Palmetto PERSPECTIVE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
board@pdpoa.org
Barbara McFadden, CHAIR 843-686-2465 | bmcattorney@gmail.com
Lee Whitehurst, VICE CHAIR 703-727-1593 | albert.lee.whitehurst@gmail.com
Alice Bettencourt, SECRETARY 703-216-7315 | abett.pdpoa@gmail.com
Bob Talbot, TREASURER 630-608-8278 | talbots83@gmail.com
Karen Booth 203-906-8227 | karenb29928@gmail.com
Kelly Brown 513-477-8245 | kelly.brown7200@gmail.com
Kurt Faires 423-757-0226 | kfaires@chamblisslaw.com
Cate Jarrett 914-310-6103 | jarrett.cate@gmail.com
Lutz Schremmer 843-597-3444 | lschremmer1@gmail.com
Brad Marra, GREENWOOD C&R 843-785-0010 | bmarra@palmettodunes.com
ON-SITE STAFF
Accounting Administrator, KRISTEN CAPOZZI 843-785-1109 x103 | kcapozzi@pdpoa.org
Administrative Coordinator, KATHLEEN RYAN 843-785-1109 x105 | kryan@pdpoa.org
Assets & Enhancements, SCOTT KLEIST 843-785-1109 x107 | skleist@pdpoa.org
Captain-Admin Services, RICK MILLER 843-785-1125 | rmiller@pdpoa.org
Captain-Operations, DARRYL JOHNSON 843-785-1125 | djohnson@pdpoa.org
Communications, ELIZABETH SIMPSON 843-785-1109 x106 | esimpson@pdpoa.org
Covenant Compliance, SCOTT KRIVDA 843-785-1109 x125 | skrivda@pdpoa.org
Finance, PAIGE DICKERSON 843-785-1109 x111 | pdickerson@pdpoa.org
General Manager, BILL DIX 843-785-1109 x108 | bdix@pdpoa.org
Reception & Operations Asst., LENA MURRAY 843-785-1109 | hmurray@pdpoa.org
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Admin, 843-785-1109
Pass Office, 843-785-1125
Security, 843-785-1120
News
REVISED SHORT-TERM RENTAL PPGS
At the March Board Meeting, revised Short-Term Rental PPGs were approved. The revised 2026 Short-Term Rental PPGs reflect a significant evolution from the prior version by shifting from a primarily informational and rules-based document to a more structured and operationally aligned framework. Key improvements include:
• Removing the requirement for rental owners to register with the POA and the Town of Hilton Head. Only registration with the Town is required.
• Alignment with the Town of Hilton Head’s updated short-term rental requirements
• A change in the billing process of the STR administration fee for PDPOA rental owners
• Enhanced enforcement mechanisms tied to pass issuance and compliance.
The 2026 version consolidates policies into a more user-friendly format and emphasizes proactive guest education and operational consistency to better protect community quality of life while supporting responsible rental activity. The revised STR PPGs can be found on pdpoa.org.
THANK YOU EARTH DAY SPONSORS
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Earth Day sponsors for helping make this event possible! We are grateful for the support of Greenwood Communities & Resorts, Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa, Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, Disney Hilton Head Island Resort, The Greenery, Ace Hardware, Kroger, Southern Charter Band, Beaufort County, and EEZero. Also, thank you to our speakers Amber Kuehn from Sea Turtle Patrol, Kay Grinnell from Hilton Head Audubon, Valentia Palacio from Beaufort County, and Sylvain Riendeau from EEZero. Your commitment to our community and the environment plays a vital role in making Earth Day a success, and we truly appreciate your partnership in creating a greener future for all.
HURRICANE SEASON
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, though storms sometimes form outside those dates. It is important to prepare each year, regardless of the activity predicted. The PDPOA administrative staff, in conjunction with the Board of Directors, have been proactive in preparing our resort for any significant weather event. We have established designated recovery teams, obtained appropriate equipment and have written protocols covering both evacuation and re-entry.
In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, please look to your county and local government officials, along with the PDPOA and trusted media sources. For information specific to Palmetto Dunes, notifications will be sent via text alerts, the Tidings enews, and will also be posted on our website.
