Platform Lifts in Seabrook Island, SC

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- With heat index values expected to boost feels-like temperatures into the mid-100s this weekend, Lowcountry residents and visitors will no doubt be searching for a way to cool off.

And while a dip in one of the area’s many swimming holes or the Charleston harbor may seem like the perfect idea, there are a few local waterways with high levels of bacteria making them an unsafe option.

Out of 20 tested sites, Charleston Waterkeeper reported high levels of Enterococcus bacteria at 4 sites– Hendricks Park, upper Ellis Creek, and two portions of Shem Creek.

Bacteria results over 104 MPN/100 mL mean water quality is poor and with more rain in the area this week, there are still high results lingering.

“When bacteria levels are high, that means pathogens may also be present. We’re talking about things like Cholera, Tuberculosis, Staph, Vibrio, some really nasty things that can get you sick. So its important that you pay attention to the data,” said Andrew Wunderley, the Executive Director of Charleston Waterkeeper.

Looking to the North, bacteria levels in the Ashley River have come down, returning that spot to GREEN status. Unfortunately, Hendricks Park remains RED despite numbers coming down from last week, meaning swimming and other water-based activities should be avoided in Filbin Creek.

Boaters and swimmers in the Charleston Harbor should have no worries as all points of the Harbor from Melton Demetre Park to Patriots Point are clear.

As expected, things look a little dicier in Mount Pleasant. There’s no trouble in the lower reaches at Shem Creek Park, but the boat landing and residential portions are not a safe option this week. The Cove and Hobcaw Creek both look good to go, though!

Mixed news continues as we head to James Island where Ellis Creek is RED in the upper reaches, but GREEN in the lower reaches. All GREENS for the rest of the island at Sol Legare, Clark Sound, and the Folly River.

Want to launch the boat from somewhere new this weekend? Wappoo Cut Boat Ramp is a great option as it shows no signs of high bacteria levels.

No signs of trouble at the beaches either where Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island are both GREEN according to the latest DHEC data. No data was collected for Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, or Seabrook Island this week.

You can explore the map here.

SEABROOK ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Seabrook Island neighbors are petitioning their leaders to cap the number of short-term rentals, stating there is overcrowding due to what they called over-tourism, but the mayor said the town has no plans to do so.

Seabrook Island homeowner Ted Flerlage says over 700 of his neighbors want to cap the number of short-term rentals on the island.

“What we’re trying to do is cap, not end the process of short-term rentals, cap at roughly the present numbers, evaluate what happens after that,” Flerlage said, “and then, determine whether or not we should lower the number of short-term rentals.”

As of June 19, there are 484 of these properties on the island, which residents said has led to overcrowding on the island’s streets and amenities.

Mayor John Gregg said for this year, data gathered over the past few months suggest otherwise.

“We’re not going to be looking at imposing limitations on the number of short-term rental units,” Gregg said.

Coastal Getaways owner Nancy Buck said more people are starting to call the island home, and good rentals are full for around 40% of the year.

She says all of her clients are property owners who rent to help offset the costs of the amenities, taxes and insurance.

“We’ve also gone from 35% permanent residents to 60% residents in the last two years,” Buck said. “Twenty-five percent of the properties have turned over since 2019.”

Buck also adds the majority of the amenities are mostly used by members and not rental guests.

However, the homeowners want the town’s government to hear them out.

“I’d like him to reconsider,” Flerlage said. “I’d like him to look at the reality and listen to the people who are property owners here, the residents on the island. You know, 700 people is a big number.”

“Let’s wait and see how this year goes,” Buck said. “They instituted the short-term rental ordinance couple of years ago, or actually, last year, so let’s give it a full year to see how it goes.”

Both Buck and the homeowners said they want to work out their differences over the next several months to come up with a solution that works for everyone.

Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Each year, the Palmetto State plays a vital role in one of Mother Nature’s most impressive feats, when countless red knots flock to the S.C. coast as part of their annual 19,000-mile migration. After leaving their South American wintering grounds, these brilliantly colored shorebirds arrive on our shores in early March to feast on clams, mussels and horseshoe-crab eggs before heading to their Arctic nesting grounds in May and early June.

