Category: Town of SBI

Peak Season Beach Rules for Pets Are Now in Effect

As of April 1, 2024, the Town’s Peak Season rules pertaining to pets on the beach are now in effect. Pursuant to Section 32-44 of the Town Code, also known as “Beach Rules for Pets Ordinance,” the beaches of Seabrook Island are divided into three zones. The requirements for each zone during the Peak Season are provided below:

Restricted Area (Red)

  • The restricted area begins at a line extending from Boardwalk #1 (Community Center Boardwalk) to the Atlantic Ocean and continues in a northeasterly direction to Captain Sams Inlet.
  • No pets shall be allowed within the restricted area at any time, whether on or off a leash.​

Limited Restriction Area (Yellow)

  • The limited restriction area begins approximately 300 yards northwest of a line extending from Boardwalk #9 (Pelican Watch Boardwalk) to the Edisto River and continues in a northwesterly direction to Privateer Creek.
  • Pets within the limited restriction area must be on a leash at all times.

General Beach Area (Green)

  • During the Peak Season (April 1 – September 30), pets must be on a leash between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. At all other times, pets may be off a leash, provided they remain effectively controlled while on the beach.

​As a reminder, when an animal is allowed to be off-leash, it must be effectively controlled by a competent person from: (a) entering any area on or adjacent to the beach in which a pet is prohibited; (b) destroying or damaging any property; (c) attacking or threatening to attack any person or any other animal or pet in any manner; or (d) being a nuisance to other beachgoers.

When a pet is required to be on a leash, it must be restrained using a physical restraint made of cord, rope, strap, chain, or other material effective for restraining the type and size of the animal to which it is attached. In addition, the physical restraint must be no more than sixteen (16) feet in length, secured to the animal’s collar or harness, and continuously held by a competent person physically capable of restraining the animal. Animals under voice control, or under control of remotely operated devices (such as electronic collars), are considered to be “off-leash.”​

The beaches of Seabrook Island are actively patrolled by code enforcement officers employed by the town, as well as by designated personnel from the Seabrook Island Beach Patrol. Individuals who are found guilty of violating any ordinance of the town may be subject to fines up to $1,087.50 per offense (including court fees) upon conviction.

To report a potential violation, please call Beach Patrol at (843) 718-6083 or Town Hall at (843) 768-9121.
 
The Town’s Peak Season rules will remain in effect until September 30, 2024. 

-Submitted by Town of Seabrook Island

TOSI Upcoming Meetings for the Week of April 1

Joint Work Session with Town Council and Planning Commission
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 – 1:30 pm
Seabrook Island Town Hall, Council Chambers, 2001 Seabrook Island Road. The agenda may be viewed by clicking here. Watch Live on YouTube.

Special Committee on ARPA Expenditures
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 – 6:00 pm
Seabrook Island Town Hall, Council Chambers, 2001 Seabrook Island Road. The agenda may be viewed by clicking here. Watch Live on YouTube.

Special Committee on Short-Term Rentals Work Session
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 – 1:00 pm
Seabrook Island Town Hall, Council Chambers, 2001 Seabrook Island Road. The agenda may be viewed by clicking here. Watch Live on YouTube.

General Information about TOSI Meetings

To view agendas, minutes, and videos for meetings, visit TownofSeabrookIsland.org. Click on the “Meetings” drop down box, “Agendas & Minutes” to locate committee information. All videos can be found on the town’s YouTube channel.

Meetings are available to watch live on YouTube. Individuals who wish to participate in the meeting via Zoom may call (843) 768-9121 or email kwatkins@townofseabrookisland.org for log-in information prior to the meeting.

-Submitted by Town of Seabrook Island

Easter Weekend Holiday Hours

Hippity-hop! Are you wondering why Easter is so early this year? Easter is always on a Sunday, but the exact date varies depending on the moon’s position in the early spring. Based on the lunar cycles, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or after the March or spring equinox. This year the equinox occurred on March 19 and the full moon on Monday, March 25, so Easter is on Sunday, March 31. Happy Easter!

HOLIDAY HOURS

Good Friday, March 29, Easter Sunday, March 31 and Easter Monday, April 1 are not federal holidays. All federal holidays are non-religious (except Christmas Day). Thus the Post Office, federal buildings, and most banks will be open on Friday and Monday. It is interesting to note that The New York Stock Exchange is closed for trading on Good Friday, March 29.

In addition, Easter is not a state holiday in South Carolina.

SIPOA and Town Offices will be open as usual.

The Lake House will be open all weekend, including Monday, with normal hours.

