High-speed chase attorney in Okatie, SC

HRMC announces vendor applications for health fair

Hampton Regional Medical Center in Affiliation with MUSC Health are excited to announce that vendor applications are now open for our community health and wellness event, Discover Wellness: Chart Your Course, taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Open Arms Fellowship, 402 Hoover Street North, Hampton, right on the heels of Columbus Day. Hampton Regional invites the community to a day dedicated to helping individuals and families find their path to better health through education, screenings, resources and community connections.

The event will feature free health screenings, no-cost flu vaccines, nutrition and wellness education, active living resources, dental care information, a produce box distribution, door prizes and more.

We are seeking vendors who provide services, programs, products, or resources that benefit individuals and families throughout the Lowcountry. This event offers an excellent opportunity to engage directly with community members, increase awareness of your organization and collaborate with other agencies dedicated to improving health and wellness. Let us know what you will be bringing to the table so that we may promote it on our Facebook event page, and don’t forget to join the event yourself and interact with us!

Vendor space is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to reserve your spot.

To apply, please complete the vendor application at: https://forms.gle/o6eJQdzr2Q3ENvoL7 Or check out the attached flyer with QR code.

If you have questions about vendor participation or event logistics, please contact us at

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to serving our communities. We look forward to working together to make Discover Wellness 2026 a successful and meaningful event for the residents of Hampton County and the surrounding region.

Beaufort Memorial adds skilled Urologist in Okatie and Beaufort

OKATIE, S.C. – Beaufort Memorial has expanded access to its specialty healthcare services by adding a skilled urologist to its team in Okatie and Beaufort.

Dr. Meredith Hernandez joins Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists, where she provides comprehensive care for conditions including kidney and bladder stones, enlarged prostate, urinary disorders and urological cancers. She also specializes in advanced robot-assisted surgical procedures designed to improve precision, shorten recovery time and achieve optimal outcomes for patients.

“As Beaufort County and the surrounding areas continue to grow, so does the need for accessible specialized care,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “Dr. Hernandez brings clinical expertise, advanced surgical skills and a compassionate approach that reinforces the Beaufort Memorial commitment to delivering high-quality care closer to home.”

Dr. Hernandez’s interest in medicine began early, inspired by a family legacy of physicians that included both of her grandfathers. She was drawn to urology in particular because it uniquely combines patient relationships, personalized care and innovative surgical treatment. Throughout her training, she developed an interest in robot-assisted surgery to treat urological cancers and other complex conditions.

She relocated to the Lowcountry from Tennessee, where she earned her medical degree and completed her urology residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. There, she developed her patient-centered approach focused on education, open communication and helping patients navigate often-challenging diagnoses and treatment decisions with confidence.

“I want all of my patients to feel comfortable, informed and supported as we make healthcare decisions together,” she said. “I aim to create an open environment that is built on trust and honest communication.”

Dr. Hernandez enjoys running, Pilates, traveling and spending time with family and pets. She and her husband, David, love being on the water and are looking forward to continuing to explore their new South Carolina home.

Providers at Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists offer expert diagnosis, treatment and management of a wide range of urinary system diseases and conditions in men and women, including those affecting the kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, ureters, urethra and male reproductive organs.

At the practice, Dr. Hernandez joins board-certified urologist Dr. Louis F. Plzak and board-certified physician assistants Kristin S. Callaghan, Matthew Baker and Nancy Thomas.

To make an appointment with Dr. Hernandez or any of the practice’s other providers in Beaufort or Okatie, call (843) 524-7607.

Guardian ad Litem volunteer training available

Charleston, SC – The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program, a division of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy, invites community members to turn purpose into action by becoming a volunteer Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Hampton or Allendale Counties

Volunteer Guardians ad Litem ensure that children involved in Family Court proceedings through the Department of Social Services have a voice. GALs visit the child and advocate for them during times of uncertainty and transition, helping guide the court toward decisions that promote safety, stability and permanency.

The next free online volunteer training begins on Monday, Oct. 12, offering a meaningful opportunity to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Our last training opportunity of the year begins Tuesday, Nov. 10.

This comprehensive training equips volunteers with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to represent a child’s best interests in Family Court. For those seeking a tangible way to serve their community and make a lasting difference, becoming a GAL is a powerful and achievable commitment.

