COUNCIL CREATES BEACH PRESERVATION COMMITTEE See Page 3 COYOTE ACTIVITY ON THE RISE See Page 5 Photo by Rachel Basye Vol.4 Issue 1 January 2026 To read digitally, visit ReadIslandVibes.com The conversation continues at IsleOfPalmsPodcast.com CITY APPOINTMENTS TO KICK OFF 2026 See Page 6 Sunny Side Up ANOTHER TRIP AROUND THE SUN YEAR IN REVIEW See Page 13 JINGLE ALL YEAR LONG See Page 7 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS See Page 27
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IslandVibesIOP.com 3 NEWS New Beach Preservation Committee born from erosion control efforts By L. C. Leach III REQUEST YOUR PERSONALIZED CONSULTATION IN A SERENE ENVIRONMENT. 843.894.0955 YoungerYoustudio.com 1022 Carolina Blvd. Isle of Palms, SC Wellness by the Sea Regenerative Medicine & Aesthetics Where It’s ALL ABOUT YOU Board-certified medical professionals that offer personalized state-ofthe-art treatments for face & body. WE DESIGN A PLAN FOR YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS. TRUST THE EXPERTS. Lasers, toxins, facials, weight loss and more. 2025 ® Sean Sheppard,Owner voted THE BEST TRAINER/COACH in Mount Pleasant! VETERAN OWNED AND OPERATED Follow for more @rugd_training_and_fitness • PERSONAL TRAINING • MASSAGE • PARTNER TRAINING 843-606-2047 1985 RIVIERA DR. SUITE 101 MOUNT PLEASANT, SC Since 2020, Isle of Palms’ city leaders have faced several ongoing issues such as short-term rentals, noise levels, coyote activity, community enrichment and the management of traffic and parking. Heading into the new year though, beach preservation is not only expected to remain the island’s top priority by a wide margin but will likely carry more importance for the long-term than all other concerns of the past decade combined. “Beach preservation is the most important issue facing the island,” said longtime resident John Shilling, speaking before the city’s Administration Committee on Nov. 13. “Since moving here in 2000, I’ve walked our beach regularly – from Dewees Inlet down to the pier – and I’ve never seen the shoreline in worse condition than it is today.” City leaders have become concerned to the point of forming what Mayor Philip Pounds termed “the first inaugural Beach Preservation Committee,” created on recommendation from the Beach Ad Hoc Preservation Committee to have an ongoing group of residents dedicated to just IOP beaches. On Dec. 9 at a special city council meeting, Shilling and fellow residents Alice Bova, Dan Slotchiver, Dietmar Ostermann and Wendi Pasterik were nominated to serve on this committee along with newly elected Councilman David Cohen. All five had expressed previous interest to the Administration Committee in desiring to become involved in the island’s three major beach renourishment projects in progress, which include: • The shoal reattachment effort on the north end in front of Beachwood East. • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sand placement work on the south end up to Breach Inlet. Recent work has entailed rebuilding dunes with 550,000 cubic yards of sand – enough to fill approximately 170 Olympic-sized pools. • The coming 2026 renourishment on the north and south ends. This estimated $25 million project will consist of placing up to 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. “For the shoal effort just completed and the Corps effort scheduled to complete in March 2026, the committee will be monitoring the effectiveness of these efforts which could impact the scope and timeline of the 2026 island-wide effort and other future plans,” Cohen said. When asked what she thought could be done to further beach preservation efforts, Pasterik said she supports having a proactive beach management plan. “On the south end, we have spent significant dollars on emergency measures, but not renourishment,” she said. “I would like to see IOP rely on coastal engineers with a proven success record to ensure we maintain healthy levels of dry sand beach, and we manage the dollars wisely so it’s sustainable.” Ostermann suggested these two items: accelerating the 2026 project and a short-term emergency plan to save the homes on Beachwood East and the Ocean Club apartment building. “Beach renourishment is a marathon, not a short-term sprint,” Ostermann said. “It requires long-term planning, multi-jurisdiction funding, preparedness, situational adjustments and relentless execution. We are nowhere near that level of preparedness.” Both Bova and Shilling pointed out that along with efforts to control Mother Nature is the increasing resident concern over property values. “We have a dilemma with options that are challenging – such as how are we going to deal with the houses that are in the way of the island’s natural erosion,” Bova said. “We really to need Continued on Page 8. Army Corps of Engineers remove shoal sand to place in critically eroded areas, as beach preservation is to remain a critical issue for decades.
