Some Beaufort County public docks, waterway access points are now open
When S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster announced that beaches around the state could open starting at noon Tuesday, he left the decision to reopen up to local municipalities.
Across Beaufort County, some public docks, piers and beach access points will be reopened, while others will remain closed.
Despite the governor’s announcement, Hilton Head Island Town Council will consider a “Resolution Affirming Beach Access and Town Parks Closure” at a virtual meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
“Right now our current restrictions on beaches and parks is through April 30,” Town Manager Steve Riley said Monday. “At this point, the mayor will recommend sticking with April 30.”
In Bluffton, all town-operated docks, including the dock at Oyster Factory Park, the public dock at Palmetto Bluff and the Calhoun Street Dock, will remain closed. All public parks, restrooms and associated parking lots will also remain closed.
The Oyster Factory Boat Ramp, however, reopened April 17, and remains open.
The day dock at Downtown Beaufort Marina will reopen Tuesday, the city of Beaufort announced Tuesday.
In Port Royal, the Port Royal Boat Landing is open. The town also announced The Sands beach and nearby boardwalk will reopen Wednesday.
The beach will only be open to walking, running and cycling and vehicles, golf carts, and setting up on the beach with towels, chairs and coolers won’t be allowed. Beachgoers must avoid gathering in groups of three or more and maintain proper distance or risk a trespass notice, a statement from the town said.
“Many communities are choosing not to reopen facilities; however, the Town has faith that our citizens and visitors will choose to abide by the laws, which will allow Sands Beach to remain open,” the statement said.
Beaufort County announced Monday night that it planned to have all county-managed public piers, docks and beach access reopened by noon Tuesday.
What’s open?
BEACH AND WATERWAY ACCESS
▪ Alljoy Beach
▪ Bermuda Bluff
▪ Bloody Point
▪ Coosaw Island
▪ Lands End Overlooks
▪ New Daufuskie Beach Access
▪ Old Daufuskie Beach Access
▪ Pappy’s Landing
▪ Sands Beach
PIERS AND DOCKS
▪ Broad River Fishing Pier
▪ Camp St. Mary’s Fishing Pier
▪ C.C. Haigh, Jr. Landing Fixed Pier
▪ Daufuskie Landing Fixed Pier
▪ Factory Creek Fishing Pier
▪ Jenkins Island Pier
▪ Old House Creek Pier
▪ Safe Harbor Beaufort day dock
▪ Whale Branch Fishing Pier
▪ Wimbee Creek Fishing Pier
Hunting Island State Park, managed by the S.C. State Park System, remains closed until April 30.
This story was originally published April 21, 2020 at 11:49 AM.
