Palmetto MARCH
2024
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WWW.PDPOA .ORG
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VOLUME
29
ISSUE
2
P E R S P E C T I V E
JANUARY 20178 |
News BOARD OF DIRECTORS Becky Brumley, CHAIR
615-417-7638 | becky81059@gmail.com
Kurt Faires, VICE CHAIR
423-757-0226 | kfaires@chamblisslaw.com
Bob Talbot, TREASURER
630-608-8278 | talbots83@gmail.com
Chad Terefenko, SECRETARY
610-873-1195 | c.terefenko@comcast.net
Alice Bettencourt
703-216-7315 | abett.pdpoa@gmail.com
2024 DUNES BUGGY SCHEDULE
This year the Dunes Buggy service will run Monday March 18– March 31st, 10am – 9pm daily; Monday, April 1 – Tuesday, September 3rd, 8am – 9pm daily. The Palmetto Dunes Buggy is an on-demand service that provides courtesy transportation throughout Palmetto Dunes, Leamington, and Shelter Cove. During a typical season, the Buggy services more than 50,000 passengers. This service is available to residents and guests. The Buggy provides transportation to the beach, golf courses, restaurants, shops, tennis courts, as well as Shelter Cove Harbour, Shelter Cove Towne Centre, and the Plaza at Shelter Cove.
Jerry Durkin
570-460-9197 | jerrydurkin3@gmail.com
Ed Garino
843-310-4646 | egarino.pdpoa@gmail.com
Doug Luba
843 247-2527 | dougluba@gmail.com
Brandon Smith, GREENWOOD C&R
864-229-4063 | bsmith@basmithlaw.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS SEEKS CANDIDATES
The Nominating Committee is seeking individuals with a demonstrated background of leadership to join the PDPOA Board of Directors for the 2024-2027 term. Any owner who may be interested in joining the PDPOA Board is encouraged to reach out, ask questions, and learn more about the opportunity to further help shape Palmetto Dunes. If you are passionate about Palmetto Dunes and have an interest in serving your community, please email Kurt Faires, Nominating Committee Chair, at kfaires@ chamblisslaw.com.
ON-SITE STAFF
Accounting Administrator, KRISTEN CAPOZZI 843-785-1109 x103 | kcapozzi@pdpoa.org
ARB, MONICA STITES
843-785-1109 x104 | mstites@pdpoa.org
Administrative Coordinator, KATHLEEN RYAN 843-785-1109 | kryan@pdpoa.org
MARRIOTT CHANGING TO THE HILTON BEACHFRONT RESORT & SPA
As of March 1, 2024, the Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa in Palmetto Dunes will be converting to a Hilton Hotel and Resorts brand. The hotel will be known as The Hilton Beachfront Resort and Spa. The ownership and management will remain the same.
CEO, ANDREW P. SCHUMACHER
843-785-1109 x108 | aschumacher@pdpoa.org
Communications, ELIZABETH SIMPSON
843-785-1109 x106 | esimpson@pdpoa.org
Facilities Maint./Lagoon & Lakes, SYDNEY WAN 843-298-2359 | swan@pdpoa.org
Finance, MATTHEW NEMES
843-785-1109 x111 | mnemes@pdpoa.org
Security, JIM GRINER
843-785-1120 | jgriner@pdpoa.org
Visitor Management, JULIUS INGRAM 843-785-1125 x126 | jingram@pdpoa.org
REMINDER: INCREASE TO RENTAL PASS Rental pass fees will increase effective October 1, 2024, and will include additional tiers. If you have any questions about the change in pass fees, please contact Captain Rick Miller at rmiller@pdpoa.org.
UPCOMING LAGOON LOWERING The Palmetto Perspective is published bimonthly by the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association. ©2024 PALMETTO DUNES POA, INC.
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MARCH 2024 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
March 6 & April 3 Our lagoon system is periodically lowered to promote the health of the waterway. Please note that dates are always subject to change/cancelation.
CEO's Report Two projects that should be nearing their completion are the redevelopment of Phase II of Mooring Buoy and the reimagination of the Dunes House parking lot and drive aisle.
As you may know there are 12 vehicular
las was 57% compared to 60% in 2022,
bridges in the community. To date, we
a 3% decline. The average daily rate
have replaced six of them. We have
was $299 for 2023, about a 3% decline
engaged ICE to conduct a structural
from the previous year as well. Most
assessment of the remaining six bridges
attribute this to a delay in ceremonial
to re-evaluate the future costs projec-
trips during the COVID years. Now that
tions for maintenance and replacement.
the balance of the world is open, many
It’s anticipated both studies from ICE
individuals began traveling abroad in
will be completed at the end of the sec-
2023.
