🌱 Can Gov. & USC Save Pritchards Island? + Top Golfer Retirement Spot

Hello, everybody. Lauren Kubiak here with your Friday edition of the Hilton Head Patch newsletter, full of all the community information you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Showers and a heavier thunderstorm. High: 79 Low: 60.
• Saturday: Showers and a heavier thunderstorm. High: 64 Low: 50.

Business owners and marketers in Hilton Head: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Hilton Head today:

1. The SC Senate is proposing funding for a USC-owned island that Gov. McMaster vowed to save and keep in state hands. The Rhodes family, who gifted Pritchards Island to the University of South Carolina, says that the school is "not living up to the agreements made" when the island was gifted, claiming it has sat mostly abandoned for the last 12 years as the shores are eroding away. If the stipulations of the contract are not met, the school could lose the island. The governor and school hope they can secure a $1.2 million fund from the legislature to allow them to meet those stipulations and live up to the agreements made. Otherwise, USC will look to get grants and other third-party funding and gifts to maintain the island. (Hilton Head Island Packet)
2. Hilton Head Island has been named one of the eight great places for golfers to retire by AARP. With more than two dozen golf courses in a 42-square-mile area, it makes it the perfect place for a golfer to reside. There have also been numerous PGA Tours and in general, has a great climate to do all kinds of recreational outdoor activities. (AARP)
3. Hilton Head Island is one of several communities in the state that has received the "Fire Safe South Carolina" designation. Designated communities continually work to reduce fire-related injuries in our state, thereby decreasing the risks for residents and firefighters. This is the fourth year in a row that Hilton Head has received the award. (Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue via Facebook)

From our sponsor:

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Easter Weekend Events in Hilton Head:

Saturday, April 8

• Bunny Bar Hop Starting At Breeze Bar (4:15 PM)

Sunday, April 9

• 13th Annual Easter Egg Hunt At 397 Squire Pope Road (11AM)

From my notebook:

• On Apr. 6th The Corner Perk Café opened on 45 Pembroke Drive, Suite 120. There was a ribbon cutting event that featured words from the mayor, and owners Josh & Kail Cooke. The Town of Hilton Head Island wishes them much success. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Facebook)
• Hilton Head Island announced that Pen Lee has been hired as an E-911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee with the town's Fire Rescue Team. Lee has a background in public safety and emergency response. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Twitter)

You're all caught up for today. As a heads up, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Easter holiday. You won’t be receiving a newsletter this Monday, but I’ll be back soon with your next update. In the meantime, have a great weekend!

— 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.