Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that modern Americans are much fatter than they were just a few decades ago. Take one look around a shopping center or strip mall and it seems that half the people present are struggling with obesity. Recent data from the CDC supports those observations - more than 39% of adults in the United States were considered obese from 2015-2016. That number is up from 33.7 percent in 2007-2008.
Perhaps more alarming is the fact that severe obesity is on the rise as well. The same report from the CDC tells us that nearly 8% of Americans were severely obese from 2015-2016, which is up from 5.7% in 2007-2008. When you read between the lines, those statistics mean that almost 4 in 10 adults are obese in the U.S., and almost 1 in 13 are severely obese.
Unfortunately, "fixing" obesity isn't something that can be done overnight. There is no quick fix that is also safe and non-surgical. The obesity problem in the U.S. is only getting worse as more adults and children choose the ease and convenience of fast food sugar-packed products over healthy eating, exercise, and positive lifestyle choices.
Besides the challenges of being overweight, like clothes that don't fit and hurtful comments, the health risks are much more serious. Obesity can endanger your life, and those who rely on you may lose you earlier than expected. Over time, the likelihood of developing severe and life-altering health problems grows.
The good news is that a new medication called semaglutide in Florence, SC, is available for people struggling with obesity. This game-changing treatment approaches obesity as a chronic metabolic disease rather than a problem that can be solved through willpower alone.
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we now ioffer semaglutide as part of our custom weight loss program. If you've been struggling with obesity and have tried other diets with little to no success, don't lose hope. With the help of our medical and nutritional providers, you can lose weight, keep it off, and take meaningful steps toward better health.
Our weight loss program with semaglutide starts with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation process. During this phase, we will determine the ideal semaglutide dosage for you and provide personalized nutrition and exercise guidelines. Once we have a better understanding of your body and your weight loss goals, you'll begin receiving regular injections of semaglutide in Florence, SC.
It's your responsibility to incorporate lifestyle changes, specifically in your diet and exercise, to reach your weight loss goals. However, we'll be there every step of the way and conduct regular check-ins to help you stay on course. We'll also closely monitor your progress and overall health to ensure that your weight loss is safe and sustainable. The purpose of our semaglutide weight loss program is to offer a comprehensive weight loss treatment that helps you achieve natural, long-lasting results. That's the VIP Cosmetic Surgery difference.
Patients who sign up for our semaglutide weight loss program benefit from the following:
For semaglutide to have the biggest impact on your weight, you've got to make changes to your diet. When you eat nutrient-dense, whole foods that support weight loss and healthy living, you're setting yourself up for long-term weight loss. Our nutrition plans are comprehensive and customized to your needs and lifestyle. That way, when you're ready to make real changes in your life, we'll be there with a nutrition plan you can follow to make the journey easier and more sustainable.
One of the biggest reasons why people fail to achieve their weight loss goals is because they try to do it all on their own. When you sign up for VIP Cosmetic Surgery's semaglutide program, you benefit from monthly check-ins with Dr. Farr to see how your progress is going. During this meeting, you can talk to the doctor about your progress and what hurdles you're still trying to overcome. The doctor will give you advice and guidance based on his experience and - perhaps most importantly - help keep you on track so that you can lose weight and keep it off for good.
Our practitioners will provide tests to ensure that your body is healthy, hydrated, and well-fed. By checking your hydration and nutrition levels, we can help ensure you're losing weight in a healthy manner and not starving yourself. By maintaining optimal health throughout your weight loss journey, you're giving yourself the best shot at long-term weight loss.
For individuals working to lose weight and stay healthy, sticking to a consistent diet and exercise routine can be tough. Between work obligations and important tasks like picking your kids up from school, there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to eat healthy foods. After all, McDonald's is on the way home, and your little ones are screaming for food.
Fortunately, many busy people find semaglutide to be a valuable tool in their weight loss journey. This FDA-approved injection, used for treating both diabetes and obesity, functions by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain to aid in weight loss and promote long-term health.
