Sharing With The Community: A Podcast From The Town of Kiawah Island

**Join us for a Bobcat-Themed Earth Day Celebration!**

Toki Talk: A Conversation with North Charleston Mayor Reggie BurgessJoin Kiawah Island Mayor Brad Belt for an insightful conversation with North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess. Mayor Burgess shares his remarkable journey, from growing up in North Charleston to becoming the city's first African American mayor. Hear about his experiences as a college athlete, his 35-year career in law enforcement, and his transition to leading the city. Discover his priorities for North Charleston, including public safety, infrastructure improvements, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. This inspiring discussion offers a unique perspective on leadership, community, and the evolution of North Charleston.

McLeod Plantation Historic Site: A Journey Through TimeFormer Executive Director of Charleston County Parks, David Bennett and current Director of Recreation for Charleston County Parks, Mark Madden, Explore the history of McLeod Plantation, a significant site acquired by Charleston County Parks. Discover how the plantation's past intertwines with the stories of enslaved Africans and their descendants. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of preserving this historical landmark and its role in shaping Charleston's rich cultural heritage.

Toki Talk: Exploring Kiawah's Vibrant Community LifeDiscover the diverse range of activities and social groups that make Kiawah Island such a special place. Join us as we chat with local residents about their involvement in everything from fitness classes and art guilds to the Turtle Patrol and the Kiawah Island Naturalist Group. Learn about the many ways to connect with your neighbors, give back to the community, and experience the island's unique charm.

Toki Talk: Solid Waste Services and RecyclingJoin us for a tour of the Kestrel Court Recycling Center with Public Works Director, Brian Gottschalk. Learn about the town's solid waste services, including curbside pickup, brown trash, and household hazardous waste disposal. Discover tips on proper recycling and composting, and how to use the recycling equipment at Kestrel Court.

Join us for a conversation with Melissa Frank, Executive Director, and Dr. David Peterseim, Medical Director, of the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic. Learn about the clinic's mission, the services they provide, and how you can support their important work. Discover the impact they have on the local community, especially those in need of affordable healthcare.

In this podcast series we'll share one way the community can come together to reduce the amount of impervious surfaces on the island.  This is just one step towards reducing flooding on Kiawah.

Town of Kiawah Island Communication Manager, Erin Pomrenke speaks with Emily Speck and Courtney Simmons from Sea island Habitat for Humanity to learn more about the programs and how the Kiawah community has and can support the organization.

New Podcast on the Fascinating History of the Angel Oak In this episode, Angel Oak Preserve Director Samantha Siegel speaks with Mayor Pro-Tempore Russell Berner about the history of the Angel Oak Preserve in Johns Island and what exciting plans are in store for the site.

Learn about the 2024-2025 Arts & Cultural Events season with Ruthie Foster and David Wohl.

Get an overview of the importance of the marsh around Kiawah Island and how Kiawah Conservancy, the Town of Kiawah Island and the resort work together to maintain a healthy and vibrant marsh.

We want to share a very important initiative for our island, called Kiawah Goes Green. This initiative focuses on our island and the little steps we all can take to protect what we love so much on this island in the best way possible.This is a rather “down-to-earth” and pragmatic initiative which is based on mostly three pillars:1. Our mission is to focus on environmental stewardship, sustainability and advancement of eco-friendly public and private practices across the island while remaining fiscally responsible and avoid harm to the operational efficiency of the services we receive.2. Through our work, we focus on the step-by-step elimination of harmful or inefficient materials, properly separated collection of trash and waste across the island and more eco-friendly in our operations.3. Our team members of the initiative come from all our relevant stakeholders – the Town Council and Town Departments, KICA, the Conservancy, the Golf Resort, the Kiawah Island Club, Freshfields, Andell West or Riverstone, … and a great group of engaged community members.

Part 2 - Collie Farah of the Kiawah Conservancy and Natalie Olson of the Lowcountry Land Trust talk about their organizations joint efforts to preserve and protect land and wildlife on Kiawah and the sea islands.

TOKI TALK-S2 E4 Pt1 - Collie Farah of the Kiawah Conservancy and Natalie Olson of the Lowcountry Land Trust talk about their organizations joint efforts to preserve and protect land and wildlife on Kiawah and the sea islands.

Meet Your Newest Council Members, Madeleine Kaye and Luke Farrell.  Learn how they came to live on Kiawah and why they chose to run for Town Council.

On this episode, WCSC-TV 5 Anchor/Reporter Meredith Blair introduces us to Mayor Brad Belt, who was sworn into office in April 2024. Tune in to learn about his background, as well as hear updates on key development projects and important issues on the island.

Welcome to our brand new podcast TOKI Talk.  In this episode Town Council Member Michael Heidingsfelder introduces us to Chief Ryan Kunitzer of the St Johns Fire Department.  We will learn about his background as a firefighter and about the St Johns Fire Depart's role in protecting the residents of Kiawah Island and the surrounding communities.

