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

Salute from the Shore Flyover July 4

Now in its seventeenth year, Salute from the Shore has become South Carolina’s Fourth of July tradition.

This year’s Salute from the Shore will begin at approximately 1:00 pm from Cherry Grove in North Myrtle Beach and will make its way down the South Carolina coastline to Beaufort, South Carolina.

The flyover will begin with F-16 Vipers from the South Carolina Air National Guard’s 169th Fighter Wing out of McEntire Joint Base, followed by a C-17 Globemaster III from the 437th Airlift Wing based at Joint Base Charleston and a flight of Apache helicopters in formation from the South Carolina Army National Guard’s Alpha Company, 1-151st Attack Battalion, also out of McEntire Joint Base. (Reminder: Please hold off on flying your kites from 1:00-2:00 pm. The Apache helicopters need to navigate low, and we want to keep them safe!)

Following the active-duty military aircraft will be an all-volunteer brigade of Warbirds, a civilian-owned and flown vintage-plane community that will include T-34s, T-6s, and T-28s.

Beachgoers are encouraged to come out early to watch the military planes as they soar down the South Carolina coastline on Independence Day.

Grab your flags. Wear your red, white, and blue. Keep your eyes and ears alert, and wave your flags as the planes pass by.

For more information, visit Salute from the Shore.

**All times are approximate; weather conditions and mechanical issues may hamper some of the vintage aircraft.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Salute from the Shore)

Reminder: Fourth of July Parade Traffic Disruption

Due to the annual Fourth of July Parade, the usual traffic pattern on the island will be disrupted on the morning of July 4. Please plan in advance to avoid delays.

8:30 am – 9:45 am
Seabrook Island Road from Royal Pine through the Village will be closed to traffic. Please use Seabrook Island Road by the Lake House.

9:30 am
Seabrook Island Road in front of the Lake House will be closed until the parade passes. Use Seabrook Island Road through the Village.

Traffic on Seabrook Island Road will be one-way counter-clockwise until the parade passes. Traffic will then return to normal.

Traffic through the Village will remain one-way outbound until the end of the parade.

These procedures for the parade have been planned and agreed on by the Lake House Management, the Head of Security and the Team Leader of CERT.

We apologize for this inconvenience, but the disruptions are to ensure a safe and fun parade.

-Submitted by Steve Pollock, Team Leader SI CERT

SINHG Program: Learn to Curl

New SINHG Activity: Learn to Curl

Sign-up for all fall trips is due by July 17.

Seabrook Island Natural History Group is bringing a new activity to our list of trips and we are so excited about it that we wanted to bring it to everyone’s attention.

Whether you have Olympic aspirations, are looking for a new hobby or just crossing an item off your bucket list, the Charleston Curling Club is here for you! A new SINHG outing has been added to the fall schedule called “F2616 – Learn to Curl.” At this session, after filling out any necessary forms and getting an orientation on curling (safety, equipment, and warm up), we will split up into small groups, be given a broom, and escorted onto the ice. Each group will work through sweeping, throwing stones, and communication. Once the groups have covered the drills, some groups will combine to play a game. The game lasts until the end of our ice time (2 hours). After the ice time we can head over to the Penalty Box Sports Lounge at the Ice Palace for ‘Broomstacking’. This is a curling tradition where players socialize after playing a game (and is an optional activity).

Worried about your knees or back or something else? Curling is a highly adaptive sport. One of the most common adaptations is the use of a delivery stick. This adaptation allows people to deliver stones while staying in an upright position – no squatting, bending or lunging required.

What should you wear to curl?

  • Clothes – Dress for flexibility , comfort, and warmth. Layering is recommended (athletic clothing that allows you to bend and stretch). Jeans are not recommended.
  • Shoes – Closed-toe rubber-soled shoes. Clean shoes are the best for the ice so leave your lawn mowing shoes at home. 

All equipment needed will be provided by the Curling Club!

Information for signing up can be found here. Come join the fun and see what Curling is all about! Sign-up for all fall trips is due by July 17.

-Submitted by Annie Snelgrove for Seabrook Island Natural History Group

(Image Credit: SINHG.org)