Personal Injury Attorney in Greenville, SC

Nature is waking up again in South Carolina as the weather warms. As S.C. residents begin enjoying outdoor activities again, it's important to know what to look out for in nature to stay safe.

There are 38 species of snakes in S.C., meaning that one risk of enjoying the great outdoors is the potential for snake bites. Fortunately, only six of these species are venomous, with only two occurring statewide and three considered common in their ranges.

Here's what you need to know about the six species of venomous snakes in S.C., their habitats, and the severity of their bites.

American copperhead

Appearance: Copperhead snakes are generally about three feet in length as adults, with a light brown base color and contrasting dark brown, hourglass-shaped pattern. Young snakes often have yellow tail tips.

Habitat: Copperheads are the most common venomous snake in the state, living all across S.C. These snakes prefer areas with both cover and sun for basking, such as woodland edges.

Bite severity: While copperhead bites are painful, they often pose minimal risk to victims. Poison control says that about half of all bites result only in pain and mild swelling.

Timber rattlesnake

Appearance: Timber rattlesnakes vary in size and color but can be recognized by their dark banded pattern on lighter skin and the rattle at the end of their tails.

Habitat: Rattlesnakes are rare in S.C. but can still be found in the mountainous areas of the state, mainly in areas of public conservation ownership to preserve the species.

Bite severity: Much more severe than bites from copperheads and cottonmouths, all rattlesnake bites are considered medical emergencies. Their venom contains hemotoxins, meaning it kills red blood cells, but deaths from their bites are rare due to the availability of effective antivenom.

Cottonmouth (water moccasin)

Appearance: Cottonmouths are about 3 feet long, with dark crossband patterns and light brown centers. As per their name, they are known for the contrasting white, cotton-like color inside their mouths.

Habitat: Cottonmouths generally prefer water, mainly inhabiting areas like riverine swamps and floodplains, lake edges, Carolina bays and small stream forests.

Bite severity: Similar to a copperhead, severe but not as dangerous as rattlesnake bites.

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake

Appearance: Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are the world's longest and heaviest rattlesnakes, measuring up to six feet in length. They can be dark gray or olive green and are identifiable by the distinctive diamond-shaped markings on their backs. Also distinctive are black bands outlined by two pale lines that cover the snake's eye areas.

Habitat: In S.C., these rattlesnakes generally dwell in longleaf pine flatwoods, pine hills and maritime grasslands of the lower coast.

Bite severity: Rattlesnake bites are medical emergencies and can cause death if not treated by antivenom.

Carolina pigmy rattlesnake

Appearance: Pigmy rattlesnakes as the name implies, are relatively small, with adult snakes rarely growing longer than a foot in length. They have dark gray spotted patterns on gray, pink, or red skin.

Habitat: Pigmy rattlesnakes are found in most areas of S.C. besides the mountains. Though they live in varied habitats, they usually prefer to live near freshwater, such as marshes, swamps, and ponds.

Bite severity: Due in part to their small size, bites from these snakes are often less severe than many other rattlesnake bites. Still, all rattlesnake bites are medical emergencies that require immediate medical treatment.

Coral snake

Appearance: Adults can reach two feet in length. Coral snakes have alternating bright red, yellow and black bands down the size of their bodies.

Habitat: Coral snakes live in a wide range of habitats but aren't common anywhere. They are also reclusive, spending much of their time underground. They prefer loose, sandy soil.

Bite severity: According to poison control, these bites can be missed easily, as they cause less pain than many snakebites. Their effects are usually delayed by up to 13 hours. Venom contains neurotoxins, and most deaths from bites occur due to respiratory failure.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

SIMPSONVILLE — A packaging design services and solutions company headquartered in Atlanta is permanently closing its facility in the Upstate.

Hood Container is set to close its Greenville County facility at 1224 Old Stage Road in Simpsonville by June 15, laying off 60 workers, according to a federal layoff notification report filed with SC Works. The company’s website describes the facility as a warehouse and sheet plant.

The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Post and Courier. It also has a facility in Sumter.

This is the second permanent closure Greenville County has suffered in recent months. MetoKote Corporation is set to close its electrocoating plant at SCTAC on June 1. A total of 265 workers have been impacted by layoffs and closures in the county this year, according to SC Works.

Spartanburg County will also soon see 90 workers laid off as Yokohama TWS North America is closing its plant in the county by April 19.

The Greenville County Hood Container facility is not alone. In late 2023, the company laid off 88 workers and closed a plant outside Charlotte in Matthews, North Carolina.

Family-owned, Hood Container started in 2012 and runs facilities nationwide from California to Pennsylvania as a mill-to-market company. It specializes in containerboard and kraft paper, corrugated boxes, high graphic displays and contract packaging, according to its website.

Resources You’ll Find Below:

Do you know someone with exceptional needs? Greenville mom, Michelle Grabiec, created this list of resources for Greenville, SC families with exceptional needs. Families with members who have ADHD, ADD, autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing challenges, and other special needs may find this list helpful.

You’ll find additional local information on our Kidding Around® Special Needs Resource Guide to Greenville.

Exceptional Needs Resources for Greenville Families

Center for Disability Resources University of South Carolina School of MedicineDepartment of Pediatrics Columbia, SC 29208 Phone: 803.935.5231Description: Identification

The University of South Carolina School of Medicine’s Center for Disability Resources (CDR) connects the school’s experience and resources to people in the community with disabilities. For people with disabilities and their families, the CDR strives to improve their health and welfare through their joint approach of obtaining new information and techniques, leadership training, and system improvements. In addition to the training, technical assistance, community services, research and dissemination, their website contains links to a helpful variety of disability resources such as The Center for Disabilities Resources Library.

The CDR provides developmental evaluations through their child developmental and behavioral pediatrics clinic once a referral is made. Children with learning difficulties based on behavior, development, or in other areas are evaluated to create a therapy program.

S.C. Developmental Disabilities Council1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 372Columbia, South Carolina 29201Phone: 803.734.0465Email: Cheryl.English@admin.sc.gov

Description: Academic and Behavioral Services

The South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council has several camps listed on their site for children with disabilities and exceptional needs. Camps are hosted all over the state. Some are held once a year while others are ongoing.

3440 Harden Street ExtensionColumbia, SC 29203Phone: 803.898.9600Description: Therapy

The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDNS) is a state organization for residents with disabilities. They create, implement, supervise, and supply funding of services for individuals with spinal cord and traumatic brain injury, intellectual disabilities, and autism, and related conditions. Their goal is to help those with disabilities and their loved ones strive for future goals and lessen the disabilities’ impact. Their website provides a database of county and criteria-specific providers of behavioral health services. Services are divided by psychological testing, psychological services/counseling, and behavior supports. Note: While ADHD is not an intellectual disability, someone with an intellectual disability, for example, could also have ADHD and could therefore receive services under SCDDNS.

P.O. Box 11305Columbia, SC 29211Phone: 803.602.4398Email: Administrator@ExceptionalSC.org Description: Parent Advocacy and Support

Originally created and titled Educational Credits for Exceptional Needs Children in 2013, the current name formed when The Exceptional SC Law went into effect in 2018. This law enabled the creation of a scholarship where contributors donate money toward helping pay the educational costs of SC exceptional needs students in grades kindergarten through twelfth. Operating as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Exceptional SC receives donations from state taxpayers who receive state and federal tax breaks based on their contribution. Caregivers and parents of children with disabilities and special needs, such as ADHD, apply for these scholarships to help defray the cost of attending specific private SC schools.

PO Box 493Columbia, SC 29202Phone: 866.345.6786Email: info@screspitecoalition.orgDescription: Respite Care

South Carolina Respite Coalition’s mission is to develop statewide respite care advocacy, knowledge and informational opportunities for caregivers of special need individuals of all ages. Through education, they aim to inform South Carolinians about respite care’s importance. Working toward bettering respite services, they support applicable state and local policies for funding. Their website provides eligibility and application links to the South Carolina Respite Care (SCRC) voucher program; here family caregivers may be awarded $500 to help pay for the care of their loved ones.

1800 St. Julian Place, Suite 104Columbia, SC 29204Phone: 800.578.8750Email: info@familyconnectionscDescription: Recreation

The nonprofit Family Connections of South Carolina is a statewide organization that links the families of children who possess long-term illnesses, special health concerns, and disabilities to information, help, and learning opportunities. Here, parents can receive assistance if their child is living with surgery, delays in development, early birth challenges, physical challenges, and diagnoses of every kind, from cerebral palsy to ADHD. Family support includes a family link network, offices throughout the state, and programs to encourage children and their families to experience the best lives possible, regardless of differences.

Their website offers an events calendar of recreational opportunities for children with disabilities and their families by area across the state. Listings include sensory-friendly movies, trampoline park meet-ups, coffee dates, and Carolina Miracle League (baseball) events.

Greenville Agencies and Organizations with Exceptional Needs Resources

301 E. Camperdown WayGreenville, South Carolina 29601Phone: 864.452.0093Description: Identification

Greenville County Schools’ Child Find service is part of IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This federal law mandates that states recognize, find, and assess every child between the ages of 3 to 21, living in the school district, to determine whether special education services are warranted. Child Find services has strategies to help community organizations and families offer children continual screening and examinations. The areas assessed during a screening range from educational readiness of intellectual skills.

10 Arborland WayGreenville, SC 29615Phone: 864.520.1614Description: Academic and Behavioral Services

BlueSprig provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy to children with Autism. They offer several different pathways of therapy: center-based, home-based, school-based, virtual, community, and early intervention. All therapy sessions are led by board-certified behavior analysts and registered behavior technicians. On occasion, they will host events to benefit the organization and provide education to the community.

2435 East North Street, Suite 1108PO Box 355Greenville, SC 20615Phone: 864.234.1150Description: Therapy

Still Winds Ministry offers community-focused services and counseling from a Christian perspective. They provide consolation, counsel, support, and knowledge to people of all ages and churches. The type of ADHD support services they offer includes individual counseling and group therapy for parents of children with ADHD. Here, those with ADHD and their loved ones learn strategies toward better daily living, improving their present and future.

29 North Academy StreetGreenville, SC 29601Phone: 864.331.1300Email: cds@cdservices.orgDescription: Parent Advocacy and Support

The Center for Developmental Services is the central location where families of children with disabilities or delays can find community services in Greenville. They offer many support opportunities to families who are often onsite with their children. The support programs include seminars for adult family members, children’s workshops, and holiday and special celebrations.

300 College StreetGreenville, SC 29601Phone: 864.233.7755Email: info@tcmupstate.orgDescription: Recreation

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate pays close attention to accessibility and inclusion to make sure children with special needs, sensory processing challenges, and different sensory requirements are able to enjoy the museum. All exhibits are ADA accessible and elevators connect all 3 floors of the musuem. The museum’s playground was one of the first handicap-accessible playgrounds in North America!

106 Gregor Mendel CircleGreenwood, SC 29646Phone: 864.941.8100Description: Identification

The nonprofit organization Greenwood Genetic Center provides services in genetics, research, testing, and instructive learning and initiatives. They offer evaluations at their five South Carolina General Genetic Clinics. Post referral, patients of all ages can receive correct medical identification in a variety of areas, including Autism, developmental delay and developmental disability, and direction on suggested therapy. Evaluation with a center representative includes a health history, physical exam, findings, testing as needed, and available options.

2531 Woodruff Road, Suite 113Simpsonville, SC 29681Phone: 864.258.9236Description – Academic and Behavioral Services

Brain Balance Achievement Center provides training for sensory challenges, educational activities, and healthy eating recommendations for children who have difficulty with attention, behavior, and confidence. They serve children with challenges in Sensory Processing, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Dyslexia, Asperger’s, and anxiety. Through individualized assessment, center sessions, and home activities, children can greatly improve their interactions and behaviors. According to their website, students working on improving sensory responses over three months improve 2.6 levels on average, while customers report high satisfaction; many positive testimonials are featured on their site.

Greenville Pediatrics at Haywood28 Jimmy Doolittle DriveGreenville, SC 29607Phone: 864.679.8606Email: elizabeth@advancedtherapysolutions.comDescription: Therapy

Advanced Therapy Solutions offers a variety of pediatric therapies, including occupational, physical, speech, and specialty services. Their occupational therapy for cognitive processing and attention challenges aims to assist children with ADHD/ADD. Here, therapists focus on helping children with cognition to improve daily activities. The Integrated Listening System offered through their Pediatric Specialty Services helps regulation and attention in brain processing of children with ADHD/ADD.

Greer, SCPhone: 864.360.3920Description: Parent Advocacy and Support

The nonprofit organization Thyme and Play, created by parents of a child with autism, strives to create inclusive dining opportunities and social outings for the non-typical family. Their dining, playdate, and game night pop-up events provide opportunities for families to connect in a safe and accepting environment. Allergy, food, and environmental sensitivities/preferences are accommodated during these events, and childcare is provided by occupational therapists. Through community connections and workshops, they aim to raise awareness about creating a more accepting world.

110 W. Church Street, Suite AGreer, SC 29650Phone: 864.768.3452

Description: Respite

BrightStar Care provides in-home child, transitional, and senior care to people living in Greer, Greenville, Spartanburg, and the surrounding areas. They offer weekly services from a couple of hours to twenty-four hours a day. Their childcare services extend to caring for children with special needs, and those with disabilities of cerebral palsy to autism, and beyond. Their specially trained staff team, led by a registered nurse, aims to deliver quality supervision and support in the special needs and disability care they provideto children. In addition to in-home care, they provide pediatric nursing care and a multitude of therapies for children, such as autism therapy.

115 Pelham Road, Suite 24Greenville, SC 29615Phone: 864.412.7788Description: Recreation

Dance Without Limits is an inclusive dance center for families, providing lessons for children of every ability level from 18 months to 18 years of age. They offer a varied list of exciting dance classes, including classes for children with special needs. Their premise is that all people, regardless of how old, what body shape, or how much experience, can enjoy and have the right to reap the rewards of dance. The competitive-free environment creates a positive environment for their students to have fun through the art of dance.

