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Town News This Week - November 7, 2025 |
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This Week’s Progress (Nov. 1-7)
Marinex Construction:
- Relocated the final pieces of their equipment from Pine Island to Islanders Beach, providing them access for renourishment activities along the Port Royal Sound shoreline.
- Started installing a submerged pipeline from the dredge area to the Port Royal Sound shoreline.
Cape Romain Contractors brought truckloads of rocks to Pine Island Beach where they will build breakwater structures. It will take several months to complete this part of the project. Pine Island Beach will remain closed during this phase.
Looking Ahead (Nov. 8-14)
Marinex Construction expects to start pumping sand onto the beach along the Port Royal Sound this weekend.
Cape Romain Contractors will continue working on the breakwater structures at Pine Island Beach.
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We are happy to announce that Dave Byrd has joined us as our new Finance Director. A certified public accountant with over 30 years of experience in municipal government, health care, and corporate finance. Dave will oversee the Town’s budgeting, investments, accounting, and financial reporting. He brings strong leadership and strategic planning skills, most recently serving as the Town of Breckenridge's Finance Director. Dave is passionate about public service and community engagement and looks forward to contributing to Hilton Head Island’s continued success.
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We are pleased to welcome Zachary (Zac) D. Gordon as our new Planning Director. He is a seasoned planning professional with over 30 years of experience in building and enhancing communities. In this role, Zac will lead and direct the Town’s Planning Department, overseeing community planning, housing, development services, and building permitting and inspection. He will also provide strategic vision and leadership in current and long-range planning, workforce housing, zoning and land-use policy, natural resources protection, economic development, and redevelopment.
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In observance of Veterans Day, the Town of Hilton Head Island administrative offices will close on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Regular business hours will resume at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
The Beaufort County Convenience Center, located at 26 Summit Road on Hilton Head Island, will also be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Town emergency services will remain operational during the holiday.
On behalf of the Hilton Head Area Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), sponsors of the Island’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony, the Town encourages residents and visitors to attend this year’s program and join in honoring the men and women who have served our nation.
Event Details
Veterans Day Ceremony
Tuesday, Nov. 11
10:30 a.m.
Veterans’ Memorial at Shelter Cove Community Park
59 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island
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The Town of Hilton Head Island seeks experienced equestrian stable operators to submit their qualifications for the revitalization and long-term operation of the 12-acre, Town-owned property on Jonesville Road.
"We're looking for qualified potential partners who have expertise in site revitalization, equestrian management, community-based programming, and sustainable operations," said Town Manager Marc Orlando. "From a shortlist of those possible partners, we will then review their individual proposals. At the end of that process, the selected partner will collaborate with us to create an innovative and meaningful community destination that reflects the Island’s values and character."
The Town must receive all submissions by 5 pm on January 8, 2026. To review the full request for qualifications, including deadlines, scope of services, evaluation criteria, and submittal requirements, visit the Town’s Procurement Portal: https://hiltonheadislandsc.bonfirehub.com.
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The Town of Hilton Head Island and the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (CDC) are excited to announce the location of the future CDC headquarters within the building occupied currently by Memory Matters at 117 William Hilton Parkway.
The 0.78-acre property and 7,000 sq. ft. building was purchased for $1.525 million using 50% TIF district (tax increment financing) and 50% CDC funds. The establishment of a CDC headquarters is aligned with the Town Council’s Fiscal Years 2026-2028 Strategic Action Plan Goal #7: Preserve, Protect, and Celebrate Gullah Geechee Culture and Heritage. This effort honors the area’s historic role as a vital economic and cultural hub and demonstrates the ongoing partnership between the Town and the CDC in supporting historic neighborhood preservation.
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The Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (CDC) and the Town of Hilton Head Island are hosting a mini business expo and seminar focused on helping local entrepreneurs learn how to do business with the Town. The event, “Let’s Talk,” takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Island Recreation Center, 20 Wilborn Road.
