South Carolina has become a magnet for enterprise, hosting over 1,100 international firms. Perfectly situated between New York and Miami, our state boasts a deep-water port, bustling container terminals, and Charleston's international airport, all of which make it a gateway for worldwide commerce. Leading companies in automotive, aerospace, technology, and life sciences are increasingly choosing South Carolina as the place to launch or grow their operations.
Owning a business - whether it's a small storefront or a worldwide brand - can be incredibly rewarding. But those benefits come with many hurdles and legal challenges. At Cobb Hammett, our corporate law attorneys in Bluffton, SC. work alongside business entities to minimize their risk and maximize their profit. Regardless of the size or corporate structure of your organization, we have the experience necessary to provide advice on a variety of business and legal issues.
Corporate law, also known as company law, shapes the entire life cycle of a corporation, from its birth to its daily workings and pivotal moments like mergers, acquisitions, or winding down. It acts as a guiding framework, ensuring that companies play by the rules when it comes to structure, finance, governance, and a web of state or federal regulations, including securities, labor, and environmental standards. At its heart, corporate law orchestrates the interactions between the company, its shareholders, directors, other businesses, and the public, navigating a landscape of intricate transactions and legal responsibilities.
Companies and corporations that operate in South Carolina have to abide by many regulations to minimize legal challenges, receive tax benefits, and more. Working with a corporate lawyer for guidance on these matters isn't just wise - it could be a pivotal decision that affects the life of your business.
Without great legal counsel from the start, business owners are exposed to a range of pitfalls, from poorly drafted agreements and intellectual property conflicts to regulatory missteps. Such mistakes may result in costly lawsuits or financial setbacks that proactive legal advice could have prevented.
Here are a few of the biggest benefits of retaining a corporate law lawyer in Bluffton, SC:
Partnering with a skilled business attorney from the outset allows entrepreneurs to confidently navigate the hurdles of launching a company. Early legal insight is especially crucial, as it lays down a solid framework that safeguards your interests far into the future.
Take, for instance, the decision around business structure—whether to form an LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership, or S corporation. Each path comes with its own set of liability protections and tax consequences. Making an informed choice at the outset can lead to long-term savings, minimize risks, and potentially insulate you from personal financial exposure.
One frequent mistake that business owners make is misinterpreting contracts. This can cause unfavorable disputes or terms. Contracts help govern a range of business relationships, like:
Each contract your business enters into is shaped by the unique dynamics between you and the other party involved. For instance, agreements with customers specify deliverables and payment terms, while contracts with consultants or contractors detail the services to be provided and the schedule for compensation. An experienced corporate law attorney can tailor these documents to maximize your company's legal safeguards and minimize potential risks.
Safeguarding your company's intellectual property, like trademarks, copyrights, and patents, requires specialized legal expertise. A corporate business lawyer not only helps secure these rights but also guides you through registration, enforces protections, and drafts strong licensing agreements to leverage your assets.
The world of business is full of potential risks, from financial pitfalls to unexpected legal challenges. Effectively navigating these uncertainties is crucial for preserving your assets, maintaining stability, and ensuring long-term success. By working with a corporate law attorney, you gain a trusted advisor who can pinpoint legal vulnerabilities, recommend compliance best practices, and devise proactive strategies to minimize disputes and safeguard your investments.
At Cobb Hammett, we advise businesses on their legal rights, responsibilities, and obligations. We focus on a variety of challenges and legal issues across industries and represent businesses of all sizes. Our representation extends beyond technical legal advice; we also serve as trusted advisors and counselors, discussing the commercial and practical implications of business decisions.
In fact, business leaders trust our firm to handle many facets of corporate law, including:
A partnership forms when individuals unite to launch a shared business enterprise, pooling their resources and ambitions toward a common goal. Like any close collaboration, partnerships are not immune to conflict. Disagreements over money, hiring decisions, responsibilities, or other core business matters can surface. If unresolved, such disputes may erode profits or even threaten the future of the partnership itself.
Here are just a few reasons why business partners enter into disputes:
A well-crafted partnership agreement that clearly outlines how disputes will be handled is essential for long-term success. If you require support in drafting this type of agreement or need help navigating a current conflict, our team is prepared to guide you.
At Cobb Hammett, we recognize that partnerships often intertwine business and personal dynamics, making disagreements particularly challenging. Our lawyers offer objective legal insight, working to facilitate resolutions between partners or, when necessary, assisting with a fair and orderly dissolution.
