2019 Quarter 2 Town Notes

Town Notes

2019 Quarter 2

The Newsletter of the Town of Kiawah Island Town of Kiawah Island • 4475 Betsy Kerrison Drive Kiawah Island, SC 29455 • 843-768-9166 • www.kiawahisland.org

Grow Native Plant Database The Town is pleased to announce the release of the new online native plant database.The database is part of the Town’s Grow Native initiative launched last fall.

This initiative is a community-wide effort to increase the use of native plants in landscaping projects across the island with an overall goal of improving wildlife habitat.

More information on the program and a link to the new database can be found by visiting the Town’s Grow Native web page at www.grownativekiawah.com.

The database was designed to help promote the use of native plants on the island and serve as a resource for residents, landscapers, landscape architects, landscape designers, and other entities. This searchable database includes native trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, ferns, and grasses and allows users to filter and find plants based on a variety of criteria, including plant type, size, light requirements, soil requirements, flower color, salt tolerance, deer resistance, and more. There are currently 196 plants in the database, but the list will be expanded over time.

So why grow native?

There are many benefits of using native plants in landscaping that has a direct impact on the ecosystem.

• Native plants provide food and habitat for Kiawah’s wildlife inhabitants. They sustain pollinators vital for fruit production and provide high-quality food and shelter for 10 to 15 times as many species of wildlife as non-native plants.

• Native plants provide essential watershed protection, helping natural aquifers recharge, serving to filter water naturally flowing into rivers and estuaries, lessening erosion and flooding.

• Native plants are adapted to Kiawah’s local growing conditions and provide protection from flooding, storm surge, and saltwater intrusion.

More specific information on the landscape adaptions section of the Flood Mitigation and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Report can be found at www.kiawahisland.org/floodandsealevelrise • Native plants protect Kiawah’s water resources because they allow gardeners to reduce use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation practices which otherwise contribute to stormwater runoff pollution and degradation of downstream water quality.

Continued on pg. 5

Coral Bean — Pamela Cohen

Town Notes | Q2 TOWN OFFICE CLOSURES Monday, May 27 — Memorial Day Thursday, July 4 — Independence Day Monday, September 2 — Labor Day

SOLID WASTE NOTICES April Paper Shredding: Thursday, April 18 | 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Municipal Center. Please remove all clips.

Staples do not have to be removed.

May Memorial Day Service Change: Monday’s trash collection will move to Tuesday, May 28. All other collection days will move forward a day. Twice per week trash collection (Fridays) will begin May 3.

BROWN TRASH & HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION FRIDAY, JUNE 7 All brown trash must be placed on the curb by 7:00 a.m. to ensure collection. Hazardous Waste cannot be placed at the curb and must be brought to the Municipal Center (4475 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy.) for disposal between 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

For larger items such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc., please call Carolina Waste at 843-576-1100 to schedule a pickup at an additional cost.

What classifies as Brown Trash?

Lawn chairs, grills, folding or beach chairs, mattresses & box springs (single or twin only), bicycles, strollers and small appliances (vacuums, toaster ovens, toasters, microwaves).

What classifies as Hazardous Waste?

Computers, monitors, televisions, printers, household & garden chemical, used motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze, paint and paint remover, varnish, pesticides, batteries, CFL/fluorescent/ incandescent bulbs.

June Brown Trash Collection: Friday, June 7.

See adjacent article.

July Independence Day Service Change: Yard Debris will be collected on Friday, July 5. Friday’s trash collection will move to Saturday, July 6. (Only applies to residents that have 2x wk. collection service.)

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Stay Connected Are you subscribed to the Town’s biweekly email notifications? To be added, send your name and email address to sbraswell@kiawahisland.org.

We're Social

Mayor’s Corner I have followed some recent discussions on the island about property values. Residents have asked, “Are prices and sales stable, rising or declining, and why?” As a property owner, I am as interested as anyone about the future value of my home. As mayor, I believe the Town has a role in ensuring that Kiawah’s property values remain strong. What struck me about these discussions was the narrow focus on real estate sales practices. Limiting the discussion to this issue misses the more fundamental question that we should be discussing within our community.

