Marsh Madness: A Month of Adventure in the Salt Marsh
BY JENNIFER WILSON | For The Island Connection
Along our South Carolina Sea Islands, water doesn’t just frame the land; it connects and defines it. As rivers make their final saunter to the ocean, they divide into winding creeks and spill into expansive tidal marshes, nourishing one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth.
The salt marsh is more than scenery. It is a living system shaped twice daily by the tides, where spartina grasses anchor shifting banks, oysters build reefs that soften wave energy and wading birds, fish, and crabs depend on its shelter. These marshes filter water, buffer storm surge and serve as nurseries for countless species that support both wildlife and coastal communities.
This March, the Conservancy of the Sea Islands (formerly Kiawah Conservancy) is spotlighting this extraordinary habitat through Marsh Madness, a month-long celebration designed to deepen
understanding and appreciation of the ecosystem that shapes and sustains our Sea Islands.
Through guided field experiences, creative workshops and expert-led programs, participants are invited to experience the marsh up close — from pluff mud flats and oyster reefs to the hidden creatures that thrive between the tides. Each program reveals how daily tidal cycles sculpt the coastline and how plants and wildlife adapt to constant ebb and flow.
“Marsh Madness is about helping people slow down and truly see the marsh,” said Katie Jonjevic, educational outreach specialist for the Conservancy.
“When you understand how the tides, grasses, oysters and wildlife all work together, you begin to appreciate just how essential this ecosystem is — not just for nature, but for our coastal communities.”
Programs are designed for both lifelong natu-
ralists and those who are simply marsh-curious. The celebration continues online throughout the month with wildlife spotlights, native plant features, marsh facts and behind-the-scenes looks at local conservation work.
The Conservancy of the Sea Islands invites you to step into the rhythm of this landscape. Go beyond admiring its beauty; become part of its story. Become part of its story. Join in caring for the land and water that sustain life here, and help ensure the magic of our Sea Islands endures.
To learn more about programs and ways to get involved, visit conservancyoftheseaislands.org and follow @kiawahconservancy on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Please note: Some opportunities may be full. New programs and volunteer events are added regularly at conservancyoftheseaislands.org/programsandactivities.
Photo by Paul Roberts.
Photo by Pamela Cohen.
Photo courtesy of the Conservancy of the Sea Islands.
PUBLISHERS OF:
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Contributors
Theresa Stratford
Jennifer Wilson
Susan Coomer
Elisabeth St John
Capt. Geoff Bennett
Sarah Reynolds
Joanne Gallivan
Future submission deadline: March 11 for the March 20 issue
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Short-Term rental ordinance up for discussion on Kiawah Island
BY THERESA STRATFORD | For The Island Connection
February 17 marked the first-ever Short-Term Rental (STR) Ad Hoc meeting for Kiawah Island. According to Kiawah Island Town Council Member Russell Berner, it has been six to seven long years since they addressed the town’s STR ordinance.
Obviously, a lot has changed on Kiawah Island in that amount of time. New developments, more people, more visitors and even more businesses have driven many changes on the island.
But like the rest of Charleston County, Kiawah Island has had to adapt to the rise in visitors and development. With growth comes change, which is why the town has decided to address potential changes to its STR ordinance.
Berner said, “We want to look at our STR ordinance, and maybe we’ll just stay where we are, enforce more or maybe even limit some of our enforcement. Basically, we are going to study what we have and just talk about whether any changes are necessary.”
Kiawah Island Town Council Member Lance Spencer is also on the STR ad-hoc committee. He said, “It will be interesting to hear all the perspectives. Some data has come up that we need to consider.”
Members on the committee represent the Kiawah Island Community Association, property management representatives, a representative from the regime council, full-time residents and part-time residents who rent their homes to short-term renters. Staff members were also present at the meeting, such as the Kiawah Island Town Administrator Stephanie Tillerson.
“I am here to support this ad hoc work group,” she said. “I will work to gather information in terms of research that needs to be done going forward.”
The idea for this ad hoc committee came from the town’s strategic planning meeting in late January. Mayor Bradley Belt was also in attendance at the ad hoc meeting. He stated, “We need to decide if we want an island-wide cap. We want to look at what other communities similar to ours are doing, and we want to decide if we want more provisions. Also, what is the role of the town versus the HOAs? Who should bear the burden of enforcement?”
