Best Moving Company in Hilton Head Island

A Palmetto State woman was rewarded for making a spur of the moment decision to buy a scratch-off lottery game, according to South Carolina Education Lottery officials.

The woman was lucky, as her $10 investment turned into a $300,000 jackpot, officials said Thursday in a news release.

She told officials that unexpectedly winning the $300,000 Gold Rush game’s grand prize left her feeling woozy.

“It was like you want to collapse,” she said in the release. “You walk around in a daze. You just can’t believe it.”

The six-figure winning scratch-off game was purchased at the Walmart Fuel Kiosk on South Main Street in Darlington, officials said. That’s about 3 miles from Darlington Raceway.

The winner will be allowed to retain some privacy, as South Carolina is one of 11 states — along with Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas and Virginia — that allow lottery winners to remain anonymous.

The winner said some of her newfound windfall will be spent on traveling this year, officials said. She also plans on investing her payday into more lottery tickets as she seeks more prize winners, according to the release.

The odds of winning this six-figure prize in the scratch-off game were 1-in-700,000, officials said.

This was the last of the $300,000 Gold Rush game’s six top prizes to be claimed, according to the release.

The Walmart Fuel Kiosk in Darlington received a commission of $3,000 for selling the claimed ticket, officials said.

In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.

The general trawl zone is being closed to commercial shrimp fishing — the state’s most valuable fishery — to protect overwintering stock that cold water is threatening to kill outright or drive to deeper waters where they could be prematurely swept up by trawlers.

The general trawl zone begins just offshore and extends three miles to federal waters. It’s the work place for hundreds of commercial boats licensed to trawl for shrimp.

Jeff Brunson, the state Department of Natural Resources’ crustacean fisheries manager, said the general trawl zone will close at 7 p.m. Wednesday — except for certain provisional areas located at the outer edge of inshore state waters, which will close Jan. 31. Shrimpers can still fish in deeper federal waters.

The reason for the closure of the inshore state waters is cold water brought on by continued below-average temperatures.

“As water drops they migrate out farther to areas where it’s a little warmer,” Brunson said. “We’re trying to protect those overwintering shrimp and their migration this time of year is largely driven by water temperature.”

Colder temperatures prompt spawning stock to move from protected estuaries into deeper waters where they are at risk of being swept up in trawler nets. Due to cold temperatures this month, water temperature is hovering around 50 degrees and it’s going to get chilly again next week.

When the water temperature reaches 48 degrees, it can also kill the shrimp outright, Brunson said.

“They are not all going to die,” Brunson said. “There’s going to be some variation there. Some are more hardy than others.”

Protecting these young shrimp is critical because they develop into adult white roe shrimp up to 8 inches long. And it’s those adult shrimp that make up the valuable spring and summer harvest. The value of the state’s entire shrimp harvest averaged $8 million between 2019 and 2023. “It’s our highest value fishery,” Brunson said.

The state licenses 300 trawlers, which range from small outboard motor-powered boats, where most of the work is done by hand, to 80-foot-long trawlers with heavy mechanical equipment handing the nets. The shrimpers work along 190 miles of South Carolina coastline. Locally, the boats can often be seen plying the waters off Hilton Head and Hunting islands and parts of St. Helena Sound.

The closure won’t come as a surprise to commercial shrimp fisherman, Brunson says.

“As long as they are still catching marketable shrimp, they want to be working,” he said. “But they typically plan for a closing this time of year.”

Craig Reaves, a commercial shrimper from Beaufort, said the decision to close the inshore waters of the general trawling area was “definitely the right move.” It still allows shrimpers to fish the state provisional areas until Jan. 31. The provisional areas lie between the general trawl zone and federal waters. Reaves says his boats fish in waters ranging from 5 to 50 feet deep, with the nets catching shrimp near the muddy or sandy bottoms or circulating in the water column.

The young shrimp in the estuaries, which are no longer than the length of a pinky and no bigger than a match stick, are very vulnerable to the cold, he says.

“Part of it is they are at the bottom of the food chain,” Reaves says. “If they aren’t moving and not active they are set up to be food for anything. Obviously the cold itself can kill them.”