Buyers considering homes in a coastal community have choices. Property on Kiawah has experienced strong demand and attracted a premium price because this island consistently offered a premium product and a distinctive “brand.” You and I might describe that brand differently, but I think we will agree that among Kiawah’s major attractions are our beach, our natural environment, our lower density approach to development, our social, recreational and cultural opportunities, and the high standard of quality that has been reflected in our public and private properties island-wide.

Prospective buyers are influenced first by the “look and feel” of Kiawah. Future property values will be most influenced by how we answer this question: “Are we able and willing to maintain the distinctive nature of this community?” I see many positive signs, from the major new investments being made by the Resort, to the smaller but just as important investments some homeowners are making in remodeling and upgrading older homes. However, I also see areas where properties public and private are not reflecting the traditional “look and feel” of Kiawah

and even showing neglect. In an extreme situation, the Town recently stepped in, at the request of neighboring property owners, to condemn and demolish a residential property.

The responsibility and the work of maintaining this distinctive Kiawah brand falls on all of us — the Town, KICA, KIGR, the many environmental, cultural and social organizations in the community, and most importantly, each of us as individual property owners. If we preserve the “brand” by maintaining the Island’s high standards and reinvesting in our common and private properties, protecting the Island’s environment, and maintaining a strong, property owner-centered community, Kiawah will continue to experience strong property values. If we do not, whether homes are MLS listed or not will make little difference.

The Town intends to do its part. The Town Council had a planning meeting last month and preserving Kiawah’s brand was reflected in the priorities we identified. We will be upgrading the quality and appearance of the Parkway from Freshfields to the first gate, revising our beach management plan to ensure that the Island’s #1 asset remains protected and properly managed, and beginning to address the potential long-term implications of flooding and sea level changes. We recently implemented changes to provide better community law enforcement and are evaluating more stringent, but fair, regulation of shortterm rental properties. Ensuring that this rapidly growing segment of the community complements and does not detract from the character of Kiawah Island. There is much more that we can and will do.

Many of us recall how spectacular Kiawah looked to television viewers worldwide during the 2012 PGA. We will have another opportunity to showcase our community again in a short two years. Let us all work together to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

Watch Town Council Meetings Live Tune in the 1st Tuesday of every month at 2:00 p.m. to watch your Town Council in action on the Town's YouTube channel. All videos are cataloged so you may also watch it later at your convenience.

To access our YouTube channel, go to www.kiawahisland.org scroll to the bottom of the home page (where the social media icons are) and hit the YouTube icon. You can subscribe to our channel to receive notifications when a new video has posted.

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Administrative

Town Council Quarter In Review In January, Council

• Approved the first reading to amend Article 16 Beach Management Ordinance, Chapter 1 - Beach Lighting -First Reading.

• Reappointed the Town Treasurer, Town Clerk, and Town Attorney.

• Mayor Weaver appointed Town Council members to their assigned committees or liaison roles for the duration of

their term. Their respective roles are as follows: - Chris Widuch - Mayor pro tempore, Chair of Ways and Means, Liaison to SATAX (State Accommodations Tax) Advisory Committee and Liaison to the Kiawah Island Conservancy - Maryanne Connelly - Chair of Public Safety and Liaison to the Charleston Area Visitors Bureau.

- Klaus Said - Chair of Audit Committee.

- Daniel Prickett - Liaison to the Arts Council Board,Planning Commission and to the Board of Zoning & Appeals.

- Mayor Weaver will serve as the liaison to the Berkeley-

Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments and to the off Island Transportation Initiatives and Proxy to the Charleston Area Transportation Study.

• Approved 2019 Committee Appointments for Arts and Cultural Events Council, Audit Committee, Environmental Committee, Planning Commission and Public Safety Committee.

• Entered into Executive Session to Receive Legal Advice from the Town Attorney on the following: a Land Use and Zoning Matter Related to Vacation Club Destinations, Kiawah Island Utility Rate Increase Application and on the Outstanding Civil Action Regarding T. Rucker and Former Auditors Webster Rogers.

In the Planning Retreat, Council • Reviewed the Town's Vision & Mission Statement • Reviewed presentations from department heads on their 2019 priorities.

• Reviewed the Town’s financial structure and major drivers of revenue and expenses.

• Reviewed restricted funds and restricted funds balances, long-term/capital improvement projects, garbage collection fees and other funding obligations (Charitable Contributions, Arts and Cultural programs, Charleston County Sheriff's Office, Kiawah Island Conservancy and environmental projects).

