This isn’t settled yet

Beaufort County votes to prohibit golf courses on St. Helena, but battle isn’t over.

By Tony Kukulich tkukulich@postandcourier.com

BEAUFORT — Officials recently took a step toward strengthening the zoning ordinance protecting Gullah-Geechee culture and moderating development on St. Helena Island, but the intensity of County Council debate prior to the vote suggests the issue is not settled.

Developer Elvio Tropeano, with beard and dark shirt, looks on as the Community Services and Land Use Committee takes up revisions to the St. Helena Island Cultural Protection Overlay during a Monday, April 10, 2023, meeting in Beaufort. The committee voted to recommend adoption of the language by a vote of 10-1 and council approved the first reading by the same vote. Tony Kukulich/The Post And Courier WANT can be adopted. development pressure.

The prohibitions against gated communities, resorts and golf courses remain, though the definitions of gated communities and golf courses have been updated. The revised language also eliminates a previous exception that allowed golf courses with fewer than nine holes.

According to County Administrator Eric Greenway, two additional readings and a public hearing are required before the revised St. Helena Island Cultural Protection Overlay

The changes add commentary to the overlay’s purpose statement, adding information about the island’s history, Gullah-Geechee culture, and the challenges faced from increasing

Originally adopted in 1999, the overlay’s significance was highlighted late last year when developer Elvio Tropeano floated a plan to build an ex-

SEE BATTLE PAGE A4

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This Snowy Egret was captured by Harold Burnley, Jr., on April 7 at Port Royal Cypress Wetlands. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com

Veteran Of The Week Brian Trimmer

Beaufort’s Brian Trimmer, 65, joined the United States Marine Corps in Buffalo, N.Y. in 1975.

After boot camp at Parris Island, he trained in avionics at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Memphis, Tenn. He was then assigned to MCAS Beaufort, from which he deployed twice to Iwakuni, Japan. Back to Memphis for more training, he returned to MCAS Beaufort, from which he deployed twice again to Japan. He

Obituary

Mary allice PhiliPs

Mary Alice Philips was born on July 26, 1946, to Evan Rhodes and Gay Ragland Philips. She died on April 15, 2023 at home surrounded by her family.

Alice’s wishes were to thank everyone that impacted her life. First and foremost, thank you to her loving and devoted daughter, Stacey Braithwaite as well as her grandchildren Lily and Dax Grantizski. They took tremendous care of her for the past three years. Their love, humor, and inclusivity in their lives enhanced her quality of life beyond measure. Bobby Overbey thank you for being so

Letter To The Editor

Community rights are established

Just a comment on the developer who says he’s going to develop Pine Island/St. Helenaville according to his property rights. Well, he should have investigated the current zoning for the property. It’s protected under the St. Helena Island Cultural Protection Overlay. Stated clearly, no gated community, no resorts, and no regulation golf courses. So instead of respect for the law, intent of the language, and respect for the culture and history of the Gullah people, he wants to exploit loopholes in the law’s language (with the help of lawyers who invented “legalese” and wordsmithing) and not honor the

On This Date

April 20 returned to Memphis to instruct for more than four years before a three-year assignment at Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown, Va. His last assignment was back at MCAS Beaufort, from which he made lengthy deployments aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73) and USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), taking him to both the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf. kind, funny and caring. All four of you brightened Mom’s life.

Alice was beyond grateful for being loved by all of her children. Her son, Trey Braithwaite (Dori) grandchildren Quin, Christian, and Charlie Braithwaite and her daughter Brittany Smith (Beau) grandchildren Abigail and Kyle Smith.

Thank you to her sister Babs Price for her love and support throughout Alice’s entire life. Her niece Robin Price, and nephews Lantz Price and Brett Price (Stacey) are amazing and community property rights. The community rights are established in the zoning ordinance. For almost a quarter century.

Community rights are more important than any individual rights because communities need to maintain order and serve the welfare of the majority of residents. Otherwise, any property could become a gas station or the property next door could contain a motel. The old, outdated concept of “highest and best use” means wringing the most profit possible out of a property is OK. Unfortunately, some county officials still cling to this dinosaur philosophy. It’s poison to a healthy community and leads to neverending rezoning. Sound familiar?

Changing the law for one person when

1916: U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew announces plans to add a portrait of Harriet Tubman to the front of the $20 bill, moving the portrait of President Andrew Jackson to the rear.

April 24

2019: Beaufort’s C.J. Cummings, 18, dominates the Pan American Weightlifting Championships in Guatemala City, Guatemala, setting 15 records and sweeping all three gold medals in the 73kg weight class. Cummings’ 153 kg Snatch, 191kg Clean & Jerk and

Pal Pets Of The Week

Cat of the Week: Fiddler is a sweet boy who loves to talk to people about his day. He has handsome chubby cheeks and a big personality. Fiddler gets along with other cats and would enjoy a home with a friend. Fiddler is 2.5 years old, neutered, and up to date on vaccines.

He retired in 2001 as a Master Sergeant with more than 25 years of service. He next worked with avionics at Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah for more than 21 years. Today he is retired.

– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 9. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com

OBITUARIES she loved them so much. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Virginia Beach SPCA. A celebration of life will be held in June. the majority of the people is opposed is absolutely absurd. Yet that is being considered by the county council. For what reason is baffling beyond belief. The Gullah people have been ignored, taxed out of their homes, and are disappearing from our islands every day.

The Island News will publish obituaries up to 300 words for no charge. This service also includes a photograph. The Island News will have a charge of .25¢ per word of obituaries beyond 300 words. Please contact jeff.theislandnews@ gmail.com for more information.

It’s time for a stand. Time for a Gullah culture revival. Almost every citizen on St. Helena Island and other sea islands have spoken in opposition to exchanging the protective ordinance for one person’s profits. County Council, you’re up. Don’t let the Gullah culture and history be “Gwine wit de tide” I beg you.

– Jerry Floyd, St. Helena Island

344kg Overall lifts each set new junior and senior American records, junior and senior Pan Am records, and Junior world records.

April 26

2019: New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, a Democratic Presidential candidate, holds a revival-like political rally at Whale Branch Middle School in Seabrook.

– Compiled by Mike McCombs. If you have items for On This Date, send them to TheIslandNews@gmail.com with the subject line of On This Date.

Dog of the Week: Lola arrived with her eight beautiful puppies several weeks ago, and she has watched her babies find their new homes. She is a spry and energetic dog who is the perfect size for an adventure buddy. She would do well in a home by herself since she has shared her space with her puppies for so long. Lola is 4 years old, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.

If you are interested in adopting Fiddler, Lola, or any of our other pets, call our adoption center at 843-645-1725 or email us at info@ palmettoanimalleague. org to find out more information.

Videographer Delayna Earley delayna. theislandnews@ gmail.com

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