The closure date for the general trawl zone varies from year to year, but it usually comes from mid- to late January, Brunson said. Last year, the trawl zone was closed Jan. 19. One of the earliest closings, on Dec. 31, came in 2010, another cold year, Brunson said.

Declining water temperature typically drives the decision.

Through the first 12 days of January, the state’s coldest month, the average mean air temperature along the coast was 44.1 degrees, which is 6.5 degrees below the normal, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston. “Which is pretty substantial,” said Brian Adam, a Weather Service meteorologist.

Over the last 30 days, temperatures statewide are running 1 to 2 degrees below average, said Frank Strait, the severe weather liaison of South Carolina Climatology Office. It’s been much colder the last two weeks, he added, with temperatures 5 to 7 degrees below average statewide and closer to 5 degrees below average along the coast.

While temperatures are moderating this week, a cold front will move through this weekend marking a return of below-average temperatures and the possibility of another winter storm, Strait said.

Some shrimpers will continue working in federal waters, which are beyond the state general and provisional areas, but a permit is required, Brunson said. Others will use the break to work on their boats, he said.

The state still has the authority to close the provisional areas before Jan. 31. And if temperatures remain below 48 degrees for seven days, the state can also petition the federal government to close federal waters but those requests are rare, Brunson said.

This story was originally published January 14, 2025 at 4:03 PM.

The Island Packet

843-256-3420

Karl Puckett covers the city of Beaufort, town of Port Royal and other communities north of the Broad River for The Beaufort Gazette and Island Packet. The Minnesota native also has worked at newspapers in his home state, Alaska, Wisconsin and Montana.

No matter if you’re planning a family vacation, a girl’s trip or just a quick weekend getaway, Hilton Head offers an abundance of places to stay. But how do you pick where to go?

With so many places to choose from, here are some of the top hotels in Hilton Head based on experience, affordability and convenience. All of these hotels received a 3.5 or above rating from review outlets including Booking.com, Expedia, Tripadvisor, U.S. News, Conde Nast and Google Reviews. Note that hotel prices may fluctuate during peak travel season.

Montage Palmetto Bluff

Located right along the May River, Montage is known for its stunning views and variety of activities, including equestrian, boating, kayaking, a signature golf course, croquet and tennis.

Omni Hilton Head

The Omni is one of the best spots for ocean views. This resort has four excellent restaurants, a full-service spa and access to a championship golf course.

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa

If you’re on the hunt for a spot that lets you relax and unwind with an unbeatable spa experience, The Westin is the place for you. With private beach access, you can experience Hilton Head Island in a brand-new way.

The Inn and Club at Harbour Town

For a perfect mix of southern chic and country club living The Inn and Club is your destination. They offer an abundance of activities, three top golf courses and almost a dozen restaurants to choose from.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

With three world-class golf courses, a full-service marina and an 11-mile lagoon system Palmetto Dunes is the perfect to find a blend of Lowcountry living and a resort experience.

Sonesta Resort

To surround yourself with lush gardens and coastal views, the Sonesta Resort is the ideal spot for and island getaway. An added plus, the Shipyard Golf Club is only a mile away.

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

No Disney World is attached, but the magic still lives and breaths at Disney’s Hilton Head Resort. With access to 12 miles of beach, Disney’s resort is the perfect place for families and adults alike.

Marriott’s Grande Ocean

No matter if you’re visiting for a family vacation, weekend getaway or a girls’ trip, Marriot’s Garden Ocean is steps away from Coligny Beach and Park.

Marriott’s Barony Beach Club

If you’re hoping to stay on the north side of the island, the Barony Beach Club is the perfect spot. You can learn to paddleboard and even tour around Hilton Head by bike.

Marriott’s SurfWatch

Step into South Carolina’s scenery and greenery at Marriot’s SurfWatch. Don’t forget to enjoy the coastal views with their seasonal oceanfront bar.

Beach House Resort Hilton Head

With live music, three restaurants and a variety of island experiences to explore, the Beach House resort is a great place to find all that Hilton Head has to offer.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Oak Resort Hilton Head

The Hilton Grand Vacations Club is located between beautiful beaches and some of Hilton Head’s beloved attractions. From the Harbour Town restaurants and lighthouse, to the Shipyard Golf Club and only a 10-minute walk to Coligny Beach, you’ll have an unbeatable experience.

