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Eminent Domain Attorneys in Lexington, SC
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 Lexington, SC, these families can receive the just compensation they deserve.
Understanding Eminent Domain in South Carolina
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 Lexington, 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.
- How Can the Government Take Your Property?
- The Process of Eminent Domain in South Carolina
- What Constitutes "Public Use" of Your Land in South Carolina?
- Partial and Easement Taking of Your Land in South Carolina
- Under Eminent Domain, You Must Be Paid Fair Market Value
- How the Government Condemns Your Land with Its Actions
- What Should You Do if Your Land Can Be Taken by the Government?
- Top 3 Reasons to Hire an Eminent Domain Lawyer in South Carolina
- Eminent Domain Attorneys in Lexington, SC Fighting for Your Rights
How Can the Government Take Your Property?
There are typically two different ways that the government may take your property. Those include:
- Inverse Condemnation: This happens when you must take action and declare that your property or land was taken (even though you may still own it) so that you may receive compensation.
- Directly: This happens when the government takes explicit action to own your property.
In both scenarios, you could be forced into litigation in order to protect your rights, even though you had no plans on doing so.
The Process of Eminent Domain in South Carolina
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 Lexington, 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.
Limits to Eminent Domain in South Carolina
While the government can use its power to take your land, there are limits on its ability to do so. Namely:
- The government must pay landowners a fair market price for their property.
- The land the government takes must be for public use.
As such, there are two reasons why you can sue the government as part of an eminent domain case:
- The government won't compensate you fairly for your property.
- The government is taking your land but not for public use.
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.
The Process of Eminent Domain in South Carolina
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 Lexington, 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.
Limits to Eminent Domain in South Carolina
While the government can use its power to take your land, there are limits on its ability to do so. Namely:
- The government must pay landowners a fair market price for their property.
- The land the government takes must be for public use.
As such, there are two reasons why you can sue the government as part of an eminent domain case:
- The government won't compensate you fairly for your property.
- The government is taking your land but not for public use.
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.
What Constitutes "Public Use" of Your Land in South Carolina?
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:
- Pipelines
- Highways
- Public Buildings
- Utilities
- Railroads and Transit Lines
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 Lexington, 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.
Partial and Easement Taking of Your Land in South Carolina
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.
Under Eminent Domain, You Must Be Paid Fair Market Value
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 Lexington, SC, has represented many of them in the legal process over the years.
How the Government Condemns Your Land with Its Actions
- The government may not need to attempt to seize your land to potentially owe you money. There are situations where government actions could prevent you from using your land. In many ways, the government has the authority to dictate how you can use your property. They can enact laws and zoning regulations that limit your property usage. To constitute a regulatory taking, the government's actions must completely prevent you from using your land for any economic purpose.
- The government may have a valid justification for its regulations. However, when it comes to compensating you for your land, the government's intentions are irrelevant. What matters is the impact the regulation has on your land usage.
- In addition to regulatory taking, the government may take your land if its actions have caused damage to your property. For example, a neighboring construction project could have flooded your property. They might have trespassed on your land, either temporarily or permanently. This type of taking is referred to as a "de facto" taking, and the government still needs to compensate you when it happens.
For Any Help, Questions or Suggestions, Contact Us
What Should You Do if Your Land Can Be Taken by the Government?
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 Lexington, 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.
Top 3 Reasons to Hire an Eminent Domain Lawyer in South Carolina
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:
- Mistakenly believe that the government has their best interests at heart and will actually offer fair compensation
- Feel intimidated and believe they must cooperate
- Believe that the taking of their land is really for "public good."
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:
1. Help You Get Just Compensation
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
2. Help You Understand Your Rights
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.
3. Provide Guidance Through the Complicated Process of Eminent Domain in South Carolina
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.
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Eminent Domain Attorneys in Lexington, SC Fighting for Your Rights
843-790-9009If 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.
Latest News in Lexington, SC
3.0 magnitude earthquake shakes homes near Lake Murray Dam in Lexington County
Kiki Gushuehttps://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/street-squad/lexington/earthquake-near-lake-murray-sc/101-934dd01b-9206-4e5a-a693-7de47b8a880b
The quake was centered just a few hundred feet from the Lake Murray Dam, just south of Yacht Cove and Hollywood Point, according to officials.LEXINGTON, S.C. — A 3.0 magnitude earthquake rattled the Lake Murray area of Lexington County on Thursday, shaking homes and businesses and prompting hundreds of reports from Midlands residents who felt the tremor.The quake was centered just a few hundred feet from the Lake Murray Dam, just south of Yacht Cove and Hollywood Point, according to officials.Marvin Oswald was insi...
