Category: Town of Seabrook Island

Temporary Beach Rules During the 2026 SIPOA Sand Scraping Project

On By SIPOAIn Beach, Beach Projects, Engineering, SIPOA, Town of Seabrook Island

The Town has adopted Emergency Ordinance 2026-01 (Amended) to establish temporary beach rules while SIPOA conducts its sand scraping project.

The temporary rules are intended to help protect residents, visitors, wildlife, marine life, and sensitive shorebird and sea turtle habitats while construction vehicles are operating on the beach. The sand transfer project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2026.

All temporary beach rules go into effect on October 15, 2026.

Pet Rules:

A restricted beach area will extend from Boardwalk #1 to the Atlantic Ocean and northeast to Captain Sams Inlet. Pets will not be permitted in this restricted area at any time, whether leashed or unleashed.

In all other areas of the beach, pets must be kept on a leash at all times.

Beach Fires:

Fires, open flames, and propane-fueled grills, cookers, or heating devices will not be permitted during this time.

Nighttime Beach Access:

Public access to Seabrook Island beaches will be prohibited between sunset and sunrise.

Temporary Beach Rules During 2026 SIPOA Sand Scraping Project

On By SIPOAIn Beach, Beach Projects, Town of Seabrook Island

Starting today, October 1, off-peak season beach rules are in effect. This means pets may be off a leash at all times, provided they remain effectively controlled while on the beach. For a full map of where pets are allowed on the beach go to our website here.

However, starting October 15, 2026, all temporary beach rules listed below will go into effect.

The Town has adopted Emergency Ordinance 2026-01 (Amended) to establish temporary beach rules while SIPOA conducts its 2026 sand scraping project.

The project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2026.

Pet Rules

A restricted beach area will extend from Boardwalk #1 to the Atlantic Ocean and northeast to Captain Sams Inlet. Pets will not be permitted in this restricted area at any time, whether leashed or unleashed. In all other areas of the beach, pets must be kept on a leash at all times.

Beach Fires

Fires, open flames, and propane-fueled grills, cookers, or heating devices will not be permitted during this project.

Nighttime Beach Access

Public access to Seabrook Island beaches will be prohibited between sunset and sunrise.

These rules will be in effect from October 15 – December 31.The town will put signs on the beach explaining these temporary rules in the next few weeks.

Map of temporary beach pet rules. In effect starting: October 15, 2026.

Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

Introducing the SBI Communications Roadmap

On By SIPOAIn Communications, Seabrook Island Club, Seabrook Island Real Estate, SIPOA, Tidelines, Town of Seabrook Island

In September’s edition of Currents, we introduced an initiative by the SIPOA Communications Committee to understand what types of communications you are receiving from the main entities on the island, so SIPOA can better manage the communications we provide to you, our Property Owners.

We are pleased to introduce the Seabrook Island Communications Roadmap. This was created with input from individuals responsible for communications at these entities: SIPOA, the Town, Seabrook Island Club, Seabrook Island Real Estate, and Tidelines.

The Communications Roadmap provides a summary of the types of communications you may receive from each entity, when, to whom and why.

In a nutshell, here is what each of the entities communicate to their respective audiences:

Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA):

  • Intended for Property Owners, SIPOA communicates information on all topics relevant to living on the island, such as important activities, events, maintenance project updates and SIPOA Committee updates. The primary communication is called Currents, that comes out at the beginning of each month.

Town of Seabrook Island (TOSI):

  • The purpose of TOSI communications is to inform islanders on all town-specific topics, such as meetings, governmental changes, beach safety, specific events, to name a few. TOSI emails the Pelican’s Brief twice a month to recipients who have signed up to receive this communication. TOSI will also send out more timely alerts related to weather events, road issues or general emergencies.

Seabrook Island Club (SIC):

  • Members of the Club receive communications relevant to Club activities, amenities and membership concerns. The Island Insider is Seabrook Island Club’s digital monthly communication that covers these topics and more, which is sent at the beginning of the month. Members also receive weekly communications about Golf, Dining, Racquet Club and Club Updates.

