Tuesday, voters in South Carolina will once again head to the polls as the Republican primary for the US Senate seat of the late Lindsay Graham is in a runoff. Early voting runs through Friday August 21 at 5:00 PM, and then regular voting will take place Tuesday August 25th, with polls opening at 7 AM. Voters who participated in June’s Democratic primary are not allowed to vote in this run off, whereas those who voted in the Republican primary or did not vote in either primary may cast their vote. The runoff features Senator Graham’s sister, Daline Graham, who is currently the interim Senator in her brother’s place, and Ralph Norman. Head to BeaufortCountySC.Gov/News for more information.

From the Post & Courier

If Beaufort County voters approve a proposed penny sales tax on the November ballot, it will be the largest in the county’s history — both in terms of duration and amount.

The measure would levy a 1 percent sales tax on retail purchases beginning in 2027 and would continue for nine years or until $780 million is raised, whichever occurs first. The money would pay for improvements to the county’s roads. The tax would not apply to purchases of medication, gas, rent and mortgages, utilities and unprepared foods or groceries.

“We all understand the traffic and the growth,” said Assistant County Administrator Jared Fralix. “Without funding, projects that community leaders have asked for will not be addressed. We don’t see the need disappearing.”

A Transportation Advisory Committee began meeting and evaluating the community’s needs in February. Led by former Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka, the group held nine meetings with residents and community leaders throughout the county to assess the needs and begin drawing up project lists.

Beaufort County residents are encouraged to protect themselves, neighbors and pets as Hot and Humid conditions continue across our region. We have experienced widespread heat index values of 110+ degrees Fahrenheit with 112-115 degree Fahrenheit values possible along the coastal corridor into the weekend. Please keep your pets indoors during the hottest times of the day and make sure your animals have plenty of ways to stay cool if they spend time outdoors at all during the summer months. As you prepare ways for yourself to beat the heat, include your pet in planning & preps, with considerations like providing Ice and Ice Water, A pool to play in, Shaded areas or bringing them inside. Please do not leave pets in a hot car. A full press release with local resources to beat the heat, including the hours and locations of County facilities inviting daytime guests, is now available at beaufortcountysc.gov forward slash news.