Beaufort County This Week

STORY 1

Last week, Beaufort County celebrated a pair of groundbreakings at Parks & Recs locations in the Beaufort County. On January 7th, ground was broken for the Wesley E. Felix Community center located at 179 Ball Park Road on St. Helena Island. The speakers included County Council member York Glover, who spoke about the importance of baseball to St. Helena’s community and history. Again on January 9th the county broke ground on the Agnes A. Major Community center at 21 Agnes Major Road in Sheldon. Council member Gerald Dawson was amongst the speakers and highlighted the accomplishments of Ms. Major’s life and her impacts on the community. You can watch the groundbreaking ceremony on Youtube.com/@BeaufortCountyTV and on BCTV.  

Story 2

From the Island Packet

Freezing rain is the main concern for the Lowcountry this weekend as a powerful winter storm sweeps across the eastern United States, the National Weather Service’s Charleston office said Wednesday afternoon. By Monday, a sharp drop in temperatures, with coastal lows in the mid to upper 20s, could cause any snow or ice to persist into next week. Despite continued uncertainty about specific impacts, the Lowcountry as of Wednesday afternoon appears to be near the southernmost periphery of the storm, and the greatest impacts are expected to take place late Saturday into Monday morning. Since Tuesday, the storm’s forecast track has shifted northward, lessening the overall potential impacts for South Carolinians living south of I-20, according to a midday report from Frank Strait, severe weather liaison with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ Climate Office. 

Beaufort County is right on the edge between a 20–40% chance of ice accumulation and a lower risk below 20%, according to the briefing. 

How to prepare for the winter storm 

Dominion Energy, one of the county’s largest providers, wrote they were preparing and “ready to respond” in the event of severe winter weather throughout the state. They encouraged their customers to Pack emergency kits, including flashlights, batteries, portable radios, first-aid kits and enough bottled water and non-perishable food to last several days. Stay away from any downed power lines with the assumption that they are still energized and dangerous. South Carolina customers should call 888-333-4465 right away to report a downed power line. Prepare for potential property damage, since crews can only repair electric service up to a home’s point of connection. 

If a customer loses power and has any storm damage from the weatherhead down to its meter base, an electrician must first repair it before Dominion can reconnect power to the home. Stay connected with their provider on social media for updates and alerts. Report and track outages on the Dominion Energy app and website. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division provides a winter weather resource guide and checklist to help residents prepare for possible winter storms.

Story 3 

- The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Restaurant Week starts next weekend, kicking off Sunday, January 31st and running through February 7th. From Bluffton to Hilton Head Island, more than 80 local restaurants are serving up special pre-fixed menu featuring new creations, signature favorites, and can’t-miss dishes from the area’s top chefs. A Kickoff event at Rollers Wine & Spirits will run next Thursday, January 29th from 5 to 8pm. For more information including a full list of participating restaurants and menus please visit hiltonheadisland.org.

Beaufort County celebrated the groundbreaking of two new community centers

Tim Scott and Joe Wilson push for a Coast Guard training base in Beaufort

And Beaufort Veterans affairs will host a symposium for Healthcare/Social Work professionals 

All this and more coming up on Beaufort County This Week! 

STORY 1

Last week, Beaufort County celebrated a pair of groundbreakings at Parks & Recs locations in the Beaufort County. On January 7th, ground was broken for the Wesley E. Felix Community center located at 179 Ball Park Road on St. Helena Island. The speakers included County Council member York Glover, who spoke about the importance of baseball to St. Helena’s community and history. Again on January 9th the county broke ground on the Agnes A. Major Community center at 21 Agnes Major Road in Sheldon. Council member Gerald Dawson was amongst the speakers and highlighted the accomplishments of Ms. Major’s life and her impacts on the community. You can watch the groundbreaking ceremony on Youtube.com/@BeaufortCountyTV and on BCTV.  

