Rom Reddy Announces Campaign for Governor of South Carolina
Launching Immediate Seven Figure Statewide Ad Plan Will Not Take Donations or Endorsements: “this campaign is between me and the voters.”
By Reddy for Governor Campaign
(Charleston, SC) Rom Reddy, businessman, founder of DOGESC and a seven-figure donor to President Trump, today announced that he is running for Governor of South Carolina, launching an immediate seven figure statewide two week advertising buy.
In an unprecedented move, Reddy said he will not accept any campaign donations for the upcoming primaries nor will he seek endorsements. “Self-governance is making your case to the citizen directly and not clouding the issue with special interest money and endorsements,” Reddy said.
In explaining his late entry into the race, Reddy added “I have always believed the role of government is to protect and defend our God given rights. Instead, government has taken this power and weaponized it against the citizen. We have the highest income tax rate of any red state, property taxes that are a life sentence and government spending that has doubled in the last decade. However, we are at the bottom in education, roads ,median family income and health care and at the top in crime and the growth of the agency state. In other words, we are a red state run like a blue state. This has to stop.”
Reddy is a graduate of the Wharton Business School and has spent his entire career in the private sector starting or turning around businesses primarily in American manufacturing. He plans to spend the next few months touring the state and meeting and talking to everyday citizens.
“There are two lanes in this race. In one lane are all the other candidates with over 50 years in government who take money from PAC’s, corporations and special interest but claim they have your back. In the other lane is me, a successful private sector guy who has rejected special interest money and will be a voice for the voiceless,” Reddy added.
For more details visit www.reddyforgovernor.com.
A move closer to preserving Captain Sams Spit
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
Could there finally be an answer to the decades-long Captain Sams Spit fiasco? Possibly, as was explained at a community-wide meeting held by the Town of Kiawah Island on March 2.
The Town wanted to bring the community together to explain a settlement agreement entered into by the Town, the Kiawah Island Community Association (KICA), the Conservancy of the Sea Islands (formerly the Kiawah Conservancy), Kiawah Partners and the state of South Carolina.
Over the past two years, the town has commenced many executive sessions during Town Council meetings to discuss the ongoing litigation surrounding Captain Sams Spit. Finally, the community is getting some answers as to what is going on with this 150-acre isthmus located on the southern tip of Kiawah Island between the Kiawah River and the Atlantic Ocean.
At the community-wide meeting, Kiawah Island Mayor Bradley Belt provided an overview of the terms of the agreement and the conditions that must be met before it is implemented. He noted that the terms of the agreement would protect Captain Sams Spit in its natural state in perpetuity and ensure continued public access to Beachwalker Park and the beachfront areas of the Spit.
The terms are not yet set in stone because several actions still need to be taken, including approval by the SC State Fiscal Accountability Authority, appropriation of the State’s funding commitment by the General Assembly, court approvals and satisfaction of various closing
conditions.
The good news, however, is that the settlement agreement would resolve two separate ongoing lawsuits. One is the lawsuit filed in 2024 by the Town, KICA and the Conservancy against Kiawah Partners. The suit seeks to enforce provisions of the now-expired development agreement between the Town and Kiawah Partners requiring portions of the Spit to be conveyed to KICA and undeveloped areas to be deed-restricted and a conservation easement granted in favor of the Conservancy. The other case is a suit filed by Kiawah Partners in 2009 claiming that the denial of a requested permit to construct an erosion control device along the banks of the Kiawah River constituted an unconstitutional taking of property.
Currently completely owned by Kiawah Partners, this settlement would divide the property into three. The highlands parcel will be conveyed by Kiawah Partners to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The Oceanfront parcel will be conveyed by Kiawah Partners to the State of South Carolina. The parcel, which includes Beachwalker Park, will be conveyed by Kiawah Partners to the Town.
Before this conveyance by Kiawah Partners, however, they will record a conservation easement in favor of the Conservancy. It prohibits any structures from being built on the Spit and prohibits activities that are inconsistent with the conservation purposes and values of the easement.
In addition, the parcel to be conveyed to the Department of
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Contributors
Theresa Stratford
Elisabeth St John Rod Morris
Arielle Alpino
Autum Blanchard
Martha Zink Peggy Fox
Future submission deadline: March 25 for the April 3 issue
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Old Island Eye, Island Connection Issues Available
There’s a Kiawah Island app
BY THERESA STRATFORD | For The Island Connection
Want community updates? Need quick-access links for the Town of Kiawah Island, like business license info, beach rules and important phone numbers? Wondering about key information that directly affects you and your daily way of life? You’re in luck –there’s an app for that, and it’s not only brand-new but also free.
