Duct Cleaning in Hilton Head Island, SC

With plans to establish a new headquarters for its fire department, the Town of Hilton Head Island is seeking to purchase land from a disgraced local lawyer who’s nearing the end of his federal prison sentence.

The town plans to purchase two properties totaling 3.16 acres at 9 and 10 Park Lane, located off U.S. 278 near the entrance to Long Cove Club.

Town spokesperson Heather Woolwine said a deal was anticipated later this month for 10 Park Lane for around $5,950,000. Officials hoped to close on 9 Park Lane in January for an estimated $1,750,000.

10 Park Lane is owned by a company belonging to Peter J. Strauss, founder of the Strauss Law Firm and several other businesses that were housed in the 33,216-square-foot building on southeast Hilton Head. His law firm specialized in estate and tax planning, asset protection and captive insurance solutions.

The space would be repurposed into a new headquarters building for Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue, housing its administrative offices, emergency operations center and dispatch services into a single location. Across the street, the restaurant building at 9 Park Lane — currently Nick’s Steak and Seafood — would be demolished for “open space and parking to support Fire Rescue operations,” according to an October news release from the town.

Strauss was sentenced in February for hiding millions of dollars for his Californian clients, Jeff and Paulette Carpoff, who were convicted of running a grand money laundering scheme through a solar energy company. The lawyer pleaded guilty to knowingly receiving the Carpoffs’ funds in order to impair the government’s investigation of the couple.

He was sentenced in February to nine months in federal prison, which was later reduced to eight months. A judge ordered him to pay a $40,000 fine and $2.7 million in restitution.

Inmate records show Strauss is set to be released Dec. 15 from federal custody. He is currently at a residential reentry center, or halfway house, in Atlanta.

After 21 years of operation, Nick’s Steak and Seafood announced it would close its doors starting Dec. 13. Its owners confirmed the town is planning to purchase the property.

Woolwine said the building at 10 Park Lane meets the needs of Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue and would “improve visibility” for the agency with a more accessible location. Its current headquarters lies off Dillon Road, east of the Hilton Head Island Airport.

Cost estimates are still in progress for renovations to the two properties. 10 Park Lane requires the installation of a generator and “minor modifications” to accommodate a dispatch center, according to Woolwine.

At 9 Park Lane, crews will need to demolish the building and a portion of the parking area. The remaining parking space will be “improved” to support the new headquarters building.

The Deep Well Project, a nonprofit beneficiary of the RBC Heritage tournament, received the honor during a staff outing where volunteers were repairing a local resident’s home.

Founded in 1973 to provide clean drinking water on Hilton Head Island, the organization now focuses on housing assistance for the island’s workforce. The Deep Well Project operates two main programs: Emergency Rent/Mortgage assistance and Livable Housing Home Repair.

Emergency housing assistance

The Emergency Rent/Mortgage Program pays all or part of housing costs for residents who have experienced unexpected income loss or expenses that put them at risk of homelessness. In the first 10 months of 2024, the program paid $516,000 in rent and mortgage payments, helping 1,600 people, according to the organization.

The Livable Housing Home Repair Program conducts repairs on local homes to ensure safety. The organization has repaired 100 homes this year and expects to complete 10-15 more by the end of 2025.

“Decent and affordable housing for neighbors who comprise our workforce is a challenge across the country, but it’s especially concerning in resort areas like Hilton Head Island,” said Sandy Gillis, executive director of the Deep Well Project. “Land costs are high, and when you’re a barrier island, expansion isn’t an option.”

The award includes a $30,000 grant from the PGA TOUR that will support both housing programs.

The Heritage Classic Foundation, the RBC Heritage’s charitable arm, supports more than 90 local charities divided into six categories. The Deep Well Project falls under the Health and Welfare category. Since 1987, the foundation has donated $59.5 million to South Carolina and Georgia charities.

“This recognition reflects the incredible impact The Deep Well Project has made in our community,” said Steve Wilmot, president and tournament director of the RBC Heritage.

