Florence motel water shuts off due to late bill; renters say it's back on

FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — A local motel got their water shut off for being behind on their bill.

The Baymont by Wyndham on West Lucas Street was without water after the City of Florence turned off it's water due to being delinquent with their bill, according to Florence City Manager Scotty Davis.

Davis said the motel is operated by Daval's Hospitality.

He said March 5, the city notified the operators via email of their late bill and current balance totaling $22,767.

READ NEXT: State Forester's burning ban lifted for remaining 5 counties

He said the city requested for payment by March 7.

He added the last partial payment of $5,000 was received on February 2.

"On Friday, March 28, 2025, the city discontinued water service due to a lack of communication and no further payments from Davals Hospitality. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, city staff discovered that the water meter had been turned back on, presumably by hotel staff," Davis said. "City personnel immediately turned the meter off."

Recently, the Baymont Inn property manager agreed to a payment plan, allowing for the delinquent balance to be paid in three installments, beginning Wednesday.

Davis said the water service will be restored upon receipt of the first payment.

Several people who are living at the motel said they haven't had water for about two days now, and it's put them in uncomfortable positions.

TRENDING: Hemingway man sentenced for fentanyl charges after multiple arrests

One woman said she's having to walk to nearby stores to buy water just to be able to bathe her family.

She complained it's getting quite costly to do that.

Another person living at the motel said management continues to collect rent from them, but said they need to take rectify the issue with the water bill.

As of Friday afternoon, renters at the motel have reported that the water is back on.

ABC 15 has called Baymont Inn for a statement on the renters' concerns, but can't reach anyone.