April 2023

Welcome to the City of Beaufort's monthly newsletter. Any feedback? Please send to Kathleen Williams, kwilliams@cityofbeaufort.org.

City of Beaufort

Just a reminder

about garbage billing


We've received a few calls from people who were confused because they were no longer getting monthly trash/recycling bills through Beaufort Jasper Water & Sewer Authority.


As a reminder, BJWSA is no longer billing for those services on behalf of the City of Beaufort. Instead, you will receive an annual bill for those services listed on your annual tax bill from Beaufort County. It will be shown as a line item in the same manner that the annual stormwater fee is now shown on tax bills.

Strategic Planning retreat

It was a productive two days for Mayor Stephen Murray and City Council, City Manager Scott Marshall, and City of Beaufort department managers as we met at The Landing Pad on March 6-7 to conduct our annual strategic planning retreat. You'll be hearing more about our goals and initiatives once the Strategic Plan is approved by City Council, but we can promise you that we will have an ambitious two years ahead!

Council to review

proposed Code changes


Over the next several months, Beaufort City Council will review possible changes to the Beaufort Development Code.


Special Work Sessions have been set up for 5-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month for these reviews.


Community Development Director Curt Freese will be introducing possible changes to the Beaufort form-based Development Code, which was adopted in 2017 after extensive public input.


Press release on added Work Sessions

Council supports bill

targeting hate crime


At its Regular Meeting on March 14, Beaufort City Council approved a resolution to support the passage of H. 3014, Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act. This legislation was approved by the South Carolina House on March 8 and has been referred to the South Carolina Senate Committee on Judiciary.


The legislation is named after the late State Sen. Pinckney, who was killed along with eight other church members in June 2015 by an awoved white supremacist.


Press release on resolution

We're hiring!


The City of Beaufort currently has several job openings. Please check our listings here, and share with friends and family who might be interested!


We offer an excellent benefits package, and a supportive and caring work environment. Come work for us!

Cyber Summit draws experts from across U.S.

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace was one of the standout speakers during the second annual South Coast Cyber Summit, held March 20-21 at Tabby Place. Mace, who is chair of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology and Innovation, spoke of her concerns over the many potential threats the U.S. faces in cybersecurity.


A number of experts -- from the military, government, academia and the private sector -- spoke at the conference, and attendees filled Tabby Place.

BJWSA introduces new

payment portal


Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority’s new online payment portal is now available to BJWSA customers. Customers who choose to pay their bills online, even those who are enrolled in auto pay, need to register in the new portal. To register, visit our utility billing page here.


You’ll need your account and customer numbers to complete the registration process. If you do not know your account and customer numbers, call Customer Service at 843-987-9200 or email info@bjwsa.org.


To watch a quick step-by-step video on how to register, visit https://youtu.be/0BWRDpr3AFY

Take 5 minutes to fill out

internet access survey


The state of South Carolina has recently enacted Get Connected SC, a campaign to deliver reliable, high-speed internet access to all South Carolinians.


The SC Broadband Office has partnered with the Lowcountry Council of Governments (LOCOG) on this initiative.


LOCOG is asking people to complete a short survey to help identify the areas of greatest need and understand the barriers to internet access. Information gathered from the surveys will shape a 5-year broadband plan from the state.


Please take 5 minutes to complete the survey: https://cx.ravencsi.com/m8BvN

Events in April

White Linen Night

Dress in your best white linen attire for a fun-filled night on the town at #FirstFriday in Historic Downtown Beaufort on April 7.


Bay, West and Scott streets will all be closed from 5-8 p.m. so visitors and locals can relax, sip, shop and stroll!


The Sun City Car Club will have classic cars lined on Bay Street intertwined with linen-covered tables for you to sit back and relax while listening to live music from the Sweetgrass Angels.


Whte Linen Night Event Page

Symposium on 1st Carolina Volunteers

Share in a day of discovery and learning! Teachers, scholars, and historians will present lessons and share the inspirational stories that illuminate the legacy of the first regiment of soldiers of African descent whose contributions and impact during the Civil War paved the way for thousands of other Black men to take up arms to secure freedom for themselves, their families, their communities, and the nation.


This symposium is presented by University of South Carolina Beaufort Institute for the Study of the Reconstruction Era, and sponsored by a McCausland grant from the College of Arts and Sciences.


Register at Eventbrite

The Praise Dance Team will perform from 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. This is one of the many family-oriented events the City of Beaufort is bringing to Waterfront Park in 2023.


Praise Dance Team is a group that is committed to using their talents for the glory of God. The team is split into two groups: the kids team, ages 7-13, and the adult team, ages 13 and older. No prior experience is required -- just a willingness to work hard and worship with heart, body and spirit. 


So bring a lunch and come to Waterfront Park on April 8!


Praise Dance Team event page

Enjoy concert from

Low Country Wind Symphony


The Lowcountry Wind Symphony will perform at Waterfront Park from 4-5:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 30. This is another of the many family-oriented events the City of Beaufort is bringing to Waterfront Park in 2023.


Enjoy 'European Escapade' by this very talented group of wind musicians who perform for our enjoyment throughout the Lowcountry!


Lowcountry Wind Symphony Event page

Mark your calendars for May!

A Taste of Beaufort is coming to our fair city on Friday and Saturday May 5-6. There will be a number of new food vendors, and live music including Whiskey & Wine and Deaz Guys on Friday night; and Campfire Tyler, Irritating Julie, and the Brewer Band on Saturday. Kids Corner will offer minigolf and face painting, and the Taste of Beaufort 5K kicks off Saturday morning.


Find out more details at the event's page.

BMH to hold

Career Fair May 3


Whether you’ve thought about a career in healthcare or not, you’ll find Beaufort Memorial is a great place to work, grow and find success. Meet hiring managers at an RSVP-only career fair on May 3 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Southern Barrel Brewing Co. in Bluffton.


In addition to clinical positions in both Beaufort and Okatie, learn about openings in hospitality, housekeeping, clerical support, customer service, transportation and more. Many positions require no previous healthcare experience.

Visit BeaufortMemorial.org/JobFair for more details and to register.

Layafette Soiree on May 6


Tickets are now available for the much anticipated 2023 Lafayette Soirée on May 6!


The event is located this year along the banks of the Beaufort River in Spanish Point.


More information on Lafayette Soiree

Historical Society to hold

annual meeting May 18


The Beaufort County Historical Society will hold its annual meeting from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, May 18, at First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.


Bill Davies, the SC 250th Revolutionary War Committee and president of the South Carolina Historical Society, will discuss history related to our impending celebration of and contribution to that war. BCHS members will also vote on new officers for the coming two years.


The public is invited to attend.


Beaufort County Historical Society website

Meetings in April

City Council

5 p.m. April 11 Work Session

7 p.m. April 11 Regular Meeting


5 p.m. April 18 Work Session -- Beaufort Code


5 p.m. April 25 Work Session

7 p.m. April 25 Regular Meeting


Meetings will be held via Zoom and streamed on the City's Facebook page. You can find agendas closer to the date of the meeting on our website's Agenda Center.


City calendar

City boards, task forces

Neighorhood Association, 10 a.m. April 4

Historic Review Board, 2 p.m. April 12

Design Review Board, 2 p.m., April 13

Metropolitan Planning Commission, 5 p.m. April 17

Cultural District Advisory Board, 2 p.m. April 19

Park & Tree Advisory Commission, 3 p.m. April 27

Zoning Board of Appeals, 5:30 p.m. April 27


Meetings are held in person and via Zoom and most are streamed on the City's Facebook page. You can find agendas closer to the date of the meeting on our website's Agenda Center.