Tillerson provided data in the form of a presentation during the meeting. Some of the data included: 20% cap on STR licenses in R1 and R2 zones.
• Calculated in ration of licenses (including PLLs) to dwelling units, developable lots in each zone.
• No cap in R2-C, R2-O or R3 (multifamily zones).
• First-come, first-served basis, waiting list when the cap is reached.
Town of Kiawah Island
Environmental Committee
Wednesday, March 11, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Infrastructure and Public Works Committee
Thursday, March 12, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Public Safety Committee
Thursday, March 12, 11 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Board of Zoning Appeals
Monday, March 16, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Resiliency Committee
Wednesay, March 18, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Provisional Lot License (PLL).
• Owners of undeveloped lots in R1/R2 can reserve a future STR license.
• Valid for three years from issuance (120-day extension if construction is underway).
• Guarantees the right to a Rental Business License upon Certificate of Occupancy.
• PLLs count against the 20% cap in the same pool as active STR licenses.
• Kiawah currently has four active PLLs, and only about 15 total since PLLs were put in place.
Licenses are non-transferable.
• When a property is sold, the STR license does not transfer to the new owner. The buyer must apply for a new license, subject to cap availability.
• Exception is intra-family transfers of property.
Annual license fees:
• $500 per year for capped zones.
• $200 per year in uncapped zones.
Tillerson also shared a slide about the town’s STR rules and enforcement. There are basic rules in the current ordinance, like no renting out rooms during the visit, parking only on paved surfaces and occupancy is set at two per bedroom, while a four-bedroom home has a max of 10 people.
For owners, rules are set for advertising and inspection. They have a three-strike rule before their license is revoked and face penalties of up to $500 per day.
She also revealed a slide noting that there are currently 4,691 total dwelling units and lots on Kiawah Island. Of those, 1,329 are the current and active STRs. She said that they have 77 STR licenses still available.
Tillerson also shared that since 2020, the number of STRs has decreased. The year 2020 had 1,372 STRs, 2021 had 1,361 STRs, 2022 had 1,349 STRs, 2023 had 1,356 STRs and in 2024, there were 1,347.
Also in decline are the violations by renters. Tillerson presented a slide showing the steady decline in violations since 2020:
• 2020 – 3,578 violations – 6,839 incidents
• 2021 – 2,987 violations – 5,772 incidents
• 2022 – 1,631 violations – 3,235 incidents
• 2023 – 1,102 violations – 2,079 incidents
• 2024 – 783 violations – 1,549 incidents
• 2025 – 424 violations – 1,284 incidents
She said, “When we amended the ordinance before, it was really because we had a lot of complaints with regards to short-term rentals, and probably the town was not really doing a very good job in enforcing.
Town of Seabrook Island
Planning Commission
Wednesday, March 11, 1:30 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Environment & Wildlife Committee
Thursday, March 12, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, March 17, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Discretionary Grants Committee
Wednesday, March 18, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, March. 24, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
(Continued on page 11)
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
It’s online or nothing for Seabrook business licenses and permits
BY THERESA STRATFORD | For The Island Connection
Who doesn’t want to work faster and feel smarter and more productive? That’s what Seabrook Island’s Citizenserve online application process promises, so why didn’t more people in 2025 use it?
Seabrook Island will require all applications for business licenses, zoning permits, new short-term rental permits, sign permits and temporary use permits to go through Citizenserve beginning now. Paper applications will no longer be accepted.
People will still be able to pay in person with check, cash or card, or they will have the option to pay online.
The business license renewal process opened on March 2, and all applications must be submitted by April 30 to avoid a late of 5% per month, in addition to the standard license tax.
Accepting applications strictly through Citizenserve was implemented in an effort to speed up the process. In 2025, 88% of the short-term rental applications were written submissions or by email. All the written and emailed applications had to be input manually by staff, which created a backlog. They had only processed about 150 by the end of May, when a total of 575 had been submitted in 2025. The town even had to bring in temporary workers to help get through the process.
erty management companies to go through Citizenserve and any changes in the ordinance and in permitting in early 2025.
