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Senior Medicare Advantage plan insurance in Kiawah Island, SC
Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.
Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.
We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Kiawah Island, SC or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.
- Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
- What is Medicare?
- The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including
- Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Kiawah Island, SC
- Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
- Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Kiawah Island, SC
- How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
- Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
- Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
- The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
What is Medicare?
If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.
There are four parts of Medicare:
This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.
This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.
This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.
Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).
The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:
- What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
- The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
- Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
- Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Kiawah Island, SC
Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.
Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.
Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:
Deductibles
Copayments
Coinsurance
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
- To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
- Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
- If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
- If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.
- Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
- You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
- In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.
For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Kiawah Island, SC is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Kiawah Island, SC
A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:
- Preferred Provider Organizations
- Special Needs Plans
- Private Fee-for-Service
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
- Health Maintenance Organizations
In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.
When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer senior Medicare Advantage Plan insurance in Kiawah Island, SC. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.
Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:
If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.-
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor
Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.
Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:
Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.-
Listening to your specific needs. -
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude. -
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.
Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 82 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
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Latest News in Kiawah Island, SC
S.C. Lawmakers Raise Questions About Kiawah Island Litigation Settlement
DYLAN NOLANhttps://www.fitsnews.com/2026/03/12/lawmakers-raise-questions-about-kiawah-island-litigation-settlement/
The South Carolina House of Representatives slipped funding for a $32 million legal settlement into the 2026-2027 budget – despite failing to even discuss the controversial payout during the committee process.The appropriation would end decades of litigation, appeals, and mediation over on Kiawah Island – an exclusive barrier island located approximately 25 miles southwest of Charleston, S.C.The settlement involves the Conservancy of the Sea Islands, the Town of Kiawah Island, the ...
The South Carolina House of Representatives slipped funding for a $32 million legal settlement into the 2026-2027 budget – despite failing to even discuss the controversial payout during the committee process.
The appropriation would end decades of litigation, appeals, and mediation over on Kiawah Island – an exclusive barrier island located approximately 25 miles southwest of Charleston, S.C.
The settlement involves the Conservancy of the Sea Islands, the Town of Kiawah Island, the Kiawah Island Community Association, Kiawah Partners and the State of South Carolina. If it makes its way into the final version of the spending plan, it would compensate developers for lost income from a land parcel that extends from Beachwalker Park to the Kiawah River after the state compelled developers not to construct housing there due to ecological concerns.
Under the agreement, the land would be placed into a conservation easement held by the Conservancy of the Sea Islands. This easement would eliminate future residential development rights and preserve the land in its natural state. The spit is one of the few remaining undeveloped native habitats for multiple Palmetto State native species, including sea turtles and migratory birds.
If the deal goes into effect, the Town of Kiawah Island would acquire ownership of Beachwalker Park ensuring public access to the beach, while the state would take ownership of the remaining land, with portions potentially designated as a Heritage Trust Preserve under the auspices of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
Skeptics of the appropriation agree the land should be preserved, but insist developers were forewarned that their speculative investments would be valueless at the time they decided to buy the land, and are therefore unlikely to prevail in legal challenges demanding the state compensate them for lost potential revenue.
Opponents of the settlement argued during the budget debate on Tuesday evening (March 10, 2026) that regardless of the validity of the deal, it is unfair to ask lawmakers to approve a multi-million dollar expenditure that wasn’t discussed as the budget made its way through the committee process.
S.C. Freedom Caucus’ chairman Jordan Pace protested the line item – opposition unexpectedly buttressed by representative Gil Gatch, who pointed out during the floor debate that the developers have already struck out repeatedly in state courts.
Gatch, a lawyer-legislator, also claimed federal case law in support of the plaintiff’s case was shaky at best.
“Why would the attorney general settle with the developers in Kiawah when the developers don’t have a legal theory to win,” Gatch asked, questioning why attorney general Alan Wilson would “give a handout to the developers.”
Wilson’s office declined to comment on the settlement citing it’s inability to speak about pending litigation.
“I wanted to amend (the budget) to take ninety days to do due diligence to make sure that what we’re doing makes sense,” state representative Joe White told FITSNews in an interview conducted the day after the House approved funding for the settlement in the budget. “The ramifications for the future of South Carolina are that once you settle one of these out of court without litigating, every developer in South Carolina can claim ‘you cheated me out of something, and now the state owes me something.'”