“Many people are looking for ways to give back and live with greater purpose,” said Christy Vinson, Recruitment and Training Director of the SC Guardian ad Litem Program. “Becoming a GAL is a meaningful way to step forward and make a life-changing impact for a child who needs a consistent, caring advocate.”

Volunteer GAL Training Details:

Those interested in giving back with purpose are encouraged to visit gal.sc.gov for more information and to download an application.

For additional information, contact David McAlhaney, Regional Recruiter and Trainer for the Guardian ad Litem Program, at (843) 277-5849 or David.McAlhaney@childadvocate.sc.gov.

Poll workers needed for Nov. 3 general election in Beaufort County

Beaufort County is calling on residents to serve as poll workers for the Nov. 3, General Election, with an immediate need for approximately 300 new workers to help staff polling locations across the county. Poll workers who complete training and work on Election Day will receive a stipend and bonus from Beaufort County totaling $235.

"We have been fortunate to have capable citizens willing to attend training and serve their neighbors at the polls," said Matthew Sweeney, Chairman of the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County. "Their commitment is essential, but with continued growth in voter registrations, precincts, and polling locations, we now have an urgent need to recruit new poll workers across Beaufort County."

Beaufort County is one of the top 10 counties in South Carolina by registered voters and administers elections for 134 precincts countywide. With several statewide and local races on the ballot, county election officials anticipate strong turnout for the Nov. 3 General Election.

"We encourage Beaufort County residents who care about serving their community and supporting well-run elections to join us," said Ms. Jean Felix, Director of the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County.

Interested individuals can sign up at www.BeaufortSC.easypollworker.com or contact Ms. Tiara S. Glover, Training & Outreach Coordinator, at for more information.

American Legion Post 205 hosting 20th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Sept. 19

American Legion, Post 205 is hosting their 20th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Sept. 19. The tournament will be held at Hilton Head Lakes Golf Club, 2130 Club Way, Hardeeville SC.

The cost is: $100 each player, $90 for veterans or active military and $70 for students. It is a 9 a.m. shotgun start, check in starting at 8 a.m. Breakfast treats, a box lunch, raffles, silent auction and door prizes are included. There is also a $10,000. Hole in One Grand Prize.Go to the Legion's website: www.alpost205.org for a player registration form.

Galante graduates from the University of Rhode Island

KINGSTON, R.I. -- The University of Rhode Island celebrated more than 4,000 of its newest alumni during the University's 2026 Commencement. Approximately 3,800 undergraduate degrees and 900 graduate degrees were conveyed to students during the ceremonies which took place May 15-17.

Lauren Galante, of Bluffton, was among the graduates, receiving a Bachelor of Arts, Psychology.

Fermin Named to CCTC's Summer 2026 President's List for Part-Time Students

SUMTER, SC -- Anthony Fermin, of Bluffton, was named to the CCTC Summer 2026 President's List for Part-time Students.

Fermin was among more than 150 students named to the Summer 2026 President's list.

The Part-Time President's List recognizes students who were enrolled in 6-11 credit hours and achieved a 4.0 grade-point average for the term.

Central Carolina Technical College is a comprehensive, public, two-year institution of higher education that is dedicated to fostering a positive environment of teaching and learning for faculty, staff and students.

Furman University Spring 2026 dean's list

GREENVILLE, S.C. - The following Furman University students were included on the dean's list for the 2026 spring semester. Furman's dean's list is composed of full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.4 or higher on a four-point system. Furman is a private, undergraduate liberal arts and sciences university of 2,550 students in Greenville, South Carolina. The university is noted for its rigorous academic program and strong faculty. Its 940-acre campus is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful in the nation. At the heart of the university's academic experience is a personalized, four-year pathway that combines engaged learning with immersive experiences outside the classroom. Furman prepares students for lives of purpose, successful careers and community benefit. Learn more at www.furman.edu. Sophia Hayward, Rohan Mitchell Preis, Jade Daniella Sabillon, Benjamin Elliott Steen, and Jais Catherine Ward, of Beaufort, were named to the Dean's List; Audrey Elizabeth Atkins, of Bluffton, was named to the Dean's List; Emma Rose Impellicceiri, of Hardeeville, was named to the Dean's List; Chelsea Lynn Gradzki, Jamie Anne Hanley, and Elizabeth Kathryn Jones, all of Hilton Head were named to the Dean's List, and Zachary Mark Baunach, of Hilton Head Island, was named to the Dean's List.

