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South Carolina Lowcountry Community Calendar of Events

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South Carolina Lowcountry Community Calendar of Events


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

Bluffton Independence Day 5K set for July 2 at 7 p.m. at New Riverside Barn Park

Residents and visitors are invited to participate in the third annual Bluffton Independence Day 5K and Kids Fun Run benefiting the Mayor’s Stay Safe Bluffton Scholarship Fund.

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Register at: runsignup.com/Race/SC/Bluffton/BlufftonIndependenceDay5K

Event highlights:• 5K begins at 7 p.m.• Free “Chase the Chief” Kids Fun Run at 6:45 p.m.• First 400 registered participants receive a commemorative race T-shirt• Packet pickup: Wednesday, July 1, from 4-7 p.m. at New Riverside Barn, 30 Red Barn• No race-day registration• Awards ceremony immediately following the race• Free concert featuring Deas-Guyz following awards presentation• Food, beer, and wine available for purchase• *New*: Patriotic drone show at dark, sponsored by the Town of Bluffton and Fetch A Vet

Parking and Shuttle InformationAttendees should park at Pritchardville Elementary School, 9447 Evan Way, and use the free Savannah Trolley shuttle to New Riverside Barn Park.Shuttle service runs continuously from 5:30-11 p.m. The final shuttle departure from the event area will be approximately 10:30 p.m.Parking at New Riverside Barn Park is extremely limited and reserved for event operations, vendors, and ADA-accessible parking.Independence Day pre-party set for July 3 from 5p.m. until 9p.m. at Martin Family Park and DuBois Park

Enjoy a family-friendly evening filled with music, food, and activities before the fireworks display.Activities include:• Carnival-style games with patriotic prizes while supplies last• Bounce houses and rock wall• Food and beverage vendors• DJ Jeff “T-Bone” Taylor• Live music by the Parris Island Dirty Boots Brass Band from 6-7 p.m.• Presentation of the Colors by Bluffton Boy Scout Troop 241• National Anthem performance at 5:55 p.m. by a local student performerThe Town is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Many activities will be located on paved surfaces to accommodate guests of all abilities and/or with special needs.Fireworks DisplayFriday, July 3 | 9 p.m.Oyster Factory Park and Wright Family ParkThe Town’s annual 20-minute fireworks show will launch from a barge in the May River and can be viewed from both parks.Food vendors will be available, with food and beverages available for purchase.Please note barge positioning may change due to weather, water conditions, and other operational factors. Guests may need to adjust viewing locations.Parking and Shuttle for Pre-Party and FireworksAttendees are encouraged to use the free Savannah Trolley shuttle from Town Hall, 20 Bridge St.Parking is available near the shuttle stop, including:• Town Hall parking lots (20 Bridge Street surrounding Town Hall)• M.C. Riley Elementary School bus parking lot on Bridge Street• Newly renovated parking lot on Pritchard Street near the Beaufort County pool and   baseball field• M.C. Riley Early Education Center bus loop on Pritchard StreetShuttle service runs continuously from 4-11 p.m.Additional parking options include Town public parking lots and paid church parking at:• First Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 10 Robertson St.• Campbell Chapel AME Church, 25 Boundary St.• Cornerstone Church, 1300 May River Road

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ADA ParkingDesignated ADA parking is available at Town Hall.A complimentary golf cart shuttle for guests with mobility needs will be provided by the Town of Bluffton and Hidden Treasures.Road ClosuresFor public safety, roads near event venues will be closed to vehicle traffic.Thursday evening:• Lawrence Street• Green StreetFriday beginning at 3 p.m.:• Calhoun Street from Green Street to Water Street• Bridge Street from Boundary Street to Wharf StreetLocal access will be limited after 8 p.m.Bluffton police officers will assist homeowners with access, except between 8-11 p.m.Dock Closures and Boater AdvisoryFor public safety, both the Calhoun Street Regional Dock and Oyster Factory Dock will close to pedestrians from 5-11 p.m. Friday, July 3.Boaters may access the May River throughout the day, but temporary restrictions will be implemented prior to and during the fireworks display.As launch time approaches, law enforcement will establish a safety zone around the fireworks barge. During this time, vessels may experience temporary restrictions entering or leaving certain areas.The public boat ramp remains open, but boaters should anticipate delays immediately before and during the fireworks display.Weather PolicyEvents will be held rain or shine unless canceled for safety reasons.Due to event logistics and staffing, canceled events will not be rescheduled.Reminder: Fireworks Are Illegal in BlufftonPersonal fireworks are prohibited within Bluffton town limits.Bluffton police officers will confiscate illegal fireworks and respond to complaints.Bluffton Municipal Code Sec. 14-99:It is unlawful to fire, sell, store, or possess fireworks within the Town of Bluffton.

Town of Bluffton Independence Day Celebration July 3

Town of Bluffton 5th Annual Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 3. The celebration will begin at 5 p.m. with a pre-party at Martin Family and DuBois Parks. The fireworks show will start shortly after 9 p.m. and will be visible from Oyster Factory and Wright Family Parks.