In more simple terms, semaglutide imitates glucagon in the body, signaling to the brain that you're full and don't need to eat more. When you take semaglutide and try to overeat, your body sends a message that says, "That's enough." In essence, it makes you feel full, so you're less likely to binge eat, especially at night when food tends to sit in your stomach.
Semaglutide also slows down digestion, reducing unnecessary snacking throughout the day. By minimizing glucose spikes after meals, it lowers inflammation, which is a crucial step in optimizing your overall health. Moreover, Semaglutide assists in insulin secretion by the pancreas regulates glucose levels in the body and even possesses anti-aging and longevity properties. If you're struggling with weight loss, treatments such as semaglutide can make a substantial difference for you.
In summary, semaglutide helps you lose weight in a few different ways, including:
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, one of the most frequently asked questions our providers receive from curious weight loss patients is whether or not semaglutide is supported by clinical trials. As it turns out, many trials have been conducted measuring the efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss, and the results are very promising.
Semaglutide is designed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher who are attempting to shed at least 10% of their total body weight without success with other methods. Clinical trials involving over 1,900 obese adults who were unable to lose five percent of their body weight after a year of treatment with other medications demonstrated that semaglutide increased average weight loss from 2% to 20% over a treatment period of just over one year compared to a placebo.
In a different trial involving 1,387 patients with obesity (but not type 2 diabetes), participants were randomly assigned to different doses of semaglutide: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or placebo for 104 weeks. The group that took the higher dose of semaglutide lost an average of 31 pounds, while those on the lower dose lost an average of 11 pounds.
According to the NCBI, the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People With Obesity (STEP) trials have shown the efficacy of semaglutide, as well. In large randomized controlled trials, patients who received 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide lost a mean of 6% of their weight after 12 weeks and 12% of their weight after 28 weeks.
So, what do all these statistics mean for you? If you're looking to shed some pounds, it's worth giving semaglutide injections a shot. This type of treatment isn't a miracle drug, but it can significantly boost your chances of weight loss success. That's why, at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we have incorporated semaglutide as a fresh treatment option for individuals grappling with obesity, especially those who have exhausted other remedies and are seeking something new.
As is the case with promising therapies like semaglutide, people considering the drug have a lot of questions about whether it's right for them. Keep reading to get answers to some of the most common questions relating to semaglutide.
If you're an adult dealing with obesity, excessive weight, or weight-related medical conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, semaglutide injections could be a suitable option for you. To qualify for semaglutide weight loss services at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you must meet the BMI range criteria established by the FDA. If you're unsure whether semaglutide injections are the right choice for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our weight loss practitioners today.
Our doctors and practitioners often hear from patients asking whether semaglutide is safe for long-term use. It's natural to have concerns about a medication that impacts your body. Simply put, as long as you meet the criteria, it is safe to take this weight-loss medication. Even patients with endocrine, kidney, heart, and liver conditions can safely use semaglutide. As of June 4, 2021, the Food & Drug Administration has given the green light for semaglutide injections (2.4mg once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity and at least one weight-related condition.
Weight loss medications such as semaglutide may cause people to regain weight once the treatment is stopped. According to a clinical trial featured in Practice Update, participants regained 11.6% of their lost body weight within a year of discontinuing semaglutide medication and lifestyle intervention. Researchers suggest that this weight gain could be linked to the reversal of the cardiovascular benefits associated with semaglutide treatment, including stable blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
This data underscores the importance of continued medication and ongoing treatment for obesity as a chronic health condition to effectively manage its impact on quality of life and heart health. The key takeaway here is that due to its nature as a weight loss treatment, it's best to take regularly over time for the best results.
That length of time will vary depending on factors such as:
There's no question about it - semaglutide is making waves in the medical community. Thousands of obese men and women in the U.S. are using the treatment to get a handle on their weight and live healthy lives. With its ability to reduce blood sugar levels and facilitate weight loss, it makes sense that patients are looking for ways to get the most out of their regimen.
Keep reading to learn a few of the best tips to maximize your journey with semaglutide.
Before you start taking semaglutide or make any changes to your treatment plan, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider who prescribes semaglutide. They will evaluate your specific needs, determine the right dosage for you, and give you important instructions on how to use the medication properly. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, our weight loss practitioners work one-on-one with every patient who takes semaglutide to ensure they're staying healthy, hydrated, and committed to our semaglutide program.