The Town of Kiawah Island has officially rolled out its new town app via GOGov. If you have already been a Town app user, you don’t have to do anything. The app should have automatically updated to the new platform. But if you are new to the Town of Kiawah Island app, it’s easy to download with the QR code. Just make sure to enable the notifications so that you can stay abreast of every-
CORRECTION
thing Kiawah Island-related. Probably the most important time to stay connected to the Town of Kiawah Island will be when the weather is severe, especially when hurricanes are headed our way. Download the app before those issues occur to ensure you’re aware of any weather-related incidents and conditions that could directly affect you and your household.
The Island Connection spoke to the Town of Kiawah Island’s Communications and Public Affairs Director, Meredith Blair, to learn more about the new and improved app.
Why did the town want to launch this app? When did it launch originally?
The communications department launched a new and improved mobile app after recognizing that the Town’s original app lacked several important capabilities. By transitioning to GOGov, we are now partnering with a platform designed specifically for local
governments. One of the key reasons for this upgrade is the push-notification feature, which allows us to send important updates and alerts directly to a user’s phone in real time.
What can people get out of the app? Is it mostly for residents or is it for visitors, too?
Some of the app’s key features include how to report any concerns, Kiawah wildlife information, upcoming events and town safety information and regulations. We encourage both residents and visitors to download the app. Push notifications will inform users about meetings, events, weather, traffic and more.
Why are you happy to have it available for communication?
The communications department has been working behind the scenes on this project for months, and we are thrilled to see it come to fruition. Effective and timely communication builds strong communities, and this mobile app ensures every resident and visitor has immediate access to the information that matters most.
Who can people contact for questions about it?
Any questions about the app can be directed to Communications and Public Affairs Director Meredith Blair at mblair@kiawahisland.gov.
In a the last edition of The Island Connection, an advertisement for Michelle Almeyda-Wiedemuth of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty included a Valentine’s Day message, which appeared in error.
We sincerely apologize to Michelle Almeyda-Wiedemuth and Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty for the mistake. We’re proud to partner with our advertisers, whose support not only keeps The Island Connection running but also helps bring vital news and stories to our community. Every dollar we earn goes right back into funding local programs and initiatives that make our area stronger and more connected.
Town of Kiawah Island
Environmental Committee
Wednesday, March 25, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Infrastructure and Public Works Committee
Thursday, April 2, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Arts & Cultural Events Council
Thursday, April 2, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Arts Council Board
Monday, April 6, 9 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, April 7, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Town of Seabrook Island
Town Council
Tuesday, March 24, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Board of Zoning Appeals
Wednesday, March 25, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, April 8, 1:30 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Utility Commission
Wednesday, April 15, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, April 21, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
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
World-Class Talent Set for 2026 Credit One Charleston Open
BY ARIELLE ALPINO | For The Island Connection
The Credit One Charleston Open, North America’s largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament, has released the preliminary player field for the 2026 event, taking place March 28 - April 5 on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina. The preliminary main draw is highlighted by 10 top 25 players, 11 Americans, three Grand Slam singles champions and four former Charleston champions. As the kick-off event of the clay season on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz, the tournament was recently named the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year for the fourth consecutive year.
Headlining the field are World No. 5 and 2025 Charleston champion Jessica Pegula, World No. 6 and two-time 2025 Grand Slam finalist Amanda Anisimova, World No. 11 and two-time Charleston semifinalist Ekaterina Alexandrova, World No. 12, 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2022 Charleston champion Belinda Bencic, World No. 15, 2025 Australian Open champion and 2019 Charleston champion Madison Keys, World No. 18, 2025 Guadalajara champion and 18-year-old sensation Iva Jovic, World No. 20 and 2025 Monterrey champion Diana Shnaider and World No. 25, Lowcountry tennis standout and 2025 Merida champion Emma Navarro.
The 2026 lineup also reflects the strength of American tennis, with 11 U.S. players entered in the main draw, including Pegula, Anisimova, Keys, Kenin and Navarro, as well as Jovic, Peyton Stearns, Hailey Baptiste, McCartney Kessler, Caty McNally and Ashlyn Krueger.
Former champions Keys, Pegula, Bencic and Daria Kasatkina (2017) return to compete for another Charleston title.
