Seabrook Island Town Council has proclaimed Friday, November 1, 2019, as Mary Whyte Day in the Town of Seabrook Island. The Town, in conjunction with SCOPE50, has been planning this event over the last few months. The Town is recognizing Ms. Whyte for her dedication and commitment to serving the people of Seabrook Island and the Sea Islands. At this event, Ms. Whyte will also be doing a presentation on her latest project, We the People: Portraits of Veterans in America. Over the past several years Ms. Whyte has traveled throughout America, painting a watercolor portrait of a veteran in each of the fifty states. The opening exhibit of the fifty watercolors will take place this month at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park in Charleston. 

A reception and presentation will begin at 3:00 pm at the Seabrook Island Club.. Those interested in attending this presentation and reception should contact Michelle Duplessis for reservations at (843) 768-7849 or mduplessis@discoverseabrook.com. ($10 per person, beer & wine included) 

At the Club event on November 1, Seabrook Island veterans, representing each branch of the military, will be in attendance. Following Ms. Whyte's presentation, she will be signing copies of the companion book.

When Ms. Whyte, an internationally known watercolor artist, arrived on Seabrook Island in 1991, she immediately began to break down the barriers that existed between the people of Johns Island and the residents of Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. Through her books and art, particularly of the Gullah people and the blue collar workers of the South, she opened the eyes of Seabrookers and Kiawah Islanders and helped them understand the people living on Johns Island.

Ms. Whyte's works hang in galleries and museums across America and around the world, and she has received many awards. In spite of all these accolades, she is a humble and caring person who has been very active in organizations that help those who live on the Sea Islands. Her dedication and support of the Hebron Zion Presbyterian Church senior center on Johns Island is unparalleled. For many years she provided an annual luncheon at the Seabrook Island Club for these women who were mostly in their 80's, and she invited Seabrookers to greet and welcome these women. She has spearheaded the collection of toys and clothes for grandparents to give their grandchildren at Christmas. She has supported the Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation's annual Gullah Celebration in many ways, but especially by donating her work for their silent auction. She has done fundraisers for many local art groups. She has painted murals at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, where she serves on their board. She has also painted murals in local church sanctuaries. She has served on the SCOPES0 Board of Directors and has organized fundraisers for them. Ms. Whyte teaches watercolor classes, both locally and around the world, and is in great demand to share her work and teach. One such request came from former President George W. Bush who invited her to meet with him in Dallas after he had published a book of his paintings of wounded military veterans. 

At the Club event, Ms. Whyte will be recognized by Mayor Ron Ciancio and John Reynolds, President of SCOPE50.

Contact John Reynolds 
E-mail: JohnR99773@aol.com
Phone: (843) 768-0434

​On September 24, 2019, Seabrook Island Town Council adopted Ordinance 2019-09, which amends the leash requirements for pets on all beaches within the town limits of Seabrook Island.
 
The request to amend the town’s leash requirements was initiated by a citizen petition received in February 2019. Over a period of seven months, the Town Council carefully considered relevant information from a variety of sources, including the petitioners, Coastal Science and Engineering (the Town’s Beach Management consultant), Seabrook Island Beach Patrol, Seabrook Island Birders Group, Seabrook Island Dog Owners Group, Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol, St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Prior to adoption, a public hearing on the proposed ordinance was advertised and held on September 17, 2019.
 
The new ordinance, which will go into effect on October 24, 2019, divides the beach into three zones:

​For purposes of the new ordinance, the following definitions shall apply: 

No later than one year from the effective date of Ordinance 2019-09, council shall review the terms of the ordinance and determine whether it has worked effectively and achieved the objective of balancing the interests of all users of the beach. Following such review, council shall amend the ordinance, if and to the extent, it deems necessary.

As a reminder, violation of any town ordinance, including the town’s leash requirements for pets on the beach, is a misdemeanor and violators may be subject to fines of up to $1,087.50 (including court fees) upon conviction.

For more information about the town’s leash requirements, please call (843) 768-9121 or email jcronin@townofseabrookisland.org.