Harris Teeter, Vincent’s Drug Store, and Post and Computer Center will have normal hours. Click here for details.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Adobe Stock)

TOSI 2024 Environment & Wildlife Conservation Grant Program

The Environment & Wildlife Conservation Grant program is now active for 2024. Grant applications will be accepted beginning April 1, 2024, and will continue to be accepted through October 1, 2024, or upon the commitment of all available grant funding for 2024. Funds will be awarded in amounts ranging from $250-$2,500.

To find out if your organization is eligible and how to apply, head to this link through our town website: https://www.townofseabrookisland.org/ewcg.html

–Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

TOSI Announces Speed Limit Change

As a result of a resolution passed by Town Council on February 27, the speed limit along Seabrook Island Road has changed as shown in the picture below.

From the traffic circle to just before Town Hall is 35 MPH (shown in green). It then reduces to 25 MPH (yellow) as you approach Town Hall and the crosswalk by Landfall Way. Once in the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) jurisdiction (after the crosswalk), it reduces to 15 MPH (red). 

And as always, be alert for the lights being activated at the crosswalk.

–Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

(Image credit: Town of Seabrook Island)

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

TOSI Upcoming Meetings for the Week of March 25

Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 – 2:30 pm
Seabrook Island Town Hall, Council Chambers, 2001 Seabrook Island Road. The agenda may be viewed by clicking here. Watch Live on YouTube.

Special Committee on Short-Term Rentals Work Session
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 – 10:00 am
Seabrook Island Town Hall, Council Chambers, 2001 Seabrook Island Road. The agenda may be viewed by clicking here. Watch Live on YouTube.

General Information about TOSI Meetings

To view agendas, minutes, and videos for meetings, visit TownofSeabrookIsland.org. Click on the “Meetings” drop down box, “Agendas & Minutes” to locate committee information. All videos can be found on the town’s YouTube channel.

Meetings are available to watch live on YouTube. Individuals who wish to participate in the meeting via Zoom may call (843) 768-9121 or email kwatkins@townofseabrookisland.org for log-in information prior to the meeting.

-Submitted by Town of Seabrook Island

Reminder: All About Coyotes March 25

The Town of Seabrook Island will host an informational meeting on Barrier Island Coyotes. TOSI’S Environment & Wildlife Committee and St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center will present information about coyotes on Seabrook Island.

Monday, March 25, 2024
7:00 pm
The Lake House in Live Oak Hall

Jared Crain, the Outdoor Encounters Coordinator and Naturalist at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, will lead the discussion about coyotes and their presence on our barrier island. Jared will be assisted by Jay Butfiloski, Furbearer and Alligator Program Coordinator and Certified Wildlife Biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

Among the topics to be discussed about coyotes are their appearance, behavior, howling/vocalizations, life cycle, and their impact on plants and other wildlife. In addition, perspectives on how to manage coyotes will be reviewed including information from the SCDNR and the Atlanta Coyote Project. The meeting will last approximately one hour followed by a question and answer session.

During the meeting, a quorum of the Town Council and all Boards, Committees, and Commissions may be present; however, no action will be taken.

For more information, please contact Katharine Watkins, Assistant Town Administrator, by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at kwatkins@townofseabrookisland.org.

Note: This forum will take place behind the SIPOA Security Gate. Any individual wishing to attend the forum who does not have access behind the security gate should contact (843) 768-9121 for assistance prior to the meeting.


-Submitted by Town of Seabrook Island

(Image credit: Jared Crane)

TOSI Upcoming Meetings for the Week of March 18

Public Safety Meeting
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 – 10:00 am
Seabrook Island Town Hall, Council Chambers, 2001 Seabrook Island Road. The agenda may be viewed by clicking here. Watch Live on YouTube.

Utility Commission Meeting
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 – 8:30 am
Seabrook Island Town Hall, Council Chambers, 2001 Seabrook Island Road. The agenda may be viewed by clicking here. Watch Live on YouTube.

Special Committee on Short-Term Rentals Work Session
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 – 1:00 pm
Seabrook Island Town Hall, Council Chambers, 2001 Seabrook Island Road. The agenda may be viewed by clicking here. Watch Live on YouTube.

General Information about TOSI Meetings

To view agendas, minutes, and videos for meetings, visit TownofSeabrookIsland.org. Click on the “Meetings” drop down box, “Agendas & Minutes” to locate committee information. All videos can be found on the town’s YouTube channel.

Meetings are available to watch live on YouTube. Individuals who wish to participate in the meeting via Zoom may call (843) 768-9121 or email kwatkins@townofseabrookisland.org for log-in information prior to the meeting.

-Submitted by Town of Seabrook Island

Stay Safe Around Alligators

Seabrook Island is home to a variety of wildlife, some of which are endangered and others that 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. As the weather warms, alligators become more active and it’s important to remember how to stay safe.

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

Alligators

Seabrook Island is home to a healthy population of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), a species once protected under the Endangered Species Act.

To be safe around alligators, remember:

  • Do not feed alligators. Feeding alligators reduces their fear of humans.
  • Keep your distance. Alligators can run faster than you.
  • Do not attempt to move alligators out of the road.
  • It is illegal to harass, throw things at or harm alligators in any way.
  • Do not disturb nests or small alligators. Female alligators are very protective.
  • Keep your pets and children away from alligators.
  • Do not corner, trap or hunt alligators.
  • Be alert around the shore of freshwater ponds or wetlands.
  • Avoid swimming in areas that are known habitats for large alligators.
  • If you have a concern about an alligator, call the Seabrook Island Security Gate at 843-768-6641.

The 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 Nuisance Alligator Program. Removal occurs relatively infrequently. Click here to learn what to do if you have a concern or complaint about an alligator.

Some fun facts about alligators:

  • Alligators have between 74 and 80 teeth in their mouth at one time. As teeth wear down, they are replaced. An alligator can go through 3,000 teeth in a lifetime.
  • Mating season for alligators is mid-April through early June when temperatures are warm between 80° and 90° F. Baby alligators hatch in August and September and measure about 6 to 8 inches. 
  • Juvenile alligators grow about one foot per year. Adult male alligators measure 11 – 15 feet in length; adult females 8 – 9 feet in length.

To read more about staying safe around alligators, click here. To read the SIPOA Alligator Program Policy, click here.

–Tidelines Editors

(Photo credit: nas.er.usgs.gov)

TOSI Hires New Communication & Events Manager

The Town of Seabrook Island is excited to announce the hiring of Abby Grooms as our new Communication & Events Manager. In her new role, Abby will serve as the lead communication and event manager for the town. She will be responsible for managing the town’s existing communication channels while continuing to seek new and innovative ways to engage and inform residents, visitors and property owners. She will also be responsible for planning and executing a variety of town events, including the Chow Town Food Truck Rodeos, Disaster Awareness Day and the annual Holiday Extravaganza.

Abby joins the Town of Seabrook Island from ABC News 4, where she served for seven years as a news producer. She worked every shift and produced nearly every show for the station. Most recently, she was the senior producer for the 5:00 p.m. news broadcast. She regularly wrote and posted content on the station’s social media channels as a digital producer, and also coordinated the station’s college internship program.

Keeping people up-to-date with accurate information is a skill she learned throughout her seven years in broadcasting, especially during hurricane season. Abby has produced dozens of storm events during her time at the station and understands the importance of effective communications in keeping people safe during an emergency. She was also the head producer for the station’s Hurricane Special, where she established important connections with public safety leaders throughout the state and region.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Abby’s caliber join our team,” said Joe Cronin, Town Administrator for the Town of Seabrook Island. “With her extensive background in broadcast news, she understands the importance of  producing content that not only informs, but also engages our audience. As we continue to grow and expand our communication and engagement efforts, I am confident that the town will benefit from Abby’s knowledge and creativity.”

Abby has a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of South Carolina. She is a native of the Lowcountry and grew up attending Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island. She is looking forward to working with residents, community groups and businesses to grow her local connections and is excited to work with the Mayor, Council and fellow staff members to expand and enhance the town’s communication efforts.

–Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

(Image credit: Town of Seabrook Island)

All About Coyotes March 25

The Town of Seabrook Island’s Environment & Wildlife Committee and St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center are presenting a public information meeting for residents about coyotes on Seabrook Island.

Monday, March 25, 2024
7:00 pm
The Lake House in Live Oak Hall

Jared Crain, the Outdoor Encounters Coordinator and Naturalist at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, will lead the discussion about coyotes and their presence on our barrier island. Jared will be assisted by Jay Butfiloski, Furbearer and Alligator Program Coordinator and Certified Wildlife Biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

Among the topics to be discussed about coyotes are their appearance, behavior,
howling/vocalizations, life cycle, and their impact on plants and other wildlife. In addition, perspectives on how to manage coyotes will be reviewed including information from the SCDNR and the Atlanta Coyote Project. The meeting will last approximately one hour followed by a question and answer session.

Please note, the purpose of the meeting is not to make you fear coyotes, but to give you information about their behavior, way of life and how we can safely coexist with them.

You may never see a coyote, but please plan to attend the meeting and learn about your new furry neighbors.

-Submitted by Gordon Weis, Chair, Town of Seabrook Island Environment & Wildlife Committee

(Image credit: Jared Crane)