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High-speed chase attorney in Florence, SC
If you've seen any action movies from the 80's or 90's, chances are you've seen fictionalized police chases. On the big screen, they often involve big, fiery explosions and speeding cars, which inevitably screech through intersections and cause havoc before the bad guy is caught and the damage is forgotten. And while these fake high-speed pursuits are fun to watch from the comfort of a movie theater, in real life, police chases can be devastating. That's true not only for the people involved in the chase but for the innocent bystanders whose lives change as a result. Often, these innocent bystanders are doing nothing more than minding their business. And then, in the blink of an eye, their life in the Palmetto State is changed forever.
Unfortunately, South Carolina is one of the leading states in terms of police crash fatalities, with 59 drivers killed in vehicle crashes during police pursuits between 2014 and 2018. This alarming statistic highlights the serious risk that being involved in a police chase poses to drivers. While police chases can sometimes be necessary, they should always be handled with extreme caution.
It is essential that law enforcement officers operate their vehicles with due regard for the safety of all persons, particularly when in pursuit and traveling at excessive speeds, as required by South Carolina law. If an uninvolved driver or pedestrian is injured as a result of a police chase, they have the right to seek just compensation for their losses through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. It's important to remember that police chases are a threat to road users, even if they are sometimes necessary. If you or a loved one has been injured in a police pursuit, it's time to contact a high-speed chase attorney in Florence, SC, from Lauren Taylor Law.
The First Steps Toward Compensation Begins at Lauren Taylor Law
It's a well-known fact that high-speed police pursuits and chases can pose a significant threat to bystanders, as evidenced by numerous documented incidents across the country. Shockingly, over one-third of chase-related fatalities involve innocent individuals who happen to be near the scene. They're not even involved in the chase.
To hold someone accountable for such tragedies, restrictions on police pursuits have been put in place by nearly every state, city, and local jurisdiction, including South Carolina. Nonetheless, high-speed chases continue to occur, and innocent bystanders continue to suffer injuries and fatalities as a result. If you find yourself in such a situation, a skilled police pursuit attorney in Florence, SC, can help investigate the circumstances of your crash and determine who is responsible for your financial recovery.
Parties that may be responsible for your compensation may include the following
- Law Enforcement Officers
- Fleeing Suspects
- A Government Entity Involved in the High-Speed Chase
- County or City Officials in South Carolina
- A Different Third-Party
Why Choose Lauren Taylor Law?
Unlike many law firms in South Carolina, at Lauren Taylor Law, our seasoned high-speed police chase lawyers focus on our clients first, and work tirelessly to fight for your or your loved one's rights and compensation. If you have been injured or you have lost a relative due to injuries sustained in a police pursuit, we're here to help with every aspect of your lawsuit, including:
- Liability Determination
- Interviewing Doctors and Documenting Injuries
- Filling Out & Filing Paperwork
- Determining Damage Amounts
- Collecting Evidence from the Police Chase
- Litigation & Courtroom Appearances
- Fearless Negotiation
The simple truth is that obtaining compensation for your injuries and preparing for litigation is a complex process. Your high-speed chase lawyer from Lauren Taylor Law will help explain the next steps in your case and walk you through how to proceed next. That way, you can move forward with your life as soon as possible. When it's time to fight for the compensation you rightly deserve, our team is here to help lead the charge.
The Effects of South Carolina Police Chase Accidents
Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2.5 million emergency room visits in the United States were caused by car accidents in 2012. Many of these accidents were due to speeding. When you combine speeding with a driver who is attempting to evade police and officers who are in pursuit, the likelihood of an accident increases significantly.
Accidents can occur in high-speed police chases for many reasons. Some of the most common include the following
Worn-Out Car Parts
When evading the police, vehicles are subjected to tremendous stress, which can lead to the wear and tear of different components. For instance, tires often fail due to overheating and the intense pressure they are subjected to during a chase. When a tire blows on the highway while driving at high speeds, crashes are likely.
Poor Reaction Times
At high speeds, drivers have less time to react, which can leave them unable to respond to other drivers on the road and keep everyone safe. Unfortunately, accidents are likely to occur when one of the drivers in a police pursuit makes a mistake.
Driving Aggressively
Drivers who exhibit aggressive behavior on the road, such as abruptly cutting off other vehicles or weaving between lanes excessively, are at an increased risk of causing an accident. This can occur due to a loss of control during maneuvers or misjudging the distance between cars, resulting in a collision. Unfortunately, some drivers intentionally cause these accidents as a means of eluding or obstructing law enforcement.
Police officers and departments often restrict pursuits to unpopulated areas or terminate them prematurely to safeguard pedestrians, bystanders, and other drivers. The risk of causing an accident is simply too high to pursue most fleeing drivers effectively.
Short-Term Effects of High-Speed Chase Accidents
Accidents caused by police chases can result in severe injuries and significant expenses in the short term. Emergency medical care and ongoing treatment might be necessary to address your injuries, and the amount of assistance you receive from your insurance will depend on your coverage. It is crucial to prioritize your health by seeking proper care to avoid developing more serious or life-threatening conditions.
Additionally, dealing with car repairs can be a challenge, and your insurance company may only offer the depreciated value of your vehicle, which might not be enough to pay off the car and purchase a new one. Dealing with these issues can be life-changing, which is just one reason why police pursuit accident victims seek compensation.
Long-Term Effects of High-Speed Chase Accidents
Car accidents caused by police chases can have serious and long-lasting effects. From financial debt to physical pain and emotional trauma, the impacts can be devastating. Severe injuries can also result in extended time away from work, causing further financial strain. In some cases, injuries can even lead to permanent disability, making it difficult to return to work at all. However, seeking compensation through a lawsuit can help alleviate the financial burden and provide a sense of closure. That's why having a trustworthy high-speed chase attorney in Florence, SC, to oversee your case is so important.
Who is Liable in South Carolina Police Chases?
The answer to this question is not always black and white and often involves a great deal of investigation and research. Generally speaking, law enforcement agencies, such as police departments, sheriff's offices, and highway patrols, have specific policies and procedures in place to govern the initiation and termination of vehicle pursuits.
- Pursuits may only be undertaken if the need to apprehend a suspect is immediate and outweighs the potential danger posed to the public by the pursuit. Notably, many agencies limit police chases to instances where the fleeing driver has been involved in a violent felony. Furthermore, all pursuits must be monitored by a supervisor who is responsible for terminating the pursuit if it becomes unsafe.
- Unfortunately, inadequate police pursuit training can result in injuries or fatalities of uninvolved motorists. If you or someone you know has been injured during a police chase, it's time to hire a trusted police pursuit attorney in Florence, SC. A seasoned high-speed chase accident attorney can review your case and, if appropriate, file a wrongful death claim on your behalf.
Differences Between First and Third-Party Police Pursuits
When seeking a high-speed chase lawsuit, it's important to determine whether the injured party was a "First Party" participant actively fleeing the police or a completely innocent "Third Party" bystander or motorist. While some lawyers may not take on first-party cases, there may be rare exceptions when the conduct of law enforcement is shockingly egregious.
Typically, third-party cases have strong grounds for lawsuits, but general negligence principles will still play a role in South Carolina police pursuit cases. Furthermore, third-party cases may include passengers in the suspect's vehicle, especially if they are minors and were not involved in any illegal activity that prompted the police pursuit.
Understanding South Carolina's Tort Claims Act
When pursuing a police pursuit lawsuit in South Carolina, it is crucial to understand the state's Tort Claims Act. This law enables the government and its subdivisions to be held accountable for their actions, just like any other private person, but with certain exceptions. To navigate this complex legal terrain, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an experienced attorney.
The Tort Claims Act governs the circumstances under which the police agency may be held liable and sets limits on potential recovery, with a cap of $300,000 per claim against a governmental entity. It is important to note that additional claims under federal law and constitutional rights violations may also be pursued.
Answer These Questions if You're Thinking About a Police Chase Lawsuit
While determining liability in a high-speed chase case is a nuanced task, you shouldn't be burdened with such tasks, especially if you're an innocent victim. At Lauren Taylor Law, we believe it's our job to analyze the situation and understand the law, not yours. However, when you reach out to our office for representation, it's imperative we find out what happened and gather details to see if your case is valid.
To do so, we'll ask some common questions, which may include one or more of the following
What Level of Involvement Did You Have?
One of the key pieces of information our police pursuit attorneys require is whether you were directly involved in the chase as the first party or if you were an innocent bystander or passenger as a third party. If you were the person fleeing from the police and sustained injuries in a crash, it's unlikely that you would have a valid claim against the officer. However, if you were an innocent bystander or motorist who was hit during the chase, you may have grounds for a viable case. This is especially true for innocent passengers, particularly children, who were in the vehicle being pursued and may have a claim against the officer involved.
