With so many styles and materials, selecting the perfect countertops for your home isn't always easy. Your counters must be practical enough for everyday use and unique enough to complement your style. They hold a demanding role as the go-to area for food preparation and cleanup and are often front-and-center when snacks are needed for parties. The very best kitchen countertops in Hollywood, SC mix beauty and style, setting your kitchen apart from your neighbors. But they must also be durable and useful, so you and your family can enjoy them for years to come.
At Stone City Kitchen & Bath, we create countertops and kitchen cabinets that make a statement in your home where other features fall short. You've worked hard to foster an attractive appearance throughout the rest of your home, so why should your countertops be any different?
Here at Stone City KB, we combine the durability and elegance of natural stone with personalized attention for each of our valued customers. Unlike other countertop fabricators, we source our materials from across the globe, searching high and low for the best stones available. In doing so, we are able to produce some of the finest remodeling and renovation products in our industry, from granite, marble, quartzite, quartz, and recycle glass countertops to new kitchen solid wood cabinets.
By providing high-quality materials and unmatched customer service, our clients have the chance to make informed decisions they feel great about. Our mission is to provide:
Impeccable Quality: You can count on Stone City KB to design and craft your countertops and cabinets exactly as you imagined, with globally-sourced, high-quality materials.
Honesty & Integrity: Trust is a must when you invite someone into your home to discuss new kitchen renovations. We are privileged to serve you, and our technicians are dedicated to treating your home like it was our own.
True Craftsmanship: When we say personalized service, we mean it. Our artistry lies in getting the details of your project right, whether we're installing custom countertops or completely remodeling your kitchen.
As our testament to creating a better product for our clients, we use innovative technologies and the brightest minds in the business to create stunning countertops and cabinets. Because when it comes to your home, it needs to be as close to perfect as possible.
We offer a wide selection of stones and materials for your next kitchen renovation project:
If you're in need of a professional, fast, reliable company for kitchen cabinets, countertops, and remodels, look no further than Stone City Kitchen & Bath.
When you're remodeling your kitchen or having new countertops installed, there are a lot of decisions to be made. From countertop material choices to counter placement preferences, each decision is impactful, making for an overwhelming experience. Luckily, at Stone City Kitchen & Bath, we have a team of countertop experts who are more than happy to offer assistance and advice on your new countertop journey.
Most of our clients start by selecting the type of countertop material they want to use. If you're at this stage and aren't sure what to choose, ask yourself these questions:
Still unsure? Swing by our showroom and let us help. Our kitchen remodeling experts can give you a rundown of the features and advantages of all our countertop materials, from durability to upkeep. Once you have those questions answered, you can begin narrowing down your selection. And what better way to do that than with a breakdown of our most popular countertop material choices?
Granite countertops are, without a doubt, the most popular choice for homeowners who want to install new kitchen countertops. Granite has held that position for years, and while it has competition, buyers love its luxurious looks and natural composition. Like some countertop materials, no two granite slabs will look exactly alike, giving your kitchen a unique aura.
Granite is a great choice for families, especially if you have children, as it has a hard surface that can withstand chips and scratches. Pricing on granite can vary depending on where it's sourced and how large the slab is. But one thing is for sure - if you're in need of a reliable countertop material for day-to-day use, granite should be atop your list.
One of the biggest reasons granite countertops are so popular is because they can be quite affordable. That's especially important for families trying to stick to a kitchen remodeling budget. Prices of granite can vary, so be sure to speak with one of our expert associates at Stone City KB for the most accurate pricing.
Another popular reason to choose granite countertops over other materials is granite's resistance to scratches and chips. If you're like most folks, you'll be using your new countertops every day. Over time, counters can take a beating, especially when you have younger children. Fortunately, granite can withstand many scratches and chips, making it a popular choice for longevity and beauty. Remember, though - never use your granite countertops for dicing, cutting, or slicing. Use a cutting board instead, or you may damage your new countertops.
When sealed properly, your granite countertops in Hollywood, SC can resist stains. In fact, if a spill dries on your counters, you should be able to scrape them off gently with a plastic scraping tool. That's not to say that granite can't be stained at all - acids and alkaline can do a number on granite, so avoid spilling those substances on your counters. With that said, if you seal your granite counters every year and clean up spills quickly with soap and water, you should be able to avoid most long-lasting stains. At Stone City KB, we are trained and certified for a permanent sealer with additional cost, that is warranty for 15 years. Don't forget to ask your sales representative for this permanent 15 years sealer as an option so you can be worry free.