Story 2

From the Island Packet

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott and Congressman Joe Wilson are on board with a new Coast Guard training base in Port Royal, which a new report says would generate $300 million in revenue and more than 2,000 jobs. In November, the Coast Guard announced it was seeking a location for a second boot camp to train some of the 15,000 additional personnel expected to join the military branch over the next few years. The Coast Guard issued a solicitation for potential locations for the new facility, with a deadline set for Dec. 7. The Beaufort County Economic Development Corp (BCED), Beaufort Area Chamber of Commerce and Beaufort Defense Community Partnership Task Force applied for consideration, saying Naval Hospital Beaufort could be a perfect fit. The hospital grounds are located between the Beaufort River and Ribaut Road in Port Royal. Gov. Henry McMaster and Congresswoman Nancy Mace previously announced their support for the application. 

The Naval Hospital’s access to the Intracoastal Waterway is one reason it is an ideal location for a new Coast Guard training facility, local officials say. Beaufort County Economic Development Corp. Now Scott and Wilson have added their names to the growing list of local, state and federal officials backing the proposal. On Monday, Scott and Wilson sent a letter of support to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. John O’Toole, who heads the BCED, said the letter from Scott and Wilson is a welcome addition to the application, which is under review by the Coast Guard and Homeland Security. Over the weekend, BCED officials also were busy working on a report on the economic development impact the training base would have on the area. That report was requested by Gov. Henry McMaster’s office to be forwarded to the federal officials for consideration, O’Toole said. 

“It is my understanding we made some sort of first cut by the Department of Homeland Security on the training facility,” O’Toole said. “I don’t know how many communities are still standing.” The economic impact report said a training facility at the Naval Hospital would have an economic impact on the region in excess of $300 million and create 2,200 direct and indirect jobs, O’Toole said. The established military community in Beaufort and Port Royal, which includes Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, makes it ideal for the Coast Guard base, the letter from Scott and Wilson says.

STORY 1

From the Island Packet

A photo of Daufuskie Island’s oldest living resident lit up TV screens across the country Sunday morning. Cleveland Bryan, affectionately known as “Cleve,” appeared on Sunday TODAY celebrating his 100th Thanksgiving meal, a program that he “never misses.” “Here’s to many more, Sir,” said Willie Geist, the show’s host, as Bryan’s smiling face filled the screen. Born in 1925 on Prospect Road, Cleve is considered the island’s greatest treasure. His family has deep roots on the island; both his mother and grandmother were born there. Cleve’s great-grandmother was a former slave. His childhood home is now located within the island’s historic district. For Deborah Smith, Bryan has become a close friend. 

She has shared Thanksgiving dinner with him for the past 12 years. Their friendship started when Smith stopped by for a visit after discovering their shared love of jazz. The pair bonded while listening to the “jazz greats” like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday on Bryan’s old record player. It turned out, Bryan had met some of the performers when living in New York City in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Smith describes their time together as “like spending time with a living library.” Treated like a local celebrity Cleve has told stories about living in the 20th century in the North and the South. After working as a crabber on Tybee Island for many years, Bryan moved to New York City in 1946, where he found a job as a sheet metal worker for the New York Police Department and began his bodybuilding days. 

He recalled paying just $1 to watch Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, warm up at Madison Square Garden, he told The Island Packet on his 98th birthday. He eventually returned to Daufuskie in 1988, where he’s lived ever since. Smith is among the many community supporters who step in so that Cleve can continue living on his own. Some years, he enjoys Thanksgiving at the island’s annual community dinner, where he’s treated “somewhat like a celebrity.” This year, he and Smith shared the meal at his kitchen table, where he ate from his red mobility scooter. Pumpkin pie was his favorite. Smith was the one to send in Cleve’s photo to the network. 

“Gee... that’s really something,” Cleve told Smith by phone after his TV debut.

Story 3 

From WSAV

With the Christmas season now in full swing, many children are ready to mail off their Christmas lists to the North Pole. The Burton Fire Department has volunteered to help get those letters delivered. For over a decade, Burton firefighters have coordinated with Santa and his elves by placing Santa mailboxes at their fire stations

Boxes are at all five of their stations, giving children an easy location to mail their Christmas wants and needs. All the letters need a legible name and address. Burton Fire officials said if the letters contain a name and address, they can promise a reply from Santa. 

