Personal Injury Attorney in Hilton Head, SC.

The Deep Well Project, a nonprofit beneficiary of the RBC Heritage tournament, received the honor during a staff outing where volunteers were repairing a local resident’s home.

Founded in 1973 to provide clean drinking water on Hilton Head Island, the organization now focuses on housing assistance for the island’s workforce. The Deep Well Project operates two main programs: Emergency Rent/Mortgage assistance and Livable Housing Home Repair.

Emergency housing assistance

The Emergency Rent/Mortgage Program pays all or part of housing costs for residents who have experienced unexpected income loss or expenses that put them at risk of homelessness. In the first 10 months of 2024, the program paid $516,000 in rent and mortgage payments, helping 1,600 people, according to the organization.

The Livable Housing Home Repair Program conducts repairs on local homes to ensure safety. The organization has repaired 100 homes this year and expects to complete 10-15 more by the end of 2025.

“Decent and affordable housing for neighbors who comprise our workforce is a challenge across the country, but it’s especially concerning in resort areas like Hilton Head Island,” said Sandy Gillis, executive director of the Deep Well Project. “Land costs are high, and when you’re a barrier island, expansion isn’t an option.”

The award includes a $30,000 grant from the PGA TOUR that will support both housing programs.

The Heritage Classic Foundation, the RBC Heritage’s charitable arm, supports more than 90 local charities divided into six categories. The Deep Well Project falls under the Health and Welfare category. Since 1987, the foundation has donated $59.5 million to South Carolina and Georgia charities.

“This recognition reflects the incredible impact The Deep Well Project has made in our community,” said Steve Wilmot, president and tournament director of the RBC Heritage.

The PGA TOUR assists approximately 3,000 charities annually with support from more than 100,000 volunteers. Tournaments across all tours have generated more than $4 billion for charitable causes.

Copyright 2025 WTOC. All rights reserved.

If you’re growing weary of the dark winter evenings, don’t fret — more sunshine is on the way.

South Carolinians gained an extra hour of sleep after daylight saving time ended in November, but the tradeoff has been noticeably earlier sunsets.

In Columbia, for instance, the sun has dipped below the horizon as early as 5:14 p.m. this month. With days still shortening, many are wondering: When will the Palmetto State start gaining daylight again?

So, when will SC start gaining sunlight again?

The state’s daylight will continue to shrink until the winter solstice — the shortest day of the year — which occurs at 10:03 a.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, Dec. 21. After that moment, South Carolina will begin its slow march toward longer days, with sunsets getting later through the rest of winter.

Here’s when the sun will start setting later for an area across the Palmetto State this winter, according to Time and Date’s Sunrise and Sunset Calculator:

Columbia

Myrtle Beach

Hilton Head

Greenville

Heading into 2026, the sun starts to settle by or after 5:30 p.m. in January.

In February, areas will begin seeing sunsets after 6 p.m. and by March 8, 2026, when the time springs forward, sunsets after 7 p.m. will return.

What is the winter solstice?

Meteorological winter began on Dec. 1, but the winter solstice marks the start of astronomical winter. It’s the day with the fewest hours of daylight and the moment the sun sits lowest in the sky at solar noon.

Solstices occur twice per year, once in late December and again in June. The June solstice marks the longest day of the year and the start of astronomical summer; the next one will fall on June 21, 2026.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the word solstice comes from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). The name reflects how the sun’s apparent path across the sky pauses.

What will winter weather look like for SC?

The National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s seasonal outlook from December to February suggests South Carolinians will likely have a warmer-than-average winter.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a “colder-than-normal winter” for the Southeast region, but doesn’t rule out the possibility of “a snowy surprise.”

It also predicts that precipitation will be “below normal” and that the Palmetto State can expect a fairly dry and cold season, with the coldest periods falling between mid-to-late December, early and late January and again in early February.

Other weather platforms, like AccuWeather, predict that in the Southeast, temperatures will run “above historical averages and below on precipitation.”

Winter weather in South Carolina will also be shaped by La Niña, a Pacific Ocean climate pattern that typically brings warmer, drier conditions to the Southeast.

Forecasters say this year’s La Niña is weaker than usual, meaning its influence may be limited. NOAA issued a La Niña advisory Nov. 13 after detecting changes in Pacific surface temperatures and wind patterns, and the Climate Prediction Center expects the system to persist through December to February.

From baking cookies and watching holiday movies to gathering with loved ones, the holiday season brings countless traditions.

But a fan favorite — and often beloved family tradition — is decorating and seeing festive lights.

Here are some fan-favorite locations across Beaufort County to visit Christmas lights and displays this holiday season.

But, if we missed a spot, let us know by filling out this Google Form, and we’ll get it added to the list. Folks may also email their favorite Christmas light display suggestions to amiller@islandpacket.com.

