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Daily editionFriday, October 23rd, 2026

Good morning, Hilton Head Island.

The 5AM Hilton Head Island Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of October.

Community

  1. This October, Halloween events are scheduled across Beaufort and Jasper counties, offering family trick-or-treat, safety lessons, historic tours, costume contests, and adult cocktails.

    Highlights include Bluffton’s Safety Spooktacular today (5-7 p.m., Oscar Frazier Park) and Hilton Head’s Tiki Hut bash on Oct. 31 (free entry).

    The Post and Courier - Beaufort CountyRead more

  2. Hilton Head Island families can enjoy free food, candy and family activities at Grace Community Church’s trunk or treat event on Sunday, Oct. 25 (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.) at 450 Spanish Wells Road.

    Participants are encouraged to dress up and join the local celebration.

    WJCLRead more

Business

  1. Local business owners who trained with OpenAI shared their views today on a $20 billion data center project that is planned to boost high-tech investment and jobs on Hilton Head Island.

    WTOCRead more

Environment

  1. A coastal low and an upcoming lunar perigee are set to drive exceptionally high tides this weekend that may flood roads on Hilton Head Island — forecasts show morning tides near 10 ft, and main routes like Hwy 80 could see impassable conditions into early next week.

    WTOCRead more

Government

  1. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport conducted a full-scale emergency drill Thursday, Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the north side of the airfield with emergency vehicles and controlled smoke visible; commercial flights and terminal activities were not affected.

    WJCLRead more

  2. The new Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Headquarters is open today with the fire rescue team now in the building.

    The town’s Emergency Operations Center and 911 Communication Center will join in 2027 and the facility (repurposed from a vacant commercial building) offers a gym and kitchen to boost daily operations.

    WTOCRead more

Health

  1. Dr. Kurt Gambla (chief medical officer at Beaufort Memorial) urged residents to consult with their doctor in late summer or early fall to get vaccines for flu, RSV and COVID-19.

    He explained that vaccines can be given in one visit and that soreness is a normal immune response.

    WJCLRead more