Like stains, granite countertops are also resistant to heat. Granite is formed in nature with heat and pressure, so it makes sense that it would have inherent heat-resistant properties. This is great news if you use your oven or toaster oven to cook dinner. If you accidentally place a hot pan on your granite counters, you don't have to worry. While we recommend placing oven-hot pans on potholders, you should be safe to use your granite counters too.
Granite has many practical benefits over countertop materials, but it also has an aesthetic advantage. At Stone City Kitchen & Bath, all our granite slabs are unique. If your neighbors have new granite countertops installed, you can rest easy knowing their granite won't be exactly like yours. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind, cost-conscious option for your kitchen countertops, granite is a fantastic choice.
Marble is a timeless material that exudes luxury. It has dynamic, detailed hues and is a very popular choice for homeowners in need of a high-end feel for their kitchen. Unlike granite counters, marble needs regular upkeep to maintain its beauty and durability.
Like granite, quartz are engineering countertops are durable and don't require too much maintenance. It is non-porous and doesn't need to be sealed, so scratches and stains are minimal. However, unlike granite, you should avoid placing hot items on quartz countertops or you could risk damaging them. If you like marble with white and gray vein movements, quartz countertops is your best choice.
No kitchen remodeling project would be complete without installing new cabinets. At Stone City Kitchen & Bath, our experienced craftsmen have created and installed hundreds of new cabinets. We know that deciding on your new kitchen cabinets' material, finish, and style can be hard. That's why we're here to help every step of the way!
Our team has the tools, training, and experience to help you choose the best cabinets for your kitchen. We'll consider your current kitchen layout, your color preferences, and more to provide personalized options for your project. And when it's time to install your new cabinets, you can rest assured we'll get the job done right at a price you can afford.
When it comes to kitchen remodeling in Hollywood, SC installing new kitchen cabinets is a great idea. If you're already upgrading or replacing your kitchen countertops, having new cabinets that match the aesthetics of your kitchen makeover is a no-brainer.
At Stone City KB, we believe that everyone deserves an elegant, versatile kitchen with stunning cabinetry. That's why our team will work closely with you to discover the material, texture, and style of cabinets you're craving. Once we do, we handle all the heavy lifting, including cabinet design and installation in your home.
So, why should you install new kitchen cabinets alongside your countertops? Here are just a few reasons:
Many customers install new kitchen cabinets because they're already remodeling their kitchen and need their cabinets to match the aesthetics of their updated space. Do you want your kitchen to feel more open and airier? Do you have specific lifestyle requirements that necessitate a particular cabinet material? Our kitchen cabinet experts can help you find the perfect cabinet setup for your needs.
Having a uniform aesthetic throughout your kitchen and home is important. But from a practical standpoint, new kitchen cabinets often mean more kitchen storage. That's a big deal for families, especially when younger children are involved. If you find that your countertops are magnets for clutter, new cabinetry can help remove the mess and stress less. The more storage your kitchen has, the easier it will be to use your kitchen for cooking and entertaining.
Take a few moments and check out the bones of your current cabinets. Low-quality, cheap cabinets are often a turnoff for potential buyers. If you plan on selling your home in the next few years, one of the best ways to boost resale value is with new cabinetry.
Is it a pain in the side to cook in your kitchen? Whether it's due to clutter, design, or something else, many of our customers want new cabinets so that their kitchen is functional again. New cabinets give you more storage, as mentioned above, but they can also make your kitchen more functional, depending on design and remodeling preferences. If you love to cook for your family and get-togethers, investing in new kitchen cabinets can help you do more of what you love.
Whether you're looking to "wow" a new client or work colleague or just want to make your neighbors a little jealous, upgrading your kitchen cabinets is a great way to do so. Of course, first impressions have always mattered, but particularly so in real estate. When the time comes to sell your home, having custom cabinets and countertops in your kitchen can set you apart from other sellers.
Here at Stone City Kitchen & Bath, we specialize in custom kitchen countertops and cabinets designed especially for you. Whether you've been dreaming of traditional wood cabinets or need sleek, elegant granite countertops, we've got you covered. We are committed to affordable options while holding true to our craftsmanship and skills, providing customers with the best kitchen renovations in South Carolina.
