The Results Are In For Breeding Bird Survey
From the Town of Kiawah Island
Town of Kiawah biologists conducted their annual Breeding Bird Survey from May 22 through 30. This survey has taken place each year since 2009 and provides vital information on population trends of Kiawah’s breeding birds.
The survey includes 238 points located across the island, from Captain Sams Spit to Little Bear Island, in all major upland habitats. All individual birds heard or seen within a five-minute period are recorded. The point count survey is divided into nine separate routes, with one route conducted per day.
During the 2025 survey, 3,576 individual birds were recorded in 79 different species. Biologists continue to see declining trends in some of Kiawah’s most common species, such as the Carolina chickadee and blue jay. Uncommon species, like brown thrashers, orchard orioles and Eastern towhees, are showing steeper declines.
On a more positive note, several other species are showing increasing population trends. These include the Carolina wren, great crested flycatcher, painted bunting, brown-headed nuthatch, pine warbler, Eastern bluebird and yellow-throated warbler. Kiawah (Continued on page 3)
Support For The CVB Is Strong On Kiawah Island
By Theresa Stratford
The Charleston area tourism industry continues to break records. A record for economic impact was broken in 2024 when Charleston generated $14.03 billion. All that money came from the highest number of recorded visitors, which topped out at 7.89 million tourists. And that’s not all. The year 2024 also hit a record for nearly 5 million hotel room nights sold. All of this could be partly attributed to the accolades earned by the Holy City. For example, Travel + Leisure named Charleston as the number one city to visit for 12 years in a row.
It is important to note that it isn’t just Charleston benefiting from all the extra visitors. The surrounding areas, including the beaches, rake in the benefits as well.
That’s why it’s without hesitation that Kiawah Island Town Council would support the efforts of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. The CVB is a nonprofit that is tax-exempt and able to receive tax-deductible contributions.
At the June 3 Town Council meeting, Council Member Luke Farrell, chair of the Audit Committee, presented some background on the committee’s support for the CVB.
It’s important to note that South Carolina law requires municipalities to allocate a significant portion of their accommodations tax revenue to
tourism promotion. The CVB is the designated nonprofit for tourism promotion in the area, which means that Kiawah Island allocates 30% of the promotion fund from the state accommodations tax to the CVB.
For the 2025-2026 year, the budgeted amount that will go to the CVB is $925,010, up from 2024-2025, which was $843,066. The money is broken up into advertising, promotion materials, marketing support and other (Continued on page 2)
Just a Phone Call Away Council
By Theresa Stratford
Approves Six Engineering Firms
The art of picking up a phone and making a simple call has become lost in this day and age. Wouldn’t it be nice to get that back? There are times when a phone call is all that is needed.
Kiawah Island Town Council spoke about one of those times, particularly when it comes to engineering services. That is why they voted unanimously in the June 3 meeting to make it official that the mayor could just call upon the services of six particular engineering firms when projects are in the works.
“If we could just have firms approved that we could call on, this would really shorten the process.”
These projects could be environmental or road projects or related to civil, structural, traffic or stormwater needs. Whatever the project, there’s an engineering firm perfect for the task. All the mayor would need to do is call the six approved companies and see which firm might work best.
Kiawah Island Public Works Director Brian Gottshalk
Kiawah Island Town Council Member Luke Farrell explained the issues they have had in the past.
He said that every time the town has needed engineering services, it would seek out requests for proposals. A review team then evaluates each proposal before being forwarded to the Ways and Means Committee, which makes recommendations to the Town Council for final approval. “It is a lengthy process,” Farrell said.
Brian Gottshalk, public works director for the town of Kiawah Island, (Continued on page 3)
Featured Photo
A roseate spoonbill drums up breakfast on Kiawah Island.
Photo by Jeffrey J. Davis Photography.
PUBLISHERS OF:
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Advertising advertising@mylonews.com
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Contributors
Capt. Geoff Bennett
John Nelson
Theresa Stratford
Chris Zoeller
Future submission deadline: July 2 for the July 11 issue
PUBLISHED BY Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482
843-886-NEWS
Legislation Would ‘Secure South Carolina’s Energy Future’
Gov. Henry McMaster was recently joined by the state’s electric utilities and members of the General Assembly for a ceremonial bill signing of H. 3309, the South Carolina Energy Security Act. The legislation will significantly improve South Carolina’s ability to generate and deliver the power needed to keep pace with the state’s rapid economic growth and rising population.
