News Flash

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 CITY COUNCIL APPROVED THE DELAY OF SOME BUSINESS FEES

EFFECTIVE MARCH 19, 2020

CITY OF BEAUFORT CITY COUNCIL APPROVED THE DELAY OF CARRIAGE FEES, AND THE WAIVER OF PENALTIES AND INTEREST ON BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWALS AND ON FEBRUARY, MARCH AND APRIL LOCAL HOSPITALITY AND LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS ...

Downtown businesses and restaurants will be offering curbside pickup and delivery services

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...

Boards and Commissions Vacancy: Park & Tree Advisory Commission

City of Beaufort is seeking to fill a vacancy on the Park and Tree Advisory Commission (PTAC). This vacancy is specific to a Volunteer Arborist. Interested citizens can complete a Boards and Commissions application.

Questions?

Should you have additional que...

Beaufort launches South Coast Cyber Center

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Jan. 15, 2020) – Under a plan presented to City Council at its Work Session on Jan. 14, the City of Beaufort could become a center of cybersecurity expertise, with the potential to offer high-paying jobs to exiting military as we...

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...

Website Personalization Now Available!

By clicking “Log In” on the MyAccount bar at the top of the screen, users may create a login for the site or use their Facebook profile to access MyAccount. Once logged in, visitors can choose the modules, features and keywords that th...