If you're looking for the largest selection and the best prices, visit our showroom or contact us today. You've worked hard to make your home special, so why not your kitchen too? From design to installation, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
A draft plan has been cobbled together to rescue Hollywood’s beleaguered sewer system — the first clear road map to long-term stability after a two-month leak closed shellfish beds around the region at the beginning of the year.The plan, however, includes two larger entities — Charleston Water System and Dorchester County — and will need to be greenlighted by CWS’s commissioners and County Council before it can move forward.The proposal, outlined for Hollywood’s specially convened sewer commi...
A draft plan has been cobbled together to rescue Hollywood’s beleaguered sewer system — the first clear road map to long-term stability after a two-month leak closed shellfish beds around the region at the beginning of the year.
The plan, however, includes two larger entities — Charleston Water System and Dorchester County — and will need to be greenlighted by CWS’s commissioners and County Council before it can move forward.
The proposal, outlined for Hollywood’s specially convened sewer committee on Dec. 5, would involve Dorchester County initially taking over maintenance responsibilities for the whole system and being paid by Hollywood for that work, with Hollywood footing the bill directly for any replacement parts, like new pumps or generators. At the same time, CWS would serve as a grant coordinator to find funding for capital expenses and also help organize an engineering study of the entire system.
After the system is in better working condition, which could take an estimated two years, CWS would reconsider taking a larger role by either taking ownership of the system or helping the town find a private firm to run the operations, according to a handout of the draft plan given to attendees of the meeting.
“I thought it was a good compromise, a good way to get our system back in professional hands,” Hollywood Mayor Jackie Heyward said.
Kin Hill, the chief executive officer of CWS, declined to comment on any of the details of the plan before the utility’s Dec. 18 board meeting.
Dorchester County Water and Sewer Director Larry Harper said in an email that CWS becoming the long-term operator would ensure the sustainability of sewer service in Hollywood.
“I am pleased at the proposal by CWS, which is a great example of intergovernmental cooperation to resolve wastewater issues in the region,” Harper wrote.
Heyward has long argued that the small, largely rural town of Hollywood, in southern Charleston County, is not capable of running the complex wastewater infrastructure, which includes 26 pump stations and 38 miles of pipe.
It took almost two months earlier this year to find a leak in a force main that was seeping into a tributary of the Stono River. The spill totaled millions of gallons of untreated sewage.
A plethora of issues — including little money for repairs, an unusual initial funding arrangement and years of deferred maintenance — led the system to degrade to the point of last winter’s spill, a Post and Courier investigation found.
But moving forward, the proposed plan hinges on balancing the complex interests of the town, the two wastewater utilities and some outspoken residents who have opposed an expansion of Hollywood’s sewer system.
Dorchester County has become such a big player in the future of the town’s wastewater system in part because they’re contractually obligated to provide sewer service on land adjacent to Poplar Grove, a Hollywood subdivision at the corner of Rantowles Creek and Bulow Landing Road.
The draft plan includes an agreement directly between CWS and Dorchester County to provide the county with sewer capacity for an additional 32 sewer taps, which would then be connected to the existing sewer infrastructure in Poplar Grove. CWS treats all of Hollywood’s sewer effluent, and thus controls how much treatment capacity is available to the town and nearby Meggett and Ravenel, which are connected to Hollywood’s system.
Those taps are just the first phase of the development where Dorchester has to provide sewerage; the county’s alternative is running an expensive and high-maintenance sewer main from its nearest infrastructure, at Ashley Ridge High School, about 9 miles away.
Some Poplar Grove residents have been resistant to a sewer expansion next door, saying they don’t have confidence in the town to handle additional material running in the pipes near their homes.
But another component of the plan could assuage those fears. Dorchester is also on the hook for an additional 368 sewer taps in that area. CWS will explore bypassing Poplar Grove completely for that second phase, and pumping the material directly to its Red Top receiving station, about 2½ miles away, according to the handout detailing the plan.
Though the joint Dorchester-CWS plan is the first long-term proposal for the infrastructure, the initial stages would not be too different from the town’s current situation. Hollywood was already paying Dorchester County at cost for sewer maintenance a few days a week when the town’s only wastewater technician on staff recently resigned. Dorchester is now covering all day-to-day work, Heyward said.
Regardless, the proposed plan offers a reassuring path forward, Town Councilman Eddie Scott said.
