From the Mayor

April 2025

Nothing says April around here quite like the influx of blooming flowers and trees… hello, pollen, my old friend… you've come to itch my eyes again… with yellow dust softly creeping… all on my car while I was sleeping… sorry, I digress.

Beyond the "pollening" that is underway and my momentary lapse into a Simon and Garfunkel tune, April in the Lowcountry stands out for two very important reasons: Easter celebrations across the island and the return of the RBC Heritage Golf Classic presented by Boeing from April 14 - 20.

Hilton Head Island encompasses powerful magnetism, and one way to experience this connection is by attending a public, sunrise Easter service at one of the Town's beach parks on April 20; the first offering is from 6:30 am to 7:30 am at Driessen Beach Park and the second is scheduled from 7 am to 7:30 am at Coligny Beach Park.

A different kind of magnetism defines the fun scheduled at Shelter Cove Community Park on April 12 from 10 am to 1 pm for the annual Easter Eggstravaganza organized by the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center. Come for the free egg hunt enabled by Pockets Full of Sunshine, a local non-profit that provides meaningful work for adults with disabilities, and stay for the fellowship, food, drinks, and of course, a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.

And for the past 57 years, "the Heritage" golf tournament has enabled our community to share our amazing island with golfers, fans and visitors from all over the world. Its influence is showcased widely throughout our community, South Carolina, and beyond. The tournament contributes more than $130 million to the state's economy and is broadcast in 28 languages to more than 200 countries. And as many of you know, the generosity of the Heritage Classic Foundation makes a huge, positive impact on many charities, organizations and citizens across the region, providing funding for education, health care, and other needs. Since 1987, the foundation has donated $56.9 million to charities in South Carolina and Georgia. In 2024, $3.9 million was distributed to organizations supporting the arts, medical institutions and college scholarships.

So, whether it's by engaging in one of the activities I've mentioned or finding some other way to connect with what makes this island so special in the Springtime, I hope you'll seize the opportunity to delight the mind and satiate the soul.