Month: October 2024

Beach Project Schedule Update – 10/31/24

On By SIPOAIn Beach Projects, Engineering, Environmental, GOMC

The sand recycle and seawall repair contractor, SJ Hamill, began working on seawall repairs on October 1. They began sand scraping and hauling on October 15. Thanks to some incredible weather and calm seas, they are currently ahead of the initial projected schedule. As of 10/31/24, the contractor has placed 3,000 of the 3,500 tons of armor stone specified for the repairs of the seawall from boardwalk 6 to the Beach Club. They have also hauled and placed 77,000 of the 150,000 specific cubic yardage of sand. The photo below shows the dry sand beach area that has been reestablished between boardwalks 6 and 7.

If our favorable weather conditions continue, we expect to be done placing armor stone from boardwalk 6 to the Beach Club by November 8 and sand scraping could be completed as early as November 22. The next phase of work will be the seawall repair at Beach Club Villas and Dolphin Point. Material staging could begin in this area as early as November 11.

We are grateful for all of the hard work from our engineer, Coastal Science and Engineering, and our contractor, SJ Hamill, to get this project off to a great start.

Stray Dog Alert

On By SIPOAIn Miscellaneous

Report sightings to the Gatehouse: (843) 768-6641

SIPOA and CCSO Animal Control are trying to catch a stray dog that has been seen primarily on the northeast side of the island since 10/15/24.

No SIPOA resident has reported a lost dog. We have informed nearby areas that the dog has been seen here.

Unfortunately, efforts to catch the dog and bring him to safety have been hampered by individuals who have been feeding it.

SIPOA’s animal control contractor will use a humane trap to capture the dog and bring it to a shelter for care.

Help us capture the dog safely:

  • Let the professionals do their jobs.
  • DO NOT feed the dog or leave food out in an effort to attract and confine it. This interferes with capture attempts and attracts unwanted wildlife to the area.
  • If you see the dog, report it immediately. Call the Gatehouse at (843) 768-6641.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Temporary Beach Rules Effective Immediately

On By SIPOAIn Town of Seabrook Island

Emergency Ordinance No. 2024-01

On October 23, 2024, Town Council adopted Emergency Ordinance 2024-01 in an effort to protect beachgoers (and their pets) from hazards resulting from the ongoing sand scraping and seawall repair projects.

Effective immediately, the following temporary rules are now in effect:

Temporary Beach Rules for Pets

  • Atlantic Ocean Beach
    • Pets are prohibited (on- or off-leash) at all times between Boardwalk #1 and Captain Sams Inlet – NO CHANGE
    • Pets must be on-leash (24/7) between the Boardwalk #1 and the Beach Club – NEW
  • Edisto River Beach
    • Pets are allowed off-leash (24/7) between the Beach Club and 300 yards NW of Boardwalk #9 – NO CHANGE
    • Pets must be on-leash (24/7) between 300 yards NW of Boardwalk #9 and Privateer Creek – NO CHANGE

Temporary Beach Rules for Beach Fires

  • Atlantic Ocean Beach
    • Beach fires are prohibited between the Beach Club and Captain Sams Inlet – NEW
  • Edisto River Beaches
    • Beach fires are allowed above the high-water mark with a valid SIPOA Beach Fire Permit between the Beach Club and 300 yards NW of Boardwalk #9 – NO CHANGE
    • Beach fires are prohibited between 300 yards NW of Boardwalk #9 and Privateer Creek – NEW

Temporary Beach Closures

  • Atlantic Ocean Beach
    • Beach access will be open during the daytime hours (sunrise to sunset) – NO CHANGE
    • Beach access will be closed during the nighttime hours (sunset to sunrise) – NEW 
  • Edisto River Beaches
    • Beach access will remain open at all times – NO CHANGE

The provisions of Emergency Ordinance 2024-01 will expire on November 22, 2024 at 11:59pm, unless extended by Town Council.

Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island Fishing Guidelines & Etiquette

On By SIPOAIn Environmental

For a detailed outline of Seabrook Island’s Fishing Guidelines and Etiquette, please click here.