White warned the case “could alter for the future what we can defend in South Carolina.”
After having conversations with attorneys familiar with this type of litigation, White said he wanted more due diligence done on the recommendation from the attorney general’s office that the state settle the case.
“I talked to administrative law judges here in South Carolina that said we would win this lawsuit if we pushed it forward,” White said.
White likened the deal to the General Assembly’s decision to ramrod Scout Motor’s economic development deal, which was also was also expeditiously funded with astonishingly little public input or oversight.
“This is similar to the Scout Motor deal which I voted against three years ago,” he said. “We did no due diligence on that, we did no due diligence on this. It never went to subcommittee or committee in the House. It just appeared in the budget, and most of the legislators knew nothing about it until last night.”
White lamented their approval of the expenditure, but added the process has run its course in the House.
“We approved it,” he said. “It’s done.”
Opponents of the appropriation must now rely on the S.C. Senate to remove it from the state’s spending plan, as governor Henry McMaster – who included the expenditure in his executive budget – is obviously not going to veto the money in the event it makes it to his desk.
(Via: Travis Bell)
Dylan Nolan is the director of special projects at FITSNews. He graduated from the Darla Moore school of business in 2021 with an accounting degree. Got a tip or story idea for Dylan? Email him here. You can also engage him socially @DNolan2000.
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10 Best Islands to Visit in the South for Beautiful Beaches, Charming Towns, and Coastal Views
Lydia Manselhttps://www.travelandleisure.com/best-islands-to-visit-in-the-south-11913368
The phrase “island vacation” may evoke images of turquoise Caribbean waters, bright white beaches, and temperatures over 80 degrees even in the depths of winter. But islands directly off the Southern U.S. mainland do it a little differently—and no two are the same.South Carolina islands have palmetto trees growing alongside ferns and pines. Georgia’s barrier islands, including St. Simons and Jekyll Island, boast diverse landscapes made up of beaches, marshes, dunes, and maritime forests. And Texas islands, with...
The phrase “island vacation” may evoke images of turquoise Caribbean waters, bright white beaches, and temperatures over 80 degrees even in the depths of winter. But islands directly off the Southern U.S. mainland do it a little differently—and no two are the same.
South Carolina islands have palmetto trees growing alongside ferns and pines. Georgia’s barrier islands, including St. Simons and Jekyll Island, boast diverse landscapes made up of beaches, marshes, dunes, and maritime forests. And Texas islands, with their shallow bays and seagrass meadows, are home to extensive wildlife.
No, not all of these Southern islands offer year-round swimming conditions, but they do have their own unique appeal, even in the colder months. To help pick the top islands in the South, we tapped Mary Helen Law, a Georgia-based travel advisor and owner of Law Luxury Travel.
Longboat Key, Florida
Law describes Longboat Key as “one of the region’s best-kept secrets." Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, the quiet barrier island is just a 20-minute drive from Sarasota, making it relatively easier to get to if you’re flying to the Sunshine State. The island does lean more residential—and, thus, the beaches are typically less crowded—but there’s still plenty to do if you want to stay busy. Activities range from kayaking with dolphins and manatees to sunset cruises and pickleball matches. Plus, Law notes that with the 2024 opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, “visitors can now enjoy elevated luxury alongside beloved local favorites like Shore and Whitney’s.”
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Neighboring Hilton Head Island may have more name recognition, but Daufuskie Island earns a spot on this list due to its remoteness (it’s only accessible by boat), incredible beauty, and dedication to preserving its Gullah culture. Visitors can take in everything that makes Daufuskie so special in a variety of ways. Start by enjoying a classic beach day on its three miles of public beaches, or head out on horseback with Daufuskie Trail Rides. Take a tour with sixth-generation native Sallie Ann Robinson, who specializes in Daufuskie Island history, then pop into Daufuskie Island Distillery to sample some of its American-made rum. The island also features a number of historical sites—First Union African Baptist Church and the Bloody Point Lighthouse among them—and the best way to see as many as possible, and get around the island in general, is via golf cart.
