News Flash

Holiday activities: What’s coming up in the City of Beaufort

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Nov. 23, 2020) – The holidays are fast approaching, and so are the many safe and fun activities that the City of Beaufort will be sponsoring or helping to organize.

Note: Because we want to ensure our residents’ and visi...

City offices to close at 2 p.m. Wednesday for Thanksgiving

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Nov. 23, 2020) – In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, City of Beaufort offices will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving.

WastePro will not conduct it...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort week of Nov. 23

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Nov. 23, 2020) -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments
• Signing into Zoom (details on ea...

Henry C. Chambers’ memorial expected soon at park

BEAUFORT, S.C. – In December, Henry C. Chambers is expected to get his due as a wall at the Henry C. Chambers Park is emblazoned with his name. 

Over the years, the 7-acre park has become known simply as Waterfront Park. But when it open...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort Nov. 16-20

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Nov.  16, 2020_ - All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments
• Signing into Zoom (deta...

How to make your holiday safer!

The City of Beaufort Police Department has a number of suggestions to help ensure your holidays are as safe as possible. Remember, wear a mask while in stores, and maintain social distancing.

When traveling and in parking lots 

• Be extra attentive w...

Beaufort to close offices on Veterans Day

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Nov. 11, 2020) – City of Beaufort offices will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day. 

WastePro will conduct its normal Wednesday trash and recycling pickups that day. 

The Beaufort Regional Ch...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort Nov. 9-13

BEAUFORT, S.C. -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments
• Signing into Zoom (details on each agenda)
• Callin...

Interim Chief McDorman selected as Beaufort police chief

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Nov. 5, 2020)  – Dale McDorman has been named police chief of the City of Beaufort, City Manager Bill Prokop announced today.

McDorman, who was appointed interim chief after the death of Matthew Clancy in July, has been w...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort Nov. 2-6

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Nov. 2, 2020) -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments
• Signing into Zoom (details on eac...

Police chief search narrows to top 3

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Oct. 28, 2020) – The City of Beaufort has narrowed its search for police chief to three top candidates. The new chief will lead a department of 44 officers and four civilian staffers, succeeding Chief Matthew J. Clancy, who passe...

Fire Department awarded grant from Firehouse Subs Foundation

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Oct. 26, 2020) – The City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department has received a $38,000 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The grant will be used to purchase a LifePak 15 cardiac monitor with a built-...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort Oct. 26-30

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Oct. 26, 2020)  -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments
• Signing into Zoom (det...

Beaufort narrows search for police chief

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Oct. 22, 2020)  – The City of Beaufort is going through a multi-step process to choose its next police chief for its department of 44 officers and four civilian staffers. 

Police Chief Matthew J. Clancy passed aw...

City, Historic Beaufort Foundation raising money for Woods Bridge designation

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Oct. 22, 2020) – Hoping to ensure the future of the iconic Woods Memorial Bridge, the City of Beaufort and the Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF) are working together to raise funds to achieve the bridge’s listing on th...

Time to enter our virtual Halloween contests!

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Oct. 21, 2020) (updated on Oct. 26) – “Halloween Reimagined” is underway in the City of Beaufort, complete with virtual costume and pumpkin-carving contests and drive-through trick-or-treating. It’s ...

South Coast Cyber Center is making progress

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Oct. 20, 2020) – Beaufort’s South Coast Cyber Center is making progress on a number of fronts, according to Chairman and Executive Director Col. Warren Parker, USMC (Retired).

Launched earlier this year as a 501 (c) (3),...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort Oct. 19-23

BEAUFORT, S.C. -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments
• Signing into Zoom (details on each agenda)
• Callin...

City Council passes mask extension, stormwater, panhandling ordinances

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Oct. 14, 2020) – Beaufort City Council passed an extension of its mask/face covering emergency ordinance at its Regular Meeting on Oct. 13. Masks will be required until Dec. 11 in buildings that can be accessed by the public, inc...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort Oct. 12-16

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Oct. 12, 2020) -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments
• Signing into Zoom (details on ea...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort Oct. 5-9

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Oct. 5, 2020) -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments
• Signing into Zoom (details on eac...

