Since May 2007 PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC PERMIT NO. 137 POSTAL PATRON
Volume 21 • Issue 11
FREE
November 14, 2025
Seabrook Island supports pancreatic cancer education
Photo by Theresa Stratford
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
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The ‘road’ ahead for the county presented at recent Seabrook meeting BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
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oon it will be the public’s turn to voice what road infrastructure projects are most dire, and it couldn’t have come at a better time since Charleston County’s half-penny transportation sales tax program is set to expire in 2027. Alex Owsiak, Charleston County’s Capital Programs Manager, presented at the recent Seabrook Island Town Council meeting. He laid out where Charleston County is right now with the transportation sales tax program, and what infrastructure improvements could be priorities in the years ahead. In order for the county to move forward with plans, the municipalities in the area need to provide them with road priorities. “Voters have previously approved two half-penny transportation sales tax programs, enabling billions of dollars in community infrastructure investment,” Owsiak said. “With the sales tax getting ready to expire and with the county considering a potential extension of a sales tax program, the county council has a new, transparent process to ensure broad participation and set priorities and funding options for the future.” Specifically, Owsiak said they are seeking public input to shape the future of transportation in Charleston. The two overlapping transportation sales tax programs from 2004 and 2016 have collected about $3.4 billion in sales tax revenue. Owsiak said that the county was able to leverage an additional $1.2 billion in matching state and federal funds for a total investment of over $4.5 billion in infrastructure improvement projects. These projects are set to improve safety, mobility and quality of life across the Lowcountry. About 13% of the allocated money went to funding the green belt program to help secure and
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ccording to the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, an estimated 67,440 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S. in 2025. Unfortunately, an estimated 51,980 people will die of the disease this year. In light of these alarming statistics, the officials at the Town of Seabrook Island decided to increase awareness about the symptoms and risks of pancreatic cancer, a disease directly afflicting some Seabrook Island residents. At a recent Town Council meeting, they designated November 20, 2025, which is World Pancreatic Cancer Day, as a recognized day on Seabrook Island through an official proclamation. This proclamation’s goal is solely to educate Seabrook Island residents about the seriousness of pancreatic cancer. While reading the proclamation, Seabrook Island Mayor Bruce Kleinman announced that pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer deaths by 2030. He also addressed the fact that pancreatic cancer is the only major cancer with a five-year survival rate of just 13%. He noted that once symptoms present themselves, the cancer is usually in the later stages. In South Carolina, Kleinman announced, there will be approximately 820 deaths in 2025. (Continued on page 6) The proclamation noted that pancreatic cancer is the
Angel Oak preservation BY ELISABETH ST JOHN
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For The Island Connection
hat is 400-1000 years old and is visited by 400,000 people each year? The answer is the Angel Oak on Johns Island. The next logical question would be, how can we help preserve this tree for our grandchildren? That answer is the Angel Oak Preserve. The Lowcountry Land Trust has been working hard and diligently to create a park that serves both to preserve the tree, as well as to create a magical park for all future admirers of this tousle-haired-grandmother-tree. The goal of 14 million is halfway accomplished, and all sponsorship help is welcomed. Naming rights are available for individuals celebrating a family event, as well as for corporations seeking to support the effort and be acknowledged for their generosity. “The tree is a spiritual experience,” explained Catherine McCullough, and the park will “do justice to its majesty by providing a meaningful and grounding experience for all visitors.” In a forum co-sponsored by the Kiawah Partners and held at the Kiawah Island River Course Clubhouse, key points included providing protection of the crown and root systems of the Angel Oak, as well as making the preserve available for recreation and trail walking. A low-impact boardwalk without railings will serve to guide visitors off the tree base and roots, and will be fully handicapped accessible. Guest parking and a visitor center will be placed at the farthest point on the property, and will blend into the natural woodland scenery, using permeable surfaces where possible. There are plans for a Wetlands Trail that incorporates a view of the Grandfather Oak, a commemorative walk, a children’s natural play area mimicking elements of the Angel Oak, just to name a few features that will entice local (Continued on page 4)