Do Any Police Officers Involved Have Immunity?
When it comes to lawsuits involving gross negligence and recklessness, governmental entities in South Carolina do not have absolute immunity under the Tort Claims Act. While this means an officer can be sued for damages in certain situations, there are exceptions to the waiver of immunity, and lawsuits against government entities can be subjected to a monetary cap. To ensure the best possible outcome in your case, it's crucial to work with a knowledgeable high-speed chase attorney in Florence, SC, who knows how to navigate relevant laws.
Did You Break Any Local Traffic Laws?
When a police car is in pursuit with its lights and sirens on, it's crucial to pull over to the side of the road or stop at the intersection. Failure to do so could result in a crash, and in such a case, you may be held responsible for the accident and wouldn't have a case against the officer driving.
Who Started the High-Speed Chase?
Determining whether the officer violated their department's policies during a high-speed pursuit is a crucial factor in these cases. Pursuits following routine traffic stops, non-violent property offenses, and unconfirmed suspicions are often prohibited in many municipalities. However, if the officer who hit you was pursuing a violent criminal and adhering to departmental policies, it may be challenging to build a case against them.
In What Part of Town Did the Police Pursuit Happen?
Many law enforcement agencies in South Carolina have strict regulations in place when it comes to the location and speed of police chases. Typically, speeding through busy urban areas is prohibited, but pursuing a suspect at high speeds on a highway or in a remote region may be deemed appropriate.
The Compensation Your Police Pursuit Attorney in Florence, SC, May Recover
Are you curious about what type of compensation you may qualify for if you're the victim of a high-speed chase in South Carolina?? As you probably guessed, financial compensation varies from case to case, as each injury victim and the circumstances of their situation are unique.
Depending on the details of your police pursuit case, you may qualify for one or more of the following types of compensation
- Current Wages Lost
- Diminished Earning Capacity in the Future
- Pain and Suffering
- Current and Future Medical Expenses and Bills
- Cost of Living with Disfigurement or Disability
- Cost of Therapy or Rehab Relating to Your Injuries
- Cost of Prescription Medications
- Out-of-Pocket Purchases Like Medical Devices
- Short and Long-Term Disability
- Permanent or Temporary Disability
Remember - to determine the full extent of the compensation you deserve, it's crucial that you reach out to a trusted police chase attorney, like those you'll find at Lauren Taylor Law. Working with a pro is the best route to take if you're looking to receive the maximum amount of money you deserve.
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Fighting for Your Right to High-Speed Chase Compensation in South Carolina
In the end, a police pursuit case will ultimately be decided by a Jury unless a settlement is reached. Jurors will be expected to apply negligence principles and carefully review the policies and procedures of any police force accused of wrongdoing. Additionally, jurors may scrutinize the training and resources provided to on-duty officers, as a lack of proper training can contribute to officers wrongly initiating high-speed chases.
Thankfully, if you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a police chase in South Carolina, a high-speed chase attorney in Florence, SC, can help. Our team of police pursuit lawyers at Lauren Taylor Law has the expertise and resources necessary to investigate your case, no matter how complex. Don't hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards justice.
843-790-9009Latest News in Florence, SC
Florence County, South Carolina Scam Alert: Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About Phone, Text and Gift Card Scams
County Herald Weather Centerhttps://countryherald.com/news/florence-county-south-carolina-scam-alert-sheriffs-office-warns-residents-about-phone-text-and-gift-card-scams/
Florence County, SC – Authorities in Florence County are warning residents about a surge in scams targeting local citizens, with fraudsters allegedly posing as law enforcement officers and government agencies in an attempt to steal money.The Florence County Sheriff’s Office says the most common scam involves a phone call from someone claiming to be with the sheriff’s office who allegedly tells victims they have an outstanding arrest warrant, often for allegedly failing to report for jury duty. The ca...
Florence County, SC – Authorities in Florence County are warning residents about a surge in scams targeting local citizens, with fraudsters allegedly posing as law enforcement officers and government agencies in an attempt to steal money.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office says the most common scam involves a phone call from someone claiming to be with the sheriff’s office who allegedly tells victims they have an outstanding arrest warrant, often for allegedly failing to report for jury duty. The caller then reportedly offers a way to allegedly avoid arrest by paying a supposed fine with a credit card or gift card.
