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.
A new chapter in Bluffton’s dining scene is set to begin as Radici Italian Chophouse prepares to welcome guests this spring.Located in Parkway Commons at the former Pour Richard’s site, 4376 Bluffton Parkway, the restaurant aims to deliver an elevated Italian dining experience.The staff, a team of...
A new chapter in Bluffton’s dining scene is set to begin as Radici Italian Chophouse prepares to welcome guests this spring.
Located in Parkway Commons at the former Pour Richard’s site, 4376 Bluffton Parkway, the restaurant aims to deliver an elevated Italian dining experience.
The staff, a team of seasoned culinary professionals with backgrounds in Michelin-star establishments, are ready to bring this new dining experience to the Lowcountry.
The word “radici” in Italian translates to “roots” in English, and the team is planting its roots right here in Bluffton.
Radici is the brainchild of Executive Chef Mattia Bianchi, Chef Giandomenco Prestopino and Manager Camila Eula.
When moving to South Carolina from Italy, they had a shared aspiration to create something that felt like a culmination of their careers’ work.
Together, this team collaborated with George and Piero Casalicchio (owners of Chez Georges Bistro & Bar) to bring their vision to life. Now, this team of five is ready to share authentic Italian cuisine to the Lowcountry.
“Radici represents our connection to tradition and our passion for quality ingredients,” said Executive Chef Mattia Bianchi. “Every dish we serve reflects the rich history and diverse flavors of Italian cuisine while also offering a fresh and modern approach.”
Bianchi honed his skills in international locations, including London and Italy, before stepping into instructor and management roles.
Radici’s menu is a carefully curated selection of Italian classics reimagined with contemporary flair. This select menu includes four starters, four pastas, three salads, four main dishes and a tasting menu.
Dishes including the beef carpaccio, tajarin pasta and cacciucco are particularly special to the team, as they highlight the diversity and depth of Italian flavors.
The pasta offerings will all be made fresh and in-house using imported Italian flour to give diners a truly authentic meal.
“Pasta is our craft and our talent,” Bianchi said. “But we’re looking to dive into other flavors and cuisine, too.”
For those seeking an immersive experience, Radici offers seating in the main dining area as well as at the chef’s table, where guests can observe the culinary team in action.
But for the Radici team, the restaurant will offer more than a delicious plate of food.
“When people think of Italian cuisine, I want them to think not only about the way it tasted, but about the memory that dish carries with it,” Bianchi said.
The new restaurant takes over the location of the beloved Pour Richard’s, a local institution that announced its sale in November. In collaboration with Chez Georges Bistro & Bar, the Radici team has undertaken a complete transformation of the space.
“We’ve restyled the entire layout: expanding the bar, redesigning the kitchen and reimagining the dining room to create an entirely new atmosphere,” Bianchi said.
With 50 seats available, Radici aims to provide a personal yet vibrant dining experience.
“We wanted to create a space that feels both intimate and inviting,” Bianchi said. “The changes we’ve made allow us to provide a unique experience that blends warmth, sophistication and a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine.”
The restaurant is still hiring, seeking chefs and line cooks to round out their team.
Bluffton is known for its appreciation of quality dining, which made the decision to open in this location a natural one for the team.
“We just fell in love with this area,” Bianchi said. “It’s a dream city … everyone is friendly, and it’s a great place to introduce new flavors and culinary techniques.”
While the focus is currently on the Bluffton location, the team hopes to expand in the future, bringing their blend of tradition and innovation to a broader audience.
“This town has a fantastic food culture, and we knew it would be the perfect place to share our passion for Italian cuisine,” Bianchi said.
Radici Italian Chophouse is on track to open during the first week of April, if not sooner.
“We’re ready to open our doors,” Bianchi said.
Dinner service will be available from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 4:30 until 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Lunch is also available from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. They are closed on Mondays.
Reservations can be made via www.radicibluffton.com, on Resy or by calling 843-707-1200.
From back-of-house operations to the artistry of plating every dish, more information on Radici Italian Chophouse can be found @radicibluffton on Instagram or Radici Bluffton on Facebook.
This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
The Island Packet
Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Anna Claire has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.
Every Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m., a group of men gather for breakfast at Blackstone’s Cafe on Scott Street in Beaufort, South Carolina. They range in...
Every Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m., a group of men gather for breakfast at Blackstone’s Cafe on Scott Street in Beaufort, South Carolina. They range in age—Steve Lanier just entered his eighties, while Ray Stocks is 100 years old. Many of the men have served in the military; the group spans all wars from World War II to present. Combined, they have 980 years of life experience.
And those are stories worth sharing.
