TOSI Happenings for the Week of July 20


NEWS YOU CAN USE

Beach Rules – Peak season beach rules are now in effect.

Chow Town Food Truck Rodeo – The next Chow Town is coming! On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, food trucks from various local vendors will take over the Town Hall parking lot.

TOSI State Accommodations Tax (SATAX) Grant Program: TOSI is currently accepting applications from eligible organizations for funding from the Town’s State Accommodations Tax (SATAX) Grant Program. This program is intended to support eligible organizations in carrying out projects that attract or provide for tourists within TOSI. The program is funded by revenues received from a two percent (2%) tax imposed by the State of South Carolina on the gross proceeds from overnight lodging within the town limits of Seabrook Island. For more information, click here.

TOSI Monthly E-newsletter – To stay up-to-date with town communications, sign up for the e-newsletter by clicking here.

MEETINGS

To stay up to date on meeting dates and times, visit TOSI’s calendar located on its homepage.

Town Council Joint Meeting with Seabrook Island Utility Commission
Monday, July 20 – 11:00 am
The agenda can be viewed by clicking here. Watch live on YouTube.

Discretionary Grants Committee Meeting
Wednesday, July 22 – 10:00 am
The agenda can be viewed by clicking here. Watch live on YouTube.

Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting
Wednesday, July 22 – 1:00 pm
The agenda can be viewed by clicking here. Watch live on YouTube.

View the calendar of meetings beyond this week by visiting the home page of TownofSeabrookIsland.org.

Agendas will be posted at least 24 hours before each meeting. All videos can be found on the town’s YouTube channel. Individuals wishing to participate in the meeting via Zoom can call (843) 768-9121 or email pwiggins@townofseabrookisland.org for login information before the meeting.

-Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

Honoring Heroes: The Essential Services of St. Johns Fire District

One of the most critical resources we rely on is the service provided by the St. Johns Fire District. They not only offer essential fire prevention and response action but also deliver lifesaving interventions for the sea islands. Established in 1959, the St. Johns Fire District covers approximately 185 square miles across four barrier islands: Johns, Kiawah, Seabrook, and Wadmalaw.

Currently the district operates seven fully staffed fire stations: three on Johns Island, two on Kiawah Island, one on Seabrook Island, and one on Wadmalaw Island. The St. Johns Fire District employs 153 personnel, with 129 members in the Operations Division, all of whom are fire suppression certified. Additionally, the district maintains its own Human Resources, Finance, and Support Services teams.

Continue reading “Honoring Heroes: The Essential Services of St. Johns Fire District”

Kiawah Arts Council Presents Marshgrass Mamas

Where: Seabrook Island Club, Atlantic Room
When: Friday, August 14 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm

Hailing from Johns Island, the heart of the Lowcountry, The Marshgrass Mamas have been creating their own signature sound since 2001. Rooted in traditional bluegrass and Appalachian old-time classics, their music blends beautiful harmonies, lively instrumentation, and plenty of personality for a performance that is equal parts heartfelt, high-energy, and fun.

Known for their “swampy” Lowcountry style and consistently sold-out shows, The Marshgrass Mamas bring together the sounds of the marsh, the spirit of the shore, and the joy of a girls’ weekend in band form. You can look forward to an entertaining evening filled with toe-tapping music, rich harmonies, and the band’s signature splash of humor.

Tickets are available through the Town of Kiawah Island ticketing page.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Kiawah Arts Council)

Midsummer Hurricane Preparedness Checklist 2026

Early September is peak hurricane season, so now is the time to complete any unfinished projects from the Early Summer Hurricane Preparedness Checklist and to move on to these important actions.

Prepare for any medical needs:

  • Click here for suggestions about planning for medication, medical equipment, and medical care needs.

Prepare for your pets’ needs:

  • Click here for more information.

Prepare for your neighbors:

  • Talk to your neighbors about your needs and theirs regarding preparing ahead for the storm and in the event of a major disaster. Consider exchanging keys. Click here for more information. 

Identify evacuation needs and options:

  • Will you need a handicapped room?
  • Will you need electric vehicle charging facilities?
  • Do you need a pet-friendly hotel?

Prepare your home and yard:

  • Use the August and September Brown and White Days to dispose of unwanted yard and garage items.
  • Recheck property readiness for a storm. Click here for information on securing your property. Click here to learn how to prepare your propane tank.
  • Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding and pressure on awnings.
  • Obtain Emergency Preparedness Brochures. Click here for links to several options.

Remember, be prepared; stay safe.

Our Hurricane Hints can be accessed at any time on the Tidelines website. Use the Hurricane Hints dropdown menu.

