Two council seats up for grabs in Port Royal. Meet the candidates
The November election in Port Royal will decide the makeup of 40% of the town council at a time when the board is preparing to get its first look at a much-anticipated redevelopment plan.
The Nov. 4 election features three candidates running for two seats with four-year terms. The two candidates with the most votes will win at-large seats. Early voting begins Oct. 20.
Angie Tillman is running for the first time, vowing to bring a fresh perspective, new ideas and more transparency to local government. Mary Beth Gray Heyward, who has served on the council for more than 30 years, says her compassion for residents and dedication to bettering the town remains strong. Darryl Owens, who is seeking a third term, says he wants to preserve Port Royal’s cultural character while promoting economic development.
In recent years, preserving the town’s small-town charm and environment have been front and center, with issues like regulating housing growth, saving trees, limiting short-term rental properties and rebuilding the town’s crumbling shrimp docks dominating discussions.
Questions about the future of the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Naval Hospital, the military bases within its borders, are looming as well.
But the No. 1 issue facing the town council is the waterfront, known as the Port of Port Royal. A marina, housing, restaurants and public features like parks and a promenade have long been promised at the site. Will it finally get off the ground? The town has seemingly ironed out its legal differences with property owner Safe Harbor Marinas. Now it is waiting for the developer to submit a master plan spelling out the details. It’s those details that the next town council will need to iron out.
Another issue facing the town council is a $16 million overhaul of Paris Avenue, the town’s main street. The development will be the largest capital project in the town’s history. The first $1.3 million phase was unveiled earlier this year.
Gray Heyward, 70, is a fixture on the council, having served for 34 years. First elected in 1992, Gray Heyward retired in 2021 as the pre-arrival manager at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, where she also worked in customer service and financial aid.
Tillman, 52, is the owner and CEO at Phickles Pickles, a small-batch artisan pickle company.
The 59-year-old Owens, who works in facilities management for the Beaufort Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission, has served on the council for eight years.
The candidates answered three questions posed by the Beaufort Gazette and Island Packet:
What is your vision for the Port of Port Royal property owned by Safe Harbor Marinas and how will you advocate for the public in this process?
Mary Beth Gray Heyward: The Port of Port Royal will be a place that honors Port Royal’s past while celebrating our future. We will see a working waterfront, as it has been for generations. We will see shrimp boats and other commercial vessels coming and going. Recreational boats will also have a place at the port. Public amenities are an important part as well. A walking promenade across the water, open green space, shops and restaurants are things that I have and will continue to advocate for. Working with our partners at Safe Harbor for the betterment of the town is a top priority for me.
Angie Tillman: I want to see the Port grow in a way that truly fits our town — thoughtful, coastal and full of life. There should be balance between progress and preservation. I want to make the history of Port Royal front and center. I want to see spaces where people can gather, enjoy the water and support local businesses while keeping our small-town charm. I’ll advocate for transparency and open communication between Safe Harbor, the town and our residents. The people of Port Royal deserve a real voice in shaping what happens there — because this port belongs to all of us.
Darryl Owens: My vision for the Port properties entails ongoing open dialogue with Safe Harbor, ensuring the development agreement and planned unit development are upheld, and creating the promenade and public spaces for community benefit. Additionally, I aspire to see the town’s marina and docks rebuilt, allowing the return of the iconic shrimp boats and supporting local shrimpers, with the goal of revitalizing Port Royal’s shrimping industry.
What is your position on short-term rentals in Port Royal?
Mary Beth Gray Hayward: My position is that there must be a balance between the real estate investment community and the local residents that live in the Town of Port Royal. Port Royal is a wonderful community and one of the things that makes that community possible is the residents living in the town. Earlier this year we put together a task force to bring forth a thoughtful, balanced short term rental ordinance before council, and they did just that. The council passed that ordinance unanimously, and the response from the community has been positive.
Angie Tillman: Short-term rentals can be a good thing when managed responsibly. They bring visitors and energy to town, but we also have to protect the peace and character of our neighborhoods. I support clear, fair rules keeping things balanced so residents feel respected and property owners can still share the Port Royal we all love. It starts with communication and consistency and simple, enforceable guidelines for parking, occupancy and safety — so everyone knows what’s expected. I believe the town should work with property owners, not against them, to make short-term rentals a win for the whole community.
Darryl Owens: I endorse the recent amendments to the short-term rental ordinance, which allow property owners to rent to a limited number of guests within designated quadrants. This measure supports military families visiting the area while promoting local economic growth without compromising the town’s small-town culture and neighborhood lifestyle, where residents maintain close relationships and children can establish lifelong friendships.
What issues prompted you to run for the town council?
Mary Beth Gray Heyward: I understand the importance of our future needs for the town of Port Royal. I am a very compassionate individual, which I have demonstrated over my tenure as a council member for the last 34 years for the town of Port Royal. I have dedicated my life to helping others and making Port Royal a safer community for our citizens. I believe in smart growth for the future planning and development of the town of Port Royal.
Angie Tillman: I see so much potential in Port Royal and want to help guide our growth with care and creativity. I’ve heard from many neighbors about the need for transparency, responsible development and even practical issues like golf cart safety on our streets, which is why I plan to develop an online app so residents can easily get updates and also share their concerns. As a small business owner, I understand how to listen, collaborate and find solutions that work. I want to bring a fresh, sincere perspective focused on community, accountability, and keeping Port Royal a safe, connected place we’re all proud to call home.
Darryl Owens: My primary goals and objectives include engaging the community, promoting economic growth and development in Port Royal while preserving its cultural character, and upholding the trust and respect of my constituents whom I serve, advocate for and represent.
This story was originally published October 9, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