That’s the heart behind “Breakfast in Beaufort: Journeys Through Life,” a new short documentary film produced and directed by Raymond Smith of Modos Media alongside his son, Andrew, the film’s editor and Director of Photography.
“Breakfast in Beaufort: Journeys Through Life” opens with the group of men enjoying company together each week—a continuation of small-town tradition, Robert DeLoach, 98, shares on camera, where men used to gather and talk over a cup of coffee. Their breakfast club covers all kinds of topics, providing a bit of “a history lesson” from the elders to the younger men in the group.
“We share a culture of respect, of learning—you can share who you are and help them grow, but much more importantly, you grow yourself by listening to them,” Lanier, 80, shares in the film.
Eleven men are featured in “Breakfast in Beaufort: Journeys Through Life,” each with their own words of wisdom as interviewed in their homes: W.R. “Skeet” von Harten, Pat Garrett, Guy McSweeney, Steve Lanier, Mike Keyserling, Merle Mulvaney, Ray Stocks, Carter Swenson, Robert DeLoach, Daryl Fergusen, and Tom Mikell. They speak on themes and life lessons they remember from their own parents, including advocacy, kindness, responsibility, and hard work.
The film is airing at the 19th annual Beaufort International Film Festival, which runs through February 23, 2025 at the University of South Carolina Beaufort Center for the Arts. With its local connection and timely message of turning a listening ear to elders, the film’s screening—happening Saturday, February 22—is already sold out.
“This film is about elders, not a phrase often used in our society—some see older people as past their ‘sell-by date’ or irrelevant,” Smith shared with Southern Living. “In this film, we see a combined 980 years of experience, learning, and wisdom of a group of older men who join each other each week to share breakfast and their stories and thoughts. We see their energy, humor and care for us all.”
As reported by The Island Packet, Smith clarified that while the documentary features many veterans, it is not just focused on wartime experiences. The idea was first brought to Smith by the film’s executive producer, Richard Sribnick—a doctor who lives part-time just northeast of Beaufort on Lady’s Island.
After coming across the men at Blackstone’s one Wednesday, Sribnick approached Raymond and Andrew with the original idea to share stories of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. To Smith, there was a greater opportunity to unearth wisdom from around the breakfast table.
“[Our elders] encourage us to be better toward each other and show that small gestures can bring about surprising impact, sometimes even on a global scale,” Smith told SL. “So next time you see an older person sitting alone, just say hello and you may be surprised by what you will learn.”
This ties into one key lesson that the men themselves share in the film. “Pay attention,” says 92-year-old W.R. “Skeet” von Harten on screen. “Enjoy what you’ve got. Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself. If you get tired, sit down and rest. If you want to go, go…Be happy, be kind, be productive, and don’t complain. That’s what this 92-year-old says.”
The director is also working on sharing the short documentary film on SCETV, the state’s public educational broadcast network.
It's a good reminder—whether you're able to catch the screening or not—to cherish the words and memories that are so quickly lost from generation to generation, with thoughtful questions and intentional listening. You may want to digitize some of your old family photos to go along with Nana and Grandpa's stories, as well.
With South Carolina quickly becoming one of the top spots for moving and Beaufort County ranked in the top five best counties to raise a family, it’s important to know some of the basics of living in a new place.Although not the most exciting aspect of moving, waste collection is a critical function for any city.Here’s everything you need to know about trash pick-up, convenience centers and tras...
With South Carolina quickly becoming one of the top spots for moving and Beaufort County ranked in the top five best counties to raise a family, it’s important to know some of the basics of living in a new place.
Although not the most exciting aspect of moving, waste collection is a critical function for any city.
Here’s everything you need to know about trash pick-up, convenience centers and trash burn laws for areas within Beaufort County.
For the City of Beaufort, Capital Waste Services provides residents with weekly household trash collection.
They also provide once per week yard waste collection, every other week mixed recyclables collection and bulk item collection by appointment, which you can schedule by phone or online.
For the unincorporated areas of Beaufort County and contracted curbside locations, the following companies provide trash pick-up:
For Beaufort County residents of apartments and condominiums, your complex may provide bulk pick-up from a complex dumpster, but recycling collection may not be offered.
Beaufort County offers convenience centers for residents to dispose of their residential trash. Four of these locations offer recycling options.
To use the Beaufort County convenience centers, you must have a recycling decal and solid waste pass. You can register for one or both online here.
All nine centers are open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., but different centers are open on different days:
When it comes to burning trash, the state of South Carolina bans burning residential and household trash items.
Open burning can pose environmental and safety risks, according to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. In addition to causing brush, residential and forest fires, open burning can release toxic pollutants into the air and produce ash containing toxic metals.