According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, these calls are scams and residents should hang up immediately. Officials say scammers may manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming from a local number or even the sheriff’s office itself. Some callers allegedly use local accents or falsely claim to be actual deputies.
Law enforcement stressed that legitimate agencies will never call residents to collect money or request payment information for warrants or court fines.
Authorities also warn about another scam in which a caller allegedly claims a family member is in jail, sometimes locally or even in another country, and urgently needs money wired for bond. Officials say scammers repeatedly rely on fear and urgency to pressure victims into sending money.
Text messages posing as the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles have also been circulating. In those cases, scammers allegedly claim the recipient has unpaid traffic tickets and must pay immediately through a link that appears to be official or risk license or registration suspension.
According to the sheriff’s office, these messages are fraudulent and should be deleted without clicking any links.
Officials say additional scams have involved messages impersonating the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, or sweepstakes notifications.
Residents are urged to never provide personal or financial information over the phone or online to unknown individuals and to report suspected scams to local authorities.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
Cheapest gas stations in Florence, South Carolina
Stackerhttps://stacker.com/stories/south-carolina/florencesc/cheapest-gas-stations-florence-south-carolina
Anyone who drives a car understands the sting of having to fill up their tank and pulling into the gas station, only to discover that gas prices have skyrocketed. Paying extra for gas means you have less to spend on other things, which, over time, can really put a crimp in your budget.Cheap Insurance explored some of the reasons behind major changes in gas prices, and compiled a list of the cheapest gas stations in Florence, South Carolina using data from Gas Buddy.Gas prices fluctuate based on several factors, including the co...
Anyone who drives a car understands the sting of having to fill up their tank and pulling into the gas station, only to discover that gas prices have skyrocketed. Paying extra for gas means you have less to spend on other things, which, over time, can really put a crimp in your budget.
Cheap Insurance explored some of the reasons behind major changes in gas prices, and compiled a list of the cheapest gas stations in Florence, South Carolina using data from Gas Buddy.
Gas prices fluctuate based on several factors, including the cost of the key ingredient, crude oil, as well as the available supply and demand for gasoline. If the price of oil rises, a major refinery goes offline, or more drivers are hitting the road, for example, then the cost will increase.
In the first half of 2022, a unique confluence of events led to a surge in gas prices. The increased demand stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and a slowdown in oil production all contributed to a national all-time high of $4.93 per gallon on average in June 2022.
Seasons also affect gas prices. Demand tends to drop in winter, but the cost also falls because gas stations switch to a different blend of gasoline that's optimal for lower temperatures—and has cheaper ingredients.
Location also matters. The South and Midwest tend to have the lowest gas prices, while the West, including Hawai'i, has the highest. Californians, in particular, pay more for gas on average than any other state. That's because of its high state excise taxes; its isolation from the country's major pipelines, which causes supply issues; and its requirements that mandate a more environmentally friendly blend of gas that costs more to produce and adds to the price per gallon.
No matter where you live, read on to see if you can get a deal on gas near you.
#1. Exxon- Address: 2401 W Palmetto St, Florence, SC- Price: $2.45
#2. Sam's Club- Address: 200 Beltline Dr, SouthCarolina, SC- Price: $2.97
#3. Murphy USA- Address: 411 Pamplico Hwy, Florence, SC- Price: $2.99
#3. Murphy Express (tie)- Address: 111 N. Beltline Dr, Florence, SC- Price: $2.99
#3. Murphy USA (tie)- Address: 2010 S. Irby, Florence, SC- Price: $2.99
#3. Fast Lane (tie)- Address: 210 E National Cemetery Rd, Florence, SC- Price: $2.99
#3. Mobil (tie)- Address: 2024 W Lucas St, Florence, SC- Price: $2.99
#8. Exxon- Address: 2099 N Irby St, Florence, SC- Price: $3.01
#8. Exxon (tie)- Address: 2105 TV Rd, Florence, SC- Price: $3.01
#10. BP- Address: 400 PAMPLICO HWY, Florence, SC- Price: $3.04
Florence 1 Schools’ educator finalist for SC Teacher of the Year
Tonya Brownhttps://wpde.com/news/local/florence-1-schools-educator-finalist-for-state-teacher-of-the-year-royall-elementary-superintendent-mclaurin-elementary-south-carolina
(WPDE) — Florence One Schools’ special education teacher is a finalist for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year.Megan Johnson works as an Exceptional Education teacher at Royall Elementary School and on Thursday morning got quite the surprise.South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver walked into Johnson’s classroom with a $10,000 check and told Johnson that she was up for the major award.Johnson was very emotional and extremely surprised as she gazed at all of the cameras, along wi...