Police Department earns state re-accreditation

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 25, 2020) – The City of Beaufort Police Department received earlier this week its Certificate of Re-Accreditation from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (SCLEA) program. This certificate is presented to agenc...

$166K in ATAX grants go to tourism groups

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 24, 2020) – At its Sept. 22 Regular Meeting, City Council voted to accept the FY 2021 ATAX grant recommendations from the Tourism Development Advisory Committee (TDAC).

The grants are generated by the State Accommodations Ta...

Council approves 2020-2022 Strategic Plan

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 23, 2020) – City Council approved the City of Beaufort’s 2020-2022 Strategic Plan at its Regular Meeting on Sept. 22.

The Strategic Plan, which sets out a roadmap for objectives over the next two years, was discuss...

City Council to consider stormwater, panhandling, camping, ice cream truck ordinances

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 21, 2020) – Beaufort City Council will hold first readings of several significant ordinances at its meeting on Sept. 22. They include:

Stormwater Protection: Ordinance would ban dumping of chemicals, paints, solvents, yard d...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort Sept. 21-25

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 21, 2020) -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments
• Signing into Zoom (details on e...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort Sept. 14-18

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 14, 2020) -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments
• Signing into Zoom (details on e...

Beaufort Police Department enhances accountability with data reports

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 11, 2020)  – The City of Beaufort Police Department has made a number of enhancements to its website to ensure more transparency and accountability with the public, as well to make it easier to request services.

&am...

A video tribute to Sept. 11

Today we take a moment to remember how our nation was forever changed on Sept. 11, 2001. We pay tribute to those heroes who saved so many lives, and we mourn with the families who lost their loved ones. We were united as a country in the days and weeks fo...

Police Department invests in BolaWrap as a tool to take people into custody

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 10, 2020) – The Beaufort Police Department has invested in the BolaWrap, a tool that makes taking people into custody safer for both officers and those they are arresting. The BolaWrap is a hand-held remote restraint device...

Beaufort extends mask ordinance through Nov. 1

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 9, 2020) – Beaufort City Council approved an extension of the City’s mask ordinance through Nov. 1 at council’s Sept. 8 meeting. The ordinance was set to expire on Sept. 15. Beaufort joins the Town of Bl...

Call for local Hospitality Tax appropriation proposals

Fire Department awarded $200,729 federal training grant

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 9, 2020) – The City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department has been awarded a $200,749 grant from the Department of Homeland Security to enhance firefighters’ training. This grant requires a 10% match from...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort Sept. 7-11

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 7, 2020) -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments
• Signing into Zoom (details on ea...

Join Beaufort County Census Day on Sept. 9!

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 2, 2020) – Have you been counted?

Beaufort County Census Day is Wednesday, Sept. 9, and the City of Beaufort is joining local governments throughout the county to urge everyone who has not yet been counted to step up on Sept...

Start with First Friday and enjoy downtown Beaufort over Labor Day weekend

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 1, 2020) – Looking for something fun to do this Labor Day weekend?Why not head to downtown Beaufort, where merchants and restaurant owners have gone many extra steps to ensure that customers have an enjoyable – an...

City offices closed on Labor Day; no trash or recycling services that day

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 1, 2020) – City of Beaufort offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, in honor of Labor Day.WastePro, the City’s solid waste and recycling vendor, will not be providing trash pickup and recycling services on Labo...

Waterfront Park playground now open!

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Aug. 28, 2020) – It’s official! The new playground at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is now open for kids (and their parents!).

A ribbon-cutting was held this morning to unveil the Beaufort-themed park, which includes...

