TOKI Talk: A Podcast From The Town of Kiawah Island

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 Oceanwoods Read...

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...

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,...

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: Inquirie...

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 here To 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...

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 together Kiawah’s gateway and potential solutions A new task force to examine Architectural Review Board issues Continued 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 pedestri...

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 Adm...

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...

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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 Cou...

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,...

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...