“This year’s field reflects the strength and depth of women’s tennis right now,” said Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment. “With 10 top 25 players confirmed, a strong group of American contenders and athletes representing 20 different countries, the level of competition in Charleston will be incredibly high. From established champions to emerging talent, fans can expect world-class play on the green clay of Credit One Stadium.”
Player field stats include:
• 10 Top 25 Players: Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Iva Jovic, Diana Shnaider, Elise Mertens, Anna Kalinskaya and Emma Navarro
• Four Charleston Open Champions: Jessica
Pegula, Madison Keys, Belinda Bencic and Daria Kasatkina
• Three Grand Slam Champions: Madison Keys (2025 Australian Open), Jelena Ostapenko (2017 Roland Garros), Sofia Kenin (2020 Australian Open)
• Olympic Gold Medalist: Belinda Bencic (Tokyo)
• 11 American Competitors: Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova, Iva Jovic, Madison Keys, Emma Navarro, Sofia Kenin, Peyton Stearns, Hailey Baptiste, McCartney Kessler, Caty McNally and Ashlyn Krueger
• Five 2026 WTA Champions: Elisabetta Cocciaretto (Hobart), Sara Bejlek (Abu Dhabi), Jessica Pegula (Dubai), Peyton Stearns (Austin), Cristina Bucsa (Merida)
• Five Grand Slam finalists: Jessica Pegula (2024 US Open), Amanda Anisimova (2025 Wimbledon & US Open), Madison Keys (2017 US Open), Sofia Kenin (2020 Roland Garros), Leylah Fernandez (2021 US Open)
Four additional players will join the main draw via wild card entry, to be announced at a later date. To round out the field, six players will earn entry into the main draw via qualifying competition. The nine-day Credit One Charleston Open showcases a singles draw of 48 players, a qualifying draw of 24 players, and a doubles draw of 16 players. The event hosts more than 90,000 attendees on Daniel Island.
The nine-day Credit One Charleston Open showcases a singles draw of 48 players, a qualifying draw of 24 players, and a doubles draw of 16 players. The event traditionally hosts more than 90,000 attendees on Daniel Island.
“For more than 50 years, the Credit One Charleston Open has been an important part of the clay court season and the growth of women’s professional tennis,” said Moran. “As North America’s largest women’s-only professional tournament, we’ve built a strong tradition of competition and community here in Charleston. We’re grateful to Credit One Bank for its continued support of our players and its commitment to equal prize money. In 2026, we’re excited to award equal prize money for the first time, with total player compensation reaching $2.5 million - an important step for our event and the athletes who compete here each spring.”
As the kickoff event of the WTA Tour’s clay season, the Credit One Charleston Open is held annually at Credit One Stadium and was named WTA 500 Tournament of the Year in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. In April, Credit One
Bank extended its title partnership through 2031 and announced the tournament will offer $2.5 million in equal prize money beginning in 2026, marking a significant milestone for the event. The increase reflects the bank’s commitment to advancing investment and opportunity in women’s sports and further positions Charleston as a leader on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz. With this move, the Credit One Charleston Open became the first standalone WTA 500 tournament to voluntarily raise prize money.
The Credit One Charleston Open has been a pioneer in women’s professional sports since 1973, paving the way for female tennis players to receive equal recognition, respect and compensation in the sport. The tournament has a long history of breaking new ground in tennis, having been the first women’s tennis event to offer $100,000 in prize money in 1973 and the first to be broadcast live on network television. The inaugural champion, Rosie Casals, received a check for $30,000, which was the largest prize money payout awarded to a woman that year. Originally held on Hilton Head Island, the event relocated to Charleston in 2001 and is now played at the LTP Daniel Island tennis center, home to Credit One Stadium.
The Credit One Charleston Open has launched its Fan Hub, a centralized destination for all on-site experiences and tournament happenings. Beyond world-class tennis, fans can enjoy nine days of elevated dining, theme nights, live music and interactive programming, highlighted by the debut of a new eatery on-site, The Kitchen, and a signature Oyster Roast on Saturday, March 28, featuring all-you-can-eat oysters during qualifying weekend. Special event tickets are on sale now at creditonecharlestonopen.com or by calling 843-856-7900, in addition to a variety of single-session and package options available. Special discounts are available for juniors, seniors, USTA members and military members. Juniors aged 16 and under receive complimentary general admission with the purchase of an adult ticket, courtesy of Credit One Bank.