In this episode, Council Member Brad Belt and Council Member Russell Berner speak with John Zlogar about his work with the Johns Island Advocate and the Johns Island Task Force, as well as his views on local development topics and how the community can stay engaged in these processes.

In this episode, Council Member Brad Belt speaks with Retired Deputy Chief Jackie Stanley of the St. John's Fire Department (STJFD) about his career and personal life, how the island and fire department have changed over the years, and his plans for retirement. In February, Stanley was recognized for his 43 years of dedicated service by Town Council and February 6, 2024, was proclaimed "Deputy Chief Jackie Stanley Day" in his honor. He is the STJFD's first African American deputy chief.

In this episode, Mayor Pro-Tempore Michael Heidingsfelder speaks with Town Administrator Stephanie Tillerson about Stephanie's background, her work at the Town, how the island has changed over time, and her thoughts on future work of the Town. 

In this episode, Mayor Pro-Tempore Michael Heidingsfelder speaks with KICA Board Director Kevin Donlon about the KICA/TOKI ARB Work Group, the release of the Phase 2 Report, and the work to come. Read the Phase 2 Report and learn more here 

In this episode, Mayor Pro-Tem Michael Heidingsfelder speaks with Marsh Management Work Group Member and Planning Commission Member Madeleine Kaye, as well as the Town's Planning Director John Taylor about the marsh management on the island, the efforts of the work group, and how this management is continuing to protect this valuable ecosystem.Marsh Management Practices at Work in OceanwoodsRead about how the neighborhood's driveway replacement helps with drainage and supporting the island's marsh. Click here to read KICA's article.

In this episode, Council Member Russell Berner speaks with Turtle Patrol Permit Holder Lynne Sager and Turtle Patrol Volunteers Cindy Lockhart and Becky Krantz about the significance of Turtle Patrol's work, their favorite experiences while volunteering, and how others can get involved.

In this episode, Council Member Brad Belt speaks with Dr. Tonya Matthews, President and CEO of the International African American Museum (IAAM). Belt and Matthews discuss Matthews' background and accomplishments; the rich history and stories that the IAAM tells, including those of the Lowcountry Gullah Geechee; and what you can expect when visiting at this sacred place.  IAAM is a new museum to Charleston and tells the unvarnished stories of the African American experience across generations, the trauma and triumph that gave rise to a resilient people. Learn more about the museum: https://iaamuseum.org/

In this episode, Council Member Michael Heidingsfelder speaks with Andell Inn Owner Don Semmler about Don's background, the history and future of the inn, and his insights on how the island has changed over time. 

In this episode, Council Member Michael Heidingsfelder speaks with Loren Beadle, Owner/CEO of Island Sport, LLC (which owns and operates six retail shops and restaurants in Freshfields Village). The discussion included Beadle's background and creative passion as an entrepreneur, the Freshfield Village Center's beginnings, and several development topics.

In this episode, Mayor Pro Tem John Moffitt speaks with Riverstone Properties Principal Chris Corrada and Community Member Peter Schneider about the Andell West project updates and future plans. 

Hurricane season is here and it's critical that residents throughout the state, as well as visitors prepare before an emergency occurs. In our latest podcast episode, Council Member Russell Berner speaks with Ben Webster, Charleston County Emergency Management Department's Deputy Director; and Dr. Craig Harris, TOKI Public Safety Director about the impacts of hurricanes, how to prepare, and what to expect during these events.

In this episode, Council Member Brad Belt speaks with Herbert Ames, Managing Director of EDENS.  EDENS, a leading national retail real estate owner, operator, and developer, acquired Freshfields Village (FFV) one year ago. Belt and Ames discuss EDENS' focus on creating a sense of community with their properties and the vision for FFV going forward.Ways to engage with Freshfields Village:Inquiries, comments, etc: freshfieldsvillage@edens.comSign up for our monthly newsletter on our website: https://freshfieldsvillage.com/Follow us on social media (Facebook + Instagram): @FreshfieldsVillageView all of our events: https://freshfieldsvillage.com/events/

In this episode, KICA/TOKI ARB Work Group Member Madeleine Kaye moderates a discussion with KICA Board Director Kevin Donlon and Council Member Bradley Belt about the KICA/TOKI ARB Work Group, the new preliminary report, and the progress made so far.Read the preliminary report hereTo participate in the community forum, click here Share your thoughts with the work group through this online form

In this episode, Mayor John Labriola speaks with Roger Warren, President of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. The discussion focused on Warren's background, changes in the island over the years, and updates with the Resort. This summer, the Resort is hosting celebrations and events for fun throughout the season. Learn more here: https://kiawahresort.com/summer-on-kiawah/

In this episode, Council Member Michael Heidingsfelder speaks with Donna Windham, Kiawah Conservancy's Executive Director, and Roland Hoffman, Chair of Kiawah Conservancy's Board of Trustees. The discussion focused on Donna and Roland's backgrounds, the Conservancy's recent property acquisition, their donors and volunteers, and the current and future work of the Conservancy in the community. Learn more about the Kiawah Conservancy on their website: https://kiawahconservancy.org/.

