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Town News This Week - Dec. 6, 2024 |
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The holiday season has arrived on Hilton Head Island, bringing a host of cheerful festivities for everyone to enjoy. Islanders and visitors alike are warmly invited to join in the magic at the Town's Christmas Tree Lighting this Saturday, as well as participate in other exciting events planned throughout the month. Unless otherwise noted, all the events listed below are hosted by the Town and its Fire Rescue Department. Happy holidays everyone!
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In the spirit of the season, we're celebrating our staff. The Town of Hilton Head Island administrative offices will be closed on Tuesday, Dec.10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for our annual Employee Holiday Luncheon. This event celebrates the hard work and exceptional service of our dedicated staff. Offices will reopen promptly at 1:30 p.m. that day.
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This morning, we celebrated South Carolina Arbor Day with the planting of a beautiful Live Oak tree! A special thank you to our Town Council members and Town Manager Marc Orlando, who joined us and to everyone who came out to support this meaningful event.
Why December? In South Carolina, this time of year is perfect for planting trees—it gives their roots a head start before the heat of summer. We are proud to be a Tree City USA® community since 2000, demonstrating our commitment to maintaining a healthy tree canopy for generations to come. Let’s keep growing together!
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The newly elected members of the 2024–2028 Town Council for Hilton Head Island were officially sworn in during a public ceremony on Dec. 3. We are proud to welcome Steve DeSimone (Ward 3), Melinda Tunner (Ward 6), and congratulate Alex Brown (Ward 1) on his reelection and new role as Mayor Pro-Tem. Thank you to everyone in the community who attended the ceremony and showed your support for our local leaders as they begin their new terms of service.
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Jeffrey Netzinger, an experienced engineer with the Town of Hilton Head Island, is our new Engineering & Projects Director. In his expanded role, Jeff will oversee the Public Projects, Stormwater, and Transportation Divisions and serve as the Town’s designated Engineer.
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With a $500,000 grant from the Town of Hilton Head Island, Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry purchased 1.53 acres of land off Spanish Wells Road for $625,000. The organization plans to build five single-family homes on the property.
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In this season of gratitude, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the residents of Hilton Head Island, whose generous spirit shines through their volunteer work with various organizations. Throughout the year, we proudly recognize these exceptional individuals by bestowing the title of Honored Islander—a distinction awarded to those whose contributions make our community an even better place to live.
This recognition is part of the Mayor’s Honored Islanders Program, which celebrates residents who give selflessly of their time and talents, often without compensation or public recognition. Nominations are submitted by fellow community members and carefully reviewed by a mayor appointed committee. If you know someone whose dedication deserves this honor, we encourage you to submit their nomination through the online form available on our website.
To read about our latest honorees listed below and their inspiring acts of kindness, click on their names below:
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The Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade once again illuminated our community with creativity, joy, and togetherness. From the stunning lantern creations to the vibrant marching bands and the smiles that lit up the crowd, this event showcased the heart of what makes Hilton Head Island so special.
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Our recent Muddy Creek Neighborhood Community Cleanup brought residents and volunteers together to show their love for the neighborhood and Hilton Head Island. Volunteers and Town staff spent several hours removing trash, recyclables, and large items such as old appliances in response to community input.The turnout was fantastic, and we’ve received so much positive feedback and appreciation for this event.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Nov. 16. Together, we’re building a cleaner, greener future! Items collected:
- 50 cubic yards of household waste and bulk items
- 15 cubic yards of yard waste
- 70 lbs. of recycling (including plastic bottles and metal cans)
One of our core values is environmental sustainability – another way of saying that we look to live in harmony with our natural environment by protecting and conserving it. When we work together on efforts like this one, we demonstrate once again the power we have to make a difference in caring for our community.
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Town and Fire Rescue staff members proudly represented "Team Hilton Head" in the Tunnels to Towers Foundation charity 5K on Nov. 17.
Founded in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, this remarkable organization honors the sacrifices of first responders who risked their lives to save others. Tunnels to Towers directs 95.1% of its donations to support the families of fallen or severely injured first responders, military heroes, and their loved ones. We’re proud to be part of this incredible cause, demonstrating our community’s commitment to remembering and supporting those who serve.
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Congratulations to Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island for earning the prestigious 2024 Angel Award, presented by South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond! This recognition places them among just 10 of 17,000 registered nonprofits in the state, highlighting their outstanding dedication to sea turtle conservation and responsible stewardship of charitable resources.
The Angel Award honors organizations that make a significant impact in South Carolina, focusing on those that allocate 80% or more of their total expenditures to program services. Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island surpasses this benchmark with 95.9% of its expenses directed toward protecting sea turtles.
Being selected for this award is not only a remarkable achievement but also a reflection of their unwavering commitment to their mission. As the only nonprofit from Beaufort or Jasper counties on this year's Angels list, Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island continues to set a shining example for our community and beyond. Bravo!
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 Check out the latest columns from Mayor Alan Perry:
"Let the Reason for the Season Guide your Actions"- featured in the December issue of CH2 Magazine
"Move over pumpkin spice everything, because the holiday season is here!" - featured in the December issue of the Hilton Head Sun
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 Our Assistant Town Manager, Angie Stone, recently appeared on WHHI-TV's news segment to share exciting updates about the Town’s the Christmas Tree Lighting, and Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration.
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