate in the program can register their TRACK Trail adventures at KidsinParks.com to earn a series of prizes designed to make their next outdoor adventure even more fun and meaningful. Since the program’s inception, more than a million TRACK Trail adventures have been completed by kids.
 Dorchester County Announces Early and Under Budget Completion of US 78 Phase 2B
Dorchester County recently announced the early completion of the US 78 Phase 2B project, finished ahead of schedule and $1.2 million under budget. This achievement highlights our project team's dedication and efficiency.
The US 78 Phase 2B project aimed to enhance safety, increase traffic capacity, and improve traffic flow. Key improvements include:
- Construction of a 3-lane road section with 4-foot wide paved shoulders and 6-foot wide grass shoulders for approximately 1.6 miles from approximately 0.25 miles west of SC-173 to approximately 0.7 miles east of S-18-630 (Campbell Thickett Road).
- Resurfacing and addition of 4-foot wide paved shoulders and 6-foot wide grass shoulders for approximately 0.1 mile from approximately 0.7 miles west of S-18-630 (Campbell Thickett Road) to approximately 0.8 miles east of S-18-630 (Campbell Thickett Road).
- Realignment of the US 78 intersection with US 178, providing left and right turn lanes for both roads.
These upgrades significantly enhance daily commutes and ensure safer, more efficient transportation. US 78 also serves as a critical evacuation route, making these improvements vital for community safety.
This project is part of a larger initiative to improve US Highway 78. For more information on future US 78 projects, Phase 3A and Phase 3B, please visit Dorchester County’s Transportation Sales Tax Program website: https://dorchestertransportation.com/.
 Learn More About Your VA Benefits!
Dorchester County will be hosting this month's VA Benefits & Disability Claims Workshop on August 13. Topics of discussion include an overview of disability benefits, dependency and indemnity compensation, and pension eligibility. There will also be a Q&A session at the end.
Location: St. George County Council Chambers (201 Johnston Street, St. George).
Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2024.
Time: 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
For any questions about the program, please call (843) 832-0050. Don't miss your chance to learn more about your VA benefits!
 Register to Vote
Do you need to update your address? Have a new last name? Click the link to update your voter registration status if your information isn't current. For more information, please contact the Voter Registration and Elections Office at 843-563-0132.
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