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The Top Choice for Semaglutide in Bluffton, SC

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.

choice-semaglutide

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 Bluffton, 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.

Discover the New You with Semaglutide Weight Loss from VIP Cosmetic Surgery

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 Bluffton, 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:

Personalized Nutrition Plan

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.

Monthly Virtual Consultation with Dr. Farr

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.

Periodic Blood Testing

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.

How Does Semaglutide in Bluffton, SC Work So Well?

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:

semaglutide-help-treatment
  • Semaglutide helps to curb your appetite and say no to unhealthy cravings for food. The average patient taking semaglutide consumes about 30% less food than they would without the treatment.
  • Semaglutide slows down the amount of food your stomach empties after you eat. This process helps you feel like you're full for longer periods of time.
  • Semaglutide helps lower your blood glucose levels without causing those levels to drop too low.

Clinical Evidence Supporting Semaglutide in Bluffton, SC

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.

Better Than Placebo

Better Than Placebo

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.

Average of 31LBS Lost

Average of 31LBS Lost

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.

Data from STEP

Data from STEP

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.

FAQs About Semaglutide for Weight Loss

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:

  • Your Long-Term Weight Loss Goals
  • Your Starting Weight When Beginning Semaglutide Therapy
  • How Your Body Reacts to Semaglutide

Starting Semaglutide in Bluffton, SC? Follow These Tips to Maximize Your Weight Loss Results

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.

Guidance

1. Follow Guidance from Your Physician

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.

Blood

2. Keep An Eye on Your Blood Sugar

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.

Exercise

3. Exercise Regularly

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.

Patient

4. Be Patient. Results Happen Over Time.

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.

Diet

5. Stick to a Nutrient-Dense and Healthy Diet

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.

Semaglutide

6. Follow Up with Your Semaglutide Provider

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.

Your New Life at a Healthy Weight Begins at VIP Cosmetic Surgery

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.

Healthy Weight Begins

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Air quality index (AQI⁺) and PM2.5 air pollution in Bluffton • 2.5K Followers • 05:00, Oct 06 Local time

AddWorld/USA/South Carolina/BlufftonAir quality in BlufftonData attribution1 station from Jay Koven28US AQI⁺GoodMain pollutant:PM2.55 µg/m³20°10 km/h89 %Hourly forecastBluffton air quality index (AQI⁺) forecastNow2820°10km/h 89%06:003020°13km/h 88%07:003320°...

Add

World/USA/South Carolina/Bluffton

Air quality in Bluffton

Data attribution

1 station from Jay Koven

28

US AQI⁺

Good

Main pollutant:

PM2.5

5 µg/m³

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Hourly forecast

Bluffton air quality index (AQI⁺) forecast

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Bluffton air quality index (AQI⁺) forecast

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Air pollutants

What is the current air quality in Bluffton?

PM2.5Fine particles (≤ 2.5 µm)5µg/m³

PM2.5 concentration currently meets the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline.

Health recommendations

Enjoy outdoor activities

Open your windows to bring clean, fresh air indoors

Get a monitor

Pollen

What is the pollen count in Bluffton today?

Index

Low

Tree

None

0%

Grass

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Weed

Low

25%

Source:

wetter.com

Pollen forecast in Bluffton

Most polluted locations near Bluffton

Worldwide AQI⁺ ranking

Get comprehensive data about air quality in Bluffton

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South Carolina Lowcountry Community Calendar of Events

South Carolina Lowcountry Calendar of EventsFor events, festivals and other community happenings in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties, and around the Lowcountry, check out our Lowcountry Calendar of Events. If you have an open-to-the-public event you would like to announce, submit by email to:Beaufort County eventsDog Costume Contest to be held Oct. 23 during Safety SpooktacularCalling all costumed canines! Pre-registration is now open for the 6th Annual Safety Spooktacular Dog Costume Con...

