Oct. 19, 2021 • Volume 24, Issue 20 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com
INSIDE • Trimming weeds near lagoon can be hazardous to your health 10A • Montessori students plant ‘Pinwheels for Peace’ 16A • Passion for nature leads teacher out of classroom 18A • Whibbles Magoo an ambassador for canine adoptions 24A • Sauls honored with Order of Palmetto 26A
Citizen input made an impact on county’s new comprehensive plan By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR
Beaufort County’s newest comprehensive plan, Envision Beaufort 2040, contains more than 189 pages of major topics, maps and charts, and detailed descriptions of future plans for the county. More importantly, it also contains many of the ideas and suggestions submitted by more than 1,400 residents. When the county began in March 2020 the state-required process of updating its vision, the Beaufort County Planning Department sought input from those who would be impacted now and for the next 20 years: its nearly 200,000 residents. That input was gathered through research, stakeholder meetings, analysis, surveys,
written submissions, and public workshops on open space, the economy and growth. The result is the document that was presented to county council Oct. 11 for a first reading and approval. Envision Beaufort 2040 will have two more readings before it is adopted and implemented. State law requires that any jurisdiction that has zoning must generate and regularly update a comprehensive plan with goals for the future and a plan of action to meet those goals. “Items – strategies and actions – were generally added to the plan as the result of public comment,” said Robert Merchant, Beaufort County director of planning and
Please see COMP PLAN on page 8A
GWYNETH J. SAUNDERS
Visitors make their way down the main walkway at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, located between the bridges to Hilton Head Island, to explore flora and fauna. One of the concepts in Envision Beaufort County 2040 is to promote and preserve that which is “Unique to Place” and makes the area so special.
Apply now to enter Town’s 50th annual Christmas Parade The Town of Bluffton will host its 50th annual Christmas Parade at 10 a.m. Dec. 4 through the Historic District. Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For this year, there is a limit of 120 entries for the parade. A $25 entry fee is required. New rules will be enforced for the
safety of all, including the prohibition of throwing of candy and other items from parade vehicles and floats. People registered with a parade entry are allowed to walk alongside the entry and distribute candy and other items. Spectators will not be allowed to run into the streets to pick up items.
$2,000 in prize money • Entries are due to the Maritime Center on November 5th-6th
Call 843-645-7774 for rules and details or visit www.portroyalsoundfoundation.org/recycled-art-contest
GET CREATIVE!
Details of new rules are included in the application. Application forms are available on the Town of Bluffton website, townofbluffton. sc.gov. The deadline for application is Nov 10. Questions and completed applications may be emailed to tobchristmasparade@townofbluffton.com.
In addition to the parade, Bluffton’s Tree Lighting ceremony will be held at 5:30 .m. Dec. 3 at Martin Family Park, followed by Santa’s Workshop at Dubois Park. The movie “Elf” will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park. For the safety of all, children must wear a mask for Santa’s workshop.