IOPPD SHARES CRIME ANALYSIS See Page 5 Photo by Rachel Basye ELECTION RESULTS SEALED BY RUNOFF See Page 3 Vol.2 Issue 12 December 2024 HOLIDAY SPIRIT HISTORY OF ISLAND CHURCHES (Page 27) HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE SHOP, EAT AND DRINK LOCALLY (Page 28) THE HIGHEST HONOR ORDER OF THE PALMETTO (Page 8) From ours to yours To read digitally, visit ReadIslandVibes.com The conversation continues at IsleofPalmsPodcast.com CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO STEP DOWN See Page 6
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Non-invasive options to revitalize you, inside and out Sample of our services in January 2025 Dr. Jaclyn Lanham Treat Yourself on the Isle of Palms 843.894.0955 | info@YoungerYoustudio.com www.YoungerYoustudio.com 1022 Carolina Blvd. Suite 301 Isle of Palms, SC 29451 · AquaFirmeXS Facials · Microneedling · RF Microneedling · Laser · Hair Restoration · Chemical Peels Streetman edges Smith in narrow IOP election runoff By L. C. Leach III Continued on Page 7 3 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS It was too close to call the first time and even closer the second time. In a special election to fill a vacant seat on the Isle of Palms City Council, Rusty Streetman gained his second term, taking 51.1% of the votes in a runoff against former councilwoman Susan Hill Smith. “It feels good to be back,” said Streetman. “I won on the issues that I thought mattered to the residents, including the short-term rentals referendum from last year, which I stand firmly behind.” Streetman’s re-election came one full year after losing to Elizabeth Campsen, who then unexpectedly resigned from council last August. In the general election Nov. 5, with 68% voter turnout, neither Streetman nor Hill Smith polled a majority, thereby forcing a runoff on Nov. 19. The second race was practically neck-and-neck until the end, when Streetman finished with 651 votes to Hill Smith’s 623 out of 1,274 votes cast. “We certainly appreciate all IOP citizens coming out for the runoff, especially since it came so soon after the main election,” said Matt Dillane, marketing and communications manager with the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections. “Voter turnout was 27.57%, just over 1 in 4 eligible voters, which is about what we expected. But even with the drop-off from the main election on Nov. 5, it was still a pretty good turnout for a runoff.” Streetman, an IOP resident since 1984, will serve out the remainder of Campsen’s term, which ends in early 2028. He intends to pick up where he left off at the end of his first term: to represent all residents in an independent manner and to handle current and future issues tied to island progress, continuity and visitor attraction. “During my first term, our council accomplished many things,” Streetman said. “But there’s still much to do.” Going forward into 2025, Streetman specifically cited these island concerns for council members to
4 FROM THE CREW IslandVibesIOP.com Publisher’s Note Editor’s Note Never stop believing Much to be merry about Island Vibes Vol. 2, Issue 12, December 2024 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM MANAGING EDITOR ZACH GIROUX EDITOR@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ART DIRECTOR BETHANY LONG COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS BRAND AMBASSADOR SONYA BUCKHANNON SONYA@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM DIGITAL/SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR BRITTANY GEORGE BRITTANY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL BASYE CONTRIBUTORS ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA • RYAN BUCKHANNON • KATIE FINCH LAURA FOGARTY • MAURICE FRAZIER GRACE KNEUPER • L. C. LEACH III • COLIN MCCANDLESS • PHILLIP POUNDS JOHANNA ROGERS • SARAH ROSE • ROD TURNAGE SALES REPRESENTATIVES STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM SARAH ROSE SARAH@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM PAUL SMITH PAUL@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 • PUBLIX ASHEVILLE/HENDERSON AIRPORT ALL SC WELCOME CENTERS 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 Every December since I was a little boy, I’ve sat around the Christmas tree pondering the ageold question: Is Santa Claus real? As I grow older and wiser, I can confidently say the answer is undoubtedly yes. Here is how I know that the jolly man in the red suit does exist and why you should never stop believing. Preserves childhood innocence Santa represents the innocence of childhood and the belief that anything is possible. His visit creates joyful family memories that one cherishes for a lifetime. As adults, he allows us to embrace the inner child inside all of us that brings us pure bliss and happiness. Teaches generosity Santa teaches us many life lessons that shape the person we become. He embodies the spirit of giving and shows us the value of generosity and kindness. Gift giving teaches us to be thoughtful and selfless. Creates traditions Santa brings us all together and unites family and friends who haven’t seen each other in a while. He is a symbol of love and togetherness and reminds us that the greatest gift of all is community. Adults pass on their childhood traditions to their kids and the cycle repeats itself. Encourages imagination Santa sparks our imagination and encourages us to think outside the box. He reminds us to never stop wishing and chase after our dreams. Gives us the power to believe Santa gives us the power to believe in something bigger than ourselves. Belief is something that you know is real but can’t see. This gives us hope and faith, especially during challenging times. After all, keeping the holiday spirit alive in your heart is what has kept Santa Claus alive all these years. Be sure to be nice because he will be checking his list twice. Merry Christmas and happy holidays! Positively yours, Zach Giroux, Managing Editor Every morning when I wake up, I always give thanks for what I have. I believe being thankful for what we have is one of the pillars you need to live a positive life. This is a great time of year for many reasons. We gather with family and friends and think about what we have. The fact that these thoughts prevail to some extent in most people’s minds throughout the holidays helps to make it such a special season. Personally, I believe that when Isle of Palms residents use the phrase “enjoying a day in paradise,” or any combination of those words, they are expressing their appreciation and gratitude for living on the island. As with any community, the Isle of Palms has its day-to-day challenges and of course navigating the right roads to follow for future endeavors is always a priority. But living on the Isle of Palms is definitely something for which to be thankful. Speaking of paradise, one Isle of Palms’ vacationer was asked about the best part of visiting Isle of Palms. She replied, “it’s the friendliness of the locals.” This is a true story. We’ve started a new section in each edition titled “Vacation Vibes.” We ask the Isle of Palms vacation rental companies that work with Island Vibes to contact their guests and gauge their interest in being interviewed for a story to appear in our publication. The folks at IOP Escapes contacted the Coopers from Spartanburg, who have been vacationing on the island for many years. When I interviewed Alice Cooper, I asked her what she liked most about vacationing on the island. That’s when she paid a huge compliment to the island residents. I believe the heart of what Alice felt is the fact that Isle of Palms residents are thankful to live in paradise and when you’re truly appreciative of your surroundings, your life is more positive. Read our interviews with Isle of Palms vacationers at VacationVibesIOP.com. Merry Christmas from everyone here at Island Vibes and thank you for helping make our lives more positive. Positively yours, Bill Macchio, Publisher
ics and data-enabled solutions provider in San Diego, found in its 2023 NeighborhoodScout report that the chances of an IOP citizen becoming the victim of a property crime are only 1 in 79, and for a violent crime, only 1 in 363. CoreLogic also found that violent crime on IOP amounts to only 2.75 per 1,000 residents – far below the state average of 4.91 and the national average of 4. Property crime rates were even lower, at 12.62 per 1,000 residents, almost half the state average of 23.08 and once again far below the national average of 20. “We understand we cannot completely get rid of crime,” Cornett said. “But our goal is to let people know what is happening in their community and specifically the area they live in. The hope is with the right information, people can be more prepared and take proactive steps to protect their property and families from being a victim of crime.” “This, unfortunately, is a trend we are seeing nationwide,” Cornett said. “Some positive results are that thefts are down, and arrests are up from last year.” Other areas where law enforcement efforts have led to an increase in island safety are: • 76 criminal investigations cases closed – nearly twice as many as all of 2023 • 143 coyote sightings – almost 100 more than 2023 • 149 beach wheelchairs issued – compared to 86 last year • Only one robbery year-to-date – the same as in 2023 • No attempted murders – a vast improvement over five from 2023 • 16 gun violations vs. 19 in 2023 “We also saw an increase in DUI arrests/violations,” Cornett said. All of which is making the island safer on nearly all critical counts. For example, CoreLogic, a leading global property information, analytthe white sands and sea foam, our own version of a “White Christmas,” to the lush and vibrant high tides of the marshlands, each cycle of the moon brings new and ever-changing beauty to our island terrain. Many of us can recall the snowfall of 2018 and the beautiful, tranquil landscape that surrounded the island for a brief moment in time. The About the Cover Winter down South 5 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS IOPPD data shows significant crime increase from previous year By L. C. Leach III The holiday season on the Isle of Palms sparkles with lights and subtropical warmth. Winter in the Lowcountry draws to mind many different looks for each of us. From serene beauty of the powdery white streets, beach access paths and even the beach itself was a surreal glimpse into a winter wonderland typically reserved for our northern neighbors. Christmas lights, inflatable characters, lawn decorations, palm trees wrapped in white lights and red bows and ribbons on street signs certainly dot our island during the month of December. There is also a slower pace, less crowding, less traffic and a small slice of tranquility and peace. No matter the holiday we might celebrate or the mantra we might deliver to our friends, family and neighbors — from Merry Christmas to Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza and beyond, winter is traditionally a time of reflection and celebration for our island community. The first Saturday of December marks the gathering of visitors and locals alike at our annual Holiday Street Festival. Live music, local vendors, holiday gifts, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, carnival rides and food and beverages adorn the center of Front Beach for an afternoon of holiday revelry, culminating with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree after dark. Whatever the traditions and preferences that you and your family hold dear, the Isle of Palms is certain to provide a beautiful backdrop for every celebration. Not just a vacation destination, the Isle of Palms is one of the state’s safest places to live and visit. Every year, officers with the IOP Police Department hold meetings with residents of every area on the island to hear concerns about all kinds of crime, give updates and plans for better crime prevention. “These meetings give us a chance to go out into the community that we serve and speak with department stakeholders,” said IOPPD Police Chief Kevin Cornett. “We want to hear from all those who live, work and visit IOP about what we are doing right and what areas we can improve.” This past October and November, IOPPD held four separate community meetings, focusing on these island areas: Breach Inlet to 21st Avenue; 21st Avenue to 57th Avenue; Wild Dunes Resort; and IOP business partners. In addition to asking questions about crime concerns, attendees received a brief overview of the police agency and were provided with statistical data year-to-date. “This was so we could compare numbers and show areas where we saw a decrease in crimes or incidents or if we saw an increase in certain areas,” Cornett explained. For example, from January-October 2023, IOPPD received 11,296 calls for service. Over the same period in 2024, calls for service came to 10,609 – so far projected to be on par or close to all of 2023. However, many law enforcement areas through October 2024 have seen significant increases from the previous year, including: • 202 traffic citations – nearly three times more than all of 2023. • 14 drug-related charges – six more so far than 2023. • 1,171 incident reports – on pace to break 2023’s mark by nearly 300. • 630 arrests – on pace to break 2023’s mark by more than 200. • 1,638 state law violations – about the same as 2023. • 3,279 warning citations – about 1,000 more than 2023. • 8,956 parking citations – nearly twice as many as all of 2023. Furthermore, assaults on police officers are increasing for the third consecutive year. Through October 2024, IOP has seen 20 charges yearto-date, up from 12 in 2023, according to Cornett.
time finding a suitable replacement.” Former city councilwoman Susan Hill Smith echoed similar comments about Fragoso at the October council meeting.“Her role is by no means an easy one. She shaped this community in many positive and lasting ways.” City accomplishments under Fragoso’s leadership over the last decade include: • Phase II, III and ongoing Phase IV of the city’s long-term, multiyear, multi-million-dollar drainage plans. • Ongoing large-scale beach renourishment projects going back to 2018, to combat island erosion. • Isle of Palms Marina parking improvements. Fragoso to step down as IOP city administrator at year’s end By L. C. Leach III NEWS 6 IslandVibesIOP.com Isle of Palms has begun the search process after longtime city administrator Desiree Fragoso announced her departure from the position will be effective at the end of the year. Fragoso announced the news at a recent city council meeting. When Fragoso first set foot in Isle of Palms City Hall in September 2015, she was just another new employee who had landed the role of assistant to the city administrator. Over the next nine years, however, she was not only appointed as the new city administrator in 2019, but she also practically redefined the position in ways that elected officials and the public had never seen or experienced before. “Every now and then you get to work with someone you would like to spend the rest of your career working with,” said Mayor Phillip Pounds at the October city council meeting. “Which is why I’m sad to announce the resignation of Desiree because I feel very confident stating we have one of the best city administrators around.” Fragoso will step down at the end of December to join the Municipal Association of South Carolina in Charleston as a field services representative, providing support to staff and councils statewide. The search for a new administrator is underway, but longtime councilman Jimmy Ward said he doesn’t envy that process. “Desiree has been a great asset for Isle of Palms. The city is going to have a hard • Short-term rental license policies that stretched across 2022-23, sharply divided the council and IOP residents and resulted in an island-wide referendum. • Recurring efforts by the city council to adopt a workable noise ordinance. • Working with a grant writer to identify opportunities based on the city’s 10-year capital plan; in the past three years, IOP has been awarded approximately $9 million in project grants. Pounds said any success he has had so far in his two years in office has been heavily influenced by “Desiree’s advice and guidance” on a wide range of matters and council planning. “She has helped me understand the workings of the city and the nuances of all the stakeholders involved on a multitude of issues,” Pounds added. “I had a steep learning curve being a newly-elected official and Desirée was always available to guide and discuss the issues. Rarely did a situation come up that Desirée didn’t have a quick word of advice for me or discuss solutions to get to the optimal spot or, most often, explain something to me for the umpteenth time.” All the advice and community-shaping involvement, however, is often just an extra part of her job. Day to day, Fragoso managed six city departments, 102 employees and an ever-increasing annual city budget, which currently stands at $29.1 million through June 2025. Fragoso, who hails from Puerto Rico, previously worked in Washington, D.C., serving in the City of San Juan’s Federal Affairs office, advancing and implementing the mayor’s public policy agenda. She is also a member of the International City/County Management Association, the SC City and County Management Association, the American Society for Public Administration and the South Carolina Beach Advocates, and a board member of the College of Charleston MPA Advisory Committee, the Charleston County Community Development Advisory Board and the Municipal Association of South Carolina, where she will land next. When asked why she was leaving the city, Fragoso indicated that the lure of MASC was simply too strong to turn down. “Having served on their board for the past couple of years, I am excited to work alongside a group of dedicated professionals who support cities and towns throughout the state,” said Fragoso. Fragoso admitted that her decision to leave her post on IOP wasn’t easy. “I take great pride in my time working with the IOP team. They are truly some of the most talented, creative, hardworking and committed individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. And I look forward to witnessing the community continue to thrive in the future.” FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS IN ISLAND VIBES, EMAIL PUBLISHER@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM OR 843-530-0403. THE ONLY PUBLICATION EXCLUSIVELY FOCUSED ON ISLE OF PALMS WITH REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION THROUGH THE STATE WELCOME CENTERS AND MAILED TO ISLAND HOMES. SPREADING ABOUT ISLE OF PALMS Good Vibes SOUTH CAROLINA WELCOME CENTERS
From Page 3 7 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS address and/or complete: • IOP’s comprehensive drainage plan to handle stormwater issues • Cleaner beaches and waterways • More effective enforcement of our livability issues • Protecting “our right” to govern through Home Rule “Our city council has been addressing these priorities for some time now and have accomplished major improvements with many of them,” Streetman said. “But there’s still work to be done to continue to improve our residential quality-of-life issues.” At the height of the island tourist season, visitors often outnumber residents by a ratio of more than 4-1 and sometimes nearly 16-1 – with as many as 60,000 visitors during the July 4 weekend. Over the past year, the city council has been looking into different Streetman wins runoff ways to handle the growing influx of visitors, such as more efficient public parking, improved roadways and drainage, stronger police enforcement of beach rules and mainland busing to alleviate an overflow of personal vehicles on the island. Streetman said while visitors are always welcome, too many can put a strain on resources if not properly managed. “And we must also continue to improve access to our beautiful island through effective compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure everyone can enjoy our beaches and public accommodations,” Streetman said. Council members at times have been divided over the best ways to handle specific island problems and concerns, such as the shortterm rentals issue from 2022 and 2023, the ban on wildlife feeding from summer 2024 and the ongoing issue of a workable noise ordinance. Streetman reiterated that with all the island’s current issues and others held over or pending for 2025 and beyond, effective collaboration among council members and between members and IOP residents is still as crucial now as when he last served on council. “And now with the main election and runoff over, I want to continue to work on the things I was doing when I left,” Streetman added. “To this end, I pledge to promote and improve civility and teamwork and more involvement collaboratively with all residents of the island, including regular community meetings. Our residents are an unlimited source of great ideas and we need to encourage more feedback and input from them. Through this approach, I think we can make IOP an even better place for residents and visitors alike." “Our city council has been addressing these priorities for some time now and have accomplished major improvements with many of them. But there’s still work to be done to continue to improve our residential quality-of-life issues.”
8 IOP’s Jim Thompson bestowed Order of the Palmetto By L. C. Leach III NEWS IslandVibesIOP.com When Isle of Palms resident Jim Thompson recently went to vote in the 2024 election, he was met in line by the newly elected city council candidate Rusty Streetman who said, “Couldn’t happen to a better guy.” Thompson let the curious comment pass, but a few days later, he received an email from a woman with Friends of the Charleston National Parks, who also congratulated him in the same fashion. “And I told her I had no idea what she was talking about,” Thompson said. “But when I shared this with my wife, she got that look on her face that said she knew something I didn’t.” That something was the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor. It is awarded to South Carolinians who demonstrate extraordinary lifetime achievement, service and contributions of national or statewide significance. Thompson, now 81, was the last to know because his wife Linda, along with a large group of friends and supporters, wanted it to be a surprise. “I knew maybe three weeks before then and it wasn’t easy keeping the news a secret,” said Linda, who married Thompson in 1975. “I finally had to tell him something before I really wanted to because we all wanted it to come as a complete surprise.” The surprise culminated on the evening of Nov. 15, when 80 friends and colleagues gathered at the Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes to recognize Thompson, who Streetman dubbed “a man of exceptional service to the community.” “I can’t think of anyone who deserves this honor more than Jim,” Streetman said. “Besides being a longtime friend, he is among the most dedicated public-minded citizens I’ve ever known. He’s always looking for a cause to help with.” Thompson started a company called AGDATA in 1987, which he operated until being bought out by a private equity firm in 2005. The success of this venture allowed him to contribute to the myriad charitable causes that eventually led to the Order of the Palmetto. For instance, when Thompson suffered a high school football spinal injury that kept him from serving in Vietnam, he took it upon himself to offer his patronage to the Tri-County Veterans Support Network and Project Street Outreach as a way to “help our veterans, especially the homeless ones.” Thompson also contributed to HALOS and Windwood Farm, both of which provide hope and healing to abused and neglected children in the Lowcountry. “I was abused as a child, having been beaten with belts and sticks by my parents,” Thompson said. “So HALOS and Windwood Farm really resonate with me for the work that they do.” Thompson’s other involvements include: • East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO), one of the Lowcountry’s most trusted and long-standing relief agencies for needs ranging from food and medicine to simple health and well-being. • The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to the protection of South Carolina's environment. • South Carolina Aquarium. • South Carolina Historical Society. • Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support Foundation IOP, established in 2022 to support the Isle of Palms police and fire departments, and a unifying force in the community through a range of safety, education and engagement programs. “Over 12 area nonprofits were there to show their support for Jim,” said Ted Kinghorn, co-founder and director of LENS IOP, who nominated Thompson for the award. And IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds, another nominator who presented Thompson with the honor, added that despite his wide-ranging involvement, “a lot of people don’t even know Jim. That’s the kind of person he is — under the radar but very efficient.” Others who nominated Thompson for the honor include: • SC House Rep. Joe Bustos. • State Sen. Chip Campsen. • Congresswoman Nancy Mace. • Emily Anderson, president of Valley Cats. • Cheri Yates, executive director of Friends of Charleston National Parks. • Deb Barr, IOP Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Committee chair. The Order of the Palmetto was established in 1971 by former Gov. John C. West as a means of recognizing outstanding service to the state and industrialists who had located facilities in South Carolina. “It was originally designed as part of his economic development plan,” said Patrick McCawley, deputy director for Archives and Records Management with SC Department of Archives and History in Columbia. “We don’t know exactly how many people have won the order before because the early award process and record-keeping for it was a little inconsistent.” But one thing is certain: Thompson was surprised and humbled to become its latest recipient. “God allowed me to be blessed so that I could be a blessing to others,” Thompson said. “And for me, that’s what this honor is all about.” Jim Thompson celebrates the Order of the Palmetto award with his wife Linda. Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds (right) presents Jim Thompson with the Order of the Palmetto award.
9 IslandVibesIOP.com Financial tips for a stress-free holiday season By Patrick Byrne OPINION Installing Fire Pits, Patios, Building Outdoor Kitchens & more! 843-614-0209 | MoralesPaversCHS.com MORA ES P A V E R S We’re a hardscape business, locally owned in Charleston, SC. /moralespaverschs @morales_pavers CALL TODAY For a Complimentary On-Site Consultation! Now that we’re officially in the holiday season, the question is, are you ready for it? Did you prepare or are you behind? If you did prepare, good for you; you’re ahead of the game. If you didn’t, there’s still time for you to make good financial decisions without accumulating a mountain of debt. If you fall into the category of being behind on your holiday budget, you still have time to store up some cash to avoid having to use credit cards to pay for the items you’d like to buy. Let’s discuss the steps you can take to have success this holiday season. DEVELOP A BUDGET It seems simple, right? It is simple if it’s something you’re used to doing. It’s more difficult if it’s something you’ve never done or don’t currently do on a daily or monthly basis. Although it seems simplistic, documenting who you’re buying gifts for and how much you’re going to spend will help you greatly reduce the risk of a budgetary collapse. Sticking to the budget is also vital to success. DOWNSIZE YOUR LIFE Forego the morning coffee at Starbucks. Pack your lunch instead of eating out. Invite friends over for drinks at your house rather than spending money at the bar. These are all very small things that will have a minimal impact on your life or general happiness; however, the impact on your budget could be huge. I’d honestly recommend doing each of these on a regular basis anyway, but you can certainly implement them from now until mid-December to save some money. WORK ON YOUR SIDE HUSTLE Take it from a guy who now makes his living hustling for every dollar. There is money out there if you work hard, have a will to win and provide something people either want or need done. If you’re good at something, use it to your advantage. You don’t have to go into debt to do it either. There are plenty of lowcost options for you to make extra money. Do your research and get started. Accepting your fate and going into debt to purchase what you want or need for the holidays is avoidable for most of us. Make the necessary sacrifices now in order to have a joyful and stress-free holiday season. You’ll also be setting yourself up for financial success in 2025 by avoiding paying off your debt for months to come. After all, Christmas comes once a year. Your credit card bill comes once a month. Patrick Byrne lives in Tega Cay with his wife and two daughters. After 25 years working for a Big 4 bank where he held multiple marketing/communication roles, he retired from the corporate world to pursue his passion for writing. An opportunity to develop a local paper proved too enticing to turn down. Byrne is a graduate of Winthrop University where he majored in communications. He can be reached at patrickbyrne@tegacaysun.com and patrickbyrnecreative.com.
island’s vibrant culture. Thank you for allowing me to serve our community! Let’s embrace this new era with enthusiasm and unity. The next Isle of Palms Chamber meeting will be on Jan. 28, 2025, at the IOP Exchange Club from noon1 p.m. Attendance is open to all, free of charge and membership is not required. Residents interested in an Associate Membership can get more information at this meeting or by visiting iopchamber.com/ membership/ and typing in “Associate Membership Inquiry.” Stay informed about our community and the IOP Chamber by following @IOPchamber. Thank you for your continued support in making the Isle of Palms a world-class island to live, work and play. We cherish being your neighbor! 10 BUSINESS Real Estate 800.476.8444 Vacation Rentals 888.250.8730 DunesProperties.com CharlestonCoastVacations.com . . . FEATURED LISTING 3404 Waterway Boulevard, Isle of Palms 4 Beds, 4.5 Baths, 4126 Ft2 Offered for $4,600,000 Welcome to your Isle of Palms retreat! Set on over half an acre, this fully remodeled home is surrounded by oak trees and Spanish moss. Highlights include a grand foyer, open layout, custom kitchen with a 14-foot island, scullery, spacious pantry, and functional laundry/mudroom. Luxurious finishes throughout! Oversized lot and saltwater pool creating a peaceful oasis! Listed by: Layne Kipp, Realtor® 803.586.9553 Chamber Notes Ringing in the new year with new leadership By Rod Turnage President, IOP Chamber of Commerce As the calendar turns to 2025, the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce the chamber’s revitalized leadership team. This talented and dedicated group is committed to fostering growth and unity within our beloved community. Alex Stone, a visionary with a deep understanding of our island’s unique business landscape, is stepping into the role of president. Stone’s leadership and unwavering commitment to our community make him the ideal person to lead us forward. His innovative thinking and passion for our community will undoubtedly invigorate the chamber’s initiatives. I am also delighted to announce that Sandy Stone and Scottie Frier will continue to offer their invaluable expertise as treasurer and secretary, respectively. Their continued dedication provides a stable foundation for our chamber’s ambitious plans. The role of vice-president is currently being evaluated and will be announced in January. While transitioning from my role as president into immediate past-president, my commitment to the Isle of Palms remains steadfast. I will focus more intensely on our strategic plan, community engagement and digital marketing. Together, we will continue to weave the fabric of our IslandVibesIOP.com
that balance requires much patience, study and discussion. In the past few years, we have secured more than $13 million in grants and state budget allocations. We have used these funds for projects that were thoughtfully identified as having the most impact on our residents’ quality of life. Here are a few highlights of some of our major projects this past year. You 11 IslandVibesIOP.com CIVICS BELVA'S FLOWER SHOP IS MT. PLEASANT'S FIRST AND OLDEST FLORIST, founded in 1956 by BELVA J. WILLIAMS. Belva's high standards and excellence continues with Jim Sumner and his wife Debra. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AND QUALITY WORK ARE OUR FIRST PRIORITIES. We have the ultimate guarantee and strive to stand behind it. We pursue the highest quality flowers and hold these standards to our vendors all over the world. VOTED BEST FLORAL SHOP IN MOUNT PLEASANT! CALL OR VISIT US TODAY! 1965 Riviera Drive #4 Mount Pleasant, SC 843-884-9576 • belvasflowershop@hotmail.com Online Ordering Available! OF VACATION RENTALS THE GOLD STANDARD ISLE OF PALMS, SC IOPESCAPES.COM 843.456.46O6 Mayor’s Message Short-term improvements lead to long-term solutions By Phillip Pounds Mayor, Isle of Palms Happy holidays! I hope this season is filled with family and friends and plenty of good food. I hope you can join us for this year’s Holiday Street Festival, scheduled for Dec. 7 from 2-7 p.m. at Front Beach. It will be a wonderful opportunity to kick off the magic of the holiday season and celebrate our traditions with friends and neighbors. The event will include arts and crafts, food vendors, fun children’s activities, live entertainment, Santa Claus and the tree lighting. Also, this year’s final Coffee with the Mayor will be held Dec. 27 from 9-10 a.m. at The Refuge. I hope you can join us to meet some new neighbors, discuss what is happening around our island and ask questions. We’ve been doing these monthly coffees for three years. This year to date, almost 200 of you have attended a coffee event. I very much appreciate you coming and participating in these events. We will continue to hold these on the last Friday of the month. 2025. Hard to believe we are here, isn’t it? Those numbers used to sound so far in the future. Planning for the future for our city is a delicate balancing act – making sure we balance the short- and long-term needs while being fiscally responsible. Trying to maintain can find project descriptions and other updates at iop.net: • Marina public dock renovation (90% complete) • Stormwater infrastructure improvements at 30th, 36th and 41st avenues (completed) • Phase 4 Drainage - Palm Boulevard between 38th and 41st avenues (design and permitting in process; anticipated construction fall 2025) • ADA beach access boardwalks at 34th, 46th and 52nd avenues (completed by year’s end) • Beach renourishment (ongoing) • Waterway Boulevard multi-use path elevation project (final design completed by year’s end; permits requested first quarter, 2025) • 21st Avenue sidewalk repair/extension (construction anticipated to start first quarter, 2025) I hope you have a great holiday season. Thank you for the opportunity to serve! See you around the island. Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP 843-252-5359 ppounds@iop.net
12 CRIME GRASS ISN’T ALWAYS GREENER A total of nine drug-related incidents kept officers busy this month. Seven involved simple possession of marijuana, known in these parts as the “devil’s lettuce.” In a town where loud music is more acceptable than loud smoke, some folks learned the hard way that what’s legal across most of the country is still considered contraband here. A word to the wise: keep the salad at home. NOT SANTA’S SNOW As for the remaining two, let’s just say there was some snow in the forecast — even though it’s still fall. Yep, cocaine made its way into two reports and while it doesn’t melt on your tongue like an ice cream cone, it does tend to melt your common sense. Whether you call it snow, blow or powdered poor judgment, it won’t make winter come any sooner — just your court date. DUCK, DUCK, DWS Apparently, the Isle of Palms has a new game sweeping the streets: driving while suspended. Eight contestants entered this month: five rookies, two repeat players and one DWS third timer, proving that some people just don’t know when to throw in the keys. Pro tip: It might be time to reconsider your travel plans if you’re collecting DWS offenses like frequent flier miles. OPEN BAR ON WHEELS Three people made the unfortunate mistake of treating their vehicles like mobile taverns this month. Whether it was sipping a cold beer or nursing a cocktail, these drivers discovered that the road isn’t a place for happy hour. One particularly ambitious individual brought their booze to the beach, only to learn alcohol isn’t allowed there either. It’s a double whammy when you lose your drink and get a ticket. HIT-AND-RUN CLUB Two hit-and-run incidents made the list, with one causing moderate injuries. While we hate to see anyone hurt, it’s worth noting that the fleeing drivers probably didn’t realize they’d end up running straight into legal trouble. You can run, but there’s no place to hide on IOP. PARTY POLICE Finally, we had 16 noise violations this month, proving that the Isle of Palms knows how to have a good time — sometimes too good. Folks, if you can hear the music over the sound of the ocean, it might be time to turn it down. DON’T SPEND THE HOLIDAYS IN HANDCUFFS The following incidents were obtained from the Isle of Palms Police Department Media Log Reports. This is a parody of real criminal events that occurred between October and November. The names of individuals and business locations have been omitted out of privacy and respect. Where the sand is warm, the water is calm and the drama is … occasionally comical! As always, the Isle of Palms remains a place of sunshine, sand and occasional questionable decision-making. Until next time, keep it legal, keep it quiet and don’t bring snow to the beach. POLICE BLOTTER IslandVibesIOP.com
With heartfelt thanks and an abundance of holiday spirit, we extend a warm THANK YOU for allowing us the honor to serve you and your family. Your trust in us to advise and guide you through your Charleston Lowcountry real estate journey is a humbling privilege. Happy Holidays ISLE OF PALMS From all of us at IOP Residential
In 2019, Grady Marsh launched Just Beachy Carts, the premier golf cart rental company that provides tourists on the Isle of Palms with memories that will last a lifetime. “Our golf carts are perfect for navigating the island, offering a convenient and fun way to explore all the local attractions,” Marsh said. “Whether you're heading to the beach, a restaurant or just taking a leisurely drive around the island, Just Beachy Carts has you covered.” Marsh added that over the last couple of years he had been thinking about expanding the golf cart business and offering additional products to enhance the island experience for both visitors and locals. When a rare commercial space on the island became available in December 2023, he 14 COMMUNITY Just Beachy A one-stop shop for all types of beachgoers By Sarah Rose ON-DEMAND CARE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH CALL OR TEXT (843) 242-7362 OR VISIT THEISLANDDR.COM | 103 PALM BLVD, SUITE DR. SCOTT SMITH EVERYONE IS WELCOME $50 FOR BRIEF VISITS | $95 FOR EXTENDED VISITS No Insurance Accepted, but no insurance necessary. jumped at the chance to take it over and transform it into a retail shop. After extensive renovations, he opened Just Beachy IOP at the end of summer in 2024. Located in the Harris Teeter shopping center, the store offers beach necessities such as clothing, tents, chairs, towels, Orca coolers (a high-end brand similar to Yeti and made in the USA), umbrellas, Turtlebox outdoor speakers, sunscreen, sunglasses, flip-flops and local jewelry made by Bella Mack and Daytoday. Just Beachy IOP also sells larger products such as surfboards, bikes, high quality e-bikes made in the USA, electric scooters and skateboards. “Our story began with a simple mission to create a convenient and enjoyable way for everyone to access the best beach equipment and rentals, ensuring that both locals and visitors alike will have an unforgettable beach experience,” Marsh explained. Marsh said that the team at Just Beachy understands the importance of having reliable gear for the ideal beach day, because as he explained, “We are Isle of Palms residents and beach enthusiasts who are passionate about island life and we are dedicated to providing everything you need to enjoy your time on Isle of Palms to the fullest, whether you're here for a day, a week or are a full-time resident. We are committed to customer satisfaction, and giving exceptional service is our top priority.” To browse the collection in the online shop, visit justbeachyiop.com, and to peruse golf cart rental options, go to justbeachycarts.com. Or pop by 1517 Palm Blvd., Suite D, to load up on holiday gifts for everyone on your list. IslandVibesIOP.com isle of palms Located in the Harris Teeter Shopping Center 1517 Palm Blvd, Ste. D, Isle of Palms, SC 29451 843.885.3090 • justbeachyiop.com Follow Us! Facebook: @justbeachyiop Instagram: @justbeachyiop Now Proudly Selling: E-Bikes and Bikes Electric Scooters Skateboards Surfboards Boogie Boards Helmets & Pads Coolers Beach Chairs Beach Tents Turtlebox Speakers Funboy Pool Floats Toys & Games Clothing & Hats Local Jewelry Nectar Sunglasses SunBum Sunscreen & More! ▶ Awesome Gifts ▶ Locally Owned/Made Brands ▶ Gift Cards Available ▶ Rentals for Clients/Guests ▶ Penny Candy Section for Kids We’ve Got Gifts for Everyone on Your List!
15 IslandVibesIOP.com COMMUNITY City spreads cheer with Deck the Door Contest By Maurice J. Frazier From our family to yours, We are thankful for the island communities. Protect your island lifestyle. Family Owned & Operated COASTAL COVERAGE SPECIALISTS 843.881-4707 insureme@sigsc.com Mount Pleasant & Beaufort AUTO • HOMEOWNERS • CONDO • LIFE • WIND & HAIL • COMMERCIAL • FLOOD The holiday season is now in full swing. Granted, it still feels like spring, but don’t let that hinder the celebration and prevent you from enjoying the true spirit of this time of year. The City of Isle of Palms has been helping residents mix and mingle with its Deck the Door Contest, which kicked off on Nov. 4 and runs through Dec. 2. “During the holidays, Isle of Palms keeps its coastal charm and embraces festive traditions, including its Holiday Street Festival,” said Chaundra Yudchenko, IOP public relations and tourism coordinator. “This is also a ‘secret season’ – a time when the island is less crowded and people can enjoy everything IOP has to offer, like a local.” The Deck the Door Contest encourages IOP residents to show off their creativity and holiday spirit by transforming their doors into beautiful, themed holiday displays. Contestants must be island residents or business owners and must be 18 or older to enter the contest. Family members and friends of all ages are welcome to join in the fun and help decorate. “The holiday season is a symbol of hope and joy,” Yudchenko shared. “It’s also a time to connect with family and friends by creating new memories while enjoying a break from the usual routine.” The contest winners will be announced on Dec. 7 during the Holiday Street Festival. The prizes will be holiday-themed and awarded to three residents in the following categories: MOST TRADITIONAL MOST CREATIVE MOST FESTIVE For the businesses that participate, their category will be: BEST OVERALL “Our residents never disappoint in the creativity department,” said Yudchenko. “The golf cart parades are proof.” To the city staff’s knowledge, this is the first holiday door decorating contest that IOP has held. The city is actively working on initiatives to increase community engagement, strengthen bonds among community members and encourage a festive, interactive spirit during the holiday season. If you missed this year’s contest, then be on the lookout for next year’s and many more to come. IOP unveils new t-shirt design, provides hurricane relief to artist’s hometown By Maurice J. Frazier The city held an Isle of Palms T-shirt Art Design Competition this fall for artists to submit a design that showcases the island’s vibrant culture. The city revealed its new T-shirt design and announced the winning artist, Elizabeth Plemmons, during the IOP Farmer’s Market. Plemmons, 16, has a passion for drawing, painting and digital art. She is a true creative through and through. When she’s not engaged in Winning artist Elizabeth Plemmons from Clyde, North Carolina Continued on Page 18
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ON-DEMAND CARE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH DR. SCOTT SMITH CALL OR TEXT (843) 242-7362 OR VISIT THEISLANDDR.COM iop-residential.com smugglersiop.com (843)-885-7009 843-886-9600 carrollrealtyinc.com WE ARE YOUR ISLAND EXPERTS DINGHYIOP.COM 843.242.8310 4 3 1 10 11 We will mail you POSITIVE VIBES anywhere in the U.S. POINT•SCAN•SUBSCRIBE Keep a piece of Isle of Palms with you no matter where you live.
18 COMMUNITY Island couple celebrates wedding anniversary, wins tennis tournament By Colin McCandless Wild Dunes tennis teams serve up state championship By Colin McCandless From Page 15. The Wild Dunes ladies’ 6.5 combo 40+ USTA State Championship winning team. First row, left to right: Jamie Ginney, Jen Gluckow, Heather Witheford (captain), Emily Baxter, Kristin Whalen. Back row, left to right: Christy Humphries, Lisa O'Hara, Kim Raines, Lynette Korte, Bonnie Jennings, Morgan Marshall, Brandy McMahon, Leslie Bacon, Barbara Jorgensen. Not pictured: Kathi Schuitema, Tara Amaral, Jill Illario, Kellie DeMayo Michael and Ashley Carroll hold up their trophies with their kids Grayden and Evelyn after winning the mixed doubles group at the Racquet War tournament held Nov. 1-3 at Wild Dunes. When team captains and Isle of Palms locals Heather Witheford, Kristin Whalen and Brandy McMahon signed up to lead their tennis teams, they did not expect to be part of a thrilling, competitive tennis journey that will soon take them to the USTA (United States Tennis Association) Sectional Tournament this December. Two women’s teams from Wild Dunes Tennis Club (18+ 6.5 combo and 40+ 6.5 combo) represented the Charleston region at the USTA State Championship Oct. 25-28 in Florence, South Carolina. Each team won their local championship after overcoming other tough opponents from area tennis clubs. Both teams advanced to their respective state tournaments and the 40-plus team won the South Carolina state championship. The team triumphed after three days of competing against the best teams in the state, bringing Wild Dunes its first state title in more than 20 years. Most of the women on these two Wild Dunes teams live on Isle of Palms, with about 50% living within the Wild Dunes community. Team captain Witheford spent hours creating lineups and testing strategies to give her team the best chance at winning. "I am so proud of our team achieving this milestone,” said Witheford. “Our team has a depth of talent that allowed us to have an undefeated local season and become SC State Champions at the SC USTA Championship. We have a strong group of women representing Wild Dunes." “It was a combination of athleticism, strong coaching and friendship that got our team to the championship,” said McMahon. Whalen, who also serves as the Wild Dunes Tennis Association president, remarked on how grateful she is for the strong tennis community on Isle of Palms. The ladies combo team will now represent South Carolina in the USTA Southern Sectionals Dec. 6-9 in Mobile, Alabama. Isle of Palms husband-and-wife duo Michael and Ashley Carroll of Carroll Realty won the mixed doubles group at the Racquet War tournament at Wild Dunes on Nov. 1-3. This marks the second year that the traveling tournament has been held at Wild Dunes, according to Ashley. “It’s popular. It was a good tournament.” The competition consists mainly of locals, but there are also players who come in from out of town to vie for the title. For the Carrolls, the victory felt especially sweet since it happened over the weekend that they were celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, which occurred on Nov. 2. “It was a cool thing to do together,” said Ashley. “My husband and I love tennis. I’ve played since I was little.” Ashley added that Michael is ultra-competitive and played volleyball growing up, so being athletic allowed him to pick up the game of tennis fairly quickly. Together they make a strong team and the tournament results reflected that. Ashley’s sister even came into town to babysit their two kids Grayden (8) and Evelyn (6) so they could have the time to get away and play the entire weekend. “It was really a lot of fun,” said Ashley. “It was a good bonding weekend.” her artistic endeavors, her escape is either the beach or playing with her two cats and tending to her eight chickens. Plemmons’ goal is to create artwork that is bright, happy and filled with joy, which embodies how she feels when she’s on the Isle of Palms. Her story doesn’t stop there; her ties to IOP go way beyond just creating a T-shirt. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many communities are still recovering and rebuilding. These areas still face daunting challenges from the storm’s impacts. During a recent city council workshop, there was discussion regarding adopting a sister city in Western North Carolina to aid in its storm recovery efforts. City council elected to adopt the city of Clyde, North Carolina. It just so happens that Plemmons is from Clyde. She has been visiting IOP since she was a little girl, while staying with family in Mount Pleasant. Plemmons and her family are especially grateful for this accomplishment since her hometown has been impacted by Hurricane Helene. “Through the T-shirt program, the city aims to connect with guests who stay on the island overnight and provide them with a tangible reminder of their IOP experience,” explained Chaundra Yudchenko, IOP public relations and tourism coordinator. “The new shirt design reflects the island’s vibrant culture and includes some of the elements that make it special. While the T-shirt program is centered around visitors, anyone can purchase a shirt and enjoy it as a keepsake that represents their fun, relaxing or adventurous time on the island.” The new IOP T-shirt design will be available for residents to purchase in the spring of 2025. IslandVibesIOP.com
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