Serving as mediators, we aim to settle partnership conflicts amicably, avoiding litigation or court involvement whenever possible and helping to restore productive working relationships. However, if mediation does not lead to a solution, we are equipped to advocate for our client's interests through the litigation process.
Launching a new business or growing an established one comes with excitement and opportunity. Yet, beneath the surface, careful attention must be given to planning, particularly when it comes to choosing the right legal framework for your company. At Cobb Hammett, our business formation attorneys understand that emerging and growing enterprises benefit from experienced legal guidance. We leverage our business insights to help clients identify and implement the optimal structure for their specific goals.
A successful business starts with a structure designed to foster growth and financial stability, while also shielding owners from unnecessary risk if challenges arise. This is why working with a South Carolina business formation lawyer is so valuable—they offer strategic legal insight to safeguard your assets, reduce tax exposure, and position your business for long-term success.
Gaining a clear grasp of different business entity options is essential for choosing the right path. Every business structure brings its own set of features, benefits, and drawbacks. Our team specializes in crafting customized entity solutions to align with your distinct objectives.
A sole proprietorship stands out for its simplicity and low startup costs — just one person owns and manages the business, with no legal separation between personal and business assets. This ease of formation makes it a popular choice for small, lowrisk ventures. However, the owner assumes full personal responsibility for any business debts or liabilities, exposing personal assets to risk as the business expands or faces challenges.
A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) lets professionals work together while protecting each partner from personal liability for others' mistakes. Partners share profits, and state laws vary, so expert legal advice is important.
The Limited Liability Company (LLC) stands out for combining strong personal asset protection with adaptable business operations. Members aren't usually personally responsible for company debts or legal claims, and LLCs offer a choice of tax treatments so owners can pick the setup that best fits their needs.
This flexibility and the simpler administrative requirements needed versus those at corporations make LLCs attractive to many small and medium-sized businesses. When it's time to draft an operating agreement, you should always consider working with a corporate law attorney in Bluffton, SC., who can outline ownership structure, management responsibilities, and financial arrangements among members.
A C Corporation (C Corp) operates as an independent legal entity, distinct from its shareholders. With robust liability protection, this structure is especially attractive to businesses aiming for venture capital investment or a future public offering.
C Corps can attract significant investment by issuing stock to an unlimited number of shareholders, making them well-suited for large or publicly traded businesses. The tradeoff is double taxation: profits are taxed at the corporate level, and dividends are taxed again for individual shareholders.
Complying with a C Corp's intricate legal requirements calls for professional legal guidance. From holding board meetings and keeping detailed records to properly issuing stock, a South Carolina business attorney can help ensure all corporate formalities are met.
An S Corporation (S Corp) lets qualifying businesses pass profits and losses straight to owners' personal tax returns, avoiding corporate tax. This bypasses double taxation seen in C Corps, but S Corps face tight rules: no more than 100 U.S. shareholders and only one class of stock allowed. A business attorney can confirm your eligibility and handle IRS filings so your S Corp stays compliant.
A not-for-profit corporation applying for 501(c)(3) status exists to serve charitable, educational, religious, or scientific causes, not to generate profit. Any extra funds are funneled back into the mission, not distributed to owners. Achieving 501(c)(3) recognition brings tax-exempt status and lets supporters claim tax-deductible donations. Setting up and maintaining a nonprofit involves complex legal steps, making experienced legal help invaluable.
The above is just a brief snapshot of how Cobb Hammett attorneys help form business entities. Some additional entities we help form include:
It's a common misconception that legal worries end after forming a company. In reality, this is when having a business lawyer's proactive advice becomes most crucial. A business attorney serves as a trusted advisor, steering you through South Carolina's legal maze and shielding your company from costly disputes, liabilities, and operational setbacks.
Here are just a few ways that Cobb Hammett can help you thrive after forming your business entity:
Once your business is registered, it has to adhere to South Carolina requirements and rules. Your corporate law attorney will help:
Having well-drafted contracts means you have a solid bedrock of success. Your Cobb Hammett corporate law lawyer in Bluffton, SC. will create and review documents such as:
In business, disputes are an unfortunate but common occurrence. From disagreements with vendors, competitors, or clients, your corporate law attorney acts as an unflinching advocate on your behalf by:
When a business has more than one owner, a clear agreement is essential to head off disagreements down the road. An attorney can craft a document that covers:
As your business expands, opportunities to acquire other companies or merge with partners may arise. Because these deals involve intricate legal details, having an attorney's guidance is crucial to prevent expensive errors. A Cobb Hammett corporate law attorney in Bluffton, SC. can help with:
Don't see the corporate law service you need? At Cobb Hammett, we help businesses of all sizes with a wide range of other corporate law needs, including:
Business and corporate deals drive South Carolina's economy, with countless transactions taking place every day. Because corporate structure is so critical, many companies turn to seasoned South Carolina corporate attorneys for guidance and support. At Cobb Hammett, we partner with businesses to reduce risk and boost profitability. No matter your company's size or structure, our experience equips us to advise you on a wide range of legal and business matters.
