Most people who buy a home and the land it sits on expect that it will be theirs for as long as they choose to reside there. They may choose to pass that home and land along to children or other family members once they pass. It's a very common scenario, but for some residents of Charleston County, it may not be possible due to a highway expansion. Once the expansion starts, these residents could actually lose their land. And while you wouldn't think such an action would be legal in America, truth is often stranger than fiction.
The newly proposed expansion on Highway 41 will expand the highway to two lanes, increasing it to a total of four lanes on most of the roadway and from two to three lanes near the Phillips Community. The project would also start construction of Laurel Hill Parkway - a two-lane road that intersects through the outskirts of Laurel Hill County Park. For the Phillips Community, which sits adjacent to the highway, it could mean the loss of residents' homes and land that have been in their families for generations.
So, what can people like those in the Phillips Community do? They don't want to lose their homes or bear the burden of significantly more traffic around them. On their own, the options can be dour. But with the help of eminent domain attorneys in Hilton Head Island, SC, these families can receive the just compensation they deserve.
Remember that when you purchase or are given a plot of land, your property rights aren't as absolute as you may think. According to the United States Constitution, the government has the authority to take your property under specific circumstances. Essentially, your property rights are not absolute.
What's interesting is that the government's ability to take your property is actually stated in the Constitution. Even though the Constitution states that "private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation," in essence, this means the government can take your property if the intended use is valid and they compensate you fairly. The Supreme Court upheld this view in 1876, interpreting that the government had this power based on the Constitution. Eminent domain was frequently used during the construction of the nation's railroad system, often without sufficient limitations on the government.
Unfortunately, many South Carolina residents end up being on the wrong end of the cost-benefit analysis when it comes to fair compensation. That's why, if the government is trying to take your land, it's so important to get in touch with eminent domain attorneys in Hilton Head Island, SC, as soon as possible. That way, you have someone by your side for any legal proceedings or disputes. At Lauren Taylor Law, we have a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes for our clients in cases where the government has failed to fulfill its legal responsibilities.
There are typically two different ways that the government may take your property. Those include:
In both scenarios, you could be forced into litigation in order to protect your rights, even though you had no plans on doing so.
When the government wants to acquire your land, they will typically begin by making a formal offer to buy your property. At this point, you may have the opportunity to negotiate with them. If you decide that selling your property is the best option, it's important to work towards reaching an agreement with the government on the sale price. This isn't always a straightforward process because the government may not be willing to offer you a fair amount.
To determine the price of your property, the government will have their appraiser assess the value of the property. This appraiser functions much like an adjuster for an insurance company, many of whom offer lowball pricing. You should know that you have the right to hire your own appraiser to determine an independent valuation. This is often the best course of action if you're considering selling to the government.
If you choose not to sell to the government, they may proceed by filing a lawsuit to initiate the condemnation process. At this point, you can challenge the taking itself by working with eminent domain attorneys in Hilton Head Island, SC. You can also ask the court to determine the fair market value of the property if the government's valuation is lower than what you believe is fair.
Given the history of these cases, you can never trust the government to act fairly. Why? Because local officials often have interests in such matters, and your rights are getting in their way. Sometimes, the only viable route you have is to lawyer up and fight the case in court.
When the government wants to acquire your land, they will typically begin by making a formal offer to buy your property. At this point, you may have the opportunity to negotiate with them. If you decide that selling your property is the best option, it's important to work towards reaching an agreement with the government on the sale price. This isn't always a straightforward process because the government may not be willing to offer you a fair amount.
To determine the price of your property, the government will have their appraiser assess the value of the property. This appraiser functions much like an adjuster for an insurance company, many of whom offer lowball pricing. You should know that you have the right to hire your own appraiser to determine an independent valuation. This is often the best course of action if you're considering selling to the government.
If you choose not to sell to the government, they may proceed by filing a lawsuit to initiate the condemnation process. At this point, you can challenge the taking itself by working with eminent domain attorneys in Hilton Head Island, SC. You can also ask the court to determine the fair market value of the property if the government's valuation is lower than what you believe is fair.
