Grande Ocean/Coligny Beach neighborhood. Town of Hilton Head Town Council, Emergency Meeting to discuss public safety, this week.

[WBP]

First came this email, from the Town of Hilton Head, today, regarding this meeting:

Special Town Council Meeting​

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (July 6, 2026) – The Town of Hilton Head Island will hold a Special Town Council Meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Town Hall, 1 Town Center Court, Hilton Head Island, S.C.

The purpose of the meeting is for a Discussion of Public Safety Matters Related to Law Enforcement Services.

To view the meeting agenda, visit: https://hiltonheadsc.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1323/files/agenda/1905

Individuals wishing to speak during public comment must submit a Public Comment Form to the Town Clerk two hours prior to the meeting start time.

# # # # # #

Chatgpt.com says this:

The special meeting is a direct response to the July 4 shooting at Coligny Beach, where a fight between two groups of teenagers escalated into gunfire, injuring seven people. Authorities say everyone injured is expected to recover, and several suspects have been charged.

The Town Council of Hilton Head Island has called a Special Town Council Meeting for:

• Thursday, July 9
• 10:00 a.m.
• Town Hall
• Agenda: "Discussion of Public Safety Matters Related to Law Enforcement Services."

Based on statements from Mayor Alan Perry and town officials, the discussion is expected to focus on several major issues:

• Whether Hilton Head should consider creating its own municipal police department. Currently, law enforcement on the island is provided by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, rather than a town police department. The recent shooting has prompted leaders to revisit whether that arrangement best serves the island.
• Additional security measures at Coligny Beach and other high-traffic areas, including expanding the use of surveillance cameras and other technology to help law enforcement respond more quickly. The town had already begun planning camera enhancements before the shooting, but officials say those efforts are now being accelerated.
• Coordination between the town and the Sheriff's Office, including what resources or policy changes may be needed for large holiday events and peak tourist periods.

Mayor Perry has described the shooting as a turning point for the community, saying it requires "a deeper discussion" about what residents and visitors should expect regarding public safety and how law enforcement should be supported.

At this point, the meeting is described as a discussion session, not one where the council is expected to vote immediately on creating a police department or adopting specific new policies. However, it could set the direction for future proposals and decisions.

 

[WBP]

First came this email, from the Town of Hilton Head, today, regarding this meeting:

Special Town Council Meeting​

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (July 6, 2026) – The Town of Hilton Head Island will hold a Special Town Council Meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Town Hall, 1 Town Center Court, Hilton Head Island, S.C.

The purpose of the meeting is for a Discussion of Public Safety Matters Related to Law Enforcement Services.

To view the meeting agenda, visit: https://hiltonheadsc.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1323/files/agenda/1905

Individuals wishing to speak during public comment must submit a Public Comment Form to the Town Clerk two hours prior to the meeting start time.

# # # # # #

Chatgpt.com says this:

The special meeting is a direct response to the July 4 shooting at Coligny Beach, where a fight between two groups of teenagers escalated into gunfire, injuring seven people. Authorities say everyone injured is expected to recover, and several suspects have been charged.

The Town Council of Hilton Head Island has called a Special Town Council Meeting for:

• Thursday, July 9
• 10:00 a.m.
• Town Hall
• Agenda: "Discussion of Public Safety Matters Related to Law Enforcement Services."

Based on statements from Mayor Alan Perry and town officials, the discussion is expected to focus on several major issues:

• Whether Hilton Head should consider creating its own municipal police department. Currently, law enforcement on the island is provided by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, rather than a town police department. The recent shooting has prompted leaders to revisit whether that arrangement best serves the island.
• Additional security measures at Coligny Beach and other high-traffic areas, including expanding the use of surveillance cameras and other technology to help law enforcement respond more quickly. The town had already begun planning camera enhancements before the shooting, but officials say those efforts are now being accelerated.
• Coordination between the town and the Sheriff's Office, including what resources or policy changes may be needed for large holiday events and peak tourist periods.