“With more people and businesses choosing to call South Carolina home than ever before, the demand for reliable, affordable energy has never been greater,” said McMaster. “This legislation is a major step forward in securing our energy future by ensuring that we can generate, deliver and manage the energy we need to fuel our continued prosperity.”
The law streamlines the regulatory review process for energy projects by directing all state agencies to expedite their reviews and make decisions on energy-related infrastructure projects within six months of receiving an application. This provision is set to expire in 2035.
As called for in McMaster’s 2025 State of the State Address, the legislation encourages the further development of nuclear energy. It expands the role of the Nuclear Advisory Council to include a statewide strategic plan for nuclear generation, promotes advanced nuclear technologies and authorizes a pilot program for small modular nuclear reactors if endorsed by the Nuclear Advisory Council.
The legislation also authorizes a joint venture between
CVB
Continued from page 1
research, as well as media efforts, group sales efforts and trade shows and visitors’ services.
Farrell noted that he has seen great improvement in the CVB’s communication efforts with the town of Kiawah Island in recent years.
“They’ve really come a long way in being more transparent,” he said. “They probably haven’t come all the way, but they have made a great effort to reach out and provide more information and develop relationships. I am pleased with
Town of Kiawah Island
Ways & Means Committee
Tuesday, July 1, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Town Council
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Tuesday, July 1, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, July 2, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Arts Council Board
Monday, July 7, 9 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Audit Committee
Monday, July 7, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Santee Cooper and Dominion Energy to convert the retired coal-fired Canadys Station into a natural gas facility.
“I want to thank Gov. McMaster for his leadership on this issue. In the State of the State in January, he said we were going to meet the power demands of South Carolina, and we were able to meet that promise,” said State Sen. Tom Davis. “This legislation provides something for every stakeholder in energy – large energy users, the environmental community and utilities. This will be something of an opportunity for all South Carolinians, and the power is on in South Carolina.”
The law directs the Office of Regulatory Staff to develop a comprehensive energy assessment and action plan outlining steps the state should take to ensure the continued availability of affordable and reliable electric power and natural gas. It also instructs the Public Service Commission to consider updates to voluntary renewable energy programs that reflect the needs of South Carolina businesses.
The bill also gives utilities the flexibility to offer competitive energy rates to companies that make significant investments in South Carolina. These negotiated rates are available to employers that meet job creation and capital investment thresholds.
Since McMaster took office in 2017, South Carolina has announced 880 economic development projects, totaling more than $49.8 billion in new investment and over 96,000 new jobs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, South Carolina is the fifth fastest-growing state in the nation.
the open dialogue and the direction they are going.”
He also noted how he was happy with how responsive the CVB has been to the town of Kiawah Island’s requests. The CVB put out a video about Kiawah Island in late 2024 that featured Jim Jordan, the town’s biologist. The video highlights Kiawah Island’s thriving ecosystem and the wildlife on the island.
The video is highlighted on the CVB website and in the Charleston Visitor Center. The town of Kiawah Island
Town of Seabrook
Planning Commision
Wednesday, July 9, 1:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Environment & Wildlife Committee
Thursday, July 10, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, July 15, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Utility Commission
Wednesday, July 16, 8:30 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Community Promotion & Engagement Committee
Thursday, July 17, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
streams the video in its visitor center as well, at youtube.com/watch?v=zZhHwZAP43g.
Belt said, “The proof is in the pudding. The Kiawah Island Golf Resort does an extraordinary job of marketing The Sanctuary, and the CVB does an extraordinary job of promoting the Charleston area. That is why we are ranked one of the top tourist destinations in the country and in the world. Of course, it is because of everything offered here, but it is also due to the marketing.”
