Author: Tidelines

Do You Know….About Living on Seabrook?

Do you know… there are 40 pages of SIPOA Rules and Regulations that govern life on Seabrook and ensure the quality of life we enjoy here? Whether you are new to Seabrook or a long time resident, it’s important to be aware of these rules and regulations.

Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) and the Town of Seabrook Island care about the safety and security of all property owners, residents, renters, and visitors to our very special island. Our small, tight-knit community depends on the spirit of cooperation and the sense of responsibility of everyone on the island to be aware of and respectful of these rules.

To remind everyone, Tidelines has created a helpful series of posts entitled Do You Know… that explain the relevant regulations associated with the various activities of our daily living. To learn about each topic, simply click on the links below or visit Tidelinesblog and click on Do You Know in the navigation bar.

About Walking, Biking and Driving

About the Beach

About Animals

About Waste Management

About Safety

We think you will find this information helpful and are confident it will assure the safety, security, and pleasure of all who call Seabrook home, or home away from home!

–Tidelines Editors

Seabrook Island Veterans Interviewed

Nine Seabrook Island veterans were recently interviewed at The Lake House for the Veterans History Project which is sponsored by the Library of Congress. Many thanks to these vets for their service to their country and for sharing their military experiences: Rob Bavier, Jeff Homeier, Andy Grimalda, Gordon Weis, Olly Edwards, Scott Humphries, George Conbeer, Larry Mayland, and Doug Carlson. We hope more veterans will consider participating.

Larry Mayland, right


The purpose of the Veterans History Project is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans. Why? So future generations can hear directly from veterans and better understand what they saw, felt, and did during their service. 
All of these thousands of interviews weave a tapestry of insight and experience. They are stored at the Library of Congress and made available for viewing by clicking here. Imagine your great-great-grandchildren being able to “meet” you and learn about your life and experiences…. or young people considering service learning from you…. or researchers better understanding their topic based on your observations. 

Doug Carlson


All veterans are encouraged to participate in the project, whether they were in combat or not. Veterans interested in being interviewed should contact Tina Mayland at tinamayland@mindspring.com or by phone at 843-822-3646. The process is simple- a date and time to film a series of interviews will be set up, each typically lasting 30-45 minutes.


Volunteers who are interested in being trained to interview veterans are needed. If you are willing to dedicate a day or two a month to the Veterans History Project, please contact Tina Mayland.

-Submitted by Tina Mayland

Looking to get involved with The Town of Seabrook Island?

The town is currently accepting applications from citizen volunteers for appointment to the following town board, commission and committees:

  • Accommodations Tax (ATAX) Advisory Committee
  • Board of Zoning Appeals
  • Community Promotions & Engagement Committee
  • Environment & Wildlife Committee
  • Planning Commission
  • Public Safety Committee
  • Public Works Committee

Click here for more information and an application form.

–Submitted by Seabrook Island Town Hall

2023 National Book Award Winners Announced

Seabrookers are readers and it is likely many of you have read or at least heard of the books that made this year’s National Book Award shortlist. You can check the list below to see if any of your 2023 favorites made the cut.

In 1950, the National Book Awards were established to celebrate the best writing in America. Since 1989, they have been overseen by the National Book Foundation (NBF), a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to celebrate the best literature in America, expand its audience, and ensure that books have a prominent place in American culture.” The categories include Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translated Literature, and Young People’s Literature.

2023 Fiction Winner

Blackouts by Justin Torres
Out in the desert in a place called the Palace, a young man tends to a dying soul, someone he once knew briefly but who has haunted the edges of his life: Juan Gay. Playful raconteur, child lost and found and lost, guardian of the institutionalized, Juan has a project to pass along, one built around a true artifact of a book and its devastating history. 

2023 Nonfiction Winner

The Rediscovery of America by Ned Blackhawk
The most enduring feature of U.S. history is the presence of Native Americans, yet most histories focus on Europeans and their descendants. This long practice of ignoring Indigenous history is changing, however, with a new generation of scholars insists that any full American history address the struggle, survival, and resurgence of American Indian nations.

2023 Poetry Winner
from unincorporated territory [amot] by Craig Santos Perez

2023 Translated Literature Winner
The Words That Remain by Stenio Gardel, Bruna Dantas Lobato

2023 Young People’s Literature Winner
A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat

To see the Tidelines post in which the NBA shortlist was announced earlier this fall, click here.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: National Book Award, CMPL)

A Busy November For SINHG Members

This autumn’s schedule of Seabrook Island Natural History Group (SINHG) Trips for members is taking a Thanksgiving break before embarking on the last stretch of this season’s trips to finish out the year.

During late October and November, members traveled downtown to learn about the close ties between Charleston and the West Indies, especially Barbados, whose culture and architecture is reflected in much of downtown.


The Holy City’s noted culinary traditions were celebrated by SINHG members during a tour and sampling of four restaurants surrounding Upper King Street.


