Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that modern Americans are much fatter than they were just a few decades ago. Take one look around a shopping center or strip mall and it seems that half the people present are struggling with obesity. Recent data from the CDC supports those observations - more than 39% of adults in the United States were considered obese from 2015-2016. That number is up from 33.7 percent in 2007-2008.
Perhaps more alarming is the fact that severe obesity is on the rise as well. The same report from the CDC tells us that nearly 8% of Americans were severely obese from 2015-2016, which is up from 5.7% in 2007-2008. When you read between the lines, those statistics mean that almost 4 in 10 adults are obese in the U.S., and almost 1 in 13 are severely obese.
Unfortunately, "fixing" obesity isn't something that can be done overnight. There is no quick fix that is also safe and non-surgical. The obesity problem in the U.S. is only getting worse as more adults and children choose the ease and convenience of fast food sugar-packed products over healthy eating, exercise, and positive lifestyle choices.
Besides the challenges of being overweight, like clothes that don't fit and hurtful comments, the health risks are much more serious. Obesity can endanger your life, and those who rely on you may lose you earlier than expected. Over time, the likelihood of developing severe and life-altering health problems grows.
The good news is that a new medication called semaglutide in Beaufort, SC, is available for people struggling with obesity. This game-changing treatment approaches obesity as a chronic metabolic disease rather than a problem that can be solved through willpower alone.
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we now ioffer semaglutide as part of our custom weight loss program. If you've been struggling with obesity and have tried other diets with little to no success, don't lose hope. With the help of our medical and nutritional providers, you can lose weight, keep it off, and take meaningful steps toward better health.
Our weight loss program with semaglutide starts with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation process. During this phase, we will determine the ideal semaglutide dosage for you and provide personalized nutrition and exercise guidelines. Once we have a better understanding of your body and your weight loss goals, you'll begin receiving regular injections of semaglutide in Beaufort, SC.
It's your responsibility to incorporate lifestyle changes, specifically in your diet and exercise, to reach your weight loss goals. However, we'll be there every step of the way and conduct regular check-ins to help you stay on course. We'll also closely monitor your progress and overall health to ensure that your weight loss is safe and sustainable. The purpose of our semaglutide weight loss program is to offer a comprehensive weight loss treatment that helps you achieve natural, long-lasting results. That's the VIP Cosmetic Surgery difference.
Patients who sign up for our semaglutide weight loss program benefit from the following:
For semaglutide to have the biggest impact on your weight, you've got to make changes to your diet. When you eat nutrient-dense, whole foods that support weight loss and healthy living, you're setting yourself up for long-term weight loss. Our nutrition plans are comprehensive and customized to your needs and lifestyle. That way, when you're ready to make real changes in your life, we'll be there with a nutrition plan you can follow to make the journey easier and more sustainable.
One of the biggest reasons why people fail to achieve their weight loss goals is because they try to do it all on their own. When you sign up for VIP Cosmetic Surgery's semaglutide program, you benefit from monthly check-ins with Dr. Farr to see how your progress is going. During this meeting, you can talk to the doctor about your progress and what hurdles you're still trying to overcome. The doctor will give you advice and guidance based on his experience and - perhaps most importantly - help keep you on track so that you can lose weight and keep it off for good.
Our practitioners will provide tests to ensure that your body is healthy, hydrated, and well-fed. By checking your hydration and nutrition levels, we can help ensure you're losing weight in a healthy manner and not starving yourself. By maintaining optimal health throughout your weight loss journey, you're giving yourself the best shot at long-term weight loss.
For individuals working to lose weight and stay healthy, sticking to a consistent diet and exercise routine can be tough. Between work obligations and important tasks like picking your kids up from school, there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to eat healthy foods. After all, McDonald's is on the way home, and your little ones are screaming for food.
Fortunately, many busy people find semaglutide to be a valuable tool in their weight loss journey. This FDA-approved injection, used for treating both diabetes and obesity, functions by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain to aid in weight loss and promote long-term health.
In more simple terms, semaglutide imitates glucagon in the body, signaling to the brain that you're full and don't need to eat more. When you take semaglutide and try to overeat, your body sends a message that says, "That's enough." In essence, it makes you feel full, so you're less likely to binge eat, especially at night when food tends to sit in your stomach.