Mayor Perry has described the shooting as a turning point for the community, saying it requires "a deeper discussion" about what residents and visitors should expect regarding public safety and how law enforcement should be supported.

At this point, the meeting is described as a discussion session, not one where the council is expected to vote immediately on creating a police department or adopting specific new policies. However, it could set the direction for future proposals and decisions.

Regarding “private security,” it will be interesting to see if Grande Ocean does anything to batten down the hatches.

I don’t know what generation MVC installed intense video surveillance in their resorts; I will say this, on our last visit to Canyon Vilas, we noticed Closed Circuit TV cameras everywhere, for example, at the elevator landing of our building, and throughout every floor of our building. There are cameras on rooftops over looking common areas, as well. It was refreshing to see.

I wonder if the earlier generation MVC resorts will follow suit? I have heard no such discussions at the HOA Board meetings at the MVC resorts where we own.

 

[Retired2025 aka AlmostRetired]

First came this email, from the Town of Hilton Head, today, regarding this meeting:

Special Town Council Meeting​

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (July 6, 2026) – The Town of Hilton Head Island will hold a Special Town Council Meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Town Hall, 1 Town Center Court, Hilton Head Island, S.C.

The purpose of the meeting is for a Discussion of Public Safety Matters Related to Law Enforcement Services.

To view the meeting agenda, visit: https://hiltonheadsc.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1323/files/agenda/1905

Individuals wishing to speak during public comment must submit a Public Comment Form to the Town Clerk two hours prior to the meeting start time.

# # # # # #

Chatgpt.com says this:

The special meeting is a direct response to the July 4 shooting at Coligny Beach, where a fight between two groups of teenagers escalated into gunfire, injuring seven people. Authorities say everyone injured is expected to recover, and several suspects have been charged.

The Town Council of Hilton Head Island has called a Special Town Council Meeting for:

• Thursday, July 9
• 10:00 a.m.
• Town Hall
• Agenda: "Discussion of Public Safety Matters Related to Law Enforcement Services."

Based on statements from Mayor Alan Perry and town officials, the discussion is expected to focus on several major issues:

• Whether Hilton Head should consider creating its own municipal police department. Currently, law enforcement on the island is provided by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, rather than a town police department. The recent shooting has prompted leaders to revisit whether that arrangement best serves the island.
• Additional security measures at Coligny Beach and other high-traffic areas, including expanding the use of surveillance cameras and other technology to help law enforcement respond more quickly. The town had already begun planning camera enhancements before the shooting, but officials say those efforts are now being accelerated.
• Coordination between the town and the Sheriff's Office, including what resources or policy changes may be needed for large holiday events and peak tourist periods.

Mayor Perry has described the shooting as a turning point for the community, saying it requires "a deeper discussion" about what residents and visitors should expect regarding public safety and how law enforcement should be supported.

At this point, the meeting is described as a discussion session, not one where the council is expected to vote immediately on creating a police department or adopting specific new policies. However, it could set the direction for future proposals and decisions.

I believe the beach parking for Coligny Beach is free and open to all. Maybe there needs to be a requirement you are staying on Hilton Head Isleand.

 

[pedro47]

Maybe those youth need a curfew time liked in Virginia Beach, Virginia and Newport News, Virginia.

 

[Tuggernaut]

WBP, thank you for bringing this news to our attention. Given the very high concentration of timeshares on HHI, many of us Tuggers vacation there.

From the website of TV channel 5 WCSC "The Lowcountry's News Leader" news:

4 teens arrested after mass shooting on Hilton Head beach​

Deputies responded to the scene and found eight people suffering from what appeared to be non-fatal gunshot wounds.

The victims received medical attention at various hospitals.

During their investigation, Beaufort County deputies determined that a fight between two individual groups occurred on the public beach.

During the altercation, shots were fired, and the suspects fled the scene.

Deputies were able to identify and detain the involved parties, and after further interviews, the four teen boys were arrested.

Jayden Hawes, 18, was charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and aggravated breach of peace.

Marcello Royal, 17, was charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, unlawful possession of a weapon, and aggravated breach of peace.