The mini business expo will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. It will provide business owners with opportunities to meet one-on-one with Town staff and explore potential contracting and procurement opportunities. Representatives from the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs will also be available to share information on business certification.
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This week, Town contractors started a paving project on a portion of Mitchelville Road within the Baygall Historic Neighborhood. Work takes place Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. and is expected to be completed by the end of December. The project includes:
- Paving the Town-owned segment of Mitchelville Road, from its intersection with Fish Haul Road to where it ends. The SC Department of Transportation owns the other segment of Mitchelville Road; it will not be paved as a part of this project.
- Installing drainage infrastructure to manage stormwater.
- Striping the road and installing permanent traffic signage.
Please be careful traveling through the designated work zone and follow all traffic control and construction signs.
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Construction at Old Schoolhouse Park begins Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, to add a new restroom, accessible parking, and upgraded pickleball courts. Work will run Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is expected to finish by February 2026. These improvements reflect the Town’s commitment to enhancing recreation, accessibility, and community well-being.
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With local families facing increased food insecurity and decreased resources from programs such as the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), local food pantries are available to help.
Here is a list of food pantries on Hilton Head Island where residents in need can access food and other essential items:
Boys & Girls Club,151 Gumtree Road
Monday through Friday, 4-6 p.m. Primarily serves parents picking up their children from programs.
Christ Lutheran Church, 829 William Hilton Parkway
Thursdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Little Free Pantry on site.
The Deep Well Project, 80 Capital Drive
Call 843-785-2849 to request food.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m. -1 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway
Small selection of nonperishable items is available Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m.-noon.
Holy Family Catholic Church, 24 Pope Avenue
Wednesday, 4-5 p.m., and Thursday, 9 -10 a.m.
Providence Presbyterian Church, 171 Cordillo Parkway
Food Pantry, Monday, 3:30-5 p.m.
Sandalwood Food Pantry - Queen Chapel AME Church, 114 Beach City Road
Food Pantry, Tuesday, 9 a.m. -noon.
St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church, 20 Pope Avenue
Tuesday and Friday, 9 -11 a.m. They also provide prepared meals. Little Free Pantry on site.
Food pantries also need community-wide support and are accepting donations to refill their shelves, including food (cereal, oatmeal, canned tuna or chicken, pasta, pasta sauce, dry or canned beans, and other nonperishable items); and personal care items (shampoo, toothpaste/toothbrush, deodorants, and diapers).
You can also contribute money to support agencies. The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has launched the Helping Neighbors Fund to provide vital resources to local partner nonprofits that operate food pantries or supply food to food pantries across the region. Rising food costs and increased demand have strained community food pantries, and CFL’s timely action will help these organizations continue their food distribution operations, supporting the most vulnerable residents.
CFL will allocate 100% of donations to the Helping Neighbors Fund to local organizations combating hunger, with allocations made every week to ensure a prompt response. To support CFL’s Helping Neighbors Fund, please visit https://lowcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=5191 or call 843-681-9100.
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Hilton Head Public Service District (PSD) reminds residents that efficient irrigation helps protect the Island’s limited water supply. Nearly half of local water use goes toward lawn watering, even though Hilton Head typically receives over 50 inches of rainfall each year, often enough to meet most landscape needs. As cooler months arrive, homeowners are encouraged to check their irrigation systems and adjust schedules. Most lawns do not need watering in winter unless there’s a long dry spell, and even then, only minimal irrigation may be needed. Overwatering wastes treated tap water and can harm plants. Learn more about water conservation and proper irrigation at hhpsd.com and Clemson Extension’s Home & Garden Information Center.
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 Our Director of Cultural Affairs, Natalie Harvey, recently appeared on WSAV to talk about upcoming November events and the Lantern Parade.
- Mayor Alan Perry's monthly columns in Hilton Head Sun and CH2 Magazine.
November Columns
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