Santa’s Mailboxes will be located at:

Station 81 – 36 Burton Hill Rd.

Beaufort Station 82 – 14 Bruce K Smalls Rd.

Grays Hill Station 83 – 602 Parris Island Gateway

Shell Point Station 84 – 158 Bay Pines Rd.

Pinewood Station 85 – 2 Market Street, Habersham

At the end of each day, the letters will be collected by the firefighters and locked up until either Santa himself or his helpers come to collect them. Burton Fire Battalion Chief Chris Moyer said Santa will also be visiting Burton neighborhoods along with the fire team in the coming weeks.

“Starting tonight, Santa is going to start making his rounds and delivering gifts to all the kids in the community,” said Moyer.

To keep up with Santa’s visit schedule, you can track it through Burton Fire’s Facebook.

STORY 1

From Bluffton Today

The holidays are right around the corner, and the Town of Bluffton is seeking entrants for its 54th Annual Christmas parade.

The holiday season in the town gets underway the first weekend in December with its parade and tree lighting events.

The tree lighting will be held Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park followed by Santa’s Workshop which will be held at the DuBois Park Pavilion. Following the workshop there will be a 6:30 p.m. showing of the movie, Arthur Christmas.

The holiday festivities will continue Dec. 6 with the town’s Christmas parade which will begin at 10 a.m. and travel through Bluffton’s Historic District.

“The Bluffton Christmas Parade, a cherished community tradition for more than five decades, continues to grow along with the town’s population,” a town spokesperson said. “With this growth, public and personal safety remain the top priority. Parade participants and spectators are asked to follow all rules outlined in the parade application to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.” Head over to Bluffton Today dot Com for high lights and guidelines for the Parade. 

Story 3 

From the Island Packet

What started as a routine Saturday round of golf at Crescent Pointe quickly turned into a wildlife rescue story the community won’t soon forget. Two golfers, teeing off on Hole 9 on Nov. 22, spotted something no one expected to see beached along the shoreline: a manatee. These gentle, elusive giants are no strangers to the shallow waterways of Beaufort County — but finding one stranded on a golf course is another story. The golfers immediately called the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, setting off a coordinated response that soon included Crescent Pointe staff, local residents and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. 

“I’ve never seen one other than at an aquarium, so this was a first for me and for the course,” said Crescent Pointe’s Director of Marketing, Dylan DeBellis, who helped lead on-site efforts. Teeing off the rescue As soon as the call came in, General Manager Ron Schiavone worked closely with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office to secure the area and redirect golfers, so the distressed manatee could be given space. From there, the sheriff’s office maintained direct communication with SCDNR while they consulted with Florida partners to determine the safest plan. 

“It was a bit high stress — we weren’t sure if it was going to make it,” DeBellis said. Under SCDNR’s guidance, Cpl. Dean Entrup with BCSO began relaying step-by-step instructions to keep the manatee stable: gently misting its skin, keeping it covered with damp towels and making sure it stayed warm enough — never too much water, and never too cold. Staff and community members stepped in to keep the manatee stable when it was stranded at Hole 9 at Crescent Pointe Golf Club. Courtesy of Crescent Pointe Golf Club DeBellis and a Crescent Pointe community member sprang into action, shuttling back and forth and hauling buckets of water to hydrate the animal until a better solution could be created. 

 The rescue comes during the tail end of South Carolina’s manatee season. These large marine mammals typically travel north from Florida in warmer months and can be spotted in Beaufort County between April and November, especially in sheltered areas like inlets and marinas. 

 By late fall and early winter, they begin their migration south, where the water stays above their survival threshold of 68 degrees. Seeing one in late November or December in South Carolina can be a sign of trouble, according to Kelly Lambert, SCDNR’s manatee response coordinator. If you spot a manatee in South Carolina waters in late fall or early winter, contact the SCDNR hotline at 1-800-922-5431.

