First Bobcat Den of 2022 Has Been Found |
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The first Bobcat den of 2022 has been found! On April 12, 2021, the Town's biologists, Jim Jordan and Aaron Given collared Bobcat 550, an adult female, alongside her den with two male kittens near 25 Ocean Course Drive.
During the past month, Bobcat 550's collar has stopped taking GPS position updates. So they remotely turned on her VHF radio signal this week and went looking for her. They found her signal strongest near the exact spot where her den was last year. Therefore, they ventured into the woods to identify her position and locate a shelter if she had one. Their ears were filled with the sound of a kitten calling as they grew closer. A bobcat without a collar was nearby as Jordan and Given approached the den site. A collared female was approximately 35 yards to their right, but they couldn't see her.
After successfully tagging the 2-week-old female kitten, they backed away behind a fallen log to observe them. The uncollared bobcat returned to the kitten several times, and then the collared female showed up. The uncollared cat moved away, and then the collared female picked up the kitten and moved off. The collared female was likely in the process of moving her den when they entered the woods. The Town plans to recheck the area to see if there are additional kittens at the newly discovered den site.
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Current nest count: 86
On May 22, 2022, Turtle Patrol had a record-breaking day with 18 nests found in just one day!
Be sure to check our social media pages every Tuesday for all things turtle. The Town will be sharing pictures, information, and updates from KITP every Tuesday of each week.
Help us protect our turtles by remembering:
- Never harass, touch or disturb hatchlings or eggs.
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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.
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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.
The Town and Lynne Sager, Turtle Patrol Permit Holder, are pleased to announce that our third episode of the Town's brand-new podcast, Sharing With The Community: A Podcast from the Town of Kiawah Island, is now live and available to stream on all major podcast streaming services. Click here to listen.
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 Facebook and Instagram for season highlights.
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TOKI Employee Spotlight: Meet Permit Technician, Sharon Johnson |
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What brought you to the Town?
In 2013 the Town of Kiawah had just created the Building Services Department and needed a Permit Technician. I lived in West Palm Beach, FL, and needed to move close to my mother, who was diagnosed with cancer. Kiawah turned out to be the perfect place for me to showcase my talents.
What is something people don’t know about you?
I am a total computer geek. I enjoy spending some of my time repairing computers and worked as a system engineer for a permit software company. It was a great job, but I love working with my contractors more.
What is your favorite spot on Kiawah?
My favorite spot is the Sand Castle. I really enjoy sitting at the pool and enjoying the nice ocean breeze.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I love binge-watching Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services. But most of all, I love spending time with my granddaughter Shania and having family gatherings.
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Mulch Application to Continue on the Kiawah Island Parkway |
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The continuation of the mulch application on the Kiawah Island Parkway will take place on May 25 and 26. To minimize traffic delays, the work will occur between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Please travel with caution, as the Parkway will consist of individuals with stop/go paddles to help handle traffic in both directions.
The Town would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding. Updates will continue to be provided as they become available.
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Pre-Season Hurricane Preparedness |
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Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins June 1 and ends November 30.
Given the pre-season developments in previous years and the issues surrounding the global supply chain, national weather and disaster officials are urging people to prep and plan before the season officially begins.
Click here to access hurricane preparedness information and resources.
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National Beach Safety Week Video Series |
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Each year, as summer begins, the Town participates in the United States Lifesaving Association National Beach Safety Week to remind beachgoers to use caution in the aquatic environment.
The Town and Beach Patrol produced a series of videos with daily tips on beach safety and preparedness. While these tips are aimed at visitors who could be unfamiliar with beach hazards, residents may also enjoy watching them.
Click here to watch our National Beach Safety Week video series. |
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SAVE THE DATE: Disaster Awareness Day |
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After a two-year hiatus, The Town of Kiawah and Seabrook Island is pleased to be hosting this year's Disaster Awareness Day event for both Kiawah and Seabrook Island! |
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Condé Nast Traveler 2022 Readers' Choice Awards |
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Voting is now open for the Condé Nast Traveler 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. Once again, both The Sanctuary (Best Hotels & Resorts) and Kiawah Island (Best Islands) are nominated.