The quake was centered just a few hundred feet from the Lake Murray Dam, just south of Yacht Cove and Hollywood Point, according to officials.
LEXINGTON, S.C. — A 3.0 magnitude earthquake rattled the Lake Murray area of Lexington County on Thursday, shaking homes and businesses and prompting hundreds of reports from Midlands residents who felt the tremor.
The quake was centered just a few hundred feet from the Lake Murray Dam, just south of Yacht Cove and Hollywood Point, according to officials.
Marvin Oswald was inside a Hobby Lobby in Lexington when the shaking began.
“It sounded like a truck that backed into a loading ramp or something like that, because it did shake the building,” Oswald said. “The building did shake pretty good for a little while.”
Across the area, home security cameras captured the moment the shaking started. Residents shared video showing subtle movement as the tremor passed through.
Courtney Dunlap said she initially mistook the sound for a car outside her home before realizing something else was happening.
“There was kind of a quiet rumble at first, which I just assumed was the car,” Dunlap said. “It progressively got louder, almost like a boom. At the same time as that boom, everything shook. The entire house shook.”
State Geologist Scott Howard said the magnitude scale measures the amount of energy released during an earthquake.
“The magnitude is a measure of the amount of energy released, and it’s a logarithmic scale,” Howard said. “If you jump from a magnitude 2 to a magnitude 3, you’re releasing about 32 times more energy.”
Even so, Howard said a magnitude 3.0 earthquake is well below the level that typically causes structural damage.
As of Thursday, there were no reports of injuries or damage in Lexington County.
Officials say the Lake Murray Dam was retrofitted to withstand a much stronger earthquake, up to a magnitude 6 or 7.
Rumbling felt and heard across the Columbia area from powerful earthquake
Noah Feithttps://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article314850291.html
Tremors were heard and felt Thursday afternoon in the Columbia area of South Carolina, as another earthquake was recorded.A 3.0 magnitude earthquake was confirmed near Lexington at 12:17 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The USGS originally reported the earthquake was a 2.48 magnitude seismic event.It was the most powerful earthquake in South Carolina this year — topping a 2.9 magnitude quake rocked the Lowcountry on Feb. 7. The previous strongest to hit the Lake Murray area, that was a 2.8 magnitude seismic ...
Tremors were heard and felt Thursday afternoon in the Columbia area of South Carolina, as another earthquake was recorded.
A 3.0 magnitude earthquake was confirmed near Lexington at 12:17 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The USGS originally reported the earthquake was a 2.48 magnitude seismic event.
It was the most powerful earthquake in South Carolina this year — topping a 2.9 magnitude quake rocked the Lowcountry on Feb. 7. The previous strongest to hit the Lake Murray area, that was a 2.8 magnitude seismic event happened Feb. 13 by Irmo, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey.
The impact of Thursday’s quake was magnified because it was recorded about a tenth of a mile beneath the ground, South Carolina DNR data shows. That’s the closest to the surface any of any earthquake recorded in 2026.
Recent earthquakes
The recent seismic activity means that 12 earthquakes have been confirmed in South Carolina this year. Ten of them have been recorded in little more than a three-week span in February. The past four have all been in the Columbia area.
Prior to this series of tremors near Columbia, there were six consecutive earthquakes recorded in the Lowcountry between Feb. 3 and 12, South Carolina DNR data shows.
There were 35 confirmed earthquakes in South Carolina in 2025.
In 2024, there were 30 earthquakes in the Palmetto State, after 28 quakes were recorded in 2023, South Carolina DNR records show.
History of earthquakes in SC
It had been uncommon for earthquakes to hit outside the Midlands area of the Palmetto State, specifically beyond Kershaw County, where 74 earthquakes have been confirmed since the end of June 2022, according to the South Carolina DNR.
That’s also where South Carolina’s most powerful recent earthquakes were recorded on June 29, 2022.
On that day, two earthquakes — one a 3.5 magnitude and the other 3.6 — were included in a flurry of tremors and aftershocks. Those were the two largest quakes to hit South Carolina in nearly a decade. A 4.1-magnitude quake struck McCormick County in 2014.
Anyone who felt tremors and shaking or heard rumbling from Thursday’s earthquake can report it to the USGS. As of 12:45 p.m., more than 250 people confirmed feeling the earthquake.
Count members of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division and National Weather Service office in Columbia among those who experienced the earthquake. They posted about it on social media.
“We felt and heard it here at our office,” National Weather Service officials said from their headquarters at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
“We felt the earth move under our feet,” the Emergency Management Division said.
Ernest Bolton was even more direct with his social media post, saying “EARTHQUAKE IN HARBISON !!! My whole dam house shook !!!”
