Changes Coming to Seabrook’s Emergency Plan
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
Seabrook Island Mayor Bruce Kleinman brought up an issue that will need to be addressed in 2025. That issue is a rewrite of the Comprehensive Emergency Plan, which is one of the Town’s strategic priorities for 2025.
Kleinman specifically brought up the fact that the current CEP, which is from September 2020, denotes members of the Seabrook Island Town Council as carrying out the functions of the CEP during an actual emergency. Kleinman brought up the problems he sees with that.
“I see why they gave members of Council the essential emergency roles at that time,” he explained. “Back then, we didn’t have as many people working on Town staff, but now we have a full staff and it doesn’t make sense for Town Council members to be assigned CEP emergency roles.”
He added that the functions noted in the plan should be done by trained staff, plus, he
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Time to renew business licenses, short-term rental permits on Seabrook
BY THERESA STRATFORD
For The Island Connection
Time is ticking for the new short-term rental regulations to go into effect and for business license renewals, which will all take place on May 1.
Seabrook Island Town Administrator Joe Cronin reviewed the process in the March 25 Seabrook Island Town Council meeting.
“Business license renewal started on March 31. In order to avoid late penalties, folks will have until April 30 to renew their business license for the new program with the new short-term ordinance. All application notices have gone out. People can email or drop it off in person. The new program, Citizenserve, went live on March 31 and we can accept applications there as well,” he explained.
The Seabrook Island website details the business license and short-term rental application instructions: Business license applications that are not received by April 30 are subject to a late penalty of 5% per month in addition to the standard license amount. Short-term rental permit
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Green Turtle Rescued on Seabrook is Faring Better
BY MICHAEL VINSON For The Island Connection
On a windy Saturday dawn in late March, local Seabrook photographer Glen Cox encountered a stranded sea turtle in the Captain Sams Inlet area. He called Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol (SITP) dispatcher Judy Morr to seek help for the turtle.
SITP works to protect and preserve our sea turtles through identification and protection of nests, inventory of nests, data collection and education of residents and visitors. All SITP volunteers are trained and certified by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to carry out these tasks.
Managing the occasional stranding and disposition of sick, injured, dead and cold-stunned turtles is an additional Patrol responsibility. While most strandings are the result of fishing gear entanglement and boat strikes, cold-stunning occurs when a turtle becomes weak from exposure to cold temperatures. Cold-stunned turtles become lethargic and eventually unable to swim, causing them to float at the surface where wind and tides wash them ashore.
SITP Dispatcher Judy Morr sent Patrol Stranding Team members Mike Vinson and Gary Holtz to rescue this struggling, juvenile Green Turtle. The Green Turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle and an herbivore, eating
mostly seagrass and algae. They are regarded as a threatened species.
SCDNR was consulted, they contacted the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center, and a volunteer was sent to meet members and transport the turtle. This unfortunate turtle had a number painted on its carapace as well as a microchip implant, indicating that it had been rescued previously. Its tracking number revealed that it had previously been a cold stunning victim in the Hatteras area of North Carolina this past winter, and, after rehabilitation, was released.
The Center reports the turtle, which they’ve named Rose, is currently recovering well. Rose was treated with fluids and vitamins and held in a climate-controlled environment to allow the body temperature to gradually and safely increase to the desired level. As Rose’s body temperature slowly warmed, the animal became more active and was able to safely be moved to a water tank. Rose’s recovery can be followed on the Center’s website, scaquarium.org/rose.
SITP is licensed by the SCDNR and supported financially by the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association, the Town of Seabrook and public donations. More information can be found on the SITP website, siturtlepatrol.com.
The rescued turtle, Rose, is currently recovering well.
PHOTO PROVIDED
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License Renewals
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application packets that are received after April 30 will not be considered exempt and will be processed as new applications. If any applicable caps have been reached, these new applications would be subject to those restrictions.
Business license and short-term rental permit application packets, including any applicable forms, must be received, completed, signed and all together in one submission.
On December 17, 2024, Seabrook Island Town Council adopted a new ordinance that established new permitting and operating requirements for the following types of businesses:
• Short-Term Rental Units. A short-term rental unit is defined as a residential dwelling that is rented or leased, or offered for rent or lease, as an overnight accommodation for periods of less than 30 consecutive days at any time during a calendar year. Renters and their guests generally use a short-term rental unit in a manner that is consistent with the residential character of both the dwelling and the surrounding area. Hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts and vacation time-sharing plans are not considered shortterm rental units.
• Vacation Club Units. A vacation club unit is defined as a residential dwelling that is owned, leased or managed by a private membership organization or commercial business entity that is engaged in providing short-term overnight accommodations and related services to its members. Vacation clubs typically own or lease properties on a longterm basis; offer and rent those properties to the club’s members on a short-term basis; and model a membership structure where its members purchase membership levels granting access to a portfolio of properties and personalized services, but does not convey upon its members an ownership interest in the properties. Properties offered by vacation clubs to members for less than 30 consecutive days are considered short-term rental units, regardless of whether the vacation club is the owner of record, lessee or manager of the property.
In addition to a business license that must be renewed annually, all rental units operating in the town must apply for and obtain a short-term rental permit. These applications can be submitted at the same time. Each unit shall be required to have a separate permit.
Beginning May 1, each host shall maintain a log of all short-term rental stays. No later than April 30 of each year, they shall submit an annual rental activity report for the preceding license year along with the business license renewal.
Leave Lost Fawns Alone
BY SCDNR For The Island Connection
If a deer fawn is found alone in the woods, leave it there, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). Its mother has not abandoned it; she is probably nearby.
Removing a fawn from the forest is also illegal because the animal is being taken outside the legal season for taking deer, which is hunting season.
Many people who come upon a solitary spotted fawn in the woods or along a roadway mistakenly assume the animal has been deserted by its mother and want to take the apparently helpless creature home to care for it. Young fawns like this have not been abandoned and are still in the care of a doe.
The apparently "helpless" deer fawns born during April, May and June in South Carolina will begin daily movements with their mothers in about three or four weeks. Human handling and disturbance of fawns can cause a doe to shy away or even desert her offspring. Also, a bleating response by the fawn can summon nearby predators
It’s part of nature's plan for a doe to leave her fawn or fawns alone for their first few weeks of life. The reason for this unusual maternal action is that the fawn at this age is better protected away from the doe. The presence of the doe would attract predators because the doe lacks the protective coloration of the fawn, and the older and larger deer has a much stronger odor.
CONTRIBUTORS
Each license year runs from May 1 to April 30. Upon issuance, a standard short-term rental permit shall remain valid indefinitely unless the permit is modified, suspended, revoked, abandoned or canceled.
Another new requirement for 2025 is that businesses will be required to submit income-verifying documents along with their license renewal form. That means that businesses must include documentation verifying reported income when submitting the paperwork. If they fail to comply, the renewal process will be significantly delayed until the correct paperwork is submitted or the renewal could be denied. The new income-verifying paperwork will be required when submitting for renewal.
Businesses and short-term rentals operating without the proper licenses and permits will be subject to a code enforcement infraction and will be fined.
To submit applications online through Citizenserve, visit citizenserve. com/municipal-software-solutions/business-licensing-software. Visit townofseabrookisland.org/old-business-licenses.html for more information on the business license and short-term rental application and fees.
A fawn that appears abandoned is merely awaiting a visit from its mother. A doe, after brief periods of feeding and grooming her fawn, will spend much of her day feeding and resting, somewhat removed from her young. The fawn ordinarily stays bedded down as if sleeping, but will occasionally move short distances to new bedding sites.
Each spring and summer, SCDNR receives many calls from people who have discovered these "lost" deer. Young fawns are without a doubt cute and cuddly, but if taken into captivity they grow into semi-tame adult deer that can become quite dangerous. Adult buck deer, no matter how they were raised, are especially dangerous during the breeding season, and even does raised by humans are unpredictable. Occasionally, “tame" deer seriously injure people and, in cases where the deer are a threat to humans, the deer sometimes have to be killed.
People often ask SCDNR if it needs deer fawns for research projects. Although SCDNR is actively engaged in deer research, current studies do not involve captive animals.