The Mooring Buoy Project is pro-
Real Estate
gressing steadily. BCPSD has tied-in water lines at the T-streets, and JS Construction continued to make progress with the storm water infrastructure installations and tie-ins. These developments mark important steps forward in the project's timeline, indicating significant strides towards completion. The redevelopment of the Dunes House Parking Lot is making significant progress, with the new and improved 8-foot bike path, as well as the remaining parking lot concrete work now complete. The project is moving
ond quarter. Community Engagement
Property values continue to remain very strong in Palmetto Dunes. However, we have seen a slow down of the volume of sales in 2023 compared to the prior three years. Below is a snapshot of the volume of real estate activity in Palmetto Dunes over the last four years: •
2019 - $130,000,000 – 193 sales
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2020 – $210,000,000 – 269 sales
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2021 – $291,000,000 – 279 sales
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2022 – $221,000,000 - 180 sales
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2023 – $141,000,000 - 131 sales
Additionally, we have seen a rise in
forward according to schedule and
property values over the last four years,
that the redevelopment is well on its
although there was a recent dip in
way to completion.
single-family homes in 2023 compared to 2022. Villa
Single-Family
Consulting and Engineering (ICE)
2019
$388,000
$1,055,000
to conduct two assessments for the
2020
$420,000
$1,206,000
community. Typically, every 5 years
2021
$564,000
$1,613,000
we have an independent third-party
2022
$668,000
$2.100,000
provide a comprehensive update to
2023
$757,000
$1,960,000
our Reserve Study. The purpose of the Reserve Study is to evaluate the
Chamber
life expectancy of the infrastructure,
The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Cham-
the remaining useful life and the
ber of Commerce recently reported on
estimated cost to replace. This tool provides the Association with a guide for replacing infrastructure and the required capital to avoid any shortfall in funds.
hosted more than 50 property owner events, doubling the number of events held in the previous year. Alongside our schedule of monthly arts, educational, and recreational activities, we organized larger events throughout the year to foster community spirit and engagement. The Community Spring BBQ, held amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the newly renovated Arthur Hills Clubhouse in Leamington, drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 150 property owners, who gathered to enjoy the festivities and camaraderie. The inaugural Community Open House & BBQ garnered a great amount of community enthusiasm, with an impressive turnout of over 150 owners. It provided a valuable
Late last year, the Association retained the service of Infrastructure
In 2023, our Association planned and
some data with respect to visitor activity in 2023 compared to the previous year. Occupancy for hotels and home/vil-
platform for property owners to interact with and glean insights from various teams within the Association, including Security, ARB, Finance, and Projects & Facilities. As the year progressed, we capped off our event calendar with the highly anticipated Annual Fall Oyster Roast. Hosted at the picturesque Shorehouse of the Omni Oceanfront Resort, with the majestic ocean as a backdrop, this gathering was a resounding success.
continued on Page 3
MARCH 2024 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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continued from Page 2
Controller's Report
Over 250 owners came together to savor delicious food, forge new connections, and strengthen bonds with their neighbors. The Association’s Spring events calendar includes a diverse array of events that not only entertain but also enrich the lives of our property owners. We look forward to continuing this tradition of
In 2023, the Association managed revenues of $11.6 million, expenses of $7.9 million, and employed approximately 50 full-time employees. The Association is responsible for the operation, security, and maintenance of the common property within the development.
community-building and celebration in 2024.
Some financial highlights from 2023 are:
Loretta Hoover, Director of Human
•
Resources Lastly, I would like to thank Loretta Hoover, our former Director of Human Resources, for her service to the organization. Loretta began her career with the Association as the Director of Human Resources in April 2016 and played an integral role in developing the
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As of December 31, 2023, only one property owner was delinquent on their annual assessment. The unaudited operating revenue was approximately 3.5% above budget. The unaudited operating expenses were approximately 1.9% under budget. During 2023, 131 closings occurred in Palmetto Dunes. These closings resulted in Community Enhancement Fees of approximately $704,000.
has been used to purchase 7 Lee Shore, build leisure paths throughout Palmetto Dunes, and build the fishing and kayak docks. For the year ending December 31, 2023, approximately 35% of the total revenue for the Association came from residential assessments. 65% of other revenue was from a variety of sources. Other revenue contributors are: • The fees collected at the Pass Office • The commercial assessments charged to the businesses within Palmetto Dunes • The security contract with Leamington • Investment income from our reserves The residential assessment is accounted for in the Operating Fund. Each year, management and the Finance Committee review the residential assessment. It is difficult to compare the residential assessment for Palmetto Dunes to neighboring communities because the assessment depends on the number of homes, types of services provided, and amenities available. The residential assessment is a key component of running a successful property.
HR position with an eye toward the employee. She has been an extremely valuable member of our team, and more importantly, our work family. She has been instrumental with so many projects, to include two Employer of Choice initiatives and has always worked closely with the entire team to further advance their careers by lobbying for increased wages, additional benefits, and training opportunities to name a few. Loretta has accepted an employment offer that will provide new challenges and a unique opportunity to further expand her existing talents. I want to personally thank her for her commitment, professionalism and dedication to me, the staff and the organization. It’s been a pleasure working so close-
The Community Enhancement Fee was established in 2006 by an amendment to the covenants. The amendment granted PDPOA the authority to assess a transfer fee on all property sales within Palmetto Dunes. The Community Enhancement Fee shall not exceed 0.5% of the gross selling price. Currently, the Board has in place a 0.5% Community Enhancement Fee. This fee is intended to address new improvements which would enhance the overall appearance, safety, and functionality of Palmetto Dunes.
ly with her these past 8 years. — Andrew Schumacher, CEO
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MARCH 2024 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
Over the last five years, closings within Palmetto Dunes have resulted in approximately $5 million in revenue. This revenue
During 2023, management and the Finance Committee not only monitored the financials, but also engaged an outside CPA firm to perform an annual audit, monitored the collection of delinquent accounts, and reviewed the Association’s investments. Overall, the financial position of the Association remains very strong. Moving forward, management, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Directors will set the residential assessment at a level that will continue to make Palmetto Dunes an attractive community. — Matt Nemes, Controller
2023 In-Review
MARCH 2024 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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Community Faces
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MARCH 2024 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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Owner Events Join in the fun! We have an exciting schedule of events coming up. You can register for all Community Events online at: pdpoa.org/community/events.
First Friday Food Trucks FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 4-6PM FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 5-7PM Join friends and neighbors to enjoy food from local vendors! Food trucks will be located at the Administrative and Security Parking Lot, 16 Queens Folly Rd.
Intro to Pickleball THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2-4PM Pickleball is a fun team sport played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball. It is a great game for all ages and skill levels. Come learn how to play with your friends and neighbors this spring at Palmetto Dunes' Pickleball Courts! Registration fee: $15/per person.
Butterflies of the Lowcountry TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 12-1PM Come learn about native butterflies found in the Low country, their life cycle, and specific host plants. Take a closer look at all four stages of their life cycle (egg, larvae, chrysalis, and adult butterfly) and their unique survival adaptations. Discover how simple it is to create your own butterfly garden and what you need to know to increase butterfly numbers in the wild. Registration fee: $10/per person.
Spring Owners BBQ WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 4-7PM Enjoy a southern BBQ dinner buffet and meeting new friends and neighbors at our Spring Owners BBQ on the oceanfront lawn of the Marriott Resort! Dinner includes a full Southern BBQ of pulled pork, southern fried chicken, salad, baked beans, grilled vegetables, rolls, and desserts. Cash bar available. Limited number of tickets available! Tickets are $40/person.
Farmers Market with Carolina Seafood & Produce SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2-4PM
Beach Yoga THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 10AM Come Join your friends and neighbors on the beach in front of the Dunes House for another yoga class! Crystal will be back to lead a fun classic vinyasa flow class. Registration is $5/person. 8
MARCH 2024 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
Come out for PD’s First Farmers Market in the parking lot of the Administration Building at 16 Queens Folly Rd. Host Josh Parlagreco will have: grouper, red snapper, honey, shrimp, local jams, local seasonings, cocktail sauce, vegetables, fruit and more!
Sunset Cruise THURSDAY, MAY 9, 6:30-8:30PM Join friends and neighbors for a relaxing evening on a private sunset cruise aboard The Ohana out of Shelter Cove Marina! You can expect to see all sorts of local wildlife including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and various seabirds flying overhead as we cruise past private plantations, marshes, coastal homes, and more. This event is BYOB. Registration fee: $50/ per person.
PDPOA MEETINGS WEDNESDAYS
Coffee with Andrew 8-9am. Join CEO Andrew Schumacher on Wednesday mornings at the General Store for coffee and to catch up on what's been happening in the community. TUESDAY, MARCH 26 NO APRIL MEETING
Chat with the Chair 11am. This monthly Zoom event gives owners an opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues facing our community
2023 Event Survey Last year the Association planned and hosted over 50 community events. To
Neighbors •
help plan and gather ideas for future events, surveys were sent to attendees
50% Felt More Connected with their Community
•
post-event.
25% Learned More About their Community
Of the over 1200 surveys sent, the As-
Highest rated events
sociation received 349 completed event
•
Oyster Shell Ornament Decorating
surveys.
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The Greenery: Adding Color, Drama and Texture to Your Garden
The survey results showed that owners
•
Community Open House and BBQ
had positive experiences at the events
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Sunset Cruise
with 98% saying they would attend the same event again. Additionally, 75% of
We're in the process of expanding our
owners rated the event a 9 or 10 out of
schedule of events for the spring sea-
10.
son. Should you have any suggestions
with the Board Chair. Online registration: pdpoa.org/chatwith-the-chair. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 NO APRIL MEETING
Community Safety & Security Meeting 2pm. Chief Jim Griner hosts the online meetings and registration is required at pdpoa.org/ community-security. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 NO APRIL MEETING
Board Meeting 5:30pm. Meetings are open to Palmetto Dunes property owners to attend in person or via Zoom.
for events you'd like us to consider, we Owner Experiences at Events
encourage you to reach out to Elizabeth
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72% Met New Friends/Neighbors
Simpson via email at esimpson@pdpoa.
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52% Reconnected with old friends/
org. MARCH 2024 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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ARB Update The ARB was busy again at the start of 2024 with over 70 permits issued for the month of January. We continue to work diligently each month to get new projects approved and completed projects closed out. 2023 was a slower year than either 2021 and 2022 for newconstruction projects, but we are seeing several
applications
for
•
To continue the commitment of
swimming
being responsive to homeowners
pools and spas and other renovation and
and vendors and being easier to work
When the Design and Construction Guidelines
property improvements. This year may
with on all projects whether minor or
(D&CG’s) were approved by the PD Board
prove to be a slower year again from a
major.
at the end of 2021, and became effective
new-construction perspective in that
January 1, 2022, the ARB committed to do a
there are few remaining undeveloped
The ARB has been through significant
9-month review. The ARB is again reviewing
lots in PD.
change in membership since last year.
several recommended changes to the D&CG’s
The current members include Ed Finision,
that have arisen over the course of 2022
In 2023, 720 permits were issued: 5
returning for a third year; Bob Talbot, a
and 2023. The suggested changes include:
of them were for new builds, 15 were
PDPOA board member; Doug Luba, also
(a) clarification of what is a “third habitable
for pool/spa additions, 42 were for
a PDPOA board member; Maureen Glass;
floor”, a covenant compliance exclusion, (b)
renovations/additions
to
Tom Belenchia; Dan Wolf; and Dixon
the clarification of the process and procedure
and
658
Hanna, returning for a second year and
for managing the demolition of a building
serving as chair.
or structure, and (c) clarification of use of
the
remaining
miscellaneous tree
work,
the
projects reroof,
replacement,
home,
were to
include
painting,
driveway
for deck
replacement,
pool maintenance, etc. The ARB 2024 goals include: •
Finalizing
and
revisions
to
community •
•
duplicate home colors in the same immediate Monica Stites continues to staff the ARB
neighborhood. Further, the current fee and
as Community Standards Manager and
compliance deposit schedule and updated
oversees all ARB applications as well as
applications will be updated. Once the
Covenant Compliance.
PDPOA Board approves these recommended
publishing
the
the
D&CG’s
with
A new quality control for the ARB was
review
and
Board
added that involves the owner of a closed
changes, the changes will be circulated in the community for comment and feedback.
approval.
project receiving an exit survey so that
In closing, I would like to commend Monica
Adding an additional ARB member
we can ascertain our level of service
who works very hard to be available,
volunteer early in the year to fill out
to
Homeowners
responsive and accurate in her ARB duties.
our membership with emphasis on
can submit anonymously if they wish
We are fortunate to have her. Likewise, the
full-time residents.
the
homeowners.
to voice their concerns without their
ARB members/volunteers spend a significant
use
name/address being submitted. These
amount of time each month in meetings and
external professionals for things
surveys are consistently returned with
out in the neighborhood. If you would like to
that
Continuing
our
should
efforts
be
to
professionally
excellent marks. It is an opportunity for
be part of the ARB please contact me, Monica
reviewed such as architectural
a dissatisfied owner to “vent” but that
or Elizabeth Simpson in the PDPOA office.
review,
very rarely happens.
landscaping,
surveying,
drainage, tree management, etc. 10
helpfulness, and attention to detail.