1. Introduction
Seabrook Island is a private coastal community offering a variety of fishing opportunities. This overview provides guidelines for surf, river, stream, pond, and marsh fishing, and fishing from bridges on Seabrook Island. Adherence to these guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all residents and visitors.

2. License Requirements
All individuals fishing, crabbing, or shell fishing in saltwater on Seabrook Island must comply with SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) regulations and possess a valid SC fishing license (https://saltwaterfishing.sc.gov/license.html). This includes all marshes, creeks and inlets, and any ponds that are tidal. However, a fishing license is not required for freshwater fishing in non-tidal freshwater ponds and lakes. Resident and non-resident licenses can be obtained online at the SC Department of Natural Resources (www.dnr.sc.gov) (https://gooutdoorssouthcarolina.com) or call 843-762-5000.

3. Fish, Fishing Regulations
The SCDNR (www.dnr.sc.gov) has specific seasonal size, limit, and equipment regulations that change from time to time for fishing, crabbing, and shell fishing (https://www.dnr.sc.gov/regulations.html)

  • Town Ordinance prohibits chumming within 600 feet of the beach.
    Definition: Chumming means the depositing into water chopped or ground bait consisting of raw meat or fish parts including blood and oil thereof (excluding poultry) in an attempt to catch fish.
  • This does NOT affect or prohibit the baiting of crab traps or the placement of natural bait upon a hook and line.

4. Surf Fishing Guidelines
Fishermen and swimmers should be cognizant and considerate of each other, use common sense, and treat each other with mutual respect so all can enjoy the beach and cohabitate the shore peacefully together.

5. Bridge Fishing Guidelines/Safety Issues

  • Be mindful of traffic when fishing from bridges
  • Do not obstruct the roadway or walkways. Follow posted signs and guidelines.

6. Post-Fishing Etiquette

  • Clean Up: Ensure all trash, bait, and equipment are cleaned up and disposed of properly.
  • Bait: Do not leave bait on the beach or near fishing or crabbing areas.
  • Keep equipment (fishing, crabbing) from cluttering the area and store all equipment safely after use.
  • Hooks/Crab traps: Properly dispose of hooks and other sharp objects to prevent injuries and adhere to crab trap regulations.
  • Shellfish: Any discarded or open shells should be disposed of properly; do not leave shells in public areas.

7. Beach Patrol Activity
The Seabrook Island Beach Patrol and SIPOA Patrol Officers have the authority to issue warnings or citations, and to ask fisherman or swimmers to move if in their judgement they feel there is a safety issue. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of all beachgoers and responding to any incidents.

8. Golf Course Ponds/Lakes
For safety reasons, the Seabrook Island Club does not permit non-golfers to be on the course. Do not fish the ponds/lakes on the golf courses or practice areas.

9. Conclusion
By following these guidelines, you contribute to the preservation of Seabrook Island’s natural beauty, the freedoms for all to enjoy our special island, the rights of fishermen and swimmers, and the safety of all its residents and visitors.

Thank you for your cooperation and happy fishing!

Fishing Guidelines Short Version
Fishing Guidelines Full Version

SIPOA Coyote Management Plan – Do’s & Don’ts

On By SIPOAIn Environmental

Safety is the first priority.

To stay safe if you encounter a coyote:

DO:

  • Leash your pets
  • Wave your arms, yell, clap, use an airhorn to make noise, or water from hoses/water guns to scare coyotes away.
  • Move away from a coyote by slowly walking backwards and without looking away.
  • Keep food out of reach – this includes bird feeders, pet bowls, compost, and uncovered trash.
  • If a coyote is snarling or growling, try throwing rocks at their feet or other parts of the body – not their head.
  • Report aggressive coyotes or coyote incidents to the SIPOA gatehouse and at https://sipoa.org/wildlife-sightings/.

DON’T

  • Approach or corner a coyote or their young.
  • Go near a coyote den or move their young
  • Run away or act afraid. They can run up to 40 mph!
  • Panic. Sometimes coyotes will shadow you to ensure you’re not a threat. If you do panic and run, they will give chase.
  • Try to feed or befriend a coyote. They are called wild animals for a reason.
  • Hunt, trap or remove the coyote on your own.
  • Try to poison a coyote.

