Best Moving Company in Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head’s only FedEx Ship Center permanently closed in March after months of reduced hours and staff shortages, forcing residents to go to Savannah for the nearest full-service FedEx and complicating operations for small business owners.

The store, which had been located on Hunter Road, closed on March 11, according to FedEx spokesperson Adam Snyder, who didn’t provide a specific reason for the closing. A sign on the building said it was closed as of March 8.

Business owners who used the shipping center reported dwindling hours and signs about staff shortages leading up to the store’s closing.

Hilton Head persistently struggles with affordable housing for the area’s workforce, and it’s not uncommon for Hilton Head business owners to have problems finding staff on the island, especially for service industry jobs.

The impact is often felt by tourists, with long wait times at restaurants or reduced retail shop hours, but the FedEx Ship Center closing hits business owners such as home inspector Ken Marchi particularly hard.

“All these people, small business people, who use FedEx would be waiting in the parking lot,” Marchi said of FedEx when the store reduced its hours before closing. He said the hours gradually dwindled over the past few years, and the store operated from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in its last months.

Marchi has lived on Hilton Head for 20 years and express ships around three environmental samples to a lab for testing each week. He said the work is time sensitive, and each test is worth about $2,500 in income to him.

“It’s just been extremely frustrating,” he said. “I am a small business. There’s other (small businesses). And I don’t know what they’re doing. They’re just pulling their hair out.”

Signage on the store’s door offered Island Pack and Ship Center, an authorized FedEx Ship Center, as an alternative. However, that center and other FedEx Drop Boxes don’t service:

The nearest FedEx Express facilities for Hilton Head Island residents are over an hour drive away in Savannah. FedEx will deliver printing supplies upon request to customers with accounts, like Marchi, who said he needs to stick with FedEx because of their tracking capabilities.

“If you don’t have the time and the intuitiveness to keep chasing them down, they are impossible,” he said.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, Sc. (WTOC) - With tourists looking for some warm weather, spring breakers and the upcoming RBC Heritage, travel season is well underway for Hilton Head Island.

For travelers, the island’s own airport can be a convenient option. WTOC spoke with the airport’s director, who talked about its impact during this season.

More and more seasonal airlines are ramping up their nonstop flights to the island’s own airport. More direct flights to cities like New York, Washington D.C., Newark and more are on the horizon.

Airlines coming this season include United, American and Delta. Throughout the travel season, the airport will see more staff, TSA officers and cars in its parking lot. The airport’s director emphasized how convenient the airport is for visitors and island residents.

“People can kind of start a pot of coffee in the morning, and drive their loved one to the airport, drop them off and get home in time for coffee. So, the convenience of it is really fantastic, the flights are comfortable, the regional jets are really reliable. So, the record that we’ve got is fantastic,” said Jon Rembold, the Beaufort County Airports Director.

Rembold said the airport will see even more travelers during the upcoming RBC Heritage.

The vice president of the Hilton Head Island- Bluffton Chamber of Commerce says more people are staying in the islands thousands of hotel rooms and vacation rentals compared to years past. In addition, more people are booking their reservations far ahead of time.

There has been about a 5% increase in people staying on the island. Also, people are spending more money this year.

“We’re seeing what we call in the industry the average daily rate. The rate that people are paying is up as well. So from an economic standpoint and from a great economy standpoint that’s definitely what you want to see,” said Charlie Clark, the vice president of communications for the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.

One major draw to the island is the upcoming RBC Heritage.

WTOC will be there so stick with us on air and online for tournament coverage.

Copyright 2024 WTOC. All rights reserved.

Discover Hilton Head Island through outdoor, wellness and culinary experiences.

The first time I visited Hilton Head Island, S.C., my husband and I had to abort our plans three days into the trip, thanks to Category 4 Hurricane Ian barreling toward Central Florida in 2022. We frantically drove home to prepare our house for the storm. But we vowed to go back for the full Lowcountry experience—and we finally made good on that promise last August.