In this episode, Town Council member, Bradley Belt, talks with KICA's newly elected Board Director Kevin Donlon about:How the two organizations (TOKI and KICA) work togetherKiawah's gateway and potential solutionsA new task force to examine Architectural Review Board issuesContinued cooperation moving forward

In this episode, the Town Administrator, Stephanie Tillerson, spoke with Mayor John Labriola and Town Council Member Dr. Michael Heidingsfelder to continue the discussion that started at the March 7 Town Council meeting (click here to view the meeting) surrounding two very important projects for the entire community:Discussion of all possible options to improve and enhance vehicular and pedestrian circulation at the Main Gate, including the Kiawah Island Parkway/Beachwalker Drive Intersection and Contiguous Land, Main Sales Office/Site, and the Upper Beachwalker Parcels. Discussion of Riverstone Properties' proposed Andell West project adjacent to Freshfields.

From Town Council Member Michael Heidingsfelder (mheidingsfelder@kiawahisland.org): Our family first visited Kiawah Island in 1999 and instantly fell in love with its nature, beach, and relaxing setting. We purchased our home in 2004 and moved here full-time in 2015. We love this island, as do our children, who come here as often as they can.My Master's education in Engineering and Business Administration prepared me well for my roles as COO and CEO with large private and public cooperations in the consulting, automotive, and instrumentation industries. Building companies from the ground up and enhancing the professionalism of organizations to be best prepared for the challenges in their businesses, improving customer satisfaction and leading them to financial stability have been at the core of my career. These always global business responsibilities have taken me frequently to many countries and cultures worldwide. But whenever I passed the first gate, I was home.Several years ago, I started to engage in matters important to this island. First with ongoing service to the Lowcountry Foodbank and then as a member of the TOKI Noise Ordinance Workgroup. Earlier this year, I was appointed to the TOKI Planning Commission. This involvement made me realize that we as a joint community – with all stakeholders from residents and property owners to TOKI and KICA, the ARB, the Partners, and the Resort – need to develop a thoughtful and comprehensive vision for the future of our island. Foremost, to answer the remaining questions: How do we as a community want to be recognized 10+ years from now? What do we not want to look like in a few years?We have seen positive development in the past. Still, today we are facing challenges triggered by both man and nature: There is an increasing concern in the community about over-development, rising traffic, the impact of a changing environment and rising sea levels, not always transparent decisionmaking processes, a gap in communication about important matters to the community and – unfortunately – sometimes a lack of civil cooperation among certain stakeholders. I believe that our joint community wants a meaningful and transparent resolution of these challenges without harming our neighborhoods and the island envisioned as a perfect synergy between nature and modern life.I promise to the community that I will do my best to help preserve, protect and enhance life on Kiawah and foster collaboration between the community and our governance.

Bobcat Guardian (Linked here)From Town Council Member Bradley D. Belt (bbelt@kiawahisland.org): Along with our four-legged girl, Folly, Laura and I live in the RiverView neighborhood. After visiting over the years, we bought a home in 2019, intending to split our time between Washington, DC, and Kiawah. During the pandemic, we realized how much we enjoyed life here and decided to make Kiawah our permanent home, becoming full-time residents in 2020.Before semi-retiring a year ago, I had spent the last decade and a half in executive roles with asset management and investment banking firms. Prior to that, I had been privileged to serve in the Administration of President George W. Bush as the head of the agency responsible for overseeing and ensuring private sector pension plans. I've had leadership roles with two “think tanks,” and early in my career, I served in senior counsel roles at the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.Throughout my career, I have served on the fiduciary or advisory boards of various companies, nonprofit organizations, and professional associations. Currently, I serve on the executive board of a private equity firm and the board of UNICEF USA (Mid- Atlantic). My previous service includes a Presidential appointment to the Social Security Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees of the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, as well as several private companies and organizations On Kiawah, I am on the board of the RiverView POA and was one of the founders of PreserveKiawah.In many respects, we are at an inflection point for life on and around Kiawah Island. We are nearing the end of growth on Kiawah but aren't there yet. And there is going to be substantial additional development and growth off Island. This growth has profound implications for our physical infrastructure, fragile natural ecosystem, and quality of life on and around Kiawah. I believe that the Town of Kiawah needs to play a leadership role in addressing the challenges we face, and we can best do so by engaging the community and working collaboratively with all stakeholders