Thanks to a growing body of research, our knowledge about these medium-size shorebirds is expanding all the time. For instance, we know that as many as 41% of the remaining red knot population touches down on Seabrook and Kiawah islands each spring, according to a study published by Pelton, et al., this year in bioRxiv. Research conducted in 2018 by coastal bird biologists at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources also found that two-thirds of the red knots that visit our state each year use South Carolina as their final U.S. stopover on their long northward journey.

Statistics like these demonstrate just how significant our state is in the lifecycle of these remarkable animals. Unfortunately, red knot populations have declined a staggering 87% since 2000, and more than 94% since the 1980s in some areas of the Atlantic Coast. In 2014, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the species as federally endangered, pointing to three primary factors contributing to its decline: human and predator disturbance, habitat loss from sea level rise and development, and reduced prey availability. We at Audubon South Carolina, along with other like-minded organizations and individuals, are committed to addressing these threats to give red knots a fighting chance at survival.

To limit human and predator disturbance to shorebirds, we work hard to educate beachgoers about the importance of red knots and other vulnerable bird species. With the help of hundreds of trained volunteers known as Audubon Shorebird Stewards, we post informational signs, mark off sensitive habitat and educate the public on how to share the shore safely with birds. Without this information, people and pets can unwittingly frighten or “flush” coastal birds by chasing them or simply walking too close. As a result, red knots waste precious time and energy fleeing perceived threats rather than eating the food they need to survive their long migration.

To address habitat loss from rising seas and development, it’s important to protect the last remaining slivers of undeveloped coast that red knots need to survive. In Charleston County, this includes places such as Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and Crab Bank and Deveaux Bank seabird sanctuaries, and even residential communities such as Seabrook Island’s north beach.

Finally, growing scientific evidence points to lack of prey species availability as perhaps the greatest threat to red knot survival. Although red knots eat many different types of marine invertebrates, research shows they prefer horseshoe-crab eggs, probably because they are two to three times more nutrient-dense than other food sources.

It might surprise some to learn that the greatest competition for this critical red knot food source is the U.S. biomedical industry, which relies on a unique component in horseshoe crab blood to test the purity of medicines and equipment. Since the start of the pandemic, horseshoe crab harvesting has increased sharply to keep pace with soaring demand, creating serious concerns for both horseshoe crab and red knot populations. In addition to diminishing a most critical food source, the process of harvesting crabs itself can disturb red knot foraging.

To fully understand and address the problem, Audubon South Carolina supports greater transparency among all public and private parties involved in horseshoe crab harvesting. For instance, having access to data that show how many horseshoe crabs are collected and from where, as well as horseshoe crab mortality rates and egg density levels in the sand, can identify a definitive path toward helping the red knot population recover. We also support the federal Fish and Wildlife Service’s full list of proposed critical habitat areas for red knot, which would create greater protections for the species.

The challenges that red knots and other coastal birds face are immense but not insurmountable. The fate of this amazing species, and so many others, is in all our hands. Please do your part by sharing the beach with shorebirds, advocating for habitat protection and encouraging your elected officials to support greater transparency in horseshoe crab harvesting data.

Nolan Schillerstrom is Audubon South Carolina’s coastal program manager.

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Despite all the incessant grousing on Facebook, Charleston is apparently one of the happiest places in America.

At least that’s what the website MoneyPail claims on a list that ranks cities based on results compiled from census data! Not sure how much insight into our emotional state can be reasonably extracted from census spread sheets, but whatever.

It’s a safe bet the metrics don’t measure the emotional state of folks on the Isle of Palms connector any given summer weekend.

Charleston ranks No. 20 on the happy list, making us slightly giddier than Gilbert, Arizona, but not quite as sanguine as St. Paul. The very happiest place, the folks at MoneyPail claim, is not Disneyland, but Plano, Texas — which holds the distinction of being the fourth-largest community in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.

