Opinion pieces, commentary, editorials, and columns that reflect community perspectives from Beaufort’s writers, thought leaders, and residents. This category provides a platform for voices shaping local discussion on issues, values, culture, civic life, and public debate in Beaufort and the broader Lowcountry.
One of the best drives in America has got to be the drive along U.S. 17 through the ACE Basin and then entering the watershed of the Port Royal Sound. Everything about this drive exudes quintessential Lowcountry: grand live oaks, salt marshes across the horizon, and beautiful waterways worthy of a Pat Conroy novel or 10.
Protect the Lowcountry we love Read More »
The debate over Pine Island and the Cultural Protection Overlay on St. Helena Island has become one of the most important land-use issues in Beaufort County.
Culture isn’t a variance Read More »
One highlight from last week’s news was the fact that a record number of registered South Carolina voters went to the polls on the first day of early voting and that held true in Beaufort County.
Lowcountry Lowdown: Beaufort voters turn out for early voting Read More »
It is Saturday and this morning I have my coffee, my laptop, and a front-row seat on the on-going redistricting debate in the South Carolina Senate.
Delaying the inevitable? Read More »
With the June 9 primaries rapidly approaching, the focus on political candidates builds just like the summer heat.
Soon, the gatherings and happenings of the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, though still fresh on the mind, will be headed for our stack of memories, slowly fading. When the grill has been cold for days, any leftovers are likely already gone from the fridge, and those of us that enjoyed a long weekend on the water or out of town are home again and have spent several days back at work, it may seem like the time to look forward to the next holiday, our next celebration, our next vacation. Instead I want to linger on this one for a while.
Honoring our fallen should be a year-round task Read More »
It is Saturday, and we have, at long last, rain; a lawn that is once again green; and I must admit this gives me some contentment.
Great evil and what happens to the children Read More »
Let me start off by saying that I debated long and hard whether or not to write this particular column because it involves my pride as well as my judgment.
Carol’s not so-grand adventure Read More »
Communities do not quietly move past situations involving children, trauma, and unanswered questions simply because official statements were issued months earlier. People remember how leadership responds when it matters most. Years from now, long after meetings end and officials move on, those signatures will still exist as part of Beaufort’s history. And one day, that little girl may read them for herself. That is the weight of public leadership. Those five signatures are not trivial.
The Weight of Public Leadership Read More »
I recently moved to beautiful Beaufort, S.C., from Pittsburgh, Pa., in November 2025. While I’ve enjoyed settling into the area, I’ve been disappointed by the lack of balance in this paper’s Voices content.
No bipartisan views in this paper Read More »