Segment of Spanish Moss Trail to close on Aug. 31

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Aug. 26, 2020) – The Spanish Moss Trail between Rogers Drive and Broome Lane will close on Aug. 31 to pedestrians and cyclists as construction begins on that phase of the Mossy Oaks Stormwater Drainage Project. Detour signs have ...

Political/election signs: What’s allowed in the City of Beaufort

BEAUFORT, S.C. – As we enter election season, the City of Beaufort has some reminders about what is allowed in terms of political/election signs.

• Political signs do not require permits to be posted.
• Signs can be posted within 60 days of an electio...

Meet the candidates for mayor, City Council

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Aug. 20, 2020) – Two candidates have filed to run for mayor of the City of Beaufort, and six candidates have filed to run for two open City Council seats. Neither Mayor Billy Keyserling nor Councilwoman Nan Sutton is running for ...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort Aug. 17-21

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Aug. 17, 2020)  -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments
• Signing into Zoom (det...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort Aug. 10-14

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Aug. 10, 2020) -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

Emailing comments

Signing into Zoom (details on ea...

Publix scheduled to open at Beaufort Plaza in the fall of 2021

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Aug. 6, 2020) – In a big step forward for the City of Beaufort’s Boundary Street Corridor Improvement Plan, a 48,387-square-foot Publix will be coming to Beaufort Plaza in the fall of 2021.

“We’re hap...

City offices to close part day on Friday

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Aug. 6, 2020) – Offices at the City of Beaufort will be closed to the public from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, so that staff can attend funeral services for Police Chief Matthew Clancy, who passed away on July 29.

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Find...

Details on Chief Clancy’s funeral services

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Aug. 5, 2020) – A public service to honor Beaufort Police Chief Matthew Clancy, who passed away on July 29, will be held at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7. The service will be held on the stage at t...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort Aug. 3-7

BEAUFORT, S.C. -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments
• Signing into Zoom (details on each agenda)
• Callin...

Beaufort to close offices at noon Monday

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Aug. 3, 2020)  – The City of Beaufort will close its offices to the public at noon today in anticipation of the effects of Tropical Storm Isaias. Beaufort Municipal Court has canceled its 3 p.m. hearings set for today an...

McDorman named interim police chief

BEAUFORT, S.C. (July 31, 2020) – In the wake of the death of Beaufort Police Chief Matthew Clancy, Deputy Police Chief Dale McDorman has been named the interim chief of the Police Department.

“We are fortunate that Chief Clancy develope...

Beaufort Police Chief Clancy, praised for his leadership, passes away

BEAUFORT, S.C. (July 30, 2020)  – Matthew Clancy, chief of the City of Beaufort Police Department, passed away at home on July 29 surrounded by his family. Chief Clancy was 56 years old. He died of complications of neuroendocrine cancer...

Community & Econ Development changes order of public hearings

BEAUFORT, S.C. (July 28, 2020) – The City of Beaufort’s Department of Community & Economic Development recently changed when public hearings are conducted so that public comments can be considered earlier in the process.

Facilitated...

City awarded grant to repair Carnegie Library Building windows

BEAUFORT, S.C. – The City of Beaufort has been awarded a grant of $188,500 from the South Carolina Historic Preservation Office to restore windows at the Carnegie Library Building that were damaged by both Hurricanes Matthew and Irma.

The Carnegi...

Construction to start soon on Mossy Oaks project

BEAUFORT, S.C. (July 13, 2020) – Equipment is being moved to Southside Park this week to prepare for the first major construction phase of the Mossy Oaks Drainage Project, which is expected to begin in the next two weeks.

The initial work will in...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort July 13-17

BEAUFORT, S.C. -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments (details on each agenda)
• Signing into Zoom (deta...

City of Beaufort mask/face covering ordinance FAQ / Preguntas

La ciudad de Beaufort require que las personas se cubran las cara cuando esten en lugares publico, La ordenanza tomo’ efecto a las 11:59 A.M. Martes, Junio 30. City of Beaufort mask/face covering ordinance

 Q. Por que’ la Ciuda...

City of Beaufort face-covering ordinance/FAQ

An ordinance requiring people to wear face coverings in indoor public places in the City of Beaufort went into effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, June 30. Read the full ordinance here.