BEACH ACCESS
Beach access within the resort is available at the Disney Beach House, the Dunes House, or any of the beach access paths along Mooring Buoy or Ocean Lane. Parking is available at the Disney Beach House (uncovered area) or at the Dunes House. You may also call the Dunes Buggy for free rides. Parking for the beach is not available in any of the adjacent multifamily complexes.
LAGOON LOWERING
May 6 & 20, June 3 & 17
Our lagoon system is periodically lowered to promote the health of the waterway. Please note that dates are always subject to change/cancelation.
Chair's Report
Welcome to the May issue of Perspective. This issue includes articles by our GM on the basics of PDPOA's authority and the careful balance between POA and Regime responsibilities, from our Treasurer/ Finance Committee Chair about the budget process and the importance of a balanced approach to our financial health and stability, and reports from our Committee Chairs about their Committee activities. I invite you to enjoy them all---each article provides insight into the operations of the POA and an opportunity for you to better understand our community.
I’d like to highlight two current POA initiatives: Earth Day 2026 and Bike Ambassadors program. Both are described more fully in the reports from Kelly Brown and Lee Whitehurst.
Earth Day celebrations had PD residents cleaning trash and debris on the beach, the lagoon, and along Dalmatian Lane and Highway 278. As part of our Earth Day program, the POA has adopted a two-mile stretch of the highway under a new agreement with Beaufort County, a first for an on-Island Community. Our other Earth Day initiatives include the new dog cleanup stations placed throughout the community and two new little library boxes centrally located on main routes to the Beach. Read more in our Earth Day coverage.
A key element in preparing PD for the summer season will be the new 2026 Bike Ambassadors program.
This program was coordinated with and modeled on the Town of Hilton Head’s island-wide program, taking key learnings and processes from that model. It is designed to establish a dedicated group of PD residents who will reach out to engage, assist and support all cyclists enjoying our beautiful community’s paths and neighborhoods during the summer season. The Committee continues to recruit volunteers for this fun initiative.
In other news, the Nominating Committee has been recruiting candidates to recommend a slate of nominees who, if elected, will take the three seats vacated in October as the terms of Bob Talbot, Alice Bettencourt and Lutz Schremmer expire. The goal of this process is to help create a high-performance Board that executes the Palmetto Dunes mission, vision and values with a view to continuous improvement in all we do.
The current Board’s past life experience brings much expertise to the tasks at hand to realize this goal. As we look to fill open Board seats, we seek candidates who complement existing skills and/ or replace the skill sets of members rotating from Board service to maintain forward momentum to achieve our objectives of strategic long-term vision, cost-efficient operations, concern for the full community and dedication to preserving the wildlife refuge we all call home.
Final shout-out: Bill Dix has now been with us for five quarters. Let’s celebrate this anniversary with a shout-out to Bill and his senior management team. Thanks for the level of excellence you deliver every day.
Wishing us much sunshine as we move from early spring to the fullness of the season’s beauty.
—Barbara McFadden, Chair
The Vital Role of Capital and Operational Budgets for PDPOA
As we approach the long, lazy days of summer, your Finance Committee, Board and Administration teams are ramping up to begin the annual budget cycle. Beneath the surface of reliable bridges and roadways and attractive landscaping and beach access points lies a complex financial engine. The efficiency of this engine depends on two distinct but interlocking gears: the Operational Budget and the Capital Budget, which is closely linked to our Reserves.
The Operational Budget: Running the Community Day to Day
The operational budget is the association's short-term financial plan, typically covering a one-year period. It manages the "here and now" of the community.
Essential Functions
This budget covers recurring expenses that keep the neighborhood functioning day-to-day. These include:
• Security: Patrol, Access control and Pass office activities
• Utilities: Street lighting, irrigation for common areas, and electricity.
• Maintenance: Landscaping, Lagoon upkeep and Beach Access points.
• Community Activities: Supporting events for the community
• Professional Services: Legal counsel, insurance premiums and taxes.
Why It Matters
A well-constructed and fully-funded operational budget ensures that there are no service interruptions throughout the year.
The admin team will present its first pass at the operating budget to the Finance Committee in August or September for final approval by November.
The Capital Budget: Planning for the Inevitable
While the operational budget handles the "now," the capital budget focuses on the "later." This budget is funded by reserve contributions and is set aside for the major repair or replacement of common area assets. The first pass capital budget for next year is presented in July or August and approved by the Board no later than October.