Seabrook Island Real Estate (SIRE):

  • Seabrook Island Club members and Property Owners who signed up to receive emails about Real Esate on the island receive a monthly Market Update and details on homes currently for sale, or have sold, on and off the island listed by SIRE agents, in addition to real estate specific events and activities.

Tidelines:

  • This is a great daily resource for anyone interested in knowing what is happening not only on Seabrook Island, but around the Charleston Area. Tidelines cover a range of topics including, but not limited to, Charleston events, noteworthy historical events, Johns Island traffic concerns, King Tide updates, organization or club news and topics.

SIPOA Communications Lead, Kristen Riedmayer, and the Communications Committee will continue to work with the Seabrook Island entities to look for ways to collaborate and streamline on how best to communicate to our Property Owners.

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

TOSI Launches New Emergency Alert System: Everbridge

On By SIPOAIn Town of Seabrook Island

The Town of Seabrook Island is switching from Code Red to Everbridge, a mass notification system that delivers critical, local emergency alerts only.

With hurricane season underway, Everbridge will provide timely, area-specific warnings and instructions during weather events and emergencies.

The system will be used exclusively for emergency notifications.

Sign up or update your contact information here.

Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

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

Free Shred Days 2026

On By SIPOAIn Town of Seabrook Island

The Town of Seabrook Island will host two free shredding events in 2026:

  • Wednesday, April 8 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
  • Wednesday, October 7 from 10:00am – 1:00pm

Both events will be held rain or shine and will take place in the parking lot adjacent to Seabrook Island Town Hall (2001 Seabrook Island Road).

Attendees will be limited to 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, CDs/DVDs prior to shredding.

Shredding services will be provided by Shred360.

For more information, please call Town Hall at (843) 768-9121 or email agrooms@townofseabrookisland.org.

Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

Weather Alert: Winter Storm Update #5

On By SIPOAIn Severe Weather, Town of Seabrook Island

With record low temperatures expected to continue overnight, melted snow or ice remaining on roadways is likely to refreeze, creating potentially hazardous driving conditions into the early morning hours. Continued caution while traveling is advised.

Town Hall will operate on a 2-hour delay on Monday and will open at 10:00 a.m. to allow staff time to safely commute to work.

The Seabrook Island Club and its amenities are closed through Monday, February 2.

This is our final winter storm update.

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

Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

Weather Alert: Winter Storm Update #4

On By SIPOAIn Severe Weather, Town of Seabrook Island

Charleston County Emergency Management is continuing to monitor the winter weather system that has started to impact the Lowcountry this weekend. We are currently under a Winter Storm Warning and an Extreme Cold Warning for our area.

According to the latest National Weather Service update, the Charleston area could receive approximately 3-5 inches of snow, while Awendaw-McClellanville may see closer to 4-6 inches, with snowfall continuing into early Sunday.

Windchills could be close to 0 degrees in some areas of the County. Coastal winds will also increase, with gusts of 25 to 40 mph possible tonight into Sunday. There is potential for black ice to occur starting Sunday night. Snow melting could occur tomorrow, but it could refreeze overnight causing black ice. This could also continue to happen through Monday.

The Seabrook Island Club and its amenities are closed through Monday, February 2.

We continue to encourage people not to travel. With the snow and high winds expected, local leaders say driving could become extremely difficult, especially at night over bridges.

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

Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

Weather Alert: Winter Storm Update #3

On By SIPOAIn Severe Weather, Town of Seabrook Island

Charleston County Emergency Management is continuing to monitor the upcoming winter weather system expected to impact the Lowcountry this weekend. We are now under a Winter Storm Warning in our area.

According to the latest National Weather Service predictions, current projections indicate the Charleston area could receive approximately 3-5 inches of snow, while Awendaw-McClellanville may see closer to 4-6 inches, with snowfall beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing into early Sunday.

An Extreme Cold Warning will go into effect starting at 7:00 PM Saturday. Windchills could be close to 0 degrees in some areas of the County. Coastal winds will also increase, with gusts of 25-40 mph possible Saturday night into Sunday. There is potential for black ice to occur starting Sunday night.

The Seabrook Island Club and its amenities will be closed Saturday, January 31 – Monday, February 2.

We encourage people not to travel and continue to monitor the forecast from local meteorologists throughout the weekend.

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

Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island