Platform Lifts in Seabrook Island, SC

Lowcountry children will soon be heading to summer camp.

My three children attended Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island, happily dragging steamer trunks behind them.

They slept in bunks, lulled to sleep by wind and waves.

They went kayaking. They went sailing. They leaped into the pluff mud pit with wild abandon.

My camp experience was a bit different.

In 1967, I camped where my mother had been a counselor in 1949. She was excited. I was not.

We had canvas tents, a dining shelter, outdoor sinks with BYOS (bring your own soap) and a two-hole “personal care facility” dubbed the latrine.

The camp was overrun by mosquitoes and I was soon covered with itchy, red welts.

We slept under netting, but mosquitoes found their way in, buzzing in our ears all night.

My camp job was latrine duty. Armed with a steel bucket, a scrub brush and a bottle of liquid Lysol — I still cringe when I see that brown bottle — I scrubbed the bottom-smoothed wood around two dinner plate-size holes.

Camp wasn’t all mosquitoes and Lysol.

There were activities, too. Arts and crafts, swimming, woodsman skills and visiting the camp infirmary.

In two weeks’ time, I stepped on a nail, sliced my leg with a handsaw, had infected bug bites and suffered a fever.

The infirmary had clean floors, clean sheets, real mattresses and a window air conditioner. I loved the infirmary. And the nurse let me sleep in one of the deliciously clean beds.

For those heading to camp this summer, don’t be discouraged. It is a wonderful experience, or at the very least, memorable. Have fun, meet new friends and use lots of bug repellent.

And, introduce yourself to the nurse.

JOCELYN CHABOT

Charleston

It is with great pleasure that I am seeking another term for Charleston County register of deeds. I could not be more proud of my staff. Managing the historic document surge into statutory compliance has been nothing short of a phenomenal effort.

The retirement of several employees with decades of institutional knowledge, low interest rates and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 protocols impacted the staff’s ability to keep up with the barrage of documents.

My efforts as register of deeds have always been to adopt the industry’s best practices and enhance the preservation of the state’s oldest land records. E-recording documents modernizes the process and has been available for more than 20 years. Digitization was not a priority until I became register. There is no reason to continue to use an antiquated system.

Historically low interest rates and the pandemic made us shift the office from the conversion process to address the highest increase in real estate transactions Charleston County has ever witnessed. Due to enormous population growth, transactions rose 30% from 2019 to 2020. From 2020 to 2021, transactions rose 70%.

In spite of the odds, in 2022 and 2021, we set a record with the highest ever recordings at 99,698 and 120,519, respectively. We increased revenue by 62% and we produced the highest revenue generated by any county in the state, despite other counties using e-recording procedures.

We are on pace for another record year in 2022. The herculean effort on the part of the staff helped us maintain state compliance. There has not been a backlog in months. Our goal is to make this office the gold standard of the state.

Know that I appreciate and revere the opportunity to serve the people of Charleston County as register of deeds.

Suggesting that I would abandon my commitment is a mischaracterization of who I am.

MICHAEL MILLER

Charleston

I was disappointed, if not surprised, to see the editorial endorsement of Kathy Maness for South Carolina Superintendent of Education. If you want more of the same, she’s the status quo pick.

I have worked with business, legislative and education leaders here and across the state to improve education for more than three decades now.

Time and again, I have seen the deep resistance to change from Columbia-based associations that continue to push students and teachers to follow outdated ways of thinking.

In my work on major economic development projects, I know first-hand that education matters. States around us are making major moves to reform their education systems, with even Mississippi now lapping us in early reading, the foundation of learning.

The bottom line: If we don’t get in the game, we will lose jobs and economic opportunity for another generation of South Carolina students.

Change is never easy and rarely popular. South Carolina’s kids deserve a leader who has the courage and grace to take the heat.

That’s why I’m supporting Ellen Weaver. She is a hard-working, practical and action-oriented leader.

I’ve seen her energy, determination and ability to get things done first-hand during our time together on the Education Oversight Committee.

