Revised Short Term Rental Ordinance to be Considered at September Town Council Meeting
Earlier this year, Mayor Weaver mentioned in Town Notes that the Town would be re-evaluating its existing regulation of short-term rental properties. At the September 3rd Town Council meeting,Council will consider changes to the current ordinance that regulates the operation of short-term rentals. The draft of the revised ordinance will be available on the Town’s website on Monday, August 26th. Before being enacted, the ordinance will require a second reading at the Council’s October meeting. 
 
Short-term rentals are a growing segment of Kiawah Island. Approximately 1,250 properties, one-third of all homes on Kiawah Island, are available for short-term rental during some or all of the year. This includes two of every three multi-family properties (villas, condos, and townhomes) and one of every five single-family homes. At the maximum occupancy allowed per home, this equates to approximately 9,500 possible daily rental occupants. Read more
St. Johns Fire District New Medical Squad

St John’s Fire District has launched a quick response medical squad that will respond to Kiawah, Seabrook, Wadmalaw and Johns islands. The program was initiated in an effort to improve response times, decrease the volume of emergency medical service (EMS) calls for fire suppression personnel, and reduce wear and tear on a full-size fire engine. St. John’s Fire District recently purchased the two quick response SUV’s which allow for increased maneuverability and faster response times particularly in the District’s barrier islands, when visitors increase during the summer months. Read the recent news coverage.
Public Safety Committee Opening

The Town of Kiawah has an opening on the Public Safety Committee. The Public Safety Committee is responsible for assisting the Town in meeting its state-mandated responsibilities with regard to maintaining order and law enforcement. The Public Safety Committee is tasked with initiating and considering proposals and methods to upgrade and improve public safety on the Island, and managing beach safety. Members serve a one-year term. The Public Safety Committee meets monthly, every 2nd Wednesday at 2:00p.m. Interested parties should send their resume or CV to the Town Clerk Petra Reynolds at   preynolds@kiawahisland.org .
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)

Kiawah residents are invited to join the Town of Kiawah Island's Community Emergency Response Team. CERT offers training opportunities that enable volunteers to assist with light search and rescue, damage assessments, and more. Meetings are quarterly. Interested parties should contact Scott Nelson at cscottnels@gmail.com .
Please be aware that the next King Tide that could affect the island will occur August 28-Sept 1. King Tides are the highest seasonal tides that naturally occur each year.  In some cases, they may barely even be noticed. In other cases, a King Tide may cause flooding of low-lying areas and disruption to normal daily routines. This is particularly true when a King Tide event coincides with significant precipitation because water drainage and runoff is impeded.
Ban on Single-Use Plastics Begins Sept. 8, 2019

I n June, Town Council passed an ordinance restricting the distribution of certain single-use items by businesses. Beginning September 8, all businesses within the Town are prohibited from distributing single-use plastic carryout bags , plastic straws, and products made from polystyrene foam (Styrofoam). The ordinance also prohibits the possession of these items and balloons on the beach. These items are the most common products that escape into the ocean and waterways and harm our local marine life. Learn More .
Main Road Corridor Improvements

At the August 6 Town Council meeting, a Charleston County representative made a presentation on the proposed improvements to the Main Road Corridor (Segment A) to relieve traffic congestion for Johns Island and West Ashely. The presentation includes the feedback received during the public comment period on each of the proposed alternatives. View the County's presentation here . Visit the  project website   here . 
Update on Kiawah 's Ecosystem

At the August Town Council meeting, Town Biologist Jim Jordan gave a presentation on the current state of Kiawah’s ecosystem and wildlife populations. The presentation highlights the status of the island’s most prominent wildlife, population trends, and how that translates to the health of the island’s ecosystem. Click here to view the presentation.
2019/2020 Arts Council Season Planner Released

The Town of Kiawah Island Arts & Cultural Events Council is pleased to announce the 2019/2020 event lineup with the release of the new season planner. This marks the 16th Arts Council season and the calendar includes 24 exciting events, 6 piano bars and 4 art films. Download your copy today!
Charleston County Poll Managers Needed

The Charleston County Board of Elections is in the process of recruiting Poll Managers for the upcoming November elections. Training dates will be in September and/or October and are still being determined but applications for the position are being accepted now. Poll Managers' Election Day duties include processing of voters, ballot distribution, activation of the voting system, compliance with election law and procedures, and general assistance to voters.  Learn more
Turtle Patrol Update
Current Nest Count: 566
Nesting Season: May - October
Turtle Patrol loves to share the sea turtle experience with guests and residents. Find out more on tagging along or observing a nest inventory here . Check out all the pictures from this turtle patrol season on our  Facebook  and   Instagram  accounts.
Nesting/Hatching Reminders

  • Keep artificial lights off the beach at night during nesting season – this includes beachfront property lights, flashlights and flash photography, which can disorient nesting mothers and hatchlings. May through October all outdoor lighting facing the beachfront should be turned off from 9:00 p.m. to dawn. Free red flashlight filters are available at the Municipal Center and the Nature Center.

  • Always observe from a distance. Harming or interfering with sea turtles or their nests is against the law.

  • Keep our beaches and ocean clean by avoiding single-use plastics. Plastic bags and balloons are among the most common trash items found on South Carolina beaches and can cause injury or death when marine life mistake them for food (SCDNR). Read about Kiawah's recent ban on single-use plastics here.

Office Closure 
Monday, September 2 - Labor Day

Solid Waste Change 
Labor Day Service Change:  Monday's trash will be collected Tuesday, September 3. All other days will be moved forward a day. No yard debris pickup that week. Twice per week trash collection (on Friday's) will end after September 7.

Brown Trash & Hazardous Waste Collection
Friday, September 6

All brown trash must be placed on the curb by 7:00 a.m. to ensure collection. Hazardous waste cannot be placed at the curb and must be brought to the Municipal Center (4475 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy.) for disposal between 8:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
For larger items such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc., please call Carolina Waste at 843-576-1100 to schedule a pickup at an additional cost. Learn More.
Kiawah Conservancy Music in the Garden

The Kiawah Conservancy invites you to join them for Music in the Garden! Bring an appetizer to share, beverages to drink, and a chair to sit while enjoying live musical performances in the Demonstration Garden at Night Heron Park.  No reservations. Learn More.

The Kiawah Demonstration Garden (Night Heron Park) 5:00-7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 29
  • Thursday, September 19
  • Thursday, October 10
In Case You Missed It | Previously Mentioned
Next Event
Pianist Matthew Manwarren
Sunday, September 15, 2019 | 4:00 p.m.
Church of Our Saviour
Fee: No Charge
Ticket Release: Kiawah 8/27 Public 8/30

Ways and Means Committee – August 27 | 2:00 p.m.
Town Council Meeting – September 3 | 2:00 p.m.
Planning Commission – September 4 | 3:00 p.m.
Arts & Cultural Events Council – September 5 | 2:00 p.m.
Public Works Committee – September 9 | 10:00 a.m.
Environmental Committee – September 10 | 2:00 p.m.
Public Safety Committee – September 11 | 2:00 p.m.
Board of Zoning Appeals – September 16 | 3:00 p.m.
Ways and Means Committee – September 24 | 2:00 p.m.
 * Meeting are subject to change






(843) 768-9166