Hilton Beachfront Resort and Spa

If you’re looking to find more than ocean views, the Beachfront Resort and Spa offers activities for all interests and the Shelter Cove Towne Center and Harbour & Marina is only two miles away.

Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Head

For a budget-friendly option, the Hilton Garden Inn is a perfect space for families. It’s only a short drive away from popular destinations like Coligny Plaza, Harbour Town and the Coastal Discovery Museum and is surrounded by local favorite restaurants.

Holiday Inn Express Hilton Head Island

If you’re looking for an option that keeps you closer to the beach, the Holiday Inn Express is a great place to choose. Located near Coligny Beach Park you can have a beach experience without a hefty price tag.

Okatie Hilton Head Hotel

If you’re willing to stay more inland, the Okatie Hilton Head Hotel is the perfect option. Close to historic Bluffton and golf courses, this is the best place to stay to experience local charm.

Hampton Inn Hilton Head

For an affordable option near the north side of the island, the Hampton Inn is conveniently located near Folly Field Beach, golf courses and the Adventure Cove Family Fun Center.

The Island Packet

(706) 350-3583

Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. She has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Originally from Georgia, Anna Claire studied journalism, legal studies and English at High Point University, where she graduated in 2024.

It’s so cold that some sea turtles are becoming “cold stunned,” making them lethargic and unable to swim. Meanwhile, shrimpers are fretting. The valuable spring roe crop, currently growing in area estuaries, may be jeopardy if the freezing temperatures persist.

While the seemingly endless spate of cold weather is making it uncomfortable for residents and visitors across the Lowcountry, continued lows near freezing and daytime highs in the 40s or low 50s can potentially be deadly for marine life. And the National Weather Service in Charleston says more of the same can be expected next week.

Jeff Brunson, the DNR’s crustatian fisheries manager, said the major temperature threshold for shrimp is roughly 48 degrees. At that point, shrimp won’t suddenly die but they will begin to feel the effects of the cold. At around that temperature, he said, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will begin looking at taking steps to protect the spawning stock, including the possibility of closing the trawling season.

Currently, the water temperature is about 50.2 degrees in the Charleston Harbor, he said.

“But it’s probably going to continue to track down over the next few days,” he said. “Our overall goal in managing the resource is protecting wintering shrimp in estuaries.”

Even at 50 degrees, spawning stock may begin to migrate to deeper water, which makes them more vulnerable to being caught by commercial fisherman, which is another threat.

Area waters are not cold enough yet to cause sudden die-offs, Brunson said, but the DNR is closely monitoring the situation.

The current trawling season typically runs between May or June to mid- to late January. It’s possible the season will be closed early to protect the spawning stock, he said.

The wintering shrimp that are susceptible to the cold are what turn into the spring roe shrimp, the most valuable in the state, said Craig Reaves, a commercial shrimp fisherman in Beaufort who owns Sea Eagle Market.

“Our livelihood depends on the spring roe shrimp,” Reaves says. “Everything hinges on surviving the winter.”

Reaves is “highly concerned” about the current water temperatures caused by the continued cold.

“We’re at a real critical tipping point as far as the shrimp mortality rates,” he said.

In 2018, five days of cold lowered the water temperature to the point where nearly the entire wintering shrimp crop was wiped out leading to a federal disaster declaration for South Carolina and neighboring Georgia, Reaves said.

The current forecast doesn’t call for snow but Reaves noted that a typical Lowcountry winter might bring two consecutive days of cold at a time before warming up.

“But this looks like it’s going to be a prolonged two-week event at least, Reaves said. “So water temperature does matter a lot to us.”

Amber Kuehn, who leads the Sea Turtle Patrol on Hilton Head Island, picked up a green turtle floating in the water Tuesday near Cross Island Boat Ramp in the Palmetto Bay area. It was alive but “cold stunned.” Sea Turtles, which are reptiles, are sensitive to the cold because they are unable to manage their own body temperature.