K iawah iSland Town h all 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Kiawah Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9166
SeabrooK iSland Town h all 2001 Seabrook Island Road Seabrook Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9121 lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
JohnS iSland c ouncil
Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, S.C. 29455 Chairman Chris Cannon: 843-343-5113
charle STon c oun T y c ouncil 4045 Bridge View Drive N. Charleston, S.C. 29405 843-958-4700
ciT y of charle STon 75 Calhoun St. Charleston, S.C. 29401 843-724-3745
Survey
Continued from page 1
is also experiencing an increasing population of brown-headed cowbirds, which lay their eggs in the nests of other species, often to the detriment of the host species’ chicks.
Biologists noted the apparent colonization of white-breasted nuthatches on Kiawah Island. From 2009 to 2019, none of them were detected during the breeding bird surveys; they were first recorded in 2020 at two points on the western end of the island. In 2021, they were recorded at two more points mid-island. Detections slowly increased in 2022 and 2023, with six and seven points, respectively. Their numbers grew stronger in 2024, showing up at 20 different points, and this year they were recorded at 29 points, covering much of the island except for Ocean Park.
Engineering
Continued from page 1
presented at the June 3 meeting about this topic. “Right now, we have a lot of engineering services needed, from civil to structural to environmental to traffic. We don’t have engineers in-house, so we have to reach out to third parties. If we could just have firms approved that we could call on, this would really shorten the process.”
Basically, public works is asking that certain firms be up for recommendation for on-call engineering services. Gottshalk said this would shorten the timeline for getting projects completed.
“It’s really just to tighten up the process and help us push some projects through,” he said.
Kiawah Island Mayor Bradley Belt commented that many other municipalities do it this way. “How we’ve been doing it is very cumbersome,” he added.
The six approved engineering firms consist of generalists, meaning they can do just about anything.
To get the six approved companies, the town sent out an RFP for on-call engineering services. Originally, 14 firms responded. A four-member review team, consisting of town staff, conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the responding companies.
The six firms recommended for contract negotiations are Alliance Consulting Engineers; Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering; Kimley-Horn; McSweeney Engineers;Weston Sampson; and Woolpert.
There will be no upfront costs involved. Costs will only arise when services are provided, and, depending on the type of services, they will be allocated to either the general fund or a restricted fund. The town will establish an hourly rate for consulting.
Belt said, “We will now have six engineering firms that have already been vetted and gone through the procurement process. I can call them at any time. I can call just to ask questions or call to get them started on a bigger project, if needed. We now have their services just a phone call away.”
Blue jays were among the birds counted during Kiawah Island’s Breeding Bird Survey in May.
Photo by Neal Kinard.
Hotel Richemont has debuted on King Street in Charleston
Hotel Richemont, a boutique hotel located along downtown Charleston’s historic King Street, opened this month and has reservations available. The 25-room property is a project from Charleston-based The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, the award-winning team behind restaurants and experiential hotels throughout the Southeast, in collaboration King and Society Development, led by Troy Barber, alongside partners Sean Hartness, David Hartness, PJ Kane and Peter Ulber.
The property, which has undergone complete renovation, is located at the junction of King and Society Streets and is close to destinations such as shops and restaurants, the Historic District,
and the College of Charleston. With 25 rooms, including suites outfitted with fully equipped kitchens, spacious living rooms and private king and queen bedrooms, guests have plenty of options to customize their stay. The design showcases a unique blend of nods to historic Charleston and contemporary elements, drawing inspiration from the city’s art, history, architecture and natural beauty.
“King and Society is thrilled to partner with Indigo Road on Hotel Richemont and Two Bit Club,” said Barber, founder and partner of King and Society Development.
“Indigo Road has a proven track record of success, and we are eager to bring these two exciting additions to the central King Street neighborhood.”
cocktail-forward beverage program. The property will be a haven of a hotel, restaurant and bar that welcomes locals and visitors.
In addition to the rooms and suites, Hotel Richemont houses a Vietnamese-inspired restaurant and bar, Two Bit Club, now open for dinner. Two Bit Club was named as a nod to the 1730s French Benevolent Society of the same name, which later became the South Carolina Society. Helmed by Executive Chef Jelo Tria, the restaurant offers small plates, as well as a
“Charleston already has an incredible and diverse culinary community, and we’re excited to be part of that, bringing our own take on Vietnamese cuisine to the table,” said Tria. “Two Bit Club is a reflection of my background and love for bold flavors, street food energy and the kind of meals that spark connection. It’s an honor to share that here and to add to the city’s growing appetite for global flavors and fun, fresh dining experiences.”