While the government can use its power to take your land, there are limits on its ability to do so. Namely:
As such, there are two reasons why you can sue the government as part of an eminent domain case:
Given the history of these cases, you can never trust the government to act fairly. Why? Because local officials often have interests in such matters, and your rights are getting in their way. Sometimes, the only viable route you have is to lawyer up and fight the case in court.
Landowners commonly contest whether the taking is genuinely for public use. There are constraints on the government's actions and the reasons for which they can seize your land. The interpretation of these terms by the courts often favors the government. "Public use" does not simply mean that your property would be open to the general public. Instead, the term is more akin to "for the benefit of the public."
Historically, the government expropriated private lands for projects such as bridges and highways. Numerous legal battles arose during the period when the nation was constructing its railroad system. In these instances, the courts typically interpreted "public use" more broadly.
Some of the most common reasons why government landtaking is upheld include the building of structures like:
These are the more "traditional" uses of eminent domain, where the public use would be less in question. However, the law also permits certain utilities to wield the power of eminent domain. For instance, in a recent case in South Carolina, Dominion Energy was granted the authority to acquire homes in order to construct an energy pipeline.
Regrettably, governments have historically tended to misuse this authority, and some courts have even condoned such actions. As an example, courts in Toledo, Ohio, allowed 83 homes to be taken from residents in order to construct a manufacturing plant for Chrysler, which said the plant would create jobs for the public.
If the government is trying to take your land, you should never give up on your property. By working with eminent domain attorneys in Hilton Head Island, SC, you may be able to stop them by challenging the taking itself. You can also challenge the purpose of the taking and argue that the reason for "public use" is really for private use.
Many people worry about the government taking over their entire piece of land. However, in some cases, the government may not need all your property and might not want to compensate you for it. They may only require a portion of your land.
In such instances, the government not only has to pay you for the part of the land they are taking, but they also have to compensate for the decreased value of the remaining land that you still own. Additionally, the government may seek to obtain an easement on your land through eminent domain. This easement could be for utilities or access to another area. Once again, the government must compensate you for the land taken and for the reduction in value of the rest of your property.
In essence, fair market value represents the amount a willing buyer would offer to a seller for their property. While this concept seems straightforward, applying fair market value in reality can be quite challenging. In many instances, negotiating with the government may be necessary to receive proper compensation for your land. Just like any negotiator, the government typically begins with a low offer and anticipates a counteroffer from you to reach a mutual agreement. Rarely does the government present its best offer right from the start.
Several valuations may be considered to determine your property's fair market value:
The amount of income your property could have produced
Comparison of sales to other similar properties in the area that were recently sold (there could be disagreements pertaining to what is comparable)
The amount of money it would cost to replace your property (and the structures built on it) minus depreciation
In reality, during a trial, both you and the government would have valuation experts testify. First, you'd have to choose the relevant valuation, which the government might dispute. Then, you'd need to apply the appropriate valuation method. There might be a significant difference between your numbers and the government's.
However, even if you couldn't prevent the seizure of the property, many have successfully challenged the government's valuation of their property. Property owners have compelled the government to pay more, and our team of eminent domain attorneys in Hilton Head Island, SC, has represented many of them in the legal process over the years.
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Typically, you'll receive notice regarding the potential acquisition of your property through a letter. But if you're like the residents of the Phillips Community, you might have already heard murmurs that something might happen to your land. If you suspect or find out that the government plans to take your land through eminent domain, you need the help of seasoned eminent domain attorneys in Hilton Head Island, SC, right away.
The truth is that the government can be just as challenging to deal with as an insurance company. Despite your constitutional rights, they might try to conceal information or offer far less compensation than your property is worth.
In an eminent domain lawsuit, you're essentially challenging the government. While some courts might show some level of deference to the government, they are not given free rein to do as they please. It's within your rights to stand up and contest the government's actions if they violate your rights. But to fight back effectively, your best bet is to work with an eminent domain lawyer from Lauren Taylor Law.
Your attorney will assess the best legal approach for your case, which could involve suing the government or vigorously defending against their lawsuit. You could also negotiate compensation, either before or after the case goes to court.