Charleston Tennis, LLC, which manages Credit One Stadium under a lease from the City of Charleston, renovated and modernized the 20-year-old facility in 2022. The city-owned venue underwent upgrades to enhance the stadium experience for patrons, performers, tennis players and event management, allowing the venue to attract world-class athletes and talent to Daniel Island.
You can’t step into the same marsh twice
Mapping and analyzing our coastal ecosystem
BY AUTUM BLANCHARD | For The Island Connection
If you’ve ever stood at the edge of a salt marsh along South Carolina’s coast, the landscape can feel timeless — wide stretches of grass moving in the wind and tides rising and falling in a quiet rhythm.
But marshes are anything but still.
With about 350,000 acres of salt marsh, South Carolina contains nearly one-third of the salt marsh habitat in the southeastern United States. These ecosystems do far more than shape the coastal view. They provide nursery habitat for roughly 75% of commercial and recreational fish species, help filter pollutants from coastal waters and reduce flooding and storm surge during severe weather. In many ways, marshes act as natural infrastructure, protecting both wildlife and coastal communities.
For organizations like the Conservancy of the Sea Islands, which works to protect and study the coastal ecosystems of the Sea Islands Watershed, understanding how marshes function and how they are changing is a central part of protecting the region’s natural resources.
What many people don’t realize is that marshes are constantly changing. Flooded twice daily by tides and dominated by smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), marshes slowly build upward, shift across
shorelines and respond to changing water levels.
Understanding whether marshes can keep pace with rising seas requires studying how they change over time. That’s where modern mapping technology comes in.
Scientists with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources are studying marsh resiliency by combining field research with geographic information systems (GIS). At research sites, scientists measure plant density, soil conditions, flooding patterns and plant growth. These on-the-ground observations help reveal how healthy a marsh is.
To understand what’s happening across the entire coastline, researchers combine this field data with images collected from drones and satellites. GIS allows scientists to layer and analyze these different sources of information across large areas. In simple terms, researchers connect what they see on the ground with what satellites see from above.
Building on this broader scientific work, the Conservancy of the Sea Islands is applying similar tools at a more local level to better understand marsh systems within the Sea Islands Watershed, including the Stono River, Kiawah River, and Bohicket Creek.
Using data collected during field surveys — including measurements of plant communities and small marsh-dwelling organisms called macroinvertebrates — the Conservancy has developed GIS mapping layers that help visualize marsh condition.
While statewide research provides a broad understanding of coastal change, local mapping efforts like those led by the Conservancy of the Sea Islands reveal details that larger datasets may miss — including site-specific challenges, opportunities for marsh migration and places where conservation work can make the greatest difference.
Throughout the month, the Conservancy will be sharing stories, science and opportunities for the community to learn more about the marshes that surround us and the work being done to protect them.
By understanding the marsh’s changes — and supporting the efforts to monitor and restore these vital landscapes — we can help ensure our marshes continue to support wildlife, improve water quality and buffer our Sea Island communities for generations to come.
To learn more about Marsh Madness and ways to support local marsh conservation, visit conservancyoftheseaislands.org.
Kiawah Arts, etc presents 2026 Arts in Bloom
BY MARTHA ZINK | For The Island Connection
March 26 will be a night to remember.
Kiawah Arts, etc. will celebrate the 25th year of the organization with a gala event at the Kiawah Island River Club ballroom at 6 p.m. It is open to everyone who wishes to support the organization in its mission to bring the arts to the students in the schools on Johns Island and Wadmalaw. The evening will include keynote speaker Charlton Singleton of the Grammy award-winning band Ranky Tanky and the Charleston Jazz Orchestra; a performance by the Haut Gap Middle School Orchestra; delicious food; and live music.
This major fundraiser will include a silent art auction of works by local artists such as Mary Whyte, West Fraser, Jonathan Greene and many others. Select paintings are on view at the First National Bank rotunda at Freshfields through March 25 and at the Art in Bloom benefit on March 26. Silent auction items also include Chef Todd Hadley’s inhome dinner experience; a golf and cottage stay at Cassique; golf and tennis lessons; Charleston Symphony tickets; a scenic boat cruise; and much more. All paintings and auction items are available for view online. Bidding closes at 8:30 pm March 26, the night of the benefit.
At the March Arts, etc. luncheon, President Karen
Curth related a conversation with Principal Travis Benintendo from Haut Gap Middle School. He said that the programs funded by Arts, etc. are transformational for students and are “saving and sculpting lives.” Title One funding is available only to schools with a 70% student poverty rate and can only be used for supplies – not music, art or even sports programs. Our program partners open up new worlds to students.