The PGA TOUR assists approximately 3,000 charities annually with support from more than 100,000 volunteers. Tournaments across all tours have generated more than $4 billion for charitable causes.

Copyright 2025 WTOC. All rights reserved.

Return to the full list of the best dog-friendly places to go in 2026

Hilton Head Island’s extensive network of paved trails — more than 60 miles stretch from one side to the other of the shoe-shaped island just off South Carolina — lets travelers walk or bike beside their dogs from resort areas to beaches including Coligny Beach Park and Alder Lane. Dogs are generally welcome on beaches before 10 AM and after 5 PM in summer months, and all day during the off-season. Mitchelville Freedom Park, on the island’s north end, is a local hotspot (and by local, we mean local pups), ideal for a bit of festive frolicking beneath the Spanish moss.

In the grand tradition of coastal enclaves, outdoor dining is central to Hilton Head’s social vibe, and many restaurants accommodate dogs with shaded patios and water bowls. Start by having lunch at Skull Creek Boathouse overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, one of the island’s oldest waterfront restaurants, also welcomes pets, as does the laid-back Black Marlin Bayside Grill near Palmetto Bay Marina (a bonus win as the spot has the island’s best brunch). Cafe lounging con perros is also a common activity here, particularly at Java Burrito Company and Carolina Coffee & Crumbs.

Coastal Discovery Museum’s open fields and walking trails are dog-friendly, and the weekly Farmers Market held there welcomes leashed dogs (as does Hilton Head Brewing Company). Chaplin Community Park includes a large fenced dog park shaded by pines, and nearby Burkes Beach is an ideal spot for a late-afternoon walk.

Active pups can also join in on mellow water adventures in Hilton Head, from gliding past marshes in a kayak to riding along in a bike basket en route to a sunset shoreline stroll. Between trail time, beach play, and the chance to socialize at dog parks and patios, most dogs end up happily worn out by day’s end—leaving their humans free to enjoy a quiet evening while their four-legged companions snooze contentedly at their feet.

“This place is insanely dog friendly,” says Charlie Clark, VP of Communications at the Hilton Head Island‑Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. “It’s not unusual to have dog friendly pup cups at restaurants and water bowls brought to the table with drinks. One of our restaurants has its own dog menu (the Southern Barrel ‘Barking’ Co.), with ‘Mosey’s Meaty Munchies’ — a mix of brisket, diced chicken, shrimp and bacon, dog appetizers, and even dessert with a fruity frozen ‘dogsicle.'”

The best dog-friendly hotels in Hilton Head

Hilton Head is pretty dog friendly overall, though you could say it favors smaller dogs. Many hotels are dog-friendly, but may have limits that favor small and medium pups, usually capping around 40 pounds or so. But there’s also a huge pool of pet-friendly rentals, condos, and vacation homes that accept large dogs or don’t cap size at all, sometimes even welcoming multiple pets.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Beach House offers the beachside access of the island’s bigger resorts but maintains more of a laid-back vibe, as evidenced in the extensive cocktail menu at the bar — and the fact that you can sit and enjoy that drink overlooking the water, without an endless stream of people interrupting your view. Dogs also appreciate this setting, where they’re welcomed with special dog-walking and relief area.

If your pup is on the smaller side, Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is a great pick. The hotel welcomes dogs up to 40 pounds, and dogs are welcomed with treats and pet supplies. The hotel is in an excellent location both for walking to grassy areas and for humans who want to walk to the beach. There’s also a sprawling pool area (pups not allowed in the pool, of course).

All-suite and centrally located, this property suits dog owners with kitchen-equipped rooms, easy access to island trails, and generous pet policies. Dogs up to 75 pounds are welcomed, with dog stations, reasonable fees, and convenient ground-floor access for quick walks.

Harris Teeter is expanding its footprint with plans to open three new stores in the Palmetto State, bringing new jobs and added shopping to communities in Clemson, Lake Wylie and Fort Mill.

While official opening dates have not been announced, construction of the Fort Mill and Lake Wylie locations is set to begin soon.

The locations in Clemson and Lake Wylie will be the company’s first in those communities, while the Fort Mill project will become Harris Teeter’s fourth store in the York County area.

All three stores will offer amenities, including a Starbucks, pick-up options and Harris Teeter’s signature features like the Murray’s Cheese bar and Asian hot bar.

Shoppers are also expected to see a fresh, modern store design, along with fuel centers and pharmacies equipped with drive-thru service.

And while every location provides produce, meat, seafood, deli and floral departments, here’s what to know about each store:

Clemson

In Clemson, Harris Teeter will establish its first local presence with a store planned for 501 Old Greenville Highway.

Construction on the 53,000-square-foot supermarket is expected to begin in spring 2026, and the company anticipates creating between 100 and 200 retail jobs.

Lake Wylie

Lake Wylie will also see its first Harris Teeter store, located in the WestLake Village development at State Highway 55 and S.C. 49.

Construction is slated to begin this winter, with the new store expected to generate 100 to 200 jobs for the area.

At 61,000 square feet, this supermarket will also offer a full-service wine and beer bar.

Fort Mill

In Fort Mill, Harris Teeter is adding a long-awaited fourth location at Dobys Bridge Road and Fort Mill Parkway in the Catawba Ridge Market development.

Construction is expected to begin soon.

Like the other planned stores, the new Fort Mill location is projected to create 100 to 200 jobs and will span 61,000 square feet. It will include a full-service wine and beer bar.

From baking cookies and watching holiday movies to gathering with loved ones, the holiday season brings countless traditions.

But a fan favorite — and often beloved family tradition — is decorating and seeing festive lights.

Here are some fan-favorite locations across Beaufort County to visit Christmas lights and displays this holiday season.

But, if we missed a spot, let us know by filling out this Google Form, and we’ll get it added to the list. Folks may also email their favorite Christmas light display suggestions to amiller@islandpacket.com.

Hilton Head

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

With over 125,000 lights, Shelter Cove has all the holiday decorations for a Lowcountry-themed holiday. Folks can stroll the entire boardwalk to enjoy Christmas decor until Jan. 4, 2026. This display is located at 1 Shelter Cove Lane.

Fire Rescue Station #3

Hilton Head Fire Station #3 officially plugged in its holiday lights on Nov. 30. Located at 534 William Hilton Parkway, the fire station has been lighting up the island for years.

Dove Street Display

This annual display is located right off North Forest Beach, near the Coligny Circle. It’s beloved for its over-the-top decorations and easy drive-by experience. The lights are usually up until the end of December.

Harbour Town

Stroll through one of the most iconic spots on the island with the signature lighthouse, shops and dining locations all while enjoying an array of holiday lights, decorations and a Christmas tree. Located at 149 Lighthouse Road and available through Jan. 1, 2026.

Hilton Head Tree Lighting

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, folks will be able to watch the 30-foot Christmas tree come to life at Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue.

Beaufort, Port Royal & Lady’s Island

Cadd Family Holiday Light Display

Starting at 5:30 p.m. every night through Dec. 27, the Cadd family has been spreading holiday cheer across Lady’s Island. Located at 66 Springfield Road, this display features a walking area, music or just an easy drive-by experience.

Port Royal Tree Lighting

Watch the sky come to life at 1214 Paris Avenue on Dec. 3 with the annual Port Royal tree lighting beginning at 6 p.m.

Beaufort’s Night on the Town

With a handful of holiday activities, music and food, this event also marks the official tree lighting to kick off the holiday season. Begins at 6 p.m. on Dec. 5 at 1301 Bay Street.

Bluffton

Bluffton Christmas Tree Lighting

Starting at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, folks can watch Bluffton’s Christmas tree come to life at Martin Family Park, located at 68 Boundary Street. Santa’s Workshop and a movie showing will follow.