If you receive notice that your property is being targeted for eminent domain action, also known as condemnation, it's important to seek advice from an eminent domain attorney. Many people won't reach out to a lawyer when dealing with this kind of legal issue because they:
Unfortunately, these assumptions are rarely, if ever, true. In fact, you may actually be more vulnerable and at risk than you originally thought. This misunderstanding illustrates exactly why you should enlist the services of a reputable eminent domain attorney. With the assistance of a legal expert who is well-versed in South Carolina eminent domain law, property owners can safeguard their rights and secure maximum compensation.
Here are the top three ways an eminent domain lawyer can help:
It's important to keep in mind that the initial offer from the government for your property is often the lowest amount they think they can get away with. This rarely represents the full and fair compensation you deserve. An attorney has the expertise and resources to ensure that you receive proper compensation for the value of your property, including relocation expenses and more.
In some instances, an eminent domain attorney may be able to secure a higher amount than what the government is proposing. The eminent domain lawyers at Lauren Taylor Law are dedicated to safeguarding your rights and protecting your property
Government agencies are not permitted to simply take any property they desire. According to the 5th Amendment, they must prove that the condemnation is genuinely for public use and meets other specific criteria. You have the right to demand that the state fulfill these criteria before seizing your property. Plus, if only a portion of your property is necessary to complete the project, you have the right to safeguard the ownership of the remaining part of your property.
Eminent domain cases and their related laws can be quite intricate and overwhelming for the average property owner. You shouldn't be expected to grasp all the technical terms, and you certainly shouldn't be penalized for not fully understanding the process. That's why having an experienced eminent domain lawyer by your side is valuable on many levels. A skilled eminent domain attorney will assist you through each stage in plain language that you can grasp. With an eminent domain attorney advocating for you throughout your case to safeguard your rights, you stand a better chance of receiving the compensation you rightfully deserve.
If the government takes your property or prevents you from using it, you have the right to file a lawsuit. The law provides you with the opportunity to stand on equal ground with our government, allowing your lawyer to advocate for your rights in court.
At Lauren Taylor Law, our eminent domain lawyers step in so you don't get pushed around. Our goal is to fight the government on your behalf, so you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to learn more about eminent domain in South Carolina and how our firm can help.
After a warm week of beach weather, Hilton Head residents woke up Friday morning to temperatures just over 50 degrees.Here’s the weather forecast for this weekend, including Sunday, the day of the 40th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.FridayHighs on Friday are expected to reach 67 degrees, according to the seven-day forecast from the National Weather Service in Charleston. It will be sunny and slightly windy, with winds ranging between 6 and 11 miles per hour.Friday night will be clear, with a low of ...
After a warm week of beach weather, Hilton Head residents woke up Friday morning to temperatures just over 50 degrees.
Here’s the weather forecast for this weekend, including Sunday, the day of the 40th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Highs on Friday are expected to reach 67 degrees, according to the seven-day forecast from the National Weather Service in Charleston. It will be sunny and slightly windy, with winds ranging between 6 and 11 miles per hour.
Friday night will be clear, with a low of 53 degrees. Jacket weather is back on the island, at least for now.
Saturday will also be sunny, and it will be slightly warmer than Friday, with a high around 73 degrees, the weather service said.
Lows on Saturday night will hit 62 degrees, and there’s a 20% chance of rain after 2 a.m.
Here’s when things get a little hairy.
On Sunday, when highs could reach 75 degrees, there’s a chance of showers before 11 a.m., and a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. After 2 p.m., right when the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is scheduled to start, showers are likely and a thunderstorm is possible.
The chance of precipitation on Sunday is 60%, and winds could range from 7 to 10 miles per hour.
Showers are also likely on Sunday night, with a thunderstorm possible before 8 p.m. There’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., and at 2 a.m., showers are “likely” and a thunderstorm is possible.
The rain will continue into Monday. Temperatures will be breezy, with a high of 75, and a thunderstorm is possible.
The rain will continue into Monday night, mostly before 8 p.m. There’s an 80% chance of precipitation, and the low will be around 40 degrees.