IslandVibesIOP.com 4 Island Vibes Vol. 4, Issue 1 January 2026 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER JAZZY JORDAN ASSISTANT@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM MANAGING EDITOR ZACH GIROUX EDITOR@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ART DIRECTOR BETHANY LONG ART@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS BRAND AMBASSADOR SONYA BUCKHANNON SONYA@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL BASYE COOPERRIVERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM DIGITAL MANAGER ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ALYSSA FRANCO THEDIGITALTOUCHCHS@GMAIL.COM WEB EDITOR GEORGE CONKLIN CONTRIBUTORS RYAN BUCKHANNON • MARY COY • LAURA FOGARTY • ALLYAH HARRAR • L.C. LEACH III COLIN MCCANDLESS • KIMBERLYN NAYLOR PHILLIP POUNDS • SARAH ROSE SALES REPRESENTATIVES STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM SHARI SEBUCK SHARI@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE ALISON REED 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 A South Carolina Press Association Award-Winning Publication! FROM THE TEAM Publisher’s Note Publishing positivity Editor’s Note Solutions for your New Year’s resolutions Humbug! I don’t mean to be a Scrooge, but New Year’s resolutions are the bane of my existence. By no surprise, come February studies show that most of these resolutions have quietly fallen by the wayside. Why might this be? Because setting a goal once a year creates unnecessary pressure, unrealistic expectations and unattainable happiness. Truth be told, transformation isn’t an annual change, it’s a daily practice that needs to be preached every day. Making personal goals every day shifts the focus from a distant target to a step-by-step process. Instead of waiting for a symbolic date, give yourself permission to start now. There will be successes and failures, but the important part is to learn from the journey and celebrate the small victories along the way. Maybe your goal today is to take a 20-minute walk, read a chapter from your favorite book or call an old friend you’ve been meaning to reconnect with. These small commitments build momentum, reinforce habits and cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement. Life is unpredictable. Circumstances change, priorities shift and what mattered in January may no longer resonate a month later. Daily goal setting allows you to adapt, experiment and respond to your present reality without anxiety or guilt. Word to the wise: write down your goals instead of keeping them locked in your mind. When you see it in writing it becomes more real. So, skip the annual promises that fade with the calendar. Embrace the small, intentional choices you can make each day. Over time, these daily commitments accumulate into profound progress. After all, the best time to make a positive life change isn’t Jan. 1; it’s today! Positively yours, Zach Giroux Editor As we move into 2026, I think most of us if not all of us will reflect on 2025. It’s hard to transition out of any year without considering the events that defined it. For me, one of the most positive things that happened for Isle of Palms residents in 2025 was the city finding the funding for its annual budget to support massive ongoing infrastructure projects without raising property taxes. This says a lot about the governing body. Speaking of a governing body and whether your vote really matters, if you’re reading this and you voted in the mayoral race and cast your ballot for Phillip Pounds, your vote truly did make a difference since now we know he was reelected by just one vote. No matter who you voted for, everyone was on pins and needles awaiting the runoff results. Regardless of what year it is, beach erosion affects all Isle of Palms’ homeowners. It impacts all property owners because the beautiful Isle of Palms beaches are the No.1 attraction on this island. The money that visitors spend here helps to keep property taxes down, which benefits all property owners. If you believe actions are more important than words, then one particular action taken last year revealed the caring nature of the residents that make up Isle of Palms. In 2025, the city gave the OK to Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs, a South Carolina-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with mobility impairments, to independently access outdoor recreation – including beaches. As we embark on 2026, Island Vibes will continue to strive to feature the most impactful stories Isle of Palms has to offer. We will always endeavor to spread positive vibes in print and digitally. Here at Island Vibes, if it shines brightly, raises hopes and helps to put a smile on your face, that’s the type of storytelling we aim to deliver each month. Happy New Year! Positively yours, Bill Macchio Publisher
