🌱 HHI Local Fighting To Save Home + Beaufort Co. Free Meals

Hello there, Hilton Head. I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-shower. High: 91 Low: 76.
• Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 90 Low: 77.

Here are the top three stories in Hilton Head today:

1. A 93-year-old woman named Josephine Wright, who is fighting to save her family home in Hilton Head Island, has received support from multiple celebrities. Developers are attempting to acquire her land to develop 27 acres around her property, and they filed a lawsuit against her. Celebrities like Tyler Perry, Snoop Dogg, and NBA player Kyrie Irving have stepped up to help Wright by making substantial donations to her GoFundMe page, raising nearly $270,000 of her $350,000 goal. (WSB 95.5)
2. The Beaufort County school system is now part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, providing free breakfast and lunches for schools with high percentages of students from low-income families. This federal program helps ensure that kids in school have access to nutritious meals. Over 6,000 students in the district are now eligible for free meals through the CEP program, with no direct application process required, making it more accessible for families in need. (WSAV)
3. The Lowcountry hospitals and healthcare facilities are facing a serious nurse shortage, with over 100 unfilled RN positions on the island and over 500 within a 25-mile radius. The South Carolina Nurse Retention Initiative aims to address this issue by offering scholarships of up to $12,000 for BSN nurses and up to $6,000 for associate degree nurses to encourage them to stay and work in the area. The initiative is seeking support from the community to fill the need and ensure high-quality healthcare is accessible to everyone in Beaufort County. (WJCL)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Hilton Head:

Wednesday, July 26

• Summer Story Times: Ages 3-5 At 311 Scott St, Beaufort (10:00 AM)
• Live Music From Mike Kavanaugh At Fishcamp On Broadcreek (6:00 PM)

Thursday, July 27

• Farmers Market At Martin Family Park, Bluffton (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Beaufort County is hiring network administrators. You can learn more here. (Beaufort County Government SC via Facebook)
• The Cross Island Boat Landing located at 68 Helmsman Way in Hilton Head Island will remain open for public use and recreational boating. The Town of Hilton Head Island is in the process of transferring ownership of the boat landing to Beaufort County, and Beaufort County is committed to keeping it accessible to the public for use as a boat landing, including its parking areas. There was misinformation circulating on social media and within the community about the closure, but the authorities have clarified that the boat landing will continue to be available for public use. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Facebook)
• Hilton Head Island is gearing up for the 360/40 celebrations, and the community is invited to join in on the festivities. Town Council Member, Mrs. Patsy Brison, extends a warm invitation to everyone to be a part of this special occasion, featuring captivating performances and delicious treats. The event promises something for everyone to enjoy, and the community is encouraged to spread the word and make this milestone celebration even more special by attending. For more information, visit here. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Facebook)

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Featured gigs & services:

• Calling all homeowners! Are you dealing with uninvited guests chewing through your home? (Details)
• Add your gig or service

That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early 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.