The rain will finally stop on Tuesday, but it will leave behind colder weather, the weather service said.
Mostly sunny skies are expected from Tuesday through Thursday, but the Tuesday high will be 56 degrees. Highs will reach 59 degrees on Wednesday and 65 degrees on Thursday, the forecast said.
HILTON HEAD, S.C. (WTOC) - The 40th Annual Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, beginning at 2 p.m. on Pope Avenue.The Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Palmetto State, according to organizers.Since last year’s event was rained out, the island is excited to bring back the Irish celebration bigger and better than ever.Parade route and parkingThe route begins at Lowcountry Celebration Park/Coligny Beach Park...
HILTON HEAD, S.C. (WTOC) - The 40th Annual Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, beginning at 2 p.m. on Pope Avenue.
The Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Palmetto State, according to organizers.
Since last year’s event was rained out, the island is excited to bring back the Irish celebration bigger and better than ever.
The route begins at Lowcountry Celebration Park/Coligny Beach Parking area, turns left onto Pope Avenue, then left onto Office Park Drive and ends at the Courtyard Building/Park Plaza.
No parking will be available near the parade staging area at the Coligny Beach Parking Lot.
Attendees can park in the area of USCB Hilton Head and will be shuttled to Lowcountry Celebration Park. The Breeze Trolley will operate one-way trips from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office will begin placing cones and barricades along Pope Avenue at 11 a.m. Sunday.
Parade Chairwoman Gabrielle Muething said the event stands out among island celebrations.
“It is the one event that is family-friendly, it’s free, you can watch from a bazillion places and enjoy all that the island offers at the same time,” Muething said.
Organizers expect 25,000 visitors to line the parade route. The marching lineup includes floats, the U.S. Marine Corps Band from Parris Island, pipe and drum bands and more. This year’s Grand Marshal is Diane Reilley.
Make sure you wear green and bring some extra rain gear just in case!
WTOC’s Stormchaser and some familiar faces will be in the parade, so keep an eye out and say hi (or Happy St. Patrick’s Day) when you see us.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a statement from the distilleryA Beaufort distillery that opened almost six years ago at the height of the pandemic filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Tuesday.Rotten Little Bastard Distillery, which opened in the former Kmart building at 2139 Boundary Street in August 2020, filed for bankruptcy March 10 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the district of South Carolina. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is essentially liquidation, which means the debtor’s nonexempt asse...
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a statement from the distillery
A Beaufort distillery that opened almost six years ago at the height of the pandemic filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Tuesday.
Rotten Little Bastard Distillery, which opened in the former Kmart building at 2139 Boundary Street in August 2020, filed for bankruptcy March 10 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the district of South Carolina. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is essentially liquidation, which means the debtor’s nonexempt assets will be sold and proceeds will be used to pay creditors.
In a statement posted to Facebook Wednesday afternoon, owner Brigid Fackrell confirmed the distillery would close. Spirits will be available for purchase at South Carolina liquor stores and online distributors Cellar.com and Tipxy.com as long as supplies last, she said.
Opening in the middle of a pandemic led to an “unexpected rough start” for the business, Fackrell said in her statement. In 2023, things seemed like they were getting better, but in 2025 her husband and co-founder Brian had a stroke, which, while not debilitating, changed some of his abilities.
The couple started to look for someone to buy the business, Brigid Fackrell said, but the “current economy and changes in how people drink alcohol were not in our favor and we could not find a buyer.”
“Brian and I are not going anywhere, as Beaufort is our home,” Brigid Fackrell said. “We are just moving on to the next experience. Thank you, again, and see you around.”
In its bankruptcy filing, the company listed assets of $152,554.72 in total property, including $1,061.47 in cash, $2,169.25 in deposits and prepayments, $80,000 in inventory and $66,740 in machinery, equipment and vehicles, among other things.
The company has $395,265.12 in liabilities, including secured and unsecured claims. Its secured debt is a U.S. Small Business Administration loan from United Community Bank in Bluffton, worth $321,445.52; the rest of the debt comes from unsecured credit accounts and a rejected lease. Funds will be available for distribution to unsecured creditors, the company said in the filing.
