Auto MechanicNear Seabrook Island, SC

South Carolina has 35 barrier islands (also called sea islands,) more than any other state except Florida. Barrier islands run parallel to the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and shield the mainland from the brunt of sea storms. The islands are home to wide sandy beaches, sea grass beds, vegetated uplands, and Lowcountry marshes.

What Is the Largest Island in South Carolina?

At 84 square miles in area, St. Johns is the largest Island in South Carolina. Located in Charleston County, it’s the fourth largest island on the East Coast. Situated between the city of Charleston and the barrier island beaches that border the Atlantic Coast, a portion of the island is located within the city limits of Charleston.

Technically an island, yet not bordered by the open sea, the Stono and Kiawah Rivers are what separates Johns Island from its border islands and the mainland.

What Is the History of Johns Island?

Colonialists arrived on Johns Island from English settlements in the Caribbean and named it after Saint John Parish in Barbados. However, Native American tribes, including the Stono, Bohicket, and Kiawah Indians, were already living on the island.

The settlers brought the crop, indigo, from Barbados and cultivated it in the Lowcountry of Johns Island. By the mid-1700s, indigo became the main export for the island. A popular bright blue dye, indigo grown on Johns Island was commonly sold to England. During the height of indigo production, the Stono Rebellion occurred. The settlers relied on slaves to grow and produce their crops. In 1739, a group of slaves on Johns Island rebelled and attempted to escape to Florida, which was under the rule of the Spanish at the time.

However, the uprising was unsuccessful and plantation owners captured the slaves before they could reach freedom. During the Revolutionary War, the British market for indigo was disrupted, and England began to turn to India for its indigo supply. By the 1800s, indigo was no longer listed as a crop for Johns Island.

Johns Island has been the site of several important historical events. Occupied by British troops during the Revolutionary War, Johns Island also endured the Battle of Bloody Bridge during the Civil War. Today, visitors can view the historical site marking the Civil War battle at the Burdens Causeway.

Currently, Johns Island has a population of 21,500 and growing. The nearness of downtown Charleston, the beautiful scenery of the Lowcountry, and the nearby sandy beaches of the barrier islands make Johns Island a popular spot for new development.

What Do People Do at Johns Island?

Today, Johns Island is known for local farmers’ markets, historical parks, and towering oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Although new developments are cropping up on the island, about 75% of the island remains rural with agricultural and horse farms, large acreage estates, and waterfront communities. Just a few miles south is the resort community of Kiawah Island.

One of the main attractions on Johns Island is the Angel Oak, a live oak tree that is thought to be the largest living oak tree east of the Mississippi River. Estimated to be around 400 years old, it’s the oldest tree in South Carolina. The massive tree is 65 feet tall and 25.5 feet around. Further, it provides shade to a staggering 17,000 square foot area. Surrounding the tree is a small park with a visitor’s center and a gift shop.

Another popular activity on the island is shopping at the Freshfields Village, an open-air shopping center with over 30 shops, numerous restaurants, and a boutique hotel.

The Goatery at Kiawah River is a small artisan goat dairy farm specializing in goat cheese and soaps. The farm offers private tours, classes for children, and goat yoga. The farm also doubles as a goat sanctuary, offering many goats a forever home.

Where Is Johns Island on a Map?

Johns Island is in between Charleston and the barrier islands. It’s surrounded by Kiawah, Seabrook, Wadmalaw, Edisto, James, and Folly Islands. The Stono and Kiawah Rivers separate Johns Island from the mainland and the barrier islands.

What Animals Live on Johns Island?

Johns Island is teeming with wildlife. Although there are many homes, shops, and restaurants on the island, much of the land remains undeveloped, providing habitat for numerous species. On the island, it’s common to see deer, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, otters, wild hogs, and even alligators.

The rivers and marshes on the island are abundant with oysters, trout, black sea bass, bluefish, and bottlenose dolphins. Birds found in the area include many species such as osprey, bald eagles, wild turkeys, and egrets.

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Jennifer is a professional writer living in the Chicago area. She owns two pugs. Or rather, they own her. Jennifer has discovered that her best writing happens against a backdrop of soft pug snores.

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There are several powerful reasons why Seabrook Island Town Council should reject a proposed annexation that would pave the way for a new boat dock, private clubhouse, boathouse, pool house and 10 rental cottages near the town’s northern limits.