Q. Why is the City doing this?

A. Covid-19 is spreading more rapidly in both ...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort July 6-10

BEAUFORT, S.C. -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

Emailing comments

Signing into Zoom (details on each agenda)

Callin...

Where you can find free masks

The City of Beaufort’s mask ordinance goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. June 30.

Mayor Billy Keyserling took the lead in the last month in helping local businesses provide masks for customers who entered without one. He is now working with the Inter...

City of Beaufort passes mask ordinance

BEAUFORT, S.C. (June 29, 2020) – Beaufort City Council today unanimously passed an ordinance requiring face covers for any member of the  public who enters a public building, including all stores and restaurants within the city limits. ...

City Council to consider requiring public to wear masks in public buildings

BEAUFORT, S.C. (June 27, 2020) – Beaufort City Council will hold an emergency meeting at 10 a.m. Monday, June 29, to consider an emergency ordinance to require face coverings for the public in buildings within City limits that are open to the pu...

City offices to close on July 3 for Independence Day

BEAUFORT, S.C. (June 25, 2020) – The City of Beaufort’s offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in honor of Independence Day.

WastePro will conduct its normal Friday waste pickups that day.

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Council passes $22.9 million budget

BEAUFORT, S.C. (June 24, 2020) – At its June 23 meeting, Beaufort City Council approved the FY 2020-21 budget for $22.9 million, reflecting the City’s leaner environment.

The $22.9 million budget, which is less than last year’...

Filing deadline is Aug. 14 for mayoral, City Council seats

BEAUFORT, S.C. (June 24, 2020) – Do you feel a calling to serve your community? Residents of the City of Beaufort who are interested in serving in local government in an elected capacity have several opportunities this fall.

The positions of mayo...

Remember – almost all business with City of Beaufort can be done from home

BEAUFORT, S.C. (June 23, 2020) – Although the City of Beaufort has reopened to the public, residents, businesses, and visitors are reminded that almost all services are available online, or via phone calls.

Those who need to do business with the ...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort June 22-26

All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comments
• Signing into Zoom (details on each agenda)
• Calling into meeting (de...

March for Justice route changes

BEAUFORT, S.C. (June 18, 2020) -- Protest & March for Justice, which is begins at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, in the City of Beaufort, has changed its route.

The march will proceed from Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park up Charles Street to Duke Street ...

Protest & March for Justice to be held June 21

BEAUFORT, S.C. (June 16, 2020)  – On Sunday, June 21, at 4 p.m., the Protest & March for Justice will be held in the City of Beaufort beginning at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. The City of Beaufort supports this march, and City...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort June 15-19

BEAUFORT, S.C. -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). The public can participate in four ways:

Emailing comments

Signing into Zoom (details on each agenda)

Callin...

International Medical Corps donates 200,000 masks to underserved communities

BEAUFORT, SC, June 8, 2020—In response to COVID-19, International Medical Corps and its disaster relief partner Bloomberg Philanthropies are distributing the first 50,000 masks—out of a planned distribution of 200,000—to thre...

New playground for Waterfront Park to feature Beaufort theme

BEAUFORT, S.C. – Kids, get ready! Later this summer, you’ll have a whole new playground to enjoy at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

The playground will have a Beaufort theme, with a climbing structure styled like a shrimp boat wi...

Greenlawn Drive, Arsenal projects completed

BEAUFORT, S.C. – Two major public works projects have been completed by the City of Beaufort.

Greenlawn Neighborhood Revitalization Project – Begun in June 2019, the project widened Greenlawn Drive, added sidewalks, on-street parking, s...

Beaufort to officially open to public June 15

BEAUFORT, S.C. (June 9, 2020) – The City of Beaufort will officially open to the public on Monday, June 15.