Photo by Andrew Cebulka.
Photo by Andrew Cebulka.
Kiawah Island Prepares For Hurricane Season
By Theresa Stratford
The 2025 hurricane season officially started on June 1 and will officially end on Nov. 30. That’s six months of worrying, preparing and staying glued to The Weather Channel for updates.
In anticipation of the inevitable storm season, Kiawah Island Town Council welcomed Justin Pierce, the new director for Charleston County’s Emergency Management Department, to their June 3 meeting. With 20 years of experience, most recently in Los Angeles in airport emergency management, Pierce started with Charleston County in December 2024.
He began his presentation by explaining the emergency management department’s mission. “It’s very simple. We are here to help plan for, respond to and recover from all hazards that impact the county through collaborative partnerships that we have across the Department of Homeland Security and the Emergency Management spectrum.”
information and warning of what is anticipated to happen. “We are going to put information out about what the impacts might be and what the call to action is for both our public and our first responder community.”
He added that the department’s number 2 priority is planning. “Or, as I like to call it, problem-solving.” Number 3 is “operational coordination.”
Pierce explained that operational coordination means his department will pull together all the departments and local municipalities on coordination calls so that everyone is working together.
“Opening up roads, followed by reconnecting power and then access to hospitals, is our number 1 priority after a storm.”
Justin Pierce Director, Charleston County Emergency Management Department
The next priority is resource management and support. “When a municipality needs a resource, which could be a piece of equipment, search and rescue or maybe a bulldozer for debris removal, we will go to the state emergency management agency and ask for support.” He added that if the state cannot find a good resource, they will go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
cial reconciliation if a disaster declaration was instated.”
He added that they have a 120-hour hurricane guide for first responders, since that is the amount of time before a hurricane that they start considering operations. The county also identified a temporary site to get debris off the streets as quickly as possible. This is the location where they would store debris before it is permanently removed.
Lastly, Pierce mentioned that the county has invested in new technology to enhance its weather forecasting to have more precise models to anticipate impacts sooner and get critical information out to the public.
He said that first and foremost, the Emergency Management Department provides public
Next, Pierce said they will deploy their search and rescue teams, as well as volunteer rescue units, to municipalities during an incident. Finally, he said, there’s the disaster recovery piece. “This includes damage assessment, debris removal and financial recovery, should we receive a presidential disaster declaration.”
Pierce explained that the whole process starts for his department when they begin studying the “cone of uncertainty” from the National Weather Service. The next phase is when the County begins to make determinations on whether to activate its emergency operations center.
After that, they look at the county’s resources and bring in local municipalities to help with the response and push out public information and warnings. This phase includes volunteer organizations as well.
The last phase is the recovery phase, which is getting back to normal. “We’ll demobilize our resources and close our emergency operations center. The biggest piece of this phase is the finan-
Pierce’s presentation ended with an overview of how the federal government cutbacks could affect grants the county relies on for operations. He said, “We have very strong support from our county administrator and County Council, who are actively working with us to fill any financial gaps that could potentially come. We are currently building our search and rescue teams and we are getting a better understanding of where FEMA wants to cut back in terms of response.”
He mentioned that a cutback could be in post-disaster canvassing, which is going door-todoor following a disaster to check on survivors and let them know about the programs they might be eligible for. Pierce said that the county would likely have to fill that gap.
Mayor Bradley Belt asked how the roads leading to Kiawah and Seabrook Island would be prioritized for clearing compared to other areas of the county.
“Opening up roads, followed by reconnecting power and then access to hospitals, is our number 1 priority after a storm,” Pierce answered. “We can’t do anything if our roads are impassable.”
Pierce also covered evacuation orders and how those are made by the governor. “Once those orders are put in place, the state police manage the plan, and we are here to support and coordinate the evacuation plan.” He added that the county would help to make sure first responders would be available if a mass evacuation plan were enacted.