Coyote removal must be done by a trained wildlife professional. SIPOA Covenants §8 prohibit discharge of firearms, air guns, pistols, sling shots, and bows and arrows, of any kind, type or method of propulsion. SIPOA Covenants §11 states: “no hunting of any kind will be permitted in the SID.”

SIPOA Coyote Management Do’s & Don’ts
Seabrook Island Coyote Management Plan

Online Property Owner Portal – NEW FEATURE!

On By SIPOAIn Communications

The Primary Owner should have received the Portal Instructions letter on 10/16/24 from no-reply@eunify.net. If you cannot locate that email, instructions are provided below:

The Seabrook Island POA (SIPOA) proudly partners with eUnify (eUnify.net) to provide a robust and dynamic online portal for Property Owners. After your initial portal setup, the portal can also be accessed via mobile app. Search “Community Link” in Google Play or Apple Store. We strongly encourage you to download the app if you plan to access the portal using a mobile device or tablet. The app will work best if your mobile device/tablet has the latest version of the device software. Please update your phone if needed. Some options available in the portal are not available in the app.

You will find the following features in the Property Owners Portal:

  • SIPOA Account Information and Payment Link
  • SIPOA Document Library: Governing Documents and Board & Committee Meeting Minutes
  • SIPOA Community Calendar
  • SIPOA Events Information
  • SIPOA Community Contacts (this is an opt-in feature)

To enter the Property Owner Portal for the first time, you will need to create a Login Name and Password.

If you own more than one property or a combined property, use the “Forgot Login” link under the Portal Login on the SIPOA Property Owner Portal page.

Follow the steps below to get started: (images for each step are below these steps)

  • Visit sipoa.org and click on “Property Owner Portal” or the “Property Owners” tab on the homepage.
  • All users must use the “Initial Login” form to set up an account or receive login credentials.
  • Enter the account number shown below, your last name or street number, and your e-mail.
  • You will then receive a confirmation email with a link to create your Username and Password.
    • Login Name must be at least 8 characters in length and can contain upper- and lower-case letters and numbers; you cannot use special characters (e.g., #, $, @, &, etc.)
    • Password must be at least 6 characters in length and can contain upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • Once you have created a login, verify your information and click “continue”. Email any errors to receptionist@sipoa.org as you cannot edit.
  • At this time, your Registration is complete, and you will be directed to go to your site.

If you do not know your SIPOA Account Number, it can be found at the top of your SIPOA Annual Assessment. If you cannot locate your Assessment, please email receptionist@sipoa.org or call (843) 768-0061 to receive your account number.

Please note, this SIPOA Document Library will be accessible only through the Property Owner Portal and no longer on GateAccess.net.

Step 1 – SIPOA.org

Step 2 – Click Initial Login

Step 3 – Enter Account Information

Step 4 – Create Login & Password

Step 5 – Verify Information & Click Continue

Step 6 – Visit your site!

For a printable version of the Property Owner Portal Login Instructions, click here.

Beach Project Update

On By SIPOAIn Beach Projects, Engineering, GOMC, Long Range Planning

Sand scraping began this week on 10/15/24. Sand is being scraped from the intertidal area in front of BW1 and hauled to the area between boardwalks 6 and 7. This work will take place during low tide during the day and night through December.

Please plan to avoid using this section of the beach if possible.

Boardwalk 9 is open and unaffected by this project.

If you do access this section of the beach, please stay in the dry sand beach area in front of boardwalks 4 and 5.

Thank you for your patience as we work to keep Seabrook Island’s beach in great condition.

Adopt-A-Highway – 10/26/24

On By SIPOAIn Activities, Adopt a Highway, Engineering, Environmental

Adopt-a-Highway invites you to join in for a fall stroll down Betsy Kerrison Parkway on October 26; 9:00am – 11:00am. The volunteer team will meet at the Lake House parking lot before heading to Betsy Kerrison. Litter bags, vests and pick-up sticks provided. You will need gloves, long pants, sunscreen, and possibly bug spray. Water will be provided.

If you have any questions, please email Mary Gwyn at mkginmd@verizon.net.

Let’s make the beautiful entrance to Seabrook Island trash-free!