"I love how summer just wraps its arm around you like a warm blanket." - Kellie Elmore
Dear Litchfield-By-The-Sea Owners,
The Litchfield by the Sea staff loves to get feedback from our owners. We want to hear your thoughts so we can continually improve the community and meet your needs. Recently, we have heard many comments regarding the Community’s Resort Fee, which was implemented in 2023 and charged to short-term rental guests.
There appears to be some misunderstandings regarding the intent, collection, and allocation of this fee. To ensure complete transparency, we would like to clarify how this non-assessment income functions and why it is vital to preserving our beautiful community.
The Resort Fee collected from short-term rental (STR) guests is deposited directly into the General Operating Fund.
- This fund acts as the financial backbone of our daily operations.
- It is the exact same fund where owner assessments are deposited.
- It is used every day to enhance and protect the overall value and beauty of LBTS.
When reviewing the original 2023 Resort Fee Presentation, we can see that the core emphasis of the fee is operational equity. A copy of the 2023 Presentation is attached for reference. In summary, high-volume short-term rentals create unique financial pressures that this fee directly addresses:
- Asset Wear and Tear: High guest turnover accelerates the aging of shared amenities, roads, walkways, and beach access points.
- Elevated Security Demands: Increased community occupancy requires robust, round-the-clock gate and patrol security to keep owners & guests secure and safe.
- Landscaping and Upkeep: Maintaining pristine common areas requires more frequent maintenance and janitorial during peak rental seasons.
Before 2023, property owners bore the full financial weight of these rental-driven operational expenses through their standard assessments.
- The Resort Fee shifts a fair portion of these costs to the guests who actively use the amenities.
- It generates critical non-assessment income to balance rising inflation and operational expenses.
- It protects owners from steep, unexpected assessment hikes.
Some community members have asked for a specific line-item breakdown of how Resort Fee income is spent.
- The 2023 Board mandate did not dedicate these fees to a special purpose or restricted account.
- Because it is pooled into the General Operating Fund, there is no separate breakdown.
- Every dollar is absorbed into the general budget to fund community-wide security, landscaping, and asset maintenance.
By ensuring that short-term guests contribute to the cost of maintaining the infrastructure they enjoy, Litchfield by the Sea can maintain its reputation as a premier, secure, and beautiful coastal community for all owners and guests.
Sincerely,
Alan Dubroff, COO
Office Announcements
Coming Soon: We Want Your Feedback!
We’re excited to announce that a brief owner survey will be coming soon to help shape the future of the Good Tidings newsletter. Your feedback will play an important role as we explore ways to refresh our publication with a cleaner design, engaging visuals, community photos, and content that better serve our residents. We look forward to hearing your ideas and appreciate your participation as we work to make Good Tidings an even more valuable resource for the Litchfield By The Sea community.
Maintenance News & Project Updates:
Each day, your LBTS Management Team coordinates and performs many small & large repairs across both campuses. However, when larger projects may impact owners/guests, we will provide details regarding those projects so you can plan accordingly. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to maintain and improve your community.
Litchfield-By-The-Sea
- Upcoming Boardwalk Project
Maintenance is scheduled to begin next week on the boardwalk as part of the ongoing efforts to preserve and improve the structure for long-term safety and durability. We are doing this to avoid more traffic. To minimize disruption, the boardwalk will always remain open during the project. Work will be completed in 16-foot sections to allow continued pedestrian access while repairs are underway.
- Pressure Washing
Our Maintenance Team has continued its property enhancement efforts by pressure washing completed in Charlestowne Grant curbs and signs. This ongoing project helps maintain the clean, welcoming appearance of our community. Pressure washing will continue throughout Litchfield by The Sea as our team works to refresh additional areas across the property.
- Osprey Watch Lake Update
Fountain C has successfully passed inspection and is currently awaiting the installation of the electrical meter. Once the meter has been installed and activated, the fountain will be placed into service.
- Main Guard Gate Improvements
As part of our ongoing efforts to maintain and improve community infrastructure, our Maintenance Team recently installed new door vents at the Main Guard Gate. These vents help provide proper airflow for the electronic equipment housed inside the guard gate, preventing excessive heat buildup and promoting reliable operation.
- Fountain Maintenance Update
To keep our community fountains operating efficiently and looking their best, our Maintenance Team has completed routine cleaning of the fountain systems and installed new strainer baskets. Regular cleaning helps remove debris and maintain water quality, while the new strainer baskets improve system performance by preventing leaves and other materials from entering the pumps.
- South Gate Entrance Improvements
Our Maintenance Team has made several improvements at the South Gate entrance to enhance traffic flow and improve the overall appearance of the area. The old barcode scanner and bollards have been removed, the surrounding asphalt has been repaired, and the exit lane has been widened to provide a smoother and more efficient exit for residents and guests.