• Reviewed the current Initiatives to include re-engineering of Town Services, Building Services, Business Licenses/Short Term Rental, Law Enforcement Support, Sea Level Rise, Town-owned roads projects.

February Town Council Meeting - Canceled 4

In March, Council • Approved second and final reading to amend Article 16 Beach Management Ordinance, Chapter 1 - Beach Lighting (see article on pg. 9).

• Approved 2019 Committee appointments for Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, Public Works Committee and State ATAX Committee.

• Reappointed Judge John Strauch as the Municipal Court Judge.

• Approved the Off-Duty Deputy Coverage Contract with Charleston County Sheriff's Office.

• Approved the Island Beach Services, Beach Patrol Contract Amendment Request.

• Approved the Airmedcare Network Contract Renewal.

• Approved the Proposal from Hoffman Mechanical Solutions for Municipal Complex HVAC Preventative Maintenance Services.

• Discussed the Kiawah Island Utility Rate Increase Request.

• Mayor Weaver appointed Maryanne Connelly as liaison to the

Johns Island roads committee.

Expanded information on any items above are available at www.kiawahisland.org/meetings-minutes/town-council

Charitable Contributions Charitable Contribution applications received preliminary review at the March 26 Ways and Means Committee meeting. Final approval will be given at the April 2 Town Council Meeting. Awarded applicants will be announced in the Town’s biweekly e-news notification and in the next edition of Town Notes.

STJFD Corner

By: Ryan Kunitzer Fire Marshal | Battalion Chief St. John’s firefighters are now equipped with red ballistic vests for use while responding to and mitigating an incident. The STJFD Fire Commission approved the purchase of the vests last year.

The vests will be worn when responding to potentially violent incidents or incidents involving possible weapons. The vests are equipped with tools and equipment to provide quick medical care to a trauma patient.

“Across the country, we are seeing an uptick of violent incidents and incidents involving violence toward first responders. Fire personnel often respond with Police to incidents. These vests will increase the safety of the personnel under potentially harmful conditions” said Fire Chief Colleen Walz.

Every fire apparatus and staff vehicle is equipped with the ballistic vests. STJFD personnel recently completed training with local law enforcement on active shooter situations which included performing rapid life-saving techniques on injured civilians.

Plant Database Cont.

Town Biologist Jim Jordan stated “maintaining and restoring native plant habitat is vital to preserving the island’s current and future ecosystem. We hope this resource will serve multiple generations of property owners and businesses and help Kiawah continue to be a model for other communities to follow.”

This database was created by the Landscape Working Group (LWG), a subcommittee of the Town’s Environmental committee, with support from the Kiawah Conservancy. The LWG is chaired

by Denise Graybill-Donohoe, (MLD, LEED AP) and includes landscaping staff from each of Kiawah’s five main entities.

In 2018, Mayor Weaver signed a proclamation designating the third week of October as Kiawah Native Plant Week, coinciding with South Carolina Native Plant Week. Mark your calendars for this year’s Kiawah Native Plant Week which will take place October 13-20, 2019. Look for more information on upcoming programs and engagement opportunities in future communications from the Town and Conservancy.

Disaster Awareness Day e t a d e h t e Sav The Towns of Kiawah and Seabrook Annual Disaster Awareness Day will be held Friday, June 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Seabrook Island Club (3772 Seabrook Island Road). Lunch will be provided after the program from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the exhibitor area will remain open during lunch. The Town will send out more information via biweekly e-news notifications. If you are not currently receiving the Town’s e-news, sign up by emailing sbraswell@kiawahisland.org.

REAL ID Deadline Kestrel Court Recycling Approaching

The Town has recently installed new large capacity compactors at the Kestrel Court Recycling Center to keep the site cleaner and accommodate the use of our residents. Containers are material specific and signage is posted to help residents identify what containers to use.