Hilton Head

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

With over 125,000 lights, Shelter Cove has all the holiday decorations for a Lowcountry-themed holiday. Folks can stroll the entire boardwalk to enjoy Christmas decor until Jan. 4, 2026. This display is located at 1 Shelter Cove Lane.

Fire Rescue Station #3

Hilton Head Fire Station #3 officially plugged in its holiday lights on Nov. 30. Located at 534 William Hilton Parkway, the fire station has been lighting up the island for years.

Dove Street Display

This annual display is located right off North Forest Beach, near the Coligny Circle. It’s beloved for its over-the-top decorations and easy drive-by experience. The lights are usually up until the end of December.

Harbour Town

Stroll through one of the most iconic spots on the island with the signature lighthouse, shops and dining locations all while enjoying an array of holiday lights, decorations and a Christmas tree. Located at 149 Lighthouse Road and available through Jan. 1, 2026.

Hilton Head Tree Lighting

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, folks will be able to watch the 30-foot Christmas tree come to life at Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue.

Beaufort, Port Royal & Lady’s Island

Cadd Family Holiday Light Display

Starting at 5:30 p.m. every night through Dec. 27, the Cadd family has been spreading holiday cheer across Lady’s Island. Located at 66 Springfield Road, this display features a walking area, music or just an easy drive-by experience.

Port Royal Tree Lighting

Watch the sky come to life at 1214 Paris Avenue on Dec. 3 with the annual Port Royal tree lighting beginning at 6 p.m.

Beaufort’s Night on the Town

With a handful of holiday activities, music and food, this event also marks the official tree lighting to kick off the holiday season. Begins at 6 p.m. on Dec. 5 at 1301 Bay Street.

Bluffton

Bluffton Christmas Tree Lighting

Starting at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, folks can watch Bluffton’s Christmas tree come to life at Martin Family Park, located at 68 Boundary Street. Santa’s Workshop and a movie showing will follow.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. - There's so much good golf on Hilton Head Island and in nearby Bluffton on the mainland that it's hard for visiting public golfers to decide where to play.

It all starts with the 54-hole Sea Pines Resort, including the newly refreshed Harbour Town Golf Links, although that's a big spend for many of us. Golfers looking for more reasonable green fees should point their compass toward Palmetto Hall Golf & Country Club, a 36-hole semiprivate facility on the north end of the island.

I had never heard of Palmetto Hall until I spent consecutive days playing its Robert Cupp and Arthur Hills Courses in November. What a pleasant surprise discovering two high-four-star courses in a natural Lowcountry setting not over-saturated with homes and condos. Sure, both type of residences exist along the fairways, but there are many holes without homes or they are set well back from the playing areas hidden behind the Spanish-moss-lined trees.

The Heritage Golf Group bought Palmetto Hall in 2022 and has pumped millions of dollars of reinvestment into improving the conditioning. In October 2024, the Hills Course debuted newly renovated greens and new Better Billy bunkers, a renovation plan that is on tap for the Cupp Course as well. Palmetto Hall is now part of the 117-hole Heritage Golf Collection on Hilton Head, joining the 27-hole Shipyard Golf Club, the 54-hole Port Royal Golf Club and Oyster Reef Golf Club. There's an argument to be made that it could be the best of the bunch.

Answering the question - 'What's the best course at Palmetto Hall?' - is not easy. They're completely different 1990s-era playing experiences.

The Cupp Course's rating (75.2) and slope (149) are tougher than the Hills (73.7/136), although I think a lot of that is yardage related. Both have gotten tougher over the years as the trees have grown up around Palmetto Hall's perimeter, pinching landing zones and blocking sections of the greens. Both regularly earn four and five star reviews on GolfPass, proving that the conditions and quality service from the staff are consistent from season to season.

The Cupp Course (4.1 stars), which opened in 1993 two years after the Hills, is my favorite. I found Cupp's imaginative greens (some might call them 'wild') to be fun and engaging. Water intrudes on 10 different holes and ended up stealing three of my balls. Between the greens and these hazards, the Cupp can sneak up on unsuspecting golfers.

GolfPass golfer 'eschwartz67' gave the Cupp 5 stars after a round in June.

"Great course. But tough," he wrote. "Don't let the par rating and the slope being the same as the Arthur Hills course fool you into thinking that this course is similar difficulty. It's not. It's a lot more difficult. There are many greens that are protected by water. There are many greens that are protected by multiple bunkers. The fairways are protected by trees that are very close to the edge of the fairway. Fairway bunkers are restrictive in getting out of them with larger lips. And the greens are lightning fast with a lot of slope and undulation. That being said, it's an amazing course and you won't lack for opportunities to take pictures to show your friends. It's absolutely gorgeous. In perfect shape."