South Carolina Lowcountry Calendar of Events

For events, festivals and other community happenings in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties, and around the Lowcountry, check out our Lowcountry Calendar of Events. If you have an open-to-the-public event you would like to announce, submit by email to:

Beaufort County events

Dog Costume Contest to be held Oct. 23 during Safety Spooktacular

Calling all costumed canines! Pre-registration is now open for the 6th Annual Safety Spooktacular Dog Costume Contest! Enter your pup in one of three categories: Funniest Costume, Scariest Costume, and Cutest Costume winners will receive a Doggy Boo Basket and compete for Best in Show!

Day-of registration will be available from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m,, and the contest begins at 6 p.m.. All dogs must remain on a leash, and costumes should not restrict their movement, breathing, or vision. Register here: https://bit.ly/4hfszq0

Food resources around the Lowcountry

List of food pantries from around the Lowcountry

Jasper County events

New hours, events at Pratt Memorial Library

The new hours for the Pratt Memorial Library in Ridgeland are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Tuesday from Noon until 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

You are cordially invited to join us for our upcoming Preschool Story Time presented by The Friends of Pratt Memorial Library on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pratt Memorial Library, located at 451 Wilson St., Ridgeland.

This session will be a fun-filled celebration of fall and pumpkins, featuring engaging stories, interactive songs, and hands-on crafts for the little ones. It is a wonderful opportunity for children to develop early literacy skills while enjoying creative activities together.

We hope to see you and your family there!

Annual Spooktacular event set for Oct. 24 at Sergeant Jasper Park

Hampton County events

Hampton County to celebrate Halloween

Don't miss out! The Hampton County Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Hampton are sponsoring Trick or Treat on Lee Avenue. You are invited to participate on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Downtown merchants, community organizations, businesses and Chamber of Commerce members, you can join the fun by setting up a table and passing out candy to the kids. Be sure to have a sign with the name of your business or organization at your table. The Chamber is providing Trick or Treat bags for kids to put their candy in. Set up begins at 4 p.m. and Trick or Treat begins at 5 p.m.

This is a fun, safe way for kids to dress up in their costumes and celebrate. Contact Jo Ann Lamprecht jlamprecht@hamptoncountysc.org or 803-914-2143. We need to hear from you by Monday, Oct. 19 so we can reserve a spot for you. If you have a preference for a certain location let us know.

Tri Pointe Homes acquires 60.4 acres in Bluffton's New Riverside final phase

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Tri Pointe Homes, one of the nation's largest homebuilders, has acquired 60.4 acres in Bluffton, South Carolina, to develop 76 single-family homesites in the final phase of New Riverside's 3,600-acre planned residential and mixed-use development. The acquisition supports the company's continued growth in one of the region's most sought-after Lowcountry markets. "This acquisition is an important milestone for our division because it represents one of the last new home opportunities in Bluffton," said Divisio...