Beginning October 1, 2020, your South Carolina driver's license or identification card must have a gold star to show it's a REAL ID in order to board a domestic, commercial flight, enter a secure federal building, or visit a military installation. If you have a valid US Passport, military ID, or another federal identification that’s accepted by airport security, you may use that instead of changing your SC license or ID to a REAL ID. A REAL ID will be your license or your ID. You are not issued separate cards and will hold one of the following: • REAL ID license • REAL ID Identification Card (no driving privileges) • Standard license marked "Not for Federal Identification" • Standard ID (no driving privileges) marked "Not for Federal Identification" A gold star on your license or ID designates it as a REAL ID. How do I obtain my REAL ID? You can obtain your REAL ID in person at the DMV or you may be eligible to apply for a REAL ID online. To see if you are eligible, visit www.scdmvonline.com/Driver-Services/Drivers-License/REAL-ID The SCDMV will need all of the following documents to issue a REAL ID: • Proof of Identity (Government-issued birth certificate or valid US Passport) • Proof of Social Security Number • Two Proofs of Current, Physical SC Address • Proof of All Legal Name Changes

Leash Law Please remember that dogs must be leashed at all times when they are outside unless they are in an enclosed area. The only exception to this rule is on the beach where there is a designated year-round off-leash area. (see pg. 10)

State Accommodations The Town of Kiawah Island State Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, April 11, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. to consider new applications for funding for fiscal year 2019-2020. Awarded applicants will be announced in the Town’s biweekly e-news notification and in the next edition of Town Notes. If you are not currently receiving the Town’s e-news, sign up by emailing sbraswell@kiawahisland.org

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Giving Back

Charitable Contribution Spotlight Since 1991, Barrier Island Little League has established baseball divisions for boys and girls ages 4-16. They serve 250 youth players primarily from Johns and Wadmalaw Island.

The league has four divisions; Tee Ball (4-6 yrs.), Coach Pitch (5-8 yrs.) Majors (9-12yrs.) and Intermediate (13 yrs.) Tee ball participants make up approximately 50% of the league, Coach pitch 25%, Majors 20%, and Intermediate 5%.

takes place in the fall. Funds go directly towards equipment, field maintenance and keeping player registration costs to a minimum.

In 2018, Barrier Island Little League was a new applicant to the Town’s Charitable Contribution program. They were funded at $5,000 to replace safety equipment to comply with the new standards imposed by the Little League corporation. With the funding from the Town, they were able to replace helmets, facemasks, catcher gear, bats and bat hangers.

Opening day is April 6 with an appearance from Charlie the Riverdog! Congressman Joe Cunningham will be in attendance and throw out the first pitch with Charlie. Play ball!

If you are interested in volunteering or donating, you can reach them by email at barrierislandslittleleague@gmail.com

While the league's priority is that players enjoy their experience and create positive memories, they are committed to implant firmly in the children the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, and respect for authority. Through guidance and leadership, coaches work to instill discipline, teamwork and focus on developing character rather than trying to create superior athletes.

A board of directors runs the program under the leadership of President Nick Saltmarsh and Vice President Todd Rieger, but the program itself runs on 100% volunteers. Many volunteers wear multiple hats like Vice President Todd Rieger, who got involved when a parent recruited his help. Todd stated “Vice President is just a title. You help where you are needed and fill in when you can. I also Coach, Umpire, Scorekeeper, and help with maintenance and field work. It takes a team to bring dreams together.”

"Statistics show that less than 1% of our players will play professional baseball, but we know we have a 100% chance of making our player's future leaders."

- Todd Gerhart

St. John’s Water Company generously provides Barrier Island Little League their field, but the space isn’t new to the game. Baseball has been played on their field dating back to the 1950's. Many residents pass their field on the way back to Kiawah which is located at 3362 Maybank Highway.

Funding for the league comes from several sources including, fundraising, sponsorships and personal donations. Their biggest fundraising event is their annual Turkey Shoot that

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On February 12, Mayor Pro tem Chris Widuch visited the fields to watch the program in action. (Left to right: Todd Gerhart, Field Volunteer, Mayor Pro tem Chris Widuch, Todd Rieger, Vice President)

By: Jim Jordan, Wildlife Biologist

This year marks the 13th consecutive year of Bobcat GPS research on Kiawah Island. The project remains the longest, continuous GPS study on bobcats in the world and was developed by The Town of Kiawah Island, in partnership with the Kiawah Conservancy, in 2007.

Bobcats are vitally important to the Kiawah ecosystem and play an important role in managing populations of rats, mice, and deer. This project was designed to better understand the habitat needs and requirements of bobcats and assist in management and conservation efforts. A total of 85 bobcats have been captured and fitted with GPS collars to date. Trapping this year took place for three weeks during late February and March. Six different adult bobcats were captured and fitted with GPS collars.