Golden Isles, Georgia
“Call it cheating, since the Golden Isles is a collection of islands off Georgia’s southern coast, but it’s nearly impossible to pick just one,” says Law. “Choose Sea Island for a luxury retreat at The Cloister, Cumberland Island for the simplicity of roaming horses and untouched landscapes, St. Simons Island for lively beaches and dining options, or Jekyll Island for a vacation full of old-world charm.” No matter which island you visit, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere with gorgeous sunsets, mild weather, and some of the best meals you’ve had in your life (Southern Soul Barbeque on St. Simons is a highlight).
Dauphin Island, Alabama
If you’re searching for a tropical vacation spot but want to stay stateside, look no further than Dauphin Island. A barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, the 14-mile-long destination is known for its clear blue water and picturesque white sand. It’s also affectionately called the “sunset capital of Alabama,” a title you’ll quickly understand as you take in the horizon on the far west end of the island. To reach the island, you’ll need to come by ferry or via the three-mile bridge that connects it to mainland Alabama. Upon arrival, the world is your oyster. Explore the 164-acre Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Shell Mound Park, and Historic Fort Gaines. Alternatively, you can spend your days on the water, kayaking, snorkeling, or paddleboarding until dinnertime.
“A sleepy beach town known for its rich history, Pawleys Island is home to independent restaurants—such as Chive Blossom, Bistro 217, and Frank's Outback—several art galleries featuring the work of local artists, and Downtown Pawleys, a quaint shopping area surrounding a tranquil pond,” says Law. A little under four miles long, the island is easily explored on foot or by bike, and visitors spend their days fishing, crabbing, golfing, or just appreciating the beauty and the slower pace, preferably while lounging in a locally made hammock. “A visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring the historic Hammock Shops, where handcrafted rope hammocks have been a tradition for generations,” adds Law.
Hatteras Island, North Carolina
The Outer Banks of North Carolina are made up of several islands, stretching from the Virginia border to Ocracoke Island. One of the best ones to visit is Hatteras Island, home to Pamlico Station by Edgecamp, a coastal hotel designed by Jonathan Adler that opened in 2024. Dotted with towns like Rodanthe, Salvo, Waves, and Hatteras Village, the barrier island is long—nearly 50 miles from end to end. With that much space, visitors and locals alike have plenty of room for water sports, leisurely beach days, and sightseeing. Notably, kiteboarding and windsurfing are extremely popular on the island; if it’s your first day, sign up for a private or semi-private lesson with Real Watersports.
Amelia Island, Florida
South of the Golden Isles, just over the maritime boundary between Georgia and Florida, is Amelia Island. “Spanish moss drapes across oak trees as you cross the bridge onto a stunning Amelia Island, where visitors can enjoy nearly empty beaches, five championship golf courses, and a variety of land and water activities for all ages,” says Law. It’s a true family-friendly destination with a range of accommodations, including the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa—both of which come recommended by Law—and charming bed-and-breakfasts housed in the historical buildings downtown. Law adds that the island has “an active food scene.” with “everything from tapas at España, a nod to former Spanish rule of the island, to local seafood cuisine at Down Under, a favorite oyster bar for locals.”
South Padre Island, Texas
Many non-Texans may associate the Lone Star State with miles and miles of flat, landlocked plains, but this part of the world has an impressive amount of variation in its climate and landscape. Take South Padre Island, for example: a tropical paradise on the Gulf of Mexico, just off the southern tip of Texas. It’s warm year-round, has 34 miles of white-sand beaches and blue water, and gets more than 300 days of sunshine annually. Like many of the best islands in the South, this is a place where you can be as relaxed or as busy as you want. Spend your days chartering a boat, learning about wildlife at South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary, or horseback riding along the beach at Island Adventure Park.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
“Some might call Kiawah Island a golfer's paradise,” says Law, “but don't discount this 10-mile-long oceanfront resort as anything less than a perfect destination for the entire family.” Along with the famed Ocean Course, which hosted the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, Kiawah has miles of bike paths, wide beaches, and salt marshes teeming with wildlife. There are various vacation rentals available on the island—some oceanfront, some riverfront—but Law says you’ll find “ultimate relaxation” at The Sanctuary, a repeat winner in Travel + Leisure's World’s Best Awards.