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Tri Pointe Homes, one of the nation's largest homebuilders, has acquired 60.4 acres in Bluffton, South Carolina, to develop 76 single-family homesites in the final phase of New Riverside's 3,600-acre planned residential and mixed-use development. The acquisition supports the company's continued growth in one of the region's most sought-after Lowcountry markets. "This acquisition is an important milestone for our division because it represents one of the last new home opportunities in Bluffton," said Division President of Tri Pointe Homes – Coastal Carolinas Robert Norton. "South Carolina's emergence as the fastest-growing state in the nation[1], and Bluffton's continued recognition as one of the state's fastest-growing cities[2], reinforce the long-term opportunity Tri Pointe Homes sees in the Lowcountry. New Riverside captures everything that makes this area so attractive to homebuyers, including its regional connectivity, outdoor recreation, and everyday convenience. We're thrilled to complement this growth story by delivering the premium lifestyle experience Tri Pointe is known for." Tri Pointe's community will be located within the final phase of New Riverside near the entrance to Palmetto Bluff off New Riverside Road. With home designs currently in development and subject to change, plans anticipate homes up to 3,600 square feet with 2- and 3-bay garage options on expansive homesites. The neighborhood, tucked behind a gated entry, will offer trail connectivity throughout the community that connects into New Riverside Barn Park. Residents will enjoy convenient access to many of the destinations that make Bluffton one of the Southeast's most desirable places to live. Historic downtown Bluffton and the May River waterfront are located approximately 10 minutes away, while area beaches, parks, and outdoor recreation can be reached in about 20 minutes. Downtown Savannah, Georgia, is approximately 30 minutes from the site, providing additional employment, entertainment, and cultural opportunities. A premier submarket in the Hilton Head-Savannah region, Bluffton continues to attract homebuyers with its vibrant local attractions, outdoor recreation, and highly regarded schools. The location is also near public golf courses, public boat ramps, grocery and retail offerings, and the recently constructed New Riverside Village, which features retail, services, and dining options approximately one mile from the site. The community will also benefit from regional trail connectivity through nearby New Riverside Barn Park and its broader trail system. Development is anticipated to begin in September 2026, with home construction expected to begin in late 2027 and sales projected to launch in 2028. "We're designing this community with the way people want to live today in mind," said Norton. "Our goal is to create homes that capture the essence of the Lowcountry while delivering thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and lasting value. We're proud this investment will support local contractors, trades, suppliers, and businesses while contributing to the continued growth of one of South Carolina's most dynamic residential markets." For more information and updates as the community progresses, please visit https://www.tripointehomes.com/coastal-carolinas.

This article originally appeared on Bluffton Today: Tri Pointe Homes acquires 60.4 acres in Bluffton's New Riverside final phase

Reporting by From News Releases, Bluffton Today / Bluffton Today

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today via Reuters Connect

Novant Health expands Bluffton footprint with opening of full-service freestanding emergency department

BLUFFTON, S.C. –Novant Health is expanding access to emergency care in the Lowcountry with the opening of the new freestanding Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department.The emergency department opening marks the completion of the first phase ofNovant Health Washington Square Medical Park, a new healthcare campus designed to meet the growing needs of the Bluffton community.Conveniently located just off Buckwalter Parkway at 8 Parkside Drive, Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department is now seeing patients. Open 24 hour...

BLUFFTON, S.C. –Novant Health is expanding access to emergency care in the Lowcountry with the opening of the new freestanding Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department.

The emergency department opening marks the completion of the first phase ofNovant Health Washington Square Medical Park, a new healthcare campus designed to meet the growing needs of the Bluffton community.

Conveniently located just off Buckwalter Parkway at 8 Parkside Drive, Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department is now seeing patients. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the facility provides the same level of emergency evaluation and treatment as a hospital-based emergency department in a convenient location to serve the Bluffton community.

“When an emergency happens, every minute matters,” said Dr. Erica McEnery, medical director for emergency services for Novant Health Hilton Head Medical Center. “This facility allows patients to receive expert emergency care where they live, with advanced diagnostics and experienced emergency medicine teams available around the clock.”

The 10,000-square-foot facility features 10 treatment rooms, including a dedicated trauma room, and offers a full range of advanced onsite diagnostic services. The emergency department is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians, experienced nurses and support staff. The facility is equipped to stabilize and treat a wide range of medical conditions as well as coordinate transport to a hospital when additional specialized care is needed.

A medical office building, currently under construction on the campus, will further expand access to outpatient and specialty care services in the future.

“This investment reflects our continued commitment to bringing remarkable care closer to where people live and work,” said Joel Taylor, president of the Hilton Head area for Novant Health. “Bluffton is one of the fastest-growing communities in South Carolina, and Novant Health is proud to make long-term investments that ensure families have access to convenient, high-quality healthcare for generations to come.”

The services offered at Novant Health Washington Square Medical Park are part of Novant Health’s broader commitment to expand care across the Lowcountry, complementing its existing network of hospitals, physician clinics and outpatient services. Nearby, Novant Health Buckwalter Place Medical Parkrecently opened and includes primary care, orthopedic services and an imaging center.

