The
Bluffton Blufft n Sun
Beaufort County delinquent tax listings Insert
September 16, 2025 • Volume 28, Issue 18 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com
Bluffton to host 36th annual beach sweep/river sweep By Sasha Sweeney Contributor
The Town of Bluffton, Lowcountry Stormwater Partners, the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) are inviting residents to roll up their sleeves for the 36th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep on Saturday, Sept. 20th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Oyster Factory Park. The statewide one-day cleanup, held every third Saturday in September since 1988, is South Carolina’s largest volunteer effort to remove litter from beaches, marshes and waterways. This will be the 17th year Bluffton has participated. “The May River defines Bluffton,” Mayor Larry Toomer said. “It supports our families, our businesses, and our quality of life. Taking part in the cleanup is one way we can all show respect and care for this river that gives us so much.” Thousands of volunteers across South Carolina participate annually. In Bluffton, cleanup efforts will cover both land and water, with teams working around the Historic District and along the May River. Members of local kayak clubs will assist, and volunteers bringing their own boats or kayaks are asked to arrive by 8:30 a.m. Nicole Wright, the town’s stormwater technician, said the sweep provides more than just litter removal. “We are fortunate to have residents who share a deep commitment to the May River,” Wright said. “The rivers and creeks of Beaufort County are home to diverse marine life and are central to our way of life. This cleanup gives our community an opportunity to take an active role in protecting and nurturing the May River, Bluffton’s centerpiece of our town, culture, industry and recreation.” Volunteers of all ages are welcome, including families, schools, civic groups and businesses. Corner Perk will offer cups of its “May River Blend” coffee or hot
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Business news 39A townofbluffton.sc.gov
chocolate before the event. The town will provide snacks and water, and partners will supply gloves, bags and sunscreen. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Each volunteer will also take part in data collection by recording the type and amount of litter collected. The information is compiled statewide and added to the Ocean Conservancy’s global database through the International Coastal Cleanup. Organizers say the data is crucial for identifying the sources of litter and developing more effective anti-litter education and prevention strategies. Major partners include i2 Recycle, Waste Management, the Outside Foundation, Keep Beaufort County Beautiful, American Rivers, Palmetto Running Company, Port Royal Sound Foundation, Bluffton Paddle Club, The Dolphin Project, the Beaufort County Solid Waste & Recycling Division, Palmetto Pride, SCDNR and the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium. i2 Recycle will provide recycling bins and
process collected materials, with volunteers asked to separate litter into recyclable and non-recyclable bags. The Town of Bluffton will provide a small gift for participants. Individual registration is not required, though groups are asked to contact Wright in advance so organizers can plan for supplies and special projects at nwright@townofbluffton.com.
FEMA honors TCL
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