Make sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels as recommended by your semaglutide provider. While semaglutide can assist in reducing blood sugar levels, it's important to regularly monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. When you begin a weight loss program at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you can rest easy knowing we check your blood sugar levels periodically.
Regular physical activity can boost the effects of semaglutide. It's best to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-4 times a week to support weight loss and overall health improvements.
It's important to understand that results may not happen right away and could take some time to become noticeable. Try to be patient as you follow your treatment plan, maintain consistency with lifestyle changes, and have confidence that positive results will come gradually.
To maximize the effectiveness of semaglutide, it's very beneficial to eat a well-rounded diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Always try to choose nutrient-rich options over high-calorie, high-fat foods. That way, you can achieve your weight loss objectives quicker. When you work with weight loss experts like the doctors at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you'll have access to customized nutrition plans that will help expedite your weight loss and keep off the pounds once you reach your goals.
Make sure to set up regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to track your progress, make any necessary changes to your treatment plan, and talk about any concerns or questions you might have. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, follow-ups and check-ins are built into our semaglutide program, giving you one less thing to worry about as you lose weight.
Are you striving to reach a healthy weight and live a more fulfilling life? Are you eager to have a positive impact on yourself and your loved ones? Take the first step toward better health by contacting VIP Cosmetic Surgery. Our experienced, compassionate practitioners will collaborate with you to identify your weight-loss goals. Once we know more about you and your body, we'll create a custom plan and provide the cutting-edge strategies and treatments you need to see real results. If you're ready to make a meaningful change, we're ready to guide you on the path to success.
FLORENCE — A Florence native who goes to school at the College of Charleston joined Adam Levine’s team after earning a four-chair turn on the Season 27 premiere of “The Voice.”Grace-Miller Moody, a 20-year-old from Florence, sang Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning” during the blind auditions. Her performance compelled all four judges to turn their chairs less than 30 seconds into the song.Moody said on the...
FLORENCE — A Florence native who goes to school at the College of Charleston joined Adam Levine’s team after earning a four-chair turn on the Season 27 premiere of “The Voice.”
Grace-Miller Moody, a 20-year-old from Florence, sang Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning” during the blind auditions. Her performance compelled all four judges to turn their chairs less than 30 seconds into the song.
Moody said on the show she chose to sing the song because Maroon 5 is special to her family.
Her brother, Shott Moody, was diagnosed with leukemia at age 7 and went through chemotherapy for four years. Moody said that took a toll on her family.
Once Shott’s health improved, the family went to a Maroon 5 concert in Las Vegas.
"It brought us back together after Shott was hospitalized, so it would be a beautiful full-circle moment to see Adam Levine turn his chair," Moody said on the show.
Levine was the last judge to turn his chair. Michael Bublé turned around first, followed by John Legend and Kelsea Ballerini.
Levine, who returned to the show after a five-year hiatus, doesn’t usually pick singers who perform Maroon 5 songs, Ballerini said on the show.
“Adam notoriously does not turn for his own songs, so you have broken the code,” Ballerini said after Moody’s audition.
Because all four judges turned their chairs for Moody, each celebrity singer tried to convince her to join their team. The Maroon 5 fan went with Team Adam.
“There was just something about you, what you were doing, that was so infectious and so lovable and soulful, you can absolutely go all the way and win this thing,” Levine said.
Moody said she wouldn’t be on "The Voice" if it weren’t for the support of her family, who joined her at the audition.
“It was a long battle but I'm here now and I’m thankful to be seeing her sing today,” Shott Moody said on the show.
Another South Carolinian was on Season 26 of "The Voice." A 61-year-old flight attendant from Little River, Gail Bliss joined Snoop Dogg's team and was eliminated in the battle rounds.
Bliss and her fellow Team Snoop singers are reuniting for a night of country music in North Myrtle Beach on Feb. 8.
Season 27 of “The Voice” will air on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC. Episodes are also available to stream on Peacock the next day.