“They can’t shiver to warm up and they can’t sweat to cool down,” Kuehn says.

If a turtle gets too cold too quickly, their metabolism shuts down and they can’t swim but they will float. They need to be warmed up but not too quickly.

“When I transport them, I have to turn air conditioning on in the car,” Kuehn says.

Green turtles, which are year-round residents of the island, can grow as large as 500 pounds but the cold stunned turtle was about a foot long and 2 years old. It was the first cold stunned turtle to be found on the island this year. But Kuehn expects there will be more because of the ongoing cold temperatures. It is recovering at the Sea Turtle Care Center at the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston. It’s name is Poppy.

The Sea Turtle Patrol urges residents who find lethargic sea turtles to call 1-800-922-5431 and trained volunteers will be notified. A permit is necessary to transport them.

Mike Wagner of Beach Shore Services says fewer people are visiting the island’s beaches because of the cold temperatures.

But this is a slow time anyway with visitation usually picking up in April.

Still, a few hardy souls are bundling up in hooded jackets and stocking caps to walk on the beach. Some are even sitting in chairs and soaking up the sun.

Friday night: Low of 40 degrees and 100% rain.

Saturday: High of 52, low of 30.

Sunday: High of 52, low of 34.

Monday: High of 55, low of 33

Tuesday: High of 52, low of 31

Wednesday: High of 50, low of 28

On Friday afternoon, Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in support of the state’s response efforts to the winter weather moving across the state.

Forecasts predict significant snow, sleet, and ice across much of the state, with conditions intensifying earlier than anticipated, creating dangerous road conditions Friday into tomorrow, the governor noted.

Rain is expected in coastal areas including Beaufort County, but not snow, the National Weather Service said.

This story was originally published January 10, 2025 at 3:10 PM.

Follow more of our reporting on Uniquely Hilton Head

Beaufort News

January 09, 2025 4:40 PM

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January 08, 2025 3:47 PM

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The Island Packet

843-256-3420

Karl Puckett covers the city of Beaufort, town of Port Royal and other communities north of the Broad River for The Beaufort Gazette and Island Packet. The Minnesota native also has worked at newspapers in his home state, Alaska, Wisconsin and Montana.

Two cold weather shelters are opening in Beaufort County this week as a massive cold front moves into the Lowcountry, threatening below-freezing temperatures and strong winds.

The major winter storm, which over the weekend caused widespread school cancellations and travel delays in western and central swaths of the U.S., could bring late-night and early-morning temperatures into the low 30s and high 20s in the Hilton Head Island area.

This week’s lowest temperature is expected to be 29 degrees Fahrenheit at 5 a.m. Friday, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service’s Charleston office. Feels-like temperatures could reach a minimum of 23 degrees Fahrenheit at 3 a.m. Tuesday with help from wind gusts up to 21 mph.

Beaufort and Jasper counties were under a wind advisory until 4 p.m. Monday. NWS forecasts predicted southwest winds from 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, capable of blowing around unsecured objects.

Monday afternoon showers in the Beaufort County area were expected to bring about .10 inches of precipitation, followed by a midweek dry spell. Light showers are expected to return Friday afternoon, making for a rainy weekend as low temperatures rise back into the high 30s and low 40s.

The week’s forecast lows are nearly 20 degrees colder than the area’s average January temperature of 47.7 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NWS climate data from 1991 to 2020.

Snow is not expected in the Hilton Head area this week.

Beaufort County does not organize cold shelters during the winter months, leaving the responsibility to faith communities to keep the local homeless population safe from dangerous low temperatures.

Sea Island Presbyterian Church (81 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort)

For additional information, call the church at 843-525-0696.

Christ Lutheran Church (829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island)

For additional information, call the church at 843-540-4299.

Both churches also opened their doors for those in need during a cold snap in early December.

Monday: Showers, mainly before 3pm. High near 66. Breezy, with a west wind around 22 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Breezy, with a west wind 13 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 48. North wind 7 to 11 mph.

Tuesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Calm wind.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 52. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 47.

Thursday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48.

Friday night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 52.

Saturday night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

This story was originally published January 6, 2025, 2:06 PM.