Resident warns U.S. 17 median plan could block Atlantic Beach access; council says it will press SCDOT

Resident Gloria Lance used public comment at the Jan. 6 meeting to criticize a U.S. DOT proposal to install concrete medians on U.S. 17 from Conway Street to 20th Avenue South, saying the design could block residents from exiting west-side streets and could impede police or fire access.

Lance recounted a DOT presentation that she said cited "sixty-nine accidents" across a five-year span and questioned the source and accuracy of that statistic for Atlantic Beach. "How in the world are you gonna get out?" she asked the council, expressing concern for emergency response times and daily access for residents on the west side of the town.

Mayor Pro Tem John David said the council has attended multiple public meetings with SCDOT and has communicated Atlantic Beach's concerns; he said the town expects similar design treatments to those provided in neighboring communities (shorter medians and cut-throughs) and reiterated that SCDOT must secure town sign-off before proceeding. "We're going to keep working ferociously to make sure that we have our concerns heard," David said.

Lance also raised concerns about the town's millage rate (she cited 84.9 mills) and stormwater fees, asking the council to review tax burdens as part of the budget process. Council members said tax and fee levels will be considered during the upcoming budget cycle.

What happens next: Council said it will continue communicating with SCDOT, and residents were urged to follow public notices and attend DOT or planning meetings to seek design changes and safeguard access.