The business license year runs from May 1 through April 30. Renewal notices are mailed to existing businesses on an annual basis. Business licenses must be renewed by April 30 of each year. Business licenses are required for short-term rental permits. Short-term rental applications must be submitted with the business license application. Commercial vehicles are required to display a town business license decal at all times.
Citizenserve allows users to apply and pay online. Seabrook Island staff can then review everything online, as well.
Seabrook Island staff held several meetings with rental owners and prop-
• More information on business licenses can be found here: townofseabrookisland. org/business-licenses.html
• More information on business licenses through Citizenserve can be found here: citizenserve.com/municipal-software-solutions/business-licensing-software/
• The short-term rental permits also run from May 1 to April 30. Some changes to the short-term rental regulations were approved last year and went into effect on May 1, 2025. More information on short-term rentals can be found here: townofseabrookisland.org/str.html.
• More information on building permits can be found here: townofseabrookisland.org/building-permits.html.
• And more information on zoning permits can be found here: townofseabrookisland.org/zoning-permits.html.
• Lastly, for more information on Citizenserve, visit citizenserve.com.
Charleston County Parks Foundation hosts golf fundraiser
BY SARAH REYNOLDS | For The Island Connection
The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission’s (CCPRC) nonprofit partner, the Charleston County Parks Foundation, will host a golf tournament event on Monday, April 13 to raise funds to support the foundation’s projects.
The day will feature a round of golf with a cart, gift bag, breakfast provided by Chick-Fil-A, refreshments, a raffle, a cocktail reception and a meal provided by Dog & Duck. This shotgun start captain’s choice tournament will be held at Charleston National Golf Club in Mount Pleasant, a Rees Jones-designed championship golf course which was rated by Golf Digest as the best non-resort golf course in the Charleston area.
Entry fees are $160 per person or $600 per team of four. Practice will take place the morning of the event from 8 – 9:30 a.m. Shotgun start will be at 10 a.m. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Proceeds from the tournament will go to support projects funded by the Charleston County Parks Foundation. Presently, the foundation directs its funding toward three areas needing support: the Genesis Swim Safety Fund, which supports aquatic safety programs in rural Charleston County; the Nature Stewardship Fund, which is focused on preserving, protecting and managing natural resources throughout the Charleston County Park system; and the Cultural History Fund, which aids in cultural and historical research, preservation, interpretation and education.
The Foundation also provides opportunities for all who encounter financial barriers to accessing parks, programs and services. For more information on the tournament or to register, visit ccprc.com/3733/Golf-Tournament.
Seabrook Island Village Presents interactive presentation
BY SUSAN COOMER | For The Island Connection
Seabrook Island Village will be hosting an interactive presentation entitled “Getting Your Affairs in Order, A Practical Approach,” on March 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Live Oak Hall at the Lake House. Seabrook Island Village invites anyone to attend, free of charge.
“Getting Your Affairs in Order” is a phrase that we usually don’t want to think about because the phrase itself can bring about fear, anxiety and worry. Instead of thinking about “the end,” how about working to get our affairs in order before we travel abroad or before we relocate to another state? With all the activities that we enjoy here, many of us find that our days are very full. It’s true, we’re busy folks, but if we’re honest with ourselves, it’s possible we put off thinking about this because we don’t really know where to start. But once we have our important affairs lined up, we might feel relieved knowing that essential items are documented in an orderly way.
Join us for an interactive session with Ashley Andrews, JD of LaFond Law Group. In this session, we will learn about a practical approach to getting our affairs in order, covering topics such as assigning power of attorney, tax considerations, health care directives and other important matters for organizing life.
Andrews focuses her practice on probate and estate matters, guardianship and conservatorship cases, real estate closings and litigation. Register for this event at the Seabrook Island Village website, SearookIslandVillage.org .
Healthy humans, healthy wildlife monitoring
BY ELISABETH ST. JOHN | For The Island Connection
Wildlife not only lives on the land but it gives life to the land. Wild spaces are the lungs of the island, and wildlife keeps it breathing.” These words, spoken by Director Jared Crain, illustrate the purpose of the Barrier Island Environmental Education Program’s work on Seabrook Island. Echoed by the presentation on birdlife Aaron Givens made on Kiawah Island, the monitoring of wildlife is an immediate illustration of the health of the environment. A healthy environment directly impacts the health of human inhabitants.