Weather buffs enjoyed visiting with Channel 2’s weather guru Rob Fowler, who guided members on a tour of the station’s studio and production facilities.


And a score of SINHG members cut loose at The Woodruff for an evening of Music Bingo, which happened to coincide with Halloween and inspired many members’ costume talents.

SINHG trips will continue through mid-December. The schedule of spring 2024 trips is nearly complete and will be released soon.

The Seabrook Island Natural History Group is one of the island’s oldest and largest special interest groups dedicated to exploring the ecology, history and culture of the Carolina Lowcounty. To find out more, go to sinhg.org.

-Submitted by Norm Powers, for SINHG

December Activities at Kiawah

Kiawah has some exciting events for the holiday season!

Harmonize the Holidays

Saturday, December 2, 2023,
3:00 pm. Doors open at 2:30 pm.
Kiawah Island West Beach Conference Center
Tickets: Adults $15, Youth 15 and under $5

Harmonize the Holidays with the Southern Harmony Chorus and Palmetto Vocal Project, two local a cappella groups

For advance ticket sales, contact Jennifer at 843-530-3528
Come capture the Holiday Spirit!

Astralis Flute and Harp Chamber Ensemble

Sunday, December 3, 2023
7:30 pm Church of Our Saviour
Cost: No Charge

Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with the highly acclaimed artists of the Astralis Chamber Ensemble, an innovative and dynamic duo performing with much acclaim across the globe. Witness prize-winning artists Angela Massey (flute) and Rachel O’Brien (harp) present a magical concert with holiday favorites, including “The First Noel,” “O Holy Night,” and “Greensleeves.” The concert will also include classical repertoire to fit the spirit of the season with delightful works by Jean Cras, Andriessen, and Rota. 

GlassDuo

Sunday, December 10, 2023
7:30 pm Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Cost: $15

GlassDuo, the world-renowned glass harp performance group, is comprised of Anna and Arkadiusz Szafraniec from Poland — former orchestral musicians who were charmed away from the symphony by the sounds and the possibilities of the glass harp. GlassDuo has spanned the globe, performing the world’s largest glass harp in over 40 countries. Their crystal clear, expressive music attracts audiences and fans in concert halls, at international music festivals, on TV/radio, in ads, and at corporate events.

Piano Bar with Misha Pekar

Wednesday, December 13, 2023
5:00 – 7:00 pm The Sandcastle 
No Tickets Required 

Not meant to be concerts, Piano Bars are to enjoy with friends and offer an opportunity to meet neighbors outside your circle for some island socializing. Bring your beverage of choice and a snack to tide you over. View Misha Pekar’s website here.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image Credit: Kiawah Arts Council & Christmas Clipart)

TOSI New Gateway Sign Survey

The Town of Seabrook Island is currently working with a design professional to design a new gateway sign for the entrance to Seabrook Island. The new sign will replace the existing sign located along Betsy Kerrison Parkway, near the entrance to the roundabout. 

The town is seeking public feedback on three proposed alternatives and feedback on two font alternatives. Use the survey link below to preview the designs. Please provide feedback on your preferred design and font alternatives. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9YLKVWD

-Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

Thanksgiving Farmers Markets

Free basket of fall vegetables

Several Lowcountry farmers markets will be holding special markets prior to Thanksgiving. This is a great way to support our local farmers and get a jump on your Thanksgiving meal preparations.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Openverse)

Holiday Festival of Lights November 10 – December 31

Holiday Festival of Lights
November 10 – December 31, 2023
5:30-10:00 pm
James Island County Park

The Holiday Festival of Lights is back! With over two million lights, this beloved tradition offers fun for the whole family and is sure to boost your holiday spirit. The Holiday Festival of Lights is open every evening, rain or shine, from 5:30-10:00 pm, November 10 through December 31.

The festival is more than just driving through the three miles of beautiful light displays. You are invited to park your car and explore Winter Wonderland,  home of the area’s largest holiday sand sculpture formed from over 50 tons of sand. Roam through festival shops for merry gifts, official collector series ornaments, toys, personalized items, decorations and stocking stuffers. Pop into Santa’s Sweet Shoppe for tasty treats. Take a ride on the train for an up-close view of the festival, and see even more light displays on the Enchanted Walking Trail. A complete map of the Holiday of Lights Festival can be found here.

Santa will be at Santa’s Village, 6:00-10:00 pm each night, November 10 through December 23. Visiting with Santa at the festival is free. Digital photos are available for an additional fee.

To enhance visitor experience and to help manage wait times and traffic, Holiday Festival of Lights organizers used historical attendance data to create GREEN, YELLOW and RED nights.  Admission prices vary based on the night. 

Visitors can save by buying tickets in advance online. Green night pricing is $15 per vehicle if purchased online, or $20 at the gate. Yellow night pricing is $25 per vehicle if purchased online, or $30 at the gate. Red night pricing is $30 per vehicle if purchased online, or $40 at the gate.

