Personal Injury Attorney in Hampton, SC

FLORENCE, South Carolina—Raines has broken ground on Hampton Inn & Suites York, S.C. in York, South Carolina. The hotel is owned by York Hotel Group LLC and was designed by ODA Architecture.

The project is part of an ongoing effort to spur economic growth in the York market, which has a heavy concentration of manufacturing facilities and is already experiencing residential growth. The city, county, and state have all worked closely with Raines on the project by contributing various economic incentives. It will be the only branded hotel in the York market and will bring 30-35 full- and part-time jobs to the area.

The 97-key hotel will have onsite parking, a fitness center, a business center, and twice as much meeting space as a typical Hampton Inn, allowing for many types of gatherings. There will also be free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast.

“We are thrilled to finally break ground on this exciting addition to the York marketplace,” said David Tart, managing partner of Raines. “We have seen firsthand how a new hotel can revitalize a market and lead to additional infrastructure investments, new businesses and restaurants, economic growth, and critically, new jobs. We hope that this property will be a catalyst for all that and more in downtown York.”

“This entire region has been in a growth pattern, from the residential development in Western York County to the overall growth in the Charlotte market,” said Brandon Graham, VP of development at Raines. “We look forward to realizing Hampton Inn & Suites York, S.C.’s potential in this fantastic market.”

In 2024, Raines added more than 20 properties to their management portfolio, including 16 hotels in a partnership with Atlantic Hotels Group. The organization has strategic plans to continue its growth in 2025.

HAMPTON COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - As a part of an ongoing investigation into illegal drug activity, two Hampton County vape shops were searched by law enforcement teams with warrants this week.

Hampton Vape & Tobacco Shop was shut down by the Town of Hampton’s Code Enforcement Department after investigators found illegal drugs inside the shop.

Investigators said they also found evidence that someone had been living inside the shop, which is a violation of several local codes and regulations.

Another vape shop, Once A Time Vape was also searched. The Hampton County Sheriff’s Office said several illegal substances were taken from this location as well.

“Some of what we’ve seen inside these shops is deeply concerning,” said Sheriff Anthony Russell. “Not only are these products harmful, but they’re packaged in enticing designs. That reality is both frustrating and frightening, especially when it comes to the health and safety of our youths.”

Although no arrests have been made, Sheriff Russell urged local store owners to look into South Carolina law. In light of these events, the sheriff’s office said they will be offering a training session for all store owners and employees who sell vape and delta-related products. Their goal is to educate business owners on local laws and keep youth safe.

“I strongly urge any store owners selling vape or delta products to take the time to study and understand South Carolina law. Just because you purchased it legally in another state doesn’t mean it’s legal to sell or possess here. Ignorance of the law is not a defense, and we will continue to take swift action against anyone endangering our community,” continued Sheriff Russell.

Sheriff Russell emphasized that the distribution of illegal substances will not be tolerated in Hampton County.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Hampton Wildlife Fund has presented the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) with a check for $176,990 to be used for statewide projects during 2025. The total donated to SCDNR by the Hampton Wildlife Fund over the years now stands at $4,751,960. The Hampton Board welcomed new SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin, PhD, JD, and presented him with the new USC Press book South Carolina Reflections by author Tom Poland and photographer Robert Clark. The Hampton Board also recognized retiring SCDNR Board Chairman Norman Pulliam for his long, distinguished service and presented him with a special edition shotgun.

The Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, Inc. (Hampton Wildlife Fund, HWF) is a private, non-profit corporation which partners with SCDNR for the promotion of natural resources and natural resource education, which benefits the conservation of wildlife, marine and other resources in South Carolina. Funds are obtained solely through private donations and special promotional projects and fundraising events. Although some of the funds are donated to special projects run by the SCDNR, they are not used to replace any of the department’s programs already supported by state appropriated money.

“Our mission is to raise dollars in support of SCDNR, the stewards of South Carolina’s vast wildlife and natural resources and to be a partner in the agency’s educational efforts,” said HWF board chair Alvin Taylor, a retired former director of SCDNR.