Even bliss is bigger in Texas.

Not to suggest these people don’t know what they’re talking about, but Charleston’s inherent joy, according to MoneyPail, stems from our “heavily visited beach areas, such as Seabrook Island” — which locals, for the most part, can’t visit — and being “two hours from the state capital of Columbia.”

Yes, that is exactly what everybody pouring in here from Ohio and West Virginia says: I really just wanted to be closer — but not too close — to Williams-Brice Stadium and Five Points.

Maybe we aren’t higher on that list because our happiness has been tempered a bit by a new study just out from CNBC that ranks South Carolina as the flat-out fourth-worst state in the country.

That’s right, the network gurus say we stink more than Louisiana and Missouri, but not quite as bad as Oklahoma. Our failings, CNBC reports, include a scarcity of hospital beds and voting rights.

Uh, have they not seen what Georgia is doing?

Of course, perhaps our baseline for happiness is generally lower because of the existential dread of being listed as No. 8 on “The Travel” website’s list of “15 U.S. Cities That Will Be Underwater By 2050.”

But since last week, some locals have been predominantly perturbed about our inclusion — yet again — on the most dreaded of all lists (at least for old-time Charlestonians). For the 10th year in a row, Travel + Leisure’s readers voted Charleston the “Best City to Visit in the United States.”

Although it’s totally deserved, since we are the best city in the country (just ask anyone who lives here), this designation annoys some folks simply because it inspires even more tourists to come.

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And when there’s no more room at the inn, well, we just build more inns. But that’s another story.

At least the tourists leave some money and, most importantly, eventually just leave. Much more troublesome are those “best places to live” lists. Which we’ve been camped on for years.

See: traffic, everywhere.

Travel + Leisure promotes one such list from a website called Niche, which last year ranked Charleston the 47th best place in the country to settle down. Which is remarkably similar to U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-23 list of “Best Places to Live,” where Charleston lands at No. 49.

Which is annoying on multiple levels. First, these websites need to stop giving more people the idea of moving here in 2022 when our roads are so 1997.

And second, what do they mean ranking Myrtle Beach (No. 37) and Greenville (No. 43) higher than us? As if.

But don’t take that as a slight. A new “study” from ExtraSpace Storage — yeah, the storage rental shed chain — ranks Charleston No. 4 on its newest list of “Best Cities for Retirement.”

Lest we get too cocky, keep in mind that Augusta is No. 2.

Now, it would be easy to dismiss all these lists as nothing more than internet clickbait — content designed to keep people on their web pages, scrolling through ads and encouraging online engagement … or arguments. (“There’s no way people in Bismark are happier than us.” Which is just a civic pride version of “There’s no way ‘Appetite for Destruction’ is a better album than ‘Back in Black.’”)

There are literally new lists coming out every day, and like many things, they bear little resemblance to reality. One person’s “best place to retire” is another’s “worst place to live on a fixed income.”

So take heart, Charleston. The lists don’t matter. Our rankings may rise and fall, and one day Travel + Leisure will inevitably drop us for Asheville, but we will always be No. 1 in our own hearts.

And on the federal government’s official list of “U.S. Cities that Started a Civil War.”

South Carolina is a stunning place to visit not just for its rich history and mesmerizing landscapes but also for its magnificent beaches. The state's coastline, which stretches for 187 miles along the Atlantic, is home to some of the most splendid and pristine beaches in the United States. The Grand Strand includes some of the most dazzling and popular beaches for summer tourists. In addition to all this clear blue wealth, South Carolina also possesses enchanting islands. Here are the 10 most popular beaches in the state.

Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is characterized by its 10 miles (16 kilometers) of wonderful beaches harmonized by splendid lush marshes, breathtaking white sand, and exceptional maritime forestry. Tourists will enjoy the beautiful water beaches of South Carolina by visiting Kiawah Island, which offers them exciting aquatic activities such as kayaks and SUP rentals. They can also play golf at the resort and satisfy their food cravings at the Bohicket Marina Market.

Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head Island

The enchanting sea breeze in Coligny Beach will carry all tourists' worries and allow them to explore one of the most popular and astonishing beaches in South Carolina. Visitors can spend time in the spectacular public garden equipped with amazing amenities. It is important to note that the location is the safest beach for children due to the presence of active lifeguards. Around Coligny Plaza, visitors can enjoy tasty food and buy beach accessories and clothing as well as unique souvenirs.

Seabrook Island

Tourists will explore the quiet beaches and spectacular wetlands of Seabrook Island, known for its marvelous and greatest swimming beach in South Carolina. Incredible coastline and beautiful trail rides, a health center with aquatics and fitness, mesmerizing beachfront pools, and a hypnotic deep-water marina are all available on the lovely island. Vacationers do not want to miss the most wonderful sunset seen from Pelican Beach. Moreover, friends and families can gather around mouth-drooling food in award-winning eateries.

Myrtle Beach

In terms of the number of visitors, Myrtle Beach is, without a doubt, the most popular aquatic destination in South Carolina. People from all over the world and the country are attracted by this dazzling beach due to its amazing tourist attractions, various exciting entertainment activities, fancy beachfront resorts, and family-friendliness. Moreover, the emerald blue beach's superb white sand keeps tourists coming back. Those looking for a calmer destination should head toward the North Myrtle Beach coast.

Folly Beach, Charleston

Folly Beach is another beautiful sun location that is easily accessible from Charleston. It has a great fishing pier (fishers shall bring their rod), serving as the ideal scenery for a romantic selfie. The beach is also popular for thrilling outdoor activities such as paddle boarding, surfing, sea kayaking, and dolphin spotting excursions. It's also a wonderful beach to simply wander along while admiring the sights of the splendid ocean.

Front Beach, Isle of Palms

A nice 40-minute journey east of Charleston will take tourists to the Isle of Palms, a lovely coastal spot popular with both locals and visitors of the area. The majority of visitors flock to Front Beach, which is known for its ample public parking and quick beach access. Aside from kayaking, surfing, fishing, paddle boarding, and other aquatic activities, the beach serves as a vital stopover for sea turtles. Therefore, visitors shall watch the warning signs because turtles nest and lay their eggs in the dunes.

Pawleys Island

Travelers looking for the finest place with magnificent sculptures, splendid local plant gardens, and astonishing zoos should visit Pawleys Island's white powdery sand beach. This beach has the most pristine shoreline and is well-known for its calm waves, which are ideal for bicycling, shelling, kayaking, and canoeing with family, friends, and loved ones. Pawleys Island offers a gorgeous view of the area's famed waterway, so tourists shall not miss it!

Huntington Beach State Park — Murrells Inlet

The impressive Huntington Beach State Park is one of South Carolina's most well-known sites. With over 2500 acres of outstanding open area to explore, tourists will enjoy the delightful sea-breeze camping with magical sea waves, charming exotic birds, and bewitching sunsets on the East Coast. Art and environment enthusiasts may see endangered creatures such as loggerhead turtles and flora, as well as visit the neighboring Atalaya Arts and Crafts.

Litchfield Beach

The distinctive Litchfield Beach is another excellent option south of Myrtle Beach. The beach is known to be a quiet destination and is full of charming cottages and a nice 1.5-mile stretch to enjoy. Aside from excellent sunbathing and swimming, people looking for water sports can choose various activities from Jet Skis to sea kayaking, as well as fishing. While parking is limited and it is recommended to arrive early, the fact that only two beach access points are available almost assures a peaceful experience.

Family Beach, Surfside

On Family beach, tourists can stroll with their families down the famed 1.2-mile boardwalk that runs along the magnificent coastline of Surfside Beach and immerse themselves in the awesome landscape while dining, shopping, and participating in exciting festivals. The town provides a variety of coastal activities for people of all ages, including music performances and a water park, as well as excellent dining and shopping. Surfboard rentals and lessons are also available for thrill-seekers. Next: