Greetings Sullivan’s Island Residents,

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the early signs of spring! As the weather warms on the Island, we will soon be amid another busy beach season, which seemed to kick off early this year with droves of college Spring breakers and beach goers from around the tri-county area. Please use extra caution traveling around the Island as we move into the height of the summer season and ever-increasing visitor traffic along our beaches and commercial district.

We have many exciting community events planned this spring and summer. Stay informed of all Town activities and information by checking the Town’s homepage and event calendar which is updated regularly. Another excellent way to stay up-to-date on special events, performances, community meetings, etc. is  by registering for the Town’s monthly newsletter and TOSI Talks. 

Please take note of the various special events, capital projects and general information from Town Hall:

Spring Special Events:

April will be a busy month for celebrating environmental stewardship and recognizing our community’s commitment to the natural environment and arboriculture. We look forward to seeing you at the following public events:

Earth Day: Tuesday, April 22nd 

• Nature Trail ribbon cutting at Station 16: 10:00 am
• Nature Trail guided tours at 10:30am (registration required)
• Salt tolerant demonstration garden unveiling; 2:00pm (registration required)

Arbor Day: Friday, April 25th 

• 9am – 5pm in Stith Park (live local bands!)
• Tree giveaways, scavenger hunt, demonstration garden tours
• 2pm tour of SI Maritime Forest

Capital Project Updates:

Major Stormwater Projects:

Beginning this June, and continuing over the next year and a half, Island residents should expect to see a dramatic increase in stormwater utility work across the Island. Contractors will be focused on making these critical drainage improvements in the following neighborhoods as part of the SCIIP grant project: Station 30 to 31, Station 28 ½ , Station 25, and Station 16 to 16 ½ . For all progress updates, maps and project descriptions please see the Town’s Stormwater project page.

Cove Inlet Bridge Renovation:

This April we also look forward to opening the newly repaired Cove Inlet Bridge property for public use. This historic property (once used as the only access to the Island) has long been used as a Cove Creek overlook and well-known fishing spot for Island residents. The project included stabilizing the dangerously eroded bridge platform and reconstructing the marsh bank with an innovative Envirolok vegetated wall system. We’ve also added handrails along the trail’s entrance at the overlook and for to keep visitors safe while taking in the views. 

Stith Park Drainage Improvements and Renovations:

Town Council has also initiated a park-wide drainage study that will address existing and future drainage needs for any subsequent phases of the park’s development. Town Council is currently considering engineering proposals.  

General information:

Dog Permits and Rules

Please remember to renew your dog permit for 2025. Contact Christina in Town Hall at 843-883-5743 or by email at coxford@sullivansisland.sc.gov for information.

Effective May 01 the beach hours for dogs will change as follows:

• 5am to 10am – dogs may be on the beach and off leash but under voice command
  • 10am to 6pm – dogs are not permitted on the beach
  • 6pm to 5am – dogs are permitted on the beach and must be leashed

At all times, dogs must have an up-to-date Town dog permit and badge on hand; owners are responsible for cleaning up dog waste; and, dogs should not be permitted to chase shorebirds or disturb shorebird or turtle nests.

Summer Household Garbage Collection
It is anticipated that the Town will shift to twice per week household collection during the first week of June.  Please follow the Garbage and Recycling webpage for further details.

Family Vacation
If you plan to leave the Island for your summer vacation, be sure to contact the Police Department to place your property on “House Watch”.  Chief Glenn Meadows can be reached by email at  (843) 883-5736 or Deputy Chief Monty Anders at (843) 996-8927 for further details.

Town Council Meetings
We encourage Town residents and other members of the public to attend Town Council workshops and regular Council meetings to stay informed of all issues, projects and programs. Town Council holds its workshop meetings on the first Monday of each month at 6pm and it Council Meetings on the third Tuesday at 6pm. Major topics in April, May and June revolve around development of the Town’s inaugural Five-year Capital Improvement Plan and putting the final touches of the annual FY 2026 operating budget. Our next meeting dates are as follows:

Workshop
April 7th at 6pm
May 5th at 6pm
June 2nd at 6pm
 

Council meeting
April 15th at 6pm
May 20th at 6pm
June 17th at 6pm     

Please feel free to email or call me anytime should you have questions or concerns, and my door is always open.  

Warmest regards,

Joe Henderson
Town Administrator
(843) 883-5731