Novant Health continues to invest in South Carolina to meet rising demand and ensure patients have access to high-quality, convenient care options across the region.

‘Holy honey’: Invasive hornets force relocation of historic Bluffton church’s honeybees

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WTOC) - For more than half a century, and likely much longer, honeybees have been an integral, unusual part of the congregation at the historic Church of the Cross in Old Town Bluffton.But after years of peaceful coexistence, invasive pests and a July 4th bell-ringing incident have forced a delicate, historic relocation of the church’s buzzing residents.For decades, the honeybees have made their homes between the church’s historic pine board-and-batten siding and its interior plaster walls.Whi...

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WTOC) - For more than half a century, and likely much longer, honeybees have been an integral, unusual part of the congregation at the historic Church of the Cross in Old Town Bluffton.

But after years of peaceful coexistence, invasive pests and a July 4th bell-ringing incident have forced a delicate, historic relocation of the church’s buzzing residents.

For decades, the honeybees have made their homes between the church’s historic pine board-and-batten siding and its interior plaster walls.

While church leaders believe the bees have set up shop inside the walls since at least the 1960s, a recent discovery made it clear that it was time for them to move.

“We rang the bell on July 4th, and we noticed that honey started dripping down the wall after a rigorous 250 rings of the bell,” Rector of The Church of the Cross, Joey Fitzgerald, said. “That’s when the decision was made that it was time to go ahead and remove the bees.”

But the decision wasn’t just about dripping honey.

The local honeybee population has recently come under threat from a far more dangerous neighbor: invasive yellow-legged hornets.

First identified in Bluffton by Clemson University apiary inspectors in November 2023, Beaufort County has quickly become the South Carolina epicenter for the invasive hornets. The hornets construct nests nearby and actively target, stress, and kill the local honeybee population.

“What they are doing is wiping out the honeybee hives by taking the bees and putting them in a stress position, where they can’t go out and forage for pollen or nectar or anything,” Local beekeeper Kent Cousineau said.

Rector Fitzgerald emphasized the importance of protecting both the historic landmark and its ecological residents.

“The bees will come back. They’ll repopulate and set up a new hive, but we must take care of both the church and the bees,” Fitzgerald said. “We’ve got this invasive species of wasps that are coming in, so we want to make sure the bees are safe from these wasps that are flying around.”

Evicting hundreds of thousands of bees from a building constructed in 1857 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places is no simple task.

Because of the church’s height and strict historic status, the relocation process is highly delicate.

Beekeeper Camp Arnold had to carefully remove portions of the church’s historic exterior siding to access the colonies.

Once the bees and their honeycombs were safely extracted, the siding was reinstalled to preserve the building’s history.

This is only the second time in the church’s written history that a formal relocation has been attempted.

The first recorded relocation occurred in 1991 when the church’s roof needed replacement, and swarms of bees disrupted the construction crews.

Renowned Beaufort beekeeper Fred Peters was brought in, ultimately removing 10 colonies containing an estimated 400,000 bees. Peters, who was stung around 200 times during the process, famously noted the near-impossibility of keeping the insects away permanently.

“That church is like a honeycomb,” Peters told a local newspaper in 1996, after the bees inevitably returned to reestablish their residency. “It’s got holes in all the walls. Once you take the bees out of the space, new ones will go in.”

Church leaders are hoping history repeats itself in that regard.

“Our relationship to the church and the community is something that people take a lot of pride in, and we want to be able to preserve that for Bluffton and the greater Lowcountry,” Senior Associate Rector Zachary Nash said. “We hope that as we get this cleared out and available, a new hive will establish and we will continue this relationship for another 35 years.”

The bees and honey collected during Tuesday morning’s operation will be taken to northern Beaufort County, where they will be integrated into the safety of the local beekeeper’s residential hives, far away from the active yellow-legged hornet nests.

Currently, the church sells honey from the honey collected from the first relocation in 1991.

Funds from that honey go towards the church’s women’s ministries.

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