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Town News This Week - November 21, 2025 |
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Hilton Head Island's night sky and Coligny Beach coastline will glow Saturday night (Nov. 22), when the Town hosts its annual Lantern Parade. This beloved seasonal attraction celebrates our Island’s rich history, natural beauty, and community spirit. The parade showcases the creations of acclaimed lantern artist Chantelle Rytter, along with hundreds of colorful lanterns crafted by residents, visitors, school groups, and local organizations.
Arrive at 3 p.m. to enjoy a variety of food trucks and beverages at Lowcountry Celebration Park. The parade, accompanied by local bands, steps-off at 5:30 p.m. Participants will walk north along South Forest Beach from Alder Lane, exit the beach through the Beach House parking lot, and conclude at Lowcountry Celebration Park.
Visit Culture HHI to get all the details on parking, the route, activities at Lowcountry Celebration Park happening prior to the parade, entertainment and more.
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This Week’s Progress (Nov. 15-21)
Marinex Construction deposited over 158,000 cubic yards of sand onto the beach along Port Royal Sound, bringing the total sand placement in this area to more than 291,000 cubic yards thus far.
Cape Romain Contractors worked on the breakwater structures at Pine Island Beach, a project that will take several months to complete.
Looking Ahead (Nov. 22-28)
Marinex Construction will continue pumping sand onto the beach along the Port Royal Sound. The crew will work through the Thanksgiving holiday.
Cape Romain Contractors will continue working on the breakwater structures at Pine Island Beach. Pine Island Beach remains closed during this phase.
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We’re excited to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for the Taylor Family Park at 252 Wild Horse Road. The ceremony will take place as follows and you’re invited to join us:
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Date: Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
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Time: 10 a.m.
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Parking: Guests are encouraged to park at the Boys and Girls Club on Gumtree Road and ride the Palmetto Breeze Trolley to the park site. Rides will be available starting at 9:00 a.m.
This special moment will officially launch the start of construction for this family-oriented park that celebrates the area’s Gullah Geechee history and culture. Located in the historic Squire Pope neighborhood, the new 4.9-acre park will feature a pavilion, picnic area, a walking trail with interpretive elements that highlight local history, and a playground featuring a custom-built boat inspired by Gullah traditions.
The land has deep connections to the Gullah community. It was once home to the McKnight family, a longstanding Gullah family, and later became the property of the Taylor family. Ultimately, the Taylors donated it to the Town with the vision of it becoming a place for neighbors to gather. The park’s design pays tribute to the area’s maritime heritage, reflecting its generations of fishing and shrimping, as well as the community’s connection to the nearby coastal waterway.
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Great progress continues at the future Coligny Circle Pocket Park, an important project that directly supports Goal 10 of our Strategic Action Plan: Enhancing Community Well-Being through Parks & Recreation Master Plan implementation. Here’s what’s happening on the ground:
- The general contractor has mobilized and secured the site with fencing and safety signage.
- Tree removals and site clearing are complete, and rough grading is underway.
- New stormwater pipes and structures have been installed — and they’re working exactly as designed!
- Electricians are currently installing underground conduit for utilities.
- Up next: A new well will be drilled in the coming days to provide water to the site.
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The Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (CDC) recently wrapped up its Money Talks seminar series with a mini business expo and a special session on how to do business with the Town of Hilton Head Island. Local businesses and entrepreneurs engaged in one-on-one conversations with Town staff about potential contracting and procurement opportunities, while representatives from the S.C. Commission for Minority Affairs shared information on business certification.
The CDC extends its sincere thanks to everyone who participated in and attended the series over the past five months. For information about upcoming CDC events, visit experiencegullah.org.
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As we enter the season of gratitude, we would like to thank a special group of individuals – our Mayor's Honored Islanders. Mayor Alan Perry recently recognized these remarkable residents for their volunteerism and commitment to our community. We extend a heartfelt thanks to the following Hilton Head Island residents for their selfless service:
Nell B. Hay
Jody Levitt
Lynne Lotz
Lyn Meachen
Consuelo Palma
Rick Saba
Alison and Paul Schreiner
Cat Socha
Les Taylor
You can read about their contributions here.
The Mayor's Honored Islander Award Program publicly acknowledges Hilton Head Island residents who make significant sacrifices of their time, talents and resources to improve the community without seeking compensation or significant public or media attention. If you know someone deserving of this recognition, we invite you to nominate them.
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In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Town's administrative offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28, and will reopen at 8 a.m., Monday, Dec. 1.
The Beaufort County Convenience Center at 26 Summit Drive will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, and return to normal operating hours on Friday, Nov. 28. Town emergency services will remain available during the holiday.
On behalf of our Mayor, Town Council, Town Manager and Town staff, we wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.
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 National Native American Heritage Month is observed each November as a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans. Here on Hilton Head Island, we recognize this legacy by reflecting on the early presence of Native peoples, most visibly evidenced at the Greens Shell Enclosure Heritage Preserve.
Located off Squire Pope Road along Skull Creek, this protected cultural site was constructed from discarded shells and other materials left by the Indigenous people who once lived in this area. The Town of Hilton Head Island and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources jointly own the preserve, which is managed by Heritage Trust. Adjacent to the preserve, the Town also maintains Greens Shell Park, which features a picnic pavilion, playground, basketball court, restroom facilities, and a small parking area.
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The holiday season on Hilton Head Island is almost here, promising cheerful festivities. Islanders and visitors are warmly invited to experience the magic of the season at the Town's Christmas tree lighting and other events scheduled for the next several weeks.
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