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AUGUST 21–27, 2025
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Man killed, homes destroyed in Fripp Island fire Saturday blaze occupies firefighters for 14 hours
A fire Saturday, Aug. 16, on Fripp Island completely destroyed three houses, damaged two others and left a 59-year-old man dead. Photo courtesy of Chris Davenport
By Mike McCombs The Island News A 59-year-old man and a dog lost their lives in a fire Saturday morning, Aug. 16, on Fripp Island that completely destroyed three homes and severely damaged two others. Around 10:15 a.m., the Fripp Island Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 718 Bonito Road. Firefighters arrived on scene within minutes to find one home fully engulfed in flames and two adjacent residences in danger.
It was immediately evident, given the intensity of the fire and the summer heat, that fire crews had their work cut out for them. Fripp Island promptly asked for additional manpower and resources and received help. The Lady’s Island/St. Helena Fire District, City of Beaufort/ Town of Port Royal Fire Department and the Burton Fire District all assisted with manpower and resources. Unfortunately, given the proximity of the homes to one another, three houses were totally destroyed and two others sustained significant exterior damage before the fire could be extinguished.
According to the Fripp Island Fire Department, fire crews remained on the scene for more than 14 hours to ensure full containment and safety. One individual was unaccounted for during the response to the fires. Ultimately, the man, as well as a dog, was found inside one of the destroyed structures. “The Fripp Island Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time,” the department said in a news release.
SEE FIRE PAGE A4
Fox & Friends co-host visits Beaufort
By Delayna Earley The Island News The downtown Beaufort area is beloved by locals and tourists alike, but early on Tuesday morning, the area got some recognition at the national level when Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocy broadcasted live from Blackstone’s Café and several other locally owned businesses on Bay Street. Blackstone’s Café owner Jake Higgins said that while he did not organize the visit from the television show, he was happy to let them broadcast
from his restaurant and to feature a tradition that he is very proud of. Every morning the patrons of the restaurant are invited to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance, a point which Higgins said that the show wanted to highlight. Higgins also said that hundreds of people came out to be present as Doocy broadcasted live, but a lot of them ended up having to wait outside once the restaurant reached capacity.
SEE FRIENDS PAGE A5
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
Ray Stokes leads the Pledge of Allegiance during Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocy’s live broadcast from Blackstone’s Cafe in Beaufort, on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Amber Hewitt/ The Island News
Marine recruit suffers gunshot wound on Parris Island Recruit was injured during Marksmanship Training
Ofelia Fernandez, 5, and Kelleher Wiggers, 6, of Bluffton explore water quality levels during the ninth annual STEAM Festival, sponsored by Palmetto Bluff Conservancy and Beaufort Memorial Hospital, held Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Port Royal Sound Foundation’s Maritime Center. The festival, which celebrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math), showcased demonstrations, simulations, experiments and hands-on activities by area businesses, organizations and schools using STEAM to succeed. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News
Staff reports A U.S. Marine recruit suffered a gunshot wound during a training exercise Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, aboard Marine Recruit Depot Parris Island. The recruit assigned to Recruit Training Regiment was injured during a marksmanship training exercise. According to a news release from the depot Communication Strategy and Operations Office, the recruit sustained a gunshot wound to the leg while training
on the range and was immediately provided medical attention on site. The recruit was stabilized and subsequently airlifted to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah for further treatment. According to the release, the recruit's condition is being monitored by medical personnel, and no additional personal details will be released at this time. The incident is currently under investigation, and according to Chief Warrant Officer Bobby Yarbrough with COMMSTRAT there are no updates after six days or any additional information to release, as of yet.
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Burton Fire Captain retires after 60 years of service.
Lady’s Island Middle School Assistant Principal recognized with highest district award.
Beaufort Academy leaves Hilton Head Prep in the dark; Eagles win 36-0.
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