(WPDE) — Florence One Schools’ special education teacher is a finalist for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year.
Megan Johnson works as an Exceptional Education teacher at Royall Elementary School and on Thursday morning got quite the surprise.
South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver walked into Johnson’s classroom with a $10,000 check and told Johnson that she was up for the major award.
Johnson was very emotional and extremely surprised as she gazed at all of the cameras, along with Weaver, her team and district administrators in her classroom.
Johnson has been teaching for 19 years and said she does it because she truly loves educating students.
Johnson’s young daughter was in on the surprise and gave her mother a huge hug for being named a finalist.
Before Royall, she also worked at McLaurin Elementary School and Carver Elementary School.
“I am extremely proud of Mrs. Johnson and all that she has accomplished as a teacher,” said Royall Elementary Principal Chris Rogers. “I have worked with her for many years, and I can honestly say her students always come first. She truly loves and cares for her students while giving each of them the best education possible. It is truly an honor to have her as a teacher at Royall Elementary School.”
MORE: SC 'Where the Revolutionary War Was Won' license plate explained
The South Carolina Teacher of the Year (TOY) is a program of the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) coordinated by the Office of Educator Services.
The TOY program annually identifies, recognizes, and celebrates exceptional teachers and their effective work in and outside the classroom.
The teacher selected as South Carolina’s Teacher of the Year serves for one school year as a roving ambassador promoting the teaching profession and as the state spokesperson for over 60,000 educators.
South Carolina school districts nominate teachers for consideration as state Teacher of the Year.
The SCDE established the South Carolina Education Foundation as a 501c3 nonprofit arm of the agency in order to facilitate private support for the annual Teacher of the Year Gala and other student and teacher recognition programs.
Florence One Schools Superintendent Dr. Richard O’Malley said Johnson is an excellent teacher who takes pride in her career.
She was Florence One Schools’ Teacher of the Year in 2025.
District administrators called Johnson a “shining example of a teacher who gives her all to her students every day.”
Johnson’s principal and fellow teachers at the school believe she’ll bring home the top prize because educating exceptional children is her pride and joy.
Schools, offices in the Carolinas make changes ahead of potential severe storms
WMBF News Staffhttps://www.wmbfnews.com/2026/03/15/schools-carolinas-make-changes-ahead-potential-severe-storms/
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Upcoming weather conditions have led to operational changes for several schools and offices.The changes come based on potential severe storms, including strong winds, and potential tornado activity across North and South Carolina.SCHOOLSFlorence-Darlington Technical CollegeThe technical college will be closing early at 12 p.m. Monday.Horry County SchoolsThe district says all schools will dismiss 2 1/2 hours early on Monday and that all after-school...
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Upcoming weather conditions have led to operational changes for several schools and offices.
The changes come based on potential severe storms, including strong winds, and potential tornado activity across North and South Carolina.
SCHOOLS
Florence-Darlington Technical College
The technical college will be closing early at 12 p.m. Monday.
Horry County Schools
The district says all schools will dismiss 2 1/2 hours early on Monday and that all after-school activities, including Kid-Care and athletic activities, are cancelled for tomorrow.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
HGTC will close at noon on Monday.
Employees are encouraged to plan accordingly and, where possible, continue working remotely in coordination with their supervisors.
The College is currently observing Spring Break for most academic programs; however, College offices remain open, and some Workforce Development courses and training activities are still taking place.
The Public Schools of Robeson County
On Monday, schools and facilities will be closed.
All after-school activities remain canceled, including Driver’s Education Classes.
Georgetown County School District
On Monday, all schools and offices will be closed.
All after-school activities, including athletic practices, games, meetings, and other events, are cancelled.
Dillon School District Four
Monday will be an eLearning Day.
Dillon District Three
School and all after-school activities will be closed on Monday.
Florence 1 Schools
Florence 1 Schools will operate on an e-learning day Monday.
Students will log into Google Classroom for instruction with their teachers, and attendance will be taken.