MARCH 2024 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
Monica is to be
complimented for her quick response,
— Dixon Hanna, ARB Chair
Resort Happenings Happenings at Big Jim’s Have fun, eat fantastic food, and enjoy the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course views as Big Jim’s hosts events all throughout the month. See the schedule below. View the full menu and hours of operation at BigJimsBBQCatering.com.
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Trivia Night Tuesdays (Every Tuesday 5 p.m.– 7 p.m.): Buzztime Live Hosted Trivia – Play as an individual or as a team. First and second place winners will receive a prize. Bingo Thursdays (Every Thursday 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.): Bingo will include 8 games with two cards per person per game. Karaoke Night (Every Saturday 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.): Whether you’re a seasoned vocalist or just looking to have some fun, our stage is open for you. Enjoy delicious food while cheering for your friends or taking the spotlight yourself. Tap Takeover (First Friday of the month 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.): Sponsored by Southern Crown Partners, this exciting event brings three unique Southern Barrel Brewery draft beers right to your glass. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely meal or gearing up for a round of golf, stop by Big Jim’s to sample the latest brews curated just for you. Win-It-Wednesday Closest to the Pin Challenge (Last Wednesday of the month 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.): Hosted by Southern Crown Partners, the closest to the pin challenge tests your precision. With prizes up for grabs and samples of their finest vodka soda and spirits available, there’s no better way to spend your Wednesday afternoon.
Spring Music & Taste on the Harbour Thursdays March 28 – May 16, 2024 from 6 – 9 p.m. This outdoor seasonal event returns to Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina’s Neptune Statue, combining local bands with delicious food and drinks. Each week two featured Shelter Cove Harbour restaurants will set up offering light appetizers, wine, beer and cocktails for purchase. Limited seating is provided so you are encouraged to bring your own chairs. Admission is free, but we ask that you please bring a canned good donation for the Deep Well Project. Visit ShelterCoveHiltonHead.com/Music-And-Taste for the full lineup. All concerts are weather permitting and subject to change. **No coolers or outside food/beverages will be permitted**
Reserve Tennis & Pickleball Online! Reservations can now be made online for tennis and pickleball court time, lessons and clinics. All online reservations require you to create an account. Courts are available to book 2 days in advance online. Create an account and reserve online at PalmettoDunes. com/Pickleball.
Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar: Daou Vineyards Wine Dinner Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 6 – 9 p.m. Spend the evening at Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar as the culinary staff will deliver a prix-fixe menu, each course paired with a different glass of wine from Daou Vineyards. Priced at $135 per person. Learn more and reserve your spot at AlexandersRestaurant.com/Wine-Dinner.
Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet at Alexander’s Sunday, March 31, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The buffet menu features seasonal cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients. Visit AlexandersRestaurant.com/Easter or call 866-921-6639 after 12 noon to make your reservation.
Easter Sunday Dinner Service at Alexander’s Sunday, March 31, 2024 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Alexander’s will be serving a special Easter Dinner on Sunday, March 31, 2024 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. featuring a prix-fixe menu. Visit AlexandersRestaurant.com/Easter or call 866-921-6639 after 12 noon to make your reservation.
Happenings at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort: HH Prime Restaurant – Daily Breakfast served from 6:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and Dinner from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Dinner reservations through OpenTable are suggested. XO Sports & Spirits – Enjoy an extensive cocktail menu, local craft beers, delicious island fare, and state-of-the-art televisions making it an ideal choice for sports enthusiast and those searching for an authentic taste of the island. Open daily Noon – 11 p.m. 843.341.8487. Palmetto Market – Open 6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. for coffee, beverages, fresh-made breakfast items, sandwiches, pizza, salads, and market items. 843.341.8025. Ocean Tides Spa – Check out our featured products and treatments! Call 843.341.8056 for services, appointments, or gift cards. Visit www.omnihiltonhead.com for more information. MARCH 2024 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HILTON HEAD, SC PERMIT NO. 759