Termite Lawyer in Port Royal, SC

The people of Port Royal have elected their town council members.

PORT ROYAL, S.C. —

The people of Port Royal have elected their town council members.

Incumbents MaryBeth Gray Heyward and Darryl Owens will serve another four years.

"I am humbled. I am appreciative of all of those who took the time to exercise their right to vote," said Darryl Owens, Town Councilman.

"So excited that the people of Port Royal put their faith and trust back in me again for another four years," said MaryBeth Gray Heyward, Mayor Pro Tem.

They said they're excited to continue upon accomplishments and projects from the previous term.

"We have accomplished a lot in the last two years we're fortunate to have reduced taxes and reduced the millage by 2 percent," said Owens.

Gray Heyward has served on the town council for 34 years, and she keeps coming back for more.

"I want to make a difference, and I have the time and the energy to be a part of this community and we wanted to have a focus on having community engagement and in order to get community engagement we have to engage in our community," said Gray Heyward.

Owens will serve his second term. He said his reasons for running for re-election are simple.

"To know that I am able to contribute to the quality of life of the people of Port Royal," said Owens.

Challenger Angie Tillman, who spoke to WJCL 22 before the results came out, said the experience was enlightening.

"Maybe if I don't necessarily win this time, I know that I've learned a whole lot, there is no win or lose to me," said Angela Tillman, challenger.

For now, the town of Port Royal will remain in practiced hands.

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:

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.

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.

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.

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

Two of the four town council seats in the Town of Port Royal are available this election cycle, and there are three candidates who believe that they are the right fit to fill the seats for the next four years.

The Town of Port Royal has five members sitting on its town council, four elected council members and the mayor.

The 2025 election, which falls on Tuesday, Nov. 4 with early voting beginning on Monday, Oct. 20, will decide who will fill the two open seats.

There are two incumbents and one newcomer running for the two open seats.

Mary Beth Gray-Heyward was born and raised in Port Royal and has served on town council for 34 years. She retired from her job working for Beaufort County EMS and Beaufort Memorial Hospital in 2021 and has also served on the Lowcountry Council of Government Board for the town of Port Royal for 34 years and is the first vice chair for the Ladies Auxiliary at AMVETS.

Fellow incumbent Darryl Owens has served on the town council since May 2017. He was born and raised on St. Helena Island and moved to Port Royal in 1996.

Owens was formerly employed with the Beaufort County School District as a Branch Manager for the Transportation Department and Jasper County Schools as Chief of Operations. He is currently serving on the Board of Trustees for Historic Penn Center and is employed as Facilities Manager with the Beaufort Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission.

Angie Tillman is originally from Athens, Ga. and moved to Port Royal just over a year ago with her husband Phin. She said that she has become acquainted with the community over the past several years through her small business, Phickles Pickles, for which she has been delivering to places all over northern Beaufort County.

Tillman has never held an elected position; this is her first time running. But she has served in many volunteer positions and thinks that her fresh perspective and small-business experience would be good for the Town of Port Royal.

All three candidates were given three questions to answer by The Island News:

What influenced your decision to run for Port Royal’s town council?

Mary Beth Gray-Heyward: I made the decision to run because I am a homegrown girl and the 34 years of experience and dedication being on council has given me the knowledge of how to support a community as a whole. I’ve dedicated the last 34 years to being the voice of the people of Port Royal, listening to their needs and working to support the concerns of my constituents. I have always made the most advantageous fiscal decisions to help Port Royal grow economically and financially. I don’t personally know my opponents nor what they stand for, but I have the expertise which only comes from experience in the day-to-day operations of Port Royal.

Darryl Owens: I have decided to seek re-election to continue the work and progress that Council has achieved and is implementing to ensure Port Royal remains a thriving small-town community that balances economic and developmental growth with low taxes and preservation of its unique charm.

Angie Tillman: I was influenced to run for town council by my love for this beautiful, historical town and the people who make it so special. As a small business owner with the skills to navigate through adversity and a heart for community, I want to help bridge generations, ideas, and voices. Port Royal is growing, and I believe thoughtful, sincere leadership — with a little creativity and kindness — can keep our Port Royal charming while guiding its bright future. I have always been an advocate for small, independently owned businesses and will be a strong voice for our shop and restaurant owners — I don’t want to see big box stores come in and change the heart of Port Royal. I’m not only concerned for the Village of Port Royal but also the areas across the bridge — where many new, young families live, work and play. I know I can be the BRIDGE that connects all parts of our community giving a voice to everyone.

A major issue for council for several years now has been the Port of Port Royal, what are your hopes for the future of this project?

Mary Beth Gray-Heyward: I hope that we can continue working with Safe Harbor to build out the people’s vision. You know, back in the early years before the port was sold, the townspeople got together and did charrettes, and what they did is they planned what they wanted to see down there if the port ever sold. It did and we already had the zoning in place, like we had the marina, we had the resident, the business and then we had the residential so they’re building out and we’ve had meetings with them and they will be at our November council meeting to share what they are coming up with. But if it is exactly the way we have talked about it, we have worked with them very hard to maintain the town’s vision. Like in the Marina District, I have been advocating for a promenade deck so that they people of Port Royal always have access to the water to be able to go down and use it. They can have like buildings along the promenade deck that have a little shop in the bottom and a little apartment up top and then you move over to the restaurants and have a couple of restaurants. Then up in the residential area, we wanted that to fit the texture of the neighborhood, and we have gotten them and it’s in the development agreement and they can only build out 15% rental, everything else has to be single-family owned, and that would fit the texture of the neighborhood because that’s what the people wanted and that’s what will make it look good. We’ll have green space for the dogs, they gave us access to bring the Spanish Moss Trail through there, so I think it’s very important that we continue to work hard with them to get this done for Port Royal.

Darryl Owens: Working collaboratively with port property owners to ensure their compliance with the PUD and DA, and to guarantee the establishment of public spaces and a promenade as per the terms of agreement.

Angie Tillman: I hope the Port becomes a gathering place that truly reflects the heart of Port Royal —a blend of our small-town soul and coastal beauty. I’d love to see a walkable, welcoming waterfront filled with local flavor, music, and community connection. A place where people can stroll, shop and share sunsets together — where progress meets preservation and Port Royal’s pride shines. At a recent gathering with the Historic Port Royal Foundation, I learned the possibility of Port Royal purchasing one of the shrimp boats that was actually built here in Port Royal. I would LOVE that! To have a special piece of our history front and center for tours would be a perfect addition to the port for locals and visitors alike.

What, in your opinion, is the biggest issue facing the Town of Port Royal currently?

Mary Beth Gray-Heyward: I think just making sure that as we move forward that we continue to use smart growth and development and don’t outdo ourselves to the point where we can’t continue to have a beautiful community, a safer community for the people in it. I think it’s important to make sure that we can maintain all the services that we provide and make that community the best community it can be.

Darryl Owens: Attracting businesses that align with Port Royal’s vision, stimulating economic growth, providing infrastructure to support expansion and new businesses, and maintaining ongoing collaboration with the Port developers.

Angie Tillman: In my opinion, Port Royal’s biggest challenge is managing growth while protecting the charm and character that make this place so special. As more people discover our little gem, we must balance progress with preservation — keeping our community safe, walkable, and connected while ensuring infrastructure and planning stay ahead of development. Thoughtful leadership AND community input are key to growing wisely without losing our soul. One area of concern to me is the crossing of the Spanish Moss Trail across Ribaut Road. I worry about the safety for pedestrians there. I live at the Russell Bell Bridge and know firsthand how difficult it is to make a left turn off Lenora Drive onto Ribaut. It’s a dangerous spot already with all the traffic coming and going across the bridge over Battery Creek — only to possibly be more congested with the current trail crossing plans.

A candidate forum will be held on Monday, Oct. 27, at 5 p.m. at Port Royal Elementary School at 1214 Paris Avenue for all three candidates. The forum will be hosted by Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce and will be moderated by Chamber President Megan Morris.

The event is open to all to attend in person and will also be streamed live on Facebook and on the County Channel. No campaign signs, gear or rallies are allowed inside or on the property.

Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at .

There ought to be a word for it, the experience of your favorite out-of-the-way spot—a dive bar, a hidden pocket of urban greenery—being discovered by the crowds. Which, inevitably, it will be. It was like that for me with Port Royal, South Carolina. When I lived nearby in Savannah, I liked to drop in for coffee and a stroll through Port Royal’s central park: a sleepy wetlands preserve with a boardwalk, a few lazy alligators, an egret or two pecking through the muck.

I moved from the area nearly five years ago, and it took me that long to return to Port Royal. This past June, I was driving past and decided to stretch my legs. Stepping out of the car, I noticed the difference immediately. The park was shockingly crowded. It was incredibly noisy. And, truth be told, it smelled awful.

The birds had found it.

Herons, egrets, ibises, wood storks. Hundreds of them, weighing down every branch of every cypress tree growing on the islands in the middle of the water. On the boardwalk, spectators gawked at this feathered metropolis—its residents squabbling in their nests, feeding their young, trying out their wings. I overheard a kid say to his mom: “That alligator is eating a bird!” Sure enough, I looked to the far shore just in time to see a gator with its jaws open wide to accommodate one very unlucky anhinga.

It turned out I was witnessing the fruits of a long-term restoration project. In the early 2000s, the town of Port Royal decided to take a connected series of stormwater retention ponds and turn them into an avian refuge and a birders’ paradise. It worked spectacularly—it’s just that it took a while. The initial phase of the Port Royal Cypress Wetlands and Rookery was completed in 2010; by May 2013, a survey found a couple hundred birds there. But the space wasn’t being actively managed. “Natural features that man has put their fingerprint on, a lot of times, it’s just like a house,” says Dean Harrigal, a wildlife biologist involved in the project. In other words, it requires some upkeep.

The species here fall into the category of colonial nesting wading birds. To nest successfully, they need protection from mammalian predators—the kind offered by, for instance, an island. The park’s initial construction involved building islands in the wetlands. But over time, swamp loosestrife and other vegetation grew so thickly they essentially created a bridge on the water, “such that a raccoon can just walk right across it, then get up in the trees, and then it’s just a smorgasbord for them,” says Travis Folk, who works with Harrigal at the wildlife consultancy Folk Land Management. A May 2017 survey recorded only fifteen birds in the preserve.

So in 2018, Port Royal reengaged Folk Land Management, whose founder—Travis’s father, Robert Folk—was involved in the refuge’s original design. Contractors returned to tear out unwanted foliage and add another island. The water was drained for the work to be conducted; when they added it back in 2021, results were swift.

“We reflooded it in January,” Harrigal explains, “and by mid-March we started seeing nesting activity.” But 2025 was when it “really exploded”; a count this year found 800 nests on the twelve-acre property. (“That’s why it was noisy and smelly,” he adds.) In a recent report, Harrigal suggested the wetlands might be “at or near carrying capacity.” The first birds to nest at a given site will grab the prime terrain—in this case, the islands. When Harrigal and his colleagues saw nesting activity spilling over to the opposite shoreline—less attractive real estate, avianly speaking—it indicated that room might be running low. Now Harrigal, who joined Folk Land after a long career with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, will oversee regular maintenance of the wetlands to keep them from getting overgrown again.

That’ll occur mostly in fall and winter, when the birds aren’t nesting. The best time to see them is spring and summer, especially between Easter and Memorial Day and particularly in the evening, says Scot Clark, president of the Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands. Formed in 2019, the group has installed interpretive signs along the trail and offers regular free tours with master naturalists. “During the day, all the birds kind of scatter,” Clark says. “But in the evening around dusk, they all start flying in—just hundreds upon hundreds of birds that flock to the area for roosting overnight.”

A couple months after my stop in Port Royal, I happened to visit another natural place I’ve loved for a long time but hadn’t seen in a while: a leafy glen in a town where I used to live in Southwest Ohio. Formerly, its centerpiece was a quiet creek that overspilled its banks during the rainy spring, but I returned to find that this occasional floodplain had become permanently flooded. Beavers had performed a gut rehab, taking a tiny waterway and transforming it into a wide, green swamp.

Again I walked around in awe—on new boardwalks, as the old trails are long gone, and in a place whose very dimensions I no longer recognized. I thought about solastalgia, a word coined by the philosopher Glenn Albrecht to describe the sense of loss provoked by environmental change. Shorter winters, a childhood beach washed away by rising seas: Albrecht called solastalgia “the homesickness we feel while still at home.” Here, though, and in Port Royal, I experienced something like solastalgia’s opposite. I remembered that things can improve, even in just a few short years—that some changes can make a home feel even more like itself.