TOWN OF KIAWAH
Board of Zoning Appeals
Monday, April 21, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
CERT Team
Wednesday, April 23, 3 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Infrastructure and Public Works
Thursday, May 1, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Arts & Cultural Event Council
Thursday, May 1, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, May 6, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
TOWN OF SEABROOK
Environment & Wildlife Committee
Tuesday, April 22, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Board of Zoning Appeals
Wednesday, April 23, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, May 14, 1:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, May 20, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Environment & Wildlife Committee
Tuesday, May 20, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
said that most of the Town Council would evacuate in a true emergency. The current plan designates:
Role Primary Individual Assigned
Executive Official Mayor
Operations Official Town Administrator
Public Safety Official Town Council Member
Communications Official Town Council Member
Logistics Official Town Council Member
Resources Official Town Council Member
Utilities Official Utility Commission Chair
Kleinman also brought up that the CEP is too long and needs to be shortened. The most recent CEP from 2020 is 243 pages. “There is no reason why our CEP needs to act like the county and state’s CEP,” he said. “I think we should mostly rely on the county and state’s CEP plans. If that’s wrong, let’s talk about it.”
Council Member Raymond Hamilton added that he agreed with Kleinman that the CEP needs to be addressed, but that he wants to review the functions of the CEP emergency roles before deciding to give them all to staff.
“The bottom line is that we live on the island, and they don’t,” he said. “It might make sense for at least some of those roles to remain with a Council member if it required needing someone we know will be on site quickly.”
The Town Council concluded by the end of the meeting that Town Administrator Joe Cronin would take the lead on the rewrite and involve any staff that would be assigned to a CEP emergency role. The public safety committee would also need to be involved in the review process. The final product would need to be approved by the public safety committee and then to the Town Council for final sign-off.
The CEP was created due to Seabrook’s geography, topography and location and how it has been deemed vulnerable to several significant disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, etc. The Town recognized these vulnerabilities since its incorporation in 1987 and addressed them periodically through policy, ordinance and public information. In 2009, the Town Council compiled a CEP to prepare for, respond to and recover from a variety of emergency or disaster events. The purpose of the CEP is to guide the Town’s ongoing efforts to prepare for future emergencies and disasters and provide a framework for the Town to respond to all emergencies and disasters, while working with other government entities.
Find the most recent CEP plan at townofseabrookisland.org.
16th Annual Art Show for Sea Islands Chamber of Commerce
ine Artists will display their work on Saturday, April 19, on the green just outside the Seabrook Island gate for the Seabrook Islands Chamber of Commerce Annual Art Show. Some of South Carolina’s leading artists will be participating. This year’s line-up of juried artists includes: Kellie Jacobs, Jennifer Black, Sandra Roper, Lisa Willits, Betsy McDonald, Tina Mayland, Susan Colwell, Colleen Wiessmann and Donna Geriner. The artists are housed under one big tent, and the event is open to the public. Each of the featured artists is well-known throughout the region. The
show, which is always held the day before Easter, will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The artists will be displaying original work, and all pieces are for sale. Visitors will see oils, pastels and watercolors in styles from representational to impressionistic to abstract. Some of the artists will also be painting live, so it’s a great opportunity to meet them and see their creative process in action. There’s no better way to spend a Saturday than looking at amazing art in a beautiful outdoor setting. You can find out more about this year’s Art Walk on the Sea Islands Chamber of Commerce website, seaislandschamber.org/Art_Walk.html.
PHOTOS: ART BY TINA MAYLAND.
Seabrook Island Votes to Support Keeper of the Wild
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
It is safe to say that $2,500 couldn’t have been better spent than when the Seabrook Island Town Council unanimously voted to support Keeper of the Wild and their need for better pre-release cages.
At the March 25 Seabrook Island Town Council Meeting, a representative of Keeper of the Wild, Elisabeth St. John, came to speak before the Town Council about the organization and their mission.
She started off by giving some background about how the organization came about in the first place. Believe it or not, Keeper of the Wild, an organization that rehabilitates sick or injured wild animals, was started by an interior designer.
Janet Kinser was on her way to meet with a client sometime in the late 1990s when she drove by an injured animal on the side of the road. She picked up the animal, brought it home with her and nurtured it until the animal could be returned to the wild. Her friends picked up on her good deed and they quickly convinced her to start an organization that they would all help support. That organization would be called Keeper of the Wild, which officially began in 2001.
For a while, Kinser ran the organization out of her home. She then leased property in St. George for 10 years and now they have a permanent home in Round O, near Walterboro, thanks to the Lowcountry Land Trust, who donated the property. The site has a fixture for the workers, a little hospital and space for cages.
St. John explained that the cages have to be replaced every few years for obvious reasons. “There’s a drainage system in these free-release cages that we are asking for support for. They look like a dog cage, but they have to be hosed down so that bacteria won’t grow. As you can imagine, these cages can get rusted quickly. They need to be replaced regularly.”
Keeper of the Wild needs three new pre-release cages. The total cost for three will be $3,000, but they are applying for a grant from Seabrook Island for $2,500.
St. John said they would ask donors and organize a fundraiser for the extra $500.
St. John explained the organization’s finances. “We really don’t go after grants. We don’t have debt or spend much money. I looked at the finances from 2021 because that was the last time we had it broken out in a clear way and it looks like 28% of the budget goes to the three employees we have on site. We have to have people on-site at all times for security and to look after the animals. Then, 32% went to medicine and food. Only 1.3% went to vet fees because we have a great vet who donates his time. Volunteer expenses were low at less than 1%. Like I said, we really don’t spend money. The rest of the budget went to repairs.”
Town Council Member Darryl May asked how it worked with the volunteers picking up the injured animals when they got a call. St. John said that a trained volunteer who lives closest to the area would be dispatched. “Sometimes the animal can just go home with the volunteer to rehabilitate, but other times, they are admitted to our hospital. It just depends on how bad the injury is. We do not treat them like pets. The idea is to get them back out into the wild, so we don’t want them to get too used to human care.”
She added, “The best-case scenario is that they don’t need us at all or that they don’t need us for long, but we are ready and available either way.”
Seabrook Island is home to a diverse variety of wildlife, including bobcats, foxes, otters, deer, dolphins, coyotes, raccoons, armadillos, alligators and many species of shorebirds.
The $2,500 for Keeper of the Wild was unanimously supported by the Seabrook Island Town Council.
For more information on Keeper of the Wild, visit keeperofthewild.org.
Rescued baby raccoon.
Waves of Color
MAY ARTIST OF THE MONTH
DICK BARNOLA
Dick Barnola graduated from Pennsylvania State University, where he received a bachelor of arts degree majoring in psychology and sociology. He first took a role as a claims adjuster for a major insurance company, later obtaining his estate license in 1970 and opening his own Century 21 broker‘s office. After almost two decades, Barnola sold his real estate business and purchased a 37-foot sailboat, which brought him into Charleston Harbor.
When it comes to anything artistic, Barnola was a late bloomer. For a while, most of his creative outlet was in restoring and “upcycling” old homes in downtown Charleston. It was about 1995 when a friend suggested that he enroll in a basic drawing class at the Gibbs art museum.
Doing so was a real breakthrough. The course was based on the book “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards. Barnola was so enthralled that he took six other courses at the Gibbs: watercolor, figure drawing, advanced drawing, composition and acrylic painting, plus a Plein air course. After retiring and moving to Seabrook Island in 2008, he finally had some free time and started painting in oils under the tutelage of Bob LeFevre.
At this point, Barnola has been a member of the Seabrook Island Art Guild since 2008. He has mostly painted in oils but has recently been dabbling in pastels. Most of his work involves boats, marshes and the ocean.
Please enjoy Dick Barnola’s art in the Lake House during the month of May and come to the reception on Tuesday, May 6, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
2104 Royal Pine Drive Seabrook Island
5 beds, 3.5 baths and 3,302 sq. ft.
One of the most beautiful homes on Seabrook Island. The quality of construction is evident in every room. Starting on the full width front porch with four charming piazza doors you’ll enter grand southern luxury through the custom mahogany front door. This custom built home exudes grace and charm with Brazilian cherry floors, arched doorways, wainscoting, large layered crown molding, gorgeous front and rear staircases, plantation shutters, custom Circa lighting, Chef’s kitchen, marble baths and a cherry elevator. Too many features to list here - This one is a must see!
By:
ONGOING
around the islands...
WHAT: Charleston City Market Night Market
WHERE: Charleston City Market
WHEN: Each Friday and Saturday night, 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., March – December
MORE INFO: The Night Market is located between Church Street and East Bay Street. It provides the opportunity to discover quality, unique, local and handcrafted items.
WHAT: Weekend Wine-Down
WHERE: Deep Water Vineyard, 6775 Bears Bluff Rd, Wadmalaw Island
WHEN: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Attendees can expect tastings ($15 gets you a tasting of 6 samples of the vineyard's wine and a souvenir stemless glass), drinks, food trucks, live music, and more.
WHAT: Sea Island Farmers Market
WHERE: 2024 Academy Rd., John’s Island
WHEN: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Sea Island Farmers Market is a year-round delight for locals and visitors alike. This market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods and handmade crafts. It's the perfect spot to start your weekend with a basket full of farmfresh goodies and unique finds.
WHAT: Jazz Night
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: Thursdays, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Jazz Night is held every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Porch Bar of the Andell Inn. Guests of the Andell Inn and others can enjoy live music performances from local Charleston groups in a cozy atmosphere.
FRIDAY, APRIL 18
WHAT: TOKI Bites & Brews Food Truck Fest
WHERE: Kiawah Island Town Hall
WHEN: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Town of Kiawah Island is excited to introduce TOKI Bites and Brews, a brand-new summer food truck festival series designed to bring the community together over great food and good company. This food truck rodeo will transform the Town Hall green space into a lively gathering spot one Friday each month from April through August.
WHAT: Archaeological Excavation
WHERE: Heyward-Washington House, 87 Church Street, Charleston
WHEN: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: A unique opportunity to witness an archaeological field school and dig in action. Located in the garden behind the house, visitors are invited to explore the dig site. During their visit, guests will experience an archaeological dig firsthand and see excavations of one of the earliest documented parts of Colonial Charleston. Field school visits are free for museum members or free with admission. Reservations are not required. Event is weather dependent. Please call 843-722-2996 for weather concerns.
WHAT: Spring Music on the Green WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Celebrate the arrival of spring with a special Music on the Green concert. Head to the Village Green at Freshfields Village for a complimentary, outdoor concert featuring JAVA Band. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets.
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
WHAT: Cars & Coffee
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: The monthly Cars & Coffee event happens on the third Saturday of every month, showcasing unique cars and offering the opportunity to purchase coffee from Java Java.
WHAT: April Litter Sweep
WHERE: Mingo Point at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (876 Kiawah Island Parkway)
WHEN: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: Join the Kiawah Conservancy and the South Carolina Aquarium for their monthly litter sweep. This is a free event and no registration is necessary. All litter sweep materials will be provided. Bug spray and sunscreen are always recommended. Don’t forget your water bottle to stay hydrated.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23
WHAT: Easter Oyster Roast
WHERE: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
WHEN: 4 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
MORE INFO: Guests of all ages will enjoy feasting on fresh oysters roasted over an open fire, along with other BBQ specialties such as ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and Lowcountry Boil with all the Southern side dishes and desserts. Guests will also enjoy family fun like live music and other activities. Each Mingo Point date includes two seatings for guests to choose from when purchasing tickets: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
WHAT: Art Film: “Casablanca” WHERE: The Sandcastle WHEN: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: No tickets required for this free screening of “Casablanca”
FRIDAY, APRIL 25
WHAT: Earth Day Celebration
WHERE: Night Heron Park WHEN: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: A variety of family-friendly activities will be offered, and local vendors will be present throughout the event including: Live music by Shem Creek Boogie Band, hands-on experiences with the South Carolina Aquarium, flight demonstrations with the Center for Birds of Prey, educational vendors, authors, artists, artisans, food and beverage options, kids activities and much more.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
WHAT: Barrier Island Earth Day 5K and Festival
WHERE: St Christopher Camp and Conference Center, 2810 Seabrook Island Rd. WHEN: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
MORE INFO: 5K Fun Run, food trucks, games, crafts, silent auction, local vendors, live animals, and much more.
WHAT: Outdoor Barre Workout at Andes Inn
WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 11:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: A fun outdoor barre workout for women of all ages. It’ll be a workout focused on strengthening, tightening and toning the full body while enjoying the ocean breeze and watching gators swim in the pond. Bring a mat and a set of light weights (13lbs). Don’t worry if you don’t have anything; they’ll have extras.
SATURDAY, MAY 3
WHAT: Chamber Concert
WHERE: Kiawah Town Hall
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Town of Kiawah Island is proud to present The Colour of Music Festival for a chamber concert experience at Town Hall. This event is free and open to the public, but tickets need to be reserved ahead of time via the website, using Promo Code TOKL2025.
WHAT: Kiawah Heart presents: “ The Power of Kindness A mindfulness workshop with Geoff Cox” WHERE: The Sandcastle WHEN: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Attendees will approach kindness as a powerful response that creates a pathway for understanding and integrating polarized perspectives, weaving creative solutions in otherwise intractable situations, and bridging across difference while staying connected to what matters most. Geoff has taught workshops and classes at the University of Virginia for the past eight years. He has spent the last 15 years training in adult development and the science of resilience.
The DOGESC Phenomenon
BY ROM REDDY
Many of you follow the important work being done by DOGE at the federal level to reduce the size of the unelected, constitutionally unsanctioned agency state. Some of the findings—like the recent $60 billion in 2024 consulting contracts awarded to the top 10 consulting vendors—only highlight how inefficient it is for the government to take money out of the pockets of citizens and spend it with no focus on outcomes or accountability.
What many may not know is that there is increasing emphasis on bringing DOGE-like approaches to the states. What is the point in cutting the wasteful federal Department of Education, for example, and giving the money to the states if the state bureaucracy can waste the money just as efficiently as the federal bureaucracy? Witness the expensive new South Carolina Department of Education administrative offices in Columbia—despite the state being ranked 42nd out of 50 in K-12 education.
In our state, we launched the private DOGESC (dogesc.com) effort, recognizing that federal agencies and bureaucracy impact citizens far less than state agencies and local bureaucracies. South Carolina, for example, has 84,000 regulations, placing us number 5 in the nation behind California, New York, New Jersey and Illinois.
South Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in the nation with great people. However, we have remained a bottom-10 state in median family income, education and roads, while ranking in the top 10 for per capita fatality rates on our roads, per capita violent crime (based on FBI statistics) and income tax rates—where our tax rate is the highest of any red state.
The federal and state constitutions both call for a clear separation of powers between the three branches of government—legislative, administrative and judicial. This is intended to keep government weak and the citizen free and self-governing within the framework established by the Bill of Rights.
Yet South Carolina is one of only two states where all judges—from the Supreme Court to family court—are appointed and reappointed by the Legislature, removing the independence of the judicial branch and
Residential Cleaning Services
giving a Legislature controlled by trial lawyers power over it. Over the years, the legislative branch has also gained control over many executive agencies through boards and agency management. We essentially have only one branch of government, which is another way of saying we’ve recreated the king.
The first American Revolution was fought to free us from the unilateral power of the king and to create a system of self-governance, where citizens got their rights from God—not the government. Yet here we are again, with a new version of the king. Money and power have shifted from the citizen to the government, forever holding the citizen down.
The DOGESC mission is simple: reverse this transfer of power and money back to the citizen. I encourage you all to visit dogesc.com and follow @ dogesc on X to understand how we intend to accomplish this mission.
In addition to establishing a statewide communication network and a ground presence in 14 of the major counties, we are actively working to give citizens a choice in the June 2026 primaries by supporting candidates committed to restoring the three branches of government—and thus returning power to the citizen. We are developing legislation to dismantle the agency state and eliminate the state income tax, returning that money to the people.
Also on the docket are forward-thinking plans for education and roads, and the development of AI tools to catalog and analyze the flow of funds into and out of agencies. But all of this requires the will and desire of citizens who support the DOGESC agenda to get involved. If you believe in the mission, we welcome your involvement.
HOLY WEEK and EASTER
MONDAY, APRIL 14
Holy Eucharist at 5:30pm
TUESDAY, APRIL 15
Holy Eucharist at noon followed by a luncheon
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
Lenten Supper and Poetry at 6:00pm
THURSDAY, APRIL 17
Liturgy for Maundy Thursday at 5:30pm
FRIDAY, APRIL 18
Liturgy for Good Friday at noon
SATURDAY, APRIL 19 at Grace Chapel, Rockville The Great Vigil of Easter 7:00pm
SUNDAY, APRIL 20
EASTER DAY
The Sunday of the Resurrection 8:00am & 10:30am Easter Egg Hunt at 9:30am www.KiawahHouseCare.com
Renee and Rom Reddy with Tucker Carlson In Naples, Florida on April 9.
PHOTO: PROVIDED
Rom Reddy.
It’s Beach Park Season
TIPS FROM CHARLESTON COUNTY
BY SARAH REYNOLDS For The Island Connection
With spring break upon us and summer just around the corner, many locals and tourists will soon flock to the Lowcountry’s beaches. Charleston County Parks encourages beachgoers to familiarize themselves with important information and best practices to ensure the most enjoyable and safe time at our local beach parks.
The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) operates Folly Beach County Park, Isle of Palms County Park and Kiawah Beachwalker Park. From spring break through September, the beaches are quieter on weekdays, with Fridays, weekends and holidays seeing large crowds. CCPRC encourages beachgoers to take note of the following tips and important information:
Park Capacity
While approaching the islands, CCPRC encourages drivers to look for digital highway signs denoting beach parking capacity. The status of the parking lot for CCPRC’s beach parks will be updated in real time by staff, so guests know before they reach the park if parking is full.
Kiawah Beachwalker Park has 150 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. in the summer. The Town of Kiawah prohibits vehicles from idling or parking outside the entrance to Kiawah Beachwalker Park. When the park is full, staff can add guests to a virtual line. Text notifications alert customers as they move to the front of the queue. Parking for buses, RVs and campers is not guaranteed.
Isle of Palms County Park has 445 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays, with spots often becoming available again in the late afternoon. When parking is full, police will allow up to about 20 vehicles to wait in line for spaces to open. Once the turn lane outside the park is full, police direct vehicles to move to other parking areas not operated by CCPRC. Be aware of City of Isle of Palms parking ordinances. And note that there are only two lanes of traffic leaving Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. On a crowded day, if weather or another event causes many people to try leaving the islands at once, traffic will back up, and it could take up to two hours for the park to empty. The free CARTA Beach Reach Shuttle is another way to access Isle of Palms County Park.
Folly Beach County Park has 225 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays, with spots often becoming available again in the late afternoon. When the parking lot is full, look for City of Folly Beach parking lots on West Ashley Ave. to prevent blocking roads and driveways. Review City of Folly Beach parking ordinances in order to avoid being towed or ticketed.
The beach surrounding the Folly Beach Pier can be a troublesome location for rip currents. Staff at the pier frequently respond to emergencies when patrons swim
too close to the pier and get caught in rip currents. When swimming in the vicinity of a pier, stay at least 200 feet away from the structure. Also, learn how to spot a rip current and how to escape them by swimming parallel to the shore.
Pets on the Beach
Pets must always remain leashed within the beach parks, but are not permitted on the Folly Beach or Mount Pleasant Piers. Each municipality has their own ordinances pertaining to dogs on the beach, so check ahead of time.
Alcohol and Smoking
Possession of alcohol, consumption of alcohol, and smoking, vaping and tobacco use are prohibited at CCPRC beach parks.
Other safety tips
• Swim near a lifeguard when possible, and obey their commands.
• Watch children at all times.
• Seek shelter when lightning is in the area.
• Take a photo of your group when you arrive, so if anyone were to get separated (child or adult) it could help aid in the search.
• Bring water and stay hydrated.
Other Resources
Keep up to date on the latest beach traffic reports by downloading the BerkeleyCharleston-Dorchester Council of Government’s Beach Reach app, available for Apple and Android.
For more information on Charleston County Parks beach parks and safety, call 843-795-4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
Nesting season is underway for coastal birds
BY SCDNR
For The Island Connection
Tide Chart
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South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) wildlife biologist Janet Thibault recently reported the first documented shorebird nest of the season on SCDNR's Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary in Charleston Harbor. On March 27, 2025, Thibault spotted a single speckled egg laid in a small divot in the sand, which belonged to a pair of American oystercatchers.
“American oystercatchers are one of the first coastal bird species to nest on South Carolina beaches, and Crab Bank provides perfect habitat for them,” Thibault said.
Ranging in size from the large brown pelican to the small, cardinal-sized Wilson’s plover, roughly a dozen shorebird and seabird species nest on South Carolina’s beaches and coastal islands. Seabirds nest in large, bustling colonies that can number tens of thousands of birds, while shorebirds are solitary nesters.
The nesting season spans from mid-spring, and for some species, such as the brown pelican, into mid-autumn. Coastal birds need safe, undisturbed spaces to successfully nest and raise their chicks, so each year SCDNR biologists use posts and signage to rope off suitable nesting habitat. Nearly all shorebird species along the Atlantic coast are declining (with many having lost more than 50% of their population over the last three decades), making such protections necessary to their survival.
SCDNR manages several Seabird Sanctuaries, ephemeral islands along the coast that include Crab Bank, Deveaux Bank and Bird Key-Stono. These properties are home to large nesting colonies of seabirds such as brown pelicans, black skimmers, and royal terns and are important migratory shorebird stopover sites. These islands are closed to all access from March 15 to October 15 of each year, including, for the first time, the entirety of Deveaux Bank.
Other SCDNR-owned barrier islands have regulations in place to protect beach nesting-wildlife, including sea turtles. Regulations are available online. SCDNR urges beach goers to help birds have a successful nesting season by following these tips when visiting the coast:
• Follow local regulations, including pet ordinances and temporary closures. Different beaches have varied seasonal regulations to protect nesting shorebirds and seabirds. Know the rules before your visit.
• Leave dogs at home or, where allowed, keep them on a short leash. Coastal birds perceive all canines as predators. Even the presence of well-behaved dogs can stress nesting parents and cause them to flee.
• Stay away from roped-off nesting areas. When parents are forced to fly off their nest, they are leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to the heat of summer and mammalian and avian predators.
• Leave only footprints. Remove personal items, trash and food scraps that you bring with you to avoid attracting predators such as raccoons or laughing gulls.
Source: saltwatertides.com
• Watch your steps. Walk in the wet sand and around birds that may be feeding by the water line to avoid making them fly.
Riverfront Revival tickets are on sale this week
For the fourth consecutive year, three-time Grammy awardwinner and Charleston native Darius Rucker has teamed up with SRE Entertainment to bring the Riverfront Revival music festival back to North Charleston’s Riverfront Park on Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. In addition to Rucker, this year's lineup will include another local legend: Bill Murray & the Blood Brothers.
There will also be performances by Riley Green, The Red Clay Strays, Whiskey Myers, Flatland Cavalry, Lukas Nelson, Dylan Marlowe, Kashus Culpepper, Brittney Spencer, Clay Street Unit, Neon Union, Austin Williams, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Warrick McZeke, Faith Schueler, Whiskey Run, and Elizabeth Covington.
“My love for Charleston has influenced so much of my career. Riverfront Revival, which made my longtime dream of bringing a music festival to this community a reality, is a celebration of the Lowcountry that gets better every year,” Rucker said.
Tickets went on sale to the public
on Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m.
Two-day weekend passes are available for purchase in tiered pricing at the General Admission level ($205), General Admission Plus level ($400) and VIP level ($700). 1-Day passes will be on sale in tiered pricing at the GA level ($130), GA Plus level ($280) and VIP level ($425). General Admission
Plus includes a private bar, seating and air-conditioned restrooms. VIP tickets, limited in quantity and sold out three years in a row, include dedicated entrances and viewing areas in front of the stages, exclusive premium lounge areas, bars and air-conditioned restrooms.
A portion of proceeds from each ticket sold will once again benefit the Arts in Healing program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and Just Be You, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering teens with confidence, self-love and self-compassion.
To stay updated with details, visit RiverfrontRevival.com and follow @ riverfrontrevival on Facebook and Instagram.
Food & Wine Classic returns to Charleston
Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Travel + Leisure announced programming and ticket sales information for the second annual Food & Wine Classic in Charleston. Presented by Explore Charleston, this culinary event will take place on November 14-16, 2025. “We’re excited to return to Charleston for another unforgettable weekend of world-class culinary experiences," says Hunter Lewis, Food & Wine editor in chief. “Alongside our partners at Southern Living and Travel + Leisure, we’re looking forward to spotlighting this dynamic culinary destination and to bringing together our passionate culinary community to celebrate, learn and savor everything this vibrant city has to offer.”
Guests can expect a dynamic lineup of wine and food tastings and spirit seminars, as well as the Classic’s famous Grand Tasting, the cornerstone of the weekend, which brings together hundreds of winemakers, distillers and culinary experts from around the globe.
One of the weekend’s most anticipated events, Southern Living’s Lowcountry Tailgate, returns for 2025. Attendees will experience the Southern tradition featuring Emeril and EJ Lagasse, BBQ by Hector Garate and other local legends, and music by a special musical guest, all set against the backdrop of the Kiawah River. Additional programming throughout the weekend will give guests access to exclusive, editor-curated experiences that showcase local gems and the very best of Charleston’s vibrant culture, curated by Jacqui Gifford of Travel + Leisure. “The city is renowned for its incredible dining and shopping scene," said Gifford. "Travel + Leisure is thrilled to partner with small businesses to offer special experiences to ticket holders."
For more on festival programming, participating talent, and travel information or tickets (available for purchase May 15 beginning at noon) visit foodandwineclassicincharleston.com.