“I think it’s a good idea because Hollywood’s not going to be able to sustain that sewer, it’s just too expensive,” Scott said. “Right now we’re taking money out of the general fund (to pay for wastewater), and it’s killing the town.”
Reach Chloe Johnson at 843-735-9985. Follow her on Twitter @_ChloeAJ.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The town of Hollywood has been suspended from the National Flood Insurance Program for failing to comply with minimum federal requirements, leaving property owners without flood insurance coverage and no access to federal disaster aid if damage occurs.The Federal Emergency Management Agency has not yet responded to requests for comment. However, according to documents from the NFIP, the suspension means residents will not be able to purchase a flood insurance policy under the federal program, existing flood i...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The town of Hollywood has been suspended from the National Flood Insurance Program for failing to comply with minimum federal requirements, leaving property owners without flood insurance coverage and no access to federal disaster aid if damage occurs.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has not yet responded to requests for comment. However, according to documents from the NFIP, the suspension means residents will not be able to purchase a flood insurance policy under the federal program, existing flood insurance policies will not be renewed, and no federal disaster assistance may be provided to repair insurable buildings located in identified flood hazard areas for damage caused by a flood.
“That presents a real problem when the home is located in a special flood hazard area, such a zones A or zones V, where flood insurance is mandatory for a federally backed mortgage,” National Flood Insurance Director Amanda Bryant said. “Folks who find themselves in that situation are unable to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program, but they are finding that they do not have the option to forgo the coverage.”
Since the suspension occurred, some homeowners have already received notice from their mortgage companies that they will have to seek protection for flood damage from private insurance companies, an option that can be more expensive.
“A community that does not meet those minimum standards indicates that the risk for future flooding in that community is not being mitigated perhaps as well as it should be. The risk of widespread flooding in that community going forward becomes greater,” Bryant said. “So, if a community was once in compliance and then they’ve gotten suspended or removed from the program for non-compliance, that should be a concern for everyone living in that area, not only from a flood insurance rate perspective, but from a safety perspective as well.”
Meanwhile, the town’s mayor said council members are working to bring Hollywood back in compliance with state and federal requirements.
“The Town Council is adopting a state written model ordinance to solve the differences between Charleston County ordinances, town ordinances, and the state ordinance to resume participation into the National Flood Insurance Program,” Mayor John Dunmyer said.
FEMA representatives reminded town leaders they had until Jan. 29th to adopt flood plain management measures that meet or exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. However, town officials say the notification, dated Dec. 23, arrived almost a month later on Jan. 20th in the form of a certified letter.
“In the event your community does not adopt and/or submit the necessary floodplain management measure that meet or exceed the minimum NFIP requirements, I must take the necessary steps to suspend your community from the NFIP. This letter is FEMA’s final notification before your community is suspended form the Program,” FEMA’s Flood Plain Management Director Rachel Sears wrote.
Dunmyer said Sears has not responded to the Town’s request to be placed on probation rather than suspension .
The town’s council met during a special council meeting on Feb. 12 to pass a resolution mandated by the state of South Carolina and gave first reading to the state’s model flood plain ordinance. The second reading is set for Monday, Feb. 22 during the council’s regularly schedule meeting.
“I hope this will resolve any further hurdles in the fair administration of federal and state regulations for our property owners,” Dunmyer said. “The Town Council has been diligent in its efforts to meet and exceed the requirements requested.”
The suspension has left some homeowners in a difficult situation though, with a short window of time to find affordable coverage from a private insurance provider.
“At this point, we don’t really any other options besides going with a more expensive private insurance company until the town decides to be in compliance with FEMA to let people who live here be a part of the National Flood Insurance Program,” Hollywood homeowner Casey Sweeney said. “Once we do sign with a private insurance company, that policy is for the whole year, so even if the town does become in compliance…let’s say 30 days from now, if it’s outside of that 45 day window and we’ve already had to sign a policy, we are stuck with that for an entire year.”
However, Sweeney’s notification was delayed almost 15 days, leaving her just a month to find coverage.
“We got the letter from the mortgage company on Feb. 15, and I called our mortgage company and said, I see this says 45 days, what day did you technically start those 45 days? They told me it started on Feb. 1 because that’s when they mailed it out. So, there’s been so many mail delays that we didn’t even know this was happening until we were 15 days in,” Sweeney said.