Semaglutide also slows down digestion, reducing unnecessary snacking throughout the day. By minimizing glucose spikes after meals, it lowers inflammation, which is a crucial step in optimizing your overall health. Moreover, Semaglutide assists in insulin secretion by the pancreas regulates glucose levels in the body and even possesses anti-aging and longevity properties. If you're struggling with weight loss, treatments such as semaglutide can make a substantial difference for you.
In summary, semaglutide helps you lose weight in a few different ways, including:
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, one of the most frequently asked questions our providers receive from curious weight loss patients is whether or not semaglutide is supported by clinical trials. As it turns out, many trials have been conducted measuring the efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss, and the results are very promising.
Semaglutide is designed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher who are attempting to shed at least 10% of their total body weight without success with other methods. Clinical trials involving over 1,900 obese adults who were unable to lose five percent of their body weight after a year of treatment with other medications demonstrated that semaglutide increased average weight loss from 2% to 20% over a treatment period of just over one year compared to a placebo.
In a different trial involving 1,387 patients with obesity (but not type 2 diabetes), participants were randomly assigned to different doses of semaglutide: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or placebo for 104 weeks. The group that took the higher dose of semaglutide lost an average of 31 pounds, while those on the lower dose lost an average of 11 pounds.
According to the NCBI, the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People With Obesity (STEP) trials have shown the efficacy of semaglutide, as well. In large randomized controlled trials, patients who received 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide lost a mean of 6% of their weight after 12 weeks and 12% of their weight after 28 weeks.
So, what do all these statistics mean for you? If you're looking to shed some pounds, it's worth giving semaglutide injections a shot. This type of treatment isn't a miracle drug, but it can significantly boost your chances of weight loss success. That's why, at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we have incorporated semaglutide as a fresh treatment option for individuals grappling with obesity, especially those who have exhausted other remedies and are seeking something new.
As is the case with promising therapies like semaglutide, people considering the drug have a lot of questions about whether it's right for them. Keep reading to get answers to some of the most common questions relating to semaglutide.
If you're an adult dealing with obesity, excessive weight, or weight-related medical conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, semaglutide injections could be a suitable option for you. To qualify for semaglutide weight loss services at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you must meet the BMI range criteria established by the FDA. If you're unsure whether semaglutide injections are the right choice for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our weight loss practitioners today.
Our doctors and practitioners often hear from patients asking whether semaglutide is safe for long-term use. It's natural to have concerns about a medication that impacts your body. Simply put, as long as you meet the criteria, it is safe to take this weight-loss medication. Even patients with endocrine, kidney, heart, and liver conditions can safely use semaglutide. As of June 4, 2021, the Food & Drug Administration has given the green light for semaglutide injections (2.4mg once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity and at least one weight-related condition.
Weight loss medications such as semaglutide may cause people to regain weight once the treatment is stopped. According to a clinical trial featured in Practice Update, participants regained 11.6% of their lost body weight within a year of discontinuing semaglutide medication and lifestyle intervention. Researchers suggest that this weight gain could be linked to the reversal of the cardiovascular benefits associated with semaglutide treatment, including stable blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
This data underscores the importance of continued medication and ongoing treatment for obesity as a chronic health condition to effectively manage its impact on quality of life and heart health. The key takeaway here is that due to its nature as a weight loss treatment, it's best to take regularly over time for the best results.
That length of time will vary depending on factors such as:
There's no question about it - semaglutide is making waves in the medical community. Thousands of obese men and women in the U.S. are using the treatment to get a handle on their weight and live healthy lives. With its ability to reduce blood sugar levels and facilitate weight loss, it makes sense that patients are looking for ways to get the most out of their regimen.
Keep reading to learn a few of the best tips to maximize your journey with semaglutide.
Before you start taking semaglutide or make any changes to your treatment plan, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider who prescribes semaglutide. They will evaluate your specific needs, determine the right dosage for you, and give you important instructions on how to use the medication properly. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, our weight loss practitioners work one-on-one with every patient who takes semaglutide to ensure they're staying healthy, hydrated, and committed to our semaglutide program.
Make sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels as recommended by your semaglutide provider. While semaglutide can assist in reducing blood sugar levels, it's important to regularly monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. When you begin a weight loss program at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you can rest easy knowing we check your blood sugar levels periodically.
Regular physical activity can boost the effects of semaglutide. It's best to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-4 times a week to support weight loss and overall health improvements.
