🌱 Future Work-Force Housing + Former Director Of Wellness Retaliates

Hello there, Hilton Head. I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 91 Low: 77.
• Sunday: Humid with a stray t-storm. High: 87 Low: 77.

Here are the top three stories in Hilton Head today:

1. Hilton Head's reliance on tourism, which generates around $1 billion annually, is facing challenges due to the lack of affordable housing for its workforce. The town council has taken initial steps to allocate 20 percent of the redevelopment near Sea Pines Circle for workforce housing, aiming to provide affordable accommodations for employees struggling with high rents. SERG Group, which operates numerous restaurants in the area, including Hilton Head, has invested in a project that proposes allocating 132 units, including student housing and affordable units for workers making 60-120 percent of the area's average income, with the plan receiving support from other major employers and awaiting further approval. (WTOC)
2. The former director of wellness for Beaufort County, Lisa Lynch, addressed the County Council recently about her tumultuous experience and unjustified termination. Lynch claimed she faced maltreatment from county administration for three months, which she believed was retaliation for filing a sexual harassment complaint against former County Administrator Eric Greenway shortly after starting her role. She asserted that her termination was a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and urged the council to take action to prevent such incidents from happening again. Greenway, who was placed on paid administrative leave and then fired, has requested a public hearing to contest the stated reasons for his termination. (Post & Courier)
3. Hilton Head local, Wayne Beckley, the owner of Merlot Skin Care, a women's skincare cosmetics company, faced a surplus of 50,000 discontinued product tubes and decided to repurpose them. Drawing inspiration from his passion for golf, he created a new product called ArmSync to help golfers improve their swing by maintaining arm-body connection. The product has gained traction among golf professionals, aligning with Beckley's concern for the environment and plastic waste reduction. (WTOC)

Calling Hilton Head business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships.

Today and tomorrow in Hilton Head:

Saturday, August 19

• Hilton Head Community Market At Shelter Cove Community Park (9:30 AM)
• Live Music At Lincoln & South (6:00 PM)

Sunday, August 20

• Jevon Daly Kid’s Show - Coligny Summer Music At Coligny Circle (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Hilton Head Island is celebrating 40 years of memories! Click here to learn more and find out how to participate. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Facebook)
• Mitchelville on Hilton Head Island is the first Freedman's Village established during the Civil War, playing a crucial role in preserving the deep Gullah culture over generations. In honor of Hilton Head Island's 360/40 Celebration, which commemorates the town's 360 years and the 40th anniversary of its incorporation, Ahmad Ward, executive director of Mitchelville Freedom Park, discussed the latest developments at the park and its significance. (Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• Did you know South Carolina designated the Carolina wolf spider as its official state spider in 2000? It's the largest of its species in the state and is known for its large size, hairy appearance, and fast movements. The designation of the state spider was initially suggested by a third-grade student named Skyler B. Hutto, and it's one of two states recognizing spiders as official state symbols. (The Island Packet)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (August 22)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Buckwalter Recreation Center (August 23)
• Add your event

Featured gigs & services:

• As temperatures rise, so does roach activity! (Details)
• Add your gig or service

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door this Saturday! I'll be back in your inbox soon with another update.

— 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.