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Greenville Arena District (GAD) has unveiled an ambitious master plan to revamp Bon Secours Wellness Arena and its 12-acre campus.

According to the GAD, the owner and operator of Bon Secours Wellness Arena, the plan reimagines the area as a vibrant entertainment district and a gateway to the city of Greenville. The plan will encompass significant renovations and expansions to the 25-year-old, 15,500-seat sports and entertainment arena to ensure its long-term success and growth.

Organizers said the master plan envisions a new 6,500-seat outdoor amphitheater, projects to create almost 600 permanent jobs and expects to generate $15 million annually in compensation and an estimated $63 million each year in economic impact.

The project will cost $150-$170 million and will come from a variety of sources, officials said.

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“This is our opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before us - from the families of Little Texas to the visionaries who constructed Memorial Auditorium and the business and community leaders who created this arena 25 years ago,” said Neetu Patel, Chairman of the Greenville Arena District Board. “The master plan we are presenting today is about updating a building and protecting a vital community asset for the next 25 years and beyond.”

Key highlights of the master plan include:

Organizers said the next phase of the master planning process will involve further development of the designs, refinement of cost estimates, exploration of funding strategies, and ongoing engagement with stakeholders.

GAD said it aims to finalize the plan by the end of the year, intending to begin the most critical arena improvements in 2026 or early 2027.

Officials said there are no plans to shut down arena operations during construction.

MORE NEWS: Pretty Place Chapel to host invite-only sunrise service on Easter

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The Greek Festival in Greenville, SC is one of the most popular festivals and is coming soon – which means awesome food, lively entertainment, and vendors with beautiful, traditional Greek items. The 2025 Greek Festival is happening at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Greenville, SC on May 16-18th, 2025.

I look forward to the Greek Festival every year and count down the days until I get my baklava and gyro fix. The spring festival is during the perfect time of year, usually having good weather and lots of lively entertainment.

The St. George Greek Orthodox Church hosts three days worth of music, food, and authentic Greek vendors that sell clothes, jewelry, and other fun goods. I love strolling through the vendors and have purchased jewelry and headbands in the past, plus lots of good food. Did I mention their baklava is amazing?

Want more spring festivals? Check out the best 26+ Springs Festivals Near Greenville!

Everything to Know about Greenville’s Greek Festival

You can expect lots of live music and entertainment at the Greenville Greek Festival. You can typically see the full schedule of entertainment on the Greek Festival website. And it’s always jam-packed. There is a big, grassy seating area above the stage where you can hang out and watch the entertainment and there are also covered tables for dining.

The music is always so lively and fun. It makes me wish I had any knowledge whatsoever of Greek dancing. The costumes are beautiful as well with lots of bright colors and jingly things on the ends. Again, showing my lack of knowledge of traditional Greek outfits (apologies).

The festival takes place at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church and they will be offering tours of the inside plus have an iconography exhibit available.

Lots of fantastic vendors are also at the festival. You can get authentic Greek dress, jewelry, olive oil, and wine.

Food available on the festival grounds outdoors are their traditional Gyros, Athenian Chicken, Pastichio, and Moussakawe. They also have Greek Pizza, Lamb Burgers, Greek Fries, Souvlaki, Greek-Style Ribs, Baklava Sundaes, Greek Donuts (Loukoumades), Greek Coffee, Lemonade, and Beer. They will have a Taverna with Greek beer, wine, and “mezedes”, which is a traditional Greek appetizer.

If you haven’t had Greek pastries before, you need to try them. They will have many for sale including baklava, koulourakia, kourambiedes, or a combination assortment. Get the baklava. It’s a layered pastry of thin philo dough with honey and nuts. Oh my gosh, I’m so hungry.

If you’re not able to attend the festival but still want the great food available, you can order drive-thru. They will be offering Athenian Chicken, Pastichio, or Moussaka plus my personal favorite, Gyros. And you can still get baklava at the drive-thru, which is on Elford Street (you’ll enter off Academy Street). The drive-thru closes 2 hours earlier each evening. An updated menu will be available here.

If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of St. George Greek Orthodox Church looks like, you can go on a church tour, which happens regularly throughout each date. You will also get a chance to see the Iconography exhibit.

I loved learning about the history of the Church and what the different icons and art meant. It was really cool and I definitely recommend it.

The 2025 Greek Festival will take place at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Greenville on May 16-18, 2025 (Friday-Sunday).

Admission is $3/person and benefits Girl Up Greenville. The hours:

Please note that the festival has a clear bag policy and no pets are allowed.

Parking is on Townes Street, or you can park in the nearby parking garages (our handy Parking Guide to downtown Greenville, SC can help!

Who’s excited about the 2025 Greek Festival?

Looking for more events in Greenville, SC? We’ve got all the happenings rounded up for you.