Employee Spotlight: Meet the Town's Public Works Manager, Brian Gottshalk
What brought you to the Town?
To make a long story short, I grew up working on Kiawah. After college, I took a position with a company based in North Charleston, but I always missed working on the island. When this position opened, I jumped at the opportunity. I feel very blessed to be back.

What do you enjoy most about being a Public Works Director?
I enjoy the opportunity to give back to this island that gave me so much growing up. Impacting the resident and guest experience through public services positively rewards me.

If you could have an endless supply of anything, what would it be?
Probably chips and queso.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I love fishing as much as possible, going to the beach, and landscaping around my house. Pretty much anything outdoors.
Turtle Hatching Begins
Turtle hatching has officially begun here on Kiawah, and we could not be more excited! Some of the very first nests of the season have already started to hatch over the past couple of weeks. A special thank you to our resident and non-resident volunteers for their selfless acts and dedication to these beautiful creatures. Click here for more information on KITP's nest inventory and hatching dates.

Please enjoy this recently captured photo of a hatchling's journey to the sea!

Photo captured by: Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol
Parks and Recreation For All
Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission is currently leading its Parks & Recreation for All! (PARFA) The comprehensive planning process to identify county-wide park and recreation needs and desires through 2033. To welcome all feedback and suggestions for improving the quality of life of Charleston County residents will host the following Public Planning Workshop:
 
Thursday, July 21, from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
St. John’s High School
1518 Main Road
Johns Island, SC 29455

Attendees will get an introduction to CCPRC, the PARFA comprehensive planning process, CCPRC’s programs & facilities, and preliminary findings from the planning process. CCPRC encourages attendees to stop by any time during the scheduled meeting time.
 
For more information about the PARFA planning process, upcoming events, and ways to encourage more public participation, visit www.ccprc.com/PARFA.
2022 Alligator Spotlight Surveys
Town and KICA Biologists are set to conduct the 2022 alligator spotlight survey. The survey, which takes two nights to complete, is scheduled for July 25-26 this year. Since 2003, this survey has been conducted annually on Kiawah's alligator population to assess its density and distribution. Forty-eight different ponds are included in the survey route, which covers most of Kiawah Island. Surveys take three hours to complete by truck with a four-person crew. Observations are conducted using spotlights, and alligators are categorized based on their estimated length. The density of alligators on the island is then calculated using a series of formulas. 
Arts & Cultural Events Season Teaser
It is about that time! The Arts Council Board has an exciting line-up for this year's season. Stay tuned for the release of our 2022-2023 Arts and Cultural Events Season Planner.
CodeRED Emergency Notification System
With hurricane season upon us, it's important that residents are signed up for the Town's emergency notification system CodeRED which is used to send critical community alerts like evacuation notices. 

You must be registered to receive notifications. Notifications are sent via voice, text, and email-based on your preferences. 

If you are unsure if you are registered, please re-register. You will not receive duplicate notices. Make sure you opt-in for severe weather warning alerts. 
Turtle Patrol Update
Current Nest Count: 452

Help us protect our turtles by keeping in mind:

  • Never harass, touch or disturb hatchlings or eggs.
  • Take all items with you when you leave the beach (chairs, coolers, trash) and fill in your holes, as these can be significant hurdles for turtles.
  • Lights out for Turtles! May - October, all outdoor lighting facing the beachfront should be turned off from 9 p.m. to dawn. Artificial light (flashlights, cell phone lights, etc.) on our beach can cause nesting females to abandon nesting attempts and disorient hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean. Red lighting is much more sea-turtle friendly, but even red lights should never be shined directly at a nesting female or a hatchling. Free red flashlight filters are available at the Municipal Center.

Each year, nesting efforts are monitored by the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol, a group of dedicated volunteers. Unfortunately, there are no volunteer openings for Turtle Patrol this year. For the 2023 season, a call for volunteers will begin in January 2023. Follow us on social media for season highlights.
Short-Term Rental Violations
For follow-up, complaints regarding short-term rentals should be brought to the attention of Town Code Enforcement Offices. To report addresses that are potentially in violation, please use one of the following reporting methods:
Upcoming Committee Meetings
Town Council - August 2 | 2 p.m.
Planning Commission - August 3 | 3 p.m.
Arts & Cultural Events Council - August 4 | 2 p.m.

Procedures
  • Town Council meetings are always live-streamed on the Town's YouTube channel. Other committees that conduct their meetings in person where the public can attend are not live-streamed.

  • Agendas are available here and will reference the meeting's location. Dates, times, and locations sometimes change. Before planning to attend a meeting, check our website.
(843) 768-9166