Criminal Defense Lawyer in Kiawah Island, SC

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Multiple four-story condominium complexes could be coming to Kiawah Island and residents there want the proposed plans to change.

They have concerns about the potential project on Upper and Lower, or Ocean Pines, Beachwalker Drive and say development on the island should not be rushed.

“The impacts are far-reaching for everyone on Kiawah Island, Johns Island, and people wanting to go to the public beach,” Kiawah resident Lance Spencer said. “The infrastructure costs that the city is going to have to bear and that taxpayers are going to have to bear are significant.”

Homeowners said they aren’t against development, but it needs to be done responsibly and they say what’s been proposed is far from it.

“We’re not naïve, we know the developers have the right to develop, but we just want them to develop more responsibly, meaning less density,” Homeowners Association representative for Kiawah Island Lynda Leffler said. “These two areas that they are trying to develop are the most dense on Kiawah Island.”

Their concerns include an uptick in traffic, stormwater management, and that the complexes won’t fit in with the surrounding communities.

“The additional building and construction that the partners and developers want to do is all just for profit with no consideration to the environment and the sensitivity of the environment to what is best for this community,” Kiawah Island property owner James Caltabiano said. “No consideration, it’s all just for profit.”

The complexes would be in a similar fashion to “The Cape” being built now on the island.

“It’s a monstrosity on the beach next to the county park that people come from all over to enjoy,” Caltabiano said. “Now they have The Cape to look at, and it’s terrible.”

Residents say the process to get this development approved has felt rushed and left little time for community feedback.

“The partners have a development agreement which expires December 4th of this year, so certainly they are trying to get everything approved before then, because in that development agreement they can put four stories on these buildings,” Leffler said. “We know they can do that, we just object to that and we wish they would tone it down to two stories.”

They said a two-story building would fit in with surrounding communities as well as address their other concerns.

“It would have a more positive impact on the environment,” Kiawah Island Cottage Association Board Member Cynthia Hadley said. “The stormwater retention is a huge issue in the sense that we experience more and more flooding as the ocean levels rise and the king tides come in. So, a smaller development is definitely what we’d like to see.”

To view the full proposed plans, click here and scroll down.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

When I think of US islands I think first of Hawaii. Then the US Virgin Islands, and then perhaps Key West. But maybe I should be thinking a little closer to home. A South Carolina Island was the one that took the title of the best island in the US. This is according to the Conde Naste Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards for 2023. And to make it even more exciting the 2nd place winner is also in South Carolina. So which island were they? Coming in first was Hilton Head Island followed by Kiawah Island. Kiawah is in the vicinity of Charleston whereas Hilton Head is further south closer to Savannah, GA.

Top Islands In The US According to Conde Naste Traveler

These are some incredible destinations that Hilton Head and Kiawah topped. Full disclosure I’ve never been to either. In fact, the only spot on this list I’ve been in Key West. I think I’d still rather go there. I’m partial to blue water and a true island lifestyle. And given the choice of anywhere one this list I’m picking somewhere in Hawaii no questions asked. However, the resort vibes of both Hilton Head and Kiawah are still appealing to me.

Conde Naste Traveler readers voted on the best islands as part of the publication’s 36th annual l Readers’ Choice Awards. Other categories include hotels, airlines, cruises, and more worldwide. This year 526,518 people participated in the Readers’ Choice Awards survey. If you’re looking for your next island vacation, perhaps this will inspire you. Do you agree that one of these South Carolina islands is the best island in the US? Or are you like me and a little more attracted to other destinations on this list? You can read the full list and descriptions here.

One of South Carolina's favorite spots along the coast has been ranked among the top 10 beaches in the country.

Kiawah Island's Beachwalker Park in Charleston County is listed as No. 8 on the 2023 list of best U.S. beaches released this week by “Dr. Beach,” aka coastal scientist Stephen Leatherman.

(Above video is the Friday morning headlines.)

The pristine beach is on the west end of Kiawah Island, and gives visitors ocean and river views, according to the Charleston County Parks website.

Charleston County Parks

Beachwalker is also the only public beach access on Kiawah Island, which is a 45-minute drive south of Charleston between Folly and Edisto beaches.

The park is operated through a cooperative agreement among Kiawah Development Partners, Charleston County Council, and the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission.

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Tiny Super Heroes ready for Halloween

North Carolina's Lighthouse Beach, in Buxton on the Outer Banks, came in at No. 5 on the list.

Located along Highway 12, Lighthouse Beach is about a six-hour drive from Myrtle Beach.