The additional boat and car traffic would create more congestion on Betsy Kerrison Parkway in particular and Johns Island in general, as well as more pollution to the otherwise pristine Bohicket Creek. But the biggest reason Town Council should reject the 18-acre annexation is the dangerous precedent it would set, a precedent that would erode the rural character of southern Johns Island.

Decades ago, local governments, led by the city of Charleston and Charleston County, agreed on an urban growth boundary across Johns Island and other areas. The big idea was to ensure their zoning and other policies were synchronized to allow suburban development to continue to spread, but only up to a point, beyond which the existing rural nature would be preserved. The boundary has generally worked well, but as with so much other conservation work, it needs to be embraced and reaffirmed by each new generation.

Seabrook Island’s potential move would mark one of the first and most dramatic annexations by a municipality into the rural portion of the island; if it succeeds, it almost assuredly wouldn’t be the last, and it could hasten the unraveling of the boundary line — and increase development pressures on the shrinking amount of land on the rural side of the boundary.

Robby Maynor of the Coastal Conservation League agrees that annexing and rezoning this property on the rural side of the urban growth boundary would set a disastrous precedent on the county’s Sea Islands and could lead to annexation battles such as those that are playing out along the most rural stretches of the upper Ashley River, whose rural historic district remains in jeopardy from encroaching homes, stores and the traffic they bring. Approving the marina project would be “like kicking an anthill and hoping you don’t get bit,” he says.

The case that the property’s owner and other supporters have made for the annexation is that it would give Seabrook Island future control of the site and limit future development there, according to reporter Warren Wise. But the proposal appears to us as designed to facilitate development, not to curb it. Annexing the site, which is next to Bohicket Marina, would allow it to tie into the town’s sewer system.

Unfortunately, Seabrook Island’s Planning Commission has recommended annexing the site and rezoning it for a mixed-used development. We urge Town Council members to reject that move when they consider the matter Aug. 22.

As Mr. Wise noted, the project is a scaled-down version of a 30-year-old Andell Harbor project that state environmental regulators rightly and mercifully rejected. While this is smaller, with only about 4 acres of development near the creek and the rest set aside for open space, it still would represent an unwelcome and disturbing encroachment into the rural area between the barrier islands of Kiawah and Seabrook and the suburban growth from the city of Charleston.

Last year, we urged elected officials, neighborhood leaders and planners with Charleston County and the two beach towns to come up with a mutually agreed-upon overlay for their shared area at the southern tip of Johns Island. That overlay should guide future development toward the kinds of uses — and the sizes and scale — residents of all three jurisdictions would most like to see, and help address growing real estate pressures in a way residents prefer. We repeat the call for regional cooperation, and Seabrook Island’s rejection of this annexation would be an important first step.

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CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — A new 50-bed acute care hospital may soon be on its way to Johns Island.

Trident Medical Center announced Thursday morning that the health system had submitted a Certificate of Need to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to construct the care facility, which would be located between Maybank Highway and Cane Slash Road.

“We are excited to continue making medical care more accessible to residents in our historically underserved communities,” said Trident Health President and CEO Christina Oh. “Currently on Johns Island and neighboring communities, it can take residents 30 to 45 minutes to drive to their nearest hospital, and often longer in heavy traffic and inclement weather. Our goal is to increase access to timely, high quality and affordable health care services.”

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The $277 million project would not only bring much-needed care to the residents of Johns Island. According to Trident Medical Center, in its first three years, the hospital would help create nearly 300 jobs, pay out $70 million in wages and benefits and contribute another $10 million in non-income taxes to support the surrounding area.

Johns Island Hospital would be located approximately seven miles from James Island Emergency Room, which is set to open in the next few weeks, according to Trident Medical Center.

“The rapid population growth and development of Johns Island, as well as its role as the sole gateway to Kiawah, Seabrook, and Wadmalaw Islands, has created a strong need for a full service hospital in the area," said Trident Health surgeon Dr. Thomas Litton, who lived on the island for two decades. "Residents on those islands have never had a full service hospital. Trident’s hospital on Johns Island and their freestanding ER on James Island will greatly improve residents’ access to much-needed medical care.”

While Johns Island Hospital will initially feature 50 beds, including 10 ICU beds, hospital staff say the medical center will have enough room for 100 more beds.

Other features would include 20 emergency rooms, four operating rooms, two endoscopy suites, one catheterization (cath) lab, two CT scanners, one MRI scanner and two diagnostic radiology suites.

