Author: SIPOA

SIPOA Volunteer Fair Happy Hour

On By SIPOAIn Annual Meeting, Volunteer

Make a Difference in the Community You Call Home

Seabrook Island is more than the place you live – it’s a community shaped by Property Owners who choose to get involved.

This fall, we’re inviting Property Owners to bring their interests, experience, ideas, and perspectives to one of SIPOA’s volunteer committees.

There’s a place for you.

Maybe you’re passionate about protecting Seabrook Island’s natural beauty. Maybe you’re a big-picture thinker, have an eye for design, enjoy working with numbers, care deeply about safety, or simply believe good communication makes a stronger community.

Whatever your strengths, there’s likely a SIPOA committee where you can put them to work.

Join us at the Volunteer Fair to learn about our committees, talk with current volunteers, ask questions, and find an opportunity that interests you.

  • Monday, September 28 | 4 – 6 PM
  • Lake House, Live Oak Hall
  • Wine, Beer & Hors d’oeuvres

Ready to make a difference? The Volunteer Form opens September 15.

Questions? Contact nominations@sipoa.org.

Kiddie Pool Closure

On By SIPOAIn Pools

The kiddie pool at the Oyster Catcher Community Center is temporarily closed for the weekend.

Replacement parts have been ordered, and we expect to have it reopened early next week.

Call for Candidates – 2027

On By SIPOAIn Annual Meeting, Call for Candidates, SIPOA, Volunteer

The SIPOA Nominating Committee is looking for individuals interested in serving on the Board of Directors or Nominating Committee. In the 2027 SIPOA election, candidates are needed for four (4) three-year terms on the Board of Directors and two (2) two-term positions on the Nominating Committee.

The deadline to submit your Candidate Profile Form is on October 1, 2026.

If you are interested in running for the Board of Directors or Nominating Committee, please fill out an application below.

Eligible candidates must have owned property on Seabrook Island for at least one year prior to nomination(before October 1, 2025). Prior service on SIPOA committees is encouraged.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Board of Directors Application
Nominating Committee Application

Board of Directors Candidates should:

  • Have the ability to work well with others
  • Understand that all Board members are required to serve in the best interest of all Property Owners
  • Have the willingness and ability to commit to the required time for Board and Committee duties
  • Have the ability to evaluate issues and work collaboratively to recommend solutions
  • Have the skillsets, volunteer, board, or professional experience that benefit the community
  • Have been a Property Owner before October 1, 2025

Nominating Committee Candidates should:

  • Have a broad social network and a willingness to put in the time needed to identify outstanding candidates
  • Have an understanding of the roles the Board of Directors and SIPOA committees play in Association governance
  • Have the ability to evaluate the suitability of candidates to best meet the qualifications for the Board of Directors and Nominating Committee
  • Have been a Property Owner before October 1, 2025

Vision Statement

To be an idyllic ocean-front environment where neighbors collaborate to sustain and renew our island’s natural beauty and experience a wonderful quality of life. (approved by the Board of Directors on December 13, 2021)

Extreme Heat Throughout the Weekend

On By SIPOAIn Severe Weather, Town of Seabrook Island

Charleston County is forecast to experience potentially record-breaking heat indices, with some of the highest values across the Southeast.

While Coastal South Carolina is currently under an Extreme Heat Warning, an Extreme Heat Watch is expected for Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with heat index values potential reaching 117°F.

This is more than just a hot summer day. These conditions can become life-threatening, particularly with prolonged exposure or strenuous outdoor activity.

During this period of extreme heat, please encourage personnel and the public to:

  • Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-containing fluids.
  • Limit time outdoors, particularly in direct sunlight.
  • Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities when possible.
  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothing.
  • Check on individuals who may be especially vulnerable to extreme heat.

If someone shows signs of a heat-related emergency, call 911 immediately, move them to a cooler location, and begin cooling measures while awaiting emergency responders.

For live alerts, please sign up for TOSI’s eNewsletter here.

Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

4th of July Recap – 2026

On By SIPOAIn Activities, Holiday Events, Lake House, SIPOA

Flags, Friends & Fun: Our All-Island Fourth of July Parade

Every year as Independence Day approaches, a special energy fills the air across Seabrook Island. Neighbors begin planning their decorations, water guns come out of storage, and people mark their calendars for one of the most anticipated events on the island: the annual Fourth of July Parade. This all-island celebration brings Property Owners and their guests together in a joyful, patriotic display that has become a true tradition for so many.