The next champion of NBC’s “The Voice” could come from South Carolina.Two South Carolina natives made it through the show's blind auditions and will advance to the battle rounds, which kick off this month.Grace-Miller Moody, a Florence native who attends the College of Charleston, joined Adam Levine’s team after ea...
The next champion of NBC’s “The Voice” could come from South Carolina.
Two South Carolina natives made it through the show's blind auditions and will advance to the battle rounds, which kick off this month.
Grace-Miller Moody, a Florence native who attends the College of Charleston, joined Adam Levine’s team after earning a four-chair turn with her rendition of “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5 on the season premiere.
Page Mackenzie is a Charleston native who lives in Nashville. A country singer, she joined Kelsea Ballerini’s team after performing “Hell on Heels” by Pistol Annies on episode three of season 27.
The two singers are heading into battle rounds, where they could face elimination.
The Palmetto State natives told The Post and Courier they’ve worked hard to make it to this point and are grateful for the opportunity to be on the show.
Here’s what Moody and Mackenzie had to say about pursuing music, growing up in South Carolina and representing their hometowns on a national scale.
Moody blew all four judges away on night one of this season’s blind auditions.
Levine was the last judge to turn his chair. Michael Bublé turned around first, followed by John Legend and Ballerini.
In the episode, she explained that her brother, Shott Moody, was diagnosed with leukemia at 7 years old and went through chemotherapy for four years. It took a toll on her family.
Once Shott’s health improved, the family went to a Maroon 5 concert in Las Vegas, Moody said on the show. The experience helped bring her family back together.
After singing a Maroon 5 song for her audition, she was excited to see Adam Levine turn his chair — a rare occurrence, since Levine tends to not choose singers who perform his own songs, Ballerini said on the show.
“Working with Adam Levine has been amazing,” Moody said in an interview with The Post and Courier. “I feel like I've become so much more confident in the artist that I’m becoming and hopefully get to be.”
Moody was born and raised in Florence, attending All Saints Episcopal Day School and Trinity Collegiate School. She’s now a junior at College of Charleston majoring in psychology.
She’s been singing for as long as she can remember and said she grew up with her family telling her she had a good voice.
“It really didn't go anywhere because I was just like, ‘Oh, that's just my parents telling me that,’” Moody said.
She’s always been a singer but got into songwriting after developing a love for writing in high school.
When she went to college, she found more opportunities to grow as a singer and songwriter. She started gigging at local bars in Charleston, inspired by a family friend from Florence who needed someone to help out with gigs.
Her dad was the one who encouraged her to send in a tape for “The Voice,” but Moody doubted anything would come of it.
“It felt like almost a puzzle piece for me, because I was so lost in college and didn't really know exactly what I wanted to do,” Moody said. “Then this all just started happening, and it felt like a whirlwind of things, and it's been amazing.”
She recently played a show at Uptown Social in Charleston and joined the lineup for Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach.
As a performer, Moody is inspired by artists and bands like Fleetwood Mac, Adele and Amy Winehouse.
For her, it means a lot to represent Florence — a city that’s smaller than Charleston but one she loves nonetheless. When Moody comes home to Florence, she loves to visit her favorite spots, like F.E. Pops, Sundae House and King Jefe.
“I feel like it's so cool and exciting, because I love those stories of people coming up and being from smaller towns,” Moody said. “I think it's just really cool and neat that I get to show my talent in a bigger area.”
She’s felt grateful watching the outpouring of support from people in Florence and Charleston.
“Having that community from Florence is so nice,” Moody said. “Being surrounded by people in Florence, you always have those connections, and people are just super supportive.”
Winning “The Voice” would open up the door for endless opportunities, Moody said, but she’s happy to even be on the show at all. She plans to finish her degree but would love the chance to pursue singing as a career.
“I'm just so grateful that I get to go through the process, and if it means winning, and if it doesn't, I think they both bring opportunities within themselves, and that just makes it so exciting,” Moody said. “It makes me just super excited for what the future holds.”
