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Welcome to Holy City Dance Center! Feel free to email us at info@holycitydance.com

Discover the Joy of Movement at Holy City Dance Center

Large Multi-Room Dance Studio

  • Dance Classes
  • Dance Lessons
  • Top Dancing Tips for Beginners
  • Dance with Your Heart

Groove to the Music with Dance Classes Near James Island, SC

Dancing has a wonderful way of taking us to a special place where we can embrace the moment and forget our worries, if only for a few minutes. It's enjoyable, healthy, and a great way to connect with others who share your passions. It can also be magical, like when you hear your favorite song and nail a high-energy dance routine that you've been practicing. But for new and seasoned dancers looking for classes in The Palmetto State, what options are there to consider?

If you're reading this and looking for a dance studio in South Carolina, look no further than Holy City Dance Center. From first-time beginners to experienced dancers with hours of on-stage experience, Holy City Dance has the leadership, facility, and classes to keep you moving to the music all year long.

Service Areas

Dance School James Island, SC

You'll Be Happy to Call Holy City Dance Center Home

When you choose Holy City Dance, you get much more than a place to practice new dance moves - you get access to an elite dancing experience in a warm, welcoming environment full of feel-good juju purpose-driven instruction. We believe that dance lessons and dancing in general help produce happy people. As such, we do everything in our power to provide a happy, positive studio in which dancers, new and old, can learn and express themselves.

Every member of our leadership team and staff is professional, talented, and, perhaps most importantly, fully committed to safely and lovingly guiding dancers. While we specialize in teaching dance lessons, we also focus on building character and kindness - especially for our younger students. At the end of the day, our goal is to combine the best aspects of hard work and dance to create a fulfilling and fun experience for all.

With a long list of both youth and adult dance lessons near James Island, SC, Holy City Dance Center offers something for everyone, whether you're looking to join a new performance team or a simple Mommy & Me program. Whether you are two or 102 years old, we want you in class having fun!!

Our class lessons include the following:

  • Ballet
  • Tap
  • Jazz
  • Hip Hop
  • Contemporary
  • Acro-Dance
  • Jumps & Turns
  • Stretch & Strengthen
  • Clogging
  • Musical Theater
  • Adult Dance Classes
  • Award Winning Competition Team
  • Performance Team
  • Recital Performance
  • Much More!

A Glance at Our Facility

Wondering whether or not our dance center is the right fit for you and your family? Located at 1939 Clements Ferry Road in James Island, SC, we take a lot of pride in our facility and like to think that shows as soon as you walk through our front doors. With 4000 sq. ft. of space, we're able to provide the best everything you or your loved one needs for a high-quality dance education.

Our dance features many amenities that dancers love, including the following:

Dance Room

Three Large Dance Rooms

Each of our dance rooms is fully equipped with unique sub-flooring to help sustain joint health and to ensure our students can train in a safe environment.

Specialty Flooring

Specialty Flooring for Dancers

We incorporate Vinyl Marley flooring in studios one and two to help reduce injury and promote better training. In studio three, we have applied special acoustic flooring made specifically for tap dancers. By providing enhanced flooring for our students, we can better ensure they enjoy a professional, purposeful dancing experience.

Large Lobby

Large Lobby

Need to wait while your little one or spouse finishes dancing classes? Our lobby is spacious and has free high-speed WiFi, so you can surf the web or get work done while you wait.

Student Lounge

Student Lounge

When our students aren't in class, they have their own lounge with lockers where they can change and enjoy each other's company.

Livestreams

Livestreams

Pull up a chair in our lobby and get a peek into our process! Whether you're a student, parent, or spouse, our livestreams are fun and educational to watch.

 Dance Classes James Island, SC

Holy City Dance Lessons Near James Island, SC

At Holy City Dance Center, we're proud to offer dancing classes for all ages, from recreational programming for very young students to programs for teens and adults. Thinking we might not have a class for you if you're a beginner? Think again! No matter your experience level, we've got a dance program to help you grow.

A few of our most popular dance programs include the following:

Youth Programs

Our recreational youth programs are a great way for kids to learn about dance while practicing balance, motor skills, discipline, and much more.