National Parks Service

Once the site of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the beach is convenient and renowned for its good shelling and great waves, according to the National Parks Service.

Florida’s St. George Island State Park earned the top slot on the best beach list.

The barrier island park offers nine miles of pristine beaches along the Gulf Coast.

With nature trails for biking and hiking, plus birding, fishing, boating and camping, St. George offers excellent swimming and sunbathing and is also a prime spot for stargazing with limited light pollution, the list says.

Leatherman has been ranking America’s best beaches since 1991.

He uses 50 criteria to evaluate hundreds of public beaches in the United States. The criteria include beach width, sand softness, water temperature and color, wildlife and more.

Half of the top 10 beaches in the United States for 2023 are in Florida and Hawaii.

None of Florida’s Atlantic beaches appear in the 2023 top 10; Leatherman pointed out that the Atlantic coastline is being affected this year by sargassum seaweed.

Top 10 U.S. Beaches for 2023

Charleston, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Charleston, South Carolina -

Selling Kiawah is a leading real estate agent for luxury properties set in the pristine natural beauty of South Carolina.

Many dream of living an idyllic life on ocean fronts framed with spectacular landscape views in natural surroundings. Some of the best coastal towns and areas in the U.S. are located in South Carolina, offering a luxurious and sedate lifestyle with plenty of options for recreational activities. Surrounded by pristine natural landscapes, luxurious island homes on Kiawah Island seem like paradise.

Selling Kiawah is the leading provider of luxury properties in these sought-after coastal destinations of South Carolina. The company has a stunning collection of exclusive Kiawah Island Real Estate offerings nestled along the picturesque shores of the coastline. Homes are available on Kiawah Island, Johns Island, Isle of Palms, Seabrook Island, and Sullivan’s Island—renowned for their unparalleled beauty, world-class facilities, and exceptional quality of life. An added attraction of Lowcountry life is its proximity to the enchanting historical Charleston city and five championship golf courses designed by leading architects.

The agency’s portfolio of extraordinary properties can meet the desires of any discerning buyer. Whether seeking a spacious oceanfront estate, a charming cottage surrounded by lush greenery, an appealing apartment, or a contemporary villa with sweeping views, there is an option to suit every budget, taste, and preference.

The available properties feature impeccable craftsmanship, timeless architectural designs, and the finest amenities to ensure a life of comfort and indulgence. From gourmet kitchens equipped with state-of-the-art appliances to elegant master suites with private balconies, every detail has been meticulously planned to provide the ultimate luxury living.

For more information, visit https://www.sellingkiawah.com/

is the premier provider of luxury properties on the islands of South Carolina’s shoreline, including Kiawah, Johns, Seabrook, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan’s Islands. With a commitment to exceptional quality and service, Selling Kiawah offers an unparalleled collection of oceanfront properties, charming cottages, lovely apartments, and contemporary villas designed to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning buyers. The properties are available for sale in various sizes and budgets to suit the needs and preferences of every client.

After the 3rd Major of the year, we golf fans are left with just one more major championship to drool over until the long hard wait for The Masters next year although we do have the Ryder Cup to look forward to. All this talk of Major golf events has got us thinking about one of the USA’s most excellent golf courses, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island which held the Ryder Cup in 1991 and the PGA Championship in 2012 & 2021.

Kiawah Island is situated in the charming surroundings of South Carolina on a natural barrier island. Decades of careful planning and cautious development have ensured the island’s natural features have stayed intact while one of the world’s best golf courses has taken shape. Pristine sandy beaches, rugged salt marshes and an abundance of wildlife have remained at Kiawah and since golf course construction began and they have been joined by hordes of golfers, eager to sample the five beautiful golf courses designed by the likes of Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Gary Player and Clyde Johnston.

The star attraction at Kiawah Island is The Ocean Course however it is safe to say that this is not the only reason to consider Kiawah for your next American Golf Holiday.

Here are the 7 wonders of Kiawah Island…

The Ocean Course

The Ocean Course is the headline act at Kiawah Island, and it is a course which has a rich golfing history. The 2007 Senior PGA, the 1997 and 2003 World Cups, and the 2001 UBS Cup have all graced the Ocean, but the highlight without doubt was the 1991 Ryder Cup matches, dubbed ‘The War on the Shore’, which culminated with Bernhard Langer missing ‘that putt’.

The Ocean Course is the jewel in Kiawah’s crown and is an absolute must during any golf holiday to South Carolina.

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is only the fourth course to host all of the PGA of America’s major tournaments. This honour befits the standard of Pete Dye’s 1991 creation, which is frequently buffeted by the prevailing Atlantic winds which make this course, in the eyes of many in the know, the toughest in America.

If you think you’ve got game, we challenge you to take on the mighty ocean course!

Other courses include the Osprey Point Course, Cougar Point Course, Turtle Point Course and Oak Point Course. A round on any of these will be a memorable experience.

Osprey Point Offers

Cougar Point Offers

Turtle Point Offers

Oak Point Offers

The Sanctuary Hotel

Although Kiawah Island is better known for its outstanding golf portfolio, the accommodation options should not be overlooked, least of which The Sanctuary Hotel. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is located on the perfect white sand of Kiawah Island’s coastline, and is a 5* luxury retreat that captures the spirit, history and charm inherent to the Charleston area.

Although there are a number of different accommodation options at Kiawah Island, the Sanctuary Hotel is the pinnacle and our recommendation for the Kiawah Island Golf Holiday.

The first floor is raised some 20 feet to provide guests with unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and the 255 guestrooms are of the very highest quality featuring amenities including four-poster beds and private balconies from which you can enjoy the intoxicating sea breezes that roll in from the Atlantic.

The Sumptuous Spa

There are few better places to head after a round of golf than a luxury spa designed to eliminate the stresses and strains of everyday life and guess what? The Sanctuary Hotel has one of the best around!

After a long, hot day battling it out with the Ocean Course, or any of the five courses for that matter, the Sanctuary Spa is the ideal haven for relaxation and recharging the batteries.

Lavish surroundings, traditional massages and top class facilities make this the perfect place to unwind after a day spent battling it out with the fearsome Ocean Course. Be sure to arrive early (and stay late) to take advantage of the mineral hot tub…the prefect place to recharge the batteries in preparation for the night ahead.

10 World Class Restaurants

Southern hospitality comes alive inside the Kiawah Island’s numerous top class restaurants which, thanks to their rich diversity, will cater for each and every taste. Your private table may overlook splendid surf, lagoons, gardens or fairways, while you dine on exquisitely prepared award-winning native foods complemented by the perfect wine or beverage.

The Atlantic Room is just one of ten restaurants available at Kiawah Island. No matter your mood you will find something to suit your tastes at Kiawah Island.

Head to The Atlantic Room for a special night out and for the amazing sea views or to the resort’s signature restaurant, The Ocean Room, the only American restaurant to earn both Forbes four star and AAA for diamond awards. Wherever you decide to eat, it will be a gastronomic experience of epic proportions!

Be One with Nature

Even something as simple as a walk along the beach at Kiawah Island is an unforgettable experience. Collect seashells, skim stones or ride a bike on the way to experience the wonderful ecosystem of this coastal region. For those who want to learn a thing or two the resort offers numerous ways to interact safely with the Low country.

The flora and fauna at Kiawah Island is fascinating and during your time away from the golf course, exploring it is an exciting yet relaxing way to spend the day. Just watch out for the Alligators!

Classes on birds and other wildlife, walking tours, paddling adventures, and fishing and pleasure boating charters are all available.

Saving Shots with your Caddie

One of the charms of playing the Ocean Course, much like the St Andrews Old Course, is walking and talking to your caddie will be an entertaining experience. The Kiawah Island caddies are among the most well trained, experienced in the country and are sure to have the odd golfing anecdote or two to keep spirits high throughout your round.

Having a caddie on any of the 5 courses at Kiawah Island is of great use. Prepare to lose plenty of golf balls if you don’t listen to their advice!

From experience, I can tell that the first they point out on the Ocean Course is that it plays at least 10 shots harder than your home course. They were clearly exaggerating though as I knocked round in just the nine over my handicap! In all seriousness though…caddies will save you countless shots as they suggest clubs you wouldn’t dream of hitting from various points around the course and pointing out putting lines that you won’t believe until you hear that sweet little rattle!

Charleston

Although it will be hard to tear yourself away from the Kiawah Island resort complex, a visit to Charleston is an absolute must for anyone embarking on a South Carolina Golf Holiday. The slogan “history lives” rings true with the city’s cobblestone streets and amazing old-world architecture.

A day trip to Charleston will give you a healthy dose of South Carolina charm.

Charleston played an important part in the history of the USA, particularly during the Civil War, and as such is a paradise for lovers of history. Filled with charming restaurants and shops as well as the vibrant nightlife hotspots, Charleston is a city that can be easily explored on foot. An absolute must for a day away from the resort.