Mackenzie’s performance of “Hell on Heels” had all four judges tuned in. When she belted out one of the last notes in the song, Kelsea Ballerini and Michael Bublé quickly turned their chairs around and tried to convince her to join their respective team.
Ballerini ultimately won Mackenzie over, telling her she knows what it’s like to be a woman in country music.
“I know the challenges that comes with, and I want to be a safe place for you, and I want to be a friend and I feel like that's what we need in this industry,” Ballerini said on the show.
The 32-year-old has been sending in audition tapes for “The Voice” for years, she said. She almost didn’t send one this year, but figured she might as well. She ended up making it all the way to the show.
“It was very much a moment of just, if you really want it, just keep pushing cause it’ll happen,” Mackenzie said in an interview with The Post and Courier.
Her first appearance on the show coincides with Ballerini’s debut as a coach.
“There is a reason that the universe waited to put me on this season because there is no better coach I could have had than Kelsea,” Mackenzie said.
Mackenzie was born and raised in Charleston and attended the College of Charleston, where she studied music business. She packed up and moved to Nashville to pursue country music after college.
In Nashville, she plays at Ole Red, Blake Shelton’s bar on Broadway, and is a party bike driver on the side.
She’s a member of the trio July Moon, which released a self-titled debut EP in 2023.
Mackenzie has been obsessed with singing since she was a kid. Her mom would take her to sing karaoke and from there, she got involved with musical theatre at Wando High School.
“My mom always used to say I had a very loud voice,” Mackenzie said.
She’s always been especially obsessed with country music for its raw and authentic storytelling. She loves artists like Miranda Lambert, Trousdale and, of course, Pistol Annies.
“I knew that I wanted to tell my story and share my experiences in hopes that somebody related to it,” Mackenzie said. “I just wanted to be that for somebody, whether it was one person or thousands of people. But I knew I wanted to be that for somebody else.”
Mackenzie loves Charleston. She said it’s been amazing to see people who have known her since day one be proud of how far she’s come.
“It's the most beautiful place in the whole world,” Mackenzie said. “Who wouldn't want to represent Charleston?"
As she’s grown as a musician, she’s loved getting to have full-circle moments in her favorite South Carolina places, like The Windjammer on Isle of Palms.
“I would go there as a baby in a diaper, and then I ended up being able to play there when I got older,” Mackenzie said.
Winning “The Voice” would be an opportunity to inspire others not to give up on their dreams, even when it gets exhausting, Mackenzie said.
“I think winning 'The Voice' would be just a reminder, I hope, for anyone (who) watches that it doesn't matter how old you are, what you look like, how long you've been doing it, what you weigh, anything like that,” Mackenzie said. “I would hope for other people to realize that you can do this at any point and time in your life and chase the dream however long and however much you want.”
Season 27 of “The Voice” airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. on NBC. Episodes are also available to stream on Peacock the next day.
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FLORENCE — After months of deliberation, Florence is banning residents from owning and keeping "wild animals and venomous snakes" within city limits.Florence City Council unanimously passed an ordinance March 10 that bans a wide range of wild animals, including venomous snakes, bears, bats and porcupines.The ordinance comes nearly six months after Florence’s ...
FLORENCE — After months of deliberation, Florence is banning residents from owning and keeping "wild animals and venomous snakes" within city limits.
Florence City Council unanimously passed an ordinance March 10 that bans a wide range of wild animals, including venomous snakes, bears, bats and porcupines.
The ordinance comes nearly six months after Florence’s Jeffrey Leibowitz, a snake enthusiast, was bitten by an inland taipan — the world’s most venomous snake.
Law enforcement discovered 13 more venomous reptiles in Leibowitz’s apartment when he was rushed to the hospital.
South Carolina has seen a string of other animal incidents in recent months. Forty-three monkeys escaped from a Yemassee breeding facility in November, and two emus in Horry County went missing for months.
The city proposed the ordinance in November, but it initially drew some criticism from animal owners. It was deferred until March.
Now, residents can’t own wild animals within city limits, but the city made a few adjustments to the original ordinance.
“I think that it is proper that we do what we need to do to make our community safe,” Mayor Lethonia “Peaches” Barnes said at the meeting.
