Lexington County, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Mountain Top Marine, a family-owned boat dealership in Lexington County, is closing due to significant revenue loss from a local road improvement project. The project caused over 60 boats to be damaged by asphalt and debris, severely impacting the dealership’s inventory. The owners express frustration over their communication with contractors and have filed insurance claims, but are facing uncertainties regarding their future.
Lexington County – Mountain Top Marine, a family-owned boat dealership operating for over 16 years in Lexington County, is set to close its doors following an extensive loss of revenue. The closure comes in the wake of a local road improvement project that significantly damaged the dealership’s inventory.
Owned by Sean and Summer Deese, Mountain Top Marine’s plight began on April 29 when road work near their property resulted in over 60 boats being coated with asphalt and road debris. Video evidence captured contractors engaged in maintenance work shortly before the damage occurred.
Sean Deese reported that he was unaware of the road project prior to its commencement, which has had a direct impact on his business. The project extends from Northside Baptist Church to S.C. 6 and involves both asphalt rehabilitation and drainage improvements. Blythe serves as the primary contractor, while Griffin Contracting acts as a subcontractor.
In the aftermath of the damage, Deese attempted to reach both contractors for resolution but has experienced minimal communication in return. Amidst the ongoing challenges, the Deeses are contemplating selling their 5.5-acre property, indicating that they have placed signs on both ends of their lot to attract potential buyers.
As of now, 90% of Mountain Top Marine’s inventory has been affected, with most boats covered in a thick black residue from the road project. Deese characterized their situation as a form of “purgatory,” caught between impending financial collapse and a sliver of hope for a possible resolution.
Mountain Top Marine has filed a claim with their insurance to address the damages. An adjustor conducted an extensive assessment of the situation which required a full day for inspection. However, ongoing communication with the insurance company has not yielded clarity on which damages will ultimately be covered.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) launched an investigation into the matter and has since informed Deese that they will not cover the claim, instead deferring responsibility back to Blythe and its insurance. In a formal statement, SCDOT clarified that Mountain Top Marine was advised to submit a damage claim, complete with necessary documents, for Blythe’s consideration.
As of this report, no responses have been received from Blythe regarding the situation. While Deese has acknowledged the diligence of his insurance company in processing the claim, he expressed frustration toward the lack of transparency and communication practices by the contractors involved.
Background of Mountain Top Marine
Mountain Top Marine has been a staple of the Lexington County community for over a decade and has established a reputation as a reliable boat dealership. The company has been reliant not only on sales but also on service to sustain its operations during slower months. Currently, the dealership’s only financial buffer is generated from servicing boats, which is not sufficient for long-term viability.
Key Details of the Road Project
- The road project involves asphalt rehabilitation and drainage improvements.
- Contractor Blythe, with Griffin Contracting as a subcontractor, is responsible for the maintenance work.
- Volume of damage: Over 60 boats affected, resulting in significant financial losses for the dealership.
Conclusion
As Mountain Top Marine prepares to shut down operations, the Deeses continue to face uncertainties regarding their future. The ramifications of the road project serve as a harsh reminder of the impact that local infrastructure changes can have on small businesses. As the situation develops, residents and local ecosystem stakeholders are left to reflect on the fragile nature of economic sustainability in today’s environment.
FAQs
What is happening with Mountain Top Marine?
Mountain Top Marine, a Lexington County boat dealership, is closing due to significant revenue loss caused by a road project that damaged their inventory.
What caused the damage to the inventory?
A road improvement project sprayed asphalt and debris on over 60 boats belonging to Mountain Top Marine.
What is the status of the damage claims?
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has declined to cover the claim and has advised the business to pursue a claim with the project’s contractors.
What communication has occurred with the contractors?
Sean Deese has reported minimal responses from Blythe and Griffin Contracting after reaching out multiple times regarding the damage.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Mountain Top Marine |
| Location | Lexington County |
| Operational Years | 16 years |
| Impact of Road Project | 60 boats damaged by asphalt |
| Main Contractors | Blythe and Griffin Contracting |
| Claim Status | Denied by SCDOT, responsibility shifted to contractors |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WISTV: Lexington Small Business Plans to Shut Down
- Wikipedia: Lexington County, South Carolina
- Columbia Business Report: Ember Restaurant Opening
- Google Search: Lexington County
- The State: More Than 100 Workers Facing Layoffs
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
