Island Life on Hilton Head

Town Hall, business licenses, Town Council and who runs what on the island.

The per-bedroom permit, the ordinance’s rules and the Town’s 3% tax on stays.

The Sheriff’s offices, Fire Rescue’s stations and the non-emergency numbers.

No plastic carryout bags at island checkouts, and what stores use instead.

The island’s three post offices, their hours and PO boxes.

The county branch on Beach City Road and the Heritage Library Foundation.

There is no office on the island: the nearest is in Bluffton, and much is done online.

29928 and 29926, which areas each covers, and the PO Box zips.

The island’s business chamber, and how it differs from the visitor bureau.

Water and sewer by district, Palmetto Electric, and internet: who to call to start service.

The convenience center, its decal and hours, curbside haulers and recycling.

Ace, Grayco, Anchor and Coligny on the island, with their Sunday hours.

Ace Hardware of Hilton Head on Northridge Drive: the island's largest hardware store, with hours, Sunday opening, phone, directions and what shoppers say.

Grayco Hardware and Home near Sea Pines Circle: the south end's hardware store on Hilton Head, with hours, Sunday opening, phone and what shoppers say.

The nearest Home Depot, in Bluffton, about 20 minutes past the bridges.

The nearest Lowe’s, in Bluffton, open early for a changeover-day run.

Island florists for delivery to a home, rental or hotel, and for weddings.

The island’s public schools, its private schools, and the colleges nearby.

Hilton Head Island High School on Wilborn Road: grades 9 to 12, the IB programs, zoning and school choice, and how to reach the office.

Hilton Head Prep at 8 Fox Grape Road in Sea Pines: independent school from 15 months to 12th grade, with divisions, programs and phone.

Heritage Academy on New Orleans Road: a private day school for grades 6 to 12 built around student-athletes, with dual enrollment.

The island’s Christian school, now on its campus in Bluffton.

The big employers, seasonal hiring, and where island jobs are posted.

The Island Packet, WHHI-TV, the island’s magazines and radio stations.

The island’s newspaper: what it covers and how to read it.

Where island obituaries are published, the funeral homes, and how to place one.

The bridge club, the Italian American Club and Rotary.

Games and lessons at Port Royal Plaza.

Every pet page in one place: stores, care and adoption.

PetSmart, Woof Gang and All About Pets on the island, Petco in Bluffton.

A pet store with grooming, daycare and boarding.

Boarding, daycare, grooming and vets.

Red Rover on Hilton Head Island is now Evergreen Pet Lodge South: boarding and daycare on Bow Circle, with address, phone and what to ask about grooming.

The island’s no-kill shelter: adopt a dog or cat, volunteer or donate.

A volunteer-run, open-air sanctuary for the island’s rescued cats.

Every senior community on the island, from assisted living to nursing care.

The five independent living communities on Hilton Head Island: two monthly rentals with no buy-in and three CCRCs with a health center on campus.

Memory care on Hilton Head Island: Harbor Cove, The Pines, the Preston and Fraser health centers, and the Memory Matters day program.

Hilton Head's three continuing care retirement communities compared: how the entrance fee and care contract work at TidePointe, The Cypress and Seabrook.