Harness Hospitality on Hilton Head Island

Regularly snagging the “Best Island in the Continental U.S.” award by Travel + Leisure readers, Hilton Head Island beckons travelers seeking unspoiled beaches, natural beauty, top-notch golf courses and a smorgasbord of cultural venues, historical sites and outdoor experiences—all delivered with Southern hospitality. The South Carolina gem is less than a five-hour drive from Orlando.

Outdoor Experiences

As an environmentally conscious destination, Hilton Head Island abounds with opportunities to explore the outdoors, from nature trails to beaches to eco-tours. We spent several hours meandering through the Coastal Discovery Museum, a 68-acre campus in Honey Horn focusing on environmental preservation and education. Greet pipevine swallowtails and monarchs flying in the screened-in butterfly habitat. Get an up-close look at the “toothy” Venus flytrap. Walk the Oyster Alley Boardwalk for gorgeous salt marsh views, spotting crabs at low tide. On a hot day, escape to the air-conditioned museum for a stroll through 2,000 square feet of indoor environmental exhibits, with friendly docents ready to answer any questions.

Nature lovers will also enjoy the 50-acre Audubon Newhall Preserve at the south end of the island. With wide paths, trails, a boardwalk, benches and an observation deck overlooking the pond, the preserve provides plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and relaxation. Bring your binoculars and stop by at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesdays for a free guided tour led by a master birder, where you might see more than 140 bird species including roseate spoonbill, anhinga and osprey. Leashed dogs are welcome, too.

With 12 miles of pristine stretches of sand, Hilton Head Island beaches beg for barefoot exploration.

We chose the lovely Coligny Beach, which has free public parking accessible from Pope Avenue. This expansive beach provided the perfect place for a morning walk. While not crowded, the beach teemed with activity—pups splashing in the surf, kids building sandcastles and locals riding bikes along the shoreline.

History and Tradition

A must-see icon, Harbour Town Lighthouse beckons you to climb up the steps of this candy cane-striped structure, promising breathtaking views at the top. Along the way, learn about the island’s history through photos, exhibits, trivia and video clips. With a nominal fee of $7 per person (kids five and under are free), this landmark serves as a beacon of culture, history and maritime lore.

The nation’s first self-governed community of freed slaves established during the Civil War, Mitchellville Freedom Park offers both self-guided (free) and private (paid) tours. It’s part of the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network, and the park’s exhibits give you a glimpse of history from docking slave ships to the roots of the Reconstruction era.

Visit the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island or take the Gullah Heritage Trail Tours to learn about the enslaved West Africans and their descendants who have preserved their vibrant, distinct culture. The Gullah (aka Geechee) developed and preserved a unique language, traditional arts and rich culinary traditions that reflects their heritage.

Culinary Delights

A local staple since 1980, Skull Creek Boathouse sets you up for the perfect Lowcountry casual dining experience. This landmark waterfront restaurant—ideal for watching the sunset when you dine on the patio—serves up fresh-caught seafood, live music and friendly service. As a craft beer lover, I chose the SKB Great White ale to accompany my pecan-and-ginger-crusted mahi mahi, Savannah red rice and collard greens while sharing the seafood sampler (scallops, shrimp and crab cakes) with my husband.

For a special meal, make reservations for fine dining at the iconic Quarterdeck, which is tucked into The Sea Pines Resort. With a wraparound deck and 270-degree views of Harbour Town Yacht Basin, Harbour Town Golf Links and Calibogue Sound, this seafood-focused eatery hits all the right coastal notes.

Top off your meals with a visit to one of the area’s breweries. One night we stopped at Hilton Head Brewing Co.—the island’s first brewery—and toasted the night with a Disraeli Beer (cream ale). Another time we sipped a Cross Island Crypto (Mexican lager) that we discovered at Side Hustle Brewing Co., located in the heart of The Bank, a bustling food hall.

