A year after Category 2 Hurricane Matthew roared up the coast just a few miles from Hilton Head Island, recovery has been substantial and there are reasons to celebrate. Here are some stories of lives changed — in a positive way — by Beaufort County's biggest natural disaster in recent memory.
Beaufort County 1 year after Hurricane Matthew: Unexpected gifts and changed lives
She helped save their Hilton Head boats. He later made her dream come true
A Hilton Head Islander spent months helping those affected by Hurricane Matthew by organizing an event for Palmetto Bay Marina boaters, only to have someone help her in the end. Read more
A Hilton Head couple’s home was destroyed by Matthew. But they weren’t expecting this
Bob and Brenda Hand’s home was severely damaged in Hurricane Matthew, but the kindness of strangers and friends helped them rebuild their lives. Read more
Teen’s photo gets noticed by National Geographic, helps her get into dream school
Sarah Sugg, an 18-year-old Hilton Head High School graduate, credits a photo she snapped in the aftermath of last year’s Hurricane Matthew with helping her gain acceptance to a prestigious Chicago school. Read more
Hurricane Matthew opened this Bluffton couple’s eyes — and hearts
Jeremy and Beth Barlet have devoted their lives to serving others through their Bluffton church. Their home suffered no damage from the storm, but it did bring purpose to their lives. Read more
Ahead of Hurricane Matthew, a sheriff’s deputy keeps a promise to his mother
Mamie Edwards was scheduled to be buried at Beaufort National Cemetery on the day then-S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley ordered the evacuation of the Palmetto State’s coastal counties. Read more
How trees lost to Matthew affected Hilton Head residents — for good and bad
The loss of trees from Hurricane Matthew forced many Hilton Head and Beaufort County residents who lost privacy and shade to invest in blinds. Read more
Catching up with the unsung heroes of Hurricane Matthew
In the days after Hurricane Matthew, we told you the stories of unheralded people who went above and beyond to help others in need, without thought of recognition or reward. Here, we catch up with them on the storm's anniversary. Read more
What Hilton Head, Beaufort and the region looked like after Matthew
The devastation of this Category 2 hurricane was easier seen than described. This collection will help you recall, and appreciate how we've recovered from, Matthew's damaging wind and water. Watch