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DATA SHOWS THAT THE LOWCOUNTRY CONTINUES TO GROW, VOTERS SELECTED CANDIDATES IN PRIMARY ELECTIONS, AND HILTON HEAD SET ITS BUDGET. HERE’S WHAT MADE NEWS DURING THE PAST MONTH:

MOSS CREEK PICKLEBALL

PRIMARY VOTERS PICK CANDIDATES

Incumbent P.J. Tanner defeated challenger JoJo Woodward in the Republican primary for Beaufort County Sheriff. Tanner received 62.4 percent of the vote to Woodward’s 37.6 percent.

For Beaufort County Council, in District 6 Tab Tabernik defeated Mike Covert (55.9 to 44.1 percent). In District 8, Paula Brown defeated John Zmarzly (55.4 to 44.6 percent). Incumbent Mark Lawson defeated Shellie West Hodges (67 to 33 percent) in District 9.

Tom Reitz defeated incumbent Stu Rodman in District 11 (66.5-33.5 percent). David Bartholomew defeated incumbent Paul Sommerville (52.5-47.5 percent) in District 2. For the District 4 seat, incumbent Alice Howard defeated Josh Scallate (53.446.6 percent).

Republican Eric Erickson won the District 121 primary over Timothy Swain (72-28). Democrat Michael Rivers Sr. defeated Marvin Bowens (87.4-12.6).

David Cadd defeated Willie Turral in the primary for auditor (67.2 to 32.8 percent).

Statewide, U.S. House District 1 Rep. Nancy Mace defeated challenger Katie Arrington, garnering 52.8 percent of the vote in Beaufort County. Joe Cunningham (78.1 percent in Beaufort County) won the Democratic primary for governor. He will oppose Gov. Henry McMaster, who won the Republican primary (85 percent).

S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson defeated Bluffton attorney Lauren Martel in the Republican primary (55.3-44.7 in Beaufort County).

LOWCOUNTRY TOWNS AMONG FASTEST-GROWING COMMUNITIES

Bluffton and Hardeeville continue to grow. The U.S. Census Bureau released its 2021 population estimates by municipality which showed the state’s population grew 1.4 percent to 5.19 million residents in 2021 over 2020.

Bluffton ranks No. 1 and Hardeeville No. 8 among the fastest-growing cities based on population.

“One interesting case of population growth is Hardeeville,” said Dr. Bryan Grady, Labor Market Information Director. “That city increased its population by one seventh in a single year and is the fastest-growing municipality in the state based on percentage.”

Hardeeville saw a 14.3 percent increase; Bluffton’s went up 12 percent.

TOWNHOMES PROPOSED FOR BLUFFTON

The town of Bluffton’s planning commission approved a preliminary development agreement for new townhomes. The proposed development, Indigo Cove Townhomes, which is at the northeast corner of Bluffton Parkway and Buck Island Road, is set for 23 acres. It will consist of 83 single-family units. Developers will next present an updated agreement to the development review committee.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND TOWN ADOPTS BUDGET

Hilton Head Island Town Council approved the fiscal year 2023 consolidated budget on June 7. The $119.5 million budget will reduce property tax millage for town property owners from 28.10 mills to 23.10 mills — an 18% decrease, a news release said. The budget provides an investment of $45 million for the Town’s comprehensive Capital Improvement Program and funds the hiring of a Director of Public Safety. To view the adopted budget, visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

MOSS CREEK COMPLETES PICKLEBALL EXPANSION

The Moss Creek community expanded its racquet center with the addition of pickleball courts. Phase One of the project includes four courts, with an additional four courts planned in the next phase. The Moss Creek Racquet Center will offer a full slate of leagues, tournaments, clinics and instructional programs.

WHEELCHAIR PROGRAM TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO HILTON HEAD ISLAND BEACHES

A Town of Hilton Head Island program will make it easier for people with disabilities to access the beach with the launch of its new beach wheelchair program. Four wheelchairs are available at Islanders Beach Park in Folly Field and at Coligny Beach Park. Beachgoers may reserve a wheelchair through the Town’s website. To reserve a beach wheelchair, visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov/beach/accessibility.

FILING FOR HILTON HEAD ISLAND ELECTIONS

The filing period for the Town of Hilton Head Island’s general election runs from 8 a.m. Aug. 1 through 12 p.m. Aug. 15. The Nov. 8 election is to elect Town Council members for Wards 2, 4 and 5 and mayor. Filing for candidacy is at Town Hall, One Town Center Court. The Statement of Candidacy, which is required of any citizen interested in seeking an office, can be found at hiltonheadislandsc. gov/election/ and at Town Hall. Candidates should bring a government-issued photo ID and be prepared to submit a $50 filing fee for the Office of Mayor and $35 filing fee for the Office of Town Council.

CONCOURS NAMES CHIEF JUDGE

John Carlson has been named chief judge for the for the 2022 Hilton Island Concours d’Elegance. He is a University of British Columbia graduate who has spent 30 years in secondary education specializing in fine art and antique automobile restoration. He is serving his 21st year as President and CEO of the National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada Corporation.

GAS PRICES TO INCREASE IN JULY

The South Carolina Department of Revenue announced the sixth increase to the state motor fuel user fee. The increase, set to begin July 1, will increase prices $0.02 per gallon from $0.26 to $0.28 per gallon.