Rotten Little Bastard made $278,023 in revenue in 2024 and $221,660 last year, documents show. From Jan. 1, 2026 to March 10, the company made $31,494 in revenue, the filing said.
The distillery, started by the Fackrells, sells several award-winning spirits, including the corn whiskey Saint Helena ‘Shine, King Tide Vodka, Spanish Moss Gin and Boundary Street Rum. The name “Rotten Little Bastard” was an affectionate nickname Brian Fackrell’s mother gave to him when he was a mischievous child.
The Fackrells were inspired to start a distillery by the television show “Moonshiners,” according to Island Packet archives from 2020. They developed the business over the course of four years, taking classes at Moonshine University in Kentucky and taking trips to other distilleries for inspiration.
At its Beaufort distillery, RLB sells its spirits and offers tastings, private parties and classes on everything from sea glass wind chime making to sourdough starter.
Greenville joins Charleston, Florence, Hilton Head Island, Columbia and more South Carolina cities hosting major events, concerts and sports in 2026, and suddenly the entire tourism landscape of South Carolina is buzzing with energy. Greenville joins Charleston, Florence, Hilton Head Island, Columbia again as these South Carolina cities hosting major events, concerts and sports prepare for a dramatic tourism surge in 2026. Across South Carolina, Greenville joins Charleston, Florence, Hilton Head Island, Columbia while more cities hosting maj...
Greenville joins Charleston, Florence, Hilton Head Island, Columbia and more South Carolina cities hosting major events, concerts and sports in 2026, and suddenly the entire tourism landscape of South Carolina is buzzing with energy. Greenville joins Charleston, Florence, Hilton Head Island, Columbia again as these South Carolina cities hosting major events, concerts and sports prepare for a dramatic tourism surge in 2026. Across South Carolina, Greenville joins Charleston, Florence, Hilton Head Island, Columbia while more cities hosting major events, concerts and sports transform the state into one of the most exciting destinations in the United States travel sector.
From historic streets in Charleston to the vibrant downtown of Greenville, from the coastal charm of Hilton Head Island to the growing tourism appeal of Florence and the energetic capital Columbia, these South Carolina cities hosting major events, concerts and sports are shaping a powerful travel narrative for 2026. Visitors are expected to arrive for festivals, concerts, sporting competitions and cultural celebrations across Greenville, Charleston, Florence, Hilton Head Island, Columbia and more South Carolina cities hosting major events, concerts and sports.
Travel And Tour World urges readers to read the entire story to understand why Greenville joins Charleston, Florence, Hilton Head Island, Columbia and more South Carolina cities hosting major events, concerts and sports in 2026 is becoming one of the biggest tourism stories in the United States.
Charleston is set to dominate the South Carolina events 2026 calendar. The historic coastal city already attracts millions of visitors each year, but the festival lineup in 2026 could elevate it to another level. According to the official Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau, the city hosts major annual celebrations including Charleston Restaurant Week, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, and the globally renowned Spoleto Festival USA. These events bring art, culture, food, and music together. They transform Charleston into a dynamic cultural stage and reinforce its reputation as a leading tourism powerhouse in South Carolina.
Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, is preparing for a festival season that will energise the entire state. Tourism authorities such as Experience Columbia SC highlight a strong calendar of cultural and community celebrations. The massive St. Pat’s in Five Points Festival alone attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. Other major gatherings like the Rosewood Crawfish Festival and Cocky Trot bring families, students, and tourists together. These events show how Columbia is emerging as one of the most exciting urban festival destinations in the South Carolina tourism sector.
Myrtle Beach is not only famous for its beaches. It is rapidly becoming a powerful festival hub in South Carolina tourism. The Grand Strand region hosts large events every year, including the Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival and a variety of beach concerts and seasonal celebrations. According to tourism sources such as Visit Myrtle Beach, these festivals draw visitors from across the United States. Food, music, and ocean views combine to create unforgettable experiences. These gatherings also boost hotels, restaurants, and the local economy.
