Lexington County, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Mountain Top Marine, a family-owned boat dealership in Lexington County, is on the brink of closure after significant damage to its inventory from a nearby road improvement project. Owners Sean and Summer Deese report that 90% of their boat inventory was coated in asphalt debris, severely impacting operations. Despite their efforts to claim damages, the South Carolina Department of Transportation has denied their claim, leaving them to seek compensation from the contractor. The Deeses are now selling their business as they struggle with financial losses and uncertainty.
Lexington County – Mountain Top Marine, a family-owned boat dealership that has served the community for over 16 years, is facing imminent closure due to significant revenue losses attributed to damage from a nearby road improvement project. Owners Sean and Summer Deese have announced plans to sell their business after 90% of their boat inventory was coated in asphalt debris from the construction, drastically affecting their operations.
The road improvement works, taking place on Sunset Boulevard and aimed at enhancing the road’s surface quality and drainage systems, were contracted to Blythe Construction with Griffin Contracting as a subcontractor. Despite the proximity of the construction site, Sean Deese reported that he received no prior notification regarding potential impacts to his business. Video footage from late April depicts contractors actively working on the project just days before the local news highlighted the situation.
The damage inflicted upon Mountain Top Marine includes the coating of over 60 boats parked on the dealership’s 5.5-acre property with thick black asphalt, leading to a sharp decline in their operational capacity. As a result, the Deeses have posted “For Sale” signs on the property as they search for a way to mitigate their financial losses.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has inspected the damage and informed the Deeses that they must submit a damage claim along with documentation. However, after reviewing the matter, SCDOT determined that Mountain Top Marine’s claim would be denied and advised the Deeses to pursue compensation from the contracting company.
Sean Deese has expressed frustration regarding the ongoing uncertainty, stating that the only income generator at present is from boat service, which is insufficient to carry the business through the traditionally slower seasons. Meanwhile, efforts to contact Blythe Construction have proven challenging, with the company not responding to recent inquiries.
As the Deeses navigate this crisis, they have been engaging their insurance provider, submitting necessary documentation to assess potential compensation for the damages. An insurance adjuster visited to document the affected boats, but clarity on the compensation process remains elusive for the Deeses, further complicating their already precarious situation.
Facing the bitter reality of their circumstances, Sean Deese described their experience as being “stuck in between heaven and hell,” marking the closure of their business as a difficult but necessary decision. The future remains uncertain for Mountain Top Marine as the family grapples with a substantial loss of income and the ensuing search for compensation amidst bureaucratic hurdles.
- Key Details:
- The road project affected over 60 boats.
- 90% of the inventory has sustained asphalt damage.
- The business was operational for over 16 years.
- Insurance claims and contractor responses remain unresolved.
- Sean Deese describes the situation as emotionally complex.
- Background Context:
- Mountain Top Marine is a family-run business in Lexington County.
- The road improvement project is part of regional infrastructure development.
- Contractor communication issues have hindered the resolution process.
FAQ Section
What caused the damage to Mountain Top Marine’s inventory?
The damage was caused by a road improvement project on Sunset Boulevard, resulting in asphalt being sprayed on the boats parked at the dealership.
How has this situation affected Mountain Top Marine?
The business has experienced significant revenue loss, leading the owners to consider closure. Approximately 90% of their boat inventory has been damaged.
What steps are the owners taking to resolve the situation?
The owners have submitted damage claims to their insurance company and are also attempting to communicate with the contractors involved in the road project for compensation.
What has been the response from the South Carolina Department of Transportation?
The SCDOT inspected the damage and informed the business that their damage claim would be denied, directing them to pursue assistance through the contractor instead.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Lexington Small Business Plans Shut Down
- Wikipedia: Lexington County, South Carolina
- Columbia Business Report: Ember Restaurant Lexington Opening
- Google Search: Lexington County news
- WLTX: More than 100 Workers Facing Layoffs in Lexington County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington County
- The State: Article on Lexington County
- Google News: Lexington County business
- Post and Courier: Lexington Downtown Growth
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.