“From our first discussions about building a hospital on Johns Island, we have been committed to creating a thoughtful plan that preserves the natural beauty of Johns Island,” Oh said. "We will honor the strong Gullah Geechee cultures of the community; we will partner with the areas’ community and businesses; and will promote the important and unique contributions of Johns Island’s agricultural community."

The developer of a planned new golf course and residential community on Johns Island has trimmed the proposed number of homes, relocated the main entryway and reconfigured the site layout from a previous concept.

But environmentalists and some area residents still aren’t fully onboard with the proposed 933-acre development. They are concerned with the requested water draw from Charleston’s regional aquifer, traffic and the effect on the once-rural island’s way of life.

Kiawah Partners, part of South Street Partners and the master residential developer of Kiawah Island, plans to transform much of the Orange Hill tract it’s owned since 2008 between Bohicket and River roads into a private 18-hole golf course with 120 homes, down from 181 previously.

The main entryway to the property also will switch from Bohicket Road to a 48-acre site on River Road that the developer acquired in 2022 for $2.5 million.

The golf course, designed by Beau Welling of Greenville, and several interconnected man-made lagoons will be situated on the western side of the tract closer to Bohicket while much of the residential development will be along the interior and eastern part of the property, now used as an outdoor sporting site for Kiawah Island Club members.

A sewage treatment plant will be built on the northwestern tip of the parcel between Bohicket and the course. The property does not have access to public sewer facilities.

Real Estate

Water, about 275 million gallons per year, would come from four sources, according to Ray Pantlik, vice president of development for South Street Partners.

They include St. John’s Water Co., a 2,000-foot-deep well, reclaimed water from the sewage plant and rain harvesting from excess water in the lagoons. Also, a 2.5-million-gallon storage tank will be built onsite.

Water worries

The Coastal Conservation League said it likes the proposed development’s reduced number of houses and new entrance, but it has concerns over the amount of water being requested.

Robby Maynor, the Charleston-based environmental advocacy group’s program director for communities and transportation, said he was told the developer does not plan to use all of the requested 275 million gallons every year.

“However, that nuance is not included in the proposal, and that’s an enormous draw just to irrigate the golf course,” he said. “We need more details on when that water will be necessary and how much water they are requesting from (the water company).”

He noted, too, “We would like to see them reduce the amount of groundwater they are requesting and not reduce the amount of water from the aquifer.”

The aquifer is the source of water for many other users across the Charleston area, including other golf courses and industries.

Pantlik of Charlotte-based South Street said the amount of water to be drawn from each source hasn’t been determined because the developer won’t know for sure how much will be usable from the 2,000-foot well.

“Water from deep wells in the same aquifer is not usable without some dilution or desalination process,” Pantlik said. “That will affect how much water we get from another source.”

He said talks have just begun with the local water company.

Pantlik also pointed out the 275 million gallons per day that the developer is asking regulators to approve is the same amount permitted at South Street’s nearby Cassique, another private course that opened in 2000 at the entrance to Kiawah Island.

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He noted that Cassique was originally granted 350 million gallons per year, but the amount was later reduced to 275 million because the extra capacity was not needed.

The Orange Hill tract, which Kiawah Partners acquired in 2008 for $12.06 million, also includes an adjoining 212-acre parcel that can’t be developed but can be used as a passive recreation area for walking trails.

The Coastal Conservation League would like to see the wooded paths available for public use and connect to nearby trails across River Road.

“It would be a way to make this an asset for the entire community and not just for the members of the Kiawah Island Club,” Maynor said.

Real Estate

The majority of the 933-acre parcel, about 765 acres, will remain natural or be used for recreation, including 294 acres for the golf course. Homesites will take up 110 acres.

Sixty-one lots previously slated for residences make up about 45 acres and will not be developed but can be bought since members must own property in the development. The remaining acreage will be used for the clubhouse grounds and maintenance and support services.

The golf course and amenities will be operated by Kiawah Island Club. Orange Hill residents will be club members.

Chris Randolph, a partner with South Street, said the revamped project was in response to many concerns he heard.

“I think we have a pretty compelling plan, and we’ve tried to address a lot of the hot-button issues,” he said.

Other concerns

Some sea island residents still have concerns, ranging from congestion to the environment.

“They just keep building and building and building, and there is no way to evacuate during a hurricane,” said Leisa Peterson, who lives off River Road.