• Carnival-style games with patriotic prizes (while supplies last)

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• Bounce houses and a rock wall

• Food and beverage concessions available for purchase

• 104.9 The Surf Jeff T-Bone Taylor

• Live music by the Parris Island “Dirty Boots” Brass Band from 6–7 p.m.

• Rick Hubbard’s Bubble Stuff Show

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• National Anthem sung by a local Bluffton student

Fireworks Display: 9 p.m. | Oyster Factory & Wright Family Parks

The fireworks show will launch from a barge in the May River and can be viewed from both parks.

Note: Barge positioning may change due to various factors; attendees may need to adjust their seating to ensure the best view. 

Great American Kids Show set for Aug. 21 in Bluffton

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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.

List of food pantries from around the Lowcountry

Jasper County Events

Families Against Gun Violence hosting event July 18 in Ridgeland

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Families Against Gun Violence will be hosting a dinner at Wagonbranch Community Center in Ridgeland July 11 which will feature several speakers. The speakers will include law enforcement officials and others. For more information, contact LaHoma Scott at (843)368-6629.

Library Card Design Contest open until June 30

Get your creative energy ready because the Library Card Contest is now open! This exciting contest invites anyone who lives, works, studies, or volunteers in Allendale, Hampton, and Jasper counties to showcase their artistic talent by designing a brand-new library card! Show off your creativity and leave your mark on the community! For complete details: https://ahjlibrary.org/library-card-design-contest/ 

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Back-back giveaway July 18 in Ridgeland

A back-back giveaway will be held July 18 at KTM Destiny Center in Ridgeland. There will be backpack giveaways for back to school. The event will take place from noon until 3 p.m. and hosted by the Clementa Pinckney Foundation. The giveaways are for school-aged children and there will also be food and music at the event.

Hampton County events



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2 shooters involved in deadly South Carolina school bus shooting, solicitor says

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2 shooters involved in deadly South Carolina school bus shooting, solicitor says


The video above is a live stream of WBTV and affiliated programming, and may not be directly related to the article below.

GAFFNEY, S.C. (WBTV) – There were multiple shots fired and two gunmen involved in the death of a 17-year-old who was shot at bus stop in South Carolina earlier this week, according to 7th Cricut Solicitor Barry Barnette.

On Thursday, Aug. 13, Barnette said in court at least five shots were fired from two different shooters and two guns were found. Officials said ballistics tests were being run to see who fired the deadly shot.

Related –> 2nd teenager arrested after hours long manhunt in South Carolina following deadly bus stop shooting

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Around 6:50 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, police said 17-year-old Jomiltron Sentell Fair Jr., a student at Gaffney High School was shot. The shooting allegedly happened near a school bus stop off West Rutledge Avenue.

Jomiltron Sentell Fair Jr.(Courtesy: Jomiltron Sentell Fair Jr.’s family & Tangie Roseboro via WHNS)

Sister-station WHNS reported, Fair walked from his apartment to the bus stop and when he was about to board the bus when a male approached him. Officials said there was a short altercation before Fair shot and killed.

Officials said that Fair was shot in the back of the head while boarding the school bus outside of his apartment complex on Wednesday.

Approximately 15 students were on the bus when the shooting happened.

Officials said a school bus surveillance footage captured the shooter and appeared to be a teenager and he ran away to a vehicle.

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WHNS reported that a 12-year-old student on the bus noticed a car circling the block and felt like something was wrong. The student said as her friend boarded the bus a fight broke out and Fair’s cell phone was allegedly stolen and then heard the gunshot.

Police said around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, they charged 17-year-old Reginald Louis Barnes Jr. as an adult with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Barnes appeared in court on Thursday where he was denied bond.

According to WHNS, Barnes spoke in court and said he was at the shooting but did not know Fair was going to die that day and claimed he was driving the car.

In South Carolina a law said that 17-year-olds charged who are charged with serious felonies, like murder, or crimes that carry a maximum sentence of 15 years or more are automatically tried as adults. The solicitor could change it the case back to family court.

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Reginald Louis Barnes Jr.
Reginald Louis Barnes Jr.(Cherokee County Detention Center)

Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller said after a lengthy manhunt on Thursday they captured a second teenager, identified as 18-year-old Keveon Ken’Dre Covington.

Covington was charged with murder and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

According to the sheriff a call came from a homeowner on Marlowe Drive who said that Covington allegedly asked to use their phone and for some water.

Police said that Covington ran to a wooded area when officers arrived but he was located before 5 p.m. and arrested.

In court on Friday Barnes said there was no physical proof that he was at the shooting. He claimed he was not there the day of the shooting.

Covington was also denied bond.

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Keveon Ken’Dre Covington
Keveon Ken’Dre Covington(Cherokee County Detention Center)

Officials said they have also arrested a third teenager in connection with the shooting. The age of the person was 16 years old so his identity will not given.

Police did not say what role the third person played in the deadly shooting or what their connection may be.

WATCH: Gaffney Chief of Police supervises bus stop after fatal shooting
WATCH: Gaffney Chief of Police supervises bus stop after fatal shooting

Copyright 2026 WBTV. All rights reserved.



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Watch Alex Murdaugh in court for pretrial hearing in South Carolina

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Watch Alex Murdaugh in court for pretrial hearing in South Carolina


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Alex Murdaugh is headed back into the courtroom on Aug. 14, for decisions to be made on multiple pre-trial motions, including one to dismiss the murder charges he faces once again.

The Supreme Court of South Carolina overturned the 2023 convictions of Murdaugh in the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, in a May 13 ruling. This court case will determine several pretrial motions filed by his defense team that range from the dismissal of the murder charges to what evidence will or won’t be allowed, to the venue for the new trial.

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You can be inside the courtroom without making the trip to Lexington County.

Is Alex Murdaugh back in court today, Aug. 14?

Murdaugh’s next court date is scheduled for a pretrial conference starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, at the Lexington Courthouse.

Watch Alex Murdaugh in court today, Aug. 14

Court TV will be streaming live from the Lexington County Courthouse for the pretrial conference. You can watch the live feed at Court TV’s YouTube page.

When is Alex Murdaugh’s murder retrial expected to happen?

On June 29, South Carolina Judge Debra R. McCaslin set a tentative date for the murder trial to begin on April 5, 2027. There are still several steps before the trial can happen, though, including whether McCaslin will dismiss the charges.

When was Alex Murdaugh’s murder conviction overturned?

On May 13, the Supreme Court of South Carolina ruled to overturn Murdaugh’s conviction in Maggie and Paul’s deaths.

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Why was Alex Murdaugh’s conviction overturned?

The overturning comes nearly two years after Murdaugh was convicted and sentenced to life in the deaths of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, in June 2021.

Here’s what the Supreme Court of South Carolina said about overturning the Murdaugh verdict:

“… Both the State and Murdaugh’s defense skillfully presented their cases to the jury as the trial court deftly presided over this complicated and high-profile matter. However, their efforts were in vain because Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill placed her fingers on the scales of justice, thereby denying Murdaugh his right to a fair trial by an impartial jury.

“Although we are aware of the time, money, and effort expended for this lengthy trial, we have no choice but to reverse the denial of Murdaugh’s motion for a new trial due to Hill’s improper external influences on the jury and remand for a new trial.”

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Joyce Orlando is the Carolina Connect Editor for trending and service journalism with Greenville and Asheville, N.C. She can be reached at jorlando@usatodayco.com.



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Maternity care deserts affect more than 180,000 women in Georgia, South Carolina

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Maternity care deserts affect more than 180,000 women in Georgia, South Carolina


SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – One in every two counties in Georgia is a maternity care desert, leaving more than 180,000 women across Georgia and South Carolina without adequate access to maternal health services, according to the March of Dimes 2026 Maternity Care Access Report.

Maternity care deserts are defined as counties with no hospital or birthing center offering labor and delivery services.

Scope of the problem

The report found 158,000 women and 10,000 births in Georgia and 24,000 women and 1,000 births in South Carolina are affected by healthcare access limitations each year.

Tamara Mason, March of Dimes Georgia director, said the distance from care can cause expecting mothers to miss vital appointments or create financial burdens.

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“How am I going to pay for this hotel? Do I need to work extra shifts? You know, it’s a lot and it’s not fair,” Mason said.

Impact on hospitals and NICUs

Dr. Brad Buckler, Memorial Health’s medical director of the neonatal unit, said maternity deserts are affecting their NICU, which has seen a significant increase in volume over recent months.

“Seeing a significant increase in our NICU volume over the last 6 to 9 months — so much so that the state of Georgia just granted us another 7 neonatal beds,” Buckler said. “So currently we are 92 NICU but the state has given us the ability to go to 99 beds.”

Buckler said women in maternity care deserts are often forced to deliver at facilities without the appropriate specialists on hand.

“Lots of spontaneous labor, precipitously, and I have to go to the closest hospital even though they don’t have an OB/GYN or a pediatric team that can care for the mom and the baby — so that number one puts them in increased risk for issues and problems upward towards even mortality,” Buckler said.

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Outreach and proposed solutions

Buckler said Memorial Health has an outreach program targeting hospitals and communities most affected by the shortage.

“We go to these hospitals, do some teaching in their ER and their newborn nursery in their labor and deliveries to make sure that those providers are able to provide the best care for those patients locally,” Buckler said.

A maternal care advocate and local mother said easing restrictions on midwifery care could help address the shortage.

“There is an existing workforce that isn’t able to give the level of care that could help solve a lot of these problems,” she said.

March of Dimes recommends short-term solutions including forming rideshare groups with other expecting mothers and utilizing telehealth care options. For long-term change, the organization encourages mothers to contact state and local lawmakers about limitations on access to maternal care.

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Copyright 2026 WTOC. All rights reserved.



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