IslandVibesIOP.com 5 While every Isle of Palms holiday season brings more festive food, more table scraps for pets and a lot more trash in the bins, it also comes with a greater chance of neighborhood varmints and scroungers – especially coyotes. So when you put out trash this Christmas or go walking your dog on the beach or near the dunes, be aware that both the litter and the dogs could easily be a target by one of the island’s coyotes – especially in outdoor areas where food is carelessly discarded or left out. “We’re coming up on breeding season, which can spur more activity as well,” said Jay Butfiloski, Certified Wildlife Biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. “And because coyotes are a member of the canine family, there can be some hostility towards dogs.” In 2025 alone into December, Isle of Palms police have reported 124 coyote sightings – slightly down from 2024 mainly because of efforts to keep the native coyote population under control. “We unfortunately see coyotes attack animals when they are off leash,” said IOPPD Sgt. Matt Storen, special services and public information officer. “We ask that everyone keep pets on a short leash if they are walking in areas that may have coyotes.” He added, however, that while coyotes by nature are predatory and carnivorous, so far through 2024 and 2025, there have been no reported attacks on humans. “We have placed multiple signs at a majority of beach access paths to warn people of coyotes in the area,” Storen said. “Also limiting food sources to these animals will help reduce their impact, especially in the residential areas.” However, the most recent report occurred Nov. 28 when a small dog staying with its owners at a rental home in Wild Dunes was off leash in a yard. The owners say they saw coyotes attack the dog and carry it into the marsh behind the home. The dog has not been found since, according to IOPPD. People are also warned to be extra careful with leashes when walking pets near dunes because of coyote traps. “The lures we use to attract coyotes will also attract dogs and cats,” said Kevin Murphy, owner of Critter Control of Charleston, whom IOP City has contracted to trap errant coyotes and remove them. “We just caught a dog on Dec. 11 up in the dunes in one of our coyote traps.” Through 2025, Critter Control has caught more than 15 coyotes on IOP, and another 15-20 on Sullivan’s Island. Murphy said that while the traps and efforts are working, resident involvement in helping handle the problem has made the biggest impact. “Coyotes move around the island and can easily come back – just because you don’t see them for a while doesn’t mean they’ve gone away,” he said. “Coyotes go where the food source is, and that changes with the season. We have people walking and monitoring the beach every day, but we are trapping only in the areas where sightings have been reported and where we’re sent. So the public’s help in handling this is critical.” If you should sight or encounter a coyote, Storen and IOPPD Chief Kevin Cornett recommended the following: • Make as much noise as possible and make yourself seem bigger than the animal. “The majority of the time, this will scare the coyote away,” Storen said. • Be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking out to the beaches. • Pay attention to coyote warning signs at beach access paths. • Make sure food scraps or food waste is not openly available, especially at home. “Coyotes will forage in gardens for fruits and vegetables, knock over trash bins looking for meals and eat pet food that’s been left out overnight,” Murphy said. • Report sightings by calling 843886-6522, or an attack by immediately calling 911. • Never approach a coyote on your own. As Murphy pointed out, they can spread diseases like distemper, hepatitis, mange, rabies and tularemia. “If property owners encounter the pests on their lawns or in their neighborhoods, the best way to handle the situation is to contact professional wildlife control,” Murphy said. “We know how to safely remove coyotes and the potential dangers they can pose. And since coyotes are largely afraid of humans, attacks are rare, but they do occur. And our coyote removal experts can offer tips on how to avoid contact with the animals in the future.” It is still uncertain whether the coyote population will pose any future problem for residents and the area’s still-growing influx of daily and seasonal visitors. But efforts to regulate them in all areas have been encouraging. If you happen to encounter a coyote in the wild, on beaches or anywhere in neighborhoods and don’t remember any other safety measure, Butfiloski suggested a healthy dose of some time-honored caution: Don’t bother them, and they won’t bother you. “A coyote is in the dog family,” he said. “And you should do the same as you would when encountering any strange dog, even more so when you have a pet.” NEWS About the Cover Happy New Year! Coyote activity ramps up as breeding season nears By L. C. Leach III Coyotes frequently appear along the beaches and dunes of Isle of Palms In honor of our sunrise cover photo symbolizing the dawn of a new year, it’s only fitting that we share the best places to watch a sunrise on Isle of Palms. Front Beach The most classic and accessible spot for a sunrise. Walk along the wide, ocean-facing shoreline early in the morning and find a quiet stretch of beach to watch the sun rise. Isle of Palms County Park Just off Ocean Boulevard, this county park provides a great public access point right on the beach. Arrive before dawn and walk out onto the sand to catch the first light. Beach Access 42 One of the many beach access points up and down Palm Boulevard. These quieter access points let you stake out a peaceful sunrise spot away from the busier central beach. Breach Inlet Enjoy waterfront views where you can see the sun rising over the inlet waters with boats and tidal marshes in the foreground. Bonus Tips Walk the shoreline eastward: Isle of Palms’ long beach faces east, so walking along the sand before sunrise usually gives you uninterrupted views as the sun approaches the horizon. If you’re staying in an oceanfront rental or hotel, check to see if it has an east-facing balcony. May this new year bring peace and prosperity! Let’s make 2026 the best year yet, with the most positive vibes possible! Happy New Year! Your island family, Island Vibes