Ship Island, Mississippi
Ship Island is 12 miles off the coast of Mississippi. The barrier island, which is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, is a true getaway in every sense of the word. According to the National Park Service, cell phone service is limited, and the island is only accessible by boat. While there's no lodging on Ship Island and camping is not allowed, visitors can take advantage of its Caribbean-like waters and white-sand beaches during the day. Chairs and umbrellas are available to rent at the designated swimming beach, which has amenities like restrooms, drinking water, and a snack stand to keep you comfortable. Just be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated—summers here are notoriously hot and sunny.
Settlement to protect Captain Sams Spit reached after years of legal wrangling
Ian Kayanjahttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/settlement-to-protect-captain-sams-spit-reached-after-years-of-legal-wrangling-preservation-conservation-conservancy-of-the-sea-islands-charleston-county
KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C (WCIV) — A settlement reached after nearly two years of negotiations is said to guarantee the permanent protection of Captain Sams Spit, a haven for nature lovers for decades, according to a release from the Conservancy of the Sea Islands.“It will be preserved. There will never be a building there," said Executive Director of the Conservancy of the Sea Islands Donna Windham.The agreement, made between the Conservancy of the Sea Islands, the Town of Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island Community Assoc...
KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C (WCIV) — A settlement reached after nearly two years of negotiations is said to guarantee the permanent protection of Captain Sams Spit, a haven for nature lovers for decades, according to a release from the Conservancy of the Sea Islands.
“It will be preserved. There will never be a building there," said Executive Director of the Conservancy of the Sea Islands Donna Windham.
The agreement, made between the Conservancy of the Sea Islands, the Town of Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island Community Association, Kiawah Partners and South Carolina, still needs to be legally approved. However, once that is finished, the entirety of Captain Sams Spit – from Beachwalker Park to the end of the Spit – will be under a conservation easement holder and steward. The Town of Kiawah will control the Beachwalker Park parcel. Meanwhile, South Carolina will take ownership of the remaining portions of the Spit.
"Captain Sams Spit is truly a unique natural treasure," Kiawah Mayor Bradley D. Belt said.
The town will be able to continue all ongoing activities, enforcement, and wildlife research. Additionally, Beachwalker Park will remain in public hands, assuring access to the beachfront.
The state is planning to contribute $32 million to the conservation of the area, while the town puts in $3.7 million and the conservancy $1.3 million. Officials tied to the settlement say Gov. Henry McMaster is in strong support of the measure.
The conservation easement prohibits development and would significantly restrict human impact across Captain Sams Spit, according to the announcement.
The settlement also establishes a framework for long-term coordination among municipal, state and nonprofits, ensuring oversight for future generations, officials said.
Kiawah Island residents say they are pleased by the outcome.
“It's a one-of-a-kind place. We need to protect it, so I'm thrilled," says resident Kathy Ladner.
“One of the reasons people come to this place is to see the natural part of it and live with nature," said resident Carol Medendorp. "We need Captain Sam's to be Captain Sam's and be able to see the dolphins and the turtles.”
The peninsular spit is attached to the southern end of Kiawah. It provides a habitat for federally threatened species, including the rufa red knot, piping plover and loggerhead sea turtles. The area also supports diamondback terrapins and bottlenose dolphins.
It has been the site of intense legal wrangling, as the Kiawah sought to ensure the area saw limited development and environmental preservation. With the newly announced agreement, officials believe that conservation of the area is a top priority.
“It means we get to protect a very important spot, not only for the wildlife on the island, but we also get to protect an area where we get to study this wildlife," said Lee Bundrick, a senior Ecological Health and Conservation Coordinator with the Conservancy of the Sea Islands. "We want people to connect with nature because we're just as much as part of nature. And being out in nature is just as important as protecting it as well."
Peggy Barnes, chair of the Conservancy of the Sea Islands board of trustees, added: “Captain Sams Spit is an invaluable habitat for birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and crustaceans. Placing the entire Spit under conservation easement ensures these habitats are preserved in perpetuity, benefiting rare, threatened and endangered species. This is a defining conservation achievement for our organization and for the South Carolina coast.”
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