American media mogul Ted Turner has completed the sale of St Phillips Island, a pristine 4,680-acre barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, to the state government for a small part of its market value. The deal transfers ownership of the untouched coastal island to the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism for $4.9 million. The purchase price is about one-third of the property’s appraised market value of $14.9 million.
This means the remaining value represents a large charitable contribution to the public. The land is near Beaufort and just south of Saint Helena Island. It will now become part of the state park system. Under the agreement, the state plans to protect its sensitive ecosystems while allowing limited public access, educational programmes and eco-tourism opportunities.
Funding for the $4.9 million purchase came from a mix of state conservation funds, public grants and park revenue reserves. In a press statement released by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, agency officials confirmed that the deed contains strict conditions.
He said the acquisition adds a rare gem to the state’s public land network. Representatives for Turner said he was pleased that the island would remain untouched and available to future generations under public management. Turner and state officials negotiated for several months before completing the final transfer. These conditions ensure the island remains dedicated to public enjoyment and natural preservation forever. Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, praised the agreement. Parrish noted that obtaining an intact barrier island of this size would normally be financially impossible for a state agency without major philanthropic support from the landowner. Turner, who founded CNN and TBS, has long been one of North America’s largest private landowners. He owns hundreds of thousands of acres across several states that are dedicated to conservation and bison restoration. The park service plans to begin limited public ferry services and guided day trips after safety inspections and basic infrastructure checks are completed.