🌱 Redfish Pros Competition + Centuries-Old Cherry Hill Oak Saved

Hello again, neighbors! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Hilton Head Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community today.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Mostly sunny, warm and humid. High: 92 Low: 73.
• Friday: An afternoon t-storm; humid. High: 85 Low: 73.

Here are the top three stories in Hilton Head today:

1. This Saturday, up to 40 teams of fishermen will convene at Sands Beach in Port Royal to participate in the Southern Redfish Cup, the first professional redfish tournament in the Beaufort County area since 2020. Organized by professional fishermen dedicated to redfish conservation, the tournament boasts a $16,000 purse and is a competitive showdown for anglers seeking both money and bragging rights. The event is set to boost the local economy during the relatively slower month of September, with anglers targeting redfish, the area's signature fish, known for its fierce fighting spirit and delectable table fare. (Subscription: The Beaufort Gazette)
2. Beaufort County's oldest and largest live oak, the 350-year-old Cherry Hill Oak, has been granted a lifeline as preservation efforts advance. The Beaufort County Public Facilities and Safety Committee unanimously recommended purchasing the 12 acres of land surrounding the historic tree, which had been under threat from development. The initiative, supported by local residents and the Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program, seeks to secure the future of this iconic tree and establish Cherry Hill Park as a significant landmark in Beaufort County's history, with a group called Friends of Cherry Hill Oak aiming to raise funds for its upkeep and preservation. (The Island News)
3. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has not yet identified suspects or released crime scene photos related to the $1.25 million in damages caused by vandals at Hilton Head Island Middle School, which occurred between Jul. 18 and Jul. 20. Angela Viens, a spokesperson for BCSO, explained that the investigation is ongoing, and evidence will be withheld until the case is closed or adjudicated to protect its integrity. The extensive damage included fire extinguisher discharges, spray paint, and the spread of contaminants, requiring a significant cleanup effort described as a "fire without a fire" by Beaufort County Schools Chief Operations Officer Robert Oetting, who noted that insurance will cover the cost, with the district responsible for the deductible. (Subscription: Hilton Head Island Packet)

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Today and tomorrow in Hilton Head:

Thursday, September 7

• Music & Taste On The Harbour At Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina (6:00 PM)

Friday, September 8

• Live Music With Victor Solis At Captain Woody’s Bar & Grill (2:00 PM)

From our partner:

Do you know a teacher making a difference in Hilton Head? Nominate them here for a Teacher Spotlight on Patch.

From my notebook:

• Blood donation centers in the Carolinas and Georgia are facing a critical shortage of all blood types, especially O negative and O positive, due to the impact of Hurricane Idalia, numerous mobile drive cancellations, and lower donor turnout during the recent Labor Day weekend. Check out how you can help at the link. (The Island News)
• Denise Christmas has been officially promoted to the role of interim deputy county administrator for Beaufort County, with her appointment taking effect immediately as of Friday, September 1st. (The Island News)
• New enhancements are coming to Folly Field Beach Park! Check out the link to watch a video about the exciting new features. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (September 12)
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That's it for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new update!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.