TOSI Happenings for the Week of July 6


NEWS YOU CAN USE

Chow Town Food Truck Rodeo – The next Chow Town is this week, Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Food trucks from various local vendors will take over the Town Hall parking lot.

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

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

Environment & Wildlife Committee Meeting
Thursday, July 9 – 10:00 am
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

July at the Charleston Museum

If you are looking for indoor activities, check out these events at the Charleston Museum in July.

July 8 – Kid Tours: Alligators, Crocodiles—Oh My!

July 10 – Fossil Friday with Curator of Natural History Matthew Gibson

July 15 – Kid Tours: Playing in the Past

July 17 – Fossil Friday with Curator of Natural History Matthew Gibson

July 18* – Sweetgrass Basket Weaving Workshop

July 18 – Remember the Ladies! Women of the American Revolution with Keynote Speaker Margaret Pickett

July 20 – 24* – Museum Camp

July 22 – Kid Tours: Dino Droppings

July 24 – Fossil Friday with Curator of Natural History Matthew Gibson

July 27 – 31* – Museum Camp

July 29 – Kid Tours: Hieroglyphics

July 31 – Fossil Friday with Curator of Natural History Matthew Gibson

*Reservations Required

-Submitted by The Charleston Museum

St. Christopher Camp Community Beach Day

Camp St. Christopher Community Beach Day
Saturday, July 11 from 10:00 – 3:00 pm

Camp St. Christopher is excited to continue with even more summer programming by hosting their annual Community Beach Day. Enjoy a free summer cookout, sailing, quality beach time, and more.

In addition to St. Christopher raffle prizes, Rita’s Italian Ice will also be available for purchase to cool off from all the summer fun.

All are welcome to attend and a special invitation is extended to former St. Christopher summer staff, the Seabrook Island community, and Episcopal families.

Click here for more information and to register for this free event.

-Submitted by Lauren Harris, Director, St, Chrisopher Camp & Conference Center

(Image credit: Lauren Harris)

King Tides in the Charleston Area July 13-14

King Tide is a commonly used term describing high tides that are higher than normal. They usually occur during a full or new moon or during specific seasons throughout the year. Charleston’s average high tide range is about 5.5 ft., but during a king tide event, it can reach 7 ft. or higher. 

King Tides can cause flooding in low-lying areas, resulting in road closures on Seabrook Island, as well as the Johns Island and Charleston areas. This is particularly true when a king tide coincides with significant rain and/or wind.

The next dates of the predicted King Tides are July 13-14.

Continue reading “King Tides in the Charleston Area July 13-14”

Seabrook Annual Independence Day Parade 2026

Marking the ratification of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, residents and visitors of Seabrook Island enthusiastically celebrated the 250th birthday of our country.

Saturday, July 4 brought beautiful weather for the annual Independence Day Parade. An overwhelming number of enthusiastic participants and spectators viewed the interesting, funny and creatively decorated cars, trucks and LSVs.

Once again the parade lineup had a dry section and a wet section. In the wet section, the participants were relentlessly hit by a barrage of water from multiple water guns on both sides of the street. No worries – they retaliated and drenched the onlookers right back!

Enjoy these pictures from the parade.

Continue reading “Seabrook Annual Independence Day Parade 2026”

Happy Semiquincentennial!

Where does that long word come from, how do we pronounce it, and what is so special about it?

The word semiquincentennial may sound intimidating, but its meaning is surprisingly simple. It refers to the 250th anniversary of an important event.

The word comes from a combination of Latin roots. Semi- means “half,” quinque means “five,” and centennial refers to a period of one hundred years. Put together, a semiquincentennial is half of five centuries—or 250 years. Because the word is long and not commonly used, many people simply refer to a semiquincentennial as a “250th anniversary.”

The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States. In 2026, the United States celebrates its semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This milestone is especially significant because few nations have the opportunity to commemorate a quarter of a millennium of continuous history, growth, and democratic self-government.

A semiquincentennial invites more than celebration. It offers a chance to reflect on the people, events, achievements, and challenges that have shaped a nation over two and a half centuries. It is a moment to honor the past, recognize the progress that has been made, and consider the responsibilities that future generations will inherit.

Unlike annual celebrations that come around every year, a semiquincentennial is a once-in-a-generation event. Most people will experience only one in their lifetime. That rarity makes it a special occasion—a time not only for parades, ceremonies, and festivities, but also for thoughtful reflection on where we have been and where we hope to go.

And how is it pronounced? SEM-ee-kwin-sen-TEN-ee-ul!

Happy Semiquincentennial to the USA!

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Zazzle)

Fun at the Run/Walk at the Lake House Today

This morning, July 3, 2026, under beautiful sunny skies, a multitude of Seabrookers, family members and friends participated in the annual Seabrook Island Independence Day (just over 5K) Walk/Run. Over 400 people of all ages gathered at the Lake House prior to the 8:00 am start of the event to complete a circuit halfway around Seabrook Island.

While there were no official race times recorded, many people kept track of their personal times on a variety of devices. Congratulations to everyone who participated and thanks to the spectators who came out to watch! A big thanks to Nic Porter, Hannah Rice, the Lake House staff, and all the volunteers who every year make this such a special event.

Enjoy these pictures from this great event!

Continue reading “Fun at the Run/Walk at the Lake House Today”

Upcoming July Events at Charleston’s Historic Plantations

  • Stories from the Archives ◊ July 15, 2026 6:00-7:00 pm

Step inside the archives for a rare evening of discovery with Magnolia’s Director of Ecology, Director of Horticulture, and Director of Preservation & Interpretation. Together, guests will explore the stories held within some of Magnolia’s most remarkable historic books, maps, and botanical works.

During this exclusive, behind-the-scenes archival event, our directors will carefully open and discuss selected historical treasures. Guests will get an up-close look at these rare artifacts and learn about their craftsmanship, history, and connection to Magnolia’s broader story. Featured archival treasures include rare London pulpit Bibles, cartography, and historic botanical works.

The price for this event is $35. Click here to learn more and to register.

  • Tea & Tradition: Exploring Low Country Herbs ◊ July 9, 2026, 6:00-8:00 pm

Visit Middleton Place for an engaging herbal tea workshop where you’ll enjoy light bites and herbal cold toddy cocktails as Darren Hartford, owner of Oliver Pluff & Co., explores the rich history of tea and botanicals in the Lowcountry and their connection to Middleton Place. You’ll learn about a variety of herbs and their traditional uses, then craft your own custom tea blend to take home.

The price of the workshop is $70 for non-members. Click here to learn more and to purchase tickets.

–Tidelines Editors

Do you know… Where Parking Is Not Allowed on Seabrook Island?

It is sometimes a challenge for property owners, renters, and visitors to know when and where it is allowable to park on the island. SIPOA Rules and Regulations addresses these questions. Property owners are responsible for their guests and visitors and must be sure to share these rules with them. The following is taken from SIPOA Rules and Regulations, Section III E. 1 – 3.

Parking on Seabrook Island is ALWAYS prohibited:

  • On or within 50 feet of a traffic island

Parking on unimproved lots:

  • Overnight parking on the right-of-way is prohibited.

Parking on improved lots:

  • Overnight parking on the right-of-way road frontage of improved lots is prohibited.
  • No parking is permitted on any other landscaped portions of improved single-family and multi-family properties

Parking at the SIPOA Oyster Catcher Community Center lot is prohibited without one of the following:

  • An affixed Property Owner’s entry authentication barcode
  • A Property Owner pass
  • An authorized pass for a special event.

Parking for beach access:

  • Under no circumstance is beach parking permitted on SIPOA roads.
  • Crossing over or onto private property in an attempt to access the beach is strictly prohibited – the only beach access is via boardwalks or areas designated for that purpose.

Parking is not allowed in regime and association parking lots except for owners, renters, and guests.

Parking in handicap parking spaces anywhere on the island is not permitted except with a valid government-issued parking permit.

Property owners should share this information with visitors and rental guests. 

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

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: SIPOA.org)

Updated June 2026