More areas where people have reported feeling the earthquake include Five Points, Shandon, Seven Oaks, the Vista, Oak Grove and near Riverbanks Zoo & Garden.
The most recent earthquakes mean at least 179 have been detected in the Palmetto State since the start of 2022, according to South Carolina DNR. All but 59 of the quakes have been in the Midlands.
In all, 125 earthquakes have hit the Columbia area since a 3.3-magnitude quake was recorded Dec. 27, 2021, according to the DNR.
The S.C. Emergency Management Division said the majority of the recent earthquakes were classified as a micro quakes, according to the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.
No major damage or injuries have been reported from the recent seismic activity or any of the other recent quakes.
Earthquakes that register 2.5 magnitude or less often go unnoticed and are usually recorded only by a seismograph, according to Michigan Technological University. Any quake less than 5.5 magnitude is not likely to cause significant damage, the school said.
It had been typical for South Carolina to have between six and 10 earthquakes a year, the S.C. Geological Survey previously reported. There have been 193 earthquakes in South Carolina since Jan. 18, 2021, according to DNR. During a 2022 town hall to address the earthquakes, state geologist Scott Howard said as many as 200 smaller tremors might have gone unnoticed and unrecorded.
Reported earthquakes in SC 2025-26
| Jan. 8/Jenkinsville | 1.9 | 3.0 |
| Aug. 23/Coronaca | 2.9 | 6.8 |
| Aug. 23/Coronaca | 3.0 | 2.1 |
| Aug. 23/Coronaca | 2.5 | 1.3 |
| Aug. 23/Coronaca | 1.9 | 0.1 |
| Aug. 23/Coronaca | 2.0 | 0.3 |
| Aug. 23/Coronaca | 2.4 | 5.4 |
| Aug. 23/Coronaca | 1.8 | 6.4 |
| Aug. 23/Coronaca | 2.1 | 8.0 |
| Aug. 24/Coronaca | 1.8 | 0.4 |
| Aug. 25/Coronaca | 2.0 | 0.4 |
| Aug. 25/Coronaca | 1.7 | 5.5 |
| Aug. 26/Coronaca | 2.4 | 0.3 |
| Aug. 27/Coronaca | 2.0 | 0.4 |
| Sept. 13/Ware Shoals | 1.7 | 0.0 |
| Sept. 26/Coronaca | 2.2 | 5.6 |
| Sept. 29/Kershaw | 1.8 | 12.8 |
| Nov. 9/Centerville | 1.8 | 7.9 |
| Feb. 3/Centerville | 2.3 | 7.7 |
| Feb. 7/Centerville | 2.9 | 5.2 |
| Feb. 11/Centerville | 2.5 | 0.7 |
| Feb. 12/Centerville | 1.8 | 5.0 |
Legendary Lexington High soccer coach plans to retire. Here’s what we know
Lou Bezjakhttps://www.thestate.com/sports/high-school/article314687640.html
The winningest high school girls soccer coach in South Carolina history will be hanging it up after this season.Lexington’s Chris Fryland says the 2026 season will be his last as Wildcats’ head coach.“I always said when it came more like a job than a passion then it was time to step down,” Fryland told The State. “I was thinking about it toward the end of last year, but then I decided over Christmas.“I go back and forth some days because I still really enjoy the kids and everything abo...
The winningest high school girls soccer coach in South Carolina history will be hanging it up after this season.
Lexington’s Chris Fryland says the 2026 season will be his last as Wildcats’ head coach.
“I always said when it came more like a job than a passion then it was time to step down,” Fryland told The State. “I was thinking about it toward the end of last year, but then I decided over Christmas.
“I go back and forth some days because I still really enjoy the kids and everything about it. But I think I made the right decision.”
With Fryland’s impending retirement, that means the two winningest soccer coaches in SC high school history will no longer be coaching. Phil Savitz, the SC boys all-time winningest coach, retired after the 2024 season. Savitz coached for 45 yards and won 824 matches.
Fryland is entering his 27th season at the school and looks to add to his state-record 460 victories. He became the state’s all-time winningest coach, passing Tony Archenhold, in 2023 when he won his 429th match.
Fryland’s 460 wins rank 14th in the country for girls high school soccer coaches, according to the National Federation of High Schools’ record books.
“I guess it’s more just being here for such a long time and having consistently really, good players to be able to win with,” Fryland said of the state record. “To be able to win so many games at such a high level with those players made it a really, really, really fun process.”
Fryland, a New Jersey native, moved to South Carolina more than 30 years ago. He coached on the club level before becoming head coach at Camden High School in 1992. That stint didn’t last long as he moved to Virginia for a short period before returning to South Carolina.
