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

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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 yglover@bcgov.net.

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 BAA@bcgov.net 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 jesus.rodriguez@bcgov.net.

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 jodie.martinez@bcgov.net.

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.

STORY 1

From The Island News

South Carolina shoppers can buy school supplies, computers, clothes, shoes and more without paying any sales taxes this coming weekend. The state’s annual Tax Free Weekend starts Friday and ends Sunday. The tax holiday waives the state’s 6% sales tax as well as applicable local taxes, according to the state Department of Revenue.

Sales taxes are 6% in only three of South Carolina’s 46 counties: Beaufort, Greenville and Oconee. The other 43 counties charge their own sales taxes for local projects. At 9% total, sales taxes are highest in Charleston County and the city of Myrtle Beach.

Story 2

In response to growing animal services needs in Jasper County, Beaufort County has stepped forward in partnership to provide support and stability through a new Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). This collaborative effort reflects a shared regional commitment to public safety and animal care.

Last month, Jasper Animal Rescue Mission (JARM) formally notified Jasper County officials that it would cease intake of animals effective July 1, 2025. With the Fourth of July holiday, a peak period for animal control needs, just days away, Beaufort County began providing immediate assistance to shelter and provide medical care for animals from both Beaufort and Jasper Counties.

In mid-July, Beaufort County Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that allows continued assistance to Jasper County’s animal control operations for up to one year. This temporary partnership provides a critical bridge of services while allowing officials and stakeholders time to plan a sustainable, open-admission shelter model that better meets the needs of our communities.

Story 3

Beaufort County Veterans Affairs is hosting a series of End of Life Planning seminars for veterans and their families. The seminars will be offered at 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., and will be held at the following dates and locations:

• Wednesday, August 13
  Burton Wells Recreation Center, 1 Middleton Recreation Drive (map)
• Wednesday, August 27
  Bluffton Library, 120 Palmetto Way (map)
• Wednesday, October 1
  St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Rd. (map)
• Tuesday, October 14
  Hilton Head Island Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road (map)

This seminar specifically addresses things veterans and their families can do today to ensure their personal effects are in order. The seminar also discusses Veterans Affairs benefits that surviving spouses may be entitled to receive.

RSVPs are required for space and resource purposes. Please contact Crystal at 843-255-6880 to reserve your seat.

STORY 1

County Council Vice Chair Anna Maria Tabernik (District 6) and Council Members Lawrence McElynn (District 10), Paula Brown (District 8), Thomas Reitz (District 11), Joseph Passiment (District 5), Logan Cunningham (District 7), and Mark Lawson (District 9) will host a community meeting with guest Sheriff P.J. Tanner.

The meeting will be 5:30-6:30
p.m., Tuesday, July 22, at Beaufort County Library Bluffton Branch, 120
Palmetto Way (map).

Sheriff Tanner will answer
questions on the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) program. The forum will be
question and answer only.

For questions and more
information, please contact Council Vice Chair Tabernik at 843-986-7380 or anna.tabernik@bcgov.net.

Story 2

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near West Cedar Road and Oakland Drive in St. Helena Island, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

The raccoon was submitted
to DPH's laboratory for testing on July 10, 2025, and was confirmed to have
rabies on July 11, 2025. If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets
have come in contact with this raccoon or another animal that potentially has
rabies, please call DPH's Beaufort office at (843)
525-7603during normal business hours
(8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888)
847-0902 (Select Option 2).

It is important to keep pets up
to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the easiest and most
effective ways to protect against the disease. This raccoon is the first animal
in Beaufort County to test positive for rabies in 2025. There have been 43
cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has
averaged approximately 144 positive cases a year. In 2024, two of the 81
confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Beaufort County.

Contact information for local
Public Health offices is available at dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts. For more information on rabies
visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies.

STORY 1

From the Island News
 The Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department (BCADAD), in partnership with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, is again participating in the DEA National Rx Take Back program that allows people to properly dispose of unused prescription drugs.

 The event will be held Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at two locations:

Beaufort County Bluffton Government Center, 4819 Bluffton Parkway, Bluffton;

Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Center, 2001 Duke Street, Beaufort.

 Drop-off is for pills only. Please do not bring liquids or sharps/needles. Both locations will have proper at-home disposal solutions for all who stop by.
Story 2

From the Island News October is a month of ghosts, hobgoblins, spirits and mischief. In celebration of Halloween season, Beaufort County Television (BCTV) kicks off a new series entitled Sea Island Spirits.

 Sea Island Spirits is based on different haunts in the Beaufort County area, sharing the history behind the most famous buildings, superstitions, and folklore. Multiple locals, historians, and folklore storytellers are interviewed and tell the story of each legend as they have heard and researched it.

 Episodes include local legends such as Bottle Trees, the Lands End Light, and Fort Mitchel.

 Sea Island Spirits airs on Wednesday at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m.

 Story 3 

From Bluffton Today, The southern area of Hardeeville in Jasper County will now have better communications, thanks to a brand new, 300-foot tower that helps to keep first responders safer. The tower was made possible due to partnerships between the City of Hardeeville, Jasper County and Motorola. The tower is located off US 17 on Speedway Boulevard.

 A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Sept. 30, with several dignitaries and city staff attending the event along with representatives from Motorola.

 "One of the greatest things happening today, not only is the city taking the lead on this and city staff getting involved; it is a collaborative effort with Jasper County for the good of everybody," Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams said.

 Story 4

 From the Island Packet, Nearly 300 Beaufort County high school students will be randomly drug tested each month as part of the district’s revamped efforts to deter drug use in schools. 

 Those eligible to be selected for testing include any high school student playing sports or participating in other voluntary extracurricular activities, such as robotics and debate clubs, and those with parking permits. Other students will not be tested. 

 The program is similar to testing the district implemented from 2015 until 2020 when it was paused due to COVID. It was polarizing among the community then. Now, we want to hear what you think. At least one school board member, who is also a parent, is outspoken against the policy.
Story 5

From the Island Packet  The Beaufort Academy volleyball team used a dominant postseason on its way to another state championship. 

 The Eagles defeated The King’s Academy, 3-1 (21-25, 25-14, 25-12, 25-12), to win the SCISA Class 2A championship on Monday at Wilson Hall in Sumter. 

 It was Beaufort Academy’s third state championship in program history, all coming since 2017. Beaufort Academy dropped the first set to the Lions and was down 8-7 in the second set before winning 17 of the next 24 points to even the match.