Ms. Weaver brings the fresh perspective, integrity and unquestionable leadership and team-building skills that are required if we are going to overcome deeply entrenched mindsets to deliver on the promise of a great education for every student in our state. I encourage voters to join me in supporting her candidacy.

NEIL ROBINSON

Mount Pleasant

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Breathtaking beaches may be found all along the beautiful South Carolina coast. Tourists shall try one of the secret beaches on seldom frequented barrier islands if they want to escape away to their own quiet stretch of heaven. These sandy sanctuaries may be found all along the state's coastline, from SC's southernmost point to North Myrtle Beach, and offer a peaceful location to wander down the beach, look for shells, or simply soak up the sun. Only accessible by boat, most of the mesmerizing islands have remained undeveloped, preserving the beach in its natural state. Here are the best 10 underrated South Carolina beaches.

Charleston's Barrier Islands

Charleston has evolved to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, garnering several honors from travel journals. The interesting history, enchanting charm, and tasty gastronomy are all appealing, but tourists can also extend their vacation by a few days to visit some of the greatest beaches in the South. Only 45 minutes to an hour from downtown, the splendid peninsula of Charleston is encircled by barrier islands. There are several beautiful beaches to visit in the area!

Bulls Island

Bulls Island is the biggest of four barrier islands in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and it stands along with one of the most pristine stretches of shoreline on the east coast. The famous and unique Boneyard Beach, where the remnants of surf-battered trees are sprawled over the sand, is one of its seven miles of beaches. A ferry to the island is available for tourists, as well as a variety of guided excursions such as a Bulls Island sunrise tour, beach drop, kayak trip, and multiday adventure.

Capers Island

Travelers shall visit this state history preserve, located 15 miles (24km) north of Charleston at the southwestern edge of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, on a picturesque kayak or boat tour. Along with a beautiful beach, they will be able to see a variety of dazzling birds, including endangered brown pelicans and ruddy turnstones. On the island, 294 different kinds of migrating birds have been sighted. Capers Island, like Bulls Island, features a "Boneyard Beach" formed by years of erosion.

Daufuskie Island

The splendid Daufuskie Island, located directly over Calibogue Sound from Hilton Head Island, will make its visitors feel a million miles away from society. It's not uncommon to observe no one when walking along the bewitching white sand beaches. To get to Daufuskie, travelers have to take a boat or water taxi from Hilton Head to Freeport Marina's public pier, then hire a golf cart and drive all the way across the island to the beach. They should not miss out on seeing the astonishing remainder of this remote South Carolina sea island and its numerous wonderful historical monuments while they're there.

Morris Island

This amazing 840-acre deserted island is located at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, across Lighthouse Inlet from Folly Beach, and is known for its historic 19th-century lighthouse. The incredible 150-foot brick structure now remains in the ocean just offshore after years of degradation. The stunning beach, on the other hand, is as lovely as ever, and it's an awesome place to hunt for seashells, especially sand dollars. Morris Island may be visited on a boat or kayak excursion organized by local outfitters.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach, South Carolina, is renowned as the "Edge of America" and is one of Charleston's most beautiful, well-known, and famous beaches. The Washout is a notable surfing area on the island's awesome eastern edge. If tourists continue walking until they reach a cul-de-sac, they may stroll to an abandoned road with hurricane-damaged foundations covered in colorful graffiti. A rookery of pelicans may also be seen where the Atlantic Ocean meets the clear water of Folly River.

Seabrook Island

The magnificent Seabrook Island has been home to soldiers, pirates, and well-to-do Charleston families over the years. The Seabrook Island Club is now a private community with beach access and vacation rentals. The splendid beaches are exclusively available to members and visitors due to the island's setup. The bewitching untouched sand is unlike any other beach in South Carolina. Aside from the beaches, Seabrook Island's tourists may ride their bikes throughout the land. Marsh rabbits, sea turtles, whitetail deer, and alligators are just a few of the fauna worth seeing.