The Camp St. Christopher Sustainability Workshop Series began with a workshop on water conservation and implementing rain barrels into our landscape and next focused on invasive species management, as well as native plants and their function in feeding the wildlife and anchoring the dunes’ sandy slopes. In the third workshop, educators Lauryn Faulkner, Molly Ehrhart and Crain examined the presence of wildlife as integral to the circle of life. Wildlife disperses seeds through migratory and digestive activities, browses the undergrowth, consumes and controls populations of other animals like insects or venomous snakes, aids in nutrient cycling and aerates soils through burrowing.
In the study period running from November 2024 to January 2026, biodiversity, or the biological diversity of an environment, has been observed on St. Christopher property through sighting reports and trail cameras located in strategic
“gathering grounds” around the property. The cameras enabled counting the number of unique species on the island, their interactions with one another and the complex network of feeding relationships, known as the food chain and web.
For example, we hear a lot about bobcats’ essential role in controlling the rat population.
Marsh rats thrive in the ponds we use as landscape elements in the islands. The complexity of the apex predator relationships is itself a study, and not one species can be eliminated without severely impacting other species. During the count
period at Camp St. Christopher via the trail cameras, notable sightings included one flying squirrel, three turkeys, six otters, 34 armadillos, 36 bobcats, 40 raccoons, 45 opossums, 99 gray squirrels, 149 coyotes and over a thousand deer.
The coyote has moved into the island food web vacancy that opened up after the red wolf, which was virtually eliminated when farming became our young country’s mainstay industry and overhunting was commonplace. Coyotes are predators, but they help maintain an ecological balance by eating small mammals and crustaceans – they keep deer and other populations from getting out of control. When left alone, they are quite mannered, establishing their own territories and keeping to small groups. When you see coyotes together, they are part of a family group. They do not run in true packs and prefer to stay away from humans.
Another recent interloper is the armadillo. Not unlike the gold rush that drove settlers west in the 1800s, the armadillo moved east in recent decades and is here to stay. It eats worms, spiders, fruits and roots, helps to control pest populations and aerates and mixes soils when it burrows. It is also a food source for larger predators, like the coyote.
So rather than fear wildlife and the activity we see around us, we should celebrate! Monitoring is important in order to understand, appreciate and know how life is progressing and what we need to do to maintain the balance of our biodiversity.
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 Drive, 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: Charleston Wine + Food
WHERE: Various WHEN: March 4 – 8
MORE INFO: The 2026 festival marks 20 years of Charleston Wine + Food, celebrating the past, present and future of Charleston’s culinary scene. Since its inception, CHSWF has welcomed more than 12,000 participants from around the world, generated over $191 million in economic impact, and contributed more than $550,000 to scholarships and charitable education causes.
WHAT: MJ The Musical
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.
WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston WHEN: March 10 - 13
MORE INFO: He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to the Lowcountry in MJ, the multiple Tony Award-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.
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: The Little Mermaid by Palmetto City Ballet WHERE: Sottile Theatre, 44 George St., Charleston WHEN: Various times on March 14 and March 15
MORE INFO: This ballet vividly brings to life the story of a daring Little Mermaid who dreams of living on land. Ignoring the warnings from both the merfolk and her aquatic friends, this determined Little Mermaid sets out to discover true love. With a touch of sorcery provided by the cunning Sea Witch, our mermaid princess is ready to trade her fins for feet and sacrifice her life under the sea for a chance at a happily ever after with a dashing human prince!
SUNDAY, MARCH 8
WHAT: Second Sunday on King WHERE: King Street, Charleston
WHEN: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: King Street will be shut down to through traffic from Queen to Calhoun, roughly half a mile.
