Category: SIPOA

Respecting Regime Property

On By SIPOAIn Regimes, SIPOA

A Friendly Reminder: Respecting Regime Property

Seabrook Island is home to a number of private regimes, each with its own property, parking areas and amenities. We’d like to remind Property Owners and their guests that regime property is reserved for residents of that regime and their authorized guests.

If you do not reside within a particular regime, please do not bypass gates or other access controls, park on regime property, or use regime-specific amenities unless you are an authorized guest of a resident.

While we are fortunate to share the great Seabrook Island community, individual regimes are privately managed and are responsible for their own properties and access requirements. Respecting these boundaries helps protect the privacy, security, and enjoyment of our neighbors throughout the island.

SIPOA Amenities: (See Island Life Guide for all Facilities, Amenities & Activities)

  • Lake House: includes our Fitness Center, Indoor and Outdoor pools, Playground, outdoor recreation areas, and Library.
  • GateHouse
  • Crabbing Dock/Kayak Launch
SIPOA ISLAND LIFE GUIDE

Anything outside SIPOA amenities is restricted to regime Property Owners only.

Thank you for being considerate of your fellow Property Owners and respecting private regime property.

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)

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

Get the Scoop – Beach Management

On By SIPOAIn Activities, Engineering, Get the Scoop, GOMC, SIPOA1 Comment

Steve Hirsch (SIPOA) and Patrick Barrineau (Coastal Science & Engineering) will present on the planned sand scraping project that will take place in October 2026. 

They will also provide an update on the status of the future Captain Sams Inlet Relocation project.

When: Monday, September 14, 2026

Where: New Location: Oyster Catcher Community Center

Zoom link

Time: 3:00pm

Click to View GTS Event List

SIPOA Property Owner Portal Update

On By SIPOAIn Communications, SIPOA, Technology

Property Owner Portal Gets a Fresh New Look

Beginning Friday, July 10th, Property Owners will notice an updated look and feel when logging into the SIPOA Property Owner Portal (Community Link).

This overnight upgrade introduces a cleaner, more modern interface designed to make navigating the portal easier while keeping the key features you use every day.

What’s New?

  • Easier navigation with simplified menus
  • Mobile-friendly design that works well on phones, tablets and computers
  • A refreshed homepage that’s easier to read
  • Improved document organization with a folder similar to Windows File Explorer
  • Enhanced technology and security working behind the scenes.

What’s Staying the Same?

The good news is that while the portal looks different, the things you rely on are not changing.

  • Your login information remains the same
  • The Property Owner Portal web address remains the same
  • Online payments continue without interruption
  • Your history and community records will still be available
  • Communication tools remain available

Do You Need to do Anything?

No action is required. The update took place overnight on Thursday, July 9th, and the refreshed portal is now available.

A Better Experience

The updated Property Owner Portal offers a cleaner design and improved navigation while keeping all of the features you’ve come to rely on.

We appreciate your patience during this transition and hope you enjoy the new experience.

Log into your portal account

*If you have not registered your account, please select Initial Login to create your SIPOA Property Owner Portal account.

TST Funding & Our SBI Road Improvement Project

On By SIPOAIn Seabrook Island Club, SIPOA, Town of Seabrook Island

A joint letter from The Town, The Club, and SIPOA

Take the survey here!

An Open Letter to the Seabrook Island Community

Dear Residents, Property Owners, Employees, and Friends of Seabrook Island:

The leaders of the Town of Seabrook Island, the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association, and the Seabrook Island Club are united in asking for your help.

Charleston County Council is currently preparing a Transportation Sales Tax referendum that may appear on the ballot in 2026. The draft project list under consideration includes approximately $4.25 billion in funding for road, transit, bike/pedestrian, and greenbelt projects throughout the county.

Unfortunately, the draft project list does not include a single dollar for projects within the town limits of Seabrook Island.

This omission is particularly concerning given the importance—and vulnerability—of Seabrook Island Road, the only means of vehicular access to and from our community.

Low-lying segments of Seabrook Island Road regularly experience tidal flooding during high tides and storm events. When flooding occurs, access to the island can be significantly restricted or completely cut off. This creates serious risks for residents, employees, and visitors and can delay response times from police, fire and emergency medical services.

During a nor’easter in December 2023, first responders were forced to rescue occupants from vehicles stranded in floodwaters on Seabrook Island Road. The roadway became impassable, and our entire community was effectively cut off from the rest of the county until floodwaters receded.

Each day, approximately 7,700 vehicle trips travel along Seabrook Island Road. The corridor serves more than 2,100 full-time residents, 2,600 dwelling units, and thousands of visitors, while also supporting more than 2,400 businesses, contractors, and employees who rely on safe and reliable access to the island. It is also a vital gateway to destinations such as the MUSC Medical Pavilion, Bohicket Marina, Freshfields Village, St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, and numerous local employers.

For years, improving Seabrook Island Road has been identified as the Town’s highest transportation priority. The proposed Seabrook Island Road Improvement Project would elevate flood-prone segments of the roadway and improve drainage to reduce tidal flooding and improve reliability.

Importantly, this project is already well advanced in design and permitting and is expected to be shovel-ready by the time sales tax collections begin in 2027.

Simply put, this project must move forward. Reliable access to Seabrook Island is not optional—it is essential for public safety, emergency response, evacuation, and the continued vitality of our community.

If the Seabrook Island Road Improvement Project is included in the countywide transportation sales tax program, it can be funded through a revenue source Seabrook Island residents and visitors are already paying. If it is not included, the Town will need to pursue other funding options, such as bonds repaid through property taxes or other local taxes.

That outcome would be fundamentally unfair. Seabrook residents, property owners, employees, and visitors already contribute millions of dollars to the county transportation sales tax—helping finance projects throughout Charleston County. It is only reasonable that our community receive an appropriate investment in return. The Town’s request amounts to roughly one penny for every $10 in transportation sales taxes collected.

Our shared message to Charleston County is simple: Seabrook Island deserves transportation funding that is Faster, Fairer, and Safer.

  • Faster because this project is ready to move forward as soon as funding is secured.
  • Fairer because Seabrook Island residents and visitors have contributed to the transportation sales tax for decades but have not received comparable investment within the Town.
  • Safer because reliable access to the island is essential for emergency response, evacuation, and everyday travel.

We Need Your Voice!

Charleston County is currently asking the public to provide input through an online survey that will help determine which projects are included in the referendum.

We encourage every resident, property owner, employee, and visitor who cares about the future of Seabrook Island to participate.

Please take a moment to complete the county’s survey and tell County Council that our community needs Seabrook Island Road Now!

Take the survey here!

Your voice can help ensure that Seabrook Island receives the transportation investment necessary to protect public safety, strengthen our resilience to coastal flooding, and support the economic vitality of our community.

Thank you for your support and your advocacy.

Sincerely,

Bruce Kleinman
Mayor
Town of Seabrook Island

John Lassiter
President
Seabrook Island Property Owners Association

John Carpenter
President
Seabrook Island Club

2026 SIPOA Annual Assessment

On By SIPOAIn Finance, SIPOA

2026 SIPOA Annual Assessment invoices went out on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Assessments are due by Tuesday, March 31, 2026. There are several payment options:

Option 1 – Pay by Check:

  • Please make your check payable to Seabrook Island POA and include your account number in the memo area on your check. Include the payment coupon with your check to expedite processing.
  • Mail your check and payment coupon to our bank’s lockbox facility:

Option 2 – Pay Online via Credit Card, Debit Card, or e-Check:

  1. Click the “Pay Now” button to begin.
  2. Click on the “Payment Method” column to add and save your payment method.
  3. Click the “One Time Payout” column, and select your payment method from the drop-down menu.
  4. Enter the amount due on your invoice.
  5. The fee will be automatically calculated. To view the fees, click on the underlined “Payment Fee” link.
  6. Check the box to confirm your payment details.
  7. Click “Submit Payment” to process your payment immediately. Note that one-time payments cannot be scheduled for a future date.

Understanding the Pay Now Page:

  • Balance: This shows your total account balance, including any future charges.
  • Pending Payments: Lists payments made through eUnifyPay that are still processing with your bank.
  • Balance Due: Displays the amount you need to pay today.
  • Payment History: Shows payments made through eUnifyPay. Payments made by check or through Property Pay will NOT appear here. For a complete transaction history, check the Owner Ledger in Account Info.

Please email finance@sipoa.org or call our office at (843) 768-0061 if you have any questions or need assistance accessing your portal.

Terms & Conditions:

  • As provided for by the SIPOA Covenants Section 3, the owner(s) /title holder(s) of each lot in the Seabrook Island Development is/are responsible for paying an annual assessment to cover the costs of maintaining common elements and to pay for common expenses.
  • These assessments/dues are assessed each year and have a standard payment term of 30 days.
  • Invoices are mailed out no later than February 28th of each year. To avoid late fees and penalties, assessment payments must be received no later than March 31st, 2026.
  • According to SIPOA Bylaws Section 3.2.3(5), a late fee of 7.5% (on the portion of the current year assessment unpaid after 30-days) will be added to all past due accounts.
  • SIPOA Bylaws Section 3.2.3(5) further provide for additional, continuing late fees of 1.5% per month.
  • SIPOA’s Collection Policy & Bylaws 3.2.3(5) provide the right to file lien and/or lis pendens in an effort to recover delinquent amounts owed
Online Portal Instructions

Vote Seabrook Island for Best Restored Beach

On By SIPOAIn Beach, SIPOA

The American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. To celebrate, they are having a vote to determine the best restored beach among all of the beaches who have received the award. Seabrook Island was awarded the best restored beach in 2016.

For decades, ASBPA has celebrated our nation’s restored beaches to build awareness of their value. The annual Best Restored Beach award honors coastal communities that are both relatively new to the process and those with a long history of successful renourishment projects. In 2023, Coney Island, New York celebrated 100 years of beach nourishment! In many cases, the restoration process is so well established that beachgoers don’t realize they are enjoying a restored beach. In our 100th year, we are hosting a fun competition and invite you to vote for your favorite ASBPA Best Restored Beach. The “Best of the Best” restored beaches will be recognized at our National Coastal Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, from October 5-8, 2026.