Various safety and sanitation measures will be in place for our employees and the public.

Plexiglass shields have been installed in the dep...

Public hearing, first reading of budget ordinance on June 9

BEAUFORT, S.C. (June 8, 2020) – Beaufort City Council will hold a public hearing and first reading of the FY 2020-2021 Budget Ordinance at its Regular Meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9. This will follow City Council’s Work Session at 6...

Public meetings in City of Beaufort June 8-12

BEAUFORT, S.C.  (June 5, 2020) -- All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). For City Council meetings, the public can participate in four ways:

• Emailing comm...

Public can participate and comment during meetings via Zoom

BEAUFORT, S.C. (June 3, 2020) – The City of Beaufort has instituted new guidelines regarding public participation for its City Council and board meetings held via Zoom.

New guidelines

City Council and other agendas will include Zoom meeting links ...

Business license renewals, H-tax, A-tax due June 20

BEAUFORT, S.C. (May 28, 2020) – Business license renewals 2020 for the City of Beaufort are due by June 20. Hospitality and accommodations taxes for February, March and April are also due by that date.

In March, to help local businesses affected ...

Public notice: Hearing on municipal budget

City of Beaufort public meetings May 25-29

All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/). Public comments can be made via Zoom.

Tuesday, May 26

5 p.m. City Council Work Session; agenda

7 p.m. City Council Regular Mee...

City awarded $600K from SCDOT for Allison Road project

BEAUFORT, S.C. (May 21, 2020) – The South Carolina Department of Transportation has awarded a $600,000 grant to the City of Beaufort for its Allison Road Pedestrian Connector Project.

City Manager Bill Prokop announced the news at City Council&am...

City offices to be closed in honor of Memorial Day

BEAUFORT, S.C. – The City of Beaufort administrative offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in honor of Memorial Day. City offices continue to be closed to the public during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Three cheers for our Public Works team!

BEAUFORT, S.C. (May 18, 2020) – Their jobs can be messy and dirty and often difficult.

But without them, residents of the City of Beaufort would be at a loss.

The Public Works Department – which includes 24 employees who work in parks, f...

City Council to get budget details at Work Session

BEAUFORT, S.C. (May 18, 2020) – At its Work Session on Tuesday, May 19, Beaufort City Council will be presented with City Manager Bill Prokop’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2021, which starts on July 1.

The recommended budget take...

City of Beaufort public meetings May 18-22

All meetings will be conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC/).

Monday, May 19

5 p.m. Metropolitan Planning Commission; agenda

Tuesday, May 19

5 p.m. City Council Work Session

Wednesday, May 2...

City will help restaurants next to Waterfront Park add outdoor dining

BEAUFORT, S.C. (May 13, 2020) – The City of Beaufort, recognizing that its merchants have suffered hardships during Covid-19 restrictions, is adopting several measures to help restaurants and retail shops during the summer months.

These &ldqu...

Municipal Court to resume sessions on May 14

BEAUFORT, S.C. (May 12, 2020) – The City of Beaufort Municipal Court will resume court sessions beginning Thursday, May 14, with new social distancing and health guidelines to help minimize risk to court participants.

Courthouse administrative of...

City Council to consider measures to help merchants

BEAUFORT, S.C. (May 11, 2020) – Beaufort City Council will hold a Work Session at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, followed by a Regular Meeting at 7 p.m. The meetings will be held virtually via Zoom. The public can watch the meetings live on the City&am...

Governor lifts some restrictions on restaurants

May 8, 2020

Today’s update from Gov. McMaster:

Beginning Monday, May 11, restaurants can provide inside service at 50% occupancy. Guidance for restaurants regarding social distancing, sanitation, etc., can be found at the state’s&nbs...

Incentives available for property owners

BEAUFORT, S.C. (May 7, 2020) – To encourage targeted development and rehabilitation, the City of Beaufort offers several incentives to property owners. City Council passed an ordinance amending these incentives on April 14.