Two Florence County residents spoke at the City Council’s December meeting, saying that while they don’t live in the city, the ordinance could still make it difficult to transport animals through the city.
One added provision in the ordinance allows for wild animals to be within city limits for veterinary visits or rehabilitation facilities.
“That's not an issue, nor will they receive a ticket or anything of that nature,” Assistant City Manager Clint Moore said.
The city worked with biology professors at Francis Marion University to iron out the species listed in the ordinance, Moore said at the meeting.
The original ordinance outlawed ownership of all primates, but the city updated the ordinance to allow for primates that weigh up to 15 pounds.
The approval of the ordinance comes on the heels of a similar bill that was introduced in the South Carolina legislature in March.
The state law would outlaw ownership of venomous reptiles without a permit. The bill is in the House Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs and has not been passed.
Based on what happens with the bill in the house, the city may have to amend the ordinance to comply with state law, Moore said.
Council member Bryan Braddock said the city could wait to see what happens with the bill before proceeding with the ordinance, but all council members ended up voting in favor of the ordinance, which went into effect immediately.
"We do understand that whatever happens at the state will always supersede what we do, and we understand that, but we are here because there were venomous snakes in a close area which made our community unsafe," Barnes said.
The city did not grandfather in city residents who already owned wild animals, as opponents previously requested.
South Carolina has loose exotic pet laws, and communities across the state are figuring out how to handle the animals.
Most recently, Conway is considering changing their laws to allow ownership of small monkeys. As of right now, Conway does not allow pet monkeys of any size within city limits.
Here is the list of banned animals included in the ordinance:
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BreadcrumbFlorence, SC NewsWritten by:January 23, 2025scarp577 // Shutterstock Cities with the most expensive homes in the Florence, South Carolina metro area Purchasing a home is one of the most important investments there is. More than a place to live, homeownership is an asset with the potential to tremendously rise in value. But with home prices reaching record heights, ...
Written by:
January 23, 2025
scarp577 // Shutterstock
Purchasing a home is one of the most important investments there is. More than a place to live, homeownership is an asset with the potential to tremendously rise in value. But with home prices reaching record heights, affordability plays a huge role for buyers.
The typical home value in the United States was $358,461 in December, 2.6% higher than the year before.
High mortgage rates are also making monthly payments more expensive; as of January 16, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits at 7.04%.
Although home prices have inflated all across the U.S., there are some cities that command a higher price tag than others. Location, size, age, and condition are all contributing factors to home value.
Stacker compiled a list of cities with the most expensive homes in the Florence, South Carolina metro area using data from Zillow. Charts show the monthly typical home value since January 2018. All 14 cities and towns with data available were included in the list.
You may also like: Homes for sale in Florence, South Carolina at every price point
1 / 14
Stacker
- Typical home value: $93,354- 1-year price change: -6.5%- 5-year price change: +29.6%
2 / 14
Stacker
- Typical home value: $106,619- 1-year price change: +5.1%- 5-year price change: +29.6%
3 / 14
Stacker
- Typical home value: $113,218- 1-year price change: +1.7%- 5-year price change: +41.1%
4 / 14
Stacker
- Typical home value: $120,763- 1-year price change: -2.4%- 5-year price change: +30.6%
5 / 14
Stacker
- Typical home value: $122,613- 1-year price change: +2.1%- 5-year price change: +34.5%
You may also like: People from these metros are looking to buy homes in Florence, South Carolina
6 / 14
Stacker
- Typical home value: $130,167- 1-year price change: -0.2%- 5-year price change: +31.6%
7 / 14
Stacker
- Typical home value: $130,915- 1-year price change: +1.0%- 5-year price change: +44.3%
8 / 14
Stacker
- Typical home value: $134,141- 1-year price change: +2.6%- 5-year price change: +45.7%
9 / 14
Stacker
- Typical home value: $143,562- 1-year price change: -4.5%- 5-year price change: +40.5%
10 / 14
Stacker
- Typical home value: $148,181- 1-year price change: +3.0%- 5-year price change: +43.7%
You may also like: Highest-rated Mexican restaurants in Florence, South Carolina by diners
11 / 14
Stacker
- Typical home value: $159,589- 1-year price change: +2.4%- 5-year price change: +50.6%
12 / 14
Stacker
- Typical home value: $160,654- 1-year price change: +1.9%- 5-year price change: +34.6%
13 / 14
Stacker
- Typical home value: $190,397- 1-year price change: +2.9%- 5-year price change: +55.3%
14 / 14
Stacker
- Typical home value: $209,073- 1-year price change: +2.6%- 5-year price change: +40.1%
FLORENCE — Local leaders are looking at the Pee Dee’s electric vehicle battery plant expansion hold as an opportunity to catch up.Japan-based Envision Automotive Energy Supply Co. paused an expansion of its plant less than a year after announcing a second campus that would have been a $1.5 billion investment and would have added an addit...