Rusty Streetman and John Bogosian – Charleston Visitors Bureau. The CVB, or Explore Charleston, is a regional tourism marketing organization that represents 10 different funding governments located in Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties. Council will vote on either Streetman or Bogosian to serve on this committee. Katie Miars – Environmental Advisory Committee IOP City Council formed this nine-member committee in 2021 to advise council in part on matters regarding ways to pursue energy conservation, help reduce island litter and pollution and to protect the island’s environment, endangered species and natural resources. As people, traffic, noise, garbage collection and artificial light continue to increase across the island, Miars, who was recently re-elected to the council, will engage in discussions and measures with other EAC members and representatives from the Department of Natural Resources as necessary to keep wildlife habitat as much as possible in its natural state. Other nominations by the Administration Committee included: Environmental Advisory Committee: Re-appoint Laura Lovins and Todd Murphy; appoint Britton Foy and Susan Smith and appoint Charlotte Webster to the student position. Planning Commission: Re-appoint Ron Denton, Suzanne Nagelski, Jeffrey Rubin, Rich Steinert and appoint Bill Laughlin. Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee: Re-appoint Barb Bergwerf, Chrissy Lorenz, Mike Boykin and Margaret Miller. City Judge: Michael Molony Associate Judge: Christopher Skipper City Attorney: Mac McQuillin of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. City Prosecutor: Culver Kidd The new year will barely be here before city leaders will be taking actions to move Isle of Palms toward a future that is already arriving. As the island progresses toward a balance to maintain resident life, year-round vacationers and coastal land that is constantly under threat from weather and waves, IOP City Council members will be working on multiple fronts that will not only directly affect the island’s quality of life, but influence factors such as growth, traffic, tourism and beach preservation for decades to come. A special meeting will take place Jan. 6 to swear in new members and confirm all committee assignments and appointments and nominations for boards and commissions. The members nominated at the council’s December 2025 special meeting are up for the following appointments: Bev Miller- Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments. BCDCOG is a regional agency whose primary objective is to assist local governments in developing local and regional plans and provide them with planning and technical support to improve the quality of life in the region. If appointed, Miller said a priority would be to work with other area leaders about putting together a plan on how to keep pace with growth. “I’m starting to do my homework on regional issues,” said Miller, who was recently elected to her first term on council. “I once served on the Johns Creek City Council outside of Atlanta from 2006-13, and had to build relationships at the local, county and regional levels. And I’m looking forward to doing that again now with IOP City.” Jimmy Ward – Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors As the state’s largest public transportation provider and ranked as one of the top systems in the Southeast, CARTA operates Charleston’s public transportation system for the entire metro area, with a ridership of more than 4 million annually. While Ward has long championed bus service to and from the island to help manage visitors, traffic and parking concerns, he is hoping that a few ideas in 2026 will push the effort further than ever. 6 IslandVibesIOP.com IOP Council committee nominees lack no shortage of expertise By L. C. Leach III NEWS “I’ve been on the CARTA board now for about eight years, and in the early 2020s, we installed a Reach the Beach project that offers free rides on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, just in the summer,” said Ward, now in his fifth non-consecutive term on council. “We’ve increased ridership every year since I’ve been on the board, and I’d like to expand the service to more days and see the emergency lane of the original IOP Connector come back and open up for emergency vehicles and CARTA buses only.” David Cohen – Beach Preservation Committee. In what might easily prove to be the council’s most critical committee role for the rest of the decade, Cohen will spearhead what Pounds called “the first inaugural” Beach Preservation Committee, created to have a group of residents dedicated to IOP beaches and ongoing renourishment projects. “I felt my background as a member of the planning commission tasked with development of the IOP comprehensive plan which included goal and recommended actions related to beach preservation and consideration of the effects of sea level rise would be an asset to this committee,” said Cohen, also recently elected to his first term on council, polling more votes than any other candidate. “The city has received several recommended approaches to beach preservation. The next step, which the city is currently undertaking through this committee, is to compare and contrast these recommendations, including their feasibility and determine the city’s long-range approach to beach preservation.” Bev Miller Jimmy Ward David Cohen Rusty Streetman John Bogosian Katie Miars
