🌱 8K Beaufort Co. Homes Lose Power + National Lifeguard Championships

Hey, neighbors. Lauren Kubiak here with your Thursday edition of the Hilton Head Patch newsletter, full of all the local information you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Partly sunny and humid. High: 95 Low: 79.
• Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m.. High: 93 Low: 76.

Here are the top three stories today in Hilton Head:

1. Following a severe thunderstorm warning issued by the National Weather Service, a rapid increase in power outages affected thousands of homes in Beaufort County on Tuesday evening; the Palmetto Electric Cooperative reported over 8,000 customers were affected, primarily due to a fallen tree on a transmission line. Although most outages were resolved within an hour or two, nearly 2,000 Dominion Energy customers were still awaiting power restoration nearly three hours after the storm began. The severe thunderstorm brought 60 miles-per-hour wind gusts and hail, triggering warnings and advisories in Beaufort and Jasper counties. (Subscription: Hilton Head Island Packet)
2. Hilton Head Island lifeguards Leonardo Trevisan and Jan Hanzal are preparing to participate in the National Lifeguard Championships in Virginia Beach from Thursday to Saturday. With rigorous training from the gym and Shore Beach Services, they feel well-equipped for the challenging individual and relay events. Trevisan and Hanzal are excited to showcase their skills on a national stage, despite the different water conditions in Virginia Beach compared to Hilton Head Island. (WJCL News Savannah)
3. Tourists have been bolstering the Hilton Head Island economy throughout the summer, with small businesses thriving, particularly in areas like Shelter Cove, which experience a slight slowdown in August due to back-to-school activities. Despite a slight dip in comparison to the peak summer months, local spots are still busier than the rest of the year, showing a 42 percent increase in rates and an 11 percent rise in occupancy compared to pre-pandemic levels, although not reaching the exceptional numbers of 2022 when international travel options were limited. (WTOC)

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Today and tomorrow in Hilton Head:

Thursday, August 10

• Parrot Palooza With Shannon Tanner & The Oyster Reefers At Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina (7:00 PM)

Friday, August 11

• Sunset Celebration At Shelter Cove Community Park (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Hilton Head Island has created a Stormwater Management Program to enhance water quality. You can learn more about the initiative here. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Facebook)
• The Sea Pines Resort is putting on its fourth annual Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival on Sep. 23, featuring shrimp dishes by local chefs, craft beers from various breweries, live music, and a Kid Zone. For more information and ticket prices, visit the link. (Eventbrite)
• Family Fishing Nights will return on Aug. 25 at the Rowing & Sailing Center at 5:00 p.m. Registration for the event is required. (Hilton Head Island Recreation Center)

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Featured gigs & services:

• As temperatures rise, so does roach activity! (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you around.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.