Commercial buildings:

A...

May 1: McMaster lifts work or home order

May 1, 2020

Today Gov. McMaster announced several changes to his previous executive orders:

He has lifted the home or work order effective Monday, May 4. It becomes voluntary, he said.

He said restaurants can offer outside dining as well as curbside service ...

Now is the time to prepare for hurricanes

BEAUFORT, S.C. (May 3, 2020) – National Hurricane Preparation Week begins today, May 3.

The Atlantic hurricane season in the United States begins on June 1 and ends Nov. 30. For residents of the Lowcountry, planning is essential so that no hurric...

Next phase of Mossy Oaks project almost here

BEAUFORT, S.C. (April 30, 2020) – Help is on the way for the often-flooded Mossy Oaks neighborhood now that all federal and state permits have been secured.

Neal Pugliese, chairman of the Multijurisdictional Mossy Oaks Drainage Task Force, said t...

Beaufort celebrates ‘spirit of travel and hospitality’

BEAUFORT, S.C. (April 30, 2020) – City Council proclaimed May 3-9 National Travel and Tourism Week at its April 28 meeting.

While acknowledging that the Covid-19 pandemic has halted travel, City Council  recognized that  &ld...

City offers concierge service to help retailers

BEAUFORT, S.C. (April 29, 2020) – The City of Beaufort, in conjunction with the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation, has published a Covid-19 handbook with a list of local, regional and federal resources for businesses. One of those...

City Council to hear Mossy Oaks update

BEAUFORT, S.C. – Beaufort City Council will hold a Work Session at 5:30 p.m. on April 28, followed by a Regular Meeting at 7 p.m. Both meetings will be held via Zoom, and live-streamed on the City’s Facebook page. The public can partic...

Business steady as Planning Office goes electronic

BEAUFORT, S.C. – Dropbox, Zoom, and old-fashioned phone calls have replaced face-to-face meetings with developers and builders in the City of Beaufort’s Planning Office – but it’s working, according to Martie Kay Mc...

April 20: McMaster lifts some restrictions

April 20, 2020

At his press conference today, Gov. McMaster said he was lifting his executive order of March 30 that closed South Carolina’s public beaches, docks, piers and wharfs, effective noon April 21. He said the decision to reopen public b...

April 16 update: Governor looks ahead

April 16, 2020

At his press conference Thursday, Gov. McMaster said that the state is making progress in the fight against COVID-19. Although he cautioned that “we cannot let up,” he said that he expects the state’s economy to...

City Council supports putting local option sales tax on ballot

BEAUFORT, S.C. – Beaufort City Council passed a resolution at its meeting on April 14 in support of putting a local option sales tax (LOST) on the November ballot.

If passed by voters, LOST would add a penny to the current sales tax paid by Beauf...

City cutting expenses as it faces budget shortfall

BEAUFORT, S.C. (April 15, 2020) – The City of Beaufort is cutting expenses as revenues are expected to decline significantly in the last quarter of the fiscal year.

At a City Council meeting conducted via Zoom on April 14, City Manager Bill Proko...

April 9 update: Thank you for staying at home

April 9, 2020 

We wish those who worship in our community a Happy Passover and Happy Easter! Many churches are offering streaming services, and other alternate ways to worship besides being in a church. We thank EVERYONE who has been staying home,...

Public can join Historic District Review Board meeting via Zoom

BEAUFORT, S.C. (April 7, 2020) – The City of Beaufort’s Historic District Review Board will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, via the webconferencing app Zoom.

Anyone from the public who is interested in attending can use this link ...

Beaufort retains its strong credit rating from Moody’s

BEAUFORT, S.C. (April 7, 2020) – The City of Beaufort continues to maintain an Aa2 rating from Moody’s Investor Services in Moody’s annual report on the City’s credit.

The report noted that Beaufort’s credi...

