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A prominent Savannah-based personal injury lawyer has been admonished by the South Carolina Supreme Court for misleading advertising following an investigation.

The court on Wednesday issued a public reprimand of Michael Hostilo for advertising violations and ordered him to pay a $1,000 fine and pay legal costs of an investigation by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC), which looks into allegations of ethical misconduct brought forward by lawyers and judges or the public. Hostilo voluntarily entered into the discipline agreement with the ODC and admitted to the violations.

In South Carolina, lawyer discipline is administered by the Supreme Court through the ODC, rather than the South Carolina Bar.

Hostilo is licensed to practice law in Georgia, not in South Carolina. But he employs South Carolina-licensed attorneys in Beaufort, Charleston and Columbia. As such, he is subject to the supervision of South Carolina Supreme Court for any violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Messages left with Hostilo’s office had not been returned as of late Thursday afternoon. His attorney would not comment on the case.

Hostilo, a Savannah-based attorney who grew up in Beaufort, owns The Mike Hostilo Law Firm. He is one of the region’s most recognizable personal injury attorneys thanks to his flashy advertisements on television, YouTube and billboards. Television ads for his firm, which has 13 offices across Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama, were among those shown during Monday’s NCAA title game between Houston and Florida.

In one super hero ad currently running on YouTube, which was not part of the investigation, Hostilo dons a cape and mask and urges potential clients to call his firm if they’ve been injured in a car wreck.

The Rules of Professional Conduct guiding attorneys in South Carolina forbid misleading statements about expectations and require that people who give testimonials be properly identified. The rules also say factual information must be prioritized over attention-grabbing techniques. Disclaimers are required.

Hostilo admitted to violating those rules in some of his advertising.

A billboard advertisement cited in the Supreme Court’s order featured Hostilo’s picture and a background of dollar signs including one representing the letter “s” in his name. Hostilo admitted it was likely to create an unjustified expectation about results, and was not predominantly informational, which the Rules of Professional Conduct governing the conduct of lawyers require.

The court also took issue with a YouTube advertisement that said: “Most people think that lawyers are bad at math. 1 + 1 = 2. But let me give you a simple formula. Mike Hostilo Law Firm + Car Wreck = big settlement! [$100 bills fill up the background of the screen].” The add then gives the firm’s phone number and website and concludes: “We’re great at math.” “Respondent admits this advertisement is likely to create an unjustified expectation about the results his law firm can achieve,” the reprimand says.

At the time of the ODC investigation, the firm’s website contained various misrepresentations and misleading statements, the court said. It contained a results page with a disclaimer, for example, that advised viewers that South Carolina cases are handled by an attorney who had not been employed by Hostilo for more than two years. The website also said the firm had been “proudly serving the injured in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina for nearly 30 years.” But the firm, the disciplinary order said, had only been offering services in South Carolina since 2018, and the firm itself had existed for 18 years (Hostilo, as an attorney, had been practicing in Georgia for nearly 30 years).

The wrongful death page of the website also incorrectly stated the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in South Carolina.

“Further, several individual attorney profile pages on respondent’s firm’s website indicated that the attorneys handled cases in jurisdictions in which they were not licensed to practice law,” the court wrote. “Respondent explains that this was due to blocks of content being cut and pasted into each attorney’s profile page by the firm’s content creators. Respondent admits these were material misrepresentations.”

Following any ODC investigation, several possible outcomes are possible: Dismissal, referral to another agency, notifying the lawyer of an intent to impose an admonition, formal charges or an agreement for discipline by consent. In Hostilo’s case, he entered into an agreement for discipline by consent with the ODC and the Supreme Court. The public reprimand was published Wednesday.

“In the agreement, respondent admits misconduct and consents to the imposition of a confidential admonition or a public reprimand,” the opinion states. “We accept the agreement and issue a public reprimand.”

Hostilo’s discipline would have included completing the Legal Ethics and Practice Program Advertising School, a comprehensive study of the fundamentals of legal ethics offered by the ODC and South Carolina Bar, the Supreme Court said. But Hostilo had already completed it in March 2023.

Hostilo also was taken to task for several advertising statements that could not be substantiated such as, “Mike Hostilo’s team fights like no other law firm for our accident victims,” and, “Our experienced Worker’s Comp layers have handled many cases like yours —with the record of results to back us up!” These also were likely to create an unjustified expectation about the results the firm can achieve, the reprimand says.

This story was originally published April 10, 2025 at 4:34 PM.