Quazeir Davis, 17, was charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, unlawful possession of a weapon, and aggravated breach of peace.

Christopher Capers, 17, was charged with accessory after the fact.

 

[Superchief]

If this occurred in Cincinnati, the juveniles would be given a library card and free Y membership to help them use their time more productively. The adult would be given a low bail and would be back on the street. The best way to reduce crime is to punish offenders and keep violent people off the street. Three recent murders in my area were committed by repeat violent offenders who should never have been out of jail. I hope Hilton Head and SC officials and judges take a hard line against crime.

 

[davidvel]

If this occurred in Cincinnati, the juveniles would be given a library card and free Y membership to help them use their time more productively. The adult would be given a low bail and would be back on the street. The best way to reduce crime is to punish offenders and keep violent people off the street. Three recent murders in my area were committed by repeat violent offenders who should never have been out of jail. I hope Hilton Head and SC officials and judges take a hard line against crime.

No they wouldn't. Absurd comment.

 

[TolmiePeak]

If this occurred in Cincinnati, the juveniles would be given a library card and free Y membership to help them use their time more productively. The adult would be given a low bail and would be back on the street. The best way to reduce crime is to punish offenders and keep violent people off the street. Three recent murders in my area were committed by repeat violent offenders who should never have been out of jail. I hope Hilton Head and SC officials and judges take a hard line against crime.

Doesn't the United States have one of the highest incarceration rates on the planet and yet our crime rate is on the higher side?

 

[Superchief]

No they wouldn't. Absurd comment.

This is the program recently implemented. The policy likely wouldn't apply to these youths because a gun was involved, but most others would be released and required to get library cards and Y memberships. This judge is notorious for letting juveniles out with no/low bonds and Cincinnati has a very high crime rate in downtown area due to youth violence and crime. I think it is good to try to get them involved with productive activities, but blanket policies like this will only make things difficult for the local libraries and Y's. Parental responsibility is the bigger problem.

Juveniles facing charges required to join libraries, rec centers for summer structure

Judge Kari Bloom and other county leaders announced the “Summer of Discovery” initiative Thursday at the Downtown Main Library.

www.fox19.com

 

[Superchief]

delete duplicat

 

[pedro47]

I wish Showtime on cable would stop showing all those gangster movies & series with young actors and actresses with guns, killing one another.

When I was a teenager, we did not have any guns and especially automatic weapons.

 

[jp10558]

Regarding “private security,” it will be interesting to see if Grande Ocean does anything to batten down the hatches.

I don’t know what generation MVC installed intense video surveillance in their resorts; I will say this, on our last visit to Canyon Vilas, we noticed Closed Circuit TV cameras everywhere, for example, at the elevator landing of our building, and throughout every floor of our building. There are cameras on rooftops over looking common areas, as well. It was refreshing to see.

IDK, I don't like blanket surveillance. None of these cameras would prevent crimes, and we all certainly managed to have functional timeshares for decades without being watched everywhere we go. These people were already identified and arrested so adding more "watching" won't help. Maybe having local police or even just local security presence, checking for illegal guns (assuming I understand the unlawful possession charge) is a better move than paying for cameras. Especially during large events / holidays.

 

[Retired2025 aka AlmostRetired]

"This would not have happened if Marriott prevented owners at the Grande Ocean from renting their units" or it how about "it was likely someone reserving a prime weeks at the Grande Ocean using destination points and commercially renting out the unit."

Just waiting for the above comments to appear of FB Marriott sites as the reason for all ills at a property.

 

[Big Matt]

I've been to Coligny dozens of times during really busy days/nights. I've never felt unsafe.

I'll bet that the four men weren't sober when it happened. Maybe enforcing alcohol consumption and drug use rules on the beach and in public would help, but that's a tough nut to crack. People out during holiday events and drinking too much do crazy things. People burned down their own house on July 4th in my neighborhood by not understanding the danger of fireworks and how to dispose of them properly. At least nobody died.

 

[davidvel]

This is the program recently implemented. The policy likely wouldn't apply to these youths because a gun was involved, but most others would be released and required to get library cards and Y memberships. This judge is notorious for letting juveniles out with no/low bonds and Cincinnati has a very high crime rate in downtown area due to youth violence and crime. I think it is good to try to get them involved with productive activities, but blanket policies like this will only make things difficult for the local libraries and Y's. Parental responsibility is the bigger problem.

Juveniles facing charges required to join libraries, rec centers for summer structure

Judge Kari Bloom and other county leaders announced the “Summer of Discovery” initiative Thursday at the Downtown Main Library.

www.fox19.com

The story you provided doesn't remotely support what you claim. Maybe you need a library card.

It says that low level juvenile offenders must:

• Obtain a library card
• Obtain a membership to their neighborhood Cincinnati Recreation Center or YMCA
• Bring a copy of their last quarter grades to their next court hearing

There is no mention that doing so absolves the child of any punishment, it is simply an added requirement. Notably, the "requirements won’t apply to children who are in detention, have been transferred to adult court, or are facing gun-related charges..."

 

[jp10558]

The story you provided doesn't remotely support what you claim. Maybe you need a library card.

It says that low level juvenile offenders must:

• Obtain a library card
• Obtain a membership to their neighborhood Cincinnati Recreation Center or YMCA
• Bring a copy of their last quarter grades to their next court hearing

There is no mention that doing so absolves the child of any punishment, it is simply an added requirement. Notably, the "requirements won’t apply to children who are in detention, have been transferred to adult court, or are facing gun-related charges..."

Wait - that's worse. So these are people who have not been convicted of any crime, yet they have to do "community service"? I strongly question governments imposing memberships or requiring presentation of grades on a simple accusation. Part of a plea deal, or alternative sentencing sure but pre-trial requirements like that seems very sketchy legally to me. I question if anyone actually challenged that if it would hold up. How are they compensated if found not guilty or charges are later dropped?

 

[pedro47]

Sometimes the court system will needs to set a harsh example to stop this new teenage event. IMHO: Community Service Time away from their community and a visit to a local prison to see what prison life is all about.

 

[southernpat]

We were staying at another timeshare up from Coligny when this happened. On our morning walk on the 4th, we passed the Coligny parking lot at 9:00 a.m. and it was near capacity, lot monitors had the "lot full" sign up already, directing people to the overflow lot. At 10:00 a.m. the overflow lot was full and cars were circling looking for parking. We decided to forego the beach because A) the sheer number of people that day B) the flyovers the last couple years have been lame C) too many fireworks going off everywhere
I am not in law enforcement, but I think that the police presence needed for that size crowd would have had to be significant. Coligny, in my opinion, is out of control..the once decent beach is being overrun with trash everywhere, various large groups and a general sense of uneasiness.
The "Marriott beaches" on the other hand, remain good to great. We feel safe, enjoy our extended time there, never have had any kind of issue. My hope is that this continues.

 

[WBP]

We were staying at another timeshare up from Coligny when this happened. On our morning walk on the 4th, we passed the Coligny parking lot at 9:00 a.m. and it was near capacity, lot monitors had the "lot full" sign up already, directing people to the overflow lot. At 10:00 a.m. the overflow lot was full and cars were circling looking for parking. We decided to forego the beach because A) the sheer number of people that day B) the flyovers the last couple years have been lame C) too many fireworks going off everywhere
I am not in law enforcement, but I think that the police presence needed for that size crowd would have had to be significant. Coligny, in my opinion, is out of control..the once decent beach is being overrun with trash everywhere, various large groups and a general sense of uneasiness.
The "Marriott beaches" on the other hand, remain good to great. We feel safe, enjoy our extended time there, never have had any kind of issue. My hope is that this continues.

This is a great summary of the facts, and perspective. THANK YOU!

I do not make a life of following TUG. I log-into TUG every few days, to see if something interests me, or to make a contribution (like this one, following the email that I received from the Town of Hilton Head Town Council), but, I have not made a life consumed by following TUG. So, it was opportune that I discovered your comment. I am so technologically old-fashioned that I get no notifications on topics that I am watching, and I get NO notifications to my phones, or email.

