Personal Injury Attorney in Florence, SC

Florence County, SC (December 04, 2024) – A fatal crash in the Quinby area of Florence County early Wednesday morning resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The incident occurred at approximately 12:23 a.m. on TV Rd near Black Creek Rd.

Emergency responders from Florence County arrived on the scene promptly after receiving reports of the collision. They provided care to the pedestrian, who was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. According to Master Trooper Gary Miller with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a 2017 Jeep Compass traveling south on TV Rd changed lanes from the right lane to the left in an attempt to pass another vehicle. In doing so, the Jeep struck the pedestrian.

The driver of the Jeep, a 2017 Compass, was unharmed in the incident. At this time, the Florence County Coroner’s Office has yet to release the identity of the deceased individual.

An investigation is underway, and authorities are working to gather further details regarding the incident. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time.

Pedestrian Fatalities in South Carolina

Pedestrian accidents have become a growing concern in many parts of South Carolina, especially in areas with high traffic flow, like Florence County. The Quinby area, located just outside the city of Florence, has seen a number of collisions in recent years. While many of these incidents involve vehicles striking pedestrians, each case is unique and highlights the importance of driving cautiously, particularly at night when visibility may be reduced.

In this tragic incident, the driver of the 2017 Jeep Compass was reportedly not injured, but it is still unclear whether alcohol or speeding played a role in the crash. Traffic investigators from the South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing to piece together evidence, including vehicle speed, road conditions, and potential witness accounts.

It is essential for both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant, especially when crossing or traveling along busy roadways like TV Rd and Black Creek Rd. Pedestrians should utilize crosswalks where available, and drivers should always be aware of their surroundings to prevent accidents. Even minor distractions can lead to devastating consequences.

Local law enforcement continues to investigate this case. Those with any information about the incident are urged to contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, it is crucial to reach out to a trusted legal professional to explore your options. Local Accident Reports offers valuable resources for those seeking guidance after a traffic accident. Stay safe and aware on the roads to help prevent further tragedies.

Friday night playoff scores from high school football action around Columbia and South Carolina, and next week’s Upper State and Lower State championship game schedule.

——Class 5A Division I——

Upper State

Dutch Fork 52, River Bluff 14

Spartanburg 35, JL Mann 9

Lower State

Summerville 49, Ridge View 20

Sumter 31, James Island 14

Dec. 6 schedule

Upper State finals: Spartanburg at Dutch Fork

Lower State finals: Sumter at Summerville

——Class 5A Division II——

Upper State

Northwestern 35, Greenwood 6

Gaffney 21, TL Hanna 7

Lower State

Irmo 56, West Florence 7

White Knoll 23, Berkeley 3

Dec. 6 schedule

Upper State finals: Gaffney at Northwestern

Lower State finals: White Knoll at Irmo

——Class 4A——

Upper State

Westside 49, Camden 7

South Pointe 49, Daniel 35

Lower State

South Florence 49, Hartsville 21

North Augusta 63, Gilbert 16

Dec. 6 schedule

Upper State finals: South Pointe at Westside

Lower State finals: South Florence at North Augusta

——Class 3A——

Upper State

Mountain View Prep 30, Crescent 14

Belton-Honea Path 35, Powdersville 14

Lower State

Loris 30, Keenan 14

Oceanside Collegiate 28, Dillon 21

Dec. 6 schedule

Upper State finals: Belton-Honea Path at Mountain View Prep

Lower State finals: Oceanside Collegiate at Loris

——Class 2A——

Upper State

Clinton 31, Batesburg-Leesville 14

Fairfield Central 48, Central 28

Lower State

Barnwell 28, Cheraw 27

Manning 34, Philip Simmons 21

Dec. 6 schedule

Upper State finals: Fairfield Central at Clinton

Lower State finals: Barnwell at Manning

——Class A——

Upper State

Abbeville 48, Lamar 38

Lewisville 31, Hunter-Kinard-Tyler 6

Lower State

Cross 12, Hannah-Pamplico 7

Lake View 42, Bamberg-Ehrhardt 32

Dec. 6 schedule

Upper State finals: Lewisville at Abbeville

Lower State finals: Cross at Lake View

This story was originally published November 29, 2024, 6:47 PM.

A M King, a leading integrated Design-Build firm with offices in Charlotte, NC, Greenville, SC and Chicago, IL, has completed design and commenced construction on its fourth major project for Cheney Brothers, Inc. (CBI). The 386,047-sf refrigerator/freezer distribution facility in Florence, SC will include 45 loading docks, a Cheney Express and the largest culinary kitchen the company has developed to date.

A M King, Cheney Brothers, Inc. and Florence County Economic Development Partnership hosted an official groundbreaking event on December 4, 2024. The day’s festivities included a shovel ceremony, a visit from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and site tours.

“This new distribution center in Florence will allow Cheney Brothers to enhance our customer service and obtain a higher level of customer satisfaction,” said Byron Russell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cheney Brothers. “The support we have received from the State of South Carolina and the local communities has been tremendous.”

A M King Business Unit Leader David Sawicki noted, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Cheney Brothers to develop a facility of this magnitude and complexity. Our history of successful projects for CBI, along with our depth and breadth of food industry expertise, makes this an ideal venture.”

A M King’s scope of work includes 100,963 sf of dry storage and a 36,098-sf dry dock; a 90,095-sf freezer; 60,683 sf of cooler with separate rooms and temperatures for dairy/meat, flour and produce, and a 31,533-sf cooler dock; 30,424 sf of office spaces; a 7,142-sf Cheney Express; and a 3,364-sf test kitchen.

