<b>SC Gov. signs Film Rebate Bill into law</b>

The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that the Film Rebate Bill (S.163) was signed into law by Governor Nikki Haley after passing the legislature just days ago.

The Film Rebate Bill is expected to attract more film productions to South Carolina by making the state more competitive with neighboring states.  The Bill has a $0 fiscal impact (which means no increase in taxes) and is expected to generate million of dollars into our state and create more jobs.

“We are so proud of all the people who worked behind the scenes and rallied support to help get the Film Rebate Bill passed,” said Blakely Williams, Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce President &amp; CEO.  “This is going to have a tremendous economic impact on our state and the Beaufort region as more filmmakers come back to our area, showcasing the natural beauty the Lowcountry has to offer.  We know Beaufort will be first in line as filmmakers make their way back to South Carolina.

According to The Carolina Film Alliance, the bill increases rebates that film companies receive for its purchases of supplies from South Carolina vendors up to 30 percent from 15; and, it increases the rebates film companies receive for wages spent from 15 percent to now up to 25 percent for South Carolina residents and up to 20 percent for all others.  Although there is an increase in rebates, there is no increase of the pot of money the state sets aside for these rebates ($0 fiscal impact).  “The next “Forrest Gump” or “The Big Chill” could be right around the corner in our own back yard soon and we look forward to it,” said Williams.

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<b>Traffic checkpoint will be on Lady's Island
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Members of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a traffic safety checkpoint on Friday, May 17 from 9 to 11 p.m. The checkpoint will be held at the following location:

• Lady’s Island Drive (US Hwy 21) at Islands Causeway.

This Public Safety Checkpoint will be conducted to enforce all South Carolina State Laws, with emphasis on violations related to driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and insurance. Drivers passing through the checkpoint will be asked to produce their driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance for their vehicle.

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<b>County business license renewals due</b>

Businesses operating within the unincorporated boundaries of Beaufort County must renew their County business licenses by May 31 or face penalties for being late.

For more information, call the County Business License Department at 843-255-2270 or go to www.bcgov.net and click on ‘Business License’ under Departments.

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<b>Suspect arrested on drug charges
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On May 10, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Investigators arrested Frank Jason Major on drug charges.

An investigation was conducted into Frank Major selling illegal drugs from his residence located at 107 Simmons Road on St. Helena Island. Investigators received information on numerous occasions in reference to Major selling drugs.  After obtaining these statements, doing surveillance on the residence and conducting controlled buys, a search warrant was obtained for the residence.

On May 10, at approximately 4:30 a.m. the search warrant was executed on the residence and Frank Major was located and detained.  As a result of the search, investigators located crack cocaine, cocaine, marijuana, cash, and drug paraphernalia.

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<b>Attempted armed robbery investigated</b>

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an Attempted Armed Robbery that occurred Tuesday evening at Laurel Bay Bingo, 490 Laurel Bay Road, Burton.

Just after 11 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, Sheriff’s deputies responded to Laurel Bay Bingo on Laurel Bay Road and met with a 70-year-old female who advised she was the victim of an attempted armed robbery. The victim reported she is an employee of the Laurel Bay Bingo and had just closed for the night and was walking to her car when she was approached by two unknown suspects who came from behind the building.

The victim reported one of the suspects was armed with a handgun and the other suspect grabbed for her purse. The victim stated she held on to the purse, preventing the purse from being taken. The victim stated both suspects then ran from the area at which time she went back inside the business and contacted law enforcement. The suspects were last seen running towards Capehart Lane.

The suspects were described as black males, both between 15-20 years of age. One was described as being approximately 5’02”, the other as approximately 5’00”.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers or Sergeant J. Kelleher at 843-255-3418.
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