WHAT: Quentin E. Baxter Presents… WHERE: Turtle Point Golf Course, 1 Turtle Point Ln., Kiawah Island
WHEN: 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: GRAMMY Award-winning musician/producer and world-renowned drummer Quentin E. Baxter presents a two-concert series on Kiawah Island. Each 75-minute concert is $30 for general admission and starts at 4 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at kiawahisland.gov/events.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
WHAT: Art Film: Series in the Theatre: Gigi WHERE: Seafields, Kiawah Island
WHEN: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Kiawah Arts Council is excited to announce a partnership with Seafields to host our Art Film Series at their new, exceptional facility on Kiawah Island. These events will continue to be open to the public; however, due to limited capacity and parking, RSVPs will be required.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12
WHAT: Toast Under the Oaks
WHERE: Johns Island County Park, 2662 Mullet Hall Rd., Johns Island
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Come enjoy live music, tasty beverages and beautiful scenery during Toast under the Oaks at Johns Island County Park this spring.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
WHAT: Family Camp Jam
WHERE: Johns Island County Park, 2662 Mullet Hall Rd., Johns Island
WHEN: All Day
MORE INFO: This old-fashioned family campout will take place on March 14-15. The starry skies of scenic Johns Island County Park will be the setting for an evening of unforgettable memories. Participants must provide their own tent camping equipment. Registration is open now and may sell out in advance, so interested campers are encouraged to sign up today.
WHAT: BBQ, Bluegrass, & Bourbon
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Garden & Gun returns to Freshfields Village to honor three iconic pillars of Southern culture—barbecue, bluegrass, and bourbon—during a memorable live music and culinary celebration on the Green. The open-to-the-public event will showcase culinary offerings from Fork Grove Barbecue, Swig & Swine, and Palmira Barbecue, craft bourbon cocktails by Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and lively bluegrass music by Boonie Bevins & Carolina Drive and The Bluestone Ramblers.
If you are considering selling or buying a home, please feel free to contact me. I am always willing to share my experience and insight. There is never an obligation.
BY JOANNE GALLIVAN | For The Island Connection
The Seabrook Island Garden Club welcomed Jessica Mumane, founder and owner of Basker, as the featured speaker for the February 13 meeting. Jessica presented Horticultural Therapy 101, an informative exploration of how nature-based practices can support overall well-being. She introduced members to the principles of horticultural therapy and highlighted three primary modalities—gardening, crafting and cooking—as powerful tools for enhancing physical, mental and emotional health. Jessica shared how simple, intentional interactions with plants and natural materials can reduce stress, spark creativity, and foster a deeper sense of connection.
The program concluded with a hands-on group activity in which members designed floating flower mandalas. Participants selected blooms, arranged patterns, and enjoyed the calming process of crafting with nature. For more information, visit baskergardens.com
The next meeting will be held on Friday, March 13 from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Oyster Catcher Community Center. Brian Wheat from Common Joy Luffa will present a talk titled From Gardens to the Spa: Harvesting Luffa in the Lowcountry. In 2015, Brian discovered a Luffa plant growing on a farm on Johns Island, leading to a path of learning more about the plant and teaching others about its culinary and medicinal uses. Join us for this informative presentation on the many uses of this plant! Members are free; guests are asked for a $5 donation. Visit seabrookislandgardenclub.com.
$1,949,000
4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 3,961 sq ft
Overlooking the marsh and tidal creek, this beautifully renovated Lowcountry home offers nearly 4,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Timeless San Marco limestone, a 50-year roof, and premium finishes showcase the quality, while a two-story great room and chef’s kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances anchor the home. The main-level primary suite features a spa-inspired bath, two walk-in closets, and private deck access, with additional bedrooms and flexible space upstairs, all framed by incredible waterfront views.
Get Ready for Redfish March 2026 Fishing Report
Chilly days are quickly fading away with temperatures rising well into the 60s and sometimes pushing into the 70s. Warmer water temperatures will wake the fish up and get them feeding! Trout should be ready to go in midMarch. It’s time to break out your reels and rods and get ready for a great season.
Having spent the last few months laying low and avoiding dolphins, redfish are now focused on eating instead of simply surviving. Low tide will be the best time to target large schools of redfish that can number in the hundreds. These fish are still skittish, so a quiet and subtle approach is quite important. On many days, it pays to stay in one spot when you find a school and wait for them to come to you instead of scaring them away.