Pierce ended his presentation by reiterating that his department will not wait to hear about FEMA’s cutbacks. “We are working with the County Council now on recommendations to better position the county should an emergency take place,” he said.
For more information on the County’s Emergency Management Department, visit charlestoncounty. org/departments/emergency-management.
These North American Plants Are Meat Eaters
By John Nelson
The best time to see this plant is in the morning, just as the sun rises, while you quietly paddle in the backwater end of a pond or perhaps inside a mysterious Carolina bay. By the hundreds, the modest flowers, rising from their slender stalks, collectively resemble bright pink candle flames dancing over the dark water.
This is an aquatic, carnivorous plant, of course. It is just one of about 70 species and taxonomic varieties of “meat-eating” – or insectivorous – plants in North America. Worldwide, there are additional genera and species, but the majority are North American. Carnivorous plants became a focus of naturalists’ attention with the publication of Charles Darwin’s “Insectivorous Plants” in 1875, and our fascination with them has continued. Perhaps the most well-known local terrestrial carnivorous species includes the bizarre Venus flytrap – dionaea muscipula – which occurs naturally only in the Carolinas, as well as various pitcher plants – species of sarracenia –which are broadly distributed in the Southeast.
Our mystery plant is a fully aquatic species, most often found floating in the still waters of ditches, ponds or blackwater creeks. It is fairly common from Eastern Canada to Wisconsin
Kiawah Island Hires New Landscape Contractor
The town of Kiawah has awarded a landscaping contract to LandOne due to its commitment to not only use electric leaf blowers but all electric equipment. Town officials hope to set a precedent of environmental stewardship for other Kiawah entities.
“Kiawah’s unique landscape presents an exceptional opportunity for our team to grow and learn,” LandOne President Gary Ostroski said.
“The initiative to prioritize native plant selections and transition to electric equipment underscores a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. This approach not only aligns with our values but also allows LandOne to engage meaningfully in daily operations alongside a passionate and forward-thinking partner.”
and south along the coastal plain into Southern Florida. The elongated stems, often brownish or red, float just below the surface and are not rooted. Along their length, the stems bear rings of branches – there are no leaves.
Each branch is divided into thread-like segments, many of which bear tiny, bladder-like structures that serve as traps. Minute invertebrates, including insects and their larvae, often end up inside these bladders after touching sensitive trigger hairs, causing the bladder to suddenly open and suck the victim inside. Nutrients from the trapped creatures are slowly absorbed by the plant’s tissues, providing a convenient way to acquire “fertilizer” in a watery environment.
or purple flowers will bloom, attached to the stem by a slender stalk, emerging a few inches above the water. Each delicate blossom has a prominent upper and lower lip; after the blooming period, a small capsule forms. The seeds are tiny and covered in numerous pointy bumps.
Insectivorous plants, as a group, are one of the most fascinating subjects of biology, and with good reason. Beneath their beautiful, meek exteriors, killers lurk. For more information, see Donald E. Schnell’s “Insectivorous Plants of the United States and Canada,” revised edition, published by Timber Press.
John Nelson is the retired curator of the herbarium at the University of South Carolina. As a public service, the herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, call 803-777-8175 or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com.
The flowers, though, have nothing to do with trapping insects. They function in seed production. One or two – sometimes up to five – pink
Answer:
Purple bladderwort - Utricularia purpurea
Photo by
John Nelson.
Photo
courtesy of LandOne.
Seabrook Island has plans to celebrate Independence Day with the following weekend festivities.
Thursday, July 3
• 8 a.m. - Seabrook Island’s 5K Walk/Run.
• 4 p.m. - Fireworks show, courtesy of the town of Seabrook Island at the Seabrook Island Club Driving Range.
• 4 p.m. - The lawn opens.
• 6 p.m. - Food & Beverage service begins.
• 6-7 p.m. - Live music from Rotie Salley.
• 7-7:30 p.m. - The Break Circuit Break Dancer Performance.
• 7:30-9 p.m. - Live music from Midnight City.
• 9 p.m. - Fireworks display.
Please keep the following in mind:
• You can park at the Lake House and take the shuttle to the Island House. The shuttle begins at 4:30 p.m. and operates on a continuous loop. The last shuttle will depart the Island House at 10:15 p.m.
• Bring your own lawn chairs.
• Please note that dogs and coolers are not permitted.
• Member charge is available. No cash will be accepted.
• The rain date is Saturday, July 5
Friday, July 4
• 9 a.m. - Fourth of July Parade.
• 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - A parade after party at the Lake House.
Tailgating With Turtles Planned For July
Calling all Junior Explorers and families – the Kiawah Conservancy will host a summer Junior Explorers event in partnership with the town of Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol and Kiawah Island Community Association.
During this exciting, family-friendly event, kids will have the opportunity to team up with a Turtle Patrol volunteer for a hands-
on mock turtle nesting and hatching activity followed by a Q&A session. This experience highlights the vital role the Turtle Patrol plays in protecting loggerhead sea turtles. Please note: This demonstration will use ping pong balls and toy turtle hatchlings – no real turtles will be involved.
• Registration is required.
• Parents/guardians must stay with children throughout the event.
• Must be 5 years or older to participate.
• Each participant will receive a Junior Explorers backpack, an official Junior Explorers membership card and more. Sunscreen is always recommended, and don’t forget a refillable water bottle to stay hydrat-
ed. A water station will be provided.
DATE: Thursday, July 17
TIME: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
LOCATION: The Sandcastle (1 Shipwatch Road, Kiawah Island).
Gate pass instructions will be sent upon registration. For event and registration questions, please contact Katie Jonjevic at katie@ kiawahconservancy.org.
An Improved Steeplechase Of Charleston Returns In 2025
By Chris Zoeller
Following a year’s hiatus, the Steeplechase of Charleston, presented by Lexus, will make its triumphant return to Stono Ferry Racetrack on Nov. 9, with comprehensive track improvements.
Race organizers have implemented a series of significant infrastructure changes to ensure the historic event meets the highest standards for equine and jockey safety.“We’ve implemented aggressive turf management with new equipment and expertise,” said Race Director Toby Edwards. “Our investment in soil conditioning and professional weekly assessments ensures the best racing conditions possible.”
A key innovation for the 2025 event includes advanced monitoring capabilities that provide real-time data on track conditions. “We’ve essentially got someone living right next to the course monitoring rainfall, grass growth – everything,” Edwards said.
The extensive groundwork and infrastructure improvements being implemented will lessen the impacts that another dry spell would have on the
track. This proactive approach represents a meaningful evolution in how the organization prepares and maintains the racing surface.
“Last year’s cancellation was a difficult decision, but it has driven us to create a more resilient, dependable racing environment,” said Executive Director Chris Zoeller. “We’re not just bringing back the Steeplechase of Charleston –we’re bringing it back stronger, with improved infrastructure to support this beloved Charleston tradition regardless of weather challenges.”
Steeplechase horse racing has been a cherished tradition in the Lowcountry since 1734, and these improvements reflect the organization’s commitment to preserving this historic racing legacy for generations to come.Tickets for the 2025 Steeplechase of Charleston are now available.
With upgraded facilities and enhanced track preparations, this year’s event promises an unforgettable day of world-class racing, stylish socializing and Lowcountry hospitality.
For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www.steeplechaseofcharleston.com or email info@steeplechaseofcharleston.com.
175 years, we ' ve welcomed g enerations of Charleston families, friends, and team members into something tr uly special.
Celebrate The Summer At Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Celebrate our nation’s independence at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. The beachside destination warmly invites the public to join two ticketed events to finish out their Fourth of July celebration in style.
Loggerhead
Endless Summer
Unwind with live music at Loggerhead Grill for an elevated, poolside adults-only celebration from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the evening of July 4. Part of a season-long series, this Fourth of July themed event will feature Chandon, a curated selection of rotating hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment. A bar will offer specialty cocktails for purchase.
Advanced reservations are required. Please visit events.kiawahresort.com to reserve.
Red, White And Blue Celebration At The Sanctuary
Gather on the Terrace Lawn at The Sanctuary to celebrate our nation’s birthday with live music, outdoor games and fun open-air activities for the whole family. Festivities include a traditional cookout with burgers, hotdogs and seafood options. The evening crescendos at 10 p.m. with a sparkle and bang as spectacular fireworks fill the sky.
To book your spot on the lawn, please visit events.kiawahresort.com.
About Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Located along 10 miles of pristine beach less than 30 miles south of Charleston, Kiawah Island Golf Resort consistently ranks as one of the country’s top resorts. It includes The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf
Resort, the resort’s Forbes “Triple” Five-Star/AAA Five Diamond 255room hotel and spa, nearly 500 private villas and luxury homes and five championship golf courses, including The Ocean Course, host of the 1991 Ryder Cup, the 2012 PGA Championship, 2021 PGA Championship and 2031 PGA Championship. Racquet enthusiasts perennially rank the Roy Barth Tennis Center as the number-one tennis resort in the world on TennisResortsOnline.com, and the resort offers a wide array of award-winning recreation and nature programming. For more information, visit kiawahresort.com.
Photo courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
AROUND THE ISLANDS
ONGOING
WHAT: Fleece+ Friday
WHERE: Beachwalker Center
WHEN: Every Friday from 10 a.m.-noon
MORE INFO: Join the Kiawah Cares Made With Love program to create handmade crafts for children, seniors, veterans, teachers, new moms and neighbors in need. All skill levels are welcome to make no-sew fleece blankets, craft greeting cards, sew fabric totes, knit/crochet scarves and more.
WHAT: Spirit Tasting
WHERE: Kiawah Spirits, 615 Freshfields Drive
WHEN: Every Friday and Saturday from 1-5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Stop by Kiawah Spirits for tastings of select spirits. Guests must be 21 years old to participate. While supplies last.
WHAT: Charleston City Market Night Market
WHERE: Charleston City Market
WHEN: Each Friday and Saturday night, 6:30-10:30 p.m., from March to 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: Music on the Green
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: Every Friday from 6-9 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Village Green will be alive with song and dance from various local artists every Friday night from 6-9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, purchase snacks and drinks from surrounding businesses and come together to enjoy a lively Lowcountry evening outdoors.
WHAT: Sea Island Farmers Market
WHERE: 2024 Academy Road, Johns Island
WHEN: Every Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-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 farm-fresh goodies and unique finds.
WHAT: Weekend Wine-Down
WHERE: Deep Water Vineyard, 6775 Bears Bluff Road, Wadmalaw Island
WHEN: Every Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Attendees can expect tastings – $15 gets you a tasting of six samples of the vineyard’s wine and a souvenir stemless glass – drinks, food trucks, live music and more.
WHAT: Farmers Market
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: Mondays in June, July and August from 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Pick from the freshest organic produce, local food products and Lowcountry crafts all summer long.
WHAT: Island Night
WHERE: The Sandcastle, 1 Shipwatch Road
WHEN: Every Wednesday in June and July from 5 -7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy live music and Crystal Coast’s famous crab cakes every week.
Our community calendar keeps you updated on local events. From festivals to workshops to family-friendly gatherings. Stay connected and never miss out on the excitement.
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
WHAT: Outdoor Barre Workout at Andell Inn
WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 11:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: An outdoor barre workout at the Andell Inn. Women of all ages are welcome. It’ll be a workout focused on strengthening, tightening and toning the full body while enjoying the ocean breeze. Bring a mat and a set of light weights – 1 to 3 pounds. Don’t worry if you don’t have anything – they will have extras.
THURSDAY, JULY 3
WHAT: Adults Only Night
WHERE: Charleston Aqua Park, 3050 Marlin Road, Johns Island WHEN: 6 -7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Grab a friend, leave the stress of the work week behind and dive into an evening of laughter, splashes and good vibes during this exclusive adult-only sessions. For $30 per person, guests can enjoy 90 minutes of on-water excitement.
FRIDAY, JULY 4
WHAT: 4th of July Cookout
WHERE: Osprey Terrace at the Sweetgrass Inn
WHEN: 5-6:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Celebrate Independence Day at Wild Dunes Resort with their Fourth of July Cookout. Each ticket includes access to their casual Southern style cookout menu. Cash bar will be available.
WHAT: Red, White & Blue Celebration
WHERE: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort WHEN: 5-10 p.m.
MORE INFO: Live music, open-air activities and fun for the whole family, including an obstacle course and games for the kids. The festivities also include a buffet-style menu with all the cookout classics – burgers, hot dogs and seafood options. Close out the evening with a 10 p.m. fireworks show.
WHAT: Loggerhead Endless Summer Series: Sparkling Summer
WHERE: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
WHEN: 6-9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Your ticket offers an elevated experience featuring Chandon, a curated selection of rotating hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment –inclusive of all taxes and gratuities. Specialty cocktails will also be available for purchase.
WHAT: Rooftop Revelry
WHERE: Wild Dunes Resort
WHEN: 8-9:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The fireworks are hosted by the city of Isle of Palms and will be visible only from a distance. Wild Dunes does not host its own fireworks display. This event is 21+ only.
WHAT: Seaside Sparks
WHERE: Wild Dunes Resort
WHEN: 8-9:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: A relaxing evening on the beach with a distant view of the Isle of Palms fireworks show.
AROUND THE ISLANDS
SUNDAY, JULY 6
WHAT: Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series
WHERE: James Island County Park
WHEN: 7 a.m.
MORE INFO: Each race in the Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series features a 600-yard freshwater swim, a 12-mile bike ride and a 5K flat run. Over the years, more than 30,000 people have raced in the series. For more information or to register, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com or call 843-795-4386.
THURSDAY, JULY 10
WHAT: Jazz Night
WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 6-8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Jazz Night is held every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 6-8 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, JULY 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’s brand-new summer food truck festival series is 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.
Charleston Waters Teeming With Action As The Summer Species Arrive
June 30
July 1
July 2
July 3
July 4
July 5
July 6 5:12 a.m./6:05 p.m. 11:14 a.m.
July 7 6:02 a.m./6:52 p.m. 12:18 a.m./12:01 p.m.
July 8 6:51 a.m./7:38 p.m. 1:05 a.m./12:48 p.m.
July 9 7:38 a.m./8:22 p.m. 1:50 a.m./1:33 p.m.
July 10 8:24 a.m./9:04 p.m. 2:33 a.m./2:17 p.m.
July 11 9:07 a.m./9:44 p.m. 3:14 a.m./3:01 p.m.
By Capt. Geoff Bennett
Weeks of sunny weather and warm temperatures have brought our fishery to life. Bait is everywhere, and eager fish are chasing it down. Anglers now have a wide array of options as seasonal species arrive to complement the traditional targets of redfish and trout.
Fishing for redfish remains highly productive. Blue crab fished on the bottom is especially effective. Remove the shell and legs from a blue crab and cut the body in half. Put a size 3/0 circle hook through the hole where the flipper fin used to be, and make sure the hook point is exposed. There’s no need to hold the rod– place it in a holder. Once the rod starts to bend, don’t touch it until the drag starts screaming!
As for trout, it’s more of the same. Popping corks remain the go-to setup. Mud minnows and live shrimp are both producing good results. Creek shrimp are now large enough to net and use. If small fish keep picking at your live shrimp, switch to a D.O.A. 3-inch artificial shrimp. The Glow/ Gold Rush Belly color has been particularly effective.
Anglers targeting flounder have reported strong numbers. Work mud minnows or finger mullet along the bottom near structures. Move the bait gently, and when you think you’ve got a bite, pause a few seconds before setting the hook. We’ve also had good luck picking up flounder with mud minnows under a popping cork.
My favorite summertime fish is the ladyfish. With rising water temperatures, ladyfish are filling our waters. These exciting fish readily take bait under a popping cork and will make your drag sing. Their acrobatic jumps and hard runs make them a blast to catch. You’ll often find them in the same spots where trout are found.
See you on the water!
For the past 16 years, Capt. Geoff Bennett has operated Charleston Charter Fishing, providing light-tackle fishing charters. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to offering a safe and enjoyable charter for anglers of all ages and skill levels. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit www. charlestoncharterfishing.com or email captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.
Steve and Eli Hudzik of Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Capt. Geoff Bennett.