Please note: Our Maintenance Team routinely removes trash and debris from the beach to help keep our shoreline clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. We kindly remind all residents and guests, whether visiting the Beach Club or any area of the beach, to please use the trash cans when disposing of waste. Your cooperation helps protect our beautiful coastline, preserves local wildlife, and keeps Litchfield by The Sea clean for everyone to enjoy.
River Club
- River Club Guard House
Our Maintenance Team recently rebuilt another sliding glass door at the River Club Guard House as part of our ongoing facility maintenance program. This repair improves the functionality, security, and daily operation of the guard house while helping ensure a safe and efficient working environment for our security staff.
- Irrigation Repair Completed Near Tall Pines
Our Maintenance Team recently repaired a main irrigation line break located in front of Tall Pines. The damaged section of the irrigation system was promptly identified and repaired to restore proper water flow and ensure the surrounding landscape continues to receive adequate irrigation.
- Community Sign Maintenance Update
Our Maintenance Team has resumed work on community signage and is currently refurbishing the Fairway Lane sign. The sign has been temporarily removed so necessary repairs and maintenance can be completed to improve its appearance and durability before it is reinstalled
Landscaping News and Updates
The following landscape maintenance update is provided by our Landscape Maintenance Partner, United Land Services, to ensure we meet the needs of the community and address any issues caused by weather, pests/bugs, accidents, etc.
LBTS Common Area Landscape Maintenance
Turf Grass Mowing and Ponds
- Completed all mowing and weed eating on both campuses this week.
- Mowing will continue daily on both properties (LBTS & River Club).
- Mowing and weed eating will continue weekly in Compass
Ornamental Detailing
- Detailing around Beach Club
- We continued trimming the shrubs throughout River Club.
- We cleaned up the palm tree boots around Retreat Beach Circle this week.
- We cut the seed pods out of the pindo palms near the entrance this week.
Fertilization, Weed Control & Pest Services
- Weeds were sprayed throughout the entire property in LBTS.
- Weeds were sprayed throughout entire property in River Club.
- We sprayed all the weeds around the Beach Club.
- We fertilized all the flowers in LBTS & River Club this week.
Irrigation Inspections & Maintenance
- System will be routinely inspected for operational efficiency and condition.
- Visual inspection will include controller and electronic components, spray and rotor heads and shrub risers.
- Minor adjustments for efficiency will be made during inspection.
- Repairs for malfunctioning, broken or worn-out components (heads, line breaks, controllers and electronics, pumps, etc.) will be done after client approval.
- We replaced a 2 inch valve that was bad and diagnosed a bad wiring issue the controller near the entrance and repaired it as well.
LBTS Social Events, Activities, & Community Outreach
07/22/2026– Tai Chi– 10:00PM at Beach Clubhouse, 790 Retreat Beach Circle, Pawleys Island
07/23/2026– Yoga– 9:30AM at Beach Clubhouse, 790 Retreat Beach Circle, Pawleys Island
07/23/2026– Chair Yoga– 11:00AM at Beach Clubhouse, 790 Retreat Beach Circle, Pawleys Island
FUN Events Happening Around Town
Women’s Surf Fishing Clinic July 17th 4:30PM-7:30PM
This event is an educational hands-on program designed to introduce women to the exciting sport of surf fishing. Participants will learn the basics of casting, bait selection, fishing techniques, local regulations, and beach safety from experienced instructors in a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this clinic offers a great opportunity to gain confidence, enjoy South Carolina’s beautiful coastline, and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts while learning about the area’s unique coastal ecosystem.
Location: 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet SC 29576, Huntington Beach State Park
Canvas and Elixirs presented by Jireh Shalom July 18th 5:30PM – 7:30PM
This outdoor sip-and-paint experience invites guests ages 18 and older to relax, create a beautiful canvas painting with guided instruction, and enjoy handcrafted mocktails, light bites, and stunning waterfront views during golden hour. Guests are also welcome to bring their own beverages. Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply looking for a fun night out with friends, this unique event offers the perfect blend of creativity, relaxation, and community in one of Georgetown’s most scenic settings. Advance registration is recommended, as seating is limited.
Location: 515 East Bay Street, Georgetown, SC 29440
Kelly Rimmer Luncheon July 24th 10:45AM – 1:00PM
An exclusive author luncheon celebrating her newest novel, The Story Keeper. Guests will enjoy an intimate discussion with Kelly Rimmer about her latest captivating novel, followed by a Q&A session, book signing, and meet-and-greet. The event also includes a delicious lunch and a signed, limited-edition copy of The Story Keeper.
Location: 13089 Ocean Hwy building e, Pawleys Island, SC