Thank You, and Happy Holidays

When this month’s C2 magazine went to print, I was still holding the title of Mayor of Hilton Head Island, a position I was proud to serve in over the last four years. I congratulate our newly elected mayor on taking the reins of leadership of our great community. My successor takes the oath of office on Tuesday, December 6.

I thank you, our residents, for giving me the opportunity to serve as mayor and work alongside very dedicated town council members. I also thank my town council colleagues for all their hard work, former Town Manager Steve Riley, for his years of service, and current Town Manager Marc Orlando and the staff for their dedication to public service. We have achieved a lot of good.

The future of Hilton Head Island is bright and town leaders and staff are focused on meaningful projects that will benefit our community: the Northpoint Housing Initiative for workforce housing, the mid-island park and district to revitalize the center of the island, traffic and road improvements along major corridors, and water, sewer, and stormwater investments. I am honored to be leaving the town team better than I found it.

The town is financially sound, has a strong strategic plan in place to guide its work, and has a great team that truly cares about the community. I hope you will continue to follow and support the town’s initiatives.

Happy holidays

One of my last official appearances as mayor will be at the town’s inaugural tree lighting ceremony on Friday, December 2, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue. Come with friends and family to enjoy the festivities including entertainment by local performers, caroling, showing of the family-friendly movie Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas, and a visit from Santa. We’ll have hot chocolate and other holiday treats. You can visit with local non-profits that serve our community during the holidays. Everyone is encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food items that will be donated to local charities.

On Sunday, December 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., we’re hosting the Hilton Head Island Hanukkah Celebration, also at the Lowcountry Celebration Park. All are welcome to participate in this free event featuring the lighting of the Menorah, latkes and sufganiyot (traditional Hanukkah food), music, dreidel games, and more.

In addition, the town’s Fire and Rescue Department will host its annual holiday events to celebrate the season including Santa mail (letters to Santa can be dropped off at Fire Rescue Headquarters on Summit Drive or any fire station on the island) and the holiday light display and toy and food drive at Hilton Head Fire Station No.3, at 534 William Hilton Parkway. And, as always, our fire rescue personnel will be driving Santa around neighborhoods on the island. For details on all these events and more, please visit our website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday. Again, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you.