|
Dear Friends –
Tons of photos at the bottom of this email 🙂
What’s up with the silly subject line? It’s all about Island transportation this week!
Let’s start with the big news – excitement from today’s events at Hilton Head Island Airport. I hope it inspires all of us to dream big for what the future can hold for transportation on our special Island!
Planes ✈️
This afternoon, Hilton Head’s very own community cheerleader and my friend, Leslie Richardson organized alongside HHH Airport Director Jon Rembold, the welcoming of United Airlines inaugural flight into our Island from Washington D.C.
Close to 50 passengers were on the inbound flight and many of our community champions greeted them with a water-arch salute, custom gift bags from The South Carolina Yacht Club, HHH/IAD signature cookies, endless clapping and a super-festive atmosphere. We also sent the outbound flight from HHH to IAD with cookies and a come back note! Our goal in this grassroots effort was to ensure guests felt welcomed to our Island and to honor this special moment for United – mission accomplished!
Click HERE to view the video of arrival. We were on the tarmac!
Trains ?
Quick note on this – Savannah has diversified their economy with growth in film, manufacturing, logistics – all alongside tourism and the development of their World Trade Center. I was speaking with a Town Councilman this week and he came up with a brilliant idea to explore – what if we could create a light rail from Hilton Head Island to Savannah? Think on that!
Automobiles ?
The 278 Gateway Corridor Committee is meeting weekly with (hopefully) a first iteration of alternative bridge designs presented by SCDOT to the public for review in the Fall. Follow all the 278 Corridor committee meetings here.
In addition, check out a new era of mobility innovation, self-driving shuttles in Columbus, Ohio – a place we all know to be a direct line for our current visitors and future residents.
Trolleys ?
The Breeze Trolley is back! Hilton Head Island’s signature trolley starts service tomorrow, April 1st. Check out the routes here.
Bikes ?
My great friend and mentor Frank Babel is co-chair of the Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) – he and I volunteer on the Executive Committee together. Each year, as we see the influx of visitors with locals, it’s important to remind everyone – bicycles, pedestrians and drivers of a few tips to keep us all safe. Please share his recent letter to the editor and sign up for our BAC emails here.
Golf Carts ?
Lots of chatter on Facebook this week re: if a Bike, Scooter and Golf Cart rental is coming soon to Pope Ave. It’s my understanding, yes, it is! Check out the article here.
A few other items, plus it’s a #TownCouncilTuesday this week!
– Monday Morning @ 9am – Town Hall – The Public Planning Committee conversation re: Christian Academy rezoning as a follow up to Council questions on the project. View the full agenda here with the questions listed at the bottom of this email.
– Tuesday, don’t miss!!! The Heritage Library is hosting The Role of Women in the History and Development of Hilton Head at 10:30 with special guests, Nelle & Ora Smith! Register here!
– Tuesday at 3pm is the opening of the Culture HHI Spring Town Hall Gallery Opening Reception! Everyone is invited.
– Town Council agenda includes a commendation for Kathi Bateson on her prestigious award for the Arts, presentation by Pat Zuk with The First Tee, business on Christian Academy, Arbor Nature, possible land acquisitions and more. Check out the full agenda here!
Hope to see you this week around the Island!
– Heather Rath
|
||
 |
 Top left and right – Bags distributed by the SCYC to all incoming guests; Leslie and I waiting on the tarmac with JR and David Ames
Bottom left and right – Hospitality team; my friend Mike Ray walked off the plane from Washington D.C.
|
 Beaufort County Councilman Larry McElynn showing the signature outbound HHH to IAD cookies!
|
 We had cookies for those inbound to the Island – IAD to HHH!
|
 |
 |
 |
 Had a blast with Luana and friends at Mitchelville Blues & BBQ
|