The Island Packet

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Karl Puckett covers the city of Beaufort, town of Port Royal and other communities north of the Broad River for The Beaufort Gazette and Island Packet. The Minnesota native also has worked at newspapers in his home state, Alaska, Wisconsin and Montana.

What if you could visit a town where the past isn’t locked up in museums but lives in the streets, the buildings, and the stories passed down through generations? South Carolina is shaped by its coastal cities, historic mansions, and traditions that stretch back centuries, where the past and the present coexist in harmony. Once the site of Revolutionary War battles, grand estates, and early American industry, its history lives on in towns that have never lost their charm. From horse-racing traditions to Civil War sites and hidden riverfront escapes, these towns have stood the test of time. If you’re ready to explore cobblestone streets, historic mansions, and the kind of history you can feel in the air, it’s time to hit the highway and discover South Carolina’s most enduring towns.

Camden

Camden, the oldest inland city in South Carolina, played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. The Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site takes visitors back in time with reenactments, battlefield tours, and restored structures. Camden’s deep-rooted horse-racing heritage comes to life at the National Steeplechase Museum, where visitors can explore its longstanding equestrian tradition.

Beyond its history, Camden embraces its small-town charm. The Dusty Bend district features restored 19th-century storefronts filled with specialty shops and cafés, including the beloved Books on Broad, a cozy bookstore café. For a peaceful escape, Goodale State Park offers serene kayaking through cypress swamps, perfectly complementing Camden’s classic character.

Edgefield

Surrounded by political influence and Southern heritage, Edgefield has shaped history for centuries. The Edgefield Pottery Museum showcases the town’s signature stoneware, a craft mastered since the 1800s. At Oakley Park Museum, a preserved Confederate-era home, visitors can explore rooms filled with 19th-century antiques and echoes of the past.

But Edgefield isn’t just about history—it knows how to have a good time, too. At Carolina Moon Distillery, small-batch spirits are handcrafted using locally sourced ingredients, offering visitors a taste of the South with every sip. For a change of pace, Horn Creek Trail winds through picturesque farmland, giving Edgefield its timeless rural charm.

Aiken

Aiken is where Southern elegance, equestrian prestige, and timeless charm collide. The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame celebrates the town’s storied horse-racing legacy, honoring champions that once thundered down its tracks. Just beyond, Hitchcock Woods, one of the largest urban forests in the U.S., is a rider’s paradise, with winding trails shaded by towering pines, offering a serene escape on horseback or foot.

For a more relaxed pace, Hopelands Gardens feels like a storybook escape, where century-old oaks, trickling fountains, and vibrant azaleas create a dreamlike setting. At the heart of Aiken’s refinement, The Willcox Hotel, once a favorite retreat of presidents and aristocrats, still radiates grandeur, warmth, and refined hospitality, making every visitor feel like royalty.

Beaufort

Beaufort blends Lowcountry charm with an immaculate historic district. The Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park stretches along the Beaufort River, offering a scenic promenade lined with seafood restaurants. The John Mark Verdier House provides a glimpse into Beaufort’s Civil War-era history, featuring preserved architecture and period furnishings.

The Beaufort Historic District invites visitors to wander its Spanish moss-draped streets, where antebellum homes remain intact, spared when residents fled before Union troops arrived. From a different perspective, dolphin tours offer a close-up look at the area’s marine life. Just outside town, Hunting Island State Park boasts unspoiled beaches and a historic lighthouse, adding a natural escape to this historic gem.

Pendleton

Pendleton has a step-back-in-time feel, where oak-shaded streets and centuries-old buildings create a picturesque setting. At its center, Pendleton Square is home to the Farmers Society Hall, a historic gathering place dating back to 1826. Nearby, the Woodburn Historic House, a grand four-story plantation home, offers guided tours filled with stories of settlers and Southern life.

Beyond its history, Pendleton encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the scenery. The South Carolina Botanical Garden features winding paths, vibrant gardens, and tranquil woodlands. To end the day, Viva Wine Bar welcomes guests with local wines, live music, and small-town warmth, capturing Pendleton’s unforgettable charm.

Abbeville

Abbeville’s Huguenot heritage has left it with one of the best-preserved town squares in South Carolina. The Abbeville Opera House, a 1908 theater, remains a beloved venue for live performances. Nearby, the Trinity Episcopal Church, built in the 1860s, boasts Gothic Revival architecture and breathtaking stained glass.