IslandVibesIOP.com 7 Embrace the holiday spirit all year long By Ted Kinghorn OPINION 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 The holidays and the end of one year and the beginning of a new year are a natural time of reflection. They say philanthropy starts at home. We might ask ourselves then: What have I accomplished and what might I contribute to my community in the future? Isle of Palms is known for its beaches, marshes, waterways, family-friendly neighborhoods and a strong sense of community. Our local nonprofits add great value to this mosaic of support to meet or exceed needs not otherwise met. One of the best ways residents can help preserve what makes IOP special is by volunteering their time, talents and treasure. Whether you are a longtime local or newer resident, there are many meaningful ways to get involved and make a difference right here at home. There is something for everyone. Start by identifying your passion/ priorities and skills and participating in a nonprofit organization. Public safety and environmental emergency preparedness is enhanced by community involvement. Volunteering to support our local fire and police departments allows residents to support our first responders and help the island stay resilient and neighborhood friendly. See lensiop.org. Environmental stewardship is another natural place to start volunteering on the island. Health and safety of IOP beaches, marshes, inlets and waterways is critical to our daily life and volunteers can play an important role in protecting them. Residents may participate in beach cleanups, help with dune preservation efforts or support local turtle and marine conservation programs, especially during nesting season. See the Turtle Team-Isle of Palms and IOP Cleanup Crew at iop.net. Not only do these two examples provide public benefit, personal enrichment, community bonding and lasting friendships, but also, they ensure a robust economic value for our island. A special thanks to all volunteers and nonprofit organizations that donate their time either through selfless independent acts, such as purchasing a local area habitat and donating it to the Lowcountry Land Trust as a full conservation easement or supporting nonprofits to implement their missions. You are all heroes! Ted Kinghorn, a former IOP city councilman, has been active in leadership positions with nonprofits and civic organizations since high school, both as a participant and an advocate on the local, state and national levels.
live a healthier lifestyle or simply slow down and enjoy island life, every positive step makes our city stronger. As a community, our shared resolutions are just as important. This year let’s recommit to kindness, volunteerism and looking out for our IslandVibesIOP.com 8 CIVICS Mayor’s Message Let’s have a happy, healthy and hopeful new year By Phillip Pounds, Mayor, Isle of Palms As we enter 2026, I want to extend my wishes for a happy, healthy and hopeful new year. There is something truly special about beginning a new year surrounded by neighbors who care for one another and by the natural beauty we are fortunate to call home. The start of a new year often invites reflection and renewal. It’s a time when many of us set resolutions: goals to grow, to give back and to care a little better for ourselves and for each other. Whether your resolution is to spend more time with family, support local businesses, get involved in community events, to reach out to the property owners that are at risk and work with them because I think the challenges going forward are going to be with considering the rights of the property owners and the long-term health of the beaches.” Shilling added that even a small loss in value could permanently alter the island’s integrity and appeal. “With residential property on the island valued at roughly $6.5 billion, even a modest 5%-10% decline would mean hundreds of millions of dollars in lost value, along with significant impacts on short-term rentals and local businesses,” he said. “And after reviewing the 2024 monitoring report, I’m especially concerned about the accelerating erosion rates at Reaches 5 and 6, and the unprecedented loss Beach Preservation Committee From Page 3. at Reach 2 between 2022 and 2024.” All four nominees will be up for approval on Jan. 6 at a special council meeting. Bova, for one, is ready to get started. “I have been observing and following the renourishment projects, and I wrote a letter to the city council saying, ‘I’m really concerned about this,’” Bova said. “I am very much environmentally conscious, and I want to do something for my town.” Ostermann indicated that while he appreciates all past and present efforts to keep IOP beaches as intact as possible, he hopes the new committee can find ways to improve some