It's important to understand that results may not happen right away and could take some time to become noticeable. Try to be patient as you follow your treatment plan, maintain consistency with lifestyle changes, and have confidence that positive results will come gradually.
To maximize the effectiveness of semaglutide, it's very beneficial to eat a well-rounded diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Always try to choose nutrient-rich options over high-calorie, high-fat foods. That way, you can achieve your weight loss objectives quicker. When you work with weight loss experts like the doctors at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you'll have access to customized nutrition plans that will help expedite your weight loss and keep off the pounds once you reach your goals.
Make sure to set up regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to track your progress, make any necessary changes to your treatment plan, and talk about any concerns or questions you might have. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, follow-ups and check-ins are built into our semaglutide program, giving you one less thing to worry about as you lose weight.
Are you striving to reach a healthy weight and live a more fulfilling life? Are you eager to have a positive impact on yourself and your loved ones? Take the first step toward better health by contacting VIP Cosmetic Surgery. Our experienced, compassionate practitioners will collaborate with you to identify your weight-loss goals. Once we know more about you and your body, we'll create a custom plan and provide the cutting-edge strategies and treatments you need to see real results. If you're ready to make a meaningful change, we're ready to guide you on the path to success.
There's a moment at Hunting Island State Park as you're biking along the Lagoon Trail—ocean breezes and intoxicating beach vistas playing peekaboo to your left—when the sandy path turns inland and a sign points to Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail. A good idea? Yes."Yes," it turns out, sums up the best way to ...
There's a moment at Hunting Island State Park as you're biking along the Lagoon Trail—ocean breezes and intoxicating beach vistas playing peekaboo to your left—when the sandy path turns inland and a sign points to Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail. A good idea? Yes.
"Yes," it turns out, sums up the best way to experience Beaufort, South Carolina, and its environs, including Hunting Island. Yes, the path less taken is an excellent idea, as is the sweet tea at Blackstone's Cafe. Spending hours strolling through The Old Point and gazing at historic homes and even older live oaks offers endless enchantment. But with my eyes peeled for rattlers, I was (yes) relieved that the only serpentine thing I discovered was more of the winding trail along old dune ridge lines through a primordial wonderland.
The trail affirms why Hunting Island, a breathtaking 25-minute drive from Beaufort, is South Carolina's most popular state park. With a dozen similar paths and 5 miles of pristine beach, this place leads you back eons in time through an untouched maritime forest with towering pines and ospreys soaring overhead as well as magnolias and saw palmettos tangled with yaupon hollies and wax myrtles in the dense understory. Here you breathe deeper and look more closely. Life slows down, and a sense of awe percolates up.
Take a seat on one of the bench swings at Beaufort's Waterfront Park. Wide and welcoming, they move back and forth in a rhythmic lullaby. You can't help relaxing, especially if you happen to catch a sunset or tune into the soft lapping of the Beaufort River against the floating dock, hearing the jingling clink of pulleys against sailboat masts—a mariner's wind chime.
PHOTO: Peter Frank Edwards A slice of the sweet life from Beaufort’s upscale Saltus River Grill. PHOTO: Peter Frank Edwards
Waterfront Park showcases the smart civic planning that makes Beaufort such a delight: The town's best vistas are protected and preserved. There are thoughtful amenities (parking, public bathrooms, an amphitheater, picnic tables, and plenty of green lawn for kids and dogs to play on). Plus it's all conveniently adjacent to an enticing array of restaurants, coffee shops, and stores along Bay Street. What better nightcap than to sit and swing a spell after enjoying grilled scallops or top-notch sushi at Saltus River Grill?
Beaufort is subdued in the best possible way. She has the same deep history and stunning architecture that her nearby sisters, Charleston and Savannah, are celebrated for, but she's fine staying slightly out of the limelight. Wise and mature, Beaufort wears her age like the badge of honor it is. Her Lowcountry aura feels elemental, with more patina and less pomp. Along Short Street at the edge of The Old Point, moss-heaped limbs cradle historic mansions. Beaufort's treescape shouts of grandeur in whatever language oaks speak. Gardens and yards aren't so much manicured as they are magical. It's easy to see why Hollywood frequently comes calling (a stairwell at The Beaufort Inn features posters from major motion pictures filmed here). Longtime resident Pat Conroy was so smitten that he wrote, "When I came to Beaufort I had struck upon a land so beautiful I had to hunt for other words."
