Hilton Head Monthly Connecting the Lowcountry 
HILTON HEAD MAYOR DAVID BENNETT REFLECTS ON TERM
Hilton Head Mayor David Bennett recently announced that he is not running for a second term, citing among other things the need “to fulfill my highest responsibilities — being a good husband and father.”
VOTERS TO DETERMINE FATE OF RURAL AND CRITICAL LANDS PROGRAM FUNDING
The pace of development in the Lowcountry can be measured in days, as wild wooded areas become construction sites practically overnight. The Beaufort County Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program protects Lowcountry land — including some of the area’s most gorgeous vistas — forever. In November, voters will be asked to approve or reject a bond referendum question that would provide $25 million in additional funding for the land-buying program.
HARDEEVILLE LEADERS TALK CITY PLANNING
Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams and city manager Michael Czymbor have nearly 60 years of local management experience between them. They say this wealth of experience will help guide the city through the looming development boom, and they are committed to growing the city while preserving its character, environmental integrity and quality of life.
Go in-depth with local officials, statistics, and landmarks
Bluffton Town Council member Fred Hamilton is a lifelong resident of Bluffton who sometimes can’t believe what has happened in his hometown. Born in 1959, he’s lived in Bluffton his whole life — minus a three-year stint in the Army. The town’s population growth in the last 15 years has exceeded anything he ever imagined.
RESIDENTIAL GROWTH PROJECTIONS
• City of Hardeeville: 5,800 residents to 28,000 in the next 10 years
• Ardmore New River Apartments: 248 additional units this year
• Sun City: additional 150 units a year for combined total of 750
• East Argent: 350 additional units a year through 2022 for a total of 1,750 units; 500 units per year from 2023 to 2028 for a total of 3,000 units — a combined total of 4,750 units
• University Park: 35 additional units per year through 2020 for a total of 105 units
• Hilton Head Lakes: 35 additional units this year; 85 more units per year from 2019 to 2022; 50 units per year from 2023 to 2024; a combined total of 475 units
MICHAEL COVERT ENJOYS GIVING BACK TO THE LOWCOUNTRY
Since moving to Bluffton in 1996, Michael Covert has dedicated himself to the community. The owner of Covert Aire, he represents Bluffton on Beaufort County Council — a position he became interested in after serving as a capital improvement sales tax commissioner.
GRUBER TAKES THE REINS AS HILTON HEAD’S NEW ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER
Joshua A. Gruber, Hilton Head Island’s new assistant town manager, is settling into his job, determined to build on a legacy left by his predecessor.
Go from day to night at Copper Penny.
We received 102 submissions this year! Below are our finalists. To see the full gallery of this year's entries, please go to our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/hiltonheadmonthly. Thank you to everyone who participated!
