Good Monday,

Today is the FINAL DAY TO VOTE for Southside Park in the Seeds for Change Community Garden grant competition. PLEASE VOTE NOW.

Last week the Santa Elena Foundation launched the first of several events to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the discovery. Celebrations will conclude with the grand opening of the Santa Elena History Center in the old County Court House on Bay Street April 30th.  Friday's kick-off featured presentations by world renowned historians who told the story of the Spanish venture to what became the United States.  Jokingly I told the historian from Jamestown that "see, we were here first."  He laughed and said, "we are still here."  Thank you Santa Elena Foundation for your hard work and contribution to history - especially Port Royal and Beaufort where so much began.

At our Tuesday work session (5PM at City Hall), City Council will learn about projected revenues for this year and host a round-table discussion about the proposed Arts District which intends to bring more vibrancy and affordable homes to the core of our downtown.

This week we will also announce members of the City's Short Term Rental Task Force. The team will be challenged with recommending ways to iron out the wrinkles of our ordinance and address community concerns about Short Term Rentals.

All branches and departments of The Beaufort County Library System will be closed on Wednesday, April 20th for Staff Development Day. Normal operating hours resume on Thursday, April 21st.

Again it is a big week with many events in this small yet very special hometown.