Not far from Short Street, the First African Baptist Church, a Gothic Revival gem built by freedmen in 1865, bears witness to Beaufort's African American, Gullah, and Reconstruction-era history. "Robert Smalls was a member here. This document notes his Sunday school attendance and that he put a few cents in the offering plate," says the Rev. Alexander McBride, a jovial former marine and the church's pastor of almost 20 years, pointing to framed, yellowing pages hanging behind the sanctuary. A statue of Smalls, an enslaved crewman who heroically commandeered a Confederate ship and later served as a U.S. Congressman, is less than a mile away at Tabernacle Baptist Church, where a monument to Harriet Tubman is also planned.
Both churches are worthy stops, along with the Penn Center, the first Southern school for formerly enslaved people, across the bridge on St. Helena Island. Each place gives a deeper insight into the region's vibrant and enduring African American and Gullah Geechee culture.
Providing an overview of Beaufort's past, Capt. Henry Brandt of Coastal Expeditions offers a boat tour that cruises through the area's Native American, Spanish, and French history; Union occupation; and a view of Camp Saxton's tabby ruins, where the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in South Carolina—all interspersed with musings on estuary ecosystems and the fecund marvels of pluff mud.
"You don't fully experience Beaufort until you see it from the water," Brandt claims. After watching dolphins curl and glide from the boat's bow and admiring the town's steeples rising in the background, I absolutely believe him.
tabernacle1863.org; 901 Craven Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29901penncenter.com; 16 Penn Center Circle East, St. Helena Island, South Carolina 29920coastalexpeditions.com
Anchorage 1770Boutique hotel in an 18th-century mansion with fine dining at the Ribaut Social Club anchorage1770.com; 1103 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
The Beaufort InnHistoric main inn plus several cottages clustered around a courtyardbeaufortinn.com; 809 Port Republic St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Rhett House InnHistoric Greek revival mansion that's been a favorite of movie starsrhetthouseinn.com; 1009 Craven St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Blackstone's CaféClassic diner-like optionsblackstonescafe.com; 205 Scott Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Red Rooster CafeExtensive breakfast menu, whether you like it country, continental, Lowcountry, or Tex Mexfacebook.com; 2045 Boundary Street, Beaufort, South Carolina, 29901
Lowcountry Produce KitchenLocally sourced salads and sandwiches and a legendary tomato pielowcountryproduce.com; 302 Carteret St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Chapman's GrocerGrab-and-go items plus beer, wine, and snacksinstagram.com/chapmans_grocer_beaufort; 208 West St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
PlumsWaterfront dining featuring soups, salads, and sandwichesplumsrestaurant.com; 904 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Saltus River GrillFine dining with fresh local seafood, Southern fare, steaks, sushi, and a well-curated wine list saltusrivergrill.com; 802 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Old Bull TavernGastropub featuring a lively bar scene anda lamb shank that does not disappointoldbulltavern.com; 205 West Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Breakwater Restaurant and BarSeafood, steaks, and seasonal dishes with Southern flairwww.breakwatersc.com; 203 Carteret Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Paninis on the WaterfrontStone-baked pizzas, paninis, seafood, and pastaswww.paninisonthewaterfront.com; 926 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Cabana22Coastal-chic boutiquecabana22.com; 819 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
The Chocolate TreeConfections such as fudge, truffles, and peanut brittlefacebook.com; 507 Carteret Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
The Beaufort Candy ShopClassic candies and sweet treats of every kindfacebook.com; 103 West Street Extension, Beaufort, South Carolina 29906
Lisa Rivers Fine ArtGullah-inspired art, prints, and giftswww.lisariversart.com; 917c Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Cassandra Gillens Art / Gullah Art in De WoodsPaintings, posters, and giftswww.cassandragillensarts.com; 711 Bladen Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29906
Good AuraSustainable clothing and jewelry boutiqueshopgoodaura.com; 221 West Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Monkey's UncleToys, fun, and games for children of all ageswww.monkeysuncletoys.com; 909 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Hunting Island; southcarolinaparks.comSt. Phillips Island; southcarolinaparks.comPat Conroy Literary Center; patconroyliterarycenter.orgCoastal Expeditions; coastalexpeditions.comReconstruction Era National Historic Park; nps.gov/reerSpanish Moss Trail; spanishmosstrail.comCraven Street en route to The Old Point to explore historic neighborhoods
As the Lowcountry continues to grow, more fan-favorite food options are beginning to pop up all over town.Now, Beaufort County residents are about to indulge in delicious Midwestern cuisine and treats like frozen custard, cheese curds and the iconic ButterBurgers from the Culver’s chain restaurant that’s on its way to Bluffton.The City of Bluffton ...
