The town of Hilton Head ended its contract with Critter Management after investigating an incident where the company removed an alligator from the Legendary Golf property in May Critter Management will not lose its business license because the town did not find proof that the company broke the law. In a statement, the town said alligators found on private property in the island will not be removed by using town-issued tags. “The Town has previously, and continues to, vehemently condemn the treatment of this alligator after it had been secured by Critter Management,” the statement said. Critter Management owner Joe Maffo and his staff can still wrangle gators, as long as his clients secure a tag from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources themselves.
News
Reduce risk by buying flood insurance
Hurricane season is here and with it comes risk of flooding. Ray Farmer, the Director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance, urges consumers to consider buying flood insurance, even if it is not mandatory where they live. He said 20 percent of the National Flood Insurance Program’s flood claims come from consumers who live in areas that are not considered high-risk flood areas. In the last 10 years, flooding cost the U.S. $40.3 billion in damages according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and through some private insurance companies.
Breeze trolleys resume with free rides
The Breeze trolleys serving Hilton Head Island resumed services June 22. The route, service hours and stops are the same as last year, but the rides are free. To contain the spread of COVID19, The Breeze is implementing safety precautions, including frequent cleaning and disinfecting of the trolleys; passengers will board in front and exit through the back door; hand sanitizers will be provided; and passengers are encouraged to wear facial coverings.
Beaufort Memorial Adds Palmetto Medical Group
Palmetto Medical Group, a Bluffton primary care practice established in 2008, has joined Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s (BMH) growing network of health care providers serving patients south of the Broad. The board-certified providers, who include Internist Dr. Scott Cummings, family medicine physicians Drs. Lynn Goetze and Kamal Patel, physician assistants Stephanie Lovato and Erica Roper, and family nurse practitioner Jennifer Stokes, became members of Beaufort Memorial Physician Partners effective July 1. The practice, which has been renamed Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group, will remain at its current location at 4818 Bluffton Parkway.
The Ambassadors
Team RBC was established in 2009 and is comprised of 18 elite male and female golfers who embody the pinnacle of golf performance, said Heritage Classic Foundation marketing and communications Director Angela McSwain. “These ambassadors support RBC's client-hosting experiences and marketing initiatives and also display RBC branding on their apparel and golf bags,” she said.
These are a few of the ambassadors who will be playing at the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing this year.
Teeing Off
PAN WILL FIGHT TO KEEP HIS TITLE AT RBC HERITAGE TOURNAMENT
C.T. Pan will defend his title at the 52nd RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. The June 18-21 tournament is at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island.
He’ll face Rory McIlroy, the No. 1 player in the world, among a number of formidable rivals. McIlroy last competed in the Heritage in 2009 when he finished 58th.
The RBC Heritage PRESENTED BY BOEING
The RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing will take place June 18-21 at Harbour Town Golf Links. This year’s tournament will be a made-for-TV event as it will be conducted without spectators and the traditional activities that surround the event. Watch all the action on the Golf Channel and CBS, which will bring the tournament to households worldwide. The PGA Tour staff worked with federal and state public health officials to implement a layered safety approach, including comprehensive testing, enhanced hygiene and social distancing guidelines. Beginning June 1, the Heritage Classic Foundation will begin to rope and stake the entire perimeter of Harbour Town Golf Links.
Making the Best of Learning at Home
LOCAL STUDENTS REFLECT ON THEIR TIME IN ISOLATION
Spreading sunshine by writing letters
BY BROOKE SIMONS
The saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” In this time of uncertainty and unknowns, I’ve tried my best to make lemonade.
Community Connection
ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER OPENS BLUFFTON CAMPUS
St. Joseph’s/Candler has opened a campus on Buckwalter Place in Bluffton. Phase I of the 40,000-square-foot complex has an emphasis on oncology and an expansion of medical and radiation oncology services. It features state-of-the-art medical equipment and a linear accelerator for advanced radiation treatments. Phase 2 will expand primary care, specialty care, imaging and other medical services.
Palmetto Electric Provides Aid With Give 5 Initiative
Palmetto Electric plans to help residents in Hampton, Jasper and southern Beaufort counties through a voluntary initiative called Give 5. The effort will assist those faced with growing rent, mortgage, food and utility bills because of economic hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Palmetto Electric asks members to pledge a voluntary tax-deductible donation of at least $5 to their electric bill for one month.
