|
Town News This Week - May 9, 2025 |
|
At its regular meeting on May 6, the Hilton Head Island Town Council approved unanimously the first reading of the Town Manager’s fiscal year (FY) 2026 consolidated budget, a balanced and strategic financial plan totaling $174,711,350 million in projected revenues and scheduled expenditures. It spans six major funds and includes a 2-millage (mills) property tax rate reduction, decreasing the rate from 21.4 mills to 19.4 mills, and reflects the Town’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and service to residents.
The full proposed FY26 consolidated budget and presentation are accessible on the Town's website at https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/budget/FY2026/.
During the meeting, Town Council members received public feedback regarding the desire for a late afternoon opportunity for residents to offer comment on the budget, prior to its second reading and public hearing already scheduled for June 3. Town Council revised the meeting and public hearing schedule to the following:
- Monday, May 12 at 2 p.m. – Town Council budget workshop.
- Tuesday, May 13 at 5 p.m. – Town Council budget workshop.
- Tuesday, June 3 at 3 p.m. – Second public hearing and final reading at the 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. 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.
|
|
 Thank you, Hilton Head Island! We’re grateful for your voice, your time, and your passion. We have received over 750 responses to our district planning surveys and welcomed over 450 residents and stakeholders to our community engagement meetings. In sharing your ideas through these events and surveys, your priorities are reflected throughout each of our district plans. From preserving green spaces to improving roads and supporting local businesses, your input matters. Stay tuned as we turn your feedback into action!
|
|
It’s National Bike Month and we are happy to celebrate one of Hilton Head favorite pastimes: bike riding. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, cycling is great way to explore our beautiful Island. We are also proud to be recognized as Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists! This distinction recognizes our commitment providing community education, maintaining pathways and promoting cycling as a fun and healthy way to get around #townofhhi. While doing so, remember to be safe. Here are some tips to ride by:
- Always wear a helmet
- Stay off devices while riding
- Keep to the right when passing oncoming pathway users
- If there is a pathway available along a roadway, consider using the pathway
- Obey all traffic signals and pathway markings
|
|
Sea turtle nesting season started May 1st and continues through October 31st. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle is South Carolina's state reptile and the most common nester along our shores. It is easily recognizable by the large size of its head in relation to its body and its brownish or yellow skin. Females usually begin to nest in the first or second week of May. Take a look at our beach rules and help keep the turtles safe during their nesting season. For more information on sea turtles and how you can help, click the link below.
|
|
|
Flooding can happen at any time—especially in coastal communities like Hilton Head Island. Naturally occurring events such as hurricanes, storm surge, high tides, and heavy rainfall significantly impact our area each year.
Each spring, we take time to remind residents to stay informed and prepared. Know your flood zone, understand your risk, and recognize the hazards that come with flooding.
As part of our annual awareness efforts, our Floodplain Administrator mails a Flood Awareness postcard to homeowners. This postcard includes helpful tips on:
- Insuring your property
- Protecting your home and belongings
- Preparing for hurricane season
- Accessing important information such as Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) dates, flood zones, and base flood elevations
Now is the perfect time to review your personal flood preparedness and records.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact our Floodplain Administrator, Shari Mendrick, at 843-341-4757 or ShariM@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.
Additional resources and flood information are available anytime on our website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov.
|
|
Years with the Town: 24
In her role, Teresa supports Fire Rescue's daily operations and champions the safety and professional development of first responders — helping them serve our community and visitors at the highest level.
Most Rewarding Part of My Job:
Helping others.
My Most Memorable “Island-Only” Experience:
Visiting Sea Pines for the first time in 1991 and climbing the Harbour Town Lighthouse. The view from the top was beautiful. It’s something I’ll never forget.
My Favorite Way to Give Back:
Volunteering at and supporting local animal shelters.
My Favorite Spot on Hilton Head Island:
Hands down—the beach!
My Hobbies:
Do-it-yourself projects, gardening, dancing, cooking, and reading.
Words of Advice:
Be honest. Be kind. Be happy.
Favorite Quote:
“Together Everyone Accomplishes More.”
|
|
|
Discover the inspiration behind the newest additions to the Shelter Cove Sculpture Trail! Artist Dana Montlack shares how Hilton Head Island’s natural beauty and biodiversity shaped her stunning pieces: “Marsh,” “Forest,” and “Ocean.” Visit the north end of Veterans Memorial Park to learn more about each piece and experience them in person.
|
|
|
Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue is thrilled to bring back a beloved tradition — the May Community Carnival — on Saturday, May 10 at Fire Station 1. This event features carnival games, snacks, prizes, firehouse favorites and more. Bring the whole crew and help us kick off summer in the most festive way possible!
|
|
In honor of National Bike Month, Town staff supported the annual Pedal Hilton Head Island event. The event featured five cycling routes designed for beginners to advanced cyclists, allowing them to pedal from two miles to 62 miles. During the duration, over $100,000 was raised for the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island, supporting local youth and strengthening our community. This incredible event wouldn't have been possible without the various riders, supporters, sponsors, and volunteers.
|
|
 Lee Jenkins, our Captain of Community Outreach & Recruitment, recently appeared on WHHI-TV to educate viewers about Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Hands-on Training Girls Camp, Red Hot Readers program, and the upcoming May Carnival taking place on May 10.
|
|
|
Each month, Mayor Alan Perry updates residents on Town initiatives and community events through his columns published in the Hilton Head Sun and CH2 Magazine.
|
|
|
|
|
