🌱 New Traffic Lights At Windmill Harbour + Loggerhead Turtle Release

Hey, everybody! It's Saturday in Hilton Head and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Pleasant with clouds and sun. High: 83 Low: 69.
• Sunday: Sunny and pleasant. High: 85 Low: 68.

Here are the top three stories in Hilton Head today:

1. Tropical Storm Ophelia will hit neighboring North Carolina today, Sep. 23 but according to meteorologists, South Carolina will likely be spared from the severe impacts of the storm. Gusty winds, strong rip currents, and high surf will affect the Lowcountry, with Beaufort County seeing wind gusts up to 33 mph today. The storm is expected to curve more northward over the weekend—however, locals will need to watch closely for real-time updates. (Subscription: Hilton Head Island Packet)
2. A new traffic light is being installed at the Windmill Harbour Intersection along Highway 278, which will help deter collisions at the intersection. Construction in the area will take place in the evenings, where the signals will be set on flash. The traffic lights should be fully operational within two weeks. (WJCL News Savannah)
3. Tybee Island Marine Science Center will release a loggerhead sea turtle named “Ike" back into the ocean today, Sep. 23 on nearby Tybee Island. The Center kept Ike after he refused to leave his nest after hatching. However, Saturday is the day he returns to his natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean. The public is invited to watch Ike's launch at the Marine Center. (WSAV)

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Today and tomorrow in Hilton Head:

Saturday, September 23

• Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival At Harbour Town (1:00 PM)

Sunday, September 24

• Alexander's Cooking Demo: Shrimp & Grits At Alexander's Restaurant & Wine Bar (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new career that serves your community? Mark your calendars for the first-ever multi-agency "Women in Law Enforcement Recruiting Event," taking place Oct. 28 at the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. Several county agencies with open positions will be on-site recruiting quality candidates interested in the law enforcement profession. Sign up online today. (Beaufort County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Attention, students, families, and staff in the Beaufort County community: you are invited to participate in the district's Rebranding Survey. Share your thoughts and opinions online, through Sep. 29. (Beaufort County School District via Facebook)
• Applying to college? Check out a free workshop by the Lowcountry Scholarship Group that will provide high school students with valuable information on the process of finding and applying for scholarships. The event will take place on Oct. 7. (Lowcountry Scholarship Group via Facebook)

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That's it 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.