We too have witnessed the “Urban Decay” in the area of Coligny Circle, and, I should add, it’s spreading. I worry that it won’t be long for car break-ins, at Grande Ocean, and other criminal mischief, and I hope that MVC is able to keep this unscrupulous element at bay.

On a positive note, I believe that the (HHI) Town Council took this incident, very seriously. In part, for the residents, but, also, in part, to sustain the thriving tourism business on HHI. I give the Town Council a lot of credit for being so proactive, and moving so quickly. One Town Councilor is holding another meeting, a less formal one, to discuss the July 4th Incident, and reprecusions, at the library,tonight.

The SPECIAL Town Council meeting begins right now, at 10 AM EDST, on YouTube:
To view the meeting agenda, visit: https://hiltonheadsc.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1323/files/agenda/1905

 

[WBP]

IDK, I don't like blanket surveillance. None of these cameras would prevent crimes, and we all certainly managed to have functional timeshares for decades without being watched everywhere we go. These people were already identified and arrested so adding more "watching" won't help. Maybe having local police or even just local security presence, checking for illegal guns (assuming I understand the unlawful possession charge) is a better move than paying for cameras. Especially during large events / holidays.

I’ll share with you a different perspective, for your consideration.

I spent a good part of my career in a leadership capacity of a luxury hotel brand.

I can’t tell you how many times Closed Circuit TV protected our ladies and gentlemen, our guests, and our assets. We solved, with law enforcement, an armed robbery, numerous threats and acts of physical harm and danger, including sexual assault, criminal trespass, public drunkiness, and numerous other criminal acts, to a large extent, by CCTV. Those crimes would not have been solved, without Closed Circuit TV.

Closed Circuit TV protects/protected our ladies and gentlemen, our guests, and our non-human assets.

While some may consider CCTV, intrusive, I can tell you of many lives that were saved, and assets protected by CCTV.

 

[pedro47]

Closed Circuit TV is used on most cruise lines and it works. IMHO

 

[jp10558]

I’ll share with you a different perspective, for your consideration.

I spent a good part of my career in a leadership capacity of a luxury hotel brand.

I can’t tell you how many times Closed Circuit TV protected our ladies and gentlemen, our guests, and our assets. We solved, with law enforcement, an armed robbery, numerous threats and acts of physical harm and danger, including sexual assault, criminal trespass, public drunkiness, and numerous other criminal acts, to a large extent, by CCTV. Those crimes would not have been solved, without Closed Circuit TV.

Closed Circuit TV protects/protected our ladies and gentlemen, our guests, and our non-human assets.

While some may consider CCTV, intrusive, I can tell you of many lives that were saved, and assets protected by CCTV.

I'm confused though - are you saying CCTV let you prevent the crime, or let you prosecute the perpetrators afterwards? Because those are 2 different things IMO.

And if it's supposed to deter crime, I certainly didn't know it was common. I feel like this easily ends up like the police that use hidden cars to write more tickets, while it's pretty well known that having a visible police car actually slows down drivers. Of course I'm sure the concern is if you make it blatantly obvious there's cameras all over the place, some people won't come because they, like me, don't like being watched all the time. But no one is deterred by cameras they don't know are there.

It's great that people get caught afterwards, but that often does the victim way less good than prevention would have. I suppose the differential is going to be between likely repeat offenders getting taken off the streets (if they are) and one-offs that there's no future crime to potentially prevent. And weight that versus surveillance.

 

[Superchief]

No they wouldn't. Absurd comment.