 Dance Studio James Island, SC

Mommy & Me: Ages 2-3

For toddlers who love to dance and move around, we offer a 45-minute Creative Movement class that focuses on basic ballet movements. This class is designed for boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 3 years old and aims to help fine-tune gross motor skills while building a passion for dance at an early age. To ensure that our young dancers stay engaged throughout the year, we integrate music, props, and seasonal themes into our lessons. Moms are welcome to join in on the fun or simply watch their little ones shine.

 Dance Courses James Island, SC

Pre-K Combo Ages 3-4 (Ballet & Tap and Ballet & Jazz)

If your little one is between the ages of three and four and interested in dance, these hour-long classes are a great way for them to learn about different styles. Props, music, and games are still incorporated, but with added technical elements that will expand their dance knowledge and prepare them for a successful dance career. During each class session, students will focus on both style offerings and should ensure they have the necessary shoes and attire for each.

 Youth Dance School James Island, SC

Youth Combo 5-7 (Ballet & Tap and Ballet & Jazz)

This package mimics our Pre-K Combo with all of the same features but is tailored to older children between the ages of five and seven.

 Adult Dance School James Island, SC

Kinderpop Ages 5-7

For children aged five to seven, this 45-minute class offers a fun and lively introduction to hip-hop dance. While training, students will learn the fundamentals and vocabulary of hip-hop in an upbeat environment.

 Child Dance School James Island, SC

Recreational Programs

These dance classes near James Island, SC, are best suited for beginner and intermediate students between the ages of eight and eighteen.

 Youth Dance Classes James Island, SC

For those who wish to delve into the intricacies of tap technique, these classes run for 45 minutes and cover all the fundamental tap moves. As students progress to higher-level classes, they will build on their skills and expand their repertoire. The classes include warm-up exercises, center-floor work, across-the-floor combinations, and complex choreography.

For students dedicated to improving their jazz technique's precision and intensity, these classes are the perfect fit. The classes run for a duration of 45 minutes and cover a range of activities, including a rigorous warm-up with a focus on flexibility training, center-floor work, across-the-floor combinations, and sharp choreography.

Our ballet classes are structured to help students master classical Vaganova techniques through barre exercises, center floor work, across-the-floor combinations, flexibility training, and explanations of ballet terminology. Each class is 1.5 hours long.

These 45-minute classes are designed for students who love to have fun and be the center of attention. They are perfect for lively, cheerful, and enthusiastic learners who want a welcoming and secure environment to express their energy. The classes concentrate on teaching the basics of footwork, body rolls, dynamics, and other essential dance skills.

If you're a student looking to express yourself through contemporary dance, these 45-minute classes are perfect for you. They focus on exploring the connection between emotion and movement, incorporating elements of lyrical dance, floor work, partnering, and improvisation. Through these methods, you'll be able to experience a sense of free movement and develop your own unique contemporary dance style.

These classes focus on building strength and flexibility for dancers while prioritizing injury prevention. Consisting of 45 to 60-minute sessions, taking this class one to two times a week can improve dancers' movement quality, style-specific skills, endurance, and prolong their dance careers.

Other recreational dance programs at Holy City Dance Center include:

  • Musical Theater - Focusing on techniques and dancing styles used in Broadway shows.
  • Dance FUNctions - Learn how to be a well-rounded, successful dancer.
  • Dance Comp & Improv - Learn the foundational skills of dance improv and the building blocks of dance composition.
  • Acro Dance - Learn how to blend the art of acrobatics and floor tumbling with traditional dancing.
  • Inclusive Dance - This class is perfect for dancers who have developmental delays or disabilities.

Adult Programs

If you're looking for a dance studio near James Island, SC, that offers dance lessons for working adults, look no further than Holy City Dance Center. Our adult dance classes cater to all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced. We aim to create a free and open environment where adult dancers can express themselves.

It's time to get those jazz hands moving! This 45-minute beginner-intermediate jazz class includes warm-up, strength training, center floor work, across-the-floor combinations, and sharp choreography.

This one-hour ballet class focuses on the power and accuracy of ballet technique. The class includes a well-planned barre warm-up, exercises for stretching and strengthening, center floor work, combinations across the floor, and ballet choreography.

This class is designed for those who are new to line dancing or need to refresh their skills. We will review choreographed steps and dances at a slower pace, covering the basics of line dancing and common dance terms. Each week, we will also learn at least one new dance.

Additional adult dance programs offered by Holy City Dance Center include:

Hip-Hop - This fun class features a structured walkthrough of the high-energy dance techniques known in hip-hop dancing.

Contemporary - Learn how to show emotion through dancing while adopting a free sense of stylization and movement.

Tap - If you're a beginner or intermediate dancer craving a journey that explores the precision and complexity of tap dancing, this class is for you.

 Adult Dance Classes James Island, SC

Top Dancing Tips for Beginners in South Carolina

At Holy City Dance Center, we welcome students of all ages and experience levels. In fact, many of our students come to us with little-to-no dancing experience. We work closely with these students to help develop their dancing fundamentals and gradually incorporate new techniques and styles. If you know that you want to begin dancing but feel like the learning curve is too high, don't worry. We can help build your skill and confidence step-by-step with beginner dance lessons near James Island, SC.

To help you along the way and expedite the learning process, keep these easy-to-implement tips in mind.

Find Your Inspiration

Find Your Inspiration

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the secret to becoming a great dancer is having the desire to excel. Always remember the reasons why you love dancing, as it will motivate you in moments of discouragement or lethargy. Ignite your passion by watching dance performances, chatting with fellow dancers, attending dance events, or simply listening to music that gets you moving.

Always Warm Up

Always Warm Up

Dancing without taking the time to warm up is sort of like baking biscuits without preheating your oven. You might be anxious to jump in and start, but doing so can leave you deflated and unprepared. Dancing with a cold and stiff body can be unpleasant and may lead to muscle injuries. Therefore, it's advisable to warm up and stretch before dancing. Doing so will help you move with greater range and control and also reduce the risk of injuries.

Let Go and Have Fun

Let Go and Have Fun

Always keep in mind that dancing is supposed to be a fun activity, not a burden or a source of anxiety. Dancing should be an outlet for those negative emotions! When you come for lessons at Holy City Dance Center, you can look forward to a fun, inviting atmosphere. No matter how many (or how few) dance moves you know, you can always have a good time learning how to dance with the right instructors and partners. Relax, have fun, and go with the flow. You'll be happy you did.

Get Your Groove On

Get Your Groove On

To improve your dancing skills, it's best to narrow down the specific styles you want to learn and focus on their foundational movements. One thing that all dance styles have in common is the "groove." You may not know it, but you probably groove out naturally to music all the time. Do you bob your head while driving or sway side to side at the club? If so, you've got the groove. Practicing grooves and becoming more comfortable with your body's movements will help you look better while dancing, whether in class, at a performance, or anywhere else.

Mix It Up

Mix It Up

When you first start dancing, it's common to want to dance with the same partner or friend. However, this can become boring over time. To avoid this, try dancing with a variety of people, especially when you're still learning the dance. Each person's interpretation of the music will give you a new perspective on the dance. You may worry about dancing with someone who is more advanced or less skilled than you. However, dancing with different people can help you practice being a good leader or follower. Every dance can be an opportunity to learn and grow. That's why, at Holy City Dance Center, we encourage multiple dance partners in applicable programs.

Learn and Repeat the Basics

Learn and Repeat the Basics

They say that repetition is key when it comes to learning a skill, and that's especially true when dancing. Practicing techniques over and over helps them become ingrained in your muscle memory, allowing you to execute them effortlessly. For instance, Popping exercises can enhance your control and control. House Step routines can improve your footwork and make you more comfortable on the dance floor. Whatever the dance style, start by nailing down and repeating elementary techniques. Before you know it, you'll be executing full routines from muscle memory.

Request Class Information

Dance with Your Heart and Your Feet Will Follow at Holy City Dance Center

 Child Dance Classes James Island, SC

Whether you're looking for an extracurricular outlet for your child or want to learn how to tap dance in your 40s, our dance studio near James Island, SC, is the premier choice for quality dance lessons. Our instructors are passionate about bringing your dancing dreams to life and are committed to providing you with an experience like no other. If you're ready to dance with your heart, your feet are sure to follow. All it takes is a little guidance and inspiration. Contact our dance studio today and take the first step toward a true dancing education tomorrow.

