Mayor John Gregg and members of Seabrook Island Town Council wish to extend an invitation to all residents and property owners to attend the town's annual Christmas Drop-In. This year's event will take place on Thursday, December 12th from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at Seabrook Island Town Hall (2001 Seabrook Island Road). Attendees will enjoy free food, refreshments and festive holiday music.

As in previous years, the town will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Donations may be dropped off at Town Hall during the Christmas Drop-In, or anytime between now and December 12th. 

On behalf of the Town of Seabrook Island, we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

On Tuesday, November 5, 2019, the Town of Seabrook Island conducted a municipal election to fill the positions of Mayor, Town Council Members and Utility Commissioner. The results of the election were certified by the Charleston County Board of Canvassers on Thursday, November 7, 2019, as follows:

Mayor (1)

• John Gregg - 532 *
• Write-In - 7

Town Council Members (4)

• Jeri Finke - 447 *
• Patricia Fox - 434 *
• Skip Crane - 430 *
• Barry R. Goldstein - 427 *
• Sharon Welch - 242
• Write-In - 9

Utility Commissioner (1)

• Tim Morawski - 530 *
• Write-In - 1

The town will host a swearing-in ceremony for Mayor-Elect John Gregg, Town Council Members Skip Crane, Jeri Finke, Patricia Fox and Barry Goldstein, and Utility Commissioner Tim Morawski on Friday, November 8, 2019, at 11:00 am. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Seabrook Island Town Hall (2001 Seabrook Island Road). The ceremony will be open to the public, and light refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the event.

For more information, please contact Seabrook Island Town Hall by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at fallbritton@townofseabrookisland.org. ​

On July 23, 2019, Seabrook Island Town Council gave final approval to Ordinance 2019-08 entitled: “An ordinance prohibiting the distribution of single-use plastic carryout bags, plastic straws, and polystyrene coolers, cups and other food containers by any business establishment operating in the Town of Seabrook Island.” 

With the adoption of Ordinance 2019-08, the Town of Seabrook Island has joined a growing list of communities across the State of South Carolina which have banned single-use plastic bags, food and beverage containers, service ware, straws and polystyrene foam products. Other jurisdictions with similar restrictions include: Arcadia Lakes, Beaufort, Bluffton, Camden, Charleston, Edisto Beach, Folly Beach, Hilton Head Island, Isle of Palms, James Island, Kiawah Island, Mount Pleasant, North Myrtle Beach, Port Royal, Sullivans Island, Surfside Beach, and Beaufort and Charleston Counties. The Town of Seabrook Island’s new ordinance will go into effect on January 1, 2020.

The requirements of Ordinance 2019-08 will apply to all business establishments operating in the Town of Seabrook Island. A “business establishment” is defined as: “Any enterprise that sells or offers goods or merchandise to its customers through its employees, independent contractors associated with the business, or volunteers acting on behalf of the enterprise. The term includes sole proprietorships, joint ventures, partnerships, corporations, or any other form of legal entity whether for profit or not for profit, including those referenced and identified as a food provider.”

Beginning January 1, 2020, the sale and/or distribution of the following types of products and materials by business establishments in the Town will be restricted by Ordinance 2019-08: 

​Below is a table illustrating the types of plastic materials which will be prohibited by the Town Code, pursuant to Ordinance 2019-08:

For additional information related to exemptions from the plastic ban, enforcement and penalty provisions, and procedures for requesting an exemption from the ban, please refer to Ordinance 2019-08.

If you have any questions about the town's new plastic restrictions, please feel free to contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at jcronin@townofseabrookisland.org. 

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. 

​The Town of Seabrook Island will host its FREE fall shredding event on Friday, October 11th, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The event will be held in the parking lot adjacent to Seabrook Island Town Hall (2001 Seabrook Island Road), and will take place rain or shine.

Attendees are limited to (3) three boxes (copy paper box or smaller) or three bags (kitchen trash bag or smaller) per vehicle. There is no need to remove binders, binder clips, paper clips, staples, rubber bands, or CDs/DVDs prior to shredding.
​
Shredding services will be provided by Shred360.

