AC Repair in Johns Island, SC

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) — As Charleston County moves forward with a more than $350 million road project aimed at easing congestion at the intersection of U.S. Highway 17 and Main Road, some drivers said the construction is disrupting their daily routine and raising safety concerns.

The long-planned project includes building a new interchange with flyover off-ramps connecting northbound and southbound U.S. 17 to Main Road, along with a Main Road spur bridge over U.S. 17. County leaders have said the improvements are designed to address persistent traffic backups in one of the region’s fastest-growing areas.

A key concern for one driver, James Adams, is the closure of Old Charleston Highway, which is being used to store construction equipment and allow crews to move between the two major roadways. The closure has limited direct access to several nearby businesses, including a Waffle House, a laundromat and a seafood restaurant.

Drivers who once used Old Charleston Highway as a side route now must enter and exit through the heavily congested intersection, navigating fast-moving traffic and frequent standstills.

Adams, who has lived in the area since 2016 and commutes from James Island, said he used to regularly visit the Waffle House near the intersection. Now, he often avoids it.

“With the construction, it’s not safe to turn around,” Adams said. “No matter how far you go down, you’re going to have to fight the traffic and then turn around and come back. I’m living over on James Island, which makes it a big problem.”

He said he is especially frustrated by the decision to block off direct access to the businesses.

“I’m just concerned that they have blocked the entrance into the businesses over here,” Adams said. “I mean, there’s no reason that they can’t allow customers to still come straight across.”

Adams said he has also noticed fewer customers inside the restaurants.

“All the businesses here, not only just Waffle House, are having the same problem,” Adams said. “People are not going… because of this construction. In fact, the Waffle House would normally be completely full right now and there’s just a few people in it.”

Adams said when construction first began, Old Charleston Highway remained open to drivers. Now that access is blocked, he worries the detours are not only inconvenient but potentially dangerous.

Project Manager Herb Nimz said the county understands the frustrations but emphasized the long-term goal of the work.

“We appreciate the community’s patience as the U.S. 17 and Main Road improvements take shape,” Nimz said. “There’s no question that a project of this scale brings temporary disruptions, and the project team is working hard to manage those impacts while keeping this critical work on track. In the end, these short-term inconveniences will pay off with safer travel, reduced congestion, and smoother, more reliable commutes for everyone.”

The overall project is expected to be completed by September 2028. There is currently no timeline for when Old Charleston Highway will reopen.

JOHNS ISLAND — For local construction business magnate Tony Berenyi, his remote island home on a swath of land in the center of Bohicket Creek has been a pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of greater Charleston.

He’d never expected it to catch fire, let alone twice in one day.

Around 17 hours after the two-story Hopkinson Plantation Island home first ignited the morning of Feb. 24, it lit up yet again. The second time was devastating. Only a few exterior walls of the home remain. The rest is ash.

At 10 p.m., neighbors called Berenyi to report a “bonfire” at his home. Photos sent to the newspaper from a resident who lives across Bohicket Creek showed a massive orange plume, billowing dark gray smoke which had been illuminated by the blaze.

“It makes no sense,” Berenyi said. “The house was saturated (with water).”

The fire was under control shortly after midnight Feb. 25, said Ryan Kunitzer, chief of the St. Johns Fire District.

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are aiding in the probe to determine the cause, an upgrade in investigative efforts following the smaller blaze that had engulfed the home’s living room that morning.

Berenyi had allowed his daughter to stay at the remote island home by herself this past weekend, Berenyi told The Post and Courier by phone Feb. 25.

She’d built a fire in the living room fireplace the evening of Feb. 23. Berenyi’s daughter extinguished the flame before heading to bed.

The next morning, she awoke to screeching fire alarms.

As the sun rose over the marshland, firefighters were snaking a giant hose across the long, 5-foot-wide wooden footbridge that connects the island to mainland. It’s the only point of ground access to Berenyi’s home. Crews got the call around 6 a.m., and rushed to the scene.

Firefighters utilized the bridge, golf carts and a 38-foot pump boat to reach the scene, said Kunitzer.

The burn was completely extinguished around 10 a.m. Berenyi’s daughter was safe, so was the dog she’d brought along, her father said.

Around 17 hours later, the house ignited again in what Berenyi describes as an event that “defies logic.”

Berenyi owns Berenyi Consulting, an organization that provides architectural and engineering guidance on construction projects. He’d built the Johns Island home in 2002, Berenyi said. He and a friend own the entire eight-acre island.

Berenyi sent out his construction crew shortly after the morning blaze was extinguished. Then he personally checked out the home that afternoon. There was no evidence of any remaining embers or fire that he could see, he told the newspaper.

But by 11 p.m., Kunitzer’s fire crews were again on the scene, repeating the exact same efforts they’d done several hours prior.

The fire was under control shortly after midnight Feb. 25.

“I can’t speculate on arson,” Kunitzer told The Post and Courier. There could be several reasons why the home re-ignited, he added.

Berenyi doesn’t believe the second blaze was purposeful, either. He made a point to explain that he’ll collect no insurance money from this incident.

“That house has been a gift to many people in the Charleston community,” Berenyi said. It’s a spot frequented by friends and family when he’s not actively using it.

He laments the loss of photos of his mother and the Bronze Star medal he’d earned after military service, Berenyi told The Post and Courier. Ultimately, the loss of the items doesn’t outweigh his relief that no one was hurt.

“I’m gonna rebuild, and rebuild better,” he said.

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) — Some residents are concerned that a plan to add homes and commercial space on James Island will come with future consequences.

The plan called the Grimball Folly Assemblage is designed to add 67 townhomes along with commercial space on the 14 acres of land along Grimball Road Extension that sits off of Folly Road.

The City Planning Commission will consider the plan on Wednesday.

City Director of Planning and Preservation Robert Summerfield says the commission’s consideration of the plan is a requirement as part of the applicant’s technical review process. He says the concept map statute obligates the commission to approve ideas unless plans fail city codes.

“They have to meet zoning, they have to meet stormwater, and they have to show traffic analysis,” Summerfield says. “So, they have to meet all of those technical requirements, all of our subdivision requirements.”

Rhonda Walters lived in the area for the last 60 years. Her family owned property along the roadway for nearly a century. Walters says the development plans will not be fair to existing homeowners.

“If you’re looking at 167 homes or 67 townhomes plus commercial property, it’s going to impact this road. Development is okay, but it’s okay when it’s equitable and that’s the crunch that we’re feeling, that I’m feeling. It’s not going to be fair.”

She says the plan needs to ensure infrastructure, flooding, sidewalks and a turning lane for the Folly Road and Grimball Road Extension are coming to the community.

The sentiment is also shared by resident Matt Ruby, who has lived along the roadway for the last 12 years. He says existing drainage infrastructure needs attention before any new developments can come in.

“The water comes in and then runs across these yards and down this driveway to the lowest point in the back,” Ruby says. “I mean, just completely underwater on Grimball Road Extension at times.”

Plans also include adding a stormwater retention pond at 0 Folly Road. Commission leaders are also considering rezoning the property from a Special Management District to Conservation zoning.

The area is currently zoned as a Special Management district in Charleston County. The applicant, Levi Grantham LLC, initially requested to rezone the area as Rural Residential. City leaders approved the amendment to the request to Conservation in a first reading on Jan. 13.

Summerfield says the zoning request is the least intensive zoning allowed by the city. He says the stormwater aspects are significant for the development and needs of the area.

“Our City Council, again, acknowledging that this meant for stormwater, that there are some issues,” Summerfield says. “They took it from what would have been the comparable city zoning and downgrading it to conservation which would allow at most, if this project did not happen, allow at most three dwelling units at this site.”

City council will hold a public hearing for the plan’s zoning on Feb. 24.

A Resilient Luxury Market Driven by Limited Inventory and Buyer Demand

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C., Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pam Harrington Exclusives Real Estate reports that Johns Island, South Carolina continues to stand out as one of the Charleston region's most resilient luxury real estate markets, supported by limited inventory, protected land, and sustained buyer demand. The firm's Johns Island Specialist, Cortney Franklin, notes that as the 2026 market unfolds, indicators suggest continued stability and opportunity, particularly within the island's high-end residential sector.

High-End Properties Remain in Demand:

Luxury properties on Johns Island — including waterfront estates, gated golf communities, and private acreage — remain highly sought after despite broader national market fluctuations. Buyers are increasingly drawn to the island's blend of privacy, natural beauty, and proximity to historic Charleston and the beaches. Strict zoning regulations and limited new development reinforce long-term value, positioning Johns Island as a mature and enduring luxury market. View current luxury listings for sale.

2026 Market Outlook: Stability and Selective Appreciation:

Forecasts for 2026 indicate that while appreciation may moderate, demand for well-located, high-quality luxury homes remains strong. According to Pam Harrington Exclusives Real Estate:

The data underscores sustained buyer confidence in the island's high-end segment despite broader national market fluctuations.

Buyer preferences continue to emphasize turnkey residences, modern coastal design, and communities that offer both exclusivity and lifestyle amenities. Homes that demonstrate thoughtful architecture, quality construction, and long-term livability are projected to outperform the broader market.

Recent activity within Briars Creek, one of Johns Island's most exclusive gated communities, reflects these trends. Pam Harrington's successful sale of 4265 Wild Turkey Way, a luxury residence within this coastal enclave, underscores continued demand for refined homes in established luxury settings. Briars Creek is known for its championship golf course, expansive conservation lands, and low-density development, making it a premier destination for discerning buyers. 4121 Golf Cottage Lane is currently the best buy in the neighborhood, listed at $2,999,999.

As Buyer Expectations Rise and Appreciation Moderates, Expert Guidance Becomes Essential:

Navigating this competitive landscape is Cortney Franklin, who has been named the Pam Harrington Exclusives Johns Island Specialist. Franklin brings focused local expertise, strategic pricing insight, and access to Pam Harrington Exclusives elevated luxury marketing, delivering tailored representation for both buyers and sellers.

"Johns Island has developed into a highly sophisticated luxury market," said Franklin. "Today's buyers are informed and intentional, prioritizing privacy, quality, and long-term value. Strategic representation is critical to achieving successful outcomes. As the spouse of a Lowcountry custom home builder, I offer a distinct advantage to buyer and seller clients. My close connection to the building side provides valuable insight into construction quality, design decisions, and sustained market appeal."

As Charleston continues to attract lifestyle-driven buyers, Johns Island is expected to remain a cornerstone of the region's luxury real estate performance throughout 2026.

About Pam Harrington Exclusives Real Estate

Pam Harrington Exclusives is a local luxury real estate firm specializing in distinctive properties throughout Charleston and the Lowcountry, recognized for its market leadership and high-touch client service.

View current Johns Island luxury listings, or visit our website to explore all Johns Island homes for sale across every price point.

Pam Harrington Exclusives - (843) 768-3635 or visit the website. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

SOURCE Pam Harrington Exclusives, Inc.

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Drivers along Maybank Highway on Johns Island have been passing a bright green, retro-style sign promising miniature golf is “coming soon.”

The wait is almost over.

Sea Island Mini Golf & Arcade is slated to open in late February, bringing two full 18-hole micro-layouts and a large indoor arcade with several dozen games.

The family-friendly entertainment hub at 3414 Maybank Highway features two separate courses — Alligator Alley and Swampville — complete with fountains, sand traps and mini bridges behind a warehouse-style building and parking area.

More than 40 arcade games will be installed indoors, along with multiple televisions for watching sports, including golf and a concessions counter inside will serve up soft pretzels, ice cream, slushies, nachos and pretzels.

Pending a permit, the food truck will offer pizza, fries and chicken fingers. The owners have also applied for a beer and wine license.

Each hole on the courses is sponsored by a local business, and the first nine holes on each course are wheelchair accessible. The design allows players to complete a full 18-hole round by combining accessible holes across both courses. A practice putting green is included on site.

Co-owners Sandie and Michael Albenesius, who also own and operate St. John’s Kayaks and Boat Tours, said the idea grew out of a desire to offer more activities for teens and families on the island and nearby James Island. They own the Sea Island Mini Golf with two additional co-owners.

Transforming the former storage warehouse took several years.

Players on the mini golf course will receive putters, golf balls, a scorecard and a tiny pencil upon signing up to play the courses.

Outdoor seating, picnic tables and televisions — including coverage from the Golf Channel — are also part of the setup.

Initially, Sea Island Mini Golf & Arcade plans to operate Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. but will fluctuate based on weather or demand. The owners said hours will likely expand as demand grows, particularly heading into the summer season.

Beyond casual play, the venue plans to host birthday parties, corporate events, themed nights and group outings for kids and adults alike.

Rural retail

A national retailer of farm and rural lifestyle supplies is eyeing a new stire at Foxbank Plantation in Moncks Corner, near a community slated for nearly 3,000 homes.

Tractor Supply and PetSense by Tractor Supply have submitted plans to the S.C. Department of Environmental Services for a 21,930-square-foot retail outpost at 219 Foxbank Town Center. The project’s owner and developer is Twin Rivers Capital.

Tractor Supply carries farm supplies, pet and animal feed, clothing, tools, fencing and other rural essentials. PetSense offers grooming services and pet prescriptions.

Brentwood, Tenn.-based Tractor Supply is described as the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S. The chain operates 2,364 namesake stores in 49 states, along with 206 PetSense locations in 23 states.

The company has opened seven stores in the Charleston area since expanding to South Carolina in 2007.

Gold rush

Gold Digger, an antique jewelry store, repair shop and jewelry design studio, will open Feb. 7 in North Charleston's Park Circle area.

The address is 1080 E. Montague Ave.

Gold Digger is owned by Lisa Thomas and daughter Emma, who source pieces during their travels. Each item is inspected and prepared by a master jeweler.

Thomas also owns DIGS Charleston and DIGS Imports, a curated furniture shop located at the same address, as well as Out of Hand in the Old Village in Mount Pleasant.

In addition to antique and vintage jewelry, the shop will offer repair services and custom, one-of-a-kind jewelry design.

Get crackin’

A Cajun-style seafood boil restaurant has opened near Tanger Outlets in North Charleston. Happy Crab Seafood is now serving at 4950 Centre Pointe Drive.

Restore more

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore on the peninsula is now open on Mondays.

The home goods-focused shop at 731 Meeting St., accepts donations and sells discounted building materials, furniture and home products, with proceeds supporting affordable housing efforts in the Charleston area.

Updated store hours are Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunrise arrives

The wait is over for diners in Goose Creek to get their own outpost of a Johns Island-based diner.

Sunrise Bistro officially opened Feb. 3 at 216 St. James Ave., in the former Ti-Ney Bangkok II Restaurant.

Co-owner Brian Appelt launched the eatery in 2009 with business partner Jessica Welenteichick after the pair spent years working together at Hege’s Restaurant on Johns Island. Other Sunrise Bistro locations are in Mount Pleasant, Johns Island, Aiken and Summerville.