Latest News in James Island, SC

Visit May Forest, a new 23-acre state park on James Island

Updated with visitor information on Friday, Oct. 13Something green is coming to Charleston, and we’re not talking about St. Patrick’s Day. A new state park is in the works at the tip of James Island. We spoke with SC State Parks Director Paul McCormack for the latest on the project.The waterfront park will be located on 23 acres at the end of Fort Johnson Road, adjacent to the Fort Johnson historic site. The parcel is managed by the SC Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.In 2021, the state ...

Updated with visitor information on Friday, Oct. 13

Something green is coming to Charleston, and we’re not talking about St. Patrick’s Day. A new state park is in the works at the tip of James Island. We spoke with SC State Parks Director Paul McCormack for the latest on the project.

The waterfront park will be located on 23 acres at the end of Fort Johnson Road, adjacent to the Fort Johnson historic site. The parcel is managed by the SC Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.

In 2021, the state purchased the land from the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy for $23 million. The May Forest Convent located on-site is expected to be converted into an event venue that will be the main component of the new park. Funding has not yet been secured for the venue construction project.

Charlestonians can look forward to a day-use recreation and picnicking area with views of the Charleston Harbor, the Ravenel Bridge, and Fort Sumter. There is an existing gazebo and bench swing. Conceptual images are not yet available, but stay tuned.

An event space, lodging, and a dock may be added in the future. A structural assessment of the property is expected to determine park features down the road. What would you like to see this new park offer? Let us know.

In addition, there is a master plan that envisions the entire ~100-acre Fort Johnson area that is separate from the state park project.

The park is expected to open this spring or summer. There is currently no timeline for potential future amenities, but keep an eye on the newsletter for updates. The plans for Fort Johnson, which surrounds the state park area, are long-term.

May Forest launched its soft opening phase. The new state park on the northeast waterfront of James Island offers views of the Charleston Harbor, Ravenel Bridge, and Fort Sumter, plus woodland and fields abutting the shore.

The park is far from finished — but you can stroll for yourself now.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources bought the 23-acre park land from the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy for $23.25 million in 2021.

May Forest State Park and the ~100-acre Fort Johnson area make up a long-term development plan including updated trail access, greenspace, historical interpretation, and research campuses.

The park is located at 424 Fort Johnson Rd. Since it occupies one tip of James Island, navigating is easy: just follow the road to its end and follow the signage for visitor parking.

During the soft opening phase, the park is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays, grounds only.

May Forest is currently hiring a park ranger. Once they do, you’ll be able to visit on weekends, too.

Currently, May Forest offers walking trails and four picnic tables to unwind by the water. Pets are welcome in most areas, but you’ll need to keep them leashed.

As the park grows, look forward to an event space at the old May Forest Convent, overnight accommodations, and dining options.

Johns Island residents react to ‘Northern Pitchfork’ project plan

Those who live on or travel through Johns Island say they have mixed feelings about a new road designed to connect Maybank Highway to two other roadways.JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Those who live on or travel through Johns Island say they have mixed feelings about a new road designed to connect Maybank Highway to two other roadways.Work is continuing on what is called ...

Those who live on or travel through Johns Island say they have mixed feelings about a new road designed to connect Maybank Highway to two other roadways.

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Those who live on or travel through Johns Island say they have mixed feelings about a new road designed to connect Maybank Highway to two other roadways.

Work is continuing on what is called the Northern Pitchfork, which will connect Maybank Highway to Fenwick Hall Allee and River Road. That work will require lane closures from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday on Maybank Highway at River Road.

Some residents are hopeful it can be part of a solution for what they say is horrendous traffic but others say it’s just a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.

There is also frustration surrounding the daytime lane closures for Friday, as residents believe it will be a nightmare, and the work should be done overnight instead.

Charleston County Construction Project Manager Sheila Parker said this has to get done in a specific window of time and they don’t want project delays. The new road is something the city and county have been working on bringing to life for years, with the goal of alleviating congestion and moving traffic along on the island.

“People coming off of James Island onto Johns Island using the Maybank Highway corridor will be able to take the Northern Pitchfork road and kind of bypass the Maybank Highway and River Road traffic light,” Parker explained

Byhira Thorn, who frequents the island often, said she thinks the new road will cause confusion for drivers, and it’s not addressing the root issue.

“I think another lane in general needs to be added,” Thorn said. “I mean, they did it with the bridge which was awesome, but they need to do it with the island. The island itself all around, roads need to be doubled for sure.”

Johns Island resident Kristin Nolan said she hopes this will help, but wishes it was done sooner.

“First of all, I think they should have thought about this before all of the building that went on and the extra light that was put here,” Nolan said. “I feel bad for people that go to James Island in the morning if Maybank and River are backed up for miles.”

Earlier this month, Charleston leaders said they are working on a $30-million project to improve traffic on Johns Island, part of which includes widening Maybank Highway to four lanes from River Road to the Stono River Bridge. But funding for that has yet to be nailed down and those plans are years away.

The construction on Friday is weather-dependent and drivers are asked to use caution while driving through the area.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Unbeaten ‘underdog’ James Island stays alive in playoffs

Any local high school football fan that loves offense would have enjoyed Friday night’s Class AAAA second-round playoff game between visiting Hartsville and unbeaten James Island.Touchdowns and yards were piled up by both teams, but James Island had a bit more offense in the tank. The Trojans scored on five straight first-half possessions and improved to 12-0 with a 45-21 win.James Island ventures into the third round next week and will host an undefeated Irmo High team.James Island’s defense gave up yards bu...

Any local high school football fan that loves offense would have enjoyed Friday night’s Class AAAA second-round playoff game between visiting Hartsville and unbeaten James Island.

Touchdowns and yards were piled up by both teams, but James Island had a bit more offense in the tank. The Trojans scored on five straight first-half possessions and improved to 12-0 with a 45-21 win.

James Island ventures into the third round next week and will host an undefeated Irmo High team.

James Island’s defense gave up yards but had two fourth-down stops, one early in the first quarter and another in the third quarter. Hartsville came into the game averaging better than 300 yards rushing per game, but it was James Island’s run game that dictated the outcome. The Trojans rushed for nearly 350 yards in the game.

“When we see something working early, we stick with it and we were having a lot of success running the ball,” James Island head coach Jamar McKoy said. “The O-line did a great job tonight. Backs ran hard, physical. It was a really good performance overall, but now it’s on to the next one.

“We’re the underdogs. A lot of people thought we would lose tonight,” McKoy said. “We just keep playing for as long as we can. We expect another challenge next week.”

In a wild first half that saw eight touchdowns and nearly 700 total yards between the two teams, the Trojans took a 35-21 halftime lead. The Trojans scored on five plays on their first possession with Amontrae Scott capping a 66-yard drive with a three-yard run.

After stopping Hartsville on downs, the Trojans went 61 yards on five plays and Tank Scott scoring on a 14-yard run for a 14-0 lead.

Hartsville answered on two plays, getting a 79-yard screen pass that Hakeem Watters took 79 yards for a score.

James Island needed seven plays to score a third first-quarter touchdown, but also needed some luck. A fumble on the Hartsville 1-yard line bounced into the hands of receiver Wushi Ravenel, who broke a tackle and fell into the end zone for a touchdown.

On the first play of the second quarter, Watters went 49 yards for a touchdown, cutting the James Island lead to 21-14. But the Trojans had yet another answer, using nine plays to go 70 yards with Amontrae Scott scoring on a 14-yard run.

Hartsville went 80 yards on eight plays with Carmello McDaniel pushing in from the 2-yard line to make it 28-21 Trojans.

Just before halftime. James Island scored again. A 45-yard pass from Braxton Scott to Ravenel set up Tank Scott’s 3-yard run for a 35-21 halftime lead.

James Island finished the first half with 360 total yards, while Hartsville totaled 311 yards.

“Hartsville has a high-powered offense so it’s hard to expect to shut them down completely,” McKoy said. “We challenged the defense at halftime and they responded. No points in the second half. Proud of those guys.”

James Island opened the third quarter with a fourth-down stop of Hartsville near midfield. Facing a third-and-20 from its own 44, James Island’s Braxton Scott, under pressure, found Jaden Singleton near the sideline. Singleton turned on the jets and beat the defense to the end zone for a 42-21 lead.

The Trojans threatened to score another touchdown late in the third but settled for a Gray Dangerfield 20-yard field goal with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter, pushing the lead to 45-21.

In other games:

• Oceanside Collegiate rolled past Woodland, 49-0, in Class AA as Tanner Swisher and Aiden Manivian each threw two TD passes, and Gavin Gaspar caught three scores ... Yannick Smith caught two touchdown passes and threw for another as No. 1 Summerville ousted Berkeley by 34-14 in Class AAAAA.