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The South Carolina Legislative Act 369 created the St. Johns Fire District in April of 1959. The District is comprised of four barrier islands covering a land mass of approximately 185 square miles. These islands are Johns, Kiawah, Seabrook and Wadmalaw.The St. Johns Fire District is governed by a nine member commission which is appointed by the Governor based on recommendations by Charleston County Council. Each of the four islands has representation on the commission which participates in monthly commission meetings and other functions as necessary.The St. Johns Fire District currently has seven fully staffed fire stations. There are three stations located on Johns Island, two stations located on Kiawah Island, one station located on Seabrook Island and one station located on Wadmalaw Island. The district has seven front line pumper/tankers, two aerial apparatus, one rescue apparatus and one tender. The St. Johns Fire District currently employs 145 personnel of which 129 are fire suppression certified. The district also maintains its own maintenance division with three personnel and an administrative staff with five personnel. The St. Johns Fire District utilizes a three shift rotation providing emergency services twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Minimum daily staffing is thirty five fire suppression rated personnel and one Battalion Chief to perform all emergency services and maintain the daily operations through the district. An officer is assigned to each fire station to manage the operation throughout the day. The St. Johns Fire District is made up of a group of dedicated men and women striving to improve the level of life and fire safety to the residents and guests of our community and is constantly seeking ways to improve on the standards set forth by the Federal, State and local Governments as well as National Consensus Standards.

Upcoming events: https://www.kiawahisland.org/events/

Jim has served as Wildlife Biologist for the Town of Kiawah Island since 2000. He is from Columbia, SC, and received a bachelor's degree in Biology from Furman University and a Master of Science Degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management from the University of Georgia.  Jim's work at Kiawah involves nuisance wildlife management, invasive plant control, beach management, wildlife population surveys, community outreach, and wildlife research. He has conducted and coordinated a variety of research projects on Kiawah Island, focusing primarily on white-tailed deer ecology and fawn survival, bobcat ecology, and habitat use, songbird migration and banding, and most recently, alligator physiology and behavior.To spread awareness of our Bobat Guardian program, The Town was excited to interview Jim Jordan, as he discussed their roles, what led to the 2017-2020 decline in Bobcat populations, and the mission of Bobcat Guardian.

In Fall 2019, the Town amended its Comprehensive Plan to prioritize flood mitigation and sea-level rise risks. One of those risks identified was focusing on the other significant natural resource for Kiawah, the salt marsh. Through several community engagement initiatives (maybe a shout out to the Town's Flood Mitigation and Sea Level Rise Sub-committee and the Planning Commission on their efforts toward resiliency planning for Kiawah), the Comprehensive Plan was amended by Town Council to establish a new natural resources goal of formalizing a marsh management plan that explores various methods of protection for the Island's marsh.Both Biohabits and Elko Coastal Consulting collectively have been brought on to assist us with the Marsh Management Plan.Dr. Elko is President of Elko Coastal Consulting based in Folly Beach, SC;  Science Director for the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA); an Executive Director of the U.S. Coastal Research Program, and Executive Director of the South Carolina Beach Advocates.  She is presently serving as one of the three civilian members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Coastal Engineering Research Board (CERB) and as a member of NOAA's Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP). Both the CERB and HSRP are Federal Advisory Committees that provide advice to agency leadership on national coastal research and development needs.  She served on Governor McMaster's South Carolina Floodwater Commission in 2019.  Dr. Elko received her Ph.D. (Geology) from the University of South Florida after working with the USGS Coastal Marine Geology Program, St. Petersburg, and while serving as the coastal coordinator for Pinellas County, FL. She has nearly 25 years of experience in coastal science and management and has assisted with many projects along the U.S. Southeast and Gulf coastsThe Town is asking for the community's input in regard to Kiawah's Marshes. Click here to respond to the survey and the interactive mapping tool to help inform the planning process.

As we wrap up Public Safety Month, The Town was excited to interview Captain William White and Lieutenant Shawn James of the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, as they discuss their roles, their partnership with TOKI, and of course Public Safety tips.

The Town's podcast, hosted by Communications Manager Chris Makowski, is intended to provide the Town's perspectives on issues we as a community feel are essential. Lynne Sager, Turtle Patrol Permit Holder, discusses the ins and out of Turtle Patrol and how the community can help protect the Loggerhead Sea Turtles. On May 22, 2022, Turtle Patrol had a record-breaking day with 18 nests found in just one day! As of today, The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol has located 64 nests, just 25 nests shy of Turtle Patrols' record-breaking 2019 with 89 total nests!For more information on Turtle Patrol, please contact Lynne Sager at lynnesager@me.com.

Mayor Pro-Tem, Town Council, Dan Prickett discusses the Main Road Corridor Segment C Project and why Alternative 7 (The Sea Islands Way) is the Town's preferred option.