Hilton Head Island offers a powerful cultural experience that stands out in the South Carolina events 2026 landscape. The month-long Gullah Celebration Festival honours the heritage of the Gullah-Geechee people who shaped the coastal culture of the region. According to the Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau, the event includes art exhibitions, storytelling, music performances, and culinary demonstrations. Visitors learn about traditions, language, and history. The festival shows how cultural heritage can drive tourism while preserving identity.
Rock Hill may not be the biggest city in South Carolina, but its Come-See-Me Festival brings enormous excitement each spring. Organised by the Come-See-Me Festival organisation, the celebration features colourful street art events such as Chalk on Main, concerts, parades, and family activities. Visitors enjoy music, performances, and creative exhibitions across the city. The festival encourages community participation and attracts travellers from neighbouring states. This lively event highlights how smaller cities contribute to the wider South Carolina tourism and festival ecosystem.
Summerville’s Flowertown Festival is one of the most beloved spring events in South Carolina tourism. According to the official Town of Summerville events calendar, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The event celebrates flowers, gardens, and creativity. Streets fill with colourful craft markets, art displays, and food stalls. Families stroll through the scenic town centre while enjoying live music and entertainment. This vibrant celebration shows how community traditions can evolve into major tourism attractions.
Folly Beach is famous for relaxed coastal charm, yet its festivals bring an energetic atmosphere to the region. Tourism information from Visit Folly Beach shows that events such as the Sea and Sand Festival attract large crowds every year. Visitors gather for live music, beach activities, and local seafood. Later in the year, the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration lights up the Atlantic coastline. These events highlight how even small coastal towns contribute to the powerful tourism momentum of South Carolina.
Beyond the coastal cities, the Upstate region is building a vibrant festival scene. Cities such as Greenville, Spartanburg, and Florence host music festivals, agricultural fairs, and cultural celebrations. The official Discover South Carolina tourism portal lists many of these events across the region. Greenville’s jazz festival attracts music lovers, while Florence hosts the popular South Carolina Pecan Festival. Spartanburg stages arts events and performances. Together, these cities expand the reach of South Carolina tourism and create a balanced statewide festival economy.
They grow up so fast.Just over two months after hatching from eggs laid by their mother, Gracie, Hilton Head Island’s beloved bald eaglets have started to branch outside the nest.Photos shared Sunday by the Hilton Head Island Land Trust on Facebook show the two eaglets, called E3 and E4, branching outside their parents’ nest. The eaglets are shown spreading their wings and using their talons to stand on the rails near the nest, where they hatched Dec. 29 and 30.“This is where they’re learning how ...
They grow up so fast.
Just over two months after hatching from eggs laid by their mother, Gracie, Hilton Head Island’s beloved bald eaglets have started to branch outside the nest.
Photos shared Sunday by the Hilton Head Island Land Trust on Facebook show the two eaglets, called E3 and E4, branching outside their parents’ nest. The eaglets are shown spreading their wings and using their talons to stand on the rails near the nest, where they hatched Dec. 29 and 30.
“This is where they’re learning how to balance and use those wings. They’re doing a lot of ‘wingersizing,’ if you will,” said Robin Storey, president of the Hilton Head Island Land Trust’s board. Eaglets typically start to fledge around 12 weeks, and one starts flying before the other.
“Usually, one fledges first, and after watching them fly around in the sky, the other will take off,” Storey said. E3 and E4 are close in age and similar-looking, Storey said, so it will be interesting to see when they start to fly.
The eaglets have been local celebrities since before they were born. Their parents, Gracie and George, are the stars of the Land Trust’s HHI Eagle Cam. They live on private property in an undisclosed location on the island; the 2024-2025 nesting season produced two eaglets and was the first viewed on the Land Trust Eagle CAM.
E3 and E4 came during the couple’s 14th nesting season; the first egg appeared Nov. 21 and the second came three days later on Nov. 24. Once the first egg is laid, the next one usually follows within three to five days, according to Island Packet archives. After the eggs were laid, Gracie and George spent the next few weeks keeping the eggs warm, to protect the embryos and allow them to grow.