• Fort Dorchester, Stratford and West Ashley were all eliminated in AAAAA. Fort Dorchester went down 50-7 to White Knoll, Carolina Forest beat West Ashley by 28-21 and Sumter took out Stratford 27-6 ... In Class AAA, Gilbert raced by Hanahan by a score of 49-35, and Crestwood knocked off Philip Simmons by 34-14 ... And in Class AAAA, Lancaster ousted Lucy Beckham by 38-20.

• In Class A, Cross remained alive with a 28-18 win over Allendale-Fairfax ... In SCISA, Laurence Manning took out Porter-Gaud by 48-20; Patrick Henry eliminated Dorchester Academy by 17-13.

PREP FOOTBALL

SCHSL Playoffs

Second Round

Lower State

Class A

Bamberg-Ehrhardt 41, East Clarendon 13

Cross 28, Allendale-Fairfax 18

Johnsonville 35, Lake View 14

Lamar 23, Carvers Bay 20

Class AA

Andrew Jackson 51, Kingstree 20

Barnwell 31, Marion 25

Hampton County 48, Andrews 14

Oceanside Collegiate Academy 49, Woodland 0

Class AAA

Brookland-Cayce 34, Philip Simmons 14

Camden 35, Dillon 21

Crestwood 44, Beaufort 0

Gilbert 49, Hanahan 35

Class AAAA

Irmo 55, Myrtle Beach 24

James Island 45, Hartsville 21

Lancaster 38, Lucy G. Beckham 20

Class AAAAA

Carolina Forest 28, West Ashley 21

Summerville 34, Berkeley 14

Sumter 27, Stratford 6

White Knoll 50, Fort Dorchester 7

Upper State

Class A

Blackville-Hilda 28, Wagener-Salley 0

Christ Church Episcopal 43, McBee 21

Southside Christian 21, Calhoun County 7

St. Joseph 7, Lewisville 0

Class AA

Abbeville 41, Newberry 28

Gray Collegiate Academy 62, Chesnee 14

Silver Bluff 22, Fairfield Central 21

Class AAA

Belton-Honea Path 44, Pendleton 28

Chester 58, Chapman 24

Clinton 38, Broome 7

D.W. Daniel 35, Wren 21

Class AAAA

Greenville 24, Greer 21

Midland Valley 24, South Pointe 17

Northwestern 55, Greenwood 7

Westside 49, York Comprehensive 13

Class AAAAA

Dutch Fork 31, T.L. Hanna 28

Gaffney 24, Clover 12

J.L. Mann 17, Spartanburg 7

SCISA Playoffs

Semifinal

Class A

Patrick Henry Academy 17, Dorchester Academy 13

Robert E. Lee Academy 35, Thomas Heyward Academy 19

Class AA

Bethesda Academy, Ga. 32, Northside Christian 6

Williamsburg Academy 41, Beaufort Academy 6

Class AAA

Wilson Hall 21, Florence Christian 7

Class AAAA

Laurence Manning Academy 48, Porter-Gaud 20

James Island coyote sightings bring safety concerns to residents

The residents of James Island are now seeing and hearing coyotes throughout their community following a rise in coyote interactions on Sullivans Island.JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The residents of James Island are now seeing and hearing coyotes throughout their community following a rise in coyote interactions on Sullivans Island last month.“Obviously, they’re here in our neighborhood, and we all need to be vigilant,” Lighthouse Point Neighborhood Association President Brook Lyon says.Those who live in ...

The residents of James Island are now seeing and hearing coyotes throughout their community following a rise in coyote interactions on Sullivans Island.

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The residents of James Island are now seeing and hearing coyotes throughout their community following a rise in coyote interactions on Sullivans Island last month.

“Obviously, they’re here in our neighborhood, and we all need to be vigilant,” Lighthouse Point Neighborhood Association President Brook Lyon says.

Those who live in the Lighthouse Point community on James Island say they have recently seen and heard coyotes sometimes in broad daylight or in their backyards.

“I’ve had several reports over the last few weeks of people actually seeing the coyotes,” Lyon adds. “One last week was seen going across Schooner Road in broad daylight. Another photo was taken in the backyard of someone who has a chicken coop, and there’s live chickens there, which could be a potential food source for coyotes.”