These toxic materials can then be inhaled, ingested by children in contaminated soil or absorbed by produce through soil, resulting in potential health risks.
In South Carolina, it’s illegal to burn:
However, Beaufort County does permit residents to burn certain items.
According to the City of Beaufort Fire Department, these items include natural vegetation, yard debris, limbs, leaves and other natural items.
It is recommended that before you burn any natural vegetation items, you request a permit by calling the burn request line at 843-525-7032 on each day on which burning will be conducted.
For first-time burns, the permit holder must have their property and burn area inspected by a fire official before the permit is issued.
Beaufort County states that all burning must be done before 3 p.m. and that there must be a nearby water source.
However, certain requirements, contact numbers and burn ordinances vary by municipality, so it’s important to check with your nearest fire department for those protocols.
For additional information about burn permits and requirements in Beaufort County, refer to the burn ordinances or contact the City of Beaufort Fire Marshal’s office at 843-525-7055.
This story was originally published January 28, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
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.
This story was originally published January 25, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
BEAUFORT — It's been nearly two days since several inches of frozen precipitation started to fall across Beaufort County. With daytime temperatures hovering in the 30s over the intervening days, the hard-packed snow and ice remains stubbornly in place on the region's roads, prompting schools, businesses and government offices to announce their intentions t...
BEAUFORT — It's been nearly two days since several inches of frozen precipitation started to fall across Beaufort County. With daytime temperatures hovering in the 30s over the intervening days, the hard-packed snow and ice remains stubbornly in place on the region's roads, prompting schools, businesses and government offices to announce their intentions to remain closed Jan. 24.
"After consultation with Emergency Management regarding current and expected road conditions impacted by ice, frozen sleet, and snow, there will be no school or E-learning tomorrow, Friday, January 24, 2025, and district buildings will be closed," wrote Beaufort County School District spokesperson Candace Bruder in an email, adding that all extracurricular activities planned through Jan. 26 will be rescheduled.
Classes are expected to resume Jan. 27.
Across the border in Jasper County, schools will have an e-learning day Jan. 24 and all evening activities will be rescheduled.
Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head and Port Royal municipal offices will all be closed, as will county government offices.
"After consultation with Emergency Management regarding tonight's forecast and road conditions, county offices will remain closed on Friday, January 24, 2025. This includes the convenience centers," wrote Beaufort County spokesperson Hannah Nichols in an email to The Post and Courier.
Ferry service to Daufuskie Island is expected to resume Jan. 24, though that could change depending up weather conditions. Due to accumulations of ice, both Hilton Head Island Airport and Beaufort Executive Airport remain closed, and travelers are encouraged to check with their respective carriers for more information.
Hours for warming shelters in Beaufort County have been extended as a result of the unusually long cold spell.
In Beaufort, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, located at 81 Lady’s Island Drive, opened its cold weather shelter at 5 p.m. Jan. 19. The shelter will operate from 5 p.m. until 8 a.m. through the morning of Jan. 25. Service animals are allowed, but pets are not permitted.
On Hilton Head Island, Christ Lutheran Church, 829 William Hilton Parkway, opened a cold weather shelter Jan. 20. It will remain open through the morning of Jan. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Service animal are allowed, but pets are not permitted.
The National Weather Service reported that 2 to 4 inches of snow and sleet fell over the county overnight Jan. 21 into the early morning Jan. 22. Temperatures rose above freezing Jan. 22, but plummeted with nightfall, leaving new layers of dangerous ice on county roads.
Any number of public safety agencies have issued warnings about the potential for the formation of black ice as melting ice refreezes when overnight temperatures drop. The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office issued a statement Jan. 23 requesting that drivers stay off the roads unless travel cannot be avoided. Travel on primary roads like U.S. 278 and S.C. 170, the advisory said, is improving, but some hazards remain. However, travel on secondary, rural and private roads remains hazardous.
"Please keep in mind, that regardless of conditions improving on certain roads, shaded areas could potentially still be frozen," read the advisory in part.
Up to this point, residents appear to be heeding the warnings and staying off the roads. The Bluffton Township Fire District reported that it had only received a single call for an auto accident since the winter storm set in during then evening of Jan. 21. North of the Broad River, the Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Depart responded to a single multivehicle accident with injuries and two noninjury auto accidents.
"Thankfully, residents are listening to public safety officials and staying off the road," said Stephen Combs, public information officer for the Bluffton Township Fire District.
The National Weather Service has advised that the cold weather that has gripped the area in recent days will likely continue through the weekend, though daytime highs will begin to creep up. The warming trend is expected to continue into next week, when highs in the 60s are forecast.
Call Now: 843-705-1515
