City planning retreat postponed
The City of Beaufort strategic planning retreat originally scheduled for January 22-24, has been postponed due to the threat of inclement weather.
The new date, time, and location for the retreat will be determined and communicated as soon as possible.
City receives budget award
According to a media release, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded the City of Beaufort the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year 2025 online budget book.
“This award reflects the city’s dedication to the responsible accounting and management of public funds.” City Manager Scott Marshall said in the release. “The professionalism of our finance staff is directly responsible for the city’s continued recognition by GFOA for our transparency in budgeting.”
In order to receive the budget award, the City’s finance team had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, as well as a communications device. Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.
The City keeps all of its financial and budgeting information on its website, www.cityofbeaufort.org. Users can access the online budget book to take a closer look at the City’s budget.
Freedman Arts District holding open house
The Freedman Arts District is inviting the public to an open house at its newly renovated historic office at 1401 Duke Street from 4 to 6 p.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Participants are invited to explore the revitalized space while engaging with the District’s mission to enrich the community through the arts.
It’s a unique opportunity to learn about the District’s vision, discover exciting upcoming events, and hear about the new projects that will impact the City. The District is eager to show both long-time supporters and those new to the organization that it’s eager to share how they can become involved.
For more information, call 843-304-5301, email Director@FreedmanArtsDistrict.org or visit www.FreedmanArtsDistrict.org.
SCDOT to hold a drop-in about I-95 improvements in Jasper County
SCDOT will hold a drop-in public information meeting on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 regarding I-95 corridor improvements from US 278 (Exit 8) to S.C. 336 (Exit 21).
The meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hardeeville Recreation Center at 285 John Smith Road in Hardeeville.
SCDOT representatives will be available at the meeting to discuss the proposed project with members of the community. There will be no formal presentation.
SCDOT will accept public comments on this proposed project at https://www.fixthedrive95.com/ through Feb. 14, 2025. For more information about this and other proposed SCDOT projects, visit https://bit.ly/4fZZz2K.
Moms Demand Action hosting survivors event
In honor of National Gun Violence Survivors Week, Lowcountry Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America will host an event Saturday, Feb. 1 in Bluffton.
The Gun Violence Survivors Event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon in the large meeting room at the Bluffton Branch Library, located at 120 Palmetto Way. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m.
Local Moms Demand Action leader Richard Hammes will give an overview of gun violence in the nation and in South Carolina. He will also discuss what the organization is doing to prevent future tragedies.
Bluffton Police Chief Joseph Babkiewicz, and grief and loss counselors Deanna Smith and Julie Raino will share their experiences, and offer suggestions on reducing gun violence and promoting safety.
Three local gun violence survivors will share their stories of loss.
“The families sharing their gun violence stories were very compelling last year for those in
attendance, and these new stories will be as well,” Hammes said.
The event will wrap up with a Q&A period and a discussion of what can be done to prevent gun violence.
“Here is an opportunity to support gun violence survivors and get information from those involved with law enforcement and counseling assistance,” Hammes said.
Please email lowcountrymomsdemand@gmail.com to register for the event.
County’s plastic pollution surveys open until March 1
In 2018, Beaufort County Council passed an ordinance that was intended to limit the number of plastic bags that end up in our fragile environment. The County is considering revisiting the ordinance to ensure that it is having the intended effect and is being fairly implemented.
Counties, municipalities, and countries around the world are at a pivotal point in the battle against plastic pollution. Global production and use of plastics has outpaced population growth, and 8 million pieces of plastic pollution make their way into the ocean every day. Beaufort County aims to create healthier, safer, and livable communities through the reduction of environmental pollutants.
The survey found at https://bit.ly/4jycSdV, has two options: one for consumers, the other, for business owners.
Both surveys are brief and there are also two fact sheets that can be downloaded for further information. One fact sheet involves plastic bag bans and the other is entitled Lowcountry Plastics Fact Sheet.
The survey will be available until Saturday, March 1.
Beaufort Twilight Run needs sponsors
The 15th Annual Beaufort Twilight Run still needs sponsors. This is an opportunity not only to help support the students at Riverview Charter School but also to promote a business or place of employment.
Each sponsorship goes directly to our Capstone Field Trip Fund, which helps lower costs for all field trips, especially the Capstone experiences and reduces the financial burden for families. Sponsorships at every level make a meaningful difference. For example, a $2,500 sponsorship can help:
- Send one 8th grader to Costa Rica
- Send two 5th graders to Washington, D.C
- Send 10 2nd graders to Barrier Island.
For more information, contact Haley Romeo, BTR Sponsorship Chair at haley.romeo@riverviewcharterschool.org. Review the sponsorship packet at https://bit.ly/3WhcAy2 or complete the sponsorship form at https://bit.ly/42cx4LX. Thank you for your support of the Beaufort Twilight Run and Riverview Charter School.
County VA to offer End of Life Planning Seminars for veterans, families
Beaufort County Veterans Affairs is hosting End of Life Planning Seminars for veterans and their families.
These seminars address things veterans and their families can do today to ensure their personal effects are in order. They also discuss Veterans Affairs benefits that surviving spouses may be entitled to receive.
They will be offered at either 9 a.m. or 1 p.m., at convenient locations around Beaufort County:
- Tuesday, Feb. 18: Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway, Seabrook.
- Tuesday, Feb. 25: Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way.
- Tuesday, May 20: Hilton Head Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road.
- Tuesday, May 27: Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street.
RSVPs are required for space and resource purposes. Please contact Crystal at 843-255-6880 to reserve your seat. For questions and more information please contact Beaufort County Veterans Affairs at 843-255-6880.
— Staff reports