Town biologists switched to a new collar design this year which are lighter in weight and will collect 12 locations per day for up to two years. GPS location data allows biologists to identify habitat use patterns during day and nighttime hours, denning sites, travel corridors, survival, dispersal, and more. This information is used to pinpoint specific areas or habitat types on the island that are of vital importance to bobcats and to update the Bobcat Management Guidelines for the island. This plan will be updated during 2019 and provides suggestions and recommendations to all island entities and property owners regarding creation, preservation, and improvement of bobcat habitat. For more information visit www.kiawahisland.org/wildlife/bobcat-research

Featured below are the bobcats from 2019 trapping season:

Bobcat 300

14 pounds Adult Female Captured: February 5, 2019 Location: Near Beachwalker County Park First time capture.

Bobcat 200 18 lbs., 7 oz Adult Male Captured: February 6, 2019 Location: The Preserve First time capture.

13 lbs, 7 oz Adult Female Captured: February 12, 2019 Location: Near Beachwalker County Park First captured in 2017 near Parkside Villas.

Wildlife

Rivers Rudloff

13 Years of Bobcat GPS Research on Kiawah

Bobcat 250

Bobcat 350 15 lbs, 3 oz Adult Female Captured: February 12, 2019 Location: The Preserve First captured in 2018 as a juvenile in The Preserve.

Bobcat 400 26 lbs, 3 oz Adult Male Captured: February 13, 2019 Location: Willet Island First captured in 2018 as an adult male, Willet Island, not collared.

Bobcat 450 26 lbs, 5 oz Adult Male Captured: March 1, 2019 Location: Near The Sanctuary Collared in 2016 near the V-Gate and in 2017 near Beachwalker County Park.

BBC Wildlife Documentary Last May, a crew from the British Broadcasting Corporation visited Kiawah to film the island's alligators as a part of a new wildlife documentary Cities: Nature's New Wild. The show highlights remarkable ways animals are adapting to urban growth. Kiawah is featured in the third episode Outcasts.

You can watch the Kiawah excerpt at www.kiawahisland.org/wildlife/wildlife-press-room.

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Sea Islands Christmas Bird Count By: Aaron Given, Wildlife Biologist

The 8th annual Sea Islands Christmas Bird Count occurred on January 4, 2019 as a part of the nation's longest-running community science bird project for the National Audubon Society. The data collected in this wildlife census is used to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action.

Compared to last year’s count which was snowy and icy, this year was mild with temperatures in the mid-’60s.

A constant threat of rain nearly all day kept the skies overcast, and a dense layer of fog covered much of the count circle, especially in the coastal areas. Rain started around 1:30 p.m. and continued for the remainder of the day forcing many participants to stop birding earlier than planned.

This year there were 15 participants in five parties on Kiawah Island, 19 participants in seven parties on Seabrook Island, 12 participants in four parties on John’s Island, nine participants in three parties on Wadmalaw Island, and two participants in one party on Deveaux Bank. In addition to the field parties, some volunteers participated by watching their own bird feeders. This year there were three feeder watchers on Kiawah, ten on Seabrook, one on John’s Island, and one on Wadmalaw.

Despite the fog and rainy afternoon, there were 16,570 individual birds and 155 different species recorded. Kiawah Island recorded 7,324 individual birds of 127 species. Seabrook Island (including the Freshfields territory) reported 2,988 individual birds of 116 species. John’s Island documented 3,482 individual birds of 100 species, Wadmalaw Island had 2,259 individual birds of 80 species, and Deveaux Bank noted 517 individual birds of 31 species. The Town would like to thank all the participants and volunteers for continuing to make this event a success.

2019 Highlights New Species Counted Reddish Egret Kiawah Island was the only island that had Redhead, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter, Sora, American Coot, Parasitic Jaeger, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Blackbacked Gull, Red-throated Loon, Northern Gannet, American Bittern, Reddish Egret, Northern Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Warbler, Field Sparrow, and Darkeyed Junco.