As these reds are nervous, I’ll try to disturb them as little as possible by minimizing my casting. This is a great time to fish with bait on the bottom. I’ll put a chunk of frozen mullet or blue crab on a size 3/0 circle hook and just let it rest until the redfish swim over it. Make sure the barb of your hook is fully in bait and the point is cleanly exposed. Place your rod in the rod holder, and get ready for it to whip over once the circle hook sets itself.
As trout begin to feed, popping corks cast along grass banks and over oyster beds will be a good bet with mud minnows attached. I usually pair a 18” to 24” fluorocarbon leader with a size 1 circle hook. While there is no shortage of options, I use oval shaped corks that are heavier and can cast further. When using a popping cork, do your best to keep slack out of your line, and when that cork drops under, just reel without lifting the rod tip. You’ll find that the circle hook rarely misses as long as your line is tight.
See you on the water!
Since 2009, Capt. Geoff Bennett has operated Charleston Charter Fishing providing light tackle charters. Clients choose from a full menu of artificial and live bait fishing options with charters tailored to their desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit his website at charlestoncharterfishing.com, or email him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.
Exchange Club requests updated contact information
BY LISA MCDONALD | For The Island Connection
The Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club handbook team is finalizing the content and layout of the 2026-2027 edition of the handbook. Please review your listing in the 2025-2026 handbook and if there are any additions/changes/deletions you would like to make, please send an email today to: KS-ExchangeNames@outlook.com. Included in the handbook are:
• Name: The name you use on Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, Cassique, Kiawah River Estates or Kiawah River.
• Contact Number: The number you use when you meet someone on the island. Cell numbers have become the most common entry. Two names and numbers can be listed for each address on separate lines, or one contact number on a single line listing with two names.
• Address: Your local address on the island. Please include house or unit number and street name.
The new edition will be sent to your primary home address on file with SIPOA around Memorial Day. If you do not receive a copy or just want additional copies of the Handbook, they can be picked up at Seabrook Island Town Hall or the SIPOA office.
Thank you for your assistance in ensuring the accuracy of the new handbook.
Matt Breese from Columbia, South Carolina. Courtesy of Capt. Geoff Bennett.
Camp out at Johns Island County Park during Family Camp Jam
BY SARAH REYNOLDS | For The Island Connection
Families are invited to bring their tents to Johns Island County Park for the third annual Family Camp Jam.
This old-fashioned family campout will take place on March 14-15. The starry skies of scenic Johns Island County Park will be the setting for an evening of unforgettable memories. Participants must provide their own tent camping equipment. Registration is open and may sell out in advance, so interested campers are encouraged to sign up today.
MARCH 12 3:22 A.M., 3:36 P.M. 9:45 A.M., 9:30 P.M.
FRI., MARCH 13 4:24 A.M., 4:38 P.M. 10:42 A.M., 10:34 P.M.
SAT., MARCH 14 5:24 A.M., 5:36 P.M. 11:34 A.M., 11:33 P.M.
SUN., MARCH 15 6:16 A.M., 6:28 P.M. 12:21 P.M.
MON., MARCH 16 7:03 A.M., 7:15 P.M. 12:28 A.M., 1:05 P.M.
TUE., MARCH 17 7:46 A.M., 7:58 P.M. 1:18 A.M., 1:47 P.M.
WED., MARCH 18 8:27 A.M., 8:39 P.M. 2:06 A.M., 2:28 P.M.
THU., MARCH 19 9:06 A.M., 9:21 P.M. 2:53 A.M., 3:09 P.M.
FRI., MARCH 20 9:47 A.M., 10:05 P.M. 3:40 A.M., 3:50 P.M.
The campout will feature lots of fun activities sure to make happy memories. After checking in on March 14, guests can explore the park and enjoy activities on site until sunset. Tackle the climbing wall, watch a remote-controlled airplane demo from the Lowcountry RC Flyers, enjoy disc golf and sling arrows on the archery range (archery equipment will not be provided). An archery class will also be offered on site; space is limited and participants should sign up upon check-in. Archery equipment is provided during the class only.
When the sun goes down, the fun will continue! Dinner and marshmallow roasting will be provided and are included in the registration fee. Guests will enjoy live music from Noah Grove, and the Lowcountry Stargazers will host an enchanting stargazing experience.
Registration for the campout is $25 per person and is available online. Each registration includes dinner, music, activities, evening programs and all scheduled entertainment. Kids ages 3 and under are free.