The speaker at the March luncheon was Christopher Scotton, an author who now lives on Johns Island. He worked in technology, starting several companies, but always wanted to write and has found great success with his first novel, The Secret Wisdom of the Earth. His second novel is just coming out, and both may be turned into movies or series. When asked about writing, his advice was not to just read novels but to study them – how they are crafted. In school, he was encouraged by teachers and mentors, starting in eighth grade when he was writing short stories. Perhaps the arts programs funded by Arts, etc. will encourage students to follow their dreams of writing or pursuing other artistic endeavors.
For information, tickets to Arts in Bloom, and to view and bid on auction items, please visit kiawahartsetc.org.
“Rocking Chair” by West Fraser.
“Preening Pelicans” by Daphne Hobson.
AROUND THE ISLANDS
MULTIPLE DATES
WHAT: Fleece+ Friday
WHERE: Beachwalker Center
WHEN: Every Friday from 10 a.m. to 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 Dr.
WHEN: Every Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 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: Sea Island Farmers Market
WHERE: 2024 Academy Rd., Johns Island
WHEN: Every Saturday from 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 farm-fresh goodies and unique finds.
WHAT: Weekend Wine-Down
WHERE: Deep Water Vineyard, 6775 Bears Bluff Rd., Wadmalaw Island
WHEN: Every Saturday from 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: Southern Sips
WHERE: Dunlin Resort, 1030 Sound Dr., Johns Island
WHEN: Every Tuesday and Friday from 3:30 p.m.4:30 pm
MORE INFO: Step into the world of mixology with this Southern Sips Class, where you’ll master the art of crafting two unique cocktails using ingredients sourced directly from the resort’s farm.
WHAT: The Charleston Festival
WHERE: Various
WHEN: March 18 – April 11
MORE INFO: Historic Charleston Foundation has celebrated houses, history, and culture through its annual spring festival since its founding in 1947 as the Festival of Houses and Gardens. As the Foundation’s longest-running fundraising and educational event, the Festival has evolved into a celebration of Charleston’s history, architecture, culture, and community.
WHAT: Cirque Ma’Ceo
WHERE: Johns Island County Park, 2662 Mullet Hall Rd., Johns Island
WHEN: March 27 to April 5
MORE INFO: Cirque Ma’Ceo is a theatrical performance by Cavallo Equestrian Arts featuring acrobatic feats, aerial dancing and exotic horses. Showtimes are Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, visit cirquemaceo.com.
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
WHAT: Charleston Symphony Orchestra Pops: Portrait of a Nation - America Celebrates 250 WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St., Charleston WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The CSO’s 2025-2026 Pops finale will be a powerful experience for the senses, combining visual and musical storytelling of American composers and artists. Be part of history as the Charleston Symphony celebrates America’s 250th birthday with the world premiere of Mary Whyte’s breathtaking watercolor collection, “Salt of the Earth.”
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
WHAT: Paws in the Park WHERE: Brittlebank Park, 185 Lockwood Dr., Charleston WHEN: Noon - 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: South Carolina’s largest pet-friendly festival is back, featuring live music, brews, a chili cook-off and all the oysters you can eat.
WHAT: 90th Springtime in Charleston House & Garden Tour WHERE: Downtown Charleston WHEN: Various.
MORE INFO: The tours take place in two different historic districts over the course of two days: South of Broad and Ansonborough. Peek behind the walls of some of the most beautiful gardens in Charleston, and step inside homes to see stunning architectural details, lovely furnishings, and interesting art and antiques. Tours are self-guided with club-member docents sharing knowledge and history at each location. Visit thegardenclubofcharleston.org for more info.
SUNDAY, MARCH 22
WHAT: Lyubov Petrova WHERE: Church of Our Saviour, 4416 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy., Johns Island WHEN: 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: Lyubov Petrova is a regular performer on the symphonic and concert circuit. She has sung Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem with the Hong Kong Philharmonic and Rachmaninov’s The Bells
with the Florida Orchestra and the Russian National Orchestra, and Artiomov’s Requiem with the Russian National Orchestra; Bach’s Magnificat and Haydn’s Nelson Mass with Helmuth Rilling conducting the Moscow Conservatory Orchestra; and Mozart’s Exsultate, jubilate with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24
WHAT: John Legend: An Evening of Songs and Stories
WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St., Charleston WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Legend is an EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multi-platinum artist and producer who has earned 13 Grammy Awards, along with an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Tony Award and four Emmy Awards. He is one of only 19 people to achieve EGOT status, placing him among the most versatile entertainers in history.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
WHAT: Cooper River Bridge Run
WHERE:Mount Pleasant
WHEN: 8 a.m.