Long-Term Vision
Every physical asset has a lifespan. A bridge might last 30 years; an asphalt road might last 15. The capital budget uses a Reserve Study—a professional long-term financial forecast—to determine how much money must be saved today to pay for large expenses in the future. Our next Reserve Study will be completed this year.
The Danger of Underfunding
The importance of the capital budget cannot be overstated. When a community fails to save for capital improvements, they are often forced to resort to Special Assessments. These are large, one-time fees charged to every homeowner to cover an emergency or a neglected repair.
Example: If a road or bridge fails and the PDPOA has no reserve funds, every homeowner might suddenly be hit with a significant bill due in 30 days. This can create significant financial hardship and can even lead to foreclosures.
Protecting Property Values and Marketability
The financial health of an HOA is a matter of public record. When a potential buyer looks at a home within an association, their lender often reviews the HOA’s financial condition. As well, consistent operational funding ensures that the neighborhood looks its best, which directly correlates to higher appraisal values.
The Balance of Fiduciary Responsibility
Board members have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the association. This requires a delicate balancing act between keeping annual assessments affordable and ensuring the long-term solvency of the community.
Ignoring one in favor of the other is a recipe for disaster. Over-funding operations while neglecting reserves leads to "hidden" debt that eventually surfaces as a crisis. Conversely, over-funding reserves while cutting operations leads to immediate decay in the community’s quality of life.
Conclusion
The importance of our capital and operational budgets extends beyond simple accounting. These processes create the roadmap for the PDPOA’s thriving and survival.
A robust operational budget ensures that today is comfortable, clean, and safe. A disciplined capital budget and robust reserves ensures that tomorrow is secure and free from sudden financial shocks. By prioritizing both, we can make sure that Palmetto Dunes remains a desirable place to live, invest, work and play for decades to come.
— Bob Talbot, Treasurer
Conservation & Preservation
Dog
Stations & Library Boxes
Added
As part of Palmetto Dunes’ continued commitment to conservation and in recognition of Earth Day, eight new dog waste stations— bringing the community total to eleven—have been installed with biodegradable bags.
In addition, two community lending library boxes have been added: one at the corner of Sea Lane and Starboard Tack, and one at the St. George pedestrian bridge.
These enhancements are strategically placed along high-traffic pathways and common areas to promote responsible pet ownership, reduce environmental impact, and encourage sustainable practices. The addition of the lending libraries also supports a culture of reuse and shared resources, reinforcing our broader commitment to environmental stewardship while enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Conservation & Preservation Committee: A Season of Impact and a New Community Milestone
By the time you read this, Earth Day 2026 will have passed, but the momentum it generated—through engagement, education, and community collaboration—continues to resonate. This year’s celebration brought together neighbors, families, and local partners to explore meaningful, practical ways to protect and preserve our natural environment. Nearly 100 volunteers and staff worked collectively to remove debris and enhance the cleanliness of our beach, lagoon, and the section of Highway 278 bordering Palmetto Dunes.
The committee extends its sincere appreciation to Greenwood, Disney, Omni, and the Hilton for their generous donation of raffle prizes, as well as to Greenwood for hosting the luncheon at Centre Court.
We are also pleased to announce an important new initiative. Palmetto Dunes has become the first community on the island to formally adopt a highway. Beginning this year, residents will participate in quarterly cleanup efforts to maintain and beautify the one-mile stretch of Highway 278 adjacent to the community. This initiative was officially approved by the Board in April.
—Kelly Brown, Conservation & Preservation Chair
Grounds & Safety Committee Update
The Grounds and Safety Committee is implementing programs based on best practices to enhance safety and community engagement for residents and visitors. One of the most notable programs that will launch this coming May is the Bike Ambassador Program. Based on the success of Bike and Walk Hilton Head, Palmetto Dunes will implement their own Bike Ambassador Program specifically focused on the uniqueness of Palmetto Dunes. So, what does that mean to the residents and visitors of Palmetto Dunes?
Volunteer Bike Ambassadors will be riding throughout Palmetto Dunes during peak times to provide assistance to anyone. These community volunteers are not Security – nor will they be enforcing any rules. They are there to help in 4 primary situations: (1) Safety and Security, (2) Assistance and Information, (3) Reporting and Referring, (4) Eyes and Ears of Security.
