Since May 2007 PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC PERMIT NO. 137 POSTAL PATRON
Volume 21 • Issue 9
FREE
October 17, 2025
Heather Paton steps down as SIPOA executive director
Photo by Theresa Stratford.
BY THERESA STRATFORD
Bohicket Marina update discussion prompts changes to annexation ordinance
BY THERESA STRATFORD
M
For The Island Connection
ayor Bruce Kleinman gave an update on the future of Bohicket Marina at the September 30 Town Council meeting. The property, owned by Bohicket Creek Investors LLC., wants to work with the Town to come to an agreement on how to improve the marina for the occupants and patrons alike. Kleinman explained that Bohicket Creek Investors, led by Mike Schuler, owns 17.5 acres of undeveloped land contiguous to the marina. While the marina is a part of the Town of Seabrook Island, the 17.5 acres of vacant land are outside of town limits and are technically a part of unincorporated Charleston County. In 2023, Schuler applied to the Town for annexation of the vacant land for development of a private yacht club, but significant public opposition forced Schuler to withdraw his application. Most of the members of the current Town Council were elected later in 2023 after the withdrawn application. Since 2023, Kleinman explained that the condition of the marina has deteriorated and occupancy has dwindled. (Continued on page 5)
For The Island Connection
S
eabrook Island proclaimed October 1, 2025, as the official Heather Paton Day. As the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association executive director for 19 years, Paton has decided to step down from her position. Seabrook Island Mayor Bruce Kleinman recognized her at the September 30 Town Council meeting. He said, “She has extensive academic work experience in leadership and planning and has been involved in the community and municipal planning organizations for many years. She is the vice president of the South Carolina chapter of the Community Associations Institute and serves on the boards of the Foundation for Community Association Research and the Community Managers International Association.” Paton has also been instrumental in Seabrook Island’s environmental stewardship and the community’s sustainability programs. Seabrook Island Town Council Member Dan Kortvelesy said some kind words about Paton at the meeting. He recalled when he was president of the SIPOA board during Covid. “Heather and I were on the phone back (Continued on page 2)
If you don’t show up for court, you will pay on Seabrook BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
S
eabrook Island’s Clerk of Court Peter Wiggins announced a stark warning at the Town Council meeting on September 30. The warning was related to showing up for court when summoned. If you don’t, you’ll be fined over $1,000. Wiggins announced that they will be moving to a new system called GEAR, which stands for Government Enterprise Accounts Receivable. This new system will act as a bill collection system. If fines for a court absence are not paid, the GEAR (Continued on page 2)
28 t h Annual Symphony Tour of Homes September 25 - Preview Party at Hagan FIne Art Gallery, 135 Church Street
28th Annual CHARLESTON SYMPHONY October 31 - Friday at Freshfields TOUR OF HOMES November 1 - Tour of Homes November 1, 2025
with our title sponsor
October 30 - Island Celebration Soirée
Kiawah Island Aldous Bertram
Scan the QR code for more details and to purchase tickets
CHARLESTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LEAGUE, INC. Playing our part
Exclusive access to the best of the arts and architecture at the longest running island home tour