Check-in is from 1 – 5 p.m. on March 14 and check-out is 10 a.m. on March 15. Campers may still enjoy the park after checkout but must be packed up by 10 a.m. The park’s grounds and amenities will be off limits from sunset to sunrise. The event will be held rain or shine.
Adults must accompany campers under the age of 18 at all times. Alcoholic beverages, open fires and pets are not permitted at the campout. For additional camping rules and information, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
Johns Island County Park is owned and operated by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) and is located at 2662 Mullet Hall Road, Johns Island, SC 29455.
PRIVATE JET CHARTER FROM ATLANTIC JZI
After we amended the ordinance, Council at the time was making a big push and enforcing our STR ordinance. We also had an evening code enforcement team that went around and really tackled the short-term rentals. “
It’s important to note that the most violations have historically been related to beach gear and bikes being left out. The second most common violation is related to parking. The majority of the violations are resolved through warnings. Only 21 citations were issued in 2024, and only 11 citations were issued in 2025.
Compared to other nearby areas, Tillerson showed that in Sullivan’s Island, only grandfathered units can be used as short-term rentals.
Folly Beach has an 800 short-term rental license cap, Mount Pleasant allows 400 short-term rental permits, and Hilton Head has no cap, currently over 6,000 short-term rental permits issued.
Roger Warren, president of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, was in attendance at the STR ad hoc meeting, as well. The Kiawah Island Golf Resort is the island’s largest property manager of shortterm rental properties, with 460 units that they currently manage.
“It’s a $50 million gross revenue business for us,” he said. “Certainly, the net is much less than other businesses because of the fees that we pay the owners. This feels like Groundhog Day for me because we have been here before. It seems like every five or six years, we come back and talk about what we want to do with short-term
rentals. It’s a valuable discussion, but just know that it is inevitable when you have the number of short-term rental units in this environment that there are going to be issues. I do believe that in the last five or six years, since the last time we talked about this, the enforcement process for issues on the island has improved significantly. And I think that the process is there. It’s not perfect, but I think it’s much better than it was before. So, I think we should recognize the successes with this issue. It is not going to be an easy one for this group or for the community because even with all the letters that I read that referenced problems, most people who end up owning property on Kiawah do so because they’ve spent time here in a short-term rental at some time in their life previously. And it may have been multiple times. It may have been one or two times. But the shortterm rental process has been an important part of the turnover of the homes on the island and the property value of the property here, as everyone has had the opportunity to experience.”
He continued, “It’s going to be something that will have to be dealt with because it hits people where it hurts most. Many people – and you may not believe this – but many people own their property, and they depend on that rental to help them pay for that property. So, it is an emotional issue both ways.”
One of the members on the ad hoc committee suggested that they look at limiting max occupancy of the homes since many of the complaints about STRs are about overcrowding. Another ad hoc committee member asked for more restrictions on STRs street by street.
The consensus from the group was that the overcrowding is likely attributed to owners spend-
that by looking at the number of club memberships being used on a more regular basis in recent years.
Belt said, “It does appear that the primary generator of the additional pressure on infrastructure is more time being spent by part-time homeowners, whether or not they rent their property out. They used to spend 10%, 15% to 20% of the time. Now they’re spending 25% to 30%.”
Berner added, “That would explain potentially the reason why there’s a drop in the short-term rental licenses because those owners are now staying here longer and took it out of the rental program.”
For the next STR ad hoc meeting, the committee asked for a list of the top rentals with the most violations and what property management companies manage them. They would also like to see more information on the surrounding communities and what the STR ordinances look like there, especially in areas similar to Kiawah Island.
Warren said, “I have lived here for over 19 years, and during that time, my experience on the island is that it became easier to just blame renters for issues that were happening than it was to accept the fact that a lot of our neighbors don’t care either, and they’re just going to do what they want to do. And so I think that of the vandalism that we’ve had on our buildings, on our golf courses, on our carts, 100% of it’s come from local residents and their kids. We’ve never been able to tie any vandalism to a guest or their kids when we caught them. The ones we’ve caught have always been people who live here. So I’m kind of jaded in that regard. I want to just caution that we’ve got to make sure that we have good data on