There is a lot more to this story. Youth violence has become a major problem in the Cincinnati area. Millions of dollars have been spent on the downtown and revitalized Over the Rhine areas. People are afraid to go there due to roving gangs of youths and car break-ins. The juvenile judge and magistrates are more concerned with keeping offenders records clean than protecting citizens. Police don't even bother to arrest youth offenders because they will be back on the street the same day. Here are just a few examples, including violence on opening day during the middle of the day.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/crime/2026/03/27/cincinnati-the-banks-police-clear-crowds-make-arrests-reds-opening-day-ohio-news-updates/89343940007/

Even though youths were causing much of the trouble, only two were arrested because they would likely be released. These are two articles describing their frustration,

Juvenile court judge addresses growing frustration over handling of suspects

Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Kari Bloom says there is only so much the law allows her to do.

www.wlwt.com

https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-police-union-leader-juvenile-court-cases/65502965

The violence problem has spread to the suburbs. This describes an incident similar to the one in Hilton Head. Blue Ash is a traditionally crime free area and this festival has always been a family destination for July 4. Unfortunately, 400+ unsupervised youths decided to attend and some were there to start trouble, ruining the event for everyone. Here again the Hamilton County juvenile court judge released all of those arrested, including one who assaulted a police officer.

What happened at Red, White and Blue Ash disturbance on July 4? Here's what records show

Ohio - Four juveniles and two 18-year-olds were arrested at a July 4 celebration in Blue Ash after police said hundreds of juveniles set off fireworks in the

bluewaterhealthyliving.com

My point in the original comment is that youth criminal activity and violence will grow unless there are some consequences for violent and repeat offenders and their guardians. I applaud trying to give them more constructive activities. However, there are already several youth recreational centers, free Y memberships, and anyone can get a library card. Who will supervise these youths at the libraries and Y's? Cincinnati schools have a 40% absenteeism, so what makes anyone think these youths will be saved by this program?

 

[Superchief]

The story you provided doesn't remotely support what you claim. Maybe you need a library card.

It says that low level juvenile offenders must:

• Obtain a library card
• Obtain a membership to their neighborhood Cincinnati Recreation Center or YMCA
• Bring a copy of their last quarter grades to their next court hearing

There is no mention that doing so absolves the child of any punishment, it is simply an added requirement. Notably, the "requirements won’t apply to children who are in detention, have been transferred to adult court, or are facing gun-related charges..."

My point is this absurd program is this judge's solution to youth violence and crime. What will the consequence be for those who don't comply or have bad grades or dropped out? The focus should be on the crime and the threat that individual represents to the community. This same judge found an offender to be not delinquent even though a police officer found them standing over a victim and shooting them. Then she tried to illegally seal the records.

Ohio Constitution prohibits judges from sealing juvenile delinquency records without considering the public’s interest | The Highland County Press

In a divided opinion, the Supreme Court ordered Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Kari Bloom to provide the Cincinnati Enquirer access to the transcript of a 2022 trial. The case involved a case in which the juvenile court found a juvenile to be not delinquent despite a police officer stating...

highlandcountypress.com

 

[jme]

We were staying at another timeshare up from Coligny when this happened. On our morning walk on the 4th, we passed the Coligny parking lot at 9:00 a.m. and it was near capacity, lot monitors had the "lot full" sign up already, directing people to the overflow lot. At 10:00 a.m. the overflow lot was full and cars were circling looking for parking. We decided to forego the beach because A) the sheer number of people that day B) the flyovers the last couple years have been lame C) too many fireworks going off everywhere
I am not in law enforcement, but I think that the police presence needed for that size crowd would have had to be significant. Coligny, in my opinion, is out of control..the once decent beach is being overrun with trash everywhere, various large groups and a general sense of uneasiness.
The "Marriott beaches" on the other hand, remain good to great. We feel safe, enjoy our extended time there, never have had any kind of issue. My hope is that this continues.

(Foreword: We have stayed at Marriott Grande Ocean more than 110 times since our 1998 ownership purchase. I've lost count, but I know for sure
it's at least that many.)
I've personally been visiting HH Island since I was 6 or 7 years old. My family stayed there for the very first time at The William Hilton Inn, the first hotel on the island,
built on purpose on the widest stretch of beach on the island, which happens to be the exact plot of land on which Marriott constructed Grande Ocean.
They bulldozed the old hotel and built MGO.
So, I have a vested interest, not to mention a deep affection for the island, and I thought I'd add a little background info
AND a few random thoughts regarding the recent HH news of the holiday shooting.

See below the aerial view maps of the area, and specifically note the locations of Coligny Circle,
Coligny Beach Access, Coligny Parking area & the adjacent Low Country Celebration Park.

Also see the location of Marriott's Grande Ocean Resort down S. Forest Beach Drive.
Grande Ocean is 0.9 miles away, and per google, a 17-minute walk via the beach. That's a pretty fair distance from the shootings.
Also note the several PRIVATE Condo complexes between Coligny area and Grande Ocean (about 7 or 8 of them), which includes the
fairly new upscale Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Oak Resort........a small-footprint oceanfront timeshare resort two resorts from Grande Ocean.

The private properties in between Coligny and MGO have always been quiet and peaceful. Having been owners at MGO for 28 years, I seldom even see vehicles entering and exiting those properties----in other words, that stretch is quite tranquil and historically very safe. The beach area in front of those properties have a low number
of people most of the time, unlike the private-owner guests that use the beachfront at MGO and Hilton's Ocean Oak. On the lower southern end of MGO, the next mile is almost free of people at all, because the stretch is comprised of private HOMES, and many times the beach is virtually deserted----again a very quiet and tranquil area.
Marriott's Monarch and adjacent Sea Pines Beach Club (and public beach access) is the first major development you come to when you walk South from MGO.
Bottom line, that whole area from Coligny to Sea Pines is one of the nicest and safest on the island. It also has the WIDEST and most beautiful beach on the island.

The PROBLEM we are all now concerned with, and discussing, ie, the shootings at Coligny area, was bound to happen......
But if anyone were to try to predict WHEN such bad behavior might happen, it would certainly be on major holidays and during holiday weekends,
when distant island residents, say people that live way up Hwy 278 of totally off-island, ride down to that area to become part of the wildness.
As we all know, it's happening all over the country, and such bad behavior begets more bad behavior.
The city "take-overs" all around the USA was probably seen by these teen shooters, and they want to do their thing too----most likely GANG activity, imho.

Anyway, why THIS Hilton Head area for the trouble?
Because the Coligny area is basically the FIRST beach access that's well-known with fairly easy parking,
so it's where the local teens and younger beach-going adults know to go to.

Also local families and local employees go there in order to use the beach at this location.... both good and bad kids would naturally be included in the crowd.
It's one of the only and perhaps the best & easiest beach access they know about.
Many other beaches closer to where they live, or travel from, have much narrower beaches with no nearby convenient paved parking,
so Coligny Beach Club is THE place they go.
It's also the place that becomes quite overpopulated on Holiday weekends, to the point where it's hard to find a spot on the beach at all
where you won't step on another "body on a towel".
Frisbees, soccer balls or baseballs, games, kites, and loud music (and concealed alcoholic beverages) abound.

Timeshare owners just don't go there much, as they know better. The biggest crowd I've personally EVER seen at HH was at that beach area.
The old Holiday Inn with it's popular Tiki Hut are there, and it gets and stays very, very rowdy---and on holiday weekends it's insane.

The old Holiday Inn HOTEL of another lifetime became The Beach House Hilton Head Island.
Sounds more sophisticated but it's the same ole place.
You really don't want to stay there. And because of the people it attracts, I would avoid it altogether.

So, that why the perps who did the shootings were there in the first place--- insane uncontrolled crowds and they could get away with anything.
I could be wrong, but when we learn more about the shooters and where they were from,
I'll bet they lived a good distance off-island and drove in looking for trouble.
One they know already and has been arrested is from Beaufort, 35 miles and a 48-minute drive away.
As of today I think there are five teens that have been arrested. My hope and prayer is that an example will be made of them.
People could have been killed, and then the kids would have been celebrated.

Beach House Hilton Head Hotel at Coligny Circle's public beach access (aka "Coligny Beach Club Tiki Hut").
Coligny Traffic Circle is just on the other side of the taller building on the left.

Scene of the crime