Isle of Palms

The unique Isle of Palms is a high-end destination. Although the beautiful beach is still available to the public, there are several places that are only accessible if visitors stay at a resort or rent a unit. Beach access is available at Isle of Palms County Park, along with expert seasonal lifeguards and a dedicated swimming area for children. An exciting playground and marvelous picnic areas are also available.

The Grand Strand

The astonishing "Grand Strand," which runs between the Little River and Georgetown on the northern coast of South Carolina, is the state's greatest stretch of beautiful beach. The Waccamaw tribe used to live here until Europeans arrived after the American Revolution. Every year, millions of people visit this area, particularly the impressive Myrtle Beach. Unlike several other regions of the state, the Grand Strand has public access to all of its marvelous beaches. Family-friendly attractions are well-known in the area.

Pawleys Island

The tranquil and magical area of Pawleys Island, one of the region's oldest resort areas, is the first stop on the tourist's route north on King's Highway. There are a few fancy golf clubs and resorts on the "mainland" side of town, but visitors cannot access the beach from there. However, if they cross a beautiful little inlet, they will be on the wonderful island itself. They can also visit Otis Beach, which is a popular public beach.

SEABROOK ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - An ongoing battle over short-term rentals is brewing on Seabrook Island, where homeowners say uncontrolled growth of properties is affecting their quality of life.

Homeowners Ted Flerlage and Paul McLaughlin said although they do not want to end short-term rentals on the island, the effects of recent growth have prompted them to call for a cap on short-term rentals.

“If you come here in July, around July Fourth, as a resident walking out boardwalk one, let’s say, to north beach, there’s no space, and that is a rental issue,” Flerlage, who has lived on the island since March 2020, said. “That is a noise issue. It is a parking issue because every spot on the limited parking area is taken.”

The two homeowners have spearheaded the Preserve Seabrook effort. A letter sent to residents as part of the effort says concerns “center on the uncontrolled growth of short-term rentals, especially on streets where there are many full-time and private residential properties.”

“We aim to retain a reasonable offering of properties that can be rented by guests who love to visit and vacation on our beautiful island, while ensuring Seabrook does not gradually morph into a resort community,” the letter states. “We believe adding a cap on the number of resort properties on Seabrook would protect the unique qualities of our island while allowing revenue generated through rental properties to continue to flow back to the town through state and county accommodation taxes that the renters pay.”

Over 300 residents have signed a petition to cap the number of short-term rentals on the island, according to McLaughlin.

The petition seeks a single question on the Nov. 2, 2021 ballot that asks if voters support:

“Seabrook, when I bought here in 2002 and built our house here in 2009, it was more like ‘Cheers,’” McLaughlin said. “Everybody knew your name. Now, with the influx of 500 rental properties and growing, it’s changed a lot, and the quality of life on the island has changed a lot.”

Seabrook Island Mayor John Gregg said a petition from those calling for a cap has been sent to a committee, which will conduct a factual inquiry and then report to town council with recommendations.

“The object for the ad hoc committee was to identify inquiries of factual matters that could inform council as it considers whether or not it is warranted to do further regulation,” Gregg said.

The mayor added that to operate a short-term rental on the island, homeowners need to have a business license and a permit from the town.

McLaughlin and Flerlage said they welcome the data-driven effort but want more communication from the town and to work with them on a solution.

“Our question to them: What is the tipping point? If 500 isn’t the tipping point, is it 600? Is it 700? Is it 800? So, in the meantime, we need to figure it out,” McLaughlin said. “We need to halt what’s going on. Everybody keeps what they currently have, and we study the problem, and we figure out what the solution would be. We don’t make the problem worse while continuing to study it.”

“These are people who live in South Carolina and vote in South Carolina who live on the island and vote on the island,” Flerlage said. “These are the people who are their direct constituents – the people who vote for the mayor and the town council. It’s more than 300 of those people who signed up, which is nearly as many as who voted for them in the last election on Nov. 2, and in our opinion, there has been no communication and we’ve been getting fairly short-tripped on the issue.”

Copyright 2021 WCSC. All rights reserved.

SEABROOK ISLAND, S.C., Nov. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A group of Seabrook Island Club members were denied access to their private club's restaurant November 3 with the management citing club policies requiring members be vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID – 19 test. They have formed 'The Patriots of Seabrook Island' and have launched a website to disagree with this policy.

Not Anti Vaccine - Pro Freedom"We are not Anti-vaccine, not at all. Many of us are fully vaccinated. We are pro-Freedom," stated the group's founder Barrie Glenn. "The club has no right to disallow anyone's participation based on vaccine status. They are violating our civil rights, discriminating based on federally protected personal medical choices." she added.

HOA Forces Purchase - Refuses Access"This is a unique situation," Ms. Glenn continued. "Every homeowner has a mandate to join the club for 7 years, per HOA covenant - we have already paid for what we are not allowed to use. Add to that, the policies they enforce on us members are more stringent than any others in the state. "

HOA Retaliates – Candor in Question"Even worse, they have recently retaliated against our freedom movement, and now we are no longer allowed to dine at all – even outside," Ms. Glenn also stated. "Is it really about health? Or is it about power and discrimination?"

Website Touted Ms. Glenn invites anyone to visit the website at www.PatriotsofSeabrookIsland.com to join the group or get additional information. Long-time local Civil Rights Attorney Teresa Zachry Hill (https://hilllawfirm.attorney/), known as "A Powerful Voice for Positive Change" represents the organization.

For more information, press only:FOLLOW THE STORY at www.PatriotsofSeabrookIsland.com. Watch for our NEXT PRESS RELEASE.

SOURCE Patriots of Seabrook Island

Related Links

www.PatriotsofSeabrookIsland.com

Residents to gain access to critical health care services closer to home

The project is made possible in part by a commitment from Kiawah Partners to donate six acres of land to the Medical University Hospital Authority (MUSC Health). MUSC Health will build a free-standing emergency department (ED) and medical office on the land, which has been valued at $4.85 million.

“After seven years of working side by side with MUSC to bring this important project to fruition, we could not be prouder to donate the six acres of land needed for the development and to continue our partnership with the MUSC team,” said Chris Randolph, Kiawah Partners. “This new facility will bring vitally important world-class medical care to Kiawah, Seabrook and the Sea Islands residents, which will only add to the exceptional experience that comes with living here.”

The 22,740-square-foot facility will be located at 1884 Seabrook Island Road, near Bohicket Marina. The ED will include four exam rooms, two trauma rooms, imaging and lab services and a rooftop helicopter pad. The medical office will offer primary and specialty care.

A telemedicine network will connect the entire facility to MUSC Health providers in downtown Charleston for additional care and consultation, if needed.

“People living in this area have to travel 30 or 45 minutes to reach the nearest hospital, sometimes more depending on traffic. That’s a big problem for someone having a stroke or cardiac event,” said Patrick J. Cawley, M.D., MUSC Health CEO and vice president for Health Affairs, University. “This new facility brings that care directly into the community. We’re extremely grateful to Kiawah Partners for helping to make that possible.”

The project is estimated to cost $24 million. Of that amount, MUSC is working to raise $15 million in private support.

In mid-June, McMillan Pazdan Smith (MPS) was chosen to design the project. MPS is also one of two architectural firms working on designs for a new MUSC Health hospital in rural Williamsburg County.

Construction on the Sea Islands project is expected to begin in early 2022 and conclude in fall 2023.

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About MUSC Health

As the clinical health system of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest quality patient care available while training generations of competent, compassionate health care providers to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. Comprising some 2,000 beds, more than 100 outreach sites, the MUSC College of Medicine, the physicians’ practice plan and nearly 275 telehealth locations, MUSC Health owns and operates eleven hospitals situated in Charleston, Chester, Fairfield, Florence, Kershaw, Lancaster, Marion and Richland counties. In 2021, for the seventh consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org.

Founded in 1824, MUSC and its affiliates have collective annual budgets of $3.2 billion. The more than 20,000 MUSC team members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers and scientists who deliver groundbreaking education, research, technology and patient care. For information on academic programs, visit musc.edu.