All athletics and after school activities are cancelled
Florence County School District 2
The district will operate on an e-learning day Monday.
Students are encouraged to contact their teachers via email or Google Classroom for instructional support.
Staff should work from home unless otherwise.
Florence School District 3
All after-school activities are canceled for Monday, except for J. C. Lynch Elementary and Scranton Elementary after-school programs.
There are no changes to FSD3’s school day or operational schedules.
Florence School District Five
On Monday, all Florence School District Five schools will be closed to students and staff.
After-school activities are canceled.
Marion County School District
The Marion County School District will be closed Monday, and a make-up day will be announced later.
Darlington County School District
The Darlington County School District will be closed Monday.
Atlantic Collegiate Academy
Atlantic Collegiate Academy is having an e-learning day Monday. Assignments for students will be posted by 8 a.m. and must be completed by 4 p.m. for attendance.
OFFICES
Marlboro County
Marlboro County offices will be closed Monday, the county says it will monitor the conditions and provide updates.
Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office
The Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office administration office will be closed to the public Monday.
Deputies will remain on their normal patrol schedules.
City of Darlington
The city of Darlington’s Administrative Offices will be closed Monday and reopen Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.
Darlington County
Darlington County general government services will be closed Monday, which includes services at the courthouse, government building, landfill, recycling/convenience stations, libraries, parks and recreation activities and museum.
All public safety and public works departments will have normal operations.
Stay with WMBF News for updates.
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Florence residents point to sewage flowing into Jeffries Creek behind homes
Alexis Cooperhttps://wpde.com/news/local/florence-residents-point-to-sewage-flowing-into-jeffries-creek-behind-homes
FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — Residents in Florence said a strong, foul odor that has lingered for months in parts of the city’s west end may finally have an explanation.Images and videos circulating online appear to show sewage spilling into Jeffries Creek, raising concerns among neighbors who said they’ve seen raw sewage flowing through the waterway behind their homes.People living near the creek said the overflow includes fecal matter and toilet paper, which they believe may be coming from the city’s sewer ...
FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — Residents in Florence said a strong, foul odor that has lingered for months in parts of the city’s west end may finally have an explanation.
Images and videos circulating online appear to show sewage spilling into Jeffries Creek, raising concerns among neighbors who said they’ve seen raw sewage flowing through the waterway behind their homes.
People living near the creek said the overflow includes fecal matter and toilet paper, which they believe may be coming from the city’s sewer system.
Many suspect the issue could be the source of the unpleasant smell that has affected the area for months.
Photos and videos shared on social media over the weekend show what appears to be sewage flowing from manholes into the creek.
Florence resident, Andy Evans, said the odor has become hard to ignore, especially along one of the city’s busiest corridors.
“It’s an embarrassment, David McLeod Boulevard is a major thoroughfare coming into Florence, and when you reach Golden Corral between Kimbrell’s furniture, the stench is so bad it almost makes you want to regurgitate," Evans said.
According to reports from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), Jeffries Creek has experienced more than a dozen water overflows since 2023.
The most recent incident was documented less than two weeks ago. A report from the state agency indicates approximately 100,000 gallons of water were released into Jeffries Creek from a manhole, though the discharge description was listed as unknown.
Officials noted that about half an inch of rainfall, along with inflow and infiltration into the sewer system, may have contributed to the overflow.
SCDES said the city is monitoring the site, has applied lime to the affected area, and has begun water sampling.
Jeffries Creek is also protected under Florence’s Unified Development Ordinance as part of a “non-development overlay district,” which is intended to protect water quality and preserve wildlife habitats.
Evans says the continued overflows are concerning, especially in an area meant to be environmentally protected.
“It’s simple,” Evans said. “I simply want them to stop releasing raw sewage into the Jeffries Creek wetland area.”
ABC 15 reached out to SCDES and Florence city officials, asking about the timeline and potential solutions for addressing residents’ complaints about sewage overflow into the creek.
Florence City Manager Scotty Davis responded, saying he plans to provide an update to the city council during their Monday meeting.
This is not the first sewage overflow reported in the area in recent months.
In October of last year, the city said about 5,000 gallons of sewage overflowed into Jeffries Creek following heavy rainfall.
Officials at the time said the incident was addressed with water testing, vacuum truck cleanup, and disinfection of the affected area.
ABC 15 will continue to follow the latest reports and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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