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Town News This Week - April 11, 2025 |
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Hilton Head Island is teed up for the 57th annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing golf tournament, which kicks-off next week at the famed Harbor Town Golf Links. This beloved PGA TOUR tradition for the Island runs through Sunday, April 20, overlapping the Easter holiday weekend and bringing golfers, fans and visitors from all over the world. Golfers, including returning champ Scottie Scheffler, will vie for a share of the $20 million purse.
To mark the occasion, the Town has spruced up the Island with welcoming banners, vibrant landscaping and beautification efforts from the bridge to Sea Pines Circle, showcasing the Island’s beauty and infusing excitement.
Each year, the RBC Heritage pumps more than $134.9 million into the South Carolina economy, with a focus of $56.9 million being distributed to those in need throughout South Carolina and Georgia since 1987. Last year, more than $3.9 million was distributed to local charitable organizations for children, education, the environment, the arts, medical institutions, and college scholarships.
As the 2025 field of players take to the course next week, we wish them the best of luck and great shots. Keep it in the fairway, go low—and Happy RBC Heritage from the Town of Hilton Head Island!
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Two iconic oak trees, standing tall for centuries at the northeast corner of William Hilton Parkway and Squire Pope Road, are more than just a historical landmark. Now the centerpiece of the Town’s recently completed beautification project, these majestic trees represent our community’s commitment to environmental sustainability, historic preservation, and interconnected pathways.
This newly enhanced, welcoming space honors the natural beauty and deep-rooted history of the land and the Stoney neighborhood right at the intersection. Over the past month, the Town has taken several steps to elevate and preserve this meaningful site:
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Installed uplighting to highlight the grandeur of the oaks, estimated to be 400–500 years old.
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Added a custom wooden bench for residents and visitors to enjoy the serene, natural surroundings.
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Extended the pervious pathway from the west side of William Hilton Parkway into the site, forming a heart-shaped design using natural materials.
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Replaced and updated a kiosk with current information for pedestrians and cyclists.
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Enhanced landscaping using native plant species to complement the environment.
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Constructed perimeter brick columns with a rail fence to beautify and protect the space.
This site is not only visually stunning—it’s a testament to our dedication to preserving the past and showcasing the present while thoughtfully planning for the future. We’re proud to protect and celebrate this special corner of our community.
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The Town Council of Hilton Head Island will consider the first reading of its proposed consolidated fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget at its Town Council meeting at 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 6.
During this meeting, Hilton Head Island Town Manager Marc Orlando will deliver an overview of the recommended consolidated budget to the Town Council and the public. The presentation begins the Town's public budget review process. Following the meeting, an executive summary of the proposed budget and the budget presentation will be shared on the Town's website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov/finance.
In addition to the May 6 meeting, the public can learn more details about the proposed budget and provide feedback on it at the following times:
- Monday, May 12 at 2 p.m. – Town Council budget workshop
- Tuesday, May 13 at 2 p.m. – Town Council budget workshop for capital improvement projects (CIP)
- Tuesday, June 3 at 3 p.m. – Second public hearing and second and final reading at Town Council meeting
Citizens who wish to address the Town Council about the budget during these meetings must complete a “Public Comment Form” two hours prior to the meeting start time. The budget meetings will be livestreamed on the Town's YouTube Channel and the Beaufort County Channel.
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The April 30, 2025, deadline for business license renewals is approaching. As a reminder, all businesses operating within The Town of Hilton Head Island must have a business license by that date.
Business owners are encouraged to complete and submit their business license renewal applications by the end of April to avoid paying any late penalties. After the renewal application is processed, business owners will receive a new license valid from May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026.
For more information on renewing or obtaining a new business license, please contact the Town’s Revenue Services Office at 843-341-4677
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 April is National Volunteer Month — a time to celebrate and recognize the invaluable contributions of volunteers. It’s also an opportunity to inspire more people to give back to their communities. With this in mind, the Town of Hilton Head Island is seeking dedicated individuals to serve on Town Council-appointed boards, commissions, and committees. Current openings include:
- Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee - One vacancy
- Beaufort-Jasper Housing Trust - One vacancy
- Board of Zoning Appeals - Three vacancies
- Construction Board of Adjustments & Appeals - Three vacancies
- Design Review Board - One vacancy
- Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation - One vacancy
- Housing Action Committee - One vacancy
- Planning Commission - Two vacancies
To qualify, applicants must be registered voters within the Town of Hilton Head Island. Applications remain on file for two years. For details on each board, commission, and committee—and to apply—please visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov or contact Cindaia Ervin, Assistant Town Clerk, at 843-341-4646 or CindaiaE@hiltonheadislandsc.gov. Interested residents should submit their applications by Friday, April 25.
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Did you know our dedicated Revenue Services team processes over 14,000 business license applications and accounts each year? On top of that, they handle over 4,000 accommodations and hospitality tax account payments every quarter and manage more than 7,100 approved short-term rental permits—all while ensuring millions of dollars in revenue flow smoothly to support Town operations.
But they do much more than crunch numbers. These professionals are often the first point of contact for business owners and citizens — offering guidance and top-notch customer service.
"They handle their responsibilities with grace, kindness, and efficiency, which is truly remarkable," said Revenue Services Manager Barbara Wooster, who leads this 11-member team.
"We take pride in delivering exceptional service and continually look for ways to improve processes and ensure every customer interaction is positive. It’s not always easy, but this team excels at it."
Beyond processing financial transactions for business licenses, permits and EMS payments, this team assists thousands of walk-in customers, answers countless phone calls and emails, and supports businesses across the Island.
Meet the Experts Behind the Scenes:
Lonna Sodemann – Revenue Services Supervisor
Suzanne Overson, Tami Groff, Abby Rain, & Melissa Standridge – Revenue Collectors
Maureen Passantino & Karen Lawson – Short-term Rental Coordinators
Morgan Bowen – Revenue Specialists
Their dedication ensures the Town’s financial processes run like a well-oiled machine while fostering strong relationships with businesses and residents alike.
We appreciate their hard work, commitment, and the energy they bring to keeping Hilton Head Island thriving! 💙
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The Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island honored members of our Fire Rescue Department and other outstanding public servants for their unwavering dedication and exceptional commitment to our community.
Fire Chief Chirs Blankenship had the pleasure of presenting the 2024 Firefighter of the Year Award to Fire Apparatus Operator Chris Darmon and the 2024 EMT of the Year to Senior Firefighter Ashur Wilbur! Both showed a tremendous amount of bravery and professionalism beyond the call of duty, earning these prestigious awards from Rotary.
The Rotary Club was immensely proud to shine a spotlight on these everyday heroes who have selflessly served our community.
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Our recent Jonesville Neighborhood Community Cleanup brought residents and volunteers together to show their love for the neighborhood and Hilton Head Island.
About 20 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help beautify our roadsides, preserve the Spanish Wells and Amelia cemeteries, and keep Hilton Head Island green. From picking up litter to sorting recyclables at the Mobile Recycling Center, every effort made a difference!
Here’s our impact by the numbers from this March 29 community cleanup:
In the Jonesville neighborhood, we collected and removed an estimated 300 to 500 pounds of trash—including 175 pounds of recyclable bottles, cans, and other items.
Over in the Muddy Creek neighborhood, 15 to 18 tons of bulk items were removed - including 3 to 5 tons of bulk metals set aside for recycling and 3 tons of yard waste—all contributing to a cleaner, greener community.
This event wouldn't have been possible without our community partners, including i2 Recycle, the Hilton Head MLK Committee for Justice, and the Outside Foundation.
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