And once again, last year, Kiawah Island finished #2 Best Island in the Continental US, just behind Hilton Head. The Sanctuary finished #6 among resorts in the South, behind some of our close competitors (e.g., Montage Palmetto Bluff and The Cloister at Sea Island). This year, let’s all do our part to propel The Sanctuary to pride-of-place among resort hotels in our region for this highly esteemed recognition from one of the world’s most respected travel authorities.
Please take a moment to visit cntraveler.com/vote to quickly register and vote (no subscription required) for both The Sanctuary (Hotels & Resorts) and Kiawah Island (Islands).
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Beach Ordinance Reminders |
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Please be aware of the following ordinances as we approach Memorial Day weekend for your safety and the preservation of our environment. Anyone found in violation could be ticketed, including property owners and visitors.
Beach Rules
- Stay off the dunes and use boardwalks.
- No glass, metal shovels, plastic carryout bags, plastic straws, Styrofoam, balloons, or drones allowed.
- No overnight storage of beach equipment.
- Fill in your holes before you leave the beach.
- May through October - all outdoor beachfront lighting must be turned off from 9 p.m. to dawn to protect nesting sea turtles.
- There should be no artificial light on the beach at night, including flashlights (handheld or cellular).
- Never approach sea turtles, hatchlings, or nests.
- Seasonal leash ordinances are in effect (detailed below).
Leash Ordinance (penalties up to $465)
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March 16 through October 31, dogs must be on a leash at all times, even in the water, from the western boundary of the Critical Habitat Area (near Beachwalker County Park) to the eastern edge of the Beach Club. View map. Electronic leashes are prohibited, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
Violations in progress should be reported immediately so corrective action can be taken. Ordinances are enforced by Beach Patrol (call or text 843-518-2880) and Code Enforcement officers (24-hour hotline 843-259-2137).
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Bicycle Collection for Bicycles for Humanity |
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Bicycles for Humanity Charleston is a local chapter that collects and ships pre-owned bicycles to African communities in need. This initiative is meant to provide mobility to those who live long distances from schools, healthcare, food and water.
The following bicycle collection by Bicycle’s for Humanity will take place on Thursday, June 2. Please contact Sarah Quinn at (843) 768-4407 for pickup.
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We are now less than 24 hours away from the Town's Blood Drive.
Help the Town reach its goal by scheduling an appointment today!
Approved donors will receive a $20 e-Gift Card for their life-saving donation.
The Town has a goal of 27 units, which equals 54 appointments.
Date: May 26
Time: 12 PM to 5 PM
Location: 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway
Appointments are encouraged to ensure donors receive the best customer service; however, walk-ups are welcome.
Click here to fill out the pre-registration questionnaire.
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Public Comment Period For Main Road Corridor Segment C project Ends May 27 |
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On April 27, 2022, the Town of Kiawah Island notified the community of the public meetings and public comment period for the Main Road Corridor Segment C Project.
On May 9, 2022, at 2 p.m., the Town led a round table discussion with the community on the Main Road Corridor Segment C project at the Town’s Municipal Center. The purpose was to share priorities and steps to engage with Charleston County Council to ensure necessary traffic relief happens for Johns Island roads.
The community is encouraged to submit comments to the County before the public comment period ends on Friday, May 27, 2022.
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The Town's Municipal Center will be closed Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day.
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Trash Service Collection for Week of Memorial Day |
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Monday's trash will be collected on Tuesday, May 31. All other collections move forward one day. No yard debris will be collected. Twice per week service will still be collected on Friday.
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Brown trash will be collected Friday, June 3.
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Previously mentioned announcements:
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Upcoming Committee Meetings |
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Audit Committee - May 26 | 10 a.m.
Arts and Cultural Events Council - June 2 | 2 p.m.
Town Council - June 7 | 2 p.m.
Planning Commission - June 8 | 3 p.m.
Procedures
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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.
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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.
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