Beaufort County Facing Challenges After Tropical Storm Helene
In the charming town of Beaufort, a little hiccup has interrupted the usually vibrant activities on the water. As many of you might know, Tropical Storm Helene swept through our area on September 27, causing quite a bit of damage. One of the most affected spots is the popular Sands Beach boat landing, which has unfortunately been closed until further notice.
Damage Assessment Underway
This closing comes as a bit of a downer since it’s a favored launching point for many local boaters and fishermen. The boat landing is owned by the town of Port Royal but is managed by Beaufort County, so the county is on it, trying to assess the damage. With the storm’s winds and rain, it’s no surprise that the boat landing didn’t come out unscathed. The Beaufort County Public Works Department is currently working alongside marine contractors to get a clearer idea of what has to be fixed and how quickly they can start repairs.
Boardwalk Also Affected
But that’s not all — the nearby Henry Robinson Boardwalk also took quite a hit during Helene’s visit. This lovely boardwalk, which the town of Port Royal also owns and manages, is going to be out of action for a while too. We talked to Town Manager Van Willis, who shared that the town is currently putting out requests for bids to kick off the repair work. It’s all very official, but in simple terms, they are keen to get things back on track as soon as possible.
Future Repairs and Timeline
While the repairs are lined up, they may take around four to six weeks. That might seem like a lengthy wait, especially with boaters eager to hit the water, but you can bet the town’s doing everything they can to expedite the process. In the meantime, they’re of course keeping close contact with their insurance company to navigate the logistics of this situation successfully.
Sands Beach Remains Open
On a brighter note, Sands Beach is still open and accessible to the public! So, if you’re in the mood for some sun and sand or just want to take a stroll, that area is ready for visitors. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the beach and take in the beauty of Beaufort while we all patiently wait for the boat landing and boardwalk to be restored.
Community Support and Updates
It’s always wonderful to see how supportive our community is, especially during tough times like these. As the repairs commence and further updates emerge, it’s best to stay connected and informed. The town is committed to bringing these beloved spots back to life, so hang tight, everyone; better days are ahead!
In summary, while Tropical Storm Helene has thrown a bit of a wrench into our boating plans at the moment, our resilient Beaufort community will bounce back. There’s always a silver lining, and right now, we can still enjoy the beautiful Sands Beach while we wait for the necessary repairs on the boat landing and boardwalk. Together, let’s look forward to calmer weather and reopened spaces soon!