Abbeville’s history comes alive in its stunning mansions. The Burt-Stark Mansion, a Greek Revival estate, was the site where Jefferson Davis accepted defeat in 1865. The McGowan-Barksdale-Bundy House, a stunning Queen Anne home from 1888, showcases the town’s Gilded Age prosperity. Every October, the Hogs and Hens BBQ Festival fills the air with the aroma of slow-smoked barbecue. For a hands-on adventure, visitors can prospect for aquamarine, garnet, and epidote at Diamond Hill Mine.

Georgetown

Georgetown, the state’s third-oldest city, blends colonial history with coastal charm. The Georgetown Harborwalk, a scenic boardwalk along the Sampit River, leads to waterfront seafood restaurants and historic sites like the Rice Museum, which details the Lowcountry’s rice plantation economy. Just steps away, the Kaminski House Museum offers a glimpse into 18th-century aristocratic life, complete with lavish furnishings and river views.

But history isn’t all Georgetown has to offer. A Winyah Bay boat tour lets visitors drift through marshlands teeming with wildlife, while the Hopsewee Plantation, a preserved 18th-century rice estate, brings the past to life with guided tours and afternoon tea. Whether you’re here for the history, the waterfront scenery, or fresh seafood, Georgetown promises a journey through time with a coastal breeze.

Walterboro

Walterboro, the “Front Porch of the Lowcountry,” is where history, craftsmanship, and nature come together. The South Carolina Artisans Center showcases handwoven sweetgrass baskets, hand-thrown pottery, and masterful woodwork, keeping Lowcountry traditions alive. Nearby, the Colleton Museum & Farmers Market offers exhibits on Gullah culture, local agriculture, and regional history, along with fresh produce and handmade goods.

For a secluded retreat, the Edisto River Treehouses provide off-the-grid lodging, hidden deep within South Carolina’s largest private wildlife refuge. Accessible only by canoe, these treetop hideaways offer stunning river views and total solitude. Back in town, the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary winds through misty cypress swamps, where boardwalk trails reveal migratory birds, hidden wildlife, and centuries-old moss-draped trees.

Eight Towns That Time Refuses to Touch

Some places change with time, but these towns have remained true to themselves. Their historic streets, preserved landmarks, and continuing traditions aren’t memories of the past—they’re everyday life. In Aiken, the thoroughbreds continue to pound the tracks, as generations before them had done. In Abbeville, the mansions and century-old theaters remain the backdrop for new stories. From riverfront retreats to colonial squares frozen in time, each community gives a glimpse of a South Carolina that does not wish to be forgotten. Whether shaped by horse racing, Civil War legacies, or hidden artisan traditions, these places show that the past isn’t something to be remembered, but something to be lived, one timeless community at a time.

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Not only is Beaufort one of the prettiest small towns in South Carolina, but it’s also one of the best college communities in the Southeastern region of the United States. Deservedly dubbed Low Country’s “Southern Belle,” Beaufort was founded in 1711 and is the state’s second oldest town after Charleston, 70 miles to the north.

Originally a focal point of trade thanks to its harbor, which provided access to the Sea Islands along the Atlantic coast, it was the arrival of Beaufort Academy 84 years later that cemented the town’s reputation as a place of learning. Fast forward to today and the presence of the University of South Carolina Beaufort (part of the larger University of South Carolina System) has guaranteed the town continues to flourish.

More in SCExplore the best-kept secrets of South Carolina's Lowcountry.

USC Beaufort’s History and Highlights

The roots of the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) can be traced to a charter granted to Beaufort College in 1795, making it one of the oldest centers of learning in the South. Classes began in the early 1800s, spearheaded by local leaders who recognized how important higher education would be for the plantation economies and maritime industries of the time. Why Beaufort? The choice had much to do with its coastal position and its growing reputation as an intellectual hub, making it a fitting location to nurture an institution dedicated to broad-based learning.

Over time, Beaufort College faced challenges that closely mirrored the region’s own struggles, in particular, the Civil War, during which the institute was forced to close. During this period, it was used as a hospital by occupying Union forces, and the college had to adapt and rebuild during the Reconstruction period that followed the cessation of hostilities. Post-war uses for the college included serving as the headquarters of the Freedmen’s Bureau, an organization providing education and healthcare to former slaves, as well as a 50-year stint as an elementary school.

It was in 1959 that it officially became part of the University of South Carolina System headquartered out of Columbia. Today, USCB is recognized among the top regional public colleges in the Southeastern United States. It offers 50 graduate and undergraduate programs in subjects including liberal arts, hospitality management, business, and marine sciences.

