🌱 Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash + New Community Engagement Coordinator

Good morning. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Hilton Head Patch newsletter — here to tell you all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm. High: 93 Low: 77.
• Wednesday: Humid with clouds and sun. High: 93 Low: 76.

Here are the top three stories in Hilton Head today:

1. A fatal multiple-vehicle crash in nearby Bluffton is being investigated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 278 and Buckwalter Parkway on a Sunday evening, resulting in the death of a Honda motorcycle rider, the entrapment of a Mercedes SUV driver who was later transported to Memorial Health, and a Toyota sedan driver receiving treatment at the same hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. While other vehicles had minor damage, their occupants did not need medical attention. (WSAV-TV)
2. Karen Bazzano has been named the new community engagement coordinator for Hilton Head Island, bringing over 20 years of experience from key roles in education and corporate settings. Previously holding positions like executive assistant to the Superintendent of Schools and executive assistant to the Director of Health, Bazzano's diverse background also includes corporate experience. Her expertise is expected to greatly contribute to community engagement initiatives. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Facebook)
3. According to Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, both hotels and short-term rentals have experienced a remarkable boost in revenue, with hotels seeing a 12 percent increase and short-term rentals enjoying a 35 percent rise, especially in coastal areas like Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head. The success is attributed to factors like outdoor recreational options, including beaches and golf, attracting travelers who are eager to explore again after the pandemic. Local Airbnb owner Sue Dahlstron confirms this trend, noting a diverse range of visitors, from golfers and bachelor parties to summer vacationers, contributing to her townhome's average nightly rent of $375 on Hilton Head Island. (WJCL News Savannah)

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Today and tomorrow in Hilton Head:

Tuesday, August 8

• Summer Jams And Fireworks At Shelter Cove Towne Centre (6:00 PM)

Wednesday, August 9

• Live Music From Mike Kavanaugh At Fishcamp On Broad Creek (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Don't forget the upcoming Strategic Action Plan Workshop on Aug. 9 at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, where you can learn about the latest developments, progress, and future plans for Hilton Head Island's strategic initiatives. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Facebook)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Hilton Head area! Get all the property details at the link. (Hilton Head Patch)
• A missing 18-year-old, Nadre Cunningham, was located by deputies in Beaufort County on Sunday, safe and unharmed. He was last seen walking near Lands End Road and Athens Lane on Saint Helena Island at 2:00 a.m. the previous Saturday, as reported by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. (Subscription: Hilton Head Island Packet)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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.