74 participants 155.7 hours in the field 16,570 birds 155 different species recorded

Species Highlights: Hairy Woodpecker, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Peregrine Falcon, Parasitic Jaeger, Dark-eyed Junco, American Woodcock, Prairie Warbler

Notable Misses: Most dabbling ducks, Common Ground Dove, Wilson’s Snipe, American Pipit

Bluebird Nesting Box Program In March, Town wildlife biologists began building bluebird boxes to replace roughly 200 boxes that are currently placed around the island as a part of the Town's Bluebird Nesting Box Program.

Approximately 100 boxes are being built this year and another 100 boxes next year. Bluebirds prefer open habitats which are limited on Kiawah with exception to the marsh and golf courses.

Bluebirds are cavity nesters and will make their nest in old woodpecker holes but in the absence of these cavities, they will nest in nest boxes placed in the proper habitat. The nest boxes provide an artificial nesting cavity for bluebirds and other cavity-nesting birds such as Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, and Carolina Wrens. A dedicated group of volunteers monitors and maintains detailed records of nesting success each year on the grounds of all five Kiawah golf courses, Night Heron Park, and The Sanctuary.

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On March 10, Town Council approved changes to the Town’s current beach lighting ordinance. These changes were made primarily to reduce negative impacts on nesting loggerhead sea turtles and hatchlings. Notable changes are summarized below: • No artificial light shall illuminate any area of the beaches of Kiawah Island.

• No exterior point source (light bulb) of artificial light shall be visible from the beach.

• Use of unfiltered lights (any color spectrum except red), including but not limited to flashlights, cellular phones, and cameras, by persons are prohibited on the beach from 9 p.m. until dawn from May 1 to October 31 of each year (free red filters are available at the Municipal Center and the Nature Center at Night Heron Park).

• For new construction, tinted or filmed glass shall be used in all windows facing the ocean.

• The illumination from beachfront organized functions or special event lighting shall not spread beyond the boundary of the property, and in no case shall those lights illuminate the beach or shall the point source of light be visible from the beach. No organized functions or special events shall take place seaward of the OCRM setback line between dusk and dawn from May 1 to October 31 of each year.

2019 Schedule April 19-20 July 3-4 July 30-Aug. 3

Aug. 28 - Sept. 1 Sept. 25 - Oct. 2 Oct. 26-31 Nov. 25-28

King Tides are a normal occurrence once or twice every year in coastal areas. In the United States, they are predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The term "King Tide" is a term used to describe the highest seasonal tides that occur each year. These tides occur naturally and are typically caused when a spring tide (when the sun, moon, and Earth align during a new and full moon, increasing tide ranges) takes place when the moon is closest to Earth during the 28-day elliptical orbit.

The effect of individual King Tides may vary considerably. In some cases, they may barely even be noticed. In other cases, a King Tide may cause coastal erosion, flooding of low-lying areas and disruption to normal daily routines. This is particularly true when a King Tide event coincides with significant precipitation. Over time, the frequency and effect of King Tide events may increase due to gradual mean sea level rise.

Turtle Nesting Season

Environmental

New Beach Lighting Ordinance

With 10 miles of beach, Kiawah serves as a vital nesting ground for loggerhead turtles. Nesting season officially runs from May 1 through October 31. Sea Turtles use the moon and stars reflections on waves to find their way back to the ocean. This is important because the artificial lighting on beachfront homes can interfere with both a nesting female and hatchlings safe return to the ocean. They confuse the artificial light with the moon and go the wrong direction. This is also true when people use flashlights on the beach at night. The Town would like to remind residents that May 15 through October 31 all outdoor lighting facing seaward in beach front units must be turned off from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Turtle Patrol Kick Off Meeting Monday, April 15, 2019 6:00 p.m.

The Sandcastle The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol will hold their annual preseason meeting on Monday, April 15, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sandcastle. If you are interested in volunteering, this is a perfect time to come and see what it's all about. For more information on Turtle Patrol, email Lynne Sager at lynnesager@me.com

Don't forget Free Flashlight Filters Last year the Town began offering free turtle safe filters to fit over your flashlights and cell phones! When you cover the lens of a flashlight with one of the filters, it removes distracting and harmful wavelengths of light that create problems for nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings. Pick up yours at two locations, the Municipal Center at 4475 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy. and the Nature Center at Night Heron Park. The flashlight filters come in 1” and 2” diameter.

Evaluation Webpage Last year the Town began hosting a centralized webpage for turtle patrol nest evaluations. All summer long this page will be updated by our dedicated patrol members. If you are interested in accompanying the patrol to see a nest evaluation, visit the new webpage at www.kiawahisland.org/wildlife.

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Enjoying Kiawah Recently, we posted on social media about the feeling you get cruising down Bohicket Road as you approach Kiawah…you know that feeling?! Well, our followers understood what we were referring to, as we got over 125 comments. We asked our followers what they enjoy about this special place! Read the most popular comments below: • Walking miles and miles on the pristine and peaceful beach with my dog.

• Bike rides on the beach and the many miles of bike trails • The natural beauty from the canopies of live oaks, palmettos and pines.

• Picturesque bike rides on the Allee of the Oaks.

• Sunrises and sunsets (most frequent comment) • Starry skies

• Porch sitting while drinking coffee • Cool breezes • Family time • Collecting shells and sand dollars.

• Its community dedicated to preserving wildlife… bobcats! sea turtles! dolphins! alligators! birds! tree frogs!

We appreciate that we have this amazing opportunity discovering wildlife!

• Kayaking at Mingo Point!

• The salt marshes!

• The pluff mud smell!

• The feeling of safety on Kiawah • It’s quiet. It’s beautiful. We feel less stressed when

we are here.

• It is the best place to leave your cares behind!

• The Sanctuary Hotel • Playing golf at one of our amazing courses.

• Just sitting on the beach

2019 Beach Safety Week Leash Ordinance Reminder By: Rob Edgerton, Beach Patrol

As a reminder, March 16 - October 31 dogs must be on a leash at all times on the beach from the western Critical Habitat Area (near Beachwalker County Park) to the eastern boundary of the Beach Club. Electronic leashes are prohibited.

Beach Areas defined: Critical Habitat Area: Dogs are prohibited at all times.

Each year Memorial Day marks the official kick-off of the summer season, with beaches being the primary attraction in coastal communities. The Town of Kiawah Island Beach Patrol, as a member agency of the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), is promoting National Beach Safety Week from May 2027, 2019. The USLA has chosen the week leading up to Memorial Day to highlight beach awareness and water safety throughout the country. As vacationers pack their swimsuits and sunscreen and head to their favorite spot for sunbathing and water activities, lifeguards are making preparations of their own to ensure that beachgoers have the most enjoyable experience and, most importantly, return home safely.

First-year guards with Kiawah Beach Patrol will complete a minimum of 92 hours of pre-season training which covers topics including water rescue, emergency medical responder, and code enforcement training. Even Beach Patrol veterans complete 24 to 64 hours of annual pre-season training. The hours of preparation and hard work culminate on Memorial Day Weekend when we will officially welcome the 2019 Summer Season. Beach Patrol will be performing live rescue demonstrations with our Charleston County Park Lifeguard partners on Saturday, May 25, at Beachwalker County Park. Visitors and residents are welcome to come watch our lifesaving professionals showcase their skills.

Beach Patrol is looking forward to another successful summer.

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Dog Use Area: Allows dogs off leash year-round located between the eastern boundary of the Beach Club and the Ocean Course pedestrian access from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dogs must be leashed from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.* Remainder (Seasonal): March 16 - October 31: Dogs must be on a leash at all times from the western Critical Habitat Area (near Beachwalker County Park) to the eastern boundary of the Beach Club. November 1 - March 15: Dogs are allowed to be off leash from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. everywhere on the beach except in the critical habitat area. Dogs must be leashed from 7 p.m. - 7 a.m.* *Off-leash Stipulations: The owner must remain with their dog, have the dog under control, and have a leash in their possession in the event that there is a need to leash their dog, or if requested. Electronic leashes are prohibited.

Leash ordinances are enforced by Beach Patrol and/or Town Code Enforcement officers who are authorized to ticket offenders including fines up to $465. Anyone experiencing problems regarding noncompliance should notify the Town immediately. Beach incidents should be reported to Beach Patrol at 843-518-2880.

Incidents that occur off the beach should be reported to Code Enforcement at 843-768-9166.

s t n e v E @ Gullah Celebration to Fight Hunger www.freshfieldsvillage.com

Cars & Coffee

May 18 & June 15 | 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Calling all car enthusiasts! Arrive in your favorite ride and join us for Cars and Coffee at Freshfields Village the 3rd Saturday of every month. The free event will feature antiques, classics, exotics, concepts and any other cool cars. Coffee and other refreshments available for purchase by Java Java Coffee House.

Spring Sip & Stroll April 18 | 4:00-7:00 p.m.

May 16 | 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Sip and shop your way through the Village as participating stores and restaurants offer light snacks and beverages along with special sales, trunk shows, and promotions.

Spring Festival April 20 | 11:00 a.m-3:00 p.m.

The annual Spring Festival is back and promises free fun for the entire family. Children can enjoy a jump castle, inflatable slide, mechanical bull, face-painting, balloon animals, spring crafts, and perform on stage with an interactive band. Plus, be sure to bring your camera to snap a photo with the Easter Bunny as he hops through the Village. Enjoy tasty treats from local food vendors including sno-cones, kettle korn, popsicles, BBQ and more.

Easter Service on the Green April 21 | 9:30 a.m.

On Sunday, April 21 beginning at 9:30 am, join Church of Our Saviour for a casual Easter Service on the Village Green. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for the outdoor service.

Saturday, May 4 | 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Freshfields Village is pleased to host the 5th Annual Gullah Celebration to support the Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation on Saturday, May 4 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. The event features live performances, Gullah arts and crafts as well as delicious cuisine, beer, wine and a silent auction. Tickets are available at www.FightIslandHunger.org.

Proceeds will benefit The Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation.

Memorial Day Concert Series May 24 & May 25 | 6:00-9:00 p.m.

The series features two evenings of live music on the Village Green (Friday & Saturday). The free, family friendly concerts featuring a variety of music from regional bands including Carolina Beach music, Motown, Top 40, Country and more! Vendors will be set up with food and beverages for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.

Music on the Green

Fridays | May 31 – August 30 | 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Join us for our summer concert series each Friday this summer! The free, family friendly concerts featuring a variety of music from regional bands including Carolina Beach music, Motown, Top 40, Country and more! Vendors will be set up with food and beverages for purchase.

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.

Summer Farmer’s Market Mondays | June 3 – August 26 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Pick from the freshest produce and local crafts at the weekly summer Farmer’s Market featuring local certified organic produce, fresh local seafood, packaged and prepared food including jams, jellies, pecans, olive oils, sweets, handmade pasta, and more as well as Lowcountry crafts.

Summer Starlight Cinema Series Wednesdays | June 19 – August 21 | 8:30 p.m.

Each Wednesday between June 19 and August 21, guests can bring a blanket, chair, and picnic and enjoy a free family outdoor movie under the stars.

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Tickets are available online at www.kiawahisland.org/events or at the Municipal Center 843-768-9166. All events are open to the public, but Kiawah property owners have a 3-day lead time on tickets for Arts Council events. *Cultural events (in red) have only one release date.

April

hard day’s night

Thursday, April 4, 2019 Seabrook Island House | 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10 Ticket Release: Kiawah 3/18 Public 3/21

PURE theatre: A doll’s house, part 2

Sunday, April 7, 2019 Turtle Point Clubhouse | 4:00 p.m.

Ticket Release: Kiawah 3/19 Public 3/22

PIano Bar Series

Wednesdsay, April 10: Glenn Brown Wednesdsay, April 24: Chris Dodson The Sandcastle | 5:00-7:00 p.m.

No Tickets Required

15th annual blues by the sea Sunday, April 14, 2019 Freshfields Village | 3:00-7:00 p.m.

No Tickets Required

May

piccolo preview

Sunday, May 5, 2019 Holy Spirit Catholic Church | 4:00 p.m.

Ticket Release: 4/17

Full Season Planner available at

www.kiawahisland.ORG/events

Announcing A New Addition to the Season!

MORANZ ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS BEHIND THE LINES: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO AMERICA’S HEROES

Sunday, May 19, 2019 Seabrook Island House | 7:30 p.m.

Ticket Release: Kiawah 4/30, Public 5/3

Brad and Jennifer Moranz present a musical tribute to the men and women of the armed services. A talented cast of actors, singers and musicians perform music that inspired and connected soldiers to home with dramatic readings of letters written by troops and their families. Experience the emotional words from the fighting men and women from the Revolution, Civil War, WW I and II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan.