The ferry service that connects residents of Daufuskie Island to the mainland.
The S.C. Court of Appeals has ruled that the Daufuskie Island ferry service can continue operations at Buckingham Landing, alleviating concerns from residents. After facing lawsuits related to zoning and complaints about noise and traffic, this decision offers relief to ferry riders who rely on this essential service. Future ferry operations are still uncertain as authorities assess ongoing issues regarding accessibility and potential new sites.
In a twist of fate, the S.C. Court of Appeals has flipped the script on the Daufuskie Island ferry service that was facing a forced move from Buckingham Landing. After a tumultuous year filled with complaints and lawsuits, the Court has ruled that the ferry can continue its operations at the Landing, much to the relief of many residents. Happy days are here again for ferry passengers!
For those catching up, the ferry service found its home at Buckingham Landing back in February 2017, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew. Fast forward to June 2021, and things took a sharp turn when a group of residents—about 35 of them—lassoed the county and the ferry operator into a lawsuit. They claimed the ferry was causing nuisance problems tied to zoning laws, leading to a ramp-up of traffic and other unwelcome issues.
It was a rocky road ahead when, in April 2023, a judge ruled that ferry operations had to cease by January 1, 2024. As a quick fix, the ferry was temporarily shuffled to C.C. Haigh Landing on Pinckney Island. However, the County wasn’t ready to back down just yet and challenged the ruling. And guess what? On January 2, the appellate court swooped in to save the day! They deemed the previous ruling as “excessively broad,” acknowledging the residents’ concerns but ultimately deciding that shutting down the ferry wasn’t the answer.
Residents had a laundry list of complaints—including traffic woes, safety hazards, excessive noise, and various nuisances like roaming dogs and illegal parking. The Court noticed that while the residents had valid points, their solutions didn’t equate to a total shutdown of ferry services. Concerns over the Pinckney Island access were highlighted too, with fears that adding more traffic there would only exacerbate safety problems. Ouch!
As for the future of ferry operations in Beaufort County, officials are scratching their heads and eyeing possibilities related to Buckingham Landing. However, plans for a new permanent site at Cross Island Landing have been slowed down by, you guessed it, condemnation proceedings. Good grief!
In a surprising twist, the Lowcountry Ferry was handed the keys to operate the ferry service in late 2023 after a bid that wowed officials with its low cost. But just as the New Year rolled in, there was disappointment when Lowcountry Ferry didn’t deliver the two main vessels they promised. Additionally, residents were quick to voice their frustrations about new cargo restrictions and increased fees for pets, which could lead to potential litigation from disability rights groups.
This is particularly concerning since Daufuskie Island residents already struggle with accessibility. The island has no bridges, making the ferry service a lifeline for the community. Some of these residents have brought their concerns to county council meetings, advocating for better service and greater safety measures.
In light of these ongoing issues, the County has issued a noncompliance notice to Lowcountry Ferry, which has led to some improvements but not enough to satisfy everyone just yet. A remedial plan is on the horizon as members of the County Council are under pressure to take meaningful action.
As we watch this story unfold, the new administrator of Beaufort County has made it clear that the community’s well-being is at the forefront. With a glimmer of hope and a few bumps along the way, it seems that the road ahead is bound to be a bit smoother for Daufuskie Island residents and their essential ferry service! Stay tuned!
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