Flood insurance was not required on Sweeney’s home until this year when Charleston County’s new flood maps took effect on Jan. 29.
The new flood maps were produced through a partnership between Charleston County Government, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The new maps impact the requirement and cost for flood insurance for some Charleston County residents and affect base flood elevation requirements on new construction homes and businesses.
“Flood maps improve over time as better flood hazard and risk data becomes available. In addition, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental and floodplain changes as well as other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to address these changes,” a press release stated. “By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners’, business owners’, and renters’ insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone.”
The mayor of Hollywood offered no explanation for the town’s non-compliance with NFIP requirements, and Sweeney said there was never any notification from the town to homeowners about the federal flood insurance suspension and how it would impact residents and business owners.
“To hear that the whole town has their own thing going on is kind of crazy. We were just really surprised to hear the whole town was in non-compliance with FEMA when it seems like flooding does happen here and seems like something, they’d want to be a part of,” Sweeney said. “I don’t want to say anything bad about the town, but I do hope they get in compliance and realize that we are, sort of, in a disaster-prone area during certain times of the year. So, I would hope they would have their residents’ best interest at heart.”
Hollywood is one of just two municipalities in South Carolina currently suspended from the National Flood Insurance Program.
While private insurance premiums for flood coverage can be more expensive than rates offered by the NFIP, experts said private providers can offer more comprehensive coverage because their rates are based on more precise and current data.
“If a property is located in an area where more sophisticated risk analysis has shown the flood risk to be greater than what FEMA maps indicate, then private flood premiums will be higher,” Bryant said. “That rate discrepancy though is on its way out. FEMA is on the way towards revising the National Flood Insurance Program and its rates to be more in line with the private flood market.”
An initiative called Risk Rating 2.0 will take effect on Oct. 1 that will take individual property risk into account with a variety of flood factors, as opposed to just previous FEMA flood insurance maps, according to Bryant.
“When that occurs, we are going to see National Flood Insurance Program rates and private flood rates get a lot closer together as everyone starts analyzing the risk of it better,” Bryant said.
“FEMA remains in direct contact with the Town and State, as the Town is taking action to adopt the FIRMs,” a FEMA spokesperson said. “Once they adopt and provide documentation to FEMA, they will be reinstated into the NFIP.”
FEMA officials also released the following information involving the Town of Hollywood.
Copyright 2021 WCSC. All rights reserved.
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCIV) — A public pool is hosting its first competitive swim team for young swimmers and it's a dream come true for Jennifer Holmes. She turned her pain into power."I never imagined that we would actually have a swim team coming from tragedy, overcoming, and becoming a lifeguard," she said. "Now, this season, this summer will be the beginning of a new swim team for many walks of life."Read more: ...
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCIV) — A public pool is hosting its first competitive swim team for young swimmers and it's a dream come true for Jennifer Holmes. She turned her pain into power.
"I never imagined that we would actually have a swim team coming from tragedy, overcoming, and becoming a lifeguard," she said. "Now, this season, this summer will be the beginning of a new swim team for many walks of life."
Read more: Officials to break ground on $25M North Charleston Sports Complex on March 1
Holmes learned to swim after her son, Genesis, drowned in 2014. She built a pool in his honor and taught other children to swim. Holmes said she never knew the progress of the Genesis Pool would get so far and it's changed her life forever. Now, she is working on a swim team for kids in the Hollywood area. Many of them never would have learned to swim if it wasn't for Jennifer.
Allison Foster, with Charleston County Parks Health and Wellness, says kids will be refining their skills with breaststroke, freestyle. They will also be encouraged to grow confidence in their swimming. The emphasis is on the team.
"We encourage team building and supporting one another in a welcoming environment," Foster said.
A public pool is hosting its first competitive swim team for young swimmers and it's a dream come true for Jennifer Holmes. (WCIV)
Holmes gives the credit to her son Genesis, who she says has guided her every step of the way.
“To be standing here in front of the Genesis pool and to know that there's going to be a swim team, I know in my heart it's going to change lives and I know that God had a major part of this," she said.
Read more: Aventon Companies announces groundbreaking of its newest community in Charleston.
Holmes says she can hear her son's voice in her ear cheering her on.
"Right now, I know Genesis is saying, 'Mommy get it'."
Swim team conditioning starts in April and the Genesis Pool will be open for the season on May 6. Holmes says she'll be wearing the number 11 for Genesis because that was his number on his basketball team.
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - A new subdivision in the works in Hollywood and is on track to the be the largest in the town.The subdivision would be near downtown Hollywood, near Highway 162 and Highway 165 and it is set to be larger than Stono Ferry with nearly 400 new homes.The land has been passed down for generations, and the town’s planning director, Roy Dehaven, says it’s time to grow the town where they can to bring more jobs and more residents to the area.“Long-term, as its completely built o...
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - A new subdivision in the works in Hollywood and is on track to the be the largest in the town.
The subdivision would be near downtown Hollywood, near Highway 162 and Highway 165 and it is set to be larger than Stono Ferry with nearly 400 new homes.
The land has been passed down for generations, and the town’s planning director, Roy Dehaven, says it’s time to grow the town where they can to bring more jobs and more residents to the area.
“Long-term, as its completely built out, it will give us the anchor to this town center district,” Dehaven said. “It’ll give us 350 residences close to the heart of downtown Hollywood.”
The developers say they plan to make the homes entry to medium-priced. Many of the homes will be one-story, which the developers hope could make them attractive to retirees.
Hollywood town officials say this area could serve as a hub for people working in Summerville and North Charleston, and they are already working with the state’s Department of Transportation on improving and widening the highways.
The developer working on the project, Joe Margarite, says they are planning to hire locally within the town for all construction work, and they say that means at least 600 jobs to get the project started.
“It’s going to bring a lot of money into this community,” Margarite said. “It’ll support all of these local businesses here that are struggling. Our Piggly Wiggly right here is struggling to stay open, and they need more customers. There will be construction jobs here for at least 6 years.”
The proposal will be discussed at the town’s planning commission meeting on Oct. 8 and then again at the end of the month.
They’re taking public comment now. Public hearing comments will be accepted in writing via email to the Clerk of Council at twhite@townofhollywood.org or by mail to P.O. Box 519, Hollywood, South Carolina, 29449.
If it is approved in October, the developers are hoping to start construction by the spring. And construction would take about six years.
Copyright 2020 WCSC. All rights reserved.
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCIV) — A number of people in Hollywood celebrated Independence Day by taking some time to cool down at the West Aquatic Center. The pool at the West Aquatic Center has been nicknamed “The Genesis Pool,” in honor of Genesis Holmes, who drowned in 2014. His mother, Jennifer Holmes, spent her holiday spreading awareness about water safety.After years of hard work, she was able to collaborate with Charleston County Parks to open the first public pool in rural Charleston County.The pool at the Wes...
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCIV) — A number of people in Hollywood celebrated Independence Day by taking some time to cool down at the West Aquatic Center. The pool at the West Aquatic Center has been nicknamed “The Genesis Pool,” in honor of Genesis Holmes, who drowned in 2014. His mother, Jennifer Holmes, spent her holiday spreading awareness about water safety.
After years of hard work, she was able to collaborate with Charleston County Parks to open the first public pool in rural Charleston County.
The pool at the West Aquatic Center has been nicknamed “The Genesis Pool,” in honor of Genesis Holmes, who drowned in 2014. His mother, Jennifer Holmes, spent her holiday spreading awareness about water safety. (WCIV)
“You have to know your limitations when you head out for the Fourth of July just to celebrate with family. Genesis Holmes wanted to celebrate with his friends on May 5th, but he did not know how to swim and Genesis did not return home,” said Holmes.
Her son didn’t make it home, but through the Genesis Pool and Genesis Fund, so many others will. Including her nephew, who now works at the aquatic center.
“When I learned how to swim, it was hard for me because of what happened to my cousin. But I still had to go through it because I knew that if I didn’t get it done, the same thing could happen to me,” said Troy Hamilton.
Troy has also been a part of two swim teams, helping to break the curse of fearing water for this family.
Now, a new generation of swim advocates are being inspired by this pool.
Shanyra Mungin became a lifeguard this summer after spending time with her family at the pool. She says it is now her turn to help.
“It’s all about saving people. Saving kids’ lives. If I do see a kid about to drown, I get up and ask, 'Do you need help? Are you okay?'”
Though she didn’t grow up with swim lessons, she says this pool has become her safe haven.
Charleston County Parks and Recreation offers free swim lessons and water safety education through the Genesis Fund. To donate or join the program, visit ccpr.com.