Fryland became the Lexington boys junior varsity coach in 1999 before then taking over the girls program, where he is going into his 27th season. High School girls soccer was just getting started in SC when he took over Lexington with the first season coming in 1991.
During his tenure at the school, Fryland has led the Wildcats to 11 region titles, nine state semifinal appearances and three state title trips in 2007, 2016 and 2018. In 2016, Lexington went 25-0-2 and capped off the season by winning a memorable state championship match against Mann.
The Wildcats were ranked No. 5 nationally in USA Today/National Soccer Coaches Association polls that season.
Megan Classer scored in the 105th minute to give the Wildcats a 2-1 victory in sudden death.
“Everything kind of came together that year,” Fryland said of the championship season.
Now, Fryland hopes to make a title run in his last season as well as trying to soak in every moment during the season.
The Wildcats were ranked No. 9 in Class 5A Division I in the preseason SC Coaches polls. Lexington opened up its preseason on Friday against Fort Mill and will begin its season against Carolina Forest on Friday at the Michael Nash Tournament.
“I try to approach everyday like it is my last practice and go as hard as I can,” Fryland said. “But after our scrimmage against Fort Mill, I was thinking we have a chance to be pretty good this year. We graduated eight starters. … And the lower state is going to be really tough with Wando, River Bluff, James Island and West Ashley. But we have a chance to go pretty far.”
This year's Lexington County Peach Festival canceled. Here's why
Tony Santaellahttps://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/2026-lexington-county-peach-festival-canceled/101-fc802842-e427-4b4b-8846-e9712b84733d
LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — The annual Lexington County Peach Festival will not take place this year, as the event cites a lack of organizers as the reason why.The Peach Festival posted an update online Friday afternoon on their website calling it a "difficult" decision that came during a vote by the festival's membership."This decision was not made lightly," the stated. "The Peach Festival requires tremendous coordination, planning, and countless volunteer hours from our Club members - from organizi...
LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — The annual Lexington County Peach Festival will not take place this year, as the event cites a lack of organizers as the reason why.
The Peach Festival posted an update online Friday afternoon on their website calling it a "difficult" decision that came during a vote by the festival's membership.
"This decision was not made lightly," the stated. "The Peach Festival requires tremendous coordination, planning, and countless volunteer hours from our Club members - from organizing vendors and selling ice cream and concessions, to managing event logistics. This year, several of our members will be attending the 250th anniversary celebration of our nation's founding in Washington, D.C. – a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. Without these individuals available to contribute to the festival's operations, we cannot ensure the quality experience our community has come to expect and deserves."
The festival has been held for 65 years and is known for featuring all things peaches, including ice cream. It also features a large parade which over the years became a popular stomping ground location for politicians running for the governorship, Congress, and many other offices.
Organizers said they acknowledge the news might be disappointing for the public. The group said while they will pause the festival in 2026, they remain committed to the community.
"The Gilbert Community Club's mission has always been to promote the welfare of our community and make the greater Gilbert community a better place in which to live," they said. "That mission continues, and we will actively explore other ways to bring our community together throughout the year. "
"Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to celebrating together in the future."
Lexington County, SC Warns of Romance Scams Before Valentine’s Day
Country Herald Police Reportshttps://countryherald.com/news/lexington-county-sc-warns-of-romance-scams-before-valentines-day/
Lexington County, S.C. – Lexington County authorities are warning residents about romance scams ahead of Valentine’s Day.According to a social media post from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, scammers frequently use online dating platforms and social media to target victims, particularly around holidays associated with relationships.The department shared several tips to help residents avoid becoming victims. Officials advised users to be cautious about the personal information they s...
Lexington County, S.C. – Lexington County authorities are warning residents about romance scams ahead of Valentine’s Day.
According to a social media post from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, scammers frequently use online dating platforms and social media to target victims, particularly around holidays associated with relationships.
The department shared several tips to help residents avoid becoming victims. Officials advised users to be cautious about the personal information they share on social media, noting scammers can use those details to build trust and tailor fraudulent stories.
Authorities also recommend conducting reverse image searches of profile photos to determine whether pictures have been used elsewhere online. Another common red flag, officials said, involves individuals who promise to meet in person but repeatedly cancel or offer excuses.
The sheriff’s department emphasized one key rule: never send money to someone you have not met in person. Scammers often request funds for travel expenses, medical emergencies, or other urgent situations.
Romance scams can result in significant financial losses and emotional distress. According to federal consumer protection agencies, victims nationwide report losing millions of dollars annually to online dating fraud schemes.
The reminder comes as Valentine’s Day approaches, a time when online dating activity typically increases. Young adults, college students and new app users may be especially vulnerable as they expand their social connections online.
Authorities encourage anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam to contact local law enforcement and report the incident to appropriate consumer protection agencies.
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