WEEKLY UPDATES, EVENTS AND MORE FROM MAYOR BILLY!
Your Weekly News & Updates
Calendar of Events 
in and around Beaufort!
Additional Parking Downtown?

While many may not realize it, the number of parking spaces in the greater downtown has declined in recent years thereby compounding the "parking problem." 

At the conclusion of its nearly six month study, the city's Blue Ribbon Parking Task Force recommended finding more surface parking on an additional lot and to reorganize parking at the Marina to gain spaces. This is an interim solution pending a parking structure in the future.

Over the past several months, the City Staff has explored options and identified the largest vacant space. Tuesday night's Council passed on first reading an ordinance allowing the City Manager to purchase the 1.14 acre tract.

The second and final reading will be on Tuesday, December 22 at 7 PM - Beaufort City Hall, 1911 Boundary Street in the City Council Chamber. Please come if you would like to be heard. BK
It's that time of year when we must be extra careful 

Unfortunately the holiday season can bring out the worst in some people. Accordingly, I would make the following recommendations for protecting your property and your family. 

If you get a large tv, bicycle, washing machine, dryer or anything else that arrives in a large box during the holidays, please do not leave the large cardboard box in your yard until trash pick-up day.  Leaving the box out is like sending out an invitation to someone looking to steal such objects.  Also, lock your house and car doors. Remember not to leave valuables in your car.  I wish we did not have such people in our world but they are out there. Please beware and Happy Holidays. BK
 
Brace Yourself for the Best Film Festival Yet

Finalists Named for Beaufort International Film Festival 2016

 Filmmakers from Around the World Prepare to Attend the 10th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival in February

BEAUFORT, S.C. - Dec. 14, 2015 - PRLog -- The Tenth Annual Beaufort International Film Festival will host thousands of film lovers from around the world starting Feb. 10 and continuing to Feb 14 in the historic coastal town of Beaufort, SC. 
Wreaths Across America: 
A Great Success

Saturday was truly an amazing and heart warming day at the Beaufort National Cemetery.  Led by David Edwards of Wreaths Across America and promoted by Ron Voegeli of the Disabled Veterans and too many to name others, more than 600 people met at the Beaufort National Ceemetery to express appreciation and love for our many lost veterans by laying almost 3,900 wreaths.  The mission was completed in 15 minutes. Thanks to all who purchase wreaths and did the work. And gets ready for an even larger showing next year. BK

 
Vets4Energy is an oil industry front

I recently wrote a letter to the editor of the Post and Courier responding to a vets4energy member from Charleston who challenged the science and economics of seismic testing and drilling.  Each of many  Google searches clearly demonstrates that the organization is funded by the American Petroleum Institute, the principle oil industry lobbying group. And that was the jest of my letter. BK
 
Offshore drilling proponents far off the mark
Billy Keyserling 
Charleston Post and Courier 

READ THE ED-OP I RESPONDED TO HERE
 
Offshore drilling foes running dry
William Schachte Jr
Charleston Post and Courier 

 
I thought very carefully before challenging a distinguished retired Navy Admiral who served his country well, and to whom we should all be grateful for his service. That being said, I confirmed through reliable sources including those found on the Vets4Energy website that Vets4Energy is an arm of the American Petroleum Institute which is the leading oil industry lobbying group. 
Last minute holiday shopping!

The Pink Dolphin is a wonderful gift for your child or grandchild or even an adult friend!

Order your copy of The Pink Dolphin HERE.

Have you read the story of The Pink Dolphin? This enchanting tale was written by eight-year old Beaufortonian Thomas McDermott-Post after a conversation with his friend Mayor Billy about the challenges in getting a community to work together.

Order your copy today and have it in time for the holidays!
Another Gift from Unsung Hero: Megan Feight

Let's give Beaufort's Megan Feight a big holiday round of applause for launching her petition against offshore drilling. While the power of public concern over seismic testing and offshore drilling would otherwise have been brought to the forefront, Megan took matters into her own hands and got the ball rolling for a movement that keeps on growing larger and larger every day. Coastal Communities through the South Atlantic Coast are organized and fighting to protect  the pristine environment that drives value to our quality of life and our economy.  Some say it is about creating jobs but people are waking up to the fact that seismic testing and drilling will ultimately cost jobs. BK
The is not the Beaufort we all love

I am very disturbed by the vandalism of playgrounds at our Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and the Port Royal Park.  We cannot have our police offices babysit those who steal these community assets from us.  While I am neither the judge who will hear their case nor have any legal standing in the matter, I would put the vandals to work by cleaning up our communities as long as it takes for them to learn the lesson about community rights and individual responsibilities. BK
 
THE ISLAND PACKET
Update: Beaufort's Waterfront Park playground vandalized; city has $4,200 repair bill
Santa Elena Newsletter

A dream is becoming a reality as the Santa Elena Center moves forward. Very exciting to read about what they are offering our community. BK

View Santa Elena's Newsletter HERE
EVENTS!
TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY
School Choir at City Hall
 
Please set time aside to enjoy a wonderful performance from "Lady's Island Elementary Road Show Choir"scheduled for Friday, December 18th at 9:30-9:45am.

The students will be singing and doing a dance performance here at City Hall in the 1st floor Lobby area.  The show is expected to be about 30 minutes long.

For a few years now, Lady's Island Elementary students have been reaching out to the community and performing for the elderly and local businesses during the Holiday seasons.  

Let's show our school/community spirit to these young folks who have work hard to put on a great show!


Notwithstanding the fact that Paul is my brother, this exhibit and some of the photos may be the holiday gift you have been looking for.  Note the show comes down on Monday.


Get Ready for Founders' Night

The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to host and present a family-friendly grand fireworks display for our community on New Year's Eve. Make plans now to include this as part of your annual tradition.  
 
Last year's event drew more than 3,000 people to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park to enjoy live entertainment, hot chocolate, refreshments and of course, fireworks!


Mayor Billy | City of Beaufort, SC  | Email | Website
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