Hilton Head Welcomes Back a Familiar Face
In a stunning development for residents of Hilton Head, Steve DeSimone has officially returned to the Town Council after a break of 22 years! The former councilman, who served from 1995 to 2002, has secured the Ward 3 seat in a hotly contested battle, defeating his opponent, Amy Fee, with 2,038 votes, which translates to an impressive 57.6% of the vote. Fee managed to capture 1,470 votes, making up about 41.5% of the total.
The Comeback Kid
DeSimone’s victory marks a big moment not just for him but also for the community in mid-island, an area that stretches from south of Broad Creek to Coligny Beach. It’s clear the voters are excited to have him back on the council, especially as he takes on pressing issues that affect their daily lives.
In March, David Ames, the incumbent Mayor Pro-Tem and Ward 3 council member, announced he would not run for reelection. This left the door wide open for new leadership, and DeSimone is ready to step in and make a difference.
A Rich History with the Town
Steve DeSimone isn’t just any candidate; he brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community service. He first moved to Hilton Head in 1986 to work as an assistant engineer with the town government when it was newly organized. Since then, he has consistently shown a commitment to the island, even serving on the town’s Board of Zoning Appeals in recent years. His deep roots in the community make him a well-informed choice to tackle the unique challenges that Hilton Head faces.
Highlights from the Campaign Trail
Throughout the election campaign, both candidates shared their views on the major issues at hand. Topics like the U.S. 278 Corridor Project, which aims to improve traffic flow and safety on the island, were key points of discussion. Public safety also made it to the forefront, proving that it’s a top concern for island residents.
Through debates and community forums, residents learned that both DeSimone and Fee placed great importance on increasing council transparency and working towards island preservation. These priorities indicate a strong desire among the community to ensure that Hilton Head remains a beautiful and safe place to live and visit.
New Faces in Town Council
Alongside DeSimone, incumbent Alex Brown from Ward 1 and newcomer Melinda Tunner from Ward 6 will also join the council, making for an exciting blend of experiences and ideas. The new members will add fresh perspectives to the seven-member governing body, which is essential for tackling the evolving needs of the town.
What’s Next?
As DeSimone settles into his new role, you can expect to see him dive into the pressing matters facing the town. Will he prioritize the U.S. 278 Corridor enhancements? How will he approach issues related to public safety? Residents are eagerly awaiting his plans and strategies as he embarks on this new chapter.
The residents of Hilton Head have spoken, and they are ready for change. With Steve DeSimone back in the mix, it sounds like the community is in for a promising journey ahead. Community engagement, better living conditions, and an ever-inviting environment—sounds like a bright future for Hilton Head!
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