STORY 1

From the Island Packet

When most people think of hurricane preparedness, they imagine sandbags, bottled water and boarded-up windows. But on Hilton Head Island, where cats are often as much a part of the landscape as palm trees and salt marshes, storm prep sometimes takes a softer, furrier form. As Hurricane Imelda loomed offshore last week, the Hilton Head Humane Association quietly orchestrated a life-saving evacuation for a handful of four-legged felines. With help from Beaufort County Animal Services and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 69 unowned shelter cats were transported out of the potential danger zone to a recovery facility in Columbus, Ohio – just as the storm pivoted away from the coast.

When Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency for South Carolina on Sept. 26, ahead of Hurricane Imelda, HHHA and BCAS didn’t hesitate. Knowing the region’s existing vulnerability to hurricanes – and the large number of animals already in their care – they reached out to the ASPCA for assistance. The team sprang into action, traveling to Hilton Head to assess the animals, speak with local shelter staff and make selections. Within 72 hours, ASPCA staff members selected 69 cats for transport, secured health certificates and loaded up two vehicles for the 10-hour journey to Ohio. By moving the shelter cats to a new home up north, 57 kennels were cleared, opening up more space in the wake of potential storm destruction and ​​giving these animals a better chance to find homes outside the disaster zone.

Story 2

From Bluffton Today

The American Heart Association has awarded Beaufort Memorial with its new Commitment to Quality award for high performance across three or more clinical areas in the Get With The Guidelines® program for heart and stroke care.

Beaufort Memorial is among just 158 hospitals nationwide that met the criteria for the Commitment to Quality award. Hospitals earning this new award demonstrate a comprehensive approach to quality improvement. By participating in three or more Get With The Guidelines programs, they commit to using real-time data registries, evidence-based protocols and cross-disciplinary teamwork to raise the standard of care across multiple specialties.

In 2025, Beaufort Memorial reached achievement levels in five clinical areas.

Get With the Guidelines is the American Heart Association’s hospital-based quality improvement initiative that helps ensure patients are treated in accordance with the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines. Participating hospitals benefit from tools, resources and peer benchmarking to drive better patient outcomes.

Story 3 

From WSAV

A Hilton Head Island father created an artificial reef to honor his late son who died last year. Nate Riley was a longtime Hilton Head Island resident and worked at the Broad Creek Marina for years while building up a charter boat business of his own. He was even going to have a baby with his girlfriend, until a traffic accident took his life last July. His father, former Hilton Head Island Town Manager Steve Riley, had an idea to create a reef in the waters off the island, a place his son Nate loved most.

The reef won’t only provide something for the ecosystem, but it’ll be a special way to honor Nate, Steve said.

The reef project will cost close to $10,000 to get ready for the water. If you would like to donate, go to www.captainnatesoasis.com for more info. There’s also a link to the SCDNR page on the benefits of offshore reefs.

Chloe Gee going Craig Reaves on his shrimp boat to get an inside look at the Beaufort shrimp industry. 

ALSO:

STORY 1

From WCSC

The Technical College of the Lowcountry is expanding its training programs to Colleton County residents. This is allowing members of the community to further their education and expand their opportunities. TLC will be offering new programs and training like CNC machining, HVAC and electric vehicle technology.

There will also be ways to accommodate to students’ schedules, offering classes at different times of the day. The city council is saying this will help Colleton as a whole, providing more opportunities.

“The idea creates more opportunities for our citizens. Hopefully, we create the additional job opportunities, along with that is going to come the need for more training opportunities,” Brantley Strickland, Executive Director of Colleton County Economic Alliance, said.

They will also be offering opportunities for schoolchildren to get dual credits and college credits.

Story 2

From WTOC

A celebration of Lowcountry seafood is returning to Hampton County with four days of food, entertainment and family fun. The 31st annual Yemassee Shrimp Festival is Sept. 18-20 and will feature carnival rides for all four days, along with vendors and other events like parades, fireworks and live music. Carnival rides from Big Round Wheel Amusements and dozens of food and crafts vendors will open up at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18. They will be open each day through Sunday, Sept. 21.

