PORT ROYAL, S.C. — Town officials in Port Royal have noted that the area is being highlighted on various travel websites as a must-see destination. This recognition is drawing more tourists and inspiring some to consider making it their permanent residence.

The town recently made some changes to accommodate the rising number of folks visiting but now they’re planning more even for the future.  

Mayor Kevin Phillips of Port Royal assures they are ready for this growth. “We’re aware that an increase in population is imminent. We anticipate challenges that come with it, but with strategic planning and a proactive approach, we can address these effectively,” he stated.

Phillips remarked that with a tagline like ‘cool, coastal and far from ordinary,’ it’s no wonder visitors are flocking to the town, so the rise in tourism comes as no shock.

Phillips said last year the town noticed flooding at the entrance to Sands Beach. He said that it was limiting many folks from accessing the beach, so the town invested a lot of money in a project that would help alleviate the issue.

“A lot of really big things are happening. We actually just opened up our new causeway to Sands Beach. We did that on Friday afternoon. It’s been going well so far,” said Phillips.

Phillips emphasized they have been working hard to keep the town quiet and safe while also accommodating tourists

In addition to the revamped Sands Beach entrance, Phillips confirmed they also installed 28 speed bumps on several residential streets to slow down traffic.

“We still are a residential area.  Even though we have an urban center, we still have a lot of families, people of all different ages, walking, riding bikes, riding golf carts and scooters,” said Phillips. “Those roads are shared with trucks. Trucks pulling boats, semi-trucks. So, we just want everybody to slow down and be safe.”

Phillips said he anticipates even more traffic and tourism once the port, owned by Safe Harbor, and the town’s waterfront is developed.

“The town’s got plans to build back our shrimp docks. We’re going to bring the Spanish Moss Trail across Ribaut Road, finally bringing the Spanish Moss Trail down into the Port Royal Village, connecting it with Sands Beach,” said Phillips. “So, the rest of this year and next year is really going to be exciting.”

The town has a meeting on Wednesday night where they will have their second vote on the planned unit development (PUD) and planned development agreement with Safe Harbor. Phillips said he believes that will kick-start the development of the port.