BEACH PRESERVATION MANAGEMENT See Page 3 Photo by Rachel Basye Vol.4 Issue 8 August 2026 THE NEW OCEAN CLUB UNVEILED See Page 23 SEPTIC TANKS/SEWER See Page 7 PUPS IN PARADISE See Page 14 RIDING THE WIND CHARLESTON’S KITEBOARDING COMMUNITY TAKES FLIGHT See Page 11 A SINKING OF SIGNIFICANCE AUGUST MARKS ANNIVERSARY OF HUNLEY RECOVERY See Page 28 To read digitally, visit ReadIslandVibes.com The conversation continues at IsleOfPalmsPodcast.com Compliments of Brandy McMahon | Learn More on Page 22
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IslandVibesIOP.com 3 NEWS Summer beach renourishment: retaining sand for the long-term By L. C. Leach III Isle of Palms' largest beach renourishment project is set to run the entire summer through September. Image courtesy of IOP City Isle of Palms is currently undergoing its biggest beach renourishment project to date, with work crews under the direction of Marinex Construction of North Charleston placing 2.5 million cubic yards of beach-quality sediment along up to 19,200 linear feet of shoreline on the two ends of the island. But the persistent question regarding this project and many previous ones continues to be: Once the sand is in place, how do we keep it from washing away? Members of the IOP Beach Preservation Committee (BPC) are not only studying the issue but hope to have some specific recommendations to the city council later in the year, preferably before the project ends this autumn. “IOP cannot do the same thing we have done for the last 30 years and expect a different outcome,” said committee chairman Dietmar Ostermann. “We need to change the erosion trajectory and seriously consider constructing hard structures to slow the devastating erosion on the island.” To this end, city leaders, committee members and professional advisors are discussing viable vegetation planting and fencing options, especially for added dunes that will be part of the current project. “It is very important that the newly created dunes be protected with both vegetation and fencing,” said Ostermann, “as this will slow down the erosion of our dunes and, to some degree, even assist in accumulating sand on them.” Major discussion over the last few months has centered on these four items: • Project Summary and Schedule. At the council’s June 24 meeting, principal consultant Steven Traynum, president of Coastal Science Engineering in Columbia, made a presentation regarding the renourishment project’s overview and timeline. Indicating that the project will add more habitat for flora and fauna, he also pointed out that after this renourishment, the beach will be significantly wider. “But erosion of the construction berm and scarping can be expected directly after nourishment as the constructed profile adjusts to a natural beach shape,” Traynum showed in the presentation. • Beach Alternatives. On June 4, BPC members met to hear an alternatives analysis progress update from Chris Creed, a senior coastal engineer and client manger with science and engineering firm Foth Olsen of Jacksonville, Florida. Creed discussed minimum healthy beach conditions and recommended that hard structures be considered for the ‘hot spots’ to maintain those areas between renourishment projects. • State Funding. BPC members also heard discussion of state support for beach nourishment from representatives of Tompkins, Thompson & Brown Government Affairs in Columbia. Firm partner Warren Tompkins informed the committee that between $7.5 million and $10 million will be set aside in the next state budget for beach issues, and that the firm would “continue to seek funds for beach maintenance while also working to secure a permanent funding source for beach-related concerns.” • Dune Reinforcing. Dr. Nicole Elko, president of Elko Coastal Consulting in Folly Beach, also joined the BPC meeting to discuss the benefits of sand fencing and vegetation. She explained that the intent of the fencing is to disappear into the dune as it grows while the vegetation will continue to grow up through the dune. She recommended that the fencing and vegetation be implemented immediately. Ostermann said that while sand fencing and vegetation are not included in the authorized budget for the beach renourishment project, he is hoping these items will be appended at some point as they will “slow down the erosion of our dunes and, to some degree, even assist in accumulating sand on them.” City Councilman David Cohen added that his long-term preference is maintaining a dune system that protects the island from potential storm surge of a Category 3 hurricane. “Currently, the city has budgeted approximately $30 million for a beach renourishment effort in 2036 – we have a 10-year budget projected out,” Cohen said. “This amount does not include potential state grants or funding from Wild Dunes Association. This plan should support a renourishment effort in 2036 similar in scope to the current effort.” He is further anticipating that the Foth Olsen alternative study will reveal how hard or soft structures will offer “better protection at a lower cost in the future.” “At this time I do not feel any options are off the table,” Cohen said. “There are a lot of variables, primarily weather-related, that could impact this plan. For me, it really comes down to cost versus the probability of successful results.” The current project began in July on IOP’s north end and is scheduled to be completed in September on the south end. Contractor work crews are expected to move at a pace of 100 feet per day. As the project progresses, Mayor Phillip Pounds said that input regarding all beach preservation options will be considered before council determines a final course of action. “The hard structures on our beach would be a very different look for us,” he said. “But that will be a council decision at some point maybe later this year or early next year.” “Very knowledgeable, responsive and honest. We have bought and sold over 20 homes and never experienced the quality of service that Andrea provided” “...extremely helpful in making recommendations to get our house market-ready. With her suggestions for home improvements, our house sold in a week at the high end of market value.” 843.532.3010 - AndreaRogers1@gmail.com CALL ANDREA ROGERS SOUTHERN PROFESSIONALISM A way of life, The way to be
IslandVibesIOP.com 4 Island Vibes Vol. 4, Issue 8, August 2026 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER JAZZY JORDAN ASSISTANT@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ART DIRECTOR BETHANY LONG COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS BRAND AMBASSADOR SONYA BUCKHANNON SONYA@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL BASYE COOPERRIVERPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM DIGITAL MANAGER ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ELLEN KERR ELLEN@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM WEB EDITOR GEORGE CONKLIN WRITERS RYAN BUCKHANNON • ELLA DUANE LAURA FOGARTY • ALLYAH HARRAR BELLA HARRAR • CARI LAWSON • L.C. LEACH III COLIN MCCANDLESS • KIMBERLYN NAYLOR PHILLIP POUNDS • SARAH ROSE SALES REPRESENTATIVES STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM MARNIE BONN MARNIE@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE BOSS DOG REGGIE DISTRIBUTION ISLE OF PALMS • WILD DUNES • GOAT ISLAND • DEWEES ISLAND • U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • CVS • FOOD LION ASHEVILLE/HENDERSON AIRPORT ALL SC WELCOME CENTERS DIRECT MAIL VIA US POST OFFICE Homes on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island Affluent neighborhoods rotated monthly Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, NC Buckhead, Druid Hills, Decatur, Atlanta, Georgia Island Vibes is published locally by a team of independent contractors. Island Vibes is published 12 times per year by Islands Publishing LLC. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Islands Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction electronically or in print format without the expressed written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited and a violation of U.S. copyright laws. Content, including editorial, advertising or comments, that threatens, harasses or degrades others may be revoked or refused from print and online publication at the sole discretion of Island Vibes. Inquiries to: Island Vibes P.O. Box 22617, Charleston, SC 29413 Proud Member of the IOP Chamber of Commerce and A South Carolina Press Association Award-Winning Publication. About the Cover By Laura Fogarty From the Publisher Why Do Island Guests Love Vacationing on the Isle of Palms? FROM THE TEAM The dog days of summer brought an eclectic mix of both humans and canines to the beach for our August cover photo shoot. Nothing planned. Nothing organized. We just showed up with photographer Rachel Basye during off-leash hours and hoped that we would happen upon some willing participants for our well-themed cover. The day and the dogs did not disappoint. We encountered residents, visitors from all around the Lowcountry and a few vacationers as well. From Mount Pleasant to Gaffney, to Northern Virginia, New Jersey, Wisconsin and beyond, every dog owner appeared thankful for the off-leash time and seemingly every dog was appreciative of the freedom and the luxury of running about free from a tether. The interaction between people and dogs alike was friendly and light, with a sincere expression of gratitude echoing throughout the morning. Patty Randinelli and her golden retriever trio brought a smile to every face in the vicinity, making them the perfect choice for our cover. Piper, Minnow and Palmer occasionally stopped their tennis ball retrievals to pose and charm our photographer before bounding off again to swim and retrieve one or sometimes two balls at a time. Randinelli was careful to fill every hole dug by her dogs in order to protect sea turtles and humans alike. Most often, the best plans grow organically with no actual plan at all, as was the case on this beautiful summer morning. Off-leash hours for dogs on the beach at Isle of Palms are currently 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. Those times remain in effect until Sept. 15, when off-leash hours run from 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. Photo by Cooper River Photography. Isle of Palms is a place where families have escaped to enjoy its timeless appeal for more than a century. It started when the Seashore Railroad connected Isle of Palms to the rest of the world in 1898. In the nearly 13 decades since, generations have been drawn to its beaches and natural beauty. They created positive island vibes and shared their memories with family and friends. Follow me on this please, but can you imagine the kind of word-of-mouth personal endorsements and positive vibes that have been spread throughout this time? I believe that in order to fully understand why we are where we are today, we need to understand our past. When you visit IsleofPalmsHistory.com/ videos, you can learn about the elimination of the toll on Grace Memorial Bridge in 1946 and how that marked a pivotal moment in the growth of Isle of Palms tourism. Remember when you watch these historic films that they were produced by JC Long, an island visionary. To film a flight along the shores of Isle of Palms by projector in an aircraft back in 1946 amazes me. Whether it’s the Isle of Palms of 1946 or today, it is the people who call Isle of Palms home who make this slice of paradise special. Everyone here cares not only about their island but also about the families who come to vacation here. Throughout the years, surveys have shown that the reason visitors call Isle of Palms a “family-friendly island” is because of the families and everyone else who call this island home. I will always remember the time I interviewed an island guest and I asked, “What do you like most about Isle of Palms?” Seamlessly, their answer was “the locals.” It made my heart smile! Thanks for reading Island Vibes and helping us spread positive vibes around Isle of Palms. Positively yours, Bill Macchio Publisher "It may be the dog days of summer outside, but for me it's just cool days inside Island Vibes offices." -Boss Dog, Reggie.
IslandVibesIOP.com 5 FROM THE TEAM Deep Charleston Roots, Three Generations of Real Estate Knowledge Selling where I LOVE Living Mount Pleasant & Isle of Palms Winslow Carroll Dunes Properties 843-886-9600 wcarroll@dunesproperties.com Jeff and Melissa Polluta just moved to Isle of Palms in 2025 but recently became high-profile members of the community after donating a Tesla Model S car to the Isle of Palms Police Department for its vehicle fleet. The electric-fuel car is the first ever donated to IOPPD and entered service this July, five months after the IOP City Council approved its donation. It will be assigned to Chief of Police Kevin Cornett for official use and allow one of the department’s purpose-built police vehicles to be placed back into service. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation,” Cornett said. “This vehicle will not only help us avoid replacing fleet vehicles ahead of schedule, but it will also serve as a great conversation starter with the members of our community.” And that conversation has already started – principally the question of what made the Pollutas want to give away a very expensive car. “No one ever seems to help the police anymore,” said Jeff, who along with Melissa, co-founded the Lowcountry Island couple donate Tesla car to police By L. C. Leach III waste management company Trash Gurl in 2009. “I noticed that they have some aging vehicles, and this car gets such good mileage – 128 miles a gallon, mpge. It’s a 2025 model and was virtually brand new when we gave it to them.” Another question was how a non-police vehicle was able to be added to the force. IOPPD Sgt. Matt Storen pointed out that police vehicles are more common in the form of a Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Explorer) or a Ford F-150 Police Responder. “Tesla does not make a vehicle specifically designed for police use – this model was able to be outfitted with emergency lights, a siren and other necessary public safety equipment,” Storen said. “These items, when done in accordance with state law, make it a lawful police vehicle.” When further asked how much the donation will save the city in buying a new police vehicle, Storen said, “It’s hard to estimate savings this early on. However, we are taking fuel, oil and other expenses seen with a gas-powered vehicle into consideration.” The new Tesla will be seen at community events and other official police department functions. But such donations are rare among state police departments. John Jones, executive director of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association in Columbia, said that while gifts sometimes come from a few private philanthropists and individuals, donations like this, especially Tesla cars, “are few and far between.” “We have more than 300 law enforcement agencies in South Carolina – police, sheriff, state, federal, you name it – and a donation like this happens maybe once a year,” said Jones, now in his 32nd year of law enforcement. “So I think it’s great that IOPPD got this donation.” The force also got something else from the car that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet: an automatic way for what Storen called “a tool to help us connect and engage with members of our community.” Melissa put the matter down to simple citizen support. “We’re new to IOP,” she said, “and the police need to be credited and noted that they’re doing such a good job.” The Tesla Model S is the newest addition to the IOP police force Photo courtesy of IOPPD
His last official duty will come on July 29, but IOP firefighter James Giddens hasn’t been counting down the days. Having served the island’s fire department and all island residents for 23 years, Giddens knows it is time to leave, but at the same time kind of wants to stay. “I have called IOP my second home since 2003 when I was hired,” said Giddens, who was honored with a farewell drop-in July 16. “I was always the ‘baby’ or youngest in the department – so it’s weird to think that I am old enough to hang up my boots.” Fire Chief James Oliverius added that replacing someone of Giddens’ ability and dedication won’t happen just by reviewing potential applicants. “Public safety is a demanding career and comes with many missed family activities over two decades of service,” Oliverius said. “He will be deeply missed across so many levels.” The biggest level, of course, is the service itself. Giddens’ pull toward firefighting started during his senior year of high school when he spotted another student wearing a Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department T-shirt. “He told me the only way I could have one was to come by the station and volunteer,” Giddens said. “That is when I got bitten by the public safety bug.” Starting in 2001 with the St. Andrews Fire Department in West Ashley, Giddens soon acquired the nickname of ‘Bones’ because “I weighed about 130 pounds.” He eventually came to IOP because he wanted to learn about the “water rescue side of the fire service.” Over the next 15 years, Giddens answered nearly every kind of fire call imaginable to control and extinguish fires, perform search and rescue operations, treat medical emergencies and to rescue people and animals from confinement or dangerous situations when necessary. “We received a call for a catamaran boat that had capsized offshore,” he said. “I was the rescue swimmer on the jet ski that day. During the rescue, my arm was smashed between the catamaran and the jet ski, but … I was able to pull three people out of the ocean and secure the catamaran to pull it back to shore with my arm looking like Popeye’s.” In 2018, he became a departmental battalion chief, with added duties. “I am a mentor, confidant and sounding board for my shift and the other shifts,” he said. “While there is definitely a technical aspect of my role during emergency response, the majority of my role is to create relationships and promote a fun and safe working environment for my team.” When asked why he is leaving, Giddens said it is partly to spend more time with family and “to get into the consulting world by harnessing my professional experience and academic knowledge to help companies and individuals mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from different types of risks and disasters.” “I know I’m going to miss helping people and running calls and hanging out with my brothers on shift,” he said. “But I am ready to hand the reins over to the next generation of firefighters who will take the service further than I could imagine.” 6 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS Battalion Chief Giddens retiring after two decades of fire service By L. C. Leach III Battalion Chief James Giddens, left, retired in July. Creating Unforgettable Memories BRINGING DELICIOUS MEDITERRANEAN AND SOUTHERN FARE RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR YOUR TRUSTED CHARLESTON VACATION RENTAL CATERING PARTNER Get a Quote or Order Online, Today! SouthernSirenCHS.com (843) 481-2790 | meg@southernsirenchs.com Book your Spring Family Session, Today! E-mail Rachel Basye at cooperriverphotography@gmail.com. Timeless Family Moments, Framed by the Beauty of the Island! FOR MORE, VISIT COOPERRIVERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
7 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS Septic systems to eventually be replaced? Opinions divided over keeping the island part septic and part sewer By L. C. Leach III Not so long ago at the turn of the 21st century, you might have been hard-pressed to find anyone on Isle of Palms who cared whether their waste treatment came from a sewer system or septic system – especially since the island catered to both with apparently no concerns. But now there are rumblings that transitioning to one uniform system would not only keep the island’s environment and water safer from severe weather but eliminate the threat of wastewater pollutants spreading during heavy rains and storms. Even though the issue is still some years away from a decision, opposing factions are already lining up to discuss data and solutions. “Whether there is any environmental advantage to replacing the island’s remaining septic systems with a gravity sewer system varies across the island, depending on where you are,” said Chris Jordan, general manager for IOP Water and Sewer Commission. “However, gravity sewer systems are very reliable and consistently treat sewer efficiently and are not as prone to issues related to rain events, sea-level rise and flooding.” He also pointed out that while septic systems are usually reliable and properly maintained by the homeowners, the island’s high-water table can complicate their function. “Sea-level rise can affect the water table on barrier islands, which in turn can affect the ability of drainfields to operate efficiently,” Jordan said. “Flooding during heavy rain events and storms can also have an impact on the ability of septic systems to operate efficiently.” Currently, the island is split among three waste treatment systems: gravity sewer; approximately 200 grinder pumps, which pump sewage from homes to the sewer systems; and 1,108 septic tanks as of July 21. Laura Lovins, chair of the IOP Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC), mentioned in a June 24 presentation to the city council that many parts of the island regularly experience flooding even during “sunny day” rain events – and, that even though septic systems often work as well as gravity sewer, they are always in the position of compromising otherwise excellent water quality. “The City of Isle of Palms currently has no ordinances that require regular maintenance or inspections of septic systems,” Lovins said. “We are relying on property owners on the island to do the right thing and have their septic system pumped out regularly and stay on top of maintenance of septic lines and their drainfield.” Both she and Jordan added that even if all the island’s septic systems needed overhauling, replacing them would take more than just a council vote. “We’ve had a Sewer Master Plan in place for quite some time to install gravity sewer and eliminate septic tanks on the island,” Jordan said. “The issue is the funding.” The cost to complete the project is currently estimated at between $70 million-$100 million. This range is expected to increase with each passing year. “We have partnered with the city to pursue federal funding to help with the cost of installing gravity sewer on the island,” Jordan said. “We want to make it as affordable as possible for residents to connect should the system be installed.” And EAC members are beginning a comprehensive septic project to include: • Researching the island’s septic footprint. • Further water quality testing from major water events in septic drainfields. • Studying other coastal communities, such as the Town of Mount Pleasant and Nags Head, North Carolina, for best practice recommendations around septic health. It will likely be some time before the matter comes before the city council for deliberate discussion and resident input. But City Councilman David Cohen is somewhat skeptical about a full changeover without more facts and evidence to warrant it. “Based on my research, on-site septic systems are no more a threat to the environment than a centralized sewer system – the testing results done in 2025 support this opinion,” he said. “Multiple academic and government-sponsored studies have shown that a properly installed and maintained centralized sewer system is as effective at treating domestic wastewater as a properly installed and maintained on-site septic system.” However, he said that much of the current discussion revolves around what is defined as ‘properly maintained.’ “This could be addressed easily through routine inspection reporting, which would be my first preference if we were seeing an issue with water quality impacts from on-site septic systems,” Cohen said. “But without any evidence that septic systems are a threat, I can’t support (an ordinance requiring all septic owners to be on a centralized sewer system.)” When asked his preference for a long-term solution, Mayor Phillip Pounds said he personally hopes that a gravity sewer system will ultimately be the desired option among all residents. But before any switchover is considered, he said that resident input will first have to be heard, and that a viable way to pay for a single, island-wide waste system, should it happen, must be secured. “To sewer the entire island is very expensive and disruptive,” Pounds said. “So there needs to be a solid financial plan in place before going down this path.”
dwelling units and shortterm rentals broken down by types of property and ownership (full or part-time) which details the percentage of rental properties in our community. The balancing act of residents and tourists isn’t an easy one, but through ongoing monitoring, ordinances that try and keep behavior between the lines and strong engagement from the rental management companies, we will continue to keep our eyes on this important topic. Thank you for the opportunity to serve! Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP 843-252-5359 ppounds@isleofpalms.gov in as you are, I can’t imagine others would have a full understanding of our revenue mix.” So, if you’re following the math, the tourism revenue our city receives creates a huge benefit for residents by keeping our property tax bills among the lowest in the area. If we didn’t have the tourism revenue, we would have to find alternative sources to support the services we provide. Even with the tourism revenue though, there are times we need to adjust the IOP portion of your tax bill like we did for this upcoming tax year for increased operating costs and a new fire truck. However, that tourism revenue brings several potential pain points for residents – additional traffic, increased visitors, more litter and restaurant reservations are harder to come by to name a few. City council keeps an eye on the resident/visitor balance. We review monthly reports from the fire and police departments that detail livability items. We also review a monthly analysis of IslandVibesIOP.com 8 CIVICS Mayor’s Message The Balance Between Visitors and Residents By Phillip Pounds, Mayor, Isle of Palms Recently, I had a friend ask about property taxes for IOP. This resident is pretty engaged and had a career in the financial world so our conversation surprised me a bit and made me wonder how many other residents might be curious about this information. Here’s how the conversation went: Friend: “How much does IOP receive in property taxes?” Me: “About $6.5 million is received from the county annually by IOP.” Friend: “That’s not possible, there are over 4,000 housing units on IOP! That would only be about $1,600 per unit and tax bills are higher than that!” Me: “The $6.5 million is the portion IOP receives of the total collected by the county. IOP residents get billed by the county for approximately $62 million for property and personal taxes and then sends IOP its portion – the $6.5 million.” Friend: “Do you think that is a reasonable split between the county and IOP?" Me: “Absolutely not, but there isn’t a lot of flexibility on our part to adjust the amount we receive. Property tax bills include Charleston County operating millage, county parks and recreation millage, Charleston County School District millage, residential garbage and recycling disposal fees, Charleston County stormwater program, Trident Technical College millage and IOP operating and debt millage. But again, the amount received by IOP from the total collected by the county is about $6.5 million annually.” Friend: “So what are the other revenue sources for IOP?” Me: “Business licenses, business permits, short-term rental licenses, parking fees, franchise fees, grants and tourism revenue. Tourism revenue makes up almost 30% of our total revenue, which helps keep our property taxes low.” Friend: “Do you think residents know that’s how it works and the effect tourism revenue has on their bills?” Me: “If you didn’t know it as plugged 512 SF FOR SALE Office Condo EXECUTIVE SUITE 103 PALM BLVD, STE 2D ISLE OF PALMS, SC (843) 532-6288 | mattdeantonio.com CARROLL REALTY, INC.
IslandVibesIOP.com 9 short window late in the afternoon. Those synchronized arrival and departure times place tremendous pressure on the island’s limited road network. Regional growth further compounds the issue. Charleston County has grown by more than 22% since 2010, while Mount Pleasant has grown by more than 42% during the same period. That means significantly more people now live within a short drive of Isle of Palms, increasing demand for beach access regardless of how many vacation rentals exist. None of this suggests that short-term rentals have no impact. They certainly generate vehicle trips and remain an important part of the island’s tourism economy. However, the available evidence does not support the conclusion that they are the primary driver of today’s traffic congestion. In fact, with fewer active STRs than last year and continued traffic challenges, the data points toward day visitors and regional population growth as the larger contributing factors. As the community continues discussing transportation, parking and tourism policy, decisions should be grounded in measurable evidence rather than assumptions. The city’s own planning documents and current market data suggest that meaningful traffic improvements will likely come from better management of beach access, parking and regional transportation, not simply from reducing the number of short-term rentals. Sources: City of Isle of Palms, IOPThrives! Community Enrichment Plan – Seasonal Impacts: Parking & Traffic, including the statements regarding “day visitors,” “holiday traffic counts surpassing 25,000 vehicle trips” and “accelerating visitor growth.” - City of Isle of Palms, IOPThrives! Community Enrichment Plan, describing the purpose of balancing tourism, quality of life and community planning. - AirDNA, Isle of Palms Short-Term Rental Market Overview (2026), reporting year-over-year changes in active listings, occupancy, ADR and revenue. The Data Points to Day Visitors – Not Short-Term Rentals – as the Primary Driver of Isle of Palms Traffic Article Provided OPINION Traffic congestion has become one of the defining issues facing the Isle of Palms. Every summer, residents endure long backups on the Isle of Palms Connector, crowded intersections and overflowing parking areas. In recent years, much of the public discussion has centered on short-term rentals (STRs), with many suggesting they are the primary cause of the problem. However, the available data tells a more nuanced story. According to AirDNA’s 2026 market data, the Isle of Palms actually has approximately 7% fewer active shortterm rental listings than it did a year ago. Occupancy has declined modestly while average nightly rates have increased, indicating a tightening supply rather than an expanding one. If the number of vacation rentals has decreased, yet traffic congestion remains severe, it raises an important question: what is driving the gridlock? The City of Isle of Palms provides an answer in its own Community Enrichment Plan. Under the Seasonal Impacts: Parking & Traffic section, the city writes: “Successfully welcoming day visitors to the beach ... begins with safe and effective traffic flow. Given rapid population growth in Charleston County and recent holiday traffic counts surpassing 25,000 vehicle trips, evaluation of current traffic patterns are needed to avoid traffic gridlock on high season days.” The report continues by identifying one of the city’s traffic priorities as ensuring “optimal flow of traffic which meets demands of accelerating visitor growth.” Notably, the city’s report attributes increasing congestion to day visitors, regional population growth and increased demand for beach access. It does not identify short-term rentals as the principal source of traffic congestion. This distinction makes sense when considering travel patterns. Most vacation rental guests arrive once – typically on a Saturday – and stay for several days. Their vehicles often remain parked while guests walk, bicycle or spend the day at the beach. By contrast, day visitors create concentrated surges of traffic. Thousands of vehicles arrive during the morning in search of parking and depart within a relatively Only 3 minutes off the IOP Connector! NEW LOCATION, SAME OWNER Same Quality Brands www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Danco WWW.DANCOHOME.COM Charleston’s Coolest Modern. COMFORT SLEEPER AMERICAN LEATHER The only sleeper sofa you can sleep on. As opposed to the bars and springs of yesteryear, the comfort sleeper features a patented 24/7 platform system topped with five inches of luxury high-density foam. For an amazing night’s sleep. With over a dozen styles available, from transitional to modern sleeper sofas and sectionals, you’re sure to find the best centerpiece to your living room. 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IslandVibesIOP.com 10 Golf Cart Grand Theft Auto A surprising number of visitors continue believing golf carts are part of some island-wide rideshare program. They are not. If the keys are in it, that doesn't mean it's yours. That's called theft, not "borrowing." Parking: Creative Doesn't Mean Legal Some vehicles managed to park on sidewalks, dunes, beach accesses and locations that engineers probably never intended to be parking spaces. Congratulations on finding a spot. Unfortunately, the parking ticket found you too. Open Containers & Public Intoxication Beach coolers did exactly what beach coolers were designed to do. Unfortunately, some people forgot the part where you're still responsible for what happens after the cooler is empty. Hydrate. The Atlantic Ocean doesn't count. The Good News Despite the annual surge in fireworks, traffic, tourists and questionable decisionmaking, most people celebrated responsibly and enjoyed another fantastic Independence Day on our beautiful island. For everyone else... thank you for providing next month's reading material. Until next time: drive sober, leave the fireworks at home and leave other people's golf carts alone. And remember... just because it's the Fourth of July doesn't mean the rules took the holiday off. We hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July holiday! CRIME FOURTH OF JULY EDITION: FREEDOM, FIREWORKS & QUESTIONABLE JUDGMENT IOP POLICE BLOTTER This is a satirical summary of real incidents reported on the Isle of Palms over the past month. All names and events are based on public records and presented with comedic exaggeration. AH YES, THE FOURTH OF JULY ON THE ISLE OF PALMS— THAT MAGICAL WEEK WHEN THE POPULATION TRIPLES, COMMON SENSE PACKS UP FOR VACATION AND EVERY BACKYARD SUDDENLY HAS SOMEONE WHO SWEARS THEY "KNOW A GUY" WHO GOT THE GOOD FIREWORKS. LET'S SEE HOW AMERICA CELEBRATED... Fireworks: "They're Illegal... Unless I'm Holding Them." Despite the City of Isle of Palms making it pretty clear that fireworks are not permitted within the city, plenty of patriots apparently interpreted that as a friendly suggestion. The sky lit up like a Michael Bay movie while dogs, babies and anyone hoping for a peaceful evening reconsidered their vacation plans. Nothing says "Love America" quite like launching mortars two houses away from a million-dollar beach home. Noise Complaints Speaking of explosions, officers responded to the annual symphony of Bluetooth speakers, karaoke performances that should have remained private and enough "Sweet Caroline" singalongs to make even Neil Diamond ask for a timeout. Remember: if your music can be heard from another zip code, it's probably too loud. DUI: The Annual Fireworks Finale Some folks apparently believed the red, white and blue also applied to flashing blue lights in the rearview mirror. Just a reminder: the Isle of Palms Connector is not a magical sobriety checkpoint where alcohol disappears halfway across the bridge. The handcuffs remain remarkably unconvinced by the argument, "But it's the Fourth of July."
IslandVibesIOP.com 11 mitigating the risk of being swept out to sea. Lurkin explained, “Both Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms have really good riding areas, and the wind direction is super helpful in this area too because it’s side-onshore, which makes it pretty safe. You know if you go out then something happens, you can end back up on the beach because of the wind direction.” Lurkin elaborated, “I got involved in the sport because my background was navigation search and rescue for the Navy. I realized that folks who might get into this sport might not have quite as much expertise as they need. I had decided then it’s important to nurture the sport and grow people in a safe way, and 20 years later, I’m still doing it, and every once in a while, get people reaching out to learn more about it.” Respect for the water and the community around it are of utmost importance to Lurkin and his fellow kiteboarders. Lurkin described his connection to the islands. “The community has always been amazing to me, not just in the kiteboarding side of it. It’s one of the reasons my wife and I moved here. We just felt like it was a nice water culture. It’s just a really tight community, and safety is top of the list for all of us.” Jamie Grant agreed that safety and respect for the community are key to successful kiteboarding. Grant explained, “I'm a safety guy; I do risk assessment and safety for companies that are trying to improve. I do a lot of sports, and I love snowboarding and I love kiteboarding, but kiteboarding is insanely fun. The other thing is this location is amazing for it. We’re really lucky – we don’t have good waves, but we have pretty good wind. It’s not inexpensive to get involved and get into it, though. The question I get asked the most is: ‘How long does it take to learn how to do this?’ What I tell people is that it’s a steep learning curve, but it’s not very long.” Reflecting on his beginnings in the sport, Grant said, “I got started when kiteboarding got safe. In the early days you would connect to the kite and there was no emergency release or anything that would depower (reduce the pulling force generated by the kite). So you were kind of stuck. Then somebody invented, like 20 years ago, the Ironheart, which allowed you to depower safely. Back then it was still pretty intense because the kites weren’t really designed as well in the early days. That’s the reason I got into it. Before that, it was kind of crazy.” Grant continued, “When a storm front comes in, and the wind is blowing from the north, that blows you offshore and the only way to get back is with the Coast Guard. We are really careful about that, and we also like to be in groups for a couple reasons. One is we can’t talk on the water, but we help each other launch, which is helpful because that’s one of the points where you don’t want to do that wrong. So we help landing and launching. It’s really addictive and so the people that do it that are in my friend group, we’ve been doing it for 20 years and we look at the wind all day. It’s a lot of fun and it’s really good fitness too. It’s something we’re passionate about.” Grant further emphasized the importance of being respectful and cautious on the waterways. “We self-police. If anybody is not being safe, we will remind that person. We consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to do this, and we don’t want to be a problem for the community that allows it. We look out for the community, and we look out for each other. We are just a very well connected, tightknit group – like family.” COMMUNITY For local kiteboarding enthusiasts, the sport is rooted in community, and the connections made therein feel more like family than mere associations. Then there are those like JP Lurkin, for whom kiteboarding is actually a family event. Lurkin explained, “Charleston’s popularity and the community of kiteboarding have grown a lot. I have a whole family that rides, two older boys in their 20s, and my youngest all ride. It is to us kind of like golf or fishing or tennis, you know, are to other families. Fortunately for me, I turned a hobby into a profession and raised my family around it.” Lurkin continued, “I got involved in kiteboarding just kind of as a hobby. A friend had come to Charleston from Hawaii and brought a kite and I had been kind of a longtime surfer and the waves in the Southeast aren’t that great, so I quickly realized that the kite and the surfboard with a twin tip was a great way to get in the water here. Because we have good sea breezes in the afternoon on the island, it is a user-friendly area. I had the opportunity in 2003 to start teaching, so I quickly at the beginning of the sport got involved in getting other people involved and then after moving here in 2007, I quickly became involved in teaching others the sport.” He added, “This area is unique because of the tidal changes that we have and the sandbars and the shallow water. It tends to be a really easy area to learn, and then because of Charleston’s popularity, and the surrounding places really, the community of kiteboarding has grown. I grew up going to the beach pretty much every day chasing the wind.” Wind direction is an important safety component of kiteboarding, and venturing out during onshore winds helps in Charleston’s kiteboarding community takes flight By Laura Fogarty Riding the Wind From Left to Right: Ronan, Jack, JP and Niclas Lurkin
IslandVibesIOP.com 12 Island Ice Delivery, this summer. From the beginning, weekly packages were Urroz’s target focus. “The idea is simple – vacationers staying on the islands for a weekend or a full week can book a package, save money and never once have to worry about warm drinks for the duration of their stay. It takes one thing completely off their plate,” he said. He added that the Island Ice Delivery mascot and number one team member, Todd the Turtle, represents the incredible wildlife and natural beauty that Charleston and its islands have to offer. “The idea is that if we take care of the beaches and the wildlife that calls them home, they give back to the community in return,” he explained. “Todd is our reminder to keep the beaches clean and appreciate what makes these islands so special in the first place.” As demand for the ice delivery service continues to grow, Urroz plans to bring on high schoolers or college students looking for a fun summer job on the islands. “It would be a great opportunity for young locals to earn some money while being part of something they can actually enjoy,” he said. For Urroz, the most rewarding part of the business is “knowing that people genuinely need what we’re providing. COMMUNITY After graduating from high school in his hometown of Charleston, local Nicolas Urroz devoted himself to becoming a kitesurfing instructor, coach and semi-professional athlete, traveling the world to pursue that dream. “Being a seasonal instructor means living in a new destination every few months – some of my favorites have been Egypt, Sicily, Morocco, Union Island in the Caribbean and Brazil. I also spent a year living in Miami. It’s been a great way to see the world while doing something I love,” he said. While teaching kitesurfing on Union Island, Urroz met a fellow kitesurfer who ran a beach rental business on the Outer Banks, North Carolina. He mentioned that ice delivery and cooler rentals were a huge part of his business’ success. That conversation, along with a stint working at a local surf and beach rental shop on Sullivan’s Island where he saw firsthand how high the demand was for beach services on the islands, inspired him to launch his business, There’s something really fulfilling about solving a real problem for someone on their vacation. It comes with a lot of responsibility, but that’s exactly what makes it so fun and meaningful at the same time. We know we’re not the make or break of a vacation, but what we strive to be is that silent piece of the puzzle that makes your time on the islands just a little more seamless and unforgettable.” Urroz suggested ordering ice at least a day in advance so that he can make sure the right number of coolers are cleaned, stocked and ready to be delivered right to the customer’s front door. Visit islandicedelivery.com to learn more. Keep calm and chill on Charleston native launches Island Ice Delivery By Sarah Rose Todd the Turtle making an ice delivery. Photo by Syd Meyer Nicolas Urroz
13 IslandVibesIOP.com COMMUNITY A uniquely IOP tradition Annual Half Rubber Tournament returns By Cari Lawson FROM KING STREET TO THE COAST Amy Rogers Owner / Broker-In-Charge +1 843 824 4892 amy@crowncoast.com Crown Coast Properties 1100 Palm Blvd #2C Isle of Palms, SC 29451 hello@crowncoast.com crowncoast.com Led by Amy Rogers, Crown Coast Properties combines sharp market expertise with personalized service for Charleston’s most discerning buyers and sellers. From historic homes to oceanfront escapes, we bring clarity, confidence, and sophistication to every step of your real estate journey. Charleston’s Boutique Brokerage for Exceptional Results On any given Saturday during the summer, you can find plenty of baseball being played around the Lowcountry. But if you wander over to the Isle of Palms Recreation Department on the second Saturday in August, you'll see something that looks familiar – until it doesn't. You may have stumbled upon a half rubber game. For nearly 30 years, the Isle of Palms Half Rubber Tournament has been quietly carrying on one of the beach's most beloved traditions. The tournament returns Aug. 8 and will be bringing together longtime competitors, families, neighbors and first-time players for a day that's equal parts competition and reunion. Half rubber requires little more than a bat and a specially cut rubber ball. That simplicity has helped the game survive long after other neighborhood traditions have faded. It's also how the sport has been passed down year after year. Many of today's players first learned the game from a parent, grandparent, older sibling or family friend. Now they're teaching their own children how to play. While this is an entertaining experience, the tournament is fueled by competition. With a double-elimination format, every game matters, and nobody wants to be the team packing up early. Still, winning has never been the only reason people come back. Ask recreation department staff why the tournament has lasted since 1998, and the answer isn't complicated. The game is fun, easy to play and belongs to IOP. You only need three people to field a team and unlike baseball there is no running involved, just ghost runners. Experience playing helps, but newcomers are just as welcome. First-timers are encouraged to jump in without worrying too much about mastering every rule. Half rubber is easier to understand after a couple of innings than after reading a rulebook. The game is as enjoyable to watch as it is to play. The game moves quickly, and its unique rules often leave first-timers with an infectious love of the sport. By the end of the afternoon, it's not unusual to hear people planning to put together a team for next summer. The event also reflects something bigger than the games themselves. Local businesses continue to rally behind the tournament year after year, donating prizes for the champions and runners-up. Just Beachy, Barrier Island Eco Tours, IOPizza Co., Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, The Windjammer, New York Butcher Shoppe, Islander 71, Mex 1 Coastal Cantina and My Favorite Things have become part of the tradition themselves, helping ensure this uniquely Isle of Palms event continues to thrive. Years ago, the tournament grew so large that games spilled into a second day. While the field is a little smaller these days, the spirit hasn't changed. Around 10 to 12 teams are expected this year, and every one of them will arrive hoping to leave with a tournament T-shirt and bragging rights. Because in the end, that's what the Half Rubber Tournament has always been about. Not just the final score, but the conversations between innings. The familiar faces that show up every August. The families that can enjoy it all together. Some traditions need to be reinvented to survive. This one simply needs people willing to keep showing up. And after 28 years, they still do.
IslandVibesIOP.com 14 FEATURE Continued on Page 15 By sheer happenstance we met longtime Isle of Palms resident Patty Randinelli while shooting photos for our August Island Vibes cover. Randinelli and her 10-year-old golden retriever, Piper, walk to the Pups in paradise Running wild and free on IOP’s beaches By Laura Fogarty beach every morning, and when Randinelli is babysitting her daughter Caroline’s dogs – 2-year-old Minnow and 4-year-old Palmer, she brings the entire, extraordinarily lucky and well-behaved trio for their morning ritual. Affectionately called the “matriarch” of the jubilant group, Piper kept perfect pace with her younger playmates as they enjoyed the off-leash hours at the beach. Each dog we met had a unique backstory. Palmer was a breeding mama in Romania, and it is unknown exactly how many litters she had while there. She was later sold to a breeder in Denver and had two litters before they stopped using her for breeding because of an eye condition called entropion. Randinelli explained, “It’s a painful condition where a dog’s eyelid rolls inward, causing fur and lashes to rub against the cornea.” After Palmer was rescued in Denver and brought to Mount Pleasant, veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Anne Cook performed the surgery to correct the condition. Randinelli’s daughter, a veterinarian at Charleston Harbor Veterinarians in downtown Charleston, adopted Palmer shortly thereafter. Now Palmer spends her days running along the beach, chasing tennis balls and swimming like an Olympian. We encountered several new friends including Dixon, an energetic Boykin spaniel; a hound dog named Copper who was quite vocal about her approval of her morning beach excursion; an Aussie named Dakota who wanted everyone to stay in one tight group; and two beautiful and playful mutts – Daisy BEACH RULES FOR DOGS Dogs must be on a leash with the following exceptions: Off-leash is permitted from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (April 1–Sept 14) and 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Sept 15– March 31) provided the owner has a leash in hand and the dog is strictly under voice command. Owners must clean up after their dogs. There are dog bag receptacles at most of the public beach access paths. All dogs that live or visit the island must be vaccinated against rabies and have a metal license tag attached to their collar with the name of the licensed veterinarian who provided the vaccine. Dog owners must also have a valid certificate of rabies vaccination readily available at all times. Residents are encouraged to obtain a dog permit from the Isle of Palms Police Department. Call (843) 886-6522 or stop by the department, located at 30 JC Long Blvd. Dog permits will be issued annually and are free of charge. Having a dog permit may facilitate the safe return of lost dogs. Dogs must be on a leash, under voice command and their owners must clean up after them. There are dog bag receptacles at most of the public beach access paths.
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