Car Accident Attorney inBluffton, SC

Novant Health officials said March 24 it received a Certificate of Need to move forward with constructing a new hospital in Bluffton. The hospital is planned to have 50 beds and could expand to 100.

Bluffton Today

The South Carolina Department of Public Health approved Novant Health’s Certificate of Need (CON) application to build a state-of-the-art, 50-bed hospital in Bluffton, Carter Mello, Public Relations Manager for Novant in S.C. said March 24.

"This milestone marks a significant step forward in Novant Health’s commitment to expand healthcare access and deliver comprehensive medical care to the rapidly growing Lowcountry region," Mello said.

Joel Taylor, President of Hilton Head Hospital, said, "the new hospital will be a game-changer for the Lowcountry, bringing much-needed specialty care to one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing areas."

“Not only will Novant Health Bluffton Medical Center transform healthcare access, but it will also drive significant economic growth in the region, creating as many as 1,000 jobs in the Bluffton area over the next five years,” Taylor said.

Jason Bernd, Novant Health senior vice president and president of the South Carolina Region, said the approval of the certificate of need application reaffirmed Novant Health's commitment to bring world-class medical care closer to home.

“This hospital is a long-term investment in Bluffton and the surrounding communities to ensure families have access to high-quality care without having to travel great distances,” Bernd said.

The future Novant Health Bluffton Medical Center, Mello said, is designed to address the increasing healthcare demands of Beaufort and Jasper counties, where many residents currently have to travel out of town for medical care.

Mello said the new facility was designed with growth in mind and will feature a new full-service hospital with the capability to expand to 100 beds as the community's needs grow.

"The $320 million facility, anticipated to open in 2028, will offer a wide range of medical specialties, including medical, surgical, emergency and trauma services, intensive care, labor and delivery, cardiology, neurology and orthopedics," Mello said.

Novant Health also recently announced its plans to enhance outpatient care in Bluffton with a freestanding emergency department, surgery centers, imaging services, urgent care, and primary and specialty clinics.

"Novant Health is dedicated to a holistic approach to improving community health, supporting regional workforce housing initiatives and recruiting top healthcare talent," Mello said. "An on-campus workforce housing development is underway adjacent to Hilton Head Medical Center, and Novant Health donated $1 million to the Coastal Community Development Corporation to build more affordable housing in the region."

Novant Health is based in Winston-Salem, N.C., and is a part of a four-state integrated network of physician clinics, outpatients' centers and hospitals, according to the company's website. The network has more than 1,600 physicians and 29,000 employees at more than 640 locations.

Novant Health acquired East Cooper Medical Center in Charleston, Hilton Head Hospital in Hilton Head, and Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville and 27 associated physician clinics in February of last year.

Novant Health has also expanded its care network with the acquisition of 52 Doctors Care and 20 Progressive Physical Therapy clinics and recently opened Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Beaufort​.

Mello said permits from the Town of Bluffton are in progress for the hospital.

"Novant Health remains committed to working closely with community leaders, physicians and stakeholders to ensure this project meets the evolving healthcare needs of the Lowcountry," he said.

A new chapter in Bluffton’s dining scene is set to begin as Radici Italian Chophouse prepares to welcome guests this spring.

Located in Parkway Commons at the former Pour Richard’s site, 4376 Bluffton Parkway, the restaurant aims to deliver an elevated Italian dining experience.

The staff, a team of seasoned culinary professionals with backgrounds in Michelin-star establishments, are ready to bring this new dining experience to the Lowcountry.

The word “radici” in Italian translates to “roots” in English, and the team is planting its roots right here in Bluffton.

Radici is the brainchild of Executive Chef Mattia Bianchi, Chef Giandomenco Prestopino and Manager Camila Eula.

When moving to South Carolina from Italy, they had a shared aspiration to create something that felt like a culmination of their careers’ work.

Together, this team collaborated with George and Piero Casalicchio (owners of Chez Georges Bistro & Bar) to bring their vision to life. Now, this team of five is ready to share authentic Italian cuisine to the Lowcountry.

“Radici represents our connection to tradition and our passion for quality ingredients,” said Executive Chef Mattia Bianchi. “Every dish we serve reflects the rich history and diverse flavors of Italian cuisine while also offering a fresh and modern approach.”

Bianchi honed his skills in international locations, including London and Italy, before stepping into instructor and management roles.

Radici’s menu is a carefully curated selection of Italian classics reimagined with contemporary flair. This select menu includes four starters, four pastas, three salads, four main dishes and a tasting menu.

Dishes including the beef carpaccio, tajarin pasta and cacciucco are particularly special to the team, as they highlight the diversity and depth of Italian flavors.

The pasta offerings will all be made fresh and in-house using imported Italian flour to give diners a truly authentic meal.

“Pasta is our craft and our talent,” Bianchi said. “But we’re looking to dive into other flavors and cuisine, too.”

For those seeking an immersive experience, Radici offers seating in the main dining area as well as at the chef’s table, where guests can observe the culinary team in action.

But for the Radici team, the restaurant will offer more than a delicious plate of food.

“When people think of Italian cuisine, I want them to think not only about the way it tasted, but about the memory that dish carries with it,” Bianchi said.

The new restaurant takes over the location of the beloved Pour Richard’s, a local institution that announced its sale in November. In collaboration with Chez Georges Bistro & Bar, the Radici team has undertaken a complete transformation of the space.

“We’ve restyled the entire layout: expanding the bar, redesigning the kitchen and reimagining the dining room to create an entirely new atmosphere,” Bianchi said.

With 50 seats available, Radici aims to provide a personal yet vibrant dining experience.

“We wanted to create a space that feels both intimate and inviting,” Bianchi said. “The changes we’ve made allow us to provide a unique experience that blends warmth, sophistication and a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine.”

The restaurant is still hiring, seeking chefs and line cooks to round out their team.

Bluffton is known for its appreciation of quality dining, which made the decision to open in this location a natural one for the team.

“We just fell in love with this area,” Bianchi said. “It’s a dream city … everyone is friendly, and it’s a great place to introduce new flavors and culinary techniques.”

While the focus is currently on the Bluffton location, the team hopes to expand in the future, bringing their blend of tradition and innovation to a broader audience.

“This town has a fantastic food culture, and we knew it would be the perfect place to share our passion for Italian cuisine,” Bianchi said.

Radici Italian Chophouse is on track to open during the first week of April, if not sooner.

“We’re ready to open our doors,” Bianchi said.

Dinner service will be available from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 4:30 until 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Lunch is also available from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. They are closed on Mondays.

Reservations can be made via www.radicibluffton.com, on Resy or by calling 843-707-1200.

From back-of-house operations to the artistry of plating every dish, more information on Radici Italian Chophouse can be found @radicibluffton on Instagram or Radici Bluffton on Facebook.

This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

The Island Packet

(843) 626-0211

Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Anna Claire has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.

Editor’s note: The Island Packet was provided incorrect information by a Five Below spokesperson and press release, which initially stated that Five Below had opened in the county. The story has since been updated to reflect the latest information. The Island Packet regrets the error.

Looking for a place to shop all the newest trends and hottest deals without breaking the bank?

Then Bluffton’s newest addition of a Five Below is the spot for you.

Five Below will officially open its newest store in Bluffton at 1460 Fording Island Road, tucked in the Old Navy, Marshall’s and Ulta Beauty shopping center.

This location promises to bring a whole new level of value, fun and trendiness for shoppers of all ages.

To mark the grand opening, the store is set to host a festive weekend full of music, activities, special deals and trivia prizes.

They even promise to award the first 100 customers on opening day with a free drawstring bag.

According to Ranya Russo, spokesperson for the Five Below company, the official opening date is now set for March 21.

Sticking true to its name, Five Below is known for its “extreme value” offerings, where most product prices range from $1 to $5. However, they have additional finds in their new section named “Five Beyond,” where items are priced beyond $5 but still cheaper than other competing outlets.

Whether you’re looking for candy, beauty products, tech gadgets, room décor, t-shirts or the latest trendy items, Five Below has it all.

The new store in Bluffton features a wide range of fun, high-quality products across several retail sectors, including style, room, sports, tech, create, party, candy and new & now. All of these sections and their offerings can be viewed online.

Plus, the Bluffton store has a dedicated party shop, complete with a variety of helium balloons, décor, and party favors to make any event extra special.

This new location in Bluffton will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is also open on Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Five Below has other neighboring locations in Beaufort, Walterboro, Savannah and Pooler.

Five Below was founded in 2002, with its first store opening in Wayne, Pennsylvania. It is now headquartered in Philadelphia.

Five Below is a leading value retailer offering a wide selection of trending and high-quality products for tweens, teens and beyond. With more than 1,800 stores nationwide, Five Below is known for providing unique items for incredibly low prices.

For more information, visit www.fivebelow.com or stay updated through social media by following @FiveBelow on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

This story was originally published February 22, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

The Island Packet

(843) 626-0211

Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Anna Claire has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.

Once Upon A Child is set to open in Bluffton on Thursday, March 6, bringing affordable and sustainable shopping to the Lowcountry.

Kids are constantly growing, which often means items like shoes and clothing can be both challenging to find and costly.

Once Upon A Child offers a sustainable solution to this common problem for families by providing a place where people can buy and sell gently used children’s clothing, toys and other needed items, all while giving these items a second life and reducing waste.

The new location will be at 1202-A Fording Island Road, near God’s Goods Thrift Store, Hilton Head BMW and Whisper Creek Spa.

To mark the grand opening of the Bluffton location, local owner Leah Baker has planned a series of events throughout the weekend.

Here is what you can expect each day:

Additionally, all weekend long, customers who spend $50 or more will receive a $10 off coupon for future use, and the first 25 customers to check out will receive an exclusive tote bag.

Baker, the store’s owner and self-described lifelong thrifting enthusiast, said she was introduced to the Once Upon A Child concept 15 years ago and saw it as the perfect opportunity to open a family-focused resale store.

Two years ago, Baker and her late sister signed the lease to open the new store together. By opening the store, she is fulfilling a shared dream she once had with her late sister, who moved to the Bluffton area to help open it.

“Even though my sister isn’t here, I’m so excited to open the store and be a part of this community,” Baker said. “My team and I have worked so hard to get this together, and we’re ready.”

Unlike typical consignment stores, Once Upon A Child doesn’t require appointments and pays customers immediately for items they bring in.

Families can both buy and sell with ease, receiving cash on the spot for their items. The store also ensures that all products meet strict safety standards, pulling recalled items from shelves and conducting regular checks to ensure compliance.

With two children of her own, Baker’s goal is to create a welcoming space where local families can shop affordably and sustainably.

For more information on the buying process and event details, visit the Once Upon A Child webpage or call (843) 757-7523.

The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Once Upon A Child is a national leader in the resale of gently used kids’ merchandise, including clothing, toys, baby equipment, books and more.

With over 420 franchised stores in the U.S. and Canada, Once Upon A Child is part of Winmark, which also franchises other brands like Plato’s Closet, Play It Again Sports, Style Encore and Music Go Round. For more information, visit www.onceuponachild.com.

This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

The Island Packet

(843) 626-0211

Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Anna Claire has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.

BLUFFTON — Almost two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court stripped federal safeguards from many of the nation’s wetlands, leaving some South Carolina bogs, ponds and swamps vulnerable to development.

In the regulation vacuum, some states have moved to protect their newly susceptible environments. But patchwork protection from state lawmakers in Columbia have left counties, cities and towns on the frontline in South Carolina to preserve much of the 7.5 million acres of wetlands.

Bluffton is the first local government in the Palmetto State to pass a wetlands protection ordinance in response to the high court decision. Developers will now need to receive a permit from town staff to carry out projects that disturb wetlands, and local officials will have new ability to penalize scofflaws.

“We care about the environment and we have to protect the very things that are so instrumental in the natural protection process,” Mayor Larry Toomer said. Later adding, “You have to have these protections in place before somebody puts in for a building permit or a development permit.”

Many geographical features classify as wetlands, among them tidal marshes, oxbow lakes and vernal pools. These areas become habitats for wildlife, fish, plants and trees, which can help absorb pollution. During storms, they can take in rising waters to prevent flooding that damages homes and risks lives.

Development over wetlands is charted by the Clean Water Act, the 1972 federal landmark legislation that created the framework for regulating pollution in American waterways. A 2023 Supreme Court decision narrowed the definition of a wetland receiving federal protection.

In 2007, Idaho couple Michael and Chantell Sackett began to backfill their wetland property so they could build a home. Their property was near a ditch, which connected to a creek that fed a lake, causing the EPA to demand the couple reverse course or pay fines exceeding $40,000 per day. Their lawsuit would span 16 years.

On one issue, all justices sided with the couple and reversed an appellate court ruling against them. On another, writing for a 5-4 majority, Justice Samuel A. Alito changed the definition of federally regulated wetlands.

Under the previous definition, wetlands that affect the physical, chemical or biological integrity of navigable waterways (like rivers or lakes) would receive protection. After the narrow Supreme Court decision, the federal government would only have Clean Water Act jurisdiction over wetlands that have a "continuous surface connection" with other such water features. According to a rough estimate, 37 percent of South Carolina’s wetlands lost federal purview. Isolated wetlands were left vulnerable.

Shortly after the ruling, Bluffton municipal staff began hearing from developers who wanted to know how the town would address the regulatory deficit. They didn’t know, said Bill Baugher, director of the Watershed Management Division.

“We didn’t have a plan,” Baugher said, noting that Bluffton had relied on the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to regulate development over its wetlands. “But now that was no longer the case, we had a lot of vulnerable areas we wanted to make sure stayed in their current state.”

The town lost 513 acres of wetlands from 2001 to 2021, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. If all contained together, that would nearly cover Old Town Bluffton. Local officials wanted control over their slowly vanishing natural resource that is a large part of making the town what it is — a waterfront community along the May River just before the bridge to Hilton Head Island.

Until the 1990s, Bluffton had been a quaint town of about 750 people. Over the past quarter century, it has ballooned from its former one-square-mile footprint to more than 50-times that size and now with 35,000 residents — and more growth coming.

South Carolina protections over the newly vulnerable wetlands are limited. Developers or builders that may discharge into Clean Water Act-protected waters must first receive a permit from the state before requesting permission from the federal government. For South Carolina’s eight coastal counties, the Department of Environmental Services reviews state and federal permit applications for consistency with its coastal management program. Towns like Bluffton, which performs its own stormwater permitting, leave projects over isolated wetlands without a state or federal review.

“There is still a question about the extent of the state's authority because it is an indirect authority that is ultimately derived from the Clean Water Act,” said Jessie White, south coast office director of the Coastal Conservation League. “The town is trying to exercise more direct local control that goes above and beyond what the state may or may not do.”

After the Sackett decision, lawmakers in Colorado passed legislation to protect its wetlands and streams. Other states also responded by introducing laws, according to the Environmental Law Institute. The S.C. Office of Resilience recommended the state regulators protect their isolated wetlands. But without action in Columbia, such responsibility is left to local governments.

Soon, Bluffton staff began collaborating with the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, which had drafted a model for local governments seeking to protect their wetlands.

“You’re trying to make something that is least burdensome but also gives much-needed protection for wetlands that have been exposed under this federal court decision and others,” said Amy Armstrong, executive director of the legal organization.

The development ordinance Bluffton passed March 11 was an interim measure. The town is waiting for a report from a contractor that will inventory its wetlands, allowing for officials to pass a more precise measure.

SCELP is lobbying lawmakers to push for statewide protection, but they expect their effort will gain more traction once a long-anticipated report on the state’s watershed from the Office of Resilience becomes public.

The federal government, however, is plowing ahead.

A memo from the Environmental Protection Agency on March 12 rescinded guidance from the Biden Administration on how to interpret the “continuous surface connection” requirement and announced the agency will start collecting public comment on how to interpret the ambiguously worded Sackett decision, said Adam Gold, manager of climate resilient coasts and watersheds science at the Environmental Defense Fund. Uncertainty about what the Clean Water Act now protects is causing confusion among environmentalists, developers, and landowners.

“There's no clear, stable benchmark for what's protected, and that's hopefully something we can improve with stronger federal protections in the future,” Gold said. “But in the meantime, filling the gap at the state and local level is the best we can do.”

Other jurisdictions in South Carolina may follow Bluffton’s lead. Georgetown County’s comprehensive plan includes passing a wetland protection ordinance.

Until then, wetlands around the state will be left vulnerable to developers seeking to capitalize on the South Carolina boom — and lawmakers scrambling to keep up.

Toby Cox contributed to this report.