Photos recorded on home security cameras show the coyotes on the island, concerning the community about their personal safety and their pets’ lives.

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Department says there is one reported incident with coyotes on James Island back in June.

Sullivans Island also reported five coyote attacks involving dogs in August, making the community on James Island even more worried.

“We are one town, one island, and we don’t want animals to start getting snatched or people getting attacked, like what has happened in other areas,” Lyon says.

Lyon and James Island Town Councilmember Troy Mullinax says they reached out to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and was told there was no program to help them with coyotes in the neighborhood.

“My next step is to contact Governor McMaster because it’s a natural resource issue, and at this time, the town does not have any wildlife management people,” Lyon says.

“DNR does not have anything in place,” Mullinax adds. “This is something we’re going to address at our upcoming meeting this Thursday, and just let people know that there’s something we’re working on.”

To keep the coyotes out of your neighborhood, they recommend not feeding the wildlife or keeping any potential food source outside for them to find.

If you run into a coyote, you’re advised to react loudly, throw small sticks or cans or spray the animal with water.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

$277M hospital proposed for Johns Island

Trident Medical Center has submitted a Certificate of Need to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to build a $277 million hospital on Johns Island. The application is for a 50-bed acute care hospital between Maybank Highway and Cane Slash Road, across from the Live Oak Square development.Projections for Johns Island Hospital show that within the first three years it will create nearly 300 jobs, contribute $10 million in non-income taxes to support the community and pay $70 million in salaries, wages and b...

Trident Medical Center has submitted a Certificate of Need to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to build a $277 million hospital on Johns Island. The application is for a 50-bed acute care hospital between Maybank Highway and Cane Slash Road, across from the Live Oak Square development.

Projections for Johns Island Hospital show that within the first three years it will create nearly 300 jobs, contribute $10 million in non-income taxes to support the community and pay $70 million in salaries, wages and benefits, the organization said in a release.

“We are excited to continue making medical care more accessible to residents in our historically underserved communities,” Trident Health President and CEO Christina Oh said in the news release. “Currently on Johns Island and neighboring communities, it can take residents 30 to 45 minutes to drive to their nearest hospital, and often longer in heavy traffic and inclement weather. Our goal is to increase access to timely, high quality and affordable health care services.”

Trident Medical Center’s chief of the medical staff and medical director of emergency services, Dr. Scott Hayes, said he sees firsthand the results of delayed care.

“For residents who live far from emergency medical care and who may be experiencing a medical emergency like a heart attack or a stroke, minutes can mean the difference between life and death,” he said in the news release. “Access to care close to home is critical, especially in areas like Johns Island and the surrounding communities, that have frequent traffic delays.”

Trident Health surgeon Dr. Thomas Litton, who lived on Johns Island for 20 years and recently moved from there largely due to increasing traffic congestion and limited access routes off the island, said, “The rapid population growth and development of Johns Island, as well as its role as the sole gateway to Kiawah, Seabrook and Wadmalaw Islands, has created a strong need for a full-service hospital in the area. Residents on those islands have never had a full-service hospital. Trident’s hospital on Johns Island and their freestanding ER on James Island will greatly improve residents’ access to much-needed medical care.”

Johns Island Hospital will be located seven miles from James Island Emergency, Trident’s new freestanding ER at 945 Folly Road, Charleston, that will open in the next few weeks.

Plans call for Johns Island Hospital to have 50 beds with space to expand to 150 beds, 40 medical/surgical/stepdown beds, 10 ICU beds, 20 ER rooms, four operating rooms, two endoscopy suites and a cardiac catheterization lab. The hospital also would have two CT scanners, an MRI, two diagnostic radiology suites and a fluoroscopy room.

In addition to the hospital, services would include medical offices for primary care and specialists as well as outpatient imaging and support such as breast imaging, rehabilitation and other outpatient therapy services.

“From our first discussions about building a hospital on Johns Island, we have been committed to creating a thoughtful plan that preserves the natural beauty of Johns Island,” Oh said in the release. “We will honor the strong Gullah Geechee cultures of the community; we will partner with the areas’ community and businesses; and will promote the important and unique contributions of Johns Island’s agricultural community.”

The proposed Johns Island Hospital is in addition to nearly $140M in capital investments currently underway at Trident Health’s hospitals, Trident Medical Center and Summerville

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