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<p><strong>Stakeholder workshop for Whitehall Park canceled</strong></p>
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<p>The public workshop Beaufort County had scheduled for Feb. 6 to obtain input from stakeholders on the passive recreation improvements for Whitehall Park has been canceled.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>For more information, contact Beaufort County Passive Parks Manager Stefanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net or 843-255-2152.</p>
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<p><strong>County earns flood insurance reclassification</strong></p>
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<p>Beaufort County recently received approval from the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which amends the county's flood insurance rating. The rates in this new classification zone can result in lower costs for flood insurance for residents living in the county's unincorporated areas.</p>
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<p>FEMA estimates the new classification will save Beaufort County taxpayers more than $1 million. Homeowners wanting to find out if their premiums will be affected should contact their insurance carriers.</p>
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<p>To find out more about flood information in Beaufort County, visit www.bcgov.net and go to Building Codes at the Departments tab.</p>
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<p><strong>HHIMLS donates $6,000 to local nonprofits</strong></p>
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<p>The Multiple Listing Service of Hilton Head Island (HHIMLS) recently expressed its support for the Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity, Volunteers in Medicine Clinic Hilton Head Island and Palmetto Animal League by donating $2,000 to each program.</p>
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<p>The Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity donation will go specifically toward the Realtor House. The house is sponsored and built by members of HHIMLS and the Hilton Head Realtor Association. The house serves as an example of business leaders and organizations coming together to build a stronger community for everyone. Habitat for Humanity seeks to build homes, community and hope for all people.</p>
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<p>Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) is a national organization dedicated to providing healthcare to all, regardless of ability to pay. The Hilton Head Island clinic has been serving the island for 25 years and helps the local hospital save $5 million annually in emergency room visits, among other benefits.</p>
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<p>Palmetto Animal League is a local, not-for-profit and no-kill animal shelter housing nearly 200 animals in need of a loving home.</p>
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<p><strong>County to discontinue driveway and culvert </strong><strong>service on county roads</strong></p>
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<p>Beaufort County is discontinuing its driveway apron and culvert installation service previously performed for residents living on county roads. Starting immediately, Beaufort County residents applying for an Encroachment Permit from the county must follow residential driveway standards set by the SC Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and utilize a qualified contractor or perform the installation themselves.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Residents should notify the County’s Special Projects Engineer at least 24 hours before installation and also schedule an inspection for when the work is completed. Installation projects meeting all county requirements will receive final approval and a permit release.</p>
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<p>For more information, call the Beaufort County Public Works Department at 843-255-2800.</p>
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<p><strong>Small grease fire at Walmart store&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p>The Beaufort Walmart Store at 350 Robert Smalls Parkway suffered a small grease fire in the deli area resulting in a temporary closure Jan. 22.</p>
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<p>The Walmart store at 350 Robert Smalls Parkway was temporarily closed as a result while the extent of the damage from the smoke and fire extinguisher agent was evalunated.</p>
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<p>There were no injuries reported and the cause is under investigation by the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Marshal’s office.</p>
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