Duct Cleaning in Beaufort, SC

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WTOC) - The City of Beaufort has officially become the first city in South Carolina to ban balloon releases, passing an ordinance designed to protect local waterways and wildlife.

The city council voted to make releasing balloons into the air illegal within city limits, including at parks. Violators could face fines and jail time, particularly for releasing large quantities of balloons.

The ordinance mirrors legislation that stalled in the state legislature in January. The move comes as the city reaffirms its commitment to protecting waterways and the animals that live within or near it.

“We have a significant portion of marshland that we really need to be good stewards of and part of that is protecting it from unnecessary pollution, balloons are a part of that,” said Scott Marshall, Beaufort City Manager.

A study conducted by several county groups found that 97% of balloons released into the sky are later recovered on or near the county’s beaches, marshes, and wildlife areas.

“If we actually started to survey the entire state, those numbers would be tremendous. We are doing the right thing here,” said Jenn Clementoni, Executive Director of the Carolina Bight Birding Center.

While balloon releases are commonly used to celebrate accomplishments or remember deceased loved ones, city officials said enforcement will focus on preventing large-scale releases rather than targeting accidental losses.

“I think we have all gone to the store and bought a bouquet of balloons and one gets, I don’t think we will cite somebody for that happening. This will prevent the release of mass balloons,” Marshall said.

Clementoni said the ordinance creates a win-win situation for area wildlife and noted that safer alternatives exist for those who want to hold commemorative events.

“From blowing bubbles to planting native species there’s lots of alternatives that are much healthier for our environment,” she said.

The City of Beaufort plans to meet with other municipalities in the county next month to discuss passing similar ordinances in their areas. Officials hope the local action will inspire statewide legislation.

Beaufort joins several other states that have passed similar balloon release restrictions.

Alternatives that are safer than balloon releases can be found below:

Developers are looking to build an 859-acre data center campus near Walterboro, about 45 minutes north of downtown Beaufort, according to a public notice from Colleton County.

The proposed site would be the closest data center to Beaufort County to date. The large facilities, filled with rows of computer servers, data storage devices and networking equipment, are known for consuming high amounts of energy, leading to increases in power bills in surrounding areas more than an hour away.

At the same time, data centers form the backbone of digital services. Every time you send an email, stream a show, save a photo to the cloud, or ask a question to a chatbot, you’re relying on a data center.

Before any proposal moves forward, developers Thomas & Hutton and EagleRock must get a special approval from the county’s elected officials to allow construction on rurally-zoned land. The same developers withdrew an application for a Georgia data center this fall after significant public opposition.

A public hearing is set for Dec. 18, according to a public notice published on Dec. 4 in the Walterboro newspaper The Press & Standard.

What are data centers?

Data centers have been around for decades, but they’ve been expanding in recent years to support the use of generative AI models.

According to a recent report from the Pew Research Center, there is no federal registration requirement for data centers, so their estimated number varies. The Data Center Map estimates that the U.S. has more than 4,200 data centers, including 31 in South Carolina.

Data centers require a tremendous amount of energy to run and water to stay cool, prompting strong opposition from some communities. The centers need electricity to keep the systems running water to keep servers and equipment from overheating.

In areas where data centers are popping up in droves, energy bills are rising for surrounding communities more than an hour’s drive away.

The Walterboro data center proposal

Just south of Walterboro, developers Thomas & Hutton and EagleRock are seeking a county-approved special exception to allow a data center campus on the property. While the land is zoned for rural development, data centers are permitted under that zoning if granted an exception, according to the public notice issued by the county.

The property on Cooks Hill Road is owned by Weyerhaeuser Company, a major American timberland owner and forest products company. Property records indicate the land is currently vacant.

In recent months, the same developers withdrew their application for another proposed data center in Jones County, Georgia after facing significant pushback from local residents.

In October, Colleton County Council officials amended their land management ordinance to allow data centers to be built in specific zoning districts as a special exception, according to the council packet.

A public hearing for the special exception request will be held on Dec. 18 on the 3rd floor of the Colleton County’s Council at 109 Benson Street.

The Island Packet requested more information about the data center proposal from Colleton County’s zoning board and their chairman. They did not immediately respond to the request.

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - St. Helena Island residents voiced their concern about a proposed RV park coming to the island.

They attended the Beaufort County Design and Review Board meeting.

The project was attempting to get final approval for its design before going to the county council.

At this meeting, the board discussed the final design for the project and received comments from residents in the area, who had just learned about it and felt it could cause more harm than good to the island.

“We want our island to remain as it is,” One concerned resident said.

The RV Park would be located off Sea Island Parkway behind The Lowcountry Store.

A 100-plus lot park with a pavilion, pickleball courts, and other amenities.

One resident owns a horse farm that works with special needs children near the proposed location and claims it would create significant problems.

“Who is going to stop a child from crossing that piece of property and coming onto my yard?” Denise Bishop said. “Who is going to come up there and say, ‘Oh, I want to feed this horse carrots, apples, what have you?’ Then my horse colics.”

The project developer, John Trask, states that they will have personnel policing the property, and he will work with the property owners to reach a compromise on the other issues.

He was also asked if the land had a CPO, or Cultural Protection Overlay Zone, which aims to conserve the island and retain its heritage.

Trask and the board said the land did not.

“I am here to listen, aiming to try and accommodate people,” Trask said.

People also have concerns that the project could mess with wildlife in the area.

“How do we protect the marsh and wildlife from the chemicals that will be in the runoff?”

And neighbors worry the park could also add to the already busy roadway -- the only road that lets people on and off the island.

“Until there are two roads on and off this island, we should not be approving any development that assumes there are,” Willie Turral said.

Residents also questioned the board to see if the project would interfere with the island’s CPO, or cultural protected overlay Zone, which aims to conserve the island and retain its heritage.

The board tabled the final design vote on the RV Park.

They say that the developer didn’t make all the necessary changes the board asked him to make last time, and also recommended that he talk to residents about the project before bringing it back to the board.

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

The holiday season is here, and Beaufort has no shortage of festive events available to help everyone celebrate the season, beginning this week.

On Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., history comes alive in this interactive full-stage musical about the last Christmas before the Civil War. South Carolina has just seceded from the Union, talk of war is in the air and talk of freedom is spreading among servants in the Quarters. Tickets are available for purchase.

A Night on the Town – Downtown Beaufort

On Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Beaufort. Kick off the season with music, shopping, holiday treats, performances and Beaufort’s beloved Christmas tree lighting. Beaufort’s downtown streets come alive with cheer – perfect for making memories, strolling under the lights and supporting local shops.

Movie Night Meets Night on the Town – Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Pavilion

The fourth annual Christmas Double-Feature will begin at 6 p.m. and will end at 9 p.m. and will show the movies Elf and The Grinch.

14th Annual Nativity Celebration – 1201 North Street

On Dec. 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Dec. 7 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. the First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort will be holding their 14th Annual Nativity Celebration where they will be celebrating the Christmas story with more than 150 nativities from around the world. All ages are welcome to the free event.

Gullah Taste of Christmas – Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

On Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning at 11 a.m., at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park guests will be able to taste authentic Gullah cuisine and enjoy live holiday entertainment. Included in this event will be the Gullah Rice Cookoff.

The Polar Express – Port Royal Library

On Saturday, Dec. 6 from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., join Port Royal Library for a Santa meet and greet following a screening of the film.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Santa will be available for complimentary photos at Shellring Ale Works in Port Royal.

Light Up the Night Boat Parade – Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

On Saturday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort. Gather along the waterfront as brilliantly decorated boats glide across the Beaufort River in a dazzling procession of lights. Bring your chairs, your cocoa and your holiday spirit – this is a Beaufort favorite for a reason!

Hosted by Sprenger Health Care Port Royal and running from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Dec. 6, all are invited to the annual Breakfast with Santa where kids enjoy a magical morning filled with delicious food, fun games and photos with Santa himself.

Beginning at 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, the market will feature local vendors, food trucks, a visit and photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus and live holiday spirit on Bladen Street.