This year, as the nation marked America’s 250th birthday, Seabrookers came out in a big way. The parade was noticeably bigger and carried even more energy. People were more creative than ever, and the variety of decorations and vehicles was the greatest we have seen – bike riders, low-speed vehicles, pickup trucks, classic cars, and more all joined the fun. From enthusiastic riders leading the way to groups of every age traveling the route, nearly the entire community took part. Spectators lined Seabrook Island Road at drive-ways, intersections, and boardwalks. They set up chairs, tables, and coolers along the way, turning the morning into a lively neighborhood block party on wheels. Many look forward to being on Seabrook Island specifically for this event, returning year after year to create new memories.

The parade thoughtfully offers both a dry section and a wet section, so everyone can take part in the way that suits them best. Once the transition to the water party begins, smiles, laughter, and good-natured splashing fill the air. Crowds along the route cheer enthusiastically, creating an unmistakable sense of shared celebration that ripples from one end of the island to the other.

For those who prefer a calmer experience, the dry viewing area at the Lake House has become an increasingly popular option each year. Located in a comfortable grassy space, it offers a wonderful way to enjoy the full parade without stepping into the fray. It is a growing gathering spot where neighbors come together to share the excitement, and take in the pageantry in a more relaxed setting. Many appreciate having this choice, and this year we saw even more people return to the Lake House to enjoy this option.

More than just a parade, this morning has become a wonderful expression of Seabrook Island’s community spirit. It’s an occasion when the whole island feels connected, owners and guests, people of every age, dry and thoroughly soaked, united in celebrating our nation’s birthday in the most Seabrook way possible.

As we start planning for next year, whether you plan to ride, settle into the dry viewing area at the Lake House, or stand along the route with a cold drink and a big smile, this is an event most of us look forward to every year. It is a highlight of island life, a tradition that strengthens our sense of belonging, and a joyful reminder of what makes Seabrook Island such a special place to call home.

We look forward to seeing you all next year.

Submitted by Michelle Wiedemuth, Amenities & Activities Committee Chair

2027 Board of Directors & Nominating Committee Kick-Off

On By SIPOAIn Annual Meeting, Nominating Committee, SIPOA

We are officially kicking off the annual candidate nomination process for the SIPOA Board of Directors and the SIPOA Nominating Committee. The 2027 Nominating Committee includes: Drew Kemmeling, Jean Daly, Gary Walton, and Mike Sankovich. The Chair of the Committee is George Fink and Vice-Chair, Cindy O’Neill.

SIPOA has four (4) current SIPOA Board members completing their 3-year terms this coming February: John Lassiter, Mark Neath, Maryanne Connelly, and Cindy O’Neill. We also have two (2) Nominating Committee members completing their term this coming February: Drew Kemmeling and Jean Daly. Many thanks to all of them for their service to our community, and they have several months of committee and Board activities as they complete their terms.

We encourage all Property Owners to explore the candidate process for either a Board Director or a Nominating Committee Role. This is your chance to affect the future of our beloved island.

For the Board of Directors, we need candidates who meet these criteria:

  • Are Property Owners in good standing with SIPOA who purchased their property prior to October 2025.
  • Have experience on SIPOA Committees or other similar community or not-for-profit committees is preferred.
  • Are full-time OR part-time residents. We host almost every SIPOA Board and Committee meeting with a virtual Zoom session. Being full-time is not a requirement.
  • Have the ability to work well with others.
  • Understand that all Board members are required to serve in the best interest of all Property Owners.
  • Have the willingness and ability to commit the required time for Board and Committee duties.
  • Have the ability to evaluate issues and work collaboratively to recommend solutions.
  • Have skillsets, volunteer, board, or professional experience that benefit the community.

For the Nominating Committee, we need candidates who:

  • Have a broad social network and a willingness to put in the time needed to identify outstanding candidates.
  • Understand the roles the Board of Directors and SIPOA committees play in Association governance.
  • Have the ability to evaluate the suitability of candidates to best meet the qualifications for the Board of Directors and Nominating Committee.
  • Are Property Owners in good standing with SIPOA who purchased their property prior to October 2025.