Safety & Emergency: This is any scenario involving a real or potential threat to a person's physical wellbeing -- an injury, a medical event, or a dangerous situation unfolding in real time. These require the most immediate response an ambassador will encounter.
Assistance & Information: Ambassadors will spend most of their time providing directions, assisting a biker or just telling someone where to eat. Their warmth and helpfulness in these everyday interactions is the heart of this program.
Report & Refer: These are situations where something is wrong -- a rule is being broken, a device is prohibited, or behavior needs to be addressed. The Ambassador is not there to fix it but to make a friendly comment if the situation allows it, and then make sure the right people know.
Eyes and Ears of Security: Bike Ambassadors are the eyes and ears of the Security Department. When they see something that has nothing to do with biking at all -- but matter deeply to the quality of life and safety of this community, they will notify the Security department.
The Bike Ambassador program is an exciting new program that will enhance community engagement for Palmetto Dunes visitors and residents. As the program grows, we will provide updates and success stories.
— Lee Whitehurst, Grounds & Safety Chair
Understanding Governance in Palmetto Dunes: Who Enforces What—and Why It Matters
In a community as diverse as Palmetto Dunes, with a mix of single-family, multi-family, commercial and resort accommodations, it is natural for property owners to ask an important question: Who is responsible for enforcing the rules? The answer is not always straightforward, because governance within Palmetto Dunes operates through a layered structure. However, once understood, this structure provides clarity, fairness, and consistency across the community.
At the center of this framework is the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association (PDPOA), whose authority is established in the recorded covenants that govern the community. These covenants determine the standards for how common property is used and maintained, how architectural changes are reviewed, and how community-wide rules are applied. Like any association, PDPOA’s authority is not unlimited, it exists only within the scope of what those covenants allow. This is an important principle, as it ensures that enforcement is both appropriate and legally justified.
PDPOA’s primary responsibility is the governance of the entire community. This includes the oversight of common property such as roads, pathways and the lagoon. Because these areas are shared by all, PDPOA has full authority to regulate their use and ensure they are maintained to a certain standard. Rules related to common area parking, traffic, and access control fall within this scope.
Beyond common property, PDPOA also has a role in maintaining community standards that extend to privately
owned properties—but only where those standards are clearly established in the covenants. This is most visible through the Architectural Review Board (ARB) process, which maintains the character and design of Palmetto Dunes.
PDPOA is not the only governing body within Palmetto Dunes. Many properties are part of smaller associations (condominiums, villas) often referred to as regimes. These regimes have their own governing documents, boards, and rules. While PDPOA governs the broader community, regimes focus on the specific needs and operations of their private property.
Regimes have authority over their own common elements, such as building structures, internal roads, parking areas, and shared amenities like pools. They also govern the use of their common areas and units within their jurisdiction. This can include rules related to parking, pets, leasing, noise and maintenance. When it comes to enforcing these rules, regimes act independently, issuing violations and fines as needed.
Consider a scenario involving a shortterm rental guest who parks improperly, has glass at the pool, and leaves trash outside a unit. PDPOA would address the parking violation if it occurs on a POA roadway or PDPOA common area. However, the regime would typically handle pool complaints and trash management within the regime property. Both entities may be involved, but each operates within its defined authority.
In another example, if a resident or guest is walking a dog without a leash
inside the boundaries of a regime’s property the regime is the enforcing authority. Most regimes have their own rules requiring pets to be leashed, and they would handle enforcement through their regime management or representative.
However, if that same dog is off leash on PDPOA common property such as a pathway, roadway shoulder, or other shared area, then PDPOA has the authority to enforce its pet control rules, as those areas fall under POA jurisdiction.
Equally important is understanding what PDPOA does not have the authority to enforce. It does not regulate regime-specific covenants and rules. It does not enforce Town ordinances unless those requirements are also in PDPOA’s own covenants. One example is short-term rental safety requirements established by the Town of Hilton Head Island. The Town requires specific fire safety equipment. If a rental property within Palmetto Dunes fails to meet these Town requirements—such as not having the required number of smoke detectors—PDPOA does not have the authority to enforce those violations.
When each entity operates within its defined authority, enforcement becomes clearer, expectations are better managed, and the community benefits. Rather than overlapping or competing, PDPOA and regimes function as complementary parts of a larger system—one that is designed to protect property values, enhance quality of life, and preserve the unique character of Palmetto Dunes.
—Bill Dix, CEO
Understanding the Variance Process
On January 1 of this year, the PDPOA launched updated Design and Construction Processes and Procedures, our improved Standards and Guidelines and a simplified five-tier project structure.
As part of the (ARB) process, an owner may, in rare situations, need to request a variance from a specific design standard or guideline.
A variance is not a shortcut around the rules - it is a thoughtful exception intended for unique situations when applying the guidelines, as written, would create an unfair or unintended hardship. The PDPOA discourages variances and they should be uncommon, however, the PDPOA does recognize that there may be individual circumstances that may warrant a variance.
They may be appropriate when a property has distinctive features such as an unusual size, shape, topography or environmental constraints. In all instances, the ARB and community have a full understanding of each situation. The ARB’s approach to a variance request is to provide a clear and transparent process for the Owner, and community, especially the affected parties
The following outlines the steps to apply; the process; and the timeline that must be followed for all variance requests.
• The owner seeking a variance must complete the Variance Request Form.
• The application must include justification to meet all four requirements below:
1. Given the size, shape or topography of your property, a strict application of the standards & guidelines would result in a burden on your property not shared by other properties in the vicinity.
2. Granting a variance would not result in an impairment of surrounding properties
3. You did not cause the hardship, by your own action or earlier development
4. The variance approval would not violate the spirit and intent of the Standards & Guidelines
• If the request meets all the above criteria, the ARB Manager will schedule a variance hearing. The PDPOA will post a hearing notice on the PDPOA’s
ARB webpage at least 3 weeks in advance of the scheduled hearing. The PDPOA will also send a hearing notice to owners within 500 feet of the subject property. If the property is in a sub regime, the notice with go to the President/Chair of the regime.
• Any homeowner or sub regime representative may appear at the hearing to comment or can submit written feedback in advance.
After the variance hearing, the ARB will make one of three determinations: Approve the variance as requested; approve with conditions to better align with community standards; deny the request.
If the ARB denies a variance request, the Owner may request reconsideration. Community members who opposed the variance may also request reconsideration of a variance approval. Any party seeking reconsideration must submit a request within 15 days of the decision. The ARB will schedule a reconsideration hearing within 60 days. The hearing is open to all members.
For owners with challenging or distinctive properties, the variance process can be a valuable tool—helping achieve a solution that works for the property without creating hardship or detracting from the shared standards that make Palmetto Dunes special. The variance process also ensures that all neighboring property owners are aware of, and have a chance to voice their opinion, on the proposed change so they have a say in ensuring that the solution works for their properties as well.
For further details please refer to the PDPOA’s website ARB section and/or contact ARB staff for specific questions. The ARB looks forward to working with you on future projects.
— Karen Booth, ARB Chair
PDPOA MEETINGS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
Chat with the Chair
Noon. This monthly event gives owners an opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues facing our community with the Board Chair.
THURSDAY, MAY 14
Grounds & Safety Committee 8:30am.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 19
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16 Finance Committee 9am.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
Building Community Committee
2pm.
TUESDAY, MAY 26
TUESDAY, JUNE 23 Ask the Staff
2pm. The event will start with short introductions from key staff, each highlighting a key issue from their department. Residents can then ask questions, share concerns, and get clarity on POA topics.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 Board Meeting
3:00pm. Meetings are open to Palmetto Dunes property owners to attend in person or via Zoom.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Conservation & Preservation Committee
10am.
First Friday Food Trucks
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 12-2PM
FRIDAY, JUNE 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.
Palmetto Room Happy Hour
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 4-6PM
Come join us for Happy Hour at the Palmetto Room! Registration is $5/person and includes your first drink.
Turtle Trot 5ks
WEDNESDAYS, 8AM MAY 27-AUGUST 12
The Palmetto Dunes Turtle Trot 5k starts May 27 and is held every Wednesday until August 12! This weekly family fun run is presented by Go Tri Events with charity partner Sea Turtle Patrol.
Registration is $30 prior to race day, $35 day of the race, and includes a t-shirt. Kids under 12 run for $15. All races begin at the Dunes House at 8am. Registration is available at pdpoa.run.
Event Registration
Turtle Talks
WEDNESDAYS, 7PM
MAY 27-AUGUST 12
How can you preserve Hilton Head‘s hatchling sea turtles? Join members of the Sea Turtle Patrol to see what is happening on our nesting beach for a fun, educational program. This event is held at the Hilton Beachfront Resort-Pool Deck. Tickets are $15 and capacity is limited
The Turtle Talk is best-enjoyed by adults and children ages eight and older, but all children over the age of two are required to purchase a ticket to attend. This event is held rain or shine.
You can register for all Community Events online at: pdpoa.org/events. If you need any assistance registering for an event, please contact Kathleen Ryan at kryan@pdpoa.org.
Sea Turtle Nesting Season
Sea turtles begin nesting on Hilton Head Island's beaches in early May! A female turtle may travel over a thousand miles to make it back to the same beach where she hatched as a baby, and it’s this same beach where she will lay her own eggs (about 120 per nest!) as an adult. What can you do to give them the best chance of survival?
Leave only your footprints on the beach. Be sure to flatten sandcastles and fill in holes when you're headed home for the day. Uneven and treacherous sand can deter mothers from nesting and trap hatchlings, making them vulnerable to prey and exposure.
After hatching, the young turtles navigate to the ocean by following the slope of the beach and light reflected off the ocean’s surface. Lights that are brighter than this natural light, such as a flashlight, disorient the hatchlings and cause them to move inland, where they often die. Don’t use flashlights, flash photography or cell phone lights on the beach at night. You can, however, use a special red flashlight.
Oceanfront homes MUST turn off outside lights at 10pm May through October. Blinds/ drapes should be closed as well. To report beachfront light violations, contact the Town of Hilton Head Island Code Enforcement at 843-341-4643.
Protect the nests. We know you wouldn't disturb a sea turtle nest, a nesting sea turtle, or a hatchling. However, sometimes our pets have different ideas. If you have your dog on the beach, ensure that they are supervised and kept away from nests.
Spread the word. Every time you share what you know about sea turtles with your neighbors and guests, you help ensure these magnificent creatures will be around for generations to come.
Please stop by the PDPOA Admin Office to get your “Help Put the Beach to Bed” window/refrigerator cling.
Wildlife Safety
Warm spring weather means alligators are more active and more visible. Rising temperatures increase an alligator's metabolism, which means they begin seeking prey. Occasionally you'll see them basking in the sun as they regulate their body temperature. Alligator mating season begins in early April and goes into June.
This means that you may encounter an alligator when walking near the water, participating in recreational water activities, or if the alligator has been fed and become habituated to humans. While we do not wish to inspire fear, we do want to take this opportunity to remind our owners and guests to always use caution around bodies of water and to remain vigilant of your surroundings.
Large alligators do not recognize the difference between domestic pets and wild food sources. When hungry, alligators act on their hunting instinct. Do not allow pets or children to swim in, drink, or play at the edge of waters inhabited by alligators. To an alligator, any splash potentially means a food source is in the water.
If you encounter an alligator in Palmetto Dunes that you believe to be aggressive or used to humans and you have a safety concern, contact Palmetto Dunes Dis-
patch at (843) 785-1120.
We encourage all owners to share the PDPOA’s Alligator Fact Sheet—created specifically for owners and their guests— and to display it in all rental units. Copies of the Alligator Fact Sheet are available for pick-up at the PDPOA Admin Office or can be downloaded at pdpoa.org.
Alligator Safety
DO NOT feed alligators. Feeding alligators is illegal and can result in substantial fines and/or jail time.
DO NOT approach alligators, no matter how big or small. Alligators can move fast!
DO NOT walk up to an alligator to take a photo or to see it closer.
DO NOT taunt, tease or bait alligators.
DO NOT swim in lakes or lagoons.
DO keep your distance. If you encounter an alligator, walk backward and away from it.
DO keep your pets and children away from alligators.
DO keep pets on a leash and away from the water.
DO report any aggressive behavior, or alligator feeding and harassment, to the Palmetto Dunes Security Department.
Resort Happenings
Spring Music & Taste at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Thursdays through May 14, 2026 from 6 – 9 p.m. (weather permitting)
This outdoor seasonal event continues at 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 and drink specials 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 schedule. All concerts are weather permitting and subject to change.**No coolers or outside food/beverages will be permitted**
Mother’s Day Brunch at Alexander’s Sunday, May 10 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Treat mom to a special three-course prix-fixe brunch menu at Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar. Priced at $48++ per person (regular kids menu will also be available). Reserve your spot online at AlexandersRestaurant. com/mothers-day or call 866-921-6639 after 12 noon.
Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar –2026 Wine Dinners
Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. featuring Shafer Vineyards
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 Shafer Vineyards (CA). Priced at $135 per person. View the upcoming 2026 Wine Dinners and reserve your spot at AlexandersRestaurant.com/ Wine-Dinner.
The Dunes House
The Dunes House will be open in May, weather permitting. View the Dunes House calendar and hours of operation at PalmettoDunes.com/Dining/The-Dunes-House. For updates on closures due to weather, please check our Dunes House Facebook page at Facebook.com/TheDunesHouse.
Luxury Pontoon Boat Rentals at Shelter Cove Marina
When you reserve your Aloha Pontoon Boat Rental 20 or more days in advance, you can save 10% off now through December 31, 2026. Use promo code BOOKAHEAD. Limited time offer. Additional restrictions may apply. Make your pontoon reservation at ShelterCoveMarinaBoatRentals.com.
Palmetto Dunes General Store
Check out the General Store’s new branded merchandise! Or stop by at breakfast for hot biscuits and coffee, or at lunch to try bbq favorites from our smoker! View more information and hours of operation at PalmettoDunesGeneralStore.com.
Hilton Head Art Festival – Memorial Day Weekend
Friday, May 22 & Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Annual HHI Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina returns Memorial Day Weekend! This 3-day outdoor art festival in the common area will be set up around the marina shops and restaurants. The festival is being coordinated by Nash Gallery and will feature a wide selection of beautiful art including pottery, glass, wood, jewelry, etc.— All made in the USA! Admission to the festival is free and open to the public, rain or shine. For more information, call 843-7856424 or visit HiltonHeadArtFestival.com.
HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina: Memorial Day Weekend
The 37th Anniversary of HarbourFest, HHI’s largest multi-week summertime event, returns with Shannon Tanner, kids activities, Tuesday night fireworks and family fun at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Enjoy Thursday nights with Shannon Tanner & the Oyster Reefers playing the best island music covers and Jimmy Buffett classics. View the full schedule of entertainment and fireworks (beginning June 9) on our official HarbourFest website: ShelterCoveHarbourFest. com.*All HarbourFest fireworks and entertainment are subject to change and weather permitting. For show updates, please visit the Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Facebook page at Facebook.com/ShelterCoveHarbourMarina
Hilton Head Outfitters Kayak Club
This package is ideal for locals who love to kayak all year round! For just $300 (+ taxes & fees), guests have access to kayak for free all year long. A second member can also be added for only $150 (+ taxes & fees)! Applies only to 1, 1.5 and 2 hour kayak rentals. Additional restrictions may apply.Valid through December 31, 2026. Please call 866-380-1783 to become a member.
Discover the new Palmetto Dunes Resort App
The NEW Palmetto Dunes Resort App is at your service. The app is a simple, fast and secure place to store your vacation activity information. Guests and visitors can book resort activities and access real time information about Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. To download, search ‘Palmetto Dunes Resort’ in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. Read our blog at PalmettoDunes.com/Blog to learn more about the Palmetto Dunes Resort App features.
Happenings at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort:
HH Prime Restaurant – Seasonal times may vary. Please call ahead of time at 843.342.8058. for breakfast & dinner for hours and be sure to make your reservations through opentable.com/hh-prime.
XO Sports & Spirits – Enjoy game day sports on any of our 13 monitors with Big 10 Network, the SEC Network, and PGA Tour coverage. Drink specials and casual menu. Open daily. 843.341.8487.
Palmetto Market – Open 6:30 a.m. – 9 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.
Dining Special: Chef's Playground is a special dining experience at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort which features a four-course meal created by the resort's executive chef. For more information or to book this experience, please email Amy Howland at amy.howland@omnihotels.com. Visit www.omnihiltonhead.com for more information.