Daily editionFriday, September 18th, 2026
Good morning, Bluffton.
The 5AM Bluffton Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of September.
Community
On Monday, Aug. 3, three Marines rescued a driver from his burning pickup near Broad River Boulevard in Burton — they broke the window to pull him to safety and provided emergency aid until paramedics arrived, with the driver later taken to Beaufort Memorial Hospital.
WTOCRead more
Culture
A USCB professor has released Bugs 'N Boo Hags, a mobile game that brings Gullah Geechee folklore to life in Bluffton to celebrate local heritage.
The interactive game invites players to explore cultural stories and traditions.
WTOCRead more
Robert Gwaltney was chosen as the new executive director for the Pat Conroy Literary Center in Beaufort after a yearlong search and will focus on expanding its educational programs and strengthening community partnerships.
A free public reception is scheduled today from 5 to 7 p.m. (601 Bladen St.)
The Post and CourierRead more
Economy
Beaufort Executive Airport plans to build two new hangars on Lady’s Island to offer more aircraft storage, with construction set for spring 2027.
Approved by county council + funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the expansion will serve a 70-person waiting list of pilots.
The Post and CourierRead more
Education
Bluffton High School held a groundbreaking today at 12 H.E. McCracken Circle for its new 23,000 sqft Career and Technical Education building.
It will open in August next year to offer hands-on training in firefighting, construction, culinary arts, Army JROTC, and artificial intelligence as part of a 2023 referendum.
Bluffton TodayRead more
Environment
Lovebugs have swarmed parts of the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry after a warm, wet summer, but experts say the population is already declining and is expected to taper off by month’s end.
WTOCRead more
Government
Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation executive director John O’Toole resigned on Monday after nine years on the job during which he helped secure over $1 billion in local investments; the board will discuss his departure and the agency’s future at Tuesday’s meeting.
WTOCRead more
Health
Local mental health experts urge Coastal Empire residents to break stigmas and use free, round-the-clock help such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline this September; they also advise keeping an eye out for warning signs like sudden substance abuse or major behavior changes.
WTOCRead more