Cheney Brothers’ Florence Facility

Cheney Brothers, Inc., based in Riviera Beach, FL, was founded in 1925. In 2016, the company purchased Pate Dawson Co., thereby acquiring distribution and processing facilities in Statesville, NC and Greensboro, NC. The Florence facility, located on nearly 50 acres in the Pee Dee Commerce City East Industrial Park — across I-95 from Buc-ee’s — will be the company’s first in South Carolina. The new distribution center will provide means for the broadline distributor to significantly expand its reach in the region.

Warren Newell, CBI’s Director of Development, said, “I have worked with dozens of Design-Build and construction firms over the years, and I can honestly say that A M King is one of the finest. There is no doubt they will design and construct a first-class distribution center for us in Florence, which will strengthen our ability to serve Southeast Atlantic coastal customers.”

A M King’s History Serving Cheney Brothers

A M King has completed two major expansions at Cheney Brothers’ Statesville facility, bringing the total square footage to 342,126. The projects included additional cold storage and dry warehouse space, a 2,000-sf commercial culinary center, cutting-edge penthouse refrigeration system, 37 new dock positions and a new receiving office. The complexity of these projects was heightened by the fact that all work was performed in an operational distribution center.

Our Design-Build team also transformed a vacant shell building in Greensboro into a state-of-the-art food processing facility for CBI affiliate Southern Foods. A M King won five prestigious industry awards for the Statesville facility and Southern Foods facility projects from organizations including ABC Carolinas, Controlled Environment Building Association (CEBA) and Engineering News-Record.

About A M King

A M King is an integrated Design-Build firm based in Charlotte, NC with offices in Greenville, SC and Chicago, IL. An employee-owned company, A M King consistently and successfully delivers quality projects throughout the United States. With an experienced team committed to protecting clients’ assets, the firm provides property consulting, design, construction, and facility services in key market sectors including food processing, food distribution, industrial manufacturing, and corporate properties.

About Cheney Brothers, Inc.

Cheney Brothers, Inc. is a broadline food distributor that delivers more than 16,000 different products throughout the Southeast region of United States and in more than 100 countries. Cheney Brothers employs more than 3,800 individuals and reports annual revenues exceeding $3.2 billion.

About Florence County Economic Development Partnership

Florence County Economic Development Partnership serves as the public-private entity that works to recruit new business and industry to Florence County, South Carolina, while also helping existing industries grow and expand.

“We’re thrilled to witness Cheney Brothers break ground on their state-of-the-art distribution center, strategically sited to serve the Carolinas market,” said Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chair Joe W.” Rocky” Pearce. “We look forward to a fruitful partnership and the realization of their $66+ million investment.”

“We are immensely grateful for Cheney Brothers’ trust and investment in Florence County,” added Florence County Council Chairman William Schofield. “We are confident that their presence will reflect the success of the thriving companies already here, creating jobs and making a lasting impact on our community. This partnership marks an exciting chapter in our journey toward growth and prosperity.”

FLORENCE – A holiday tradition for some Florence families will come to an end this year.

Lights 4 Paws, an annual fundraiser for the Florence Area Humane Society and one of Florence’s best-known holiday light shows, announced that 2024 would be its last year.

The 5-acre, 300,000-light walking trail gained national recognition when it was featured on ABC’s reality TV show, "The Great Christmas Light Fight," in 2023.

Pee Dee News

In Florence, the display has become a part of many people’s Christmas seasons.

It's the work of a single family: Ross Shotts, his wife, Darlene, and her sister, Denise Pate. The family is moving out of town and has decided this will be its last year, Florence Area Humane Society President Jayne Boswell said.

"I just really can't even imagine Christmas without that event," Boswell said.

"It's something that they've had a real heart for animals to do, and also just a real love for Christmas and an opportunity to see the sparkle in kids' eyes."

Hundreds of people shared or commented on Lights 4 Paws Facebook post announcing the end of the event. They shared favorite memories, expressed sadness to see it end and thanked the Shotts for their work bringing the lights to life each year.

The Shotts have operated the display as Lights 4 Paws since 2016. It’s the Humane Society’s second-largest fundraiser, Liz Parrish, a Humane Society board member, said. Thousands of people visit each year, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The wooded trail winds around the Shotts home. In addition to classic Christmas decorations, there are numerous decorations you can't find elsewhere.

Last year, there was Santa in construction equipment, Santa in a rocket, Santa in a camper, Santa in an outhouse. There were Christmas cactuses, porcupines and cowboys. There was an entire section devoted to outer space: little green men next to spaceships and Star Wars characters.

Underneath these lights, many families make their holiday memories. Eyes sparkling, mouths slightly agape, children sit on their parents’ shoulders, couples hold hands and teenage friends tease each other.

The Shotts were not immediately available for comment, but they previously told The Post and Courier that the display is a labor of love.

They spend six months turning their home into something from a Christmas fairytale. Come December, they spend hours each night shepherding visitors through the display.

In 2023, the family was featured on "The Great Christmas Light Fight," a reality television show that pits holiday displays from across the country against each other. The Shotts fell short of the top prize.

That year, Ross Shotts said the family knew they were nearing the end. As much as they love the annual display, they were worn out.

"I just think everybody deserves some time for retirement, and they've worked hard all their lives. So heck yeah, I'm happy for them," Boswell said.

Lights 4 Paws, 3251 Mears Drive, will be open Nov. 29 to Dec. 26. Nightly hours will be 6 to 9 p.m., weather permitting. A monetary donation is required for admission.

"We hope that everybody's gonna' pack each night full. We want a huge crowd to send it on its way," Boswell said.