“We are committed to providing SCDNR with funding for Palmetto State citizen programs, especially youth programs,” said HWF executive director Jim Goller, of Beaufort, an SCDNR retiree.

Public education of wildlife and marine resources management and conservation is a major thrust of the fund’s purpose. Scholarships are annually awarded to South Carolina resident students who attend state institutions of higher learning majoring in wildlife, fisheries, forestry, biology, zoology, marine science, environmental science or related fields, with one awarded annually in the field of law enforcement/criminal justice and one in the field of journalism. Since 1995, The Hampton Wildlife Fund has awarded almost $1.2 million in scholarships to South Carolina students.

Projects supported and funded by the Hampton Wildlife Fund include:

Find out more about the Hampton Wildlife Fund by visiting hamptonwildlifefund.org or visit on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/harryhamptonfund/.

–SCDNR

HCSO identifies two drug suspects in possession of military explosives, guns, and outlines charges.

Bluffton Today

Hampton County law enforcement officers were exposed to an unexpected danger during a narcotics raid last Friday — a military-grade grenade.

On March 21, while executing a narcotics search warrant on Woodberry Lane near the Brunson area which netted two arrests, a multiple of weapons, and a variety of drugs, Hampton County Sheriff Office deputies discovered what appeared to be a live grenade, the HCSO released Friday.

Immediate action was taken to ensure the safety of officers and the community, and citizens were warned to avoid the area by posts on the HCSO mobile app and Facebook page.

The HCSO notified the Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from Parris Island, which promptly responded to the scene in conjunction with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and other agencies, stated a HCSO news release.

"In coordination with our partners, these specialized units safely neutralized the device, eliminating any potential threat to public safety," stated H.C. Sheriff Anthony Russell in the release, adding that "throughout the process, the HCSO maintained direct communication with the Hampton County Emergency Operations Center, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to ensure a comprehensive response."

The explosive device was a "live MK2 grenade," Sheriff Russell told The Hampton County Guardian.

The MK2 grenade, also known as the "pineapple" grenade, is a high-explosive, anti-personnel, fragmentation grenade that was standard issue to American troops during World War II, but was also widely used in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

"These specialized units, in coordination with our partners, safely neutralized the device by conducting a controlled detonation," Sheriff Russell told The Guardian. "The explosion was carried out in a secure manner, ensuring there was no further risk to the public. As a result, the device was successfully destroyed, and no injuries or additional hazards were reported."

The grenade was detonated in an open field or clearing, with an explosion that was more than tree-top high, according to a video of the explosion provided by Sheriff Russell.

"Officers were in harm's way during today's narcotics operation, and we recognize that this situation could have had a tragic outcome," added Russell. "We thank God for His protection over them as they worked to keep our community safe."

Two people were arrested in connection with this incident:

“This operation demonstrates the dangers our deputies face daily while working to keep our community safe," Sheriff Russell stated. "I am grateful for their courage and expertise in handling this high-risk situation. The seizures of weapons and multiple drugs, including meth and fentanyl, in addition to the MK2 grenade, underscore the serious threat posed by these individuals. We are still obtaining additional warrants as part of our ongoing investigation. The Hampton County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to removing dangerous individuals and illegal weapons from our streets."

Investigative teams, in collaboration with mutual aid partners, are working diligently to determine the origin and context of the device, says the Sheriff's Office.

Both suspects were taken into custody without further incident and are currently being held at the Hampton County Detention Center. Bond hearings are pending as authorities assess the circumstances of the case. Due to the seriousness of the charges and the potential risk, the HCSO is requesting that no bond be granted to ensure community safety, said the HCSO.

Further updates, including additional information regarding the arrests, will be provided as new details become available.

The HCSO says it appreciates the public’s continued cooperation and patience during this time.

Sheriff Russell commended the deputies involved for their quick thinking, professionalism, and knowledge in handling this dangerous situation. Their actions ensured the safety of both law enforcement personnel and the surrounding community. Their dedication and expertise were critical in resolving this incident safely, he added.

The safety of the community remains the highest priority of the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office, said Sheriff Russell, who also encourages all citizens to download the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office mobile app to stay informed about important updates, emergency notifications, and other public safety information.