April 6 update: Stay at home. It's official

April 6, 2020

Governor says stay home. City Council says stay home. Stay home!

GOV. MCMASTER: On Monday, the governor ordered a mandatory stay at home order effective 5 p.m. April 7 unless you are working, visiting family, recreating outdoors, or ...

City of Beaufort Shelter in Place Ordinance FAQ

Q. What does the ordinance say? 

A. The ordinance directs residents to stay at home except for essential activities, for the duration of the City’s Emergency Declaration. Read ordinance here. If you are exhibiting ANY flulike symptoms, y...

City Council directs residents to stay at home

BEAUFORT, S.C. – Beaufort City Council passed an emergency ordinance Monday directing residents within the City to shelter in place for the duration of the City’s emergency declaration, except to go out for essential activities, beginn...

Videos of Beaufort artists provide break from virus

BEAUFORT, S.C. (April 6, 2020) – Ready for a break from the coronavirus? Artists from throughout the City of Beaufort have filmed a series of videos to bring viewers happiness and inspiration while they continue to shelter at home.

The series, ca...

Beaufort City Council to consider shelter-in-place during emergency meeting April 6

BEAUFORT, S.C. (April 5, 2020) – Beaufort City Council is holding a Special Emergency Council Meeting at noon on Monday, April 6. The council will consider an emergency ordinance directing residents within the City to shelter in place during the...

Mayor Keyserling urges residents to stay at home, will ask for directive from City Council

BEAUFORT, S.C. (April 4, 2020) – Beaufort Mayor Billy Keyserling is personally requesting residents of the City to stay home for the next 14 days. He made the request in a letter to City residents today (April 4).

“After consulting with...

A letter from Mayor Keyserling

Dear Beaufort City Residents:

Based on data, mixed messages from governments above, and virus rates rising higher than expected, as Mayor I am personally asking our residents to stay at home for the next fourteen days.

After consulting with mayors, municipa...

Friday update: Staying at home? Thank you!

April 3, 2020

We have 30 days to flatten the curve. Stay home. Save lives. A big thank you to all who are doing that.

THE NUMBERS: As of Friday, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state is 1,700, with 34 deaths. Beaufort County has 13...

Resources to help businesses during this time

April 2, 2020

There is a lot of information that is flooding in from the federal and state government now for struggling businesses. Here is a list of resources to help.

The Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation has a new handbook to help busines...

Wednesday update: More ahead

April 1, 2020

It’s April 1. As a community and a country, we did a lot in March. There is more ahead for us in April.

CITY OF BEAUFORT: Today the City closed public boat landings and playgrounds at City parks, to comply with Gov. McMaster...

City closes Marina, Pigeon Point boat landings, and park playgrounds

BEAUFORT, S.C. – As of April 1, in compliance with directives from Gov. Henry McMaster, the City of Beaufort has:

• Closed the boat landings at the Downtown Marina and at Pigeon Point. These are public access points to local waterways. Commercial f...

Where to get help with food needs, etc.

In this time of need, as many people have lost their jobs, here is a list of some of the organizations that are offering help, or can provide referrals.

United Way of the Low Country helpline is 843-524-4357(HELP). United Way has also started a COVID-19 re...

Beaufort City Council passes resolution addressing COVID-19 in community

BEAUFORT, S.C. – At its special meeting on March 31, held electronically via Zoom for the first time, Beaufort City Council passed a resolution addressing the community spread of COVID-19. The resolution addressed the hospitality industry, outdo...

Tuesday update: COVID-19 resolution

March 31, 2020

From the mayor and City Council members: A big thank you to so many in our community for staying home, and following social distancing when out. 

CITY OF BEAUFORT: At its special meeting on Tuesday, City Council passed a resolution t...

Monday update: Numbers are climbing

March 30, 2020

We can’t stress it enough. To flatten the curve, everyone must stay home as much as possible.

Please, stay home. Go out only for essentials. Keep a distance of six feet between you and others when you do go out.

A big THANK YOU to al...