Wellness Activities

With bike paths, walking trails, waterways and golf courses sprinkled throughout, Hilton Head Island bursts with outdoor wellness experiences. Take a bike ride to explore 60 miles of paved leisure pathways—including hard-packed beachfront at low tide. Paddle a kayak through the island’s pristine waterways and inlets. Hop on a horse for a Western-style trail ride through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Take an exhilarating zipline adventure over the coastal canopy. Book a skiff tour for an up-close look at dolphins and other sea life. Tee off on more than two dozen championship courses designed by golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones, Sr.

While Hilton Head Island offers plenty of fitness opportunities, you can take a truly holistic approach by staying at a wellness-focused resort. On our initial visit, my husband and I stayed at a massive Airbnb for a mini-family reunion with our New Jersey relatives. But this time around, we stayed in the spectacular Hilton Head Health resort (also a T+L World’s Best award-winner).

Designed to meet your specific wellness goals, Hilton Head Health boasts a well-rounded staff ranging from registered dieticians and fitness instructors to life coaches and chefs. The property walks the talk, from its smoke-free and sugar-free campus to its grab-and-go portion-controlled snacks to its slew of workshops, classes and cooking demonstrations.

With dozens of activities on the daily calendar, we dove into some experiences together and some independently. I enjoyed the morning ritual stretching class, while my husband attended a workshop on upper body flexibility to help him increase mobility in his injured shoulder. We went on a bike ride together around the resort and its neighboring community and then sat in on a workshop about developing a fitness strategy. I quieted my mind in the soothing garden meditation class, while my husband got in a cardio workout on the treadmill. I indulged in a relaxation massage at the fabulous Indigo Spa. Then together, we savored the sumptuous Chef’s Table demonstration, where executive chef Thomas Carrig masterfully prepared an extravaganza of seared scallops, Mediterranean braised shrimp and calamari and seared Chilean sea bass.

The former Sam’s Club building on Hilton Head Island, which has been vacant since January 2017 when the big box retailer moved to Bluffton, has a new owner.

Hilton Head businessman J.R. Richardson, owner of the Richardson Group, purchased the property for $5.8 million, according to paperwork filed in Beaufort County. The deal closed Feb. 28.

Lee Lucier, chief operating officer for the Richardson Group, said on Thursday afternoon that Richardson aims to give the mid-island eyesore a new life, but it was too soon to speak of specifics.

“We were able to secure the property with the hopes of it being developed as a local asset to the community,” Lucier said. “We think we have a great plan going forward. We’re just working through the planning stages.”

The more than 70,000-square-foot building sits on 5.26 acres in Port Royal Plaza.

A small portion of the space will be a locally owned indoor pickleball club, Lucier said.

Richardson made the deal as part of a separate business, Barony Fund 1 Investment LLC. However, Richardson Group will manage the property at 95 Mathews Drive in Port Royal Plaza.

It currently is zoned for commercial development. Lucier said he didn’t anticipate the need to request rezoning.

“The property is in an Opportunity Zone, and we are glad to be able to use it as space for the island in a manner that will serve the community,” Richardson said in a statement.

Opportunity Zones are federally designated areas set up to encourage economic development and job creation by reducing taxes for investors. There are 135 Opportunity Zones in South Carolina but only one on Hilton Head.

In the seven years the former Sam’s Club building has been vacant, several businesses have announced plans that failed to materialize:

Richardson moved to Hilton Head with his father, mother and siblings in 1955. His father, James Norris Richardson, opened a supermarket and other stores in the area that would become the current Coligny Plaza on Hilton Head’s south end.

In addition to Coligny Plaza, the younger Richardson was also behind the development of Windmill Harbour and the South Carolina Yacht Club. Today, Richardson Group also includes Local Pie, Fish and Forrest Fire restaurants plus several workforce housing projects on Hilton Head Island.

Port Royal Plaza is also home to Planet Fitness and an assortment of shops and restaurants including Rollers Wine and Spirits, Fiesta Fresh, Okko, Street Meet, Paris Baguette and Jinya ramen bar, among others.

This story was originally published March 29, 2024, 11:39 AM.

Have you had the chance to head out to any part of Hilton Head Island’s 12 miles of white sand beaches lately?

If so, you may notice some beached jellyfish that have washed ashore.

With the weather warming up, the number of jellyfish stranded or floating among the surf will be on the rise once again.

The phenomenon is natural, tends to happen yearly and can even be expected by locals most of the time, but it’s understandable that the scattering of dead jellies on the shore and many more floating in the shallow surf can be alarming or even off-putting to many beachgoers.

Have you ever been curious about the dome-shaped, tentacled creatures floating through the water?

Although the term jellyfish may come to mind, that’s not the proper name to call them.

“Jellyfish are not really fish, of course, because a fish’s anatomy is centered around its backbone, whereas the jellyfish is a dome-shaped invertebrate. Therefore, it’s more accurate to refer to them simply as ‘jellies,’” states the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

In fact, these roving creatures are actually most closely related to corals, sea anemones, sea whips and hydrozoans.

Frequently, the most commonly found jelly seen around Hilton Head’s shores and around South Carolina is the cannonball jelly. Luckily for many avid beachgoers, this round, smaller-sized jelly generally does not sting and poses no large threat to curious or nearby families.

However, this isn’t the only species you might find in the area.

“We have several species that occur in our waters beside the cannonball/cabbagehead, however, you locally want to call it,” Dr. Joe Staton of the Department of Natural Sciences Chair at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, has said to The Island Packet.

“There’s also sea nettles which are kind of moon jellies that occur worldwide. We get those here. We get Portuguese man o’ war which are not actually in the same group as the jellies with the bells.”

Cannonball jellies are abundant along the coast of South Carolina. If you find one dead on the beach, it’s common to find them without most of their color, as this tends to occur soon after they wash ashore. Some people even accidentally step on them while on the beach without realizing and end up getting a slippery surprise.

Once stranded on the beach, cannonball jellies can’t survive long out of the water and eventually become a food source for shorebirds, crabs, sea turtles and other critters that live along the coast. These jellies are also a favored snack for the endangered leatherback sea turtle and provide nourishment for the visiting mothers and soon-to-be hatching eggs in the future.

Another sea turtle species that visits the area and feeds on these jellies is the loggerhead sea turtle. They are the most common kind of sea turtle to use the shores of Hilton Head Island as their nesting ground, according to hiltonheadisland.org.

Aside from cannonball jellies, sea nettles can be found off the island’s coast and in the surf. These jellies are responsible for the most stings on Hilton Head Island, with the most recorded stings in one day being in the hundreds.

Another one that can be found in the area is the Portuguese man o’ war. Even though it may resemble a jelly, the Portuguese man o’ war is what is known as a siphonophore and appears bluish-purple in color.

If you come across one on the beach or in the surf, it appears similar to an inflated plastic bag.

“The important thing about the Portuguese man o’ war, if they’re washed up on the beach, they’re like dead bees. They can still sting you, so don’t mess with them,” Staton had said.

The best advice when around these multitudes of dead jellies is to not directly touch a dead jellyfish if you don’t know what kind it is.

In most cases, jellies travel in groups called “blooms.”

These assemblies tend to form in a short amount of time after the population expands following a rise in water temperatures, as they prefer and thrive in warmer waters. Thus, these clusters tend to form and follow the spring and summer months.

Rough winds, storms, swells, tides and currents can send the jellies to shore, which in certain events can happen all at once. A cooling of the water temperatures can also contribute to mass deaths of the jellies that will eventually get washed ashore or consumed.

Not sure if you’ve come across a floating jelly or stepped on one on the beach and have been stung? Always consult with a lifeguard if one is nearby or evaluate the potential sting area yourself if you know what to look for.

According to Mayo Clinic, common signs that you’ve been stung by a jellyfish include:

“Diagnosing jellyfish stings generally doesn’t require a visit to a health care provider. If you do go, your provider will likely be able to diagnose your injury by looking at it,” reported Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic states that most jellyfish stings, unless severe symptoms are also present, can be treated by:

Mayo Clinic also listed these actions to avoid as they are unhelpful or remain unproved to provide aid.