South Carolina Lowcountry Calendar of Events

For events, festivals and other community happenings in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties, and around the Lowcountry, check out our Lowcountry Calendar of Events. If you have an open-to-the-public event you would like to announce, submit by email to:

Beaufort County events

Great American Kids Show set for Aug. 21 in Bluffton

The Town of Bluffton will be presenting Rick Hubbard's Great American Kids Show Aug. 21 at New Riverside Barn Park. Preshow starts at 6:30 p.m. with the performance from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is a free family event and there will be food trucks on site for purchases. Free kazoos will also be distributed while supplies last.

Special children’s presentation hosted at Bluffton church

A special children’s presentation titled “Through the Eyes of a Child,” which will be presented during a worship service on Sunday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. at Maye River Baptist Church, 3507 Okatie Highway, Bluffton, SC.

In a world often filled with conflict and division, our children want to share a different perspective—one filled with love, kindness, compassion and peace. Through songs, skits, and Scripture, they will remind us what the world could look like if we viewed it through the eyes of a child and followed the example of Jesus Christ.

List of food pantries from around the Lowcountry

Jasper County Events

Back to School Bash at Solomon Temple Church of God in Christ Aug. 15

Solomon Temple Church of God in Christ, located at 57 Solomon Temple Road in Garnett, will host a Back to School Bash Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Free school supplies will be distributed until all items are gone. There will also be food, fun and games. The event is free and open to the public.

Guardians of Strength hosting brunch Aug. 15

Guardians of Strength, LLC, will host a Relaunch with a Brunch event Aug. 15 at noon at the Wagon Branch Community Center. The organization advocates for families affected by violence and seeks to help support services for families when a loved one has been murdered. Guardians of Strength is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to help stop violence and provide long term support for victims, survivors and their children through collaboration and coordinated services. For more information about the brunch, contact Andrea Love, Founder and CEO at (843)305-1073 or through: guardiansofstrengthsc@gmail.com.

Hampton County events

Novant Health opened a new, 10,000 square-foot medical facility in Bluffton Tuesday.

It’s the latest expansion for the healthcare provider as it competes with Beaufort Memorial Hospital to fulfill growing demand for health services in Beaufort County. Beaufort Memorial has its own expansion projects, including a hospital in Bluffton.

Here’s what you need to know about the new facility:

Bluffton Emergency Department

Novant Health broke ground on the facility in April 2025. It’s called the Novant Health Bluffton , and it has 10 treatment rooms, a trauma room, and diagnostic services such as X-rays and CT scans.

It will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and have a full-time staff, according to previous Island Packet . It’s the second emergency department in Bluffton operated by Novant Health, and the first is on Tidewatch Drive off of state highway 170.

The new emergency department is located off of Buckwalter Parkway at 8 Parkside Drive. Novant Health also opened at Buckwalter Place in May, just a short drive away from the emergency department. The clinics and imaging center are part of Novant Health’s Buckwalter Medical Park.

Novant Health’s expansions

Novant Health operates dozens of healthcare facilities in Beaufort County. It first entered the area when Hilton Head Medical Center and Coastal Carolina Medical Center both joined the Novant Health system in 2024 through a $2.4 billion deal with Tenet Healthcare Corporation.

Novant Health purchased 4.5 acres of land off of William Hilton Parkway for a 25,000-square-foot medical office building in May. The building will contain primary care, physical therapy and urology services, as well as 15,000 square feet of medical office space.

Novant Health also plans to build a 194,500 square foot, 50-bed in Bluffton by 2028, to be named Novant Health Bluffton Medical Center, according to previous Island Packet reporting. The hospital will be off of Buckwalter Parkway, cost $320 million, and will bring 1,000 new jobs to Bluffton.

Beaufort Memorial is also expanding into Bluffton. It’s constructing the at the corner of Bluffton Parkway and Buckwalter Parkway, and the hospital will open in 2027, according to its website.