cat at times — don’t tell her we told you that — but behind her reserved demeanor lies a curious spirit just waiting for the right moment to shine. Caramel appreciates her independence and enjoys her own space, yet once she feels secure, her loving nature emerges, revealing a delightful friend who craves connection and companionship. Smart and eager to learn, Caramel soaks up new experiences, but requires a little extra patience as she navigates her fears. With time and gentle encouragement, Caramel reveals her playful side, enjoying the company of other dogs and forming strong bonds with those she trusts. Her journey from timid to confident is truly inspiring, showcasing her resilience and adaptability. Athletic and agile, Caramel would make an excellent walking buddy. She loves cozy spots to curl up in, sunny patches to bask in and interactive playtime that stimulates her mind. Whether it’s 22 IslandVibesIOP.com As I understand it, the city is currently in a three-year contract with PCI with 76% of ticket revenue going to our fair city, and 24% going to PCI. According to city officials, the city is reviewing the attorney general’s advisement and is considering next steps with legal counsel. Perhaps a solution will be found to avoid any litigation against our island. Let’s hope for appropriate action and for the profit made from these tickets to be used for a common good on our island; free treats and water at all island-wide dog waste stations is my suggestion, but I will remain open to alternate suggestions. I’m not typically one to care about such mundane matters as parking, but for-profit ticket writing will definitely get my dander up. To make an absurd matter even worse, PCI Municipal Services, the third-party parking management company currently issuing citations on our beloved island, has proposed year-round paid parking in the business district. Such a travesty could be quite a detriment to local establishments during the off season. I for one like to support our island’s businesses rather than contribute to their demise, especially given my proclivity to enjoy local fish and chips. This parking plan was touted as a way to free up our local law enforcement to focus on more pressing matters than parking, which is a simple and nice way of looking at this complex issue, but the matter at hand remains – the more tickets written, the more money made by a third-party entity. What adds to the injustice of these exorbitant parking ticket fines ($100) is that the matter seems to be less about public safety than it is about making money. The state attorney general has advised city officials that changes are warranted due to the illegality of our current arrangement. Carl Johnson and daughter Ava might be as local as one can get. Born and raised on the Isle of Palms, Carl and Ava share a love of the water and all things island. “The beach, the marina, golf cart rides, boat rides and riding bicycles — that’s the kind of thing we love. Anything and everything water-related,” explained Carl on a recent afternoon. The son of Kathy and Gerald Johnson, who moved to IOP from the Upstate in the early 1970s, Carl and his siblings, Casandra and Cayton, experienced the quintessential island childhood of the ‘70s and ‘80s. “When we were little, Mom’s friend would call the house to let her know an airplane was landing. She’d take us down to the waterway landing strip and we’d watch the planes land and take off. There was no hangar, just one long grass strip, a fuel station and a little trailer,” remembered Carl. He described the island as a place where everybody knew everybody. Carl recalled with nostalgia, “It wasn’t as Meet Your Island Neighbors! By Laura Fogarty KEEPING UP WITH THE JOHNSONS Editor’s Note: To Be Frank is a pet editorial series featuring the daily life of Robert Francis “Frank” Weatherbee, a petite 2-year-old Jack Russell terrier rescue with a bone to pick for island justice. Frank’s column is the voice and backbone for his community of furry friends. PEOPLE & PETS TO BE FRANK, PUMP YOUR BRAKES ON PARKING CITATIONS -FRANK busy. The pace was slower. Going to the nickel carnival is one of my best memories from growing up here. There was a big field next to the Red & White, before the Connector, pre-Hugo. It was a simpler time.” Carl’s father was a volunteer firefighter back when there were only two paid employees for the firehouse. “There was a special ring on our landline that meant Dad needed to get to the firehouse,” he shared. “Eventually they went to pagers. The first page meant to get to the fire station. If he got a second page, that meant the trucks were full; meet us at the fire!” Simpler times indeed. Carl is the owner of Odds & Ends, a handyman service, and utilizes those same talents to work construction on a Goat Island property his father purchased in the ’90s. Once they completed the construction of the dock on Goat Island, another favorite pastime developed, traversing to and from Goat and hanging out on the dock there. “I love this island, I love setting my own hours, and spending time with my daughter,” said Carl. “There’s no place I’d rather be.” Introducing Caramel, a gentle cattledog blend whose heart is as sweet as her name. This lovely 7-year-old may be a bit of a scaredy Photo by Jeanne Taylor Photography Rescue of the Month Caramel By Isabel Alvarez Arata chasing after a squeaky toy or exploring new patches of grass, Caramel’s curiosity shines through when she’s comfortable. If you’re looking for a pet who embodies both sweetness and depth, Caramel could be the perfect match for you. She may take a little time to warm up, but once she does, you’ll find yourself with a loyal friend who brings joy to your life. Come meet Caramel at the Charleston Animal Society, located at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston. Spend some time getting to know this gentle soul, and you might just find that a generous serving of Caramel is just what you need in your life. With a little love and patience, you can help Caramel blossom into the wonderful companion she was meant to be. Don’t miss the chance to give this sweet girl the forever home she deserves!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1