Click here for more information and tickets.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: CCPRC website)

Lane Closures on Friday, Nov. 17

Lane closures on Maybank Highway tomorrow

Lane closures are scheduled for tomorrow, November 17 on Maybank Highway at River Road for the Northern Pitchfork project. 

Details:

  • Work is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  
  • Crews will help direct traffic through the lane closure and there will be message boards directing traffic through the construction area. 
  • Motorists are asked to use caution while driving through the construction area.  
  • All work is weather dependent. 

The Northern Pitchfork is a new road connecting Maybank Highway to Fenwick Hall Allee and River Road. This Phase 3 of the Maybank Highway Improvements project is a joint effort between Charleston County Government, the City of Charleston, and SCDOT. The project is scheduled to be complete in the first quarter of 2024. More on this project here

–Tidelines Editors

TOSI Clips: Town Council Work Session November 14

A video of the November 14, 2023, Town Council Work Session can be accessed online through the Town of Seabrook Island’s website. To view the 1 hour and 41-minute video, click here and select the video link under November 14, 2023. 

If you have limited time and are just interested in a specific topic, select that item from the list below to watch that particular part of the meeting.

Mayor John Gregg

Town Council Members

Town Administrator Joe Cronin

  • Action Items for November 28, 2023, Meeting:
  • Pending Ordinances
    • Ord. 2023-12: An ordinance amending the Business License Ordinance of the Town of Seabrook Island to update the class schedule as required by Act 176 of 2020 (Second reading and public hearing)
    • Ord. 2023-13: An ordinance adopting a second amendment to the annual operating budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2023, and ending December 31, 2023 (Second reading and public hearing)
    • Ordinance 2023-14: An ordinance amending the Town Code for the Town of Seabrook Island, South Carolina, so as to establish regulations pertaining to prohibited noise; property maintenance; trash, litter and debris; illegal dumping; and the parking of vehicles and equipment; to repeal Sections 14-21 through 14-24 relating to public nuisances; to repeal Section 22-21 relating to illegal dumping; and other matters related thereto​ (First reading and public hearing)
    • Ordinance 2023-15: An ordinance amending the Development Standards Ordinance for the Town of Seabrook Island, South Carolina; Article 2, General Provisions; Section 2.1, General Compliance; so as to repeal subsection (e) pertaining to the placement and storage of trash, litter and junk on premises within the town; Article 9, Conditional Use Requirements; Section 9.4, Specific Use Requirements; so as to amend the conditional use provisions of subsection (O) pertaining to short-term rental units; and Appendix E, Fee Schedule; so as to update the schedule of fees to reflect changes relating to permitting requirements and procedures for short-term rental units within the town​ (First reading and public hearing)
    • Ordinance 2023-16: An ordinance amending the Zoning Map of the Town of Seabrook Island so as to change to zoning designation for Charleston County Tax Map Number 147-06-00-015, containing approximately 0.51 +/- acres located at 2856 Cap’n Sams Road, from the Moderate Lot Single-Family Residential (R-SF2) District to the Conservation (CP) District (First reading)
    • Ordinance 2023-17: An ordinance amending the Town Code for the Town of Seabrook Island, South Carolina; Chapter 2, Administration; Article I, In General; Section 2-102, Personnel Policies and Procedures Adopted; so as to adopt an updated version of the “Town of Seabrook Island Employee Handbook” (First reading)
    • Ordinance 2023-18: An ordinance to adopt a budget for the Town of Seabrook Island, South Carolina for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2024, and ending December 31, 2024 (First reading)
  • Other Action Items
    • Resolution 2023-32: A resolution to appoint and commission Beth Rinehimer as a Code Enforcement Officer for the proper security and general welfare for the Town of Seabrook Island
    • Appointment of Interim Clerk of Court
    • Upcoming Vacancies on Town Boards, Commissions and Committees
      • Planning Commission
        • 3 vacancies due to term expiration
        • Appointment for new 2-year terms (Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2025)
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
        • 1 vacancy due to resignation
        • Appointment for remainder of unexpired term (ending Dec. 31, 2025)
      • Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee
        • 2 vacancies due to resignation
        • Appointment for remainder of unexpired terms (ending Dec. 31, 2024)
      • Community Promotion and Engagement Committee
        • 4 vacancies due to term expiration
        • Appointment for new 2-year terms (Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2025)
      • Environment and Wildlife Committee
        • 4 vacancies due to term expiration
        • Appointment for new 2-year terms (Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2025)
      • Public Safety Committee
        • 4 vacancies due to term expiration
        • Appointment for new 2-year terms (Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2025)
      • Public Works Committee
        • 4 vacancies due to term expiration
        • Appointment for new 2-year terms (Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2025)
    • Upcoming Appointments
      • Town Attorney
        • Appointment for new 2-year term (Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2025)
      • Clerk of Court
        • Appointment of Permanent Clerk of Court
    • Project Updates

Assistant Town Administrator Katharine Watkins 

Adjourn

-Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island