From its initial low student count, USCB now claims an annual enrolment of 2,200. While small compared to many other universities in the country, its graduates continue to have a very positive impact in the fields in which they specialize, including everything from entrepreneurs to educators and civic leaders.

USC Beaufort’s Impact On The Town

From its earliest days as Beaufort College to its present status as a campus of the University of South Carolina, USCB has had a significant influence on the town’s character. As the college grew, it positively impacted the local economy.

Today, USCB along with its students, faculty, and staff, contribute an estimated $141 million to the local economy, in the process creating in excess of 1,230 jobs. In addition to direct employment, jobs are also created in dining, retail, and local services, as well as in hospitality and real estate.

It's not just the local economy that benefits from the university’s presence. The cultural ties between Beaufort and USCB are evident in shared traditions and events, most notably its soring Homecoming celebrations including a very popular oyster roast. The campus also organizes academic conferences, art exhibitions, and musical performances that are open to the public.

Campus Attractions and Landmarks

For visitors eager to get a better sense of USCB’s beautiful setting, there are a few must-see spots on campus to include on your Beaufort travel itinerary. The historic Beaufort College building still stands and is worth seeing during a campus stroll. Look out for the plaque recounting the college’s origins and the story of how it overcame the challenges of the Civil War and Reconstruction (it’s located near the main entrance and affixed to the building’s well-preserved façade).

The USCB Center for the Arts is another campus highlight and regularly features cultural happenings, including theatrical performances to film screenings. Local artists and touring acts also make use of the facility, drawing audiences from across the region.

Interested in learning more about Low Country history? The USCB Library features a collection of rare books and regional archives that spotlight the region’s rich past, including its Gullah heritage, Civil War engagements, and environmental development. Outside, a landscaped courtyard offers benches under moss-laden oaks and is an ideal spot to soak up the atmosphere.

Other Attractions in Beaufort

Downtown Beaufort is an easy 10-minute walk from campus and is lined with antebellum homes and boutique shops. A stroll along Bay Street is a must-do, while the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park provides a scenic promenade along the picturesque Beaufort River. It’s especially pleasant when local festivals like January’s Beaufort Oyster Festival are held here.

A few miles from town, Hunting Island State Park is one of South Carolina’s most-visited attractions. Consisting of over 5,000 acres of natural beauty, here you’ll find over five miles of beautiful beaches to explore. Be sure to also check out the Hunting Island Lighthouse, which offers guided tours and stunning views of the coastline.

For those fascinated by military history, a visit to Parris Island Museum is well worthwhile. The Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island has a long and storied legacy, and the museum displays artifacts from the depot’s founding as well as the evolution of the Marine Corps, including local ties to Beaufort (guided tours are available).

Given Beaufort’s status as a popular destination for friends and families of students, as well as for tourists exploring the Lowcountry region, there are plenty of lodging options. The City Loft Hotel is a great choice and is located in the downtown area. Featuring modern rooms, it also blends in well with its historic surroundings. A short walk away, the 4-star Rhett House Inn is set in a converted antebellum featuring plush common areas and a porch that overlooks garden paths.

For dining, both locals and visitors appreciate spots like Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe on Carteret Street. A reasonable stroll from USCB, it serves sandwiches, salads, and homemade sweet treats and is popular with students. Another option is Blackstone’s Café, which offers a laid-back atmosphere and filling breakfasts. Establishments such as Plums Restaurant and Saltus River Grill along Bay Street are also great for those seeking fresh seafood and regional dishes.

The Final Word

Beaufort stands out as South Carolina’s best college town due to the synergy between this historically significant waterfront community and the university that has developed alongside it. From economic infusions to cultural events, USCB’s contributions are evident in every corner of the town. Whether you’re considering higher education, planning a visit, or are looking for a welcoming place to call home, Beaufort’s college-town energy can be felt the moment you arrive.

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For the 14th straight year, Beaufort County has ranked the healthiest county of all 46 counties in S.C., according to the County Health Rankings by Niche.com, one of the most popular rankings sites in the U.S.

Beaufort is a very active community and the findings show that Beaufort surpasses all of the other counties in South Carolina in its quality of life.

“Beaufort County is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. In Beaufort County, most residents own their homes, and many young professionals and retirees live there,” Niche.com said in the report.

Beaufort County’s grades were pretty good, and it received an overall A+.

Beaufort County received an A for Health & Fitness, Outdoor Activities, being Good For Families, and for its Public Schools.

A- were bestowed on Beaufort for Weather, and Nightlife.

Beaufort County also received a B+ for Jobs, a B+ for [daily] Commute, a B+ for Diversity.

Beaufort County did, however, receive a B- for Housing, and a C+ for Cost of Living.

According to Niche.com, the 2025 Healthiest Counties ranking is intended to provide a comprehensive assessment of the general levels of health among residents at the county level.

“This grade takes into account key indicators of personal health, such as smoking, excessive alcoholic consumption, rates of obesity, as well as the availability and proximity of fitness facilities, doctors, and mental health practitioners, in an attempt to measure an area’s performance in health and fitness.”

Other popular studies have shown that Beaufort County residents enjoy the longest life expectancy in the state as well as the best quality of life in South Carolina. They’ve also found that Beaufort County leads the Palmetto State when it comes to health behaviors. This includes a lower amount of cigarette smokers, a lower rate of adult obesity and the ease of access to many exercise opportunities.

How other counties ranked

No South Carolina counties ranked in the top 100 of the list. Beaufort came in at #155 in the U.S, and is the only county in South Carolina to be in the top 200.

According to the study, the top 5 healthiest counties in SC are (in order) Beaufort, Charleston, Greenville, York, and Spartanburg.

According to the study, the counties with the poorest health in SC are Barnwell, Allendale, Hampton, Marlboro, and Lee.

See the full list of U.S. Counties and see how they ranked here.

See the full list of South Carolina counties and see how they ranked here.

Beaufort is surrounded by sea islands and that provides an easy way for folks to enjoy the water, do some fishing or take the kayak out for a few hours. Lots of beaches, trails and parks in the area make for some fabulous long walks as well.

If you’re looking for a good quality of life….Beaufort County is your obvious choice. Beaufort is the healthiest county in S.C., after all.

Beaufort Memorial unveils $17.5K sponsorship to support Beaufort County high schools

BEAUFORT, S.C. – As part of Beaufort Memorial’s commitment to educating local students about career opportunities in healthcare, the hospital has invested in a district-wide high school sponsorship with the Beaufort County School District.

Beaufort Memorial is giving $17,500 to the BCSD to support school activities and increase visibility for the one of the county’s largest employers at all six public high schools in the county. In addition to the funds being split between the district’s six high schools, Beaufort Memorial will provide career planning support and resources for high school classes, clubs and events. These resources include health topic experts, career information, behind-the-scenes tours and hands-on skills training.

“As the community’s hospital, we are tasked with meeting the ever-growing needs for high-quality healthcare. Now, more than ever, that also means finding innovative ways to grow and develop the necessary staff,” said Russell Baxley, MHA, Beaufort Memorial president and CEO. “We’re excited to introduce high school students to the career opportunities in healthcare and offer training to equip them to be the next generation of caregivers.”

The hospital recently revamped its sponsorship program, focusing resources and support to strategically invest in the future of the community. Including the $17,500 sponsorship, Beaufort Memorial’s overall annual financial investment in the school district will be well over $25,000 including staff time, use of facilities and materials for both teachers and the students participating in Beaufort Memorial-sponsored programs (such as uniforms, certification exam fees, etc.).

“We are excited to partner with Beaufort Memorial and appreciate their dedication to broadening our students’ horizons by introducing them to many meaningful healthcare careers and providing them with opportunities that will ultimately help them thrive,” said BCSD Career & Technical Education Director Karen Gilbert. “Not only is Beaufort Memorial innovative in their approach to workforce development, but it has also given our students the opportunity to get a jump-start on their healthcare careers, ultimately strengthening the healthcare pipeline in this community.”

Beaufort Memorial and BCSD are also partnering for a dual enrollment program that kicked off in January, allowing seniors enrolled at a BCSD high school who are also participating in a health sciences completer program to participate in Beaufort Memorial’s PATH (People Achieving Their Highest) program tuition-free.

Students who complete this program in high school are certified in their pathway by the time they graduate and are ready to enter the workforce immediately. At Beaufort Memorial, graduates from this program would begin working at one to two pay grades higher than they would in an entry-level position.

Alani Crawford, a senior at Whale Branch High School, is currently participating in the Patient Care Technician (PCT) pathway in the program, allowing her to get a head start on her goal of becoming a registered nurse.

“It has been my dream to be a part of this program,” Crawford said. “It’s a really good opportunity; you can skip the entry level and get certified while you’re in high school.”

To learn more about career development opportunities for high school students, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/InvestingInYourFuture.