Charleston County Mosquito Control has scheduled a spray truck for Zone "K2," which includes the Town of Seabrook Island. The treatment is scheduled to take place overnight beginning after 11:00 PM on Tuesday, September 17th, and will be completed prior to 7:00 AM on Wednesday, September 18th (weather permitting).
​​​
For more information about the Mosquito Control program, please visit Charleston County Mosquito Control.

The Town of Seabrook Island's municipal election will take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. This year's general election will fill one (1) seat for the office of Mayor and all four (4) Town Council seats. Terms for the Mayor and Town Council members shall be for a period of two (2) years and will expire in November 2021. The election will also fill one (1) seat on the Seabrook Island Utility Commission for a six (6) year term, which will expire in November 2025. This is a non-partisan election and all candidates will run "at-large."

Candidates

Filing for the Town of Seabrook Island's municipal election closed on Wednesday, September 11th, at 12:00 pm. The following individuals have filed to run as candidates:

Candidates for Mayor - One (1) Seat Available:

• John Gregg

Candidates for Town Council - Four (4) Seats Available:

• Skip Crane
• Jeri Finke
• Patricia Fox
• Barry R. Goldstein
• Sharon Welch

Candidates for Utility Commission - One (1) Seat Available:

• Tim Morawski

Polling Place

​The following precinct and polling place will be open on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m:

• The Lake House: 2319 Seabrook Island Road, Seabrook Island, SC

Anyone in line at 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Voter ID Requirements

This municipal election will be held under the new rules for providing photo ID at the polling place. When voting in person, you will be asked to show one of the following types of photo ID at your polling place:

• SC Driver's License
• SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card
• SC Voter Registration Card with Photo
• Federal Military ID
• US Passport

Click here to learn more about photo ID requirements.

Voter Registration

The last day that persons may register to be eligible to vote in this election is October 5, 2019. If submitting a registration by mail, it must be post marked no later than October 5, 2019. For more information, or to obtain a voter registration form or change of address form, please contact the Charleston County Board of Elections and Voter Registration. 

Absentee Voting

Registered voters who cannot vote in person may be eligible to vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots may be obtained from the Charleston County Board of Elections and Voter Registration. Individuals who wish to vote absentee may call (843) 744-8683 or send an email to absentee@charlestoncounty.org to inquire about the availability of absentee ballots.

At 9:00 a.m., on Election Day, the Charleston County Board of Elections and Voter Registration will begin the examination of the absentee ballot return envelopes. This process will take place at the elections office, 4367 Headquarters Road, North Charleston, SC.

Election Certification

On Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 9:20 a.m., the Charleston County Board of Canvassers will hold a public hearing at the elections office, 4367 Headquarters Road, North Charleston, SC, to determine the validity of all ballots challenged in this election, and certify election results.

Useful Links

• Charleston County Board of Elections and Voter Registration
• ​South Carolina Election Commission
• South Carolina State Ethics Commission

Blue Tarp Contractors

The Town of Seabrook Island maintains a list of local contractors who offer emergency blue tarp services, such as placing temporary protective coverings over damaged structures. While all contractors are licensed by the Town of Seabrook Island, the town makes no representation or warranty regarding the qualifications or availability of any contractor. Property owners are solely responsible for making any arrangements with a blue tarp contractor, and for any fees for the performance of such services.

Click here for Blue Tarp Contractor List

Tree Removal Contractors

The Town of Seabrook Island maintains a list of local contractors who offer emergency tree removal services. While all contractors are licensed by the Town of Seabrook Island, the town makes no representation or warranty regarding the qualifications or availability of any contractor. Property owners are solely responsible for making any arrangements with a tree removal contractor, and for any fees for the performance of such services.

Click here for Tree Removal Contractor List

​Please note that all contractors operating within the Town of Seabrook Island are required to have a valid town business license. To verify the license status of a contractor which is not listed on either of the lists posted above, or to report an unlicensed contractor doing business within the town, please contact Town Hall at (843) 768-9121.