of the measures. “The beach erosion on Isle of Palms has increased and accelerated to levels not seen before,” he said. “This worries me, and I would like to help orchestrate a response. The committee will ensure that there is permanent focus on the topic.” neighbors – especially our seniors, our youth and those who may be facing challenges. Let us continue to take pride in our island, protect our environment and work together to keep our city safe, welcoming and vibrant. I am proud of the resilience, generosity and spirit that define our community. The year ahead brings opportunities for growth, collaboration and progress, and I look forward to working alongside all of you to make it a successful one. On behalf of our city leadership, thank you for your continued support and involvement. I hope this new year brings peace, good health and new opportunities for us all. One quick project update: We have received the permits for phase 2 of the Waterway Boulevard flood barrier project – great news! We are currently reviewing bids from contractors and should start construction soon. Phase 2 will entail addressing the multi-use path and adding some additional drainage infrastructure in addition to what has already been placed on the golf course. Thank you for the opportunity to serve! Looking forward to the new year! Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP 843-252-5359 ppounds@iop.net
IslandVibesIOP.com 9 CRIME MISFITS RIDE SANTA’S SLEIGH STRAIGHT TO THE SLAMMER 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 here with comedic exaggeration BLUE LIGHT HOLIDAY SPECIAL Throughout the reporting period, officers encountered a steady parade of drivers attempting the annual “Silent Night, No License” challenge by operating vehicles while suspended, revoked, expired or fueled by nothing more than holiday optimism. Several motorists embraced the Christmas spirit a bit too enthusiastically, pairing ignition keys with eggnog, beer or other festive beverages, resulting in blue lights, roadside field sobriety tests and a sudden reconsideration of life choices. Open containers were found riding shotgun in multiple vehicles, confirming that holiday spirits were, in fact, mobile. NAUGHTY DRIVERS GET SCROOGED Speed limits were treated less like laws and more like gentle suggestions, with drivers appearing eager to outrun Mariah Carey’s return to the airwaves. Seatbelts were optional for some; license plates were missing, concealed or creatively displayed for others; and insurance coverage was frequently left off the Christmas wish list entirely. OH, CHRISTMAS WEED Meanwhile, seasonal herbal celebrations flourished. Marijuana made more appearances than mistletoe, with several individuals discovering the hard way that festive cruising pairs poorly with traffic stops. Drug paraphernalia was often present as well, tagging along like that one relative who shows up for Christmas dinner and refuses to leave. While baked goods are encouraged during the holidays, officers gently reminded residents that being “baked” behind the wheel remains illegal regardless of season or playlist. A SILENT NIGHT WOULD BE NICE Noise complaints rose steadily as competing holiday playlists turned into late-night DJ battles. Some complaints proved unfounded, others were very much founded, and all served as reminders that not everyone wants dubstep “Jingle Bells” vibrating through Santa checked his list. The police checked their radar. Somewhere between Thanksgiving leftovers and Christmas cookies, a surprising number of motorists decided that the holiday season was the perfect time to test the limits of speed, sobriety and common sense. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and please — don’t make the Police Blotter twice! www.RadRydz.com | 843-972-8525 | Chad@RadRydz.com | 1314 Stuart Engals Blvd UNIT C, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Rad Rydz is your go-to source for high quality golf cart sales and service in Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and surrounding areas. We have relocated, come check out our new shop! Voted THE BEST Golf Cart Sales and Service Business. 2026 ® their walls at 2 a.m. Caroling, it should be noted, does not require a subwoofer capable of registering on nearby seismographs. DON’T BE A GRINCH Property-related mischief also made appearances, including burglary and vandalism, proving that even during a season devoted to giving, some individuals still chose the “take first, apologize later” approach. One unfortunate tree did not survive the holidays, a sobering reminder that Christmas trees are decorative items and not seasonal casualties. NEW YEAR, SAME LAWS As New Year’s Eve approaches, officers anticipate the traditional spike in optimistic decision-making, including drivers who swear they are “totally fine,” music that is “just one more song,” license plates that “fell off somehow” and resolutions that will be broken before midnight. Authorities remind residents that calendars changing does not erase traffic laws and that legal consequences carry over into the new year without pause. In closing, residents are reminded that Santa sees you when you’re speeding, knows when you are baked, hears you when your bass is thumping and strongly prefers that you enter the new year with a valid license plate. Neighbors, let’s exchange cookies instead of complaints.