Beaufort City Council to hold virtual meeting March 31

BEAUFORT, S.C. (March 29, 2020) – Beaufort City Council will hold a special meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31. To comply with best practices to stop the spread of COVID-19, council members will be connected from their homes throug...

Friday update: Together

March 27, 2020

During these times, we are all in this together. We know that neighbors are helping neighbors, and the community is trying its best to support the businesses in Beaufort that are hurting right now. We appreciate everyone who is trying to fla...

Thursday update: Stay the course

March 26, 2020

We know this is a very unsettling time for everyone. Your City government is making decisions day by day with the safety of our residents, businesses and their workers, and our own employees uppermost in mind. As of now, Gov. McMaster says t...

Tuesday update: 'Lead by example'

March 24, 2020

Stay home. Go out only for essentials. Practice social distancing when you go out. 

Staying home saves lives!

JOINT STATEMENT: Beaufort County Council Chairman Joe Passiment and all the region’s mayors, including Be...

A statement from Beaufort County Council chairman and regional mayors

From: Joe Passiment, Chairman, Beaufort County CouncilBilly Keyserling, Mayor, City of BeaufortLisa Sulka, Mayor, Town of BlufftonHarry Williams, Mayor, City of HardeevilleJohn McCann, Mayor, Town of Hilton Head IslandJoe DeVito, Mayor, Town of Port Royal...

Monday update: Stay home!

Our City has a simple message:

Stay home. Go out only for essentials. Practice social distancing when you do go out. 

Staying home saves lives!

GROWING NUMBERS: The numbers of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to grow in South Carolina. ...

It's Friday. Take a deep breath!

It’s Friday! What a challenging (and, let’s face it, stressful) week we have all had. We hope our residents are practicing their social distancing skills. Our thoughts are going out to everyone in our community who is being impacted (a...

City Council approves waiving penalties for late filing of 2020 business licenses

BEAUFORT, S.C. (March 20, 2020) – Recognizing that many businesses in the City of Beaufort have been adversely affected by measures taken by federal, state and local governments to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, Beaufort City Council app...

City of Beaufort offices to be closed to the public effective March 23

BEAUFORT, S.C. (March 20, 2020) – In concert with Beaufort County, and all other municipalities in the county, the City of Beaufort has announced the following emergency procedures, effective Monday, March 23:

• All City offices will be closed to t...

City of Beaufort curtails activities in response to COVID-19 virus

BEAUFORT, S.C. (March 15, 2020) – The City of Beaufort, in response to Gov. McMaster’s State of Emergency decree, and in coordination with Beaufort County and other municipalities in the county, has undertaken a number of measures in r...

American Cruise ship to dock at Waterfront Park temporarily

BEAUFORT, S.C. (March 13, 2020) – American Cruise Lines, the cruise ship operator that stops in Beaufort throughout much of the year, has canceled cruises through March 22. One of their ships will be docked at Waterfront Park in Beaufort beginni...

Beaufort Municipal Court cancels court cases March 16-26

BEAUFORT, S.C. (March 13, 2020)  – The City of Beaufort Municipal Court will cancel court cases for two weeks from March 16 through March 26. This is in response to public safety concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 virus. All court...

CANCELLED: Public invited to Mossy Oaks update on March 31

The update/meeting open to the public by the Mossy Oaks Task Force scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 10 AM has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a future date/time yet to be determined. This is in response to public safety concerns over th...

Prominent preservation economist to speak at HBF meeting March 26

BEAUFORT, S.C. – Donovan Rypkema, the nation’s leading economist on the value of historic preservation, will be the keynote speaker at Historic Beaufort Foundation’s 54th annual meeting on March 26.

Rypkema, principal of Place...

Request for Development Proposal - Beaufort Commerce Park

On behalf of The City of Beaufort, The Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC) is seeking proposals for construction of shell buildings in the Beaufort Commerce Park.  The BCEDC is looking to form a partnership with the successfu...