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Town News This Week - April 25, 2025 |
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We are pleased to present our Annual Report, showcasing key accomplishments for the 2024 calendar year. This comprehensive annual report highlights major policy actions—from land and property acquisitions to workforce housing initiatives, public safety and the William Hilton Parkway Gateway Corridor Project. It also provides a snapshot of our community and a detailed breakdown of the Town’s financials, the key performance indicators used to measure success, and progress toward the priorities set in the 2023–2025 Strategic Action Plan. The annual report is available in English and Spanish.
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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 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 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
The public can view the budget sessions on the Town's YouTube Channel and the Beaufort County Channel. Citizens who wish to address the Town Council about the budget during any of the scheduled meetings should sign up to speak online or contact the Town Clerk at 843-341-4701. Public comment sign-up will also be available in person within Council chambers prior to the beginning of each meeting. Citizens must sign-up prior to the start of meeting business to address Town Council during the public comment period.
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The Town of Hilton Head Island will begin construction on traffic safety improvements at the intersection of the Gumtree Road exit from the Cross Island Parkway and U.S. Highway 278 Business/William Hilton Parkway. Work will start May 4 and is expected to be completed by May 8.
The project will include new pavement markings such as lane striping, turn arrows, and reflectors. The following signs will be installed to better instruct motorists on permitted turns at the intersection:
- Must Turn
- Merge Ahead
- No Right Turn
All work will occur overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., to minimize disruption. During this time, some nighttime lane closures on the Gumtree Road exit will be required.
Pedestrians and motorists are advised to exercise caution while traveling through the work area. The community is also asked to exercise patience as the Town works to enhance safety and improve traffic flow in this area.
For more information, contact Stephen Barnes, Senior Project Manager, at 843-341-4656 or at Stephenb@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.
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Beaufort County has begun road work in several locations around the County as part of the 2025 Pavement Rejuvenation Program. This road treatment is aimed at maintaining pavement integrity and enhancing road infrastructure across the County.
The asphalt rejuvenation operations are funded by the Beaufort County Transportation Committee.
During lane closures, flaggers will direct traffic. Operations will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, unless otherwise notified due to weather delays or other unforeseen circumstances. Motorists must use caution when traveling through work areas.
The road project is scheduled to start on Wednesday, April 23, in northern Beaufort County and will continue there for 11 days before moving to Hilton Head Island on day 12. Crews will work in the following locations starting around May 5, weather permitting:
Day 12 Beach City Road (William Hilton Parkway - Traffic Circle) Hunter Road (Cardinal Road - Beach City Road)
Day 13 Leg O Mutton Road (Marshland - Indigo Run Traffic Circle) Northridge Drive (Palmetto Parkway - US 278 Bus) Starfish Drive (Folly Field - Sand Dollar) Surf Watch Way (Burkes Beach Road - Gate) Wright Place (Squire Pope Road - Terminus)
Day 14 Arrow Road (William Hilton Parkway- New Orleans) New Orleans Road (Willian Hilton Parkway - Pope Avenue)
For more information, call the Beaufort County Engineering Department at 843-255-2700.
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Josselyn is often one of the first points of contact for contractors, business owners, and residents seeking building permits for their projects or properties. She, along with others on the Community Development Services Team, guides them through the permit application process, helps determine whether a permit is required, answers their questions and concerns, and connects them with the appropriate staff member for further assistance. In addition to her knowledge and reliability, Josselyn is bilingual—an asset for Spanish-speaking customers. She takes pride in working with families to ensure they have the proper permits to call Hilton Head Island home.
Years of Service with the Town: 1 year & 3 months
Most Rewarding Part of My Job: Seeing projects come to completion and working with the community, particularly the Latin population. Since joining the Town, I have developed trust with this population, and I know they feel comfortable reaching out because there’s someone here who can speak with them in Spanish.
My Most Memorable “Island-Only” Experience: Going to the Lantern Parade. It is great to see the Hilton Head Island community come together for this event that’s now an Island tradition. I have participated in it twice and have also enjoyed watching it from the sidelines.
My Favorite Spot on Hilton Head Island: The parks. I love walking with my corgi, Milo, at the Shelter Cove Community Park, the Veterans’ Memorial Park and Fish Haul Beach Park.
Favorite Quote: “Patience, persistence and perspiration makes an unbeatable combination for success.” – Napoleon Hill, Author
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Several times a year, the Town’s Office of Cultural Affairs coordinates displays of local artwork at Town Hall, near Council Chambers. For our most recent exhibition, Town staff and their immediate family members we're invited to showcase their artistic talent. On your next visit to Town Hall, be sure to check out this amazing exhibit. It's accessible during public meetings. A special thank you goes to these staff members who contributed their original works:
- April Akins, CIP Finance Manager
- Ace Anderson, Network Engineer
- Nicholas Ratchford, Firefighter – Station 5
- Caroline Rinehart, Revenue Services Specialist
- Morgan Thompson, Community Code Enforcement Officer
- Danielle Tison, Senior Fire Inspector
- Barbara Wooster, Revenue Services Manager
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It’s National Park Week (April 19-27, 2025) and the perfect time to head over to Historic Mitchelville Park to check out Mitchelville’s quilt exhibit, featuring the Harriet Tubman Quilt and quilts made by members of the community. Beautifully hung from the trees in a designated area of the park, the quilts create a living gallery of creativity, memory, and heritage. The event is free and open to all ages.
Event Highlights:
- The Harriet Tubman Quilt presentation
- Quilt stories and the tradition of coded messages
- Interactive activity: Design your own freedom quilt square
- Community quilt exhibition throughout the park
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We are proud to give a heartfelt shout-out to our Town staff volunteers and Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue team who donated their time during the RBC Heritage. Since 2004, these team members have worked together to operate the popular concession tent located between the first tee and the 9th hole green. Proceeds from food sales go to the Hilton Head Firefighters’ Association, which will disperse the funds to other 501(c)(3) organizations in the area.
From prepping emergency plans to pedaling through the crowds, Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue was all in for the RBC Heritage. Their team members provided around-the-course care to golf patrons and did an outstanding job keeping everyone safe behind and inside the ropes.
Thank you to everyone who came out and made it another incredible year of the RBC Heritage possible.
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In honor of Earth Day, Town staff teamed up with The Outside Foundation for an annual litter sweep. A total of 212 pounds of trash and 56 pounds of recyclables were collected from beaches, parks, and pathways. This event wouldn't have been possible without the 72 volunteers who donated their time.
This year’s Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” reminds us of the role we all play in shaping a sustainable future. In true Hilton Head Island fashion, some of the volunteers even crafted mini wind turbines and planted them in the sand as a playful nod to renewable energy and the creative power of community.
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