BLUFFTON -- As Bluffton considers growing by another 98 acres, some officials wonder if fundamental changes in laws governing development are needed to stop what many in the area see as uncontrolled sprawl. Owners of two parcels are being asked to be annexed their land into Bluffton from Beaufort County. So many are asking why would being part of Bluffton be better than being part of Beaufort County?

Read more at The (Hilton Head) Island Packet...

MYRTLE BEACH -- Investors say there's no bottom in sight for the national housing and real estate markets, and 80 percent say they think national real estate conditions are getting worse, according to the November UBS/Gallup Index of Investor Optimism. Shaken investors along the Grand Strand are being extra cautious, experts say. Many are shying away from real estate and finding other investment vehicles - or not investing at all.

Read more at The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News...

FLORENCE -- The nation’s mortgage mess will cost Florence County 105 jobs in January when Bank of America will close an office where workers bought mortgages from other lenders. The closing of the mortgage bundling operation is part of 3,000 jobs the Charlotte-based bank said it would cut nationwide, largely because of the downturn in demand for mortgage-backed securities.

Read more at The Greenville News...

HARDEEVILLE -- Tradition Hilton Head announced Monday that it is giving Hardeeville $2.5 million for a sports complex years ahead of schedule. The contribution will allow the 75-acre complex to be finished by August, Hardeeville Mayor Rodney Cannon said at a news conference. The company made the money available four to five years sooner than required by an agreement.

Read more at The (Hilton Head) Island Packet...