Christmas Parade – Downtown Beaufort

On Saturday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. in downtown Beaufort a festive lineup of floats, performers, community groups and of course Santa Claus, himself will make their way along the City of Beaufort’s traditional parade route with one small detour due to the construction at the intersection of Bay and Charles Streets. It’s one of Beaufort’s longest standing traditions and a joyful way to wrap up the weekend.

Mistletoe Market – The Beaufort Inn’s Tabby Place

Running from Thursday, Dec. 11 through Saturday, Dec. 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. each day, come sip, shop and support the local businesses that make Beaufort home. Shop local and support the local businesses that are feeling the impact of the ongoing construction downtown that is causing a shift in visitor patterns.

Jingle All the Way 5K – Coleman Hall (Building 2) of Technical College of the Lowcountry

Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 9 a.m. and hosted by the TCL PTA Club. The 5K run is open to all ages and all proceeds benefit TCL’s Physical Therapist Assistant program. There is a $30 donation per racer and deadline to register is Dec. 9 at www.tcl.edu/jingle.

Jingle Jammie Jam Dance Party – Revolution Ballroom

On Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 7 p.m. get cozy for some dance lessons, hot chocolate and cozy holiday PJ’s. Open to the public (18+), singles and couples are welcome. Admission is $20 at the door or online.

On Dec. 13, carts must be lined up at Helena Square by 5:45 p.m. and will head to Shellring after for the official After Party and Awards.

Free event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 in the Port Royal Pavillion. Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments and treats, facepainting and bounce houses.

On Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. join Santa at Mongolia Cafe for tea, house made soup and a chef curated savory and sweets tower. Reservations required. Call 843-816-8535 for more information.

Running through Dec. 27, the Cadd Family will be lighting up their area of Lady’s Island with their annual Christmas lights display. The display will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. except when it rains.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

On Dec. 31, at 9 p.m., bring in the New Year in downtown Beaufort at the Waterfront Park while watching fireworks along the Beaufort River.

Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at .

Three Beaufort County food businesses received B grades and one received a C grade in November’s health inspections conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. No locations in Jasper County received B or C grades this November.

Here is a rundown of the restaurants that received the lowest ratings and why they scored poorly:

Pedro’s Tacos & Tequila: 1742 Ribaut Road, Port Royal

Pedro’s Tacos & Tequila had a routine inspection on Nov. 18 and scored a 75% (C). Issues noted by inspectors included:

A reinspection is required within 10 days, but it has not occurred as of Dec. 1.

Jameson’s Charhouse: 671 Cypress Hill Drive, Bluffton

Jameson’s Charhouse had a routine inspection on Nov. 17 and scored an 83% (B). Issues noted by inspectors included:

Jameson’s Charhouse was reinspected on Nov. 24 and scored 100% (A).

Bowdie’s Chophouse: 11 Palmetto Bay Road Suite #104, Hilton Head

Bowdie’s Chophouse had a routine inspection on Nov. 18 and scored an 81% (B). Issues noted by inspectors included:

Bowdie’s Chophouse was reinspected on Nov. 25 and scored 100% (A).

Speedway #2879: 421 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head

Speedway had a routine inspection on Nov. 19 and scored an 84% (B). Issues noted by inspectors included:

Speedway was reinspected on Nov. 24 and scored 100% (A).

What the grades mean

Inspectors give restaurants a grade of A, B or C, depending on the conditions found at the time. Points are docked for various infractions, and restaurants have a chance to correct the problems and improve their score in a reinspection.

The grade scale is as follows:

In November, the SCDA recorded 196 inspections of restaurants, schools, stores, and other food establishments in Beaufort County and 31 in Jasper County.

The agency publishes the results of these health inspections on its website.

Newer food-grade decals include a QR code that customers can scan with their phones to see a food establishment’s latest report.

How to request an inspection

If there is an establishment for which you wish to request an inspection, you can submit a concern to the SCDA by filling out this Food Safety Complaint Form.

To learn more about how the grading system and inspections work, click here.