The 6,918-yard Hills (3.9) is slightly older (dating to 1991) and was built on an old Civil War garrison. Ponds are a concern on roughly a third of the holes, including many of the most memorable ones.

What I found most difficult on the Hills were the aprons into the greens. I like to run the ball into hole locations (not unlike many seniors who play in Hilton Head). That's not possible with the pronounced mounding and rough protecting the front edges. While it doesn't fit my game, many golfers still favor the Hills over the Cupp. That debate will always rage on.

GolfPass golfer 'drewmantel' awarded the Hills five stars after his fall round in September.

"Great course. Great staff," he wrote. "Course was in very good shape for the end of the heavy play season. Staff was wonderful. Very friendly, very helpful. Great design. Would play again."

I think we all can agree on that sentiment.

What public courses do you prefer playing on Hilton Head Island? Let us know in the comments below.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Beaufort Memorial celebrated the groundbreaking of its highly anticipated combination emergency and urgent care facility on Hilton Head Island last week.

Beaufort Memorial Emergency & Urgent Care, to be located at 1016 William Hilton Parkway, represents a significant milestone in expanding access to healthcare in southern Beaufort County.

“This groundbreaking marks an exciting step forward in our mission to deliver innovative, patient-centered care to the heart of Hilton Head Island,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “Currently, there is only one traditional emergency room on Hilton Head Island. This new facility will provide much-needed, convenient access to care closer to where people live, work and visit, especially for communities and beaches further south on the Island.”

Beaufort Memorial is collaborating with MUSC Health and Dallas-based Intuitive Health to bring the unique care option to the southern end of Hilton Head Island, setting a new standard for healthcare delivery in the region.

“Patients who don’t require emergency-level services are treated with urgent care services and billed accordingly,” said Jay Woody, M.D., Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Intuitive Health. “This seamless process takes the guesswork out of decision-making, ensuring patients receive timely, high-quality care tailored to their medical needs—at the right price.”

Beaufort Memorial Emergency & Urgent Care will be open 24/7 and equipped with on-site lab equipment and a radiology suite with X-ray and CT scanners. It will be one of the first combination facilities of its kind in South Carolina.

“We are pleased to be able to provide enhanced access to emergency and urgent care services to the residents and visitors of the Hilton Head Island community. When a patient experiences a sudden health concern, we want to give them the best quality care as quickly as possible,” said Patrick J. Cawley, M.D., chief executive officer of MUSC Health and executive vice president for health affairs of the Medical University of South Carolina.

Beaufort Memorial Emergency & Urgent Care is expected to open in Fall 2026.

About Beaufort Memorial

Opened on May 1, 1944, and licensed for 201 beds (169 acute, 14 rehabilitation and 18 mental health), Beaufort Memorial Hospital serves as an acute-care hospital, a regional referral center and the largest medical facility between Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina. Fully accredited by The Joint Commission, Beaufort Memorial boasts a dedicated, high-quality medical staff of nearly 230 board-certified or board-eligible providers, covering dozens of specialties to meet the community’s diverse health needs.

With 1,900 employees, Beaufort Memorial is one of the largest employers in Beaufort County and has been recognized by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Beaufort Economic Development Corporation for contributing directly and significantly to the economic security, prosperity and quality of life of the entire region. The high level of quality care provided by Beaufort Memorial has been recognized by the Leapfrog Group as a Top Hospital for patient safety, the American Heart Association’s Elite Stroke Plus designation for stroke care, The Joint Commission’s advanced knee and hip replacement disease-specific designation for its Joint Replacement Center, and many others. For more information, services, locations and designations, visit BeaufortMemorial.org.

About MUSC

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, South Carolina, MUSC is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, with a mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates over 3,100 students in six colleges and trains 950+ residents and fellows across its health system. MUSC leads the state in federal and National Institutes of Health and research funding. For information on our academic programs, visit musc.edu.

As the health care system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding health care providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. In 2024, for the 10th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org.

MUSC has a total enterprise annual operating budget of $7.1 billion. The 31,000 MUSC members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers, scientists, contract employees, affiliates and care team members who deliver groundbreaking education, research and patient care.

About Intuitive Health

Founded in 2008, Intuitive Health pioneered the combined emergency room and urgent care model. Intuitive Health partners with established health systems nationwide to build, operate and launch retail healthcare facilities that provide urgent care and emergency room services under one roof. Intuitive Health partners with leading health systems nationwide, including Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Indiana, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Intuitive's patient-centric approach to immediate care has saved payors and patients hundreds of millions in unnecessary emergency care spending. In addition, the Intuitive Health model increases market share for partnered healthcare systems by expanding their footprint with conveniently located centers. For more information, please visit IHERUC.com.