South Carolina is home to many popular cities, tourist destinations, forested mountains, sea islands, and historical landmarks. But, it is best known for its beautiful beaches, perfect for a sunshine and sand-filled getaway. Whether you are just stopping by or would like to stay a while to soak up the sun, you can head towards any of the state's charming small towns. But these beaches in South Carolina are for more than just lounging: you will find everything from private islands to numerous outdoor recreation activities to amusement parks and food trucks.

Myrtle Beach

With an abundance of hotels and resorts with beach views, Myrtle Beach is a popular sunny vacation destination situated in South Carolina's Horry County. The miles of beaches, warm subtropical climate, golf courses, and restaurants attract more than 20 million visitors to Myrtle Beach every year. While the sandy beach itself may be your first stop, there's no shortage of fun activities you can dive right into. Live music, theaters, water sports, and plenty of dining and shopping spots are only a few of the many things to do in Myrtle Beach.

Read MoreMyrtle Beach, South Carolina

Mitchelville Beach Park

Nestled on Hilton Head Island, Mitchelville Beach Park is one of the less populated beaches, perfect for relaxation and exploration. The area also offers a bathroom, a sand shower, and a few picnic tables, so you can spend the whole day there. Visitors can also venture across the bridge to Barker Field, which is ideal for recreational and sporting activities.

Sullivan's Island

Sullivan's Island is a small island community situated at the entrance to the Charleston Harbor in South Carolina's Charleston County. The town boasts over 2.5 miles of Atlantic Ocean beachfront, ideal for kayaking, fishing, sailing, photography, and more. Visitors can also enjoy the small town as well as its unique historical attractions.

Isle Of Palms

Neighboring Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms is a barrier island that sits just off South Carolina's Atlantic coast. The town is situated about 24 km from the historic city of Charleston, boasting a picturesque beach and boardwalk. The community is also home to several big beachfront homes, luxury resorts, and local restaurants. Offering plenty of recreational activities, Isle of Palms is an excellent spot to enjoy the island lifestyle at any time of year.

Edisto Beach

Situated on the southeastern edge of South Carolina's Colleton County, the small town of Edisto Beach includes Edisto Island's only developed coastal area. It is also one of the most serene beaches, best for long walks, fishing, searching for seashells, and soaking up the sun. While there are no hotels, there are many rental opportunities, with several beach houses lining the shoreline.

Cherry Grove Beach

Located in the city of North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina's Horry County, Cherry Grove is only accessible by Sea Mountain Highway and Ocean Drive. This small neighborhood is primarily known for its historic Cherry Grove Pier and plenty of hotels, restaurants, and boutiques. Cherry Grove serves as an ideal spot for a peaceful getaway.

Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island is a barrier island situated in the southwestern portion of Charleston County. Seabrook Island boasts the privacy and tranquility of a small town, but is also close to everything you need. With miles of beaches to enjoy, this is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach is a well-known surfing and seaside hotspot situated on Folly Island, approximately 18 km south of Charleston. Besides hosting several surf spots, the city offers stunning sunset and sunrise views. It is also home to Folly Beach Pier, which stretches over 1,000 feet into the ocean providing a picturesque view of the waters. With the North Atlantic Ocean in eyeshot, some visitors even spot the endangered whales in their respective migration seasons. The beautiful Morris Island Lighthouse is also just off the coast of the beach, great for exploration and photo ops.

Read MoreFolly Beach, South Carolina

Huntington Beach State Park

This 2,500-acre state park is situated close to Murrells Inlet in South Carolina's Georgetown County. The park features large sandy beaches, extensive fresh and salt marshes, and plenty of avian species to watch over the seasons.

Coligny Beach

Coligny Beach is one of the most well-known beaches on Hilton Head Island. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beaches and clear skies at Coligny Beach. The Coligny Beach Park that acts as an access point to Coligny Beach offers plenty of wonderful amenities for locals and visitors alike.

Kiawah Island

A barrier island situated about 40 km southwest of Charleston, Kiawah is mainly a private beach and golf resort. Kiawah Island is well-known for its various attractions including beaches, spacious villas, water-sport activities and the famous Kiawah Island Golf Resort. There are 10 miles of beaches and 30 miles of paved trails for biking and walking. The Kiawah River along with the island's numerous tidal creeks and salt marshes offers kayaking and canoeing opportunities.

Read MoreKiawah Island, South Carolina

With almost 2,876 miles of tidal coastline, South Carolina boasts a number of beaches to choose from. Whether you want to sit back and relax in the sun, go for a swim in the sparkling waters, or enjoy the attractions of each different beach, there is always something for everyone.