–Tidelines Editors

Barrier Island Oyster Farm Trip October 14

Where: Barrier Island Oyster Farm, 2871 Maybank Hwy. , Johns Island
When: October 14
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 am
Cost: $99

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Last year, this program was sold out and sign-ups for this fall are coming to a close soon.  

Come savor a behind-the-scenes taste of the Lowcountry and discover an insider’s look at sustainable oyster farming! For almost 10 years, Barrier Island Oyster Farm has been growing single select oysters and clams while helping to restore Carolina’s vanishing salt marshes. You will meet a friendly team of marine biologists, conservation advocates, and professional shuckers as knowledgeable as they are passionate about the myriad of benefits of oysters to the local culture, economy and ecology of the Lowcountry. Your tour concludes with an oyster tasting experience featuring single oysters freshly harvested from the farm. Please join us for a memorable oyster farm adventure!

To view all fall trips click here.

-Submitted by Paula McGill for Seabrook Island Natural History Group

(Image Credit: SINHG.org)

Do You Know About … Protecting Wildlife?

Do you know…how to both stay safe and keep our wildlife safe?

Seabrook Island is home to a variety of wildlife, some of which are endangered and others which can be dangerous. There are four types of creatures that deserve special attention. On the beach we are home to turtles, dolphins, and birds. In the freshwater ponds and wetlands we have alligators. Our respectful vigilance is needed in order to preserve their habitats.

Maintaining a healthy distance from wildlife is needed both for our safety and protection as well as theirs. The Town Code for Seabrook Island prohibits harassment of marine life and wildlife. To read the ordinance, click  here.

Turtles

Turtle season runs from about May through the end of September. Sea turtles are an endangered species, and it is critical not to interfere with them in any way. Please adhere to the following:

  • No lights are allowed that illuminate the beach between 9:00 pm and dawn during turtle season. Hatchlings are disoriented by artificial light and may head away from the ocean.
  • Do not disturb turtles or turtle nests. The Turtle Patrol monitors the beach, and located nests will be marked with an orange sign and white pole. Please do not disturb them.
  • Always fill in any holes on the beach. Turtles and their hatchlings may become stuck when moving between the shore and their nests.

The many volunteers on the Turtle Patrol will be happy to educate the public on the life of loggerhead turtles and the work the Patrol members do to protect them.

Dolphins

The dolphins in our area are known for strand feeding, which is a learned behavior where they push fish onto the beach and then follow to eat them. It is a rare and incredible sight. In fact, National Geographic filmed the dolphins here a few years ago for a program. Seabrook and Kiawah are among the few places where this behavior occurs and we hope you are fortunate enough to witness it.

When viewing the dolphins, follow these guidelines:

  • Stay at least 15 yards from the water.
  • Do not try to get close to the dolphins; they are wild and unpredictable.
  • Do not enter the water or try to swim with the dolphins. It is unlawful for any person to swim in the waters of Captain Sam’s Inlet during the period two hours before to two hours after low tide, and when one or more Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are present in the inlet.
  • Do not feed the dolphins; not only is it harmful, but it is also illegal.

Seabrook volunteers who work with the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network will be on the beach during times of strand feeding and will be happy to educate the public about the dolphins and this unusual behavior.

Birds on the Beach

Our beaches are a critical habitat for breeding birds and a stopping point for migrating birds (including Piping Plovers and Red Knots). The town’s ordinance prohibits bringing pets into the “restricted area” north of Boardwalk #1.   Please obey all signage on the beach and never walk or bring a pet into the restricted area. The restricted area is the red area highlighted on the town’s Beach Rules for Pets map. Click  here  to view the map.

NOTE:  Beached, injured or stranded animals should be reported to the town, Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) security, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office or the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

Alligators

To see a recent post on How to be Safe Around Alligators, click here.

To review this entire series, go to tidelinesblog.com and click “Do You Know” at the top of the page.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol, Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network, Seabrook Island Birders)

Updated June 2026

SIAG: Demonstration by Renowned Local Artist September 14

Save the date!

Seabrook Island Artist Guild (SIAG) offers a free demonstration by renowned local artist, Megan Aline. Mark your calendar:

Monday, September 14, 2026
Oyster Catcher Community Center
1:30 to 3:00 pm
No registration is needed and it is open to the public at no cost.

Megan Aline, who weaves landscapes and silhouettes into paintings of otherworldly beauty, will demonstrate her unique approach at the September meeting of the Seabrook Island Artists Guild. Winner of the coveted award of excellence at the 2023 “American Women Artists” national exhibition, Megan balances realism with symbolism to capture the movement of light, water, and trees that recall her childhood in Maine. She constructs her works through layers of acrylic paint and intricate masking techniques. 