MORE INFO: The Cooper River Bridge Run is one of the best 10-K races in the world. It includes world-class competition in a unique setting with unparalleled participant satisfaction. Learn more at bridgerun.com.
WHAT: Easter Egg Hunt
WHERE: Dill Sanctuary, 1163 Riverland Dr., James Island
WHEN: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Head to this 580-acre nature preserve for a morning of crafts and activities followed by an Easter Egg hunt. The egg hunt for ages 5 and up will begin at 10:30 a.m. with ages 4 and under immediately to follow. Reservations are required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register online or call: 843.722.2996 ext. 236.
WHAT: Outdoor Barre Workout
WHERE: Andes Inn, 300 Farm Lake View Rd., Kiawah Island
WHEN: 11:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Join 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 (1-3lbs). Our community calendar keeps you updated on local events. From festivals to workshops to family-friendly gatherings. Stay connected and never miss
Fire safety made simple
BY ELISABETH ST JOHN | For The Island Connection
Beep, beep, beep. It is still dark, but a new bird is chirping outside. I pick up my phone from the glass tabletop and record the bird’s sound on Bird.net, and it identifies . . . not a bird but an expiring smoke alarm.
Have you had this happen? Next, you fly out of bed and try to find the chirp upstairs, downstairs and finally, when three possibilities are located, find a tall enough ladder and try to reach the culprit – only you can’t get it to dismount from the wall location nor stop the beeping. The ensuing distress and loss of sleep overwhelm any appreciation that this was not an active fire event!
There is a solution to this problem. The St. Johns Fire District offers a replacement service for your house alarms. This free service is available to everyone in the St. Johns Fire District response area. Two handsome firefighters were at our house the next morning and had replaced, repositioned or remounted the 12 aged-out smoke alarms in our house in a short period of time. Compare that to 10 years ago, when we ordered alarms, then moved and climbed ladders and replaced and installed the 10-year alarms ourselves, and it took us nearly a week of life! Plus, these professionals know the code, the placement, the types of alarms to place near gas appliances or in the garage and the safety issues involved.
If your alarms are hardwired into your home, our friends from the St. Johns Fire District will install them, but purchasing them is still the homeowner’s responsibility, as they are almost always a particular brand/model for them to work properly.
Part of the replacement service is a brief educational talk about fire safety. Did you know that damaged
$1,695,000
or over-charged lithium batteries can cause spontaneous fires? In the past years, rechargeable batteries have become commonplace in the household and in businesses. From Dyson vacuums to mobile phones and dog-walking headlamps, we all have rechargeable conveniences. A rechargeable power tool left to charge after reaching 100% has caused garage fires. House fires caused by damaged rechargeables are on the rise and are more difficult to control.
Do’s and Don’ts:
Only use the original name brand charger in your name brand product. If you own aftermarket chargers, get rid of them if there is any heating occurring when charging. If your charger fails, buy a new one from the manufacturer of your tool. 100% battery? Unplug! Overcharging can spark combustion and fire.
Buy name brand batteries. Often, batteries offered on the aftermarket are made in countries not in compliance with electrical safety codes and do not have UL (Underwriter Laboratories) sanction. Use only solid, non-flammable surfaces for your phone or other tools to charge or rest on. Do not put phones on the bed or pillow. And if your laptop is surrounded by paper projects, be very careful to keep the flammables a good distance away from the appliance.
Our local fire professionals wish everyone a safe 2026, and if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your local fire station. For Johns Island, Seabrook, Kiawah and Wadmalaw Islands, Capt. Ed Singleton can be contacted at e.singleton@ stjfd.org, or 843-559-9194.
Seabrook Island Village wraps up successful mahjong fundraiser
BY PEGGY FOX For The Island Connection
More than 80 women gathered at the Seabrook Island Club on February 26 for a day full of mahjong, camaraderie and great food. The best part was raising funds to support Seabrook Island Village’s mission of helping neighbors safely stay in their own homes on Seabrook and Kiawah River Estate for as long as possible. Many thanks to all our donors for supporting this wonderful event.
Betsy Curtain, vice president of Seabrook Island Village, moderated the event. Throughout the day, attendees won door prizes, awards and a memorial mahjong set.
The competition was strong as the players ranged from newbies to extremely experienced skill levels. Hop Hartman took first place; Karen Coomer took second place; and Johna Rawls took third place. Jeanne Kennedy received the Newbie award, and Ann Hess won the memorial set.
All in all, it was a fabulous day. Our next mahjong event will be October 30. We look forward to welcoming all mahjong mavens in the fall!
Panoramic marsh, creek, and river views surround this stunning 3-bedroom waterfront townhome. The open-concept design features a chef’s kitchen with premium stainless appliances, stone countertops, and an oversized island for entertaining. Multiple balconies invite outdoor living, while modern elevated construction offers energy efficiency, a multi-stop elevator, whole-house water purifier, generator, and thoughtful finishes throughout.
BY ROD MORRIS
Bob LeFevre, a resident of Seabrook Island and Salem, South Carolina, retired from a successful career in business at the age of 55 to pursue his passion of oil painting. Since he was a child, he loved the water and everything related to it. It was natural that his paintings would depict scenes of life on and near the oceans and lakes.
LeFevre’s painting career began when, at the urging of his fourth grade teachers, he enrolled in private art classes. At an early age, he began to develop his perceptual skills as an artist, learning the fundamentals of rendering and depiction of values in a representational way.
He attended Colgate University where he double majored in business and art and earned extra money drawing caricatures of his classmates and selling paintings to teachers and the locals. Following graduation, LeFevre elected to pursue a business career, knowing that he would eventually return to art. After 33 years as an executive with Procter & Gamble and Pepsi and as an owner of The United States Playing Card Company, he retired to pursue his dream.
The artist currently maintains studios at his Seabrook Island and Salem homes, the former by the ocean and the latter on Lake Keowee. He was represented by the Spencer Art Galleries in Charleston and now maintains a gallery at home on Seabrook.
Although LeFevre’s work is representational, in each piece he strives to capture the true beauty and feeling of the scene as seen and felt through his eyes. Because of his passion for the sea, the depiction comes within.
“I constantly explore various lighting techniques, especially how they affect water reflections and skies, to capture a viewer’s attention and bring him or her into the scene,” he says.
Please enjoy Bob LeFevre’s delightful artistic work in the Lakehouse during the month of April, and come to the reception Wednesday, April 8 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
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Bob LeFevre
MARCH 21 8:32 A.M., 8:48 P.M. 2:20 A.M., 2:40 P.M.
MARCH 22 9:27 A.M., 9:41 P.M. 3:16 A.M., 3:31 P.M.
MARCH 23 10:21 A.M., 10:34 P.M. 4:10 A.M., 4:21 P.M.
MARCH 24 11:12 A.M., 11:25 P.M. 5:02 A.M., 5:10 P.M.
Seabrook Island Artist Guild hosts Karen Hagan for two-day workshop
On April 7-8, artist Karen Hagan will host a workshop titled “Wonderful Paintings from Your Travel Photos” at the Oyster Catcher Community Center.
We all have favorite photos we want to make into paintings, right? Sure, but why is that so hard? Hagan has helped solve that mystery at workshops in Europe, the Caribbean and across the United States, now including the Sea Islands.
1:57 A.M., 2:36 P.M. 8:26 A.M., 8:27 P.M. SUN., MARCH 29 2:47 A.M., 3:27 P.M. 9:17 A.M., 9:17 P.M.
MON., MARCH 30 3:38 A.M., 4:18 P.M. 10:08 A.M., 10:08 P.M.
TUE., MARCH 31 4:30 A.M., 5:10 P.M. 11:00 A.M., 11:00 P.M.
WED., APRIL 1 5:24 A.M., 6:05 P.M. 11:53 A.M.
THU., APRIL 2 6:21 A.M., 7:04 P.M. 12:02 A.M., 12:47 P.M. FRI., APRIL 3 7:19 A.M., 8:05 P.M. 12:58 A.M., 1:43 P.M.
Using your photos and medium of choice, you’ll create two small pieces per day, turning photo faves into strong paintings that reflect your personal voice. Among the workshop topics are the all-important start and the up-front considerations that translate photos into successful paintings. Look to sharpen your compositional skills, experiment with different paint handling techniques and put color theory to work for you.
This two-day workshop is $200 for members. To ask questions or reserve a spot, send a check made out to Karen Hagan and mail to: Gary Kunkelman, 2116 Royal Pine Drive, Seabrook, 29455
About the Artist:
Karen Hagan is a professional artist and an avid traveler. She lived aboard a motorboat (aptly named Plein Air) for over eight years and has hosted destination workshops in France, Italy, the Bahamas and Charleston since 2007. She works en plein air in oil, and in her studio in oils and acrylics. Her style has evolved over the years to include representational, impressionistic plein air and abstracted works. She founded Hagan Fine Art Gallery & Studio in Charleston in 2010 and sold the business in 2024. She is never without at least a sketch book and a tiny watercolor set wherever she travels.
Karen Hagan
Sams Spit
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Natural Resources is intended to be designated as a Heritage Trust Preserve, a program specifically designed to preserve and protect natural and cultural properties across South Carolina. State law prohibits a wide range of acts and conduct on heritage preserves.
Beachwalker Park, which is currently owned by Kiawah Partners, will be conveyed to the Town. The Town is committed to ensuring that this property is public and that the 99-year lease between the original master developer of Kiawah Island and Charleston County, entered into in 1976 and providing County management of Beachwalker Park, remains in effect.
This means that all oceanfront areas of the Spit will be preserved. The Town’s Wildlife and Natural Resources Department officials and agents will continue to be able to carry out wildlife management practices, engage in wildlife research activities and continue the Turtle Patrol program. The Conservation Easement also provides for the continuation of wildlife management activities, including Turtle Patrol and shorebird stewardship activities. In exchange for the conveyances, Kiawah Partners will receive $32 million from the state, the Town will pay $3.7 million and the Conservancy will pay $1.3 million.
The Conservancy of the Sea Islands plans to undergo an extensive fundraising effort for their portion of the Spit, and the Town has the funds to pay their portion. However, the state’s funding obligation is a bit more complicated because it is conditioned upon approval by the State Fiscal
Accountability Authority (SFAA). The settlement documents have been filed with the SFAA, and it is currently anticipated that consideration of approval of the settlement will be placed on the SFAA next scheduled meeting on March 31. The State’s funding obligation is also contingent upon an appropriation by the General Assembly of $32 million prior to adjournment of the legislative session. The General Assembly is currently scheduled to adjourn no later than May 14.
A snafu could occur if SFAA does not approve the settlement and/or the General Assembly does not appropriate the necessary funds. In that case, this whole arrangement would be null and void. If the funding approvals are timely obtained, then the parties would be obligated to undertake various actions specified in the settlement agreement, including subdividing the parcel, recording the conservation easement and conveying parcels with required deed restrictions. It is anticipated that it would take several months for all contingencies and closing conditions to be satisfied and completed.
The future development of this small piece of property has been argued in and out of court since 2009 mostly due to its fragile ecosystem and vital importance for local wildlife, such as the dolphins that strand feed there.
The original plan was to develop 50 homes on Captain Sams Spit, but Kiawah Partners contends that, due to the legal battle over the years, they were never able to start development.
The first ruling against the development of 50 homes came in 2014 when the SC Supreme Court ruled against it because of “the complete loss of area held in trust for the benefit of the people.”
Then again in 2018, the Court ruled in favor of the public benefits for preserving the Spit and at that time blocked the construction of a half-mile-
long bulkhead/revetment on the Kiawah River.
In June of 2021, the South Carolina Supreme Court denied permits that Kiawah Partners so desperately needed from DHEC to construct a 2,380-foot steel wall along the neck portion that connects Kiawah to Captain Sams. These permits would have also allowed infrastructure like roadways, stormwater systems and utility lines.
Despite the rulings, in July of 2022, the Kiawah Island Planning Commission approved a preliminary subdivision plat extension for one year. However, Kiawah Partners still did not move forward with any sort of development at that time.
In 2024, the Town of Kiawah Island started to move toward where it is now, in the hopes of a conservation easement.
The Spit is critical habitat to numerous endangered, threatened and declining wildlife species. It is one of only three undeveloped barrier islands or spits of land in the state of South Carolina. And the Spit is one of the very few places on the planet, perhaps the only one, where the combination of denning bobcats, migrating Red Knots, nesting loggerhead sea turtles and strand-feeding Atlantic bottlenose dolphins can be found.
The space for a road to Captain Sams Spit is currently underwater. The entirety of the property has been completely underwater before – three times in recorded history, in fact, and most recently in 1949.
The purpose of the community meeting was for the Town of Kiawah Island to convey that the settlement agreement, if finally implemented, will preserve and protect this unique and critical habitat in its undeveloped state in perpetuity for the benefit of the Kiawah community, the state of South Carolina and the general public for generations to come.
