July 7, 2022 • Volume 11, Issue 7 • Complimentary • HiltonHeadSun.com
PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID BLUFFTON, SC PERMIT NO. 135 POSTAL CUSTOMER
Oyster reef, living shoreline begun along Harbour Town No. 18 By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR
A symbol of islanders’ commitment to sustainability is now on display adjacent to one of the most famous holes in the golf world. The beginnings of a new oyster reef are visible along the 18th fairway at Harbour Town Golf Links, thanks to a joint effort between The Outside Foundation, The Sea Pines Resort and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. “We began this effort in 2017 thanks to an award from Patagonia’s environmental grants program. This is the 10th oyster reef we’ve constructed in the past five years, but this is the masterpiece so far, the one we’ve really been targeting,” said Dr. Jean Fruh, the executive director of The Outside Foundation. “To show the benefits of a living shoreline in such a visible location,
it’s going to educate so many folks as to the importance of these efforts.” More than 700 bags of oyster shells, each weighing 20 pounds, were transported to the shoreline in mid-June and then put in place at low tide – bags piled four deep and secured with rebar. Several community groups, including members of the Hilton Head Boy Scout Troop 222, helped with the building of bags and laying of the reef. Living shorelines use nature-based infrastructure, such as recycled oyster shell, to combat both shoreline erosion caused by boat traffic and storms, and the impact of rising sea levels and coastal flooding threats. The reef will serve as a habitat for larval oysters, a place where they can attach and grow. Those oysters will then help clean the waterways by filtering large amounts
Please see REEF on page 14A
PHOTOS BY ROB TIPTON/SEA PINES RESORT
More than 700 bags of oyster shells are placed in the marsh alongside the 18th fairway at Harbour Town Golf Links in June. The recycled shells are being used to build a reef to give new oysters a place to grow.
S.C. 2022 sales tax holiday kicks off Aug. 5 Computers, clothes, school supplies, and a variety of other items can be purchased free of sales tax during South Carolina’s annual 72-hour Sales Tax Holiday. The 2022 Tax Free Weekend takes place Aug. 5-7. The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) reminds shoppers that eligible items can be purchased online and
in-store without paying the state’s 6% Sales Tax and any applicable local taxes during the state’s Tax Free Weekend. “With the increased cost of living, this year’s Sales Tax Holiday is a welcome relief for families. Everyone saves money during a tax-free holiday, particularly on back-toschool essentials,” said SCDOR Director
Hartley Powell. Tax-free items include computers, printers, school supplies, clothing and accessories, shoes, and certain bed and bath items. These tax-free items can be new or used and are eligible regardless of price. Items that are NOT tax-free during the Sales Tax Holiday include digital cameras,
smartphones, jewelry, cosmetics, eyewear, wallets, watches and furniture. For a detailed list of tax-free items, shopping lists, and FAQs, visit dor.sc.gov/ taxfreeweekend. Last year, South Carolina shoppers bought more than $24.5 million in tax-free items during the Sales Tax Holiday.
Boy Scouts Troop 245 celebrates 50th anniversary 18A
Rockin’ out at Arts Center with “Rock of Ages” 28A
Groundbreaking preschool set to open in September 33A
100 Men Who Care form new giving circle 36A
Sunny Side Up 3A • Editorial 4A • Sun on the Street 6A • Business 40A • Legal 43A • Health 44A • Wellness 45A • Giving 46A • Pets 47A • Nature 49A • Sports 50A • Faith 51A • Home 54A