Because a new police station is under construction behind Town Hall, carnival rides will be in front of Town Hall this year, off Salkehatchie Rd. Vendors will wrap around the side of Town Hall toward the Community Center. Thursday will also include the Opening Ceremonies (6:30 p.m.), the Kiddie Parade (7 p.m.), Lighted Parade (7:45 p.m.) and fireworks (8 p.m.)

Friday night’s schedule includes East Coast Party Band on the main stage at 8 p.m. Saturday offers a full day of events, beginning with the parade at 10 a.m. Entertainment on the main stage includes Gospel Hour (2 p.m.), an Elvis tribute artist (3:30 p.m.) and Funk Factory Five (8 p.m.) Admission to the festival is free. For more details, check out the Yemassee Shrimp Festival Facebook page.

Story 3 

From WSAV

Beaufort County Animal Services recently posted on social media, warning residents and their pets of a recent threat of rabies and distemper disease. Both diseases can be deadly, but pet owners can take the proper precautions. Beaufort County Animal Services (BCAS) sent out the social media post this week after recent threats of outbreaks in the county.

“Due to recent threats of distemper and rabies outbreaks in our county, it’s crucial that all pet owners ensure their animals are properly vaccinated against both of these dangerous diseases,” the BCAS social media post read. Distemper, one of the potentially deadly diseases, is “highly contagious among animals and can spread rapidly between wildlife and pets,” according to the BCAS social media post.

Officials said rabies are more common than distemper and is carried by wild animals like bats, raccoons, and foxes. However, officials said it’s also been seen in cases of stray cats and dogs.

STORY 1

From Bluffton Today

On their first day of class, the Beaufort Memorial PATH Career Development Center welcomed 24 University of South Carolina-Beaufort sophomores currently enrolled in the school’s nursing program. This class of '24 is the first USCB nursing cohort to use the center as a satellite location for the school’s growing nursing program. Their first day of class in the Center was Aug. 18.

Beaufort Memorial cut the ribbon on the $2.8 million facility in July 2024. The 6,340-square-foot facility located on the hospital’s main campus in Beaufort was built in partnership with USCB, the City of Beaufort, Beaufort County and the Beaufort Memorial Foundation.

While this facility is a satellite location for the USCB nursing program, it also provides hands-on training and classroom education for current and future health professionals. The Center's four simulation labs are equipped identically to Beaufort Memorial Hospital rooms, and each include a lifelike simulation manikin.

During recent simulations, clinical staff practiced their skills in pediatric respiratory emergencies and treatments, cardiac arrests and addressing some rare surgical complications under general anesthesia. These drills, mock procedures and hands-on learning experiences allow staff to practice clinical skillsets and learn new ones using state-of-the-art simulation technology right on the hospital's main campus. 

Story 2

From WTOC

Beaufort County Animal Services is asking for the community’s help in finding homes for their dogs and cats. The shelter is nearing its capacity and can’t accept new dogs without the current ones finding a new home. WTOC spoke with the shelter about why adoptions are down this summer.

Normally, during the summer, Beaufort County Animal Services sees an uptick in the number of adoptions and new dogs entering the shelter. But this year, they are seeing the opposite, and their animals are left without a place to go. Over 100 animals call Beaufort County Animal Services home, but what is supposed to be a short-term stay has been extended for many.

“It’s just kind of scary at this point because we have dogs in crates in the hallway and nowhere else for them to go,” Head of Adoptions and Fosters for Beaufort County Animal Services, Kimberly Caffero said.

These extended stays have become a common theme over the past few months, and the shelter is now at max capacity.

“We’re not able to take in owner surrenders, so if something traumatic happens to somebody right now, I don’t have a place to take in their dog,” Caffero said.

The shelter has asked other rescue organizations for help, but they are running into the same problem.

“Nobody has space.”

Caffero says that factors like the cost of living, vet care, prevention, and supplies to care for the animals have gone up, making it tougher for people to adopt. Leaving the shelter to house the animals for a longer period of time, while trying to make sure they have the supplies on hand to care for them.

“We can’t even keep up with getting the supplies promptly.”

Now, they are calling on people to consider adopting or fostering a pet, but if they can’t do that, at least get their animal spayed or neutered.

“If you can’t afford an animal, don’t get one.”

If you are interested in adopting or fostering a pet, click here or you can give them a call at (843) 255-5010. Beaufort County Animal Services is also open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

STORY 1

From the Island Packet

Traffic signal light repairs will affect eight Beaufort intersections over the next three months and lane closures are expected. The South Carolina Department of Transportation upgrades began Tuesday at Broad River Boulevard and Joe Frazier Road and will continue for the next 12 weeks, weather permitting. Lane closures will occur periodically, but traffic will remain open with the help of traffic control devices, according to SCDOT.

Motorists are advised to use caution in the work zones. The intersections are: Broad River Blvd at Joe Frazier Road/Colonial Avenue. Robert Smalls Parkway at Castle Rock Road. Savannah Highway at Robert Smalls Parkway. Parris Island Gateway at Mink Point Boulevard. Ribaut Roard at Duke Street. Ribaut Road at North Street. Ribaut Road at Reynolds Street. Ribaut Road at Mossy Oaks Road and Johnny Morrall Circle. Work will occur on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. W.M. Roebuck, Inc., which does traffic light installations and repairs, is doing the work.

Story 2

From The Island News

County Council Member York Glover (District 3) is hosting a follow up community meeting to give additional updates on economic development including a continuation of the discussion of establishing a Cultural Events Center on St. Helena Island. The meeting will be 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, at St. Helena Branch Library at 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Drive.

John O’Toole, Executive Director of Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation will be the guest speaker. The public is encouraged to attend and share ideas and discuss concerns about the proposed project. Community participation is necessary and will help shape the project’s and St. Helena Island’s future.

More informational meetings will be scheduled and the public notified. For questions and more information Council Member Glover at 843-812-2909 or [email protected].

Story 3 

From the Island News

Beaufort County Assessor Ebony Sanders is hosting multiple community events at County Library Branches to allow the public an opportunity to meet with her staff and share questions and concerns regarding real property valuation, exemptions, appeals and general property information.

Each community event will be from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. No appointments are necessary.

In the event of an unforeseeable change in the date, time, or location, the Assessor’s Office webpage will be updated to reflect rescheduling. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Rigg, Appeal/BAA Coordinator at [email protected] or 843-255-2404.

The dates are as follows:

Hilton Head Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road
Tuesday, Sept. 9
Tuesday, Oct. 7
Tuesday, Oct. 28
Tuesday, Nov. 4

St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road
Tuesday, Sept. 23
Tuesday, Oct. 14
Tuesday, Nov. 18
Tuesday, Dec. 16

Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way
Thursday, Sept. 18
Thursday, Oct. 16
Thursday, Nov. 13
Thursday, Dec. 11

Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway
Monday, Sept. 15
Monday, Oct. 20
Monday, Nov. 10
Monday, Dec. 1

STORY 1

The City of Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department responded about 6pm Sunday evening to a report from a driver on the Russell Bell Bridge that a kitten had fallen through a storm drain and become stuck in pluff mud. With the use of some “creative rescue tactics”, the tiny orange kitten was retrieved and brough to it’s new foster home for bath. The City of Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department requested assistance from Parris Island Fire and Emergency Services to utilize air tracks for the rescue. Beaufort County Animal Services asks all pet owners to have their pets spayed and neutered to reduce overpopulation. If you are the hero a shelter pet is waiting for, visit Beaufort County Animal Services campus at 10 Pritcher Point Road in Okatie to find your new best friend.

Story 2

For the past two years, Beaufort County has partnered with AccessNow to increase accessibility awareness at Beaufort County’s passive parks and preserves. This was the first project of its kind in South Carolina, focusing on informing the public about accessibility on ten popular parks and preserves.

Three properties were mapped in 2024 to kick off the project at Crystal Lake Park, Fort Fremont Preserve and Widgeon Point Preserve. An additional seven properties were mapped in 2025 at Altamaha Town Heritage Preserve, Brewer Memorial Park, Fort Frederick Heritage Preserve, Green’s Shell Park, Oyster Factory Park, Whitehall Park, and Wright Family Park.

AccessNow’s mission is to establish a go-to resource for accessibility information. Their platform empowers people to discover a world of accessible opportunities and remove barriers.

This mapping project identifies accessibility information for the trails, parking, restrooms, as well as various other amenities and potential navigational hazards on the ten properties. These accessibility maps can be viewed from the Land Preservation Department webpage or the AccessNow website.

The Land Preservation Director, Stefanie Nagid, emphasized the significance of the project, stating, “It has been such a great experience collaborating with AccessNow these past two years. The maps are so helpful in providing information to our community, so visitors know what to expect when they arrive on the properties, and helpful to inform staff on areas of improvement. I look forward to incorporating their suggestions on future park projects and addressing any existing needs.”

The Land Preservation Department also offers three all-terrain wheelchairs free for public use. These chairs can be reserved through filling out and emailing the fillable pdf reservation form here.

For more information on Beaufort County passive parks and preserves, to view environmental education program schedules, and to stay updated on much more, please visit the Land Preservation Department webpage.

For more information about AccessNow’s Outdoor program, please click here.

STORY 1

Beaufort County Adopt-A-Highway is kicking off a challenge for citizens who may not have time to fully commit to a regular Adopt-A-Highway group. “The 30-Minute Challenge” encourages residents to take simple steps toward a cleaner community.

Whether it’s a plastic bottle or a stray wrapper — every piece picked up counts — and it only takes 30 minutes. The challenge kicks off Tuesday, August 5 and ends Wednesday, September 27.

Here's how the challenge works:

• Set the day, time, and location 
• Walk and pick up litter with friends, family, or neighbors
• Clean up your street, local park, boat landing, or other common shared spaces
• Register — Let us know so we can track your impact and celebrate your contribution. 
• Report your results — When you complete your 30 minutes, submit your results to help us document the difference you're making. Click here to submit results.

To learn more about how you can get involved and adopt a section of highway, roadway, boat landing or waterway, contact the County Litter Control Supervisor/Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator Jesus Rodriguez at 843-255-2817 or [email protected].

Story 2 

Nexus Care of Beaufort's STAR (Striving to Achieve Resiliency) Youth Leadership Program is kicking off another school year with an event encouraging middle school and high school students north of the Broad to develop peer-to-peer conversations about preventing substance use and misuse.

In partnership with All Aboard Beaufort, the event will be held Thursday, August 21 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., at the Penn Center, 16 Penn Center Circle East.

Special guest is Dr. Marie Gibbs. As a Gullah native, she taught, inspired, and motivated young minds for over 30 years at St. Helena Elementary School, the school she attended as a child and later graduated from St. Helena High School. Dr. Gibbs retired in 2008 and began her second career as a devoted grandmother and volunteer at the Penn Center Museum. 

This event is free and open to all interested middle school and high school students in northern Beaufort County.

To learn more, visit the All Aboard Beaufort website.

For more information and to rsvp, contact Jodie Martinez at [email protected].

Story 3 

From WSAV

School starts Wednesday in Beaufort County, and it begins with good news about staffing in schools.

The Beaufort County School District says it has the lowest numbers of teacher vacancies in years.

That’s in part to a recent pay bump, as beginning salaries are increasing by $9,000 to $60,000 a year. That makes Beaufort County one of the highest paying in the state and gives the school system a better chance to hire and keep teachers.

Beaufort County School Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said, “The objective is attracting high quality educators. And then we continue to support their work and initiatives, provide them with a high-quality curriculum material to utilize in their classrooms and then focus on the quality instruction within the classroom for students.”

Money is still on the mind of the district, with questions about the dissolution of the Federal Department of Education and potential funding for programs like special needs and after-school.

Rodriguez said he can only focus on the things he can change, and not the future questions.

Beaufort County schools will offer free breakfast and lunch for students who qualify in 2025-26 school year.