Continue reading “SIAG: Demonstration by Renowned Local Artist September 14”

Keep Up with the Lake House July 15

It’s an understatement to say that it is hot out there! Don’t let the heat stop you from staying active. Drop in on one of the group exercise classes or sign up for a semi-private series. Alternatively, you can walk/run on the treadmill, ride the bike or the elliptical, or even lift weights and use the workout machines. It’s all available at the Lake House!

Fitness Classes

July Group Exercise Schedule

Movement & Meditation has been removed, and Stretch, Strengthen & Socialize is now named Simply Strength. Click here for a description of the above classes.

HIIT Boxing will be cancelled on Saturday at 8:15 am.

Semi-Private Series
Sign up now for the following semi-private classes. For information about registering and detailed descriptions of the individual classes, click here.

  • Yin Yoga – Tuesdays at 5:15 pm. The July series meets from July 7 to 28, and the August series meets from August 4 to 25.
  • Chair Yoga – Wednesdays at 2:30 pm. The July series meets from July 1 to 29, and the August series meets from August 5 to 26.
  • Stretch, Strengthen & Socialize – Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:15 pm from July 21 to August 13.
  • Classic Mat Pilates – Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:30 am from July 6 to July 29.
Continue reading “Keep Up with the Lake House July 15”

First Turtle Patrol Inventory Scheduled for Friday, July 17

The Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol has scheduled the first inventory of the year for Friday, July 17 at 6:30 pm. Nest 1 is located in front of the large cross at Camp St. Christopher. The nearest beach access is boardwalk 9.

Click here to see a map showing the location of the boardwalks.

Scheduled inventories can be accessed here.

The timing of this inventory may be modified without notice in the event of inclement weather.

Turtle hatchlings typically emerge from the nest during the night to avoid exposure to daytime predators such as seagulls. This is called a boil because it really does look like a boiling event when the baby turtles emerge all at once from the nest, which is a hole in the sand.

About three days after the boil, the Turtle Patrol team performs an inventory. They count the empty shells as well as the eggs that have not hatched for a report to DNR. Sometimes, some of the hatchlings are still at the bottom of the nest and haven’t made it out yet. The inventory team helps these hatchlings down to the water’s edge where they can gather strength for their journey across the ocean. We can’t always promise there will be hatchlings to see, but when there are, it is very exciting!

-Submitted by Jane Magioncalda for SI Turtle Patrol

(Image credit: Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol)

Do You Know About … How to be Safe Around Alligators?

Seabrook Island is home to a healthy population of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Alligators do not regard humans as prey and serious injury caused by alligators is rare; however, being safe around alligators requires common sense and respect for these large predators.


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To be safe around alligators, remember:

  • Do not feed alligators. Feeding alligators reduces their fear of humans.
  • Keep your distance, at least 50 feet. Alligators can run faster than you.
  • Do not attempt to move alligators out of the road.
  • It is illegal to harass or throw things at alligators.
  • Do not disturb nests or small alligators. Female alligators are very protective.
  • Keep pets and children away from alligators.
  • Do not corner or trap alligators.
  • Be alert around the shore of freshwater ponds or wetlands.
  • Avoid swimming in areas that are known habitats for large alligators.

Some fun facts about alligators:

  • Alligators breed in the spring, typically during April and May and females lay 30‐50 eggs in a large mound of mud, sticks, and plant material.  
  • The female alligator will stay close to the nest until the eggs hatch, typically in July and August.  
  • The female will often take each of the baby alligators to the nearest pond one by one and stay close by to protect them.  
  • Alligator hatchlings grow slowly, about 6‐8 inches a year until they reach sexual maturity in about 10‐12 years.  Survival of hatchlings is relatively low, and each nest of 35 eggs typically produces about four adult alligators.
  • Since alligators are cold‐blooded, they cannot regulate their internal body temperature as humans and other warm‐blooded animals do. For this reason, alligators are most active from March‐November.  Alligators spend a large amount of time basking in the sun on pond edges in an attempt to warm their body temperature, especially on cooler days.

Seabrook Island Property Owners’ Association (SIPOA) has developed a policy for determining whether or not an alligator qualifies as a “nuisance alligator” and therefore warrants removal under the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Nuisance Alligator Program. If you have a concern about an aggressive or nuisance alligator, call Seabrook Island Security at (843) 768-6641 immediately. If SIPOA staff and Security determine that removal is warranted, a professional alligator trapper licensed by the SCDNR will be summoned to remove the animal. Click here to read the full SIPOA Alligator Program Policy.

To review the entire series, go to tidelinesblog.com and click “Do You Know” at the top of the page.

–Tidelines Editors

Updated June 2026