More tourists are coming to Daufuskie Island; Some of them aren’t following the laws

Concerns have increased for local residents as word has got out about Daufuskie Island, some island residents are saying.

One issue is a drastic uptick in golf cart and vehicle traffic on the island’s beaches, according to Deborah Smith, chair for the Daufuskie Island Council.

“There has been a sharp escalation in beach violations by island visitors that have endangered the loggerhead turtle nesting areas,” Smith said Sunday.

Driving on the beach is prohibited.

Concerns about the violations are resulting in the council holding a community-wide discussion about the issue during its regular meeting this Tuesday at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Mary Field School located at 203 School Road.

“It is a privilege to serve as a turtle nesting area,” Smith said. “It is frustrating that a minority of visitors would treat our precious beaches, turtles and all the volunteers with such disrespect.”

Smith said there has been an increase in tourists bringing vehicles over to the island via barges. The visitors leave the vehicles on the island at local marina’s or on a friend’s private property.

Driving on the beach is not the only concern, Smith said. She said bonfires — also prohibited — could harm sea turtles that crawl toward the light at night.

Chase Allen Board of Daufuskie Island Conservancy and owner of The Iron Fish Art Gallery and Tour Daufuskie said some visitors are showing a “complete disregard for laws and rules.”

“It is out of hand,” Allen said. “People are coming over and getting belligerent drunk.”

The hope is the island can receive an increased police presence, Allen said.

“It forces us to go and ask for more police presence,” Allen said. “We have to and change our way.”

Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner plans to attend the meeting, according to Capt. Bob Bromage.

Smith said other county officials also have confirmed they will be showing up.

This story was originally published July 15, 2018 at 4:07 PM with the headline "More tourists are coming to Daufuskie Island; Some of them aren’t following the laws."