IslandVibesIOP.com 10 COMMUNITY By the time the sun slipped behind the marsh on Dec. 2, Ted and Anne Kinghorn’s Isle of Palms home had transformed into something between a holiday movie set and a cheerful fire code violation. Stacks of board games – Life, Sorry, Monopoly, Clue, Jumanji and more – rose like festive skyscrapers along the walls. Rolls of wrapping paper unfurled across tables and chairs. Dozens of neighbors filtered in, armed with scissors, tape and the kind of seasonal spirit that can make even the most complicated gift-wrapping job feel like a communal triumph. The mission? To wrap more than a hundred board games for the Wrapped with Gratitude How one house turned into Santa’s workshop By Laura Strecker, The LENS Foundation LENS Foundation director Ted Kinghorn and holiday crusaders John "Yanni" Bohren and Lexi Kinsaul families of Isle of Palms first responders, a project led by LENS Foundation board representative and holiday crusader, Lexi Kinsaul. “These gifts are a small token of our gratitude for their dedication all year long,” Kinsaul said. But thanks to a stunning act of generosity from Yanni Law Firm and John “Yanni” Bohren – a donation of 140 brandnew board games – the LENS team found themselves delightfully ahead of schedule and heartwarmingly overwhelmed. The gifts were delivered during a special luncheon on Dec. 17 at the Isle of Palms Public Safety Building, where LENS volunteers once again came together – this time with sandwiches instead of scissors – to celebrate the families who protect the island with courage and compassion. But if the board games and wrapping paper are the most visible symbols of the season, they represent only a fraction of what the LENS Foundation quietly accomplishes year-round. It’s easy to spot the popsicle deliveries on Labor Day weekend, the back-to-school gift cards slipped discreetly to public safety families, the Thanksgiving loaves of bread from The Blue Root or the December board game blitz. What you don’t see are the hardship awards that help with emergency medical bills. The educational scholarships, like the recent $4,000 award to a firefighter’s daughter beginning her academic journey. The equipment and training needs are funded quietly and quickly when departments come up short. “There’s a lot happening behind the scenes at all times,” said Kinghorn, who has turned generosity into a well-honed art form. “While this is a season people are more cognizant of giving, we try to adopt this spirit year-round. Our police officers and firefighters need our support all year. Donations help us say yes when an officer asks for help with their child’s tuition or a chief is short on funds for equipment or vital training programs.” And so, under the glow of string lights and the rustle of holiday wrap, Isle of Palms once again reminded itself of what community looks like: neighbors helping neighbors, gratitude made tangible and joy wrapped with care. To learn more, visit lensiop.org. Bringing a Taste of New Orleans to Mount Pleasant & Park Circle lolaparkcircle.com • 843-990-9416 Enjoy Crawfish, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, LoLa's Mac N’ Cheese and more! 1036 Chuck Dawley Blvd. Mt. Pleasant & 4830 O’Hear Ave. N. Charleston (Parck Circle) A Culinary Tour of Isle of Palms IOPeateries.com For marketing in Island Vibes or online email Publisher@IslandVibesIOP.com. If you own an Isle of Palms food and beverage establishment and would like to be listed in this directory, please email Editor@IslandVibesIOP.com. ACCESS ISLAND RECIPES AND INTERVIEWS WITH LOCAL CHEFSAND BARTENDERS.
IslandVibesIOP.com 11 The IOP VFW Post 3137 recently hosted the U.S. Coast Guard Base – Charleston for a cornhole tournament and lunch. The “Coasties” enjoyed a spirited tournament of cornhole. The winning team “I have a dog named Scout” consisted of Ashley and Ryan Morris. The runner-up team “Stonies” were Calan Keller and Braden Walters. The winning team received a celebratory prize, plus bragging rights. Following the awards ceremony, all participants and volunteers enjoyed a luncheon of hot dogs and hamburgers. The coordinators for the event were Bob Patterson, current patriotic instructor, and George Page, past VFW Auxiliary president. Patterson served in the Coast Guard from 1976 to 1982. Capt. Eric Jones, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Base – Charleston; Matt Valenti, command master chief; and Lt. Cmdr. Doug Wood, base operations, and 70-plus Coast Guard members attended the day of rest and relaxation. Matthew Kulesza, chief warrant officer, was the morale officer in charge of this event for the Coast Guard family. