Daily editionThursday, October 1st, 2026
Good morning, Bluffton.
The 5AM Bluffton Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of October.
Culture
Town officials said the 32nd Annual Yemassee Shrimp Festival was a success with parades, carnivals, live music and fireworks featuring local charm.
It took place last week — bringing community members together in a celebration of South Carolina tradition — while festival organizers thanked everyone for their participation.
Bluffton TodayRead more
Education
At fall classes’ start, USC Beaufort recorded a record-high enrollment of 2,293 students, including 755 new students—earning top rankings from U.S. News, Niche, and Research.com.
Growth reflects more than a 12% increase over the past five years.
Bluffton TodayRead more
Health
Beaufort Memorial has added an obstetric hemorrhage kit to its Pratt Emergency Center to deliver faster treatment for severe bleeding during pregnancy and after childbirth.
The new kit, implemented in early July, lets caregivers quickly access life-saving medications in emergencies.
Beaufort Memorial HospitalRead more
Real Estate
Tri Pointe Homes acquired 60.4 acres to develop 76 single-family homesites in Bluffton's final phase of New Riverside, a project that began in September near the entrance to Palmetto Bluff off New Riverside Road.
Home construction will start in late 2027 and sales will launch in 2028.
Bluffton TodayRead more