We understand the importance of proper execution and air-tight contracts, and we work to ensure that these issues are addressed with your specific goals in mind. If you need to navigate complex corporate matters, we're here to help. Call our corporate law office in South Carolina today to discover the Cobb Hammett difference.
BLUFFTON, S.C., Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- May River Endodontics is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, https://www.mayriverendo.com. The new site reflects the practice's commitment to modern endodontic care while providing an improved online experience for patients and referring dental professionals.May River Endodontics is a specialty dental practice dedicated exclusively to endodontic care, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of issues affecting the dental pulp and surrounding structures. Th...
BLUFFTON, S.C., Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- May River Endodontics is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, https://www.mayriverendo.com. The new site reflects the practice's commitment to modern endodontic care while providing an improved online experience for patients and referring dental professionals.
May River Endodontics is a specialty dental practice dedicated exclusively to endodontic care, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of issues affecting the dental pulp and surrounding structures. The practice is led by Dr. Andrew Bradley, whose advanced training and clinical expertise support a treatment philosophy centered on saving natural teeth whenever possible.
In addition to specialized clinical care, May River Endodontics places a strong emphasis on patient comfort and precision. The practice incorporates advanced diagnostic imaging and modern anesthesia technology to help ensure accurate treatment planning, efficient care, and a more relaxed experience for patients undergoing endodontic procedures.
"We're excited to launch our new website as a reflection of how we care for our patients every day," said Dr. Bradley. "The site makes it easier to understand our services, our technology, and our approach to endodontic treatment, while serving as a helpful resource for both patients and referring dentists."
The May River Endodontics team includes experienced clinical and administrative professionals who support patients throughout every stage of care. From scheduling and coordination with referring offices to post-treatment guidance, the team works together to provide a smooth and supportive experience.
Collaboration with general dentists is also a core part of the practice's philosophy. By maintaining clear communication and efficient referral processes, May River Endodontics helps ensure continuity of care and optimal outcomes for patients requiring specialized endodontic treatment.May River Endodontics offers a comprehensive range of endodontic services supported by specialized training and advanced dental technology, including:
About May River Endodontics
May River Endodontics is an endodontic specialty practice located at 255 New Riverside Village Way, Suite 203, in Bluffton, South Carolina. The practice provides advanced care focused on relieving pain, treating infection, and preserving natural teeth through specialized expertise and modern technology. Prospective patients and referring dental offices may contact May River Endodontics by phone at 843-949-4945 or visit the practice online at https://www.mayriverendo.com to learn more about available services and scheduling information.
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SOURCE May River Endodontics
Ready to ring in 2026?Residents and holiday visitors across the Lowcountry will have several chances to celebrate the New Year with events, ball drops, dinners and waterfront fireworks on New Year’s Eve.From Hilton Head Island to downtown Beaufort, communities are offering family-friendly events to welcome the year ahead.Here’s a running list of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day festivities taking place across Beaufort County:Hilton Head IslandOne of the area’s most popular N...
Ready to ring in 2026?
Residents and holiday visitors across the Lowcountry will have several chances to celebrate the New Year with events, ball drops, dinners and waterfront fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
From Hilton Head Island to downtown Beaufort, communities are offering family-friendly events to welcome the year ahead.
Here’s a running list of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day festivities taking place across Beaufort County:
One of the area’s most popular New Year’s Eve celebrations, Harbour Town’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.
Taking place at 149 Lighthouse Road, this event features entertainment, food and music. To celebrate the start of 2026, an illuminated ball will drop twice — once at 7 p.m. for families with younger children and again at midnight to welcome the New Year. The $9 Sea Pines gate fee is needed for entry.
In addition to the onshore festivities, guests can celebrate from the water aboard the New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise with Vagabond Cruise. The cruise runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and departs from the Harbour Town Yacht Basin. Dinner is included and reservations are required. Tickets are $109 for adults and $70 for children aged 3 to 12.
For those in search of fireworks, in Beaufort, the New Year will be welcomed with a fireworks display over the Beaufort River at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Set against the backdrop of Beaufort’s historic waterfront, the display is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m., lighting up the sky with colorful bursts over the river.
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the waterfront. This event is free and open to the public.
Below is a list of restaurants serving prix fixe meals or hosting New Year’s Eve celebrations. Click on each restaurant to be directed to the webpage.
If we missed a spot, please email [email protected] to have it added:
Hilton Head
Bluffton
Beaufort & Port Royal
Hilton Head Island will host its annual Polar Plunge at Coligny Beach on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
Held at 1 Coligny Circle, the event begins at 9:30 a.m. with activities and t-shirts. The plunge into the ocean is at 11 a.m. This event is free.
The 16th annual Pelican Plunge will take place on New Year’s Day at Hunting Island State Park, located at 2555 Sea Island Parkway.
Festivities begin with a costume parade at 12:30 p.m., followed by the official plunge into the ocean at 1 p.m. The event features prizes, food trucks and commemorative T-shirts for participants.
Tickets are required to take part in the plunge. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
The Lowcountry is lighting up for the holidays and from Hilton Head up to Port Royal, the first full week of December is packed with tree lightings, parades, markets and family-friendly festivities.No matter if you’re looking to visit a winter wonderland, get a jump on holiday shopping or watch a boat parade, the Lowcountry has got you covered.Here’s a look at the holiday happenings in Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort and Port Royal from Dec. 4 to 7:Hilton HeadChristmas Belles at Coligny Theater: D...
The Lowcountry is lighting up for the holidays and from Hilton Head up to Port Royal, the first full week of December is packed with tree lightings, parades, markets and family-friendly festivities.
No matter if you’re looking to visit a winter wonderland, get a jump on holiday shopping or watch a boat parade, the Lowcountry has got you covered.
Here’s a look at the holiday happenings in Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort and Port Royal from Dec. 4 to 7:
Christmas Belles at Coligny Theater: Dec. 4-14
This holiday comedy is full of festive chaos as the Futrelle sisters attempt to stage the ultimate Christmas pageant while dealing with squabbling siblings and production mishaps. Tickets can be found here.
4th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting: Dec. 10
This event has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. Folks will be able to watch the 30-foot Christmas tree come to life at Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue.
Christmas at Coligny Plaza: Dec. 6
Starting Dec. 6, folks can visit Coligny Plaza from 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m. to catch the holiday special Jevon Daily’s Kid Show and see Santa from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Coligny Center Stage. These events occur every Saturday throughout December and on Dec. 21, 22 and 23.
Winter Wonderland Festival: Dec. 6
Visit Shelter Cove Community Park from 3 to 6 p.m. for a free, family-friendly celebration with bounce houses, food and drinks, a DJ, and a visit from Santa.
Holiday Nights & Lights: Dec. 6-8
Take a drive through the glowing displays of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park from 6 to 8 p.m. as it becomes a winter wonderland.
Santa’s Workshop at Creative Escapes: Dec. 6 & 7
Kids can paint two Christmas ornaments, enjoy cookies, and take photos with Santa in this hands-on holiday experience. Tickets are required for entry. Begins at 1 p.m. at 20 Hatton Place, Suite 230.
Santa & Sirens: Dec. 1-16
Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue escorts Santa through neighborhoods beginning at 6 p.m. each night through Dec. 16. Folks can track Santa’s nightly route through the online Santa Tracker, available here.
3rd Annual Jingle Stroll in Old Town Bluffton: Dec. 4
Sip and shop your way through Old Town’s boutiques and galleries from 3 to 7 p.m. during this festive holiday stroll.
Bluffton Christmas Tree Lighting: Dec. 5
Starting at 5:30 p.m., folks can watch Bluffton’s Christmas tree come to life at Martin Family Park, located at 68 Boundary Street, followed by Santa’s Workshop at DuBois Park and an outdoor showing of “Arthur Christmas” at 6:30 p.m.
Bluffton Christmas Parade: Dec. 6
Starting at 10 a.m., the 54th annual beloved parade marches through Bluffton’s Historic District with festive floats, performances and community spirit.
Washington Square Holiday Makers Christmas Market: Dec. 6
Still in need of s holiday shopping spree? From 4 to 7 p.m., sip holiday drinks while browsing 40+ local vendors featuring handmade goods, art, clothing, jewelry, decor, wreaths and more.
Port Royal Tree Lighting: Dec. 3
Watch the sky glow over Paris Avenue as Port Royal lights its town tree to kick off the holidays at 6 p.m.
City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department Santa Visits: Dec. 4, 8, 11, 15 & 17
Santa will be visiting local neighborhoods with the Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department to spread holiday cheer. A full breakdown of select locations and neighborhoods can be found here. Keep an ear out for sirens and holiday music!
Beaufort’s A Night on the Town: Dec. 5
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. at 1301 Bay Street.
Gullah Taste of Christmas & Rice Cook-Off: Dec. 6
Enjoy the flavors and traditions of the Sea Islands at this culinary celebration featuring Gullah dishes and the beloved rice cook-off. Starts at 11 a.m. at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Light Up the Night Boat Parade: Dec. 6
Celebrate the holidays in true Lowcountry fashion as decorated boats parade along the Beaufort River in one of the Lowcountry’s most iconic holiday traditions. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Downtown Beaufort Christmas Parade: Dec. 7
Floats, performers, dancers, community groups, and Santa himself will bring festive cheer to downtown Beaufort starting at 3 p.m.
Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce Holiday Market: Dec. 7
The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce hosts its second annual Holiday Market featuring local vendors and seasonal goods starting at 1 p.m. at 711 Bladen Street.
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 ...
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 [email protected].
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.
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 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.
What started as a routine Saturday round of golf at Crescent Pointe quickly turned into a wildlife rescue story the community won’t soon forget.Two golfers, teeing off on Hole 9 on Nov. 22, spotted something no one expected to see beached along the shoreline: a manatee.These gentle, elusive giants are no strangers to the shallow waterways of Beaufort County — but finding one stranded on a golf course is another story.The golfers immediately called the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, setting of...
What started as a routine Saturday round of golf at Crescent Pointe quickly turned into a wildlife rescue story the community won’t soon forget.
Two golfers, teeing off on Hole 9 on Nov. 22, spotted something no one expected to see beached along the shoreline: a manatee.
These gentle, elusive giants are no strangers to the shallow waterways of Beaufort County — but finding one stranded on a golf course is another story.
The golfers immediately called the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, setting off a coordinated response that soon included Crescent Pointe staff, local residents and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
“I’ve never seen one other than at an aquarium, so this was a first for me and for the course,” said Crescent Pointe’s Director of Marketing, Dylan DeBellis, who helped lead on-site efforts.
As soon as the call came in, General Manager Ron Schiavone worked closely with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office to secure the area and redirect golfers, so the distressed manatee could be given space.
From there, the sheriff’s office maintained direct communication with SCDNR while they consulted with Florida partners to determine the safest plan.
“It was a bit high stress — we weren’t sure if it was going to make it,” DeBellis said.
Under SCDNR’s guidance, Cpl. Dean Entrup with BCSO began relaying step-by-step instructions to keep the manatee stable: gently misting its skin, keeping it covered with damp towels and making sure it stayed warm enough — never too much water, and never too cold.
DeBellis and a Crescent Pointe community member sprang into action, shuttling back and forth and hauling buckets of water to hydrate the animal until a better solution could be created.
Brian Roller, Crescent Pointe’s director of agronomy, rushed out and tapped into a sprinkler head, rigging a hose, so the manatee could be safely and consistently misted.
Community members Tommy O’Donnell and Ryleigh Durham also stepped in to assist, carefully following SCDNR’s instructions and ensuring the manatee wasn’t disturbed more than necessary.
Thanks to hours of patient teamwork, the manatee remained stable long enough for the tide to return. As the water rose, the massive but gentle animal was finally able to move on its own and glide back into deeper water.
“All he needed was the tide to come in and help take him back out,” DeBellis said.
Authorities later searched nearby inlets and confirmed the manatee could no longer be located — indicating it successfully returned to open water.
The rescue comes during the tail end of South Carolina’s manatee season.
These large marine mammals typically travel north from Florida in warmer months and can be spotted in Beaufort County between April and November, especially in sheltered areas like inlets and marinas.
By late fall and early winter, they begin their migration south, where the water stays above their survival threshold of 68 degrees. Seeing one in late November or December in South Carolina can be a sign of trouble, according to Kelly Lambert, SCDNR’s manatee response coordinator.
If you spot a manatee in South Carolina waters in late fall or early winter, contact the SCDNR hotline at 1-800-922-5431.
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