FLORENCE — Local leaders are looking at the Pee Dee’s electric vehicle battery plant expansion hold as an opportunity to catch up.
Japan-based Envision Automotive Energy Supply Co. paused an expansion of its plant less than a year after announcing a second campus that would have been a $1.5 billion investment and would have added an additional 1,080 jobs in Florence County.
The S.C. Fiscal Accountability Authority on Feb. 4 pulled $111 million in bonds it had set aside for Facility 2, or phase three, of the plant.
The company is moving forward with phases one and two of the project, which include a $1.6 billion battery factory that will employ 1,620 people at full capacity. The facility is located at the Florence business park.
With more than 1,000 jobs all but slashed with the halt of phase three, local leaders say the pause will give the city and county time to catch up on the growth Florence is already experiencing.
“We are experiencing, already, growth problems. This gives us an opportunity to catch up,” Florence Mayor Lethonia “Peaches” Barnes said.
While AESC will provide 1,080 fewer jobs than it announced nearly a year ago, Florence County Economic Development Partnership CEO Gregg Robinson said the manufacturer had not yet committed to phase three. None of the money from the state was spent on the second facility.
“We got commitments from the state, and then the company decided not to utilize those commitments,” Robinson said.
Florence Mayor Lethonia “Peaches” Barnes said the pause is just that — a pause. She said there are already plenty of jobs to fill with just phases one and two of the project.
The pause gives the city time to build more homes and address needs with roads and other infrastructure, Barnes said.
The city and county have approved subdivision after subdivision to accommodate the area’s projected growth. The county approved a sketch plan for nearly 1,000 homes in East Florence in December and in January, approved another sketch plan for nearly 200 homes in Quinby, just a four-minute drive from the new battery plant.
The pause doesn’t impact any of the city’s investments, City Manager Scotty Davis said, because all of the funding it put forth was associated with phase one.
County Council Chairman William Schofield said the pause on more than 1,000 Florence County jobs doesn’t change the way he’s looking at the growth of the county. He sees both AESC’s investment in phases one and two and investments from companies like Cheney Brothers as indicators of growth.
He and County Administrator Kevin Yokim said the pause also doesn’t change any of the county’s plans. Rather, it gives the county more time to prepare for the facility and the potential return of AESC’s phase three.
The hold gives the county the ability to plan for new roads and water and sewer upgrades that will come with the arrival of AESC, Robinson said.
“It allows us to be a little more proactive with the infrastructure. When you grow very fast, it's hard to keep up sometimes,” Schofield said.
AESC had not begun hiring for Facility 2, AESC Chief Communications Officer Raj Shah said.
“Should the project be restarted, AESC would have to refine a new construction, hiring, training and production schedule in consultation with local officials and our customers,” he said in an email to The Post and Courier.
Facility 1 is still on schedule to begin production next year, Shah said.
South Carolina has spent billions on bringing the electric vehicle industry to the state. While Gov. Henry McMaster has made the electric vehicle battery industry a part of his economic development plan, President Donald Trump has started to do away with incentives for clean energy in South Carolina.
Robinson said the market will dictate sales and production and they could eventually return to phase three.
“(AESC) would rather wait and be 100 percent committed than go into a third phase when they haven't even finished phase one and two,” Robinson said. “And I commend them for that.”
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