🌱 Town Council Approves 2024 Budget + No Golf Course For St. Helena

Morning, Hilton Head! It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Patch newsletter. Come along to find out the most important things going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Not as warm, turning breezy. High: 79 Low: 69.
• Thursday: A couple of showers. High: 78 Low: 67.

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 Hilton Head Island Town Council has given unanimous approval to the initial reading of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024. The budget, amounting to almost $130 million, maintains a balanced approach with no tax hikes and allocates funds for key investments like beach renourishment, park enhancements, and a comprehensive Capital Improvement Program. Anticipated revenue from accommodations tax and business licenses will support improvements in public services, including the fire department, as well as the hiring of more personnel. (WSAV 3)
2. In a 9-2 vote, the Beaufort County Council has approved strengthening the cultural protection overlay (CPO) on nearby St. Helena Island, aiming to provide stronger zoning regulations against golf courses and gated communities that dominate the surrounding area. The final decision was met with applause from island residents who attended the meeting wearing stickers advocating for the protection of St. Helena and against golf resorts. The debate over the CPO reflects the community's desire to preserve the island's rural character and the Gullah Geechee culture rooted in its history of African enslavement and plantation work. (Yahoo News)
3. The Original Gullah Festival, a 37-year-old event, will be held nearby in downtown Beaufort from May 26 to May 28. This festival celebrates the Gullah Geechee heritage of the Sea Islands and seeks to preserve the rich Gullah culture and honor the descendants of enslaved Africans in the region. Visitors can participate in cultural activities, savor traditional cuisine, explore arts and crafts exhibits, enjoy music and workshops, and witness captivating Gullah dancing. The festival draws a crowd of over 40,000 attendees from both local and international communities. (Explore Beaufort)

From our sponsor:

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Today and tomorrow in and around Hilton Head:

Wednesday, May 10:

• Root And Bloom Market At Martin Family Park In Bluffton (2:00 PM)
• Half Off Bottles Of Wine At Lucky Rooster (4:00 PM)

Thursday, May 11:

• Coffee And Conversation At FPCHHI (9:30 AM)
• Live Music At Hurricane Bar (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• For over four decades, Mayfest, also known as the Bluffton Village Festival, has been a beloved tradition in nearby Bluffton. Originating as a small arts and crafts festival in 1978, it has evolved into the town's premier annual event, attracting a large number of visitors from the region. Presented by The Rotary Club of Bluffton, the festival offers live music, a diverse selection of food vendors, talented artists, and free admission, creating a lively and eagerly anticipated community celebration. (Cast And Grey)
• In observance of Hurricane Preparedness Month, the Town of Hilton Head Island is committed to raising awareness among residents and visitors about the range of natural disasters that can affect the area. Living on the Southeast Coast entails risks not only from hurricanes but also from other potentially catastrophic events such as earthquakes, flooding, tornadoes, and tsunamis. To ensure preparedness for the upcoming hurricane season, the town encourages everyone to visit their website's Guide to Emergency Preparedness. (Town Of Hilton Head Island Government Via Facebook)
• Experience the return of Music & Taste on the Harbour for the spring season, featuring two Shelter Cove Harbour restaurants offering specially-priced light appetizers, wine, beer, and cocktails around Neptune. Remember to bring your own chairs as seating is limited. The event is free, and a canned good donation for the Deep Well Project is greatly appreciated. (Welcome To Shelter Cove)

You're officially in the loop 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.