Return of students to impact traffic
Move in for students at USCB to impact travel in Beaufort and Bluffton, August 17 and 18.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) warns that on Saturday, Aug. 17, and Sunday, Aug. 18, there are expected travel delays around the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) campuses in downtown Beaufort and in Bluffton.
From 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., traffic will be impacted around both Beaufort and Bluffton campuses on Saturday due to students moving into the dormitories. Traffic will be impacted around the Bluffton Campus both Saturday and Sunday. The BCSO asks that motorists plan accordingly and use caution during these times.
Those with any questions or concerns should contact USCB Department of Public Safety at 843-208-8911.
Beaufort TEA Party meeting
Beaufort County’s 2024 Transportation Sales Tax Referendum will be the topic when the Beaufort TEA Party meets from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 19, at Olde Beaufort Cafe at 139 Francis Marion Blvd., Lady’s Island. For more information, contact Beaufort TEA Party Chair Annie Ubelis at btp@islc.net.
ATAX Committee hosting mandatory workshop for interested applicants
The State 2% Accommodations Tax grant cycle will begin in a few months. In order to apply for this year’s State 2% ATAX Grant, the State Accommodations Tax Committee is hosting a mandatory workshop to help ensure proper application and expenditure of funds. This will also allow applicants to ask questions and get a better idea of the process.
To be eligible for State 2% Accommodations Tax funds, a representative from each organization must attend one of the two workshops. RSVPs are not mandatory, but greatly appreciated. RSVP to atax@bcgov.net with name of attendee(s), organization, contact information and the workshop date of choice.
Attendees will be required to sign in at the workshops. Both workshops will be held in Beaufort County Council Chambers, 100 Ribaut Road:
- Tuesday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 3, 5:30 p.m.
The State 2% ATAX Grant Application will be available soon. The process has been streamlined to make it easier for applicants. The deadline this year will be Friday, Sept. 13, at 11:59 p.m. Applications received after this time will not be eligible for funding.
For questions and more information, contact Brycen Campbell, Senior Accountant for Beaufort County Finance at 843-255-2316 or Brycen.Campbell@bcgov.net.
County hosting electronics recycling event
Beaufort County is hosting its next electronics recycline event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, at 140 Shanklin Road in Beaufort. Any personal computers, laptops, CRT monitors, LCD monitors, CRT televisions, non-CRT televisions, printers, hard drives and miscellaneous electronics (cell phones, fax machines) will be accepted.
A construction reminder
IPW Construction Group will continue to perform shoulder closures and temporary lane closures the entire length of Laurel Bay Road in Beaufort. Closures will take place between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday, until the end of the year.
During this time, please prepare for and expect minor delays in traffic. Drivers traveling through the area are asked to please be mindful of our traffic control team and the crews working within the area. In addition, the ramp coming off U.S. 21 onto Laurel Bay Road is permanently closed.
Free Summer Tax Prep Available for Lowcountry Residents Who Missed Deadline
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is offering a free summer tax preparation program for qualifying residents of Beaufort and Jasper counties who missed the traditional tax filing deadline.
This program – a collaboration between the IRS, Beaufort County Human Services Alliance, and United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC) – is designed to assist low-income individuals and families, non-English speaking taxpayers, people with disabilities, and seniors (age 60+) in accurately and efficiently filing their federal and state tax returns.
“We understand that filing taxes can be overwhelming, especially for those who have limited resources,” United Way Volunteer and VITA Program Coordinator Sherry Halphen said. “Our summer tax preparation program allows residents to receive free assistance from IRS-certified volunteers, ensuring they receive every deduction and credit they deserve.”
Program Details:
- What: Free tax preparation assistance by IRS-certified VITA volunteers.
- When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 22 and, Sept. 26.
- Where: United Way of the Lowcountry Bluffton Office (10 Buckingham Plantation Drive, Suite D, Bluffton, S.C. 29910)
- Appointments Required: Call 843.321.9071 or email lowcountryvitacoalition@gmail.com
- Visit www.uwlowcountry.org/VITAforeligibility requirements and a list of documents to bring with you to your appointment.
— Staff reports
