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Town News This Week - May 23, 2025 |
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 In observance of Memorial Day, the Town of Hilton Head Island’s administrative offices will be closed on Monday, May 26, and reopen at 8 am on Tuesday, May 27.
The Beaufort County Convenience Center at 26 Summit Drive will also be closed on Monday, May 26, and resume its regular operating hours on Tuesday, May 27, from 7:30 am to 6 pm. Town emergency services will remain available during the holiday.
Hilton Head Island's 32nd annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony, hosted by the Hilton Head Military Veterans Coalition, will be held Monday, May 26, at 9:30 am, at Veterans' Memorial at Shelter Cove Community Park, 59 Shelter Cove Lane.
The annual tribute will feature remarks from:
- Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry
- Colonel Kenneth J. del Mazo, Assistant Chief of Staff, Recruiting, U.S. Marine Corps, Parris Island
- Lieutenant Timothy M. West, U.S. Navy 2nd Battalion Chaplain
The Hilton Head Choral Society will present a selection of patriotic music for the occasion.
On behalf of Mayor Perry, Town Council, the Town Manager, and all Town staff, thank you to the brave service members who sacrificed their lives for our nation.
Please have a safe Memorial Day.
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On Tuesday, June 3 at 3 p.m., the Hilton Head Island Town Council will hold its second public hearing and consider final reading of the Town Manager’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Consolidated Budget.
During its May 6 meeting, the Town Council approved the first reading of the proposed budget — a balanced and strategic financial plan totaling $174,711, 350 million in projected revenues and scheduled expenditures. The budget spans six major funds and includes a 2-millage (mills) property tax rate reduction, lowering the rate from 21.4 mills to 19.4 mills. This reflects the Town’s continued commitment to fiscal responsibility and service to residents. The full proposed FY 2026 budget and presentation are available on the Town's website: hiltonheadislandsc.gov/budget/FY2026/
The meeting will be livestreamed on the Town’s YouTube Channel and the Beaufort County Channel. Residents wishing to comment on the budget during the June 3 meeting may sign up in advance online or in person in Council Chambers before the start of the meeting.
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 The Town of Hilton Head Island has announced that Marinex Construction Company, Inc. is the selected contractor for its upcoming beach renourishment project. Pending final approvals, the preliminary schedule has been updated. The following timeline may be subject to change depending on external factors beyond the Town's control:
- Phase I - Port Royal (the Heel), Fish Haul and Pine Island.
- Contractor mobilizes in July 2025.
- Work begins in August 2025 at Pine Island.
- Work completed November 2025 at The Heel/Port Royal.
- Phase II - Central Island, South Island and South Beach.
- Work begins in November 2025 at the north end of Central Island beach.
- Work completed May 2026 at the south end of South Beach.
- Phase III - Pine Island Breakwater Structures.
- To be determined - anticipated in 2026.
As the Town and contractor continue to coordinate over the next 30 days, additional details regarding the project schedule and location will be made available.
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With the youth sports season now over, beach parking fees will be enforced at Chaplin Community Park (Burkes Beach Access) from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., from May 19 through September 7. As the park is a shared-use space that includes beach access, residents must have a valid beach parking permit to park for free—regardless of how they plan to use the park. If you haven’t secured your resident beach parking permit yet, now is the time!
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The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is near, and the Town of Hilton Head Island urges residents, businesses, and visitors to be prepared. From June 1 through November 30, coastal communities face potential hurricanes and other tropical weather threats. The Town has created guides that provide helpful information on developing a disaster plan and emergency kit. Click below to download these important guides and learn the steps you and your family can take to prepare for the upcoming season:
Click below to download these important guides:
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Guide to Emergency Preparedness |
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Emergency Preparedness Field Guide |
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Congratulations to the 177 outstanding local students recently recognized at the Mayor’s Youth Volunteer Service Award Ceremony at the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort! From bronze to call-to-service level, these inspiring young leaders were celebrated for their dedication to giving back to Hilton Head Island, logging countless volunteer hours that have truly made a difference in our community. The evening was filled with smiles, handshakes, high-fives, and heartfelt moments, as each group was honored with photos by award levels to mark their achievements. Now in its 14th year, this special program is the Town's way of showing appreciation to the young residents who help make the Island a better place for all. A special shout-out to the incredible educators and parents who encourage and uplift these students every step of the way.
Here’s to bright futures!
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Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park (HMFP) invites you to "Stories Surround Us: A Community Archaeological Experience" on Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 40 Harriet Tubman Way on Hilton Head Island.
This free, hands-on event lets you work alongside real archaeologists as they uncover the past and prepare the site for HMFP's future visitor center. This event is great for families, history buffs and anyone looking to learn more about the site.
To dig a shovel test pit, please sign up for a time slot online in advance (required).
Visit digmitchelville.org for more information.
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Courtesy Share from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources announces the release of GatorWise.
The GatorWise project is intended to promote realistic public perceptions about alligators and to provide guidance on responsible human behavior to minimize conflict between people and alligators.
GatorWise is composed of members representing the state fish and wildlife agencies of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, all states within the range of the American Alligator.
“The introduction of GatorWise is important because information about how humans should behave around alligators is similar across the southeast, but until now, each state has had to manage their own outreach sites and information." said Morgan Hart, SCDNR Alligator Biologist. "We hope that being able to reference a central place for information will help people and alligators coexist safely”.
Significant human development is projected to continue in southeastern states in areas of alligator habitat. Alligators are a robust species that can thrive in areas where development occurs, as long as the people in these areas understand how to responsibly coexist with them.
As warm weather returns, GatorWise and SCDNR would like to remind people that it's normal to see alligators moving around and basking in our rivers, ponds, and lakes. Alligators are native to South Carolina and are critical to the health and balance of our ecosystems. Be GatorWise: Admire them from a distance, never feed alligators, and learn more at www.gatorwise.org.
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Second Helpings, a nonprofit food rescue organization kicks off its food drive initiative this month. Beginning May 24, this food rescue program encourages tourists to donate their post-vacation, nonperishable groceries to specially marked donation bins around Hilton Head Island. After collecting the unopened food items, Second Helpings will deliver them to one of the seven food pantries and soup kitchens on the Island.
Join us in spreading the word about this initiative and help make a positive impact in the community, one meal at a time.
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 Mayor Alan Perry, recently appeared on WWHI- TV to educate viewers on the Town's budget, beach parking, and local wildlife
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