As the Lowcountry continues to grow, more fan-favorite food options are beginning to pop up all over town.
Now, Beaufort County residents are about to indulge in delicious Midwestern cuisine and treats like frozen custard, cheese curds and the iconic ButterBurgers from the Culver’s chain restaurant that’s on its way to Bluffton.
The City of Bluffton Planning Commission approved a brand new Culver’s location to be built between Buckwalter Place Boulevard and Innovation Drive at the roundabout, across the street from Station 300.
While this new location hasn’t broken ground just yet, Bluffton project managers and Culver’s owners are looking forward to seeing what this new restaurant can bring to the community (other than great food).
Another Culver’s location also appears to be in the works for the city of Beaufort and is set to be located at 2338 Boundary Street.
Culver’s is a hybrid drive-through and sit-down chain restaurant that originally began in Sauk City, Wisconsin.
Known for what is referred to as “fast-casual” dining, Culver’s aims to get its customers from the order speaker to the window in under 50 seconds.
Culver’s restaurant chain states on its website that they use fresh beef and white meat chicken from American family farms. With its Wisconsin roots, farm-fresh dairy is used for its custard with cheese coming from Wisconsin farms to ensure fresh food is always served to customers.
With over 900 locations nationwide, Culver’s is known for its creamy custard, fresh chicken and crinkle fries. You can view their full menu here.
There are currently locations in Pooler and Savannah, Georgia.
But that’s not all, it looks like the city of Beaufort is also expected to get not one … but two new Starbucks locations.
That’s right, you can get your pumpkin spice, matcha, cold brews and all things in between soon.
The two locations are:
These projects have been in the works for some time now, especially the location on Lady’s Island, but an updated timeline shows that they are expected to be completed around March of 2026.
Carolina Retail Experts, a Charleston-based retail company, represented Starbucks in helping them secure this new location on Lady’s Island.
While all of these projects are in the early stages of development, check back for updates and progress.
A rare sight was spotted on Cat Island in South Carolina on Wednesday. An alligator was discovered lounging in a frozen pond.BEAUFORT, S.C. – "See you later, alligator!" is often a phrase used in a rhyming scheme to say goodbye to someone in a fun way, but for an alligator in South Carolina, and many across the Deep South, they won’t be leaving their ponds anytime soon.Vi...
A rare sight was spotted on Cat Island in South Carolina on Wednesday. An alligator was discovered lounging in a frozen pond.
BEAUFORT, S.C. – "See you later, alligator!" is often a phrase used in a rhyming scheme to say goodbye to someone in a fun way, but for an alligator in South Carolina, and many across the Deep South, they won’t be leaving their ponds anytime soon.
Video from Cat Island, South Carolina, just outside of Hilton Head, showed an alligator stuck in an icy pond after the South's recent deep freeze, which brought a rare bout of ice and snow.
While the scene may seem worrisome with just the alligator visible above the pond’s icy waterline, experts say the behavior is a completely normal survival strategy.
"When temperatures drop significantly, alligators can enter a state called brumation - similar to hibernation," officials in Beaufort, South Carolina explained. "They slow down their metabolism and become lethargic, allowing them to conserve energy when food is scarce. During a hard freeze, they often stick their snouts above the water to breathe, while the rest of their bodies become immobilized in the icy depths."
(@beaufort.southcarolina / FOX Weather)
DEMISE OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGE KANGAROOS LIKELY NOT CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE, STUDY SUGGEST
The National Weather Service office in nearby Charleston, South Carolina, reported that 2-4 inches of snow fell over the region, with temperatures dropping to the mid-20s.
A typical winter day across the region usually sees highs around 60 degrees, with lows dropping into the upper 40s.
When the mercury falls to these levels, the reptiles’ biological processes begin to kick in until sunny days with temperatures in the 70s return.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, alligators in colder climates are inactive from October to March, as brumation processes take over.
The reptiles can survive an entire year without food and, under certain circumstances, can live much longer without hunting for prey.
Lakes and swamps from Texas through Louisiana and the Carolinas are rarely covered by ice, but it does occasionally happen during colder winters.
(FOX Weather)
FISHERMAN CHARGED AT BY ALLIGATOR FROM SOUTH CAROLINA POND
Despite similar scenes in other states, wildlife organizations have not reported coming across any distressed alligators but do report tending to the needs of other animals such as manatees and sea turtles, who also need warmer weather.
"So, if you happen to see one of our cold-blooded friends frozen in time, don’t worry! They’re just taking a break until the sun warms things up," South Carolina officials said.
Due to the climate and terrain, it's estimated there are only around 100,000 alligators in Palmetto State, with more than 10 times the amount existing in Florida and Louisiana.
Federal grants are critical in the support and growth of local governments, nonprofits, schools, housing, transportation and more in Beaufort County.President Donald Trump created uncertainty across the nation on Tuesday, Jan. 28, after he signed an executive order supposedly pausing all federal grant funding.This was then blocked by a federal judge on Tuesday, Jan. 28 and rescinded on ...
Federal grants are critical in the support and growth of local governments, nonprofits, schools, housing, transportation and more in Beaufort County.
President Donald Trump created uncertainty across the nation on Tuesday, Jan. 28, after he signed an executive order supposedly pausing all federal grant funding.
This was then blocked by a federal judge on Tuesday, Jan. 28 and rescinded on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Despite all the headlines, mass confusion and legal challenges this decision brought, The Island Packet found it important to outline what federal grants Beaufort County receives and what some of the top awards are.
Since Trump’s executive order has been rescinded, federal grants and funding will continue to stay in place.
Here is a rundown of the top 10 federal grants awarded to Beaufort County, according to USASpending.gov. This website tracks how much money the government is obligated or promises to spend and the current outlaid, or amount paid so far.
Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services
Obligated Amount: $52,049,034
Outlay Amount: $27,091,925.37
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Obligated Amount: $44,749,524.47
Outlay Amount: $28,729,029.34
Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission Inc.
Obligated Amount: $33,884,315.36
Outlay Amount: $0.00
Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission Inc.
Obligated Amount: $33,606,225.86
Outlay Amount: $20,445,667.71
Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission Inc.
Obligated Amount: $30,074,425
Outlay Amount: Amount not yet available
Obligated Amount: $18,912,922
Outlay Amount: $2,767,363
Beaufort County Memorial Hospital
Obligated Amount: $17,997,000
Outlay Amount: $9,976,908.68
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Obligated Amount: $15,000,000
Outlay Amount: Amount not yet available
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Obligated Amount: $14,478,315.62
Outlay Amount: $10,331,012.25
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Obligated Amount: $13,090,567.23
Outlay Amount: $8,165,619.04
The Beaufort County School District also receives federal funding to support its students, programs and teachers. The following list includes the top five funded programs in the Beaufort County School System.
Every Student Succeeds Act (Includes Title I, II, III, IV): These federal grants govern elementary and secondary education in America. It covers the improvement of programming, teacher training, language instruction and other financial aid needs. The price breakdown is as follows:
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA): These grants ensure special education and related services are accessible to children and support early intervention services for infants and toddlers. This goes to both preschool and all other schools in Beaufort County. The price breakdown is as follows:
Magnet Schools Assistance Program: These grants provide eligible education agencies to establish and operate magnet schools. BCSD receives $2,363,534 for these programs.
American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund: These grants provide local educational agencies with emergency relief funds. The BCSD receives $50,976,622 for these funds.
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief for Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act: This act was signed into law on December 27, 2020, and provides additional funds for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief. BCSD receives $22,681,781 in these funds.
BCSD also receives funding for Adult Education. These grants fund local programs of adult education and literacy services such as GED and English as a Second Language. Beaufort County receives $691,874 to fund these programs.
For a comprehensive list of all the federal, state, along with other public and private grants awarded specifically to the Beaufort County School District, you can visit their special revenue and grants webpage.
This story was originally published January 31, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
Book bans have been a popular topic in recent news articles and on social media platforms. But what even is a book ban and how do they work?Different facilities approach book bans in their own way to uphold certain standards and protocols when addressing these concerns.Here’s what happens and what to know if a book ban takes place in Beaufort County locations.Books often go through periods of being banned and then being unbanned based on the discretion of a review committee, typically at either the state or local l...
Book bans have been a popular topic in recent news articles and on social media platforms. But what even is a book ban and how do they work?
Different facilities approach book bans in their own way to uphold certain standards and protocols when addressing these concerns.
Here’s what happens and what to know if a book ban takes place in Beaufort County locations.
Books often go through periods of being banned and then being unbanned based on the discretion of a review committee, typically at either the state or local level.
If a concerned person wants to have a book removed, formally referred to as “challenge the book,” they must first read the book in its entirety and fill out a challenge form explaining why, how and citing where in the book there is offensive wording or another issue.
Most challenges happen at public libraries or schools.
Once the challenge form has been submitted, a review committee analyzes all the material within the complaint and casts a vote determining whether or not to keep the book on the shelves.
Depending on the nature of the challenge and the final decision of the review committee, book bans can come in different forms.
When books do get banned, they can range from only a few to hundreds of copies no longer available at a library or school district.
Here are the most common kinds of bans, according to PEN America:
Beaufort County School District
The Beaufort County School District outlines its policy regarding book bans in its Administrative Regulation IS-38.1.
The Beaufort County School District states that they uphold the principle of intellectual freedom, promote academic freedom, the student’s right to read and the fair and reasonable competition of ideas and information.
BCSD officials are not permitted to remove any book from a school library but the district administrators have the right to institute an Administrative Review Committee to conduct a review if deemed appropriate.
When challenging a book, any student, employee, parent or legal guardian has the right to challenge a book. Once the challenge is submitted, the BCSD review committee will analyze the complaint and decide within 15 business days of the challenge being filed.
Decision Process
If the committee recommends any changes regarding access to the material in question, such as the addition or removal of the material, the Superintendent is responsible for implementing and communicating those changes.
If anyone who files a challenge would like to appeal their request after a final decision is made by the BCSD, they must do so within seven days to the Board of Education. Parents and guardians do have the option for certain materials not to be available to their specific child and can do so by submitting the “Request to Opt-Out of School Library Materials Form,” available on the BCSD website.
For information regarding the status of any district library materials currently under review, you can visit their webpage.
Beaufort County Libraries
The Beaufort County Libraries operate differently from Beaufort County schools.
Libraries are tasked with the responsibility to provide materials and information to meet the needs and interests of the public they serve.
The Beaufort County Libraries are thorough and thoughtful and take on each removal request carefully.
According to their website and library managers, The Beaufort County Library firmly endorses the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, the Freedom to View Statement and the American Library Association Code of Ethics.
Collection development in each library is carried out under the guidance of established policies based on the needs of user groups, service objectives, collection specifications and current selection needs. The choice of whether to read library materials is entirely an individual and confidential matter.
If a library member wants the library to reconsider any material they have, they must also go through a challenge request called a Request for Reconsideration of Library Material form.
This form is available at all Beaufort County Library locations.
Library staff members review the completed reconsideration request and then give it to the branch manager, who will then contact the library director.
The director will appoint a committee of at least three staff members and/or area specialists to evaluate the material. The committee will examine the material in question and will determine whether the item in question meets the criteria to stay or be removed from the library’s collection within 30 business days.
The title under reconsideration will remain available for circulation while under review.
If anyone who files a challenge would like to appeal their request after a final decision is made, they can do so by writing to the Library Board of Trustees within 10 business days of the decision.
It’s important to note that for both Beaufort County Schools and Beaufort County Libraries, a challenge report must be filled out in its entirety with all required information to be taken under proper consideration.
Bookstores
Since bookstores are private and independently owned businesses, it is up to the discretion of the business owner what is placed on their shelves.
In most cases, bookstores are not the biggest supporters of banning books and in many cases, you will see titles of these books displayed on the shelves.
This also holds true for bigger bookstore chain locations like Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.
“We are a private business, it is up to the discretion of the parent, guardian or yourself if you want to read that book,” said Bruce Page, owner of The Beaufort Bookstore.
The Island Packet
Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. She has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Originally from Georgia, Anna Claire studied journalism, legal studies and English at High Point University, where she graduated in 2024. For tips and story ideas, email amiller@islandpacket.com or call (843) 626-0211.
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