Cindy O’Neill, 2024 – 2027 Board Director, on her Board experience –

When I decided to run for the SIPOA Board, I was newly retired and a new full-time resident, having been a part-timer for a number of years. I didn’t know quite what to expect but got indoctrinated quickly. I have learned so much about how the island runs and met people I would not have known. There is a time commitment, but the work is rewarding because it affects our lives so personally and we see the effects almost immediately.

Below are some of the challenges our 2027-2029 Board must address and solve for:

  • Cap’n Sams Inlet Relocation and paving all roads
  • Implementing a long-term Master Plan for our SIPOA natural spaces, amenities and facilities.
  • Wildlife and habitat conservation.
  • Evaluating financial and operational risk management impacts of potential storms on Seabrook Island.

If you want to engage in the policies of our POA and really get in the “know” on what’s happening on our island,

If you are a lifetime learner and enjoy being a part of challenging projects with other talented volunteers, and

If you enjoy leading effective committees to propose new policies, future leadership candidates, and leading practices for our POA,

Then please reach out to George Fink to set up a conversation with a 2027 Nominating Committee member.

Also plan to join SIPOA at the Volunteer Fair on September 28, 2026 where the Board will be available to answer questions about our committees and serving on the Board.

Thanks for considering volunteering and supporting SIPOA. Please click the frequently asked questions related to the SIPOA annual nomination process below:

SIPOA Board & Nominating Committee Election Process Answers
to Frequently Asked Questions

Infrastructure Master Plan

On By SIPOAIn Engineering, Infrastructure, Intern Program

COMMUNITY EDUCATION – SIPOA INFRASTRUCTURE

SIPOA maintains a wide range of infrastructure on the island including stormwater, roads, beaches, and lakes. In an effort to help educate residents on how SIPOA manages this infrastructure, we have created an Infrastructure Master Plan. This page serves as a dashboard that outlines SIPOA’s infrastructure management practices. Each month we will highlight a different piece of the Infrastructure Master Plan.

STORMWATER OUTFALLS

A stormwater outfall is the point where stormwater leaves a stormwater pipe and enters the downstream marsh.

The marsh is always changing and the path the stormwater takes from the pipe to the tidal channel must be maintained as part of the stormwater infrastructure.

This summer, the engineering interns completed an in-depth survey and condition assessment of all 64 stormwater outfalls on Seabrook Island. The results of this study are presented in one of our newest pieces, Stormwater Outfall Management Program. This program outlines past, present, and future outfall maintenance practices.

We hope that this tool helps residents understand more about this piece of SIPOA’s infrastructure.

Captain Sams Inlet Relocation Permit Application Status Update

On By SIPOAIn Beach Projects, Engineering

SIPOA began preparations to submit a permit application for the 4th Captain Sams Inlet Relocation project in the spring of 2025 by meeting with project stakeholders and collecting their feedback.  A permit application was filed with the SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in October 2025.

In March of 2026, a settlement agreement was proposed that would transfer ownership of Captain Sams Spit from Kiawah Development Partners to the State of SC.  This settlement agreement is proceeding through the state budgeting process, but the timeline for final approval and property transfer is not clear at this time.  As part of the permit requirements with SCDES and USACE, SIPOA must obtain authorization from the property owner before any construction activities can be authorized.  Given this, the Captain Sams Spit settlement agreement and pending ownership transfer is preventing SIPOA’s permit application from being reviewed by SCDES and USACE.  According to SCDES, these permit applications must be processed within certain defined regulatory timelines. 

Because SIPOA’s permit application will likely exceed any applicable timeline as determined by SCDES, SCDES has requested that SIPOA agree to a pause in the current permitting review process.  Accordingly, SIPOA has agreed to withdraw its permit applications with SCDES and USACE to allow the Captain Sams Spit settlement agreement and future ownership of the subject property to be resolved. This administrative step is not expected to change the overall project timeline.

Similar issues were overcome during the previous inlet relocation permitting process.  SIPOA withdrew its permit applications prior to the 2015 inlet change to allow for construction access issues to be addressed with the property owner at the time. 

“SIPOA is committed to implementing the 4th inlet relocation project as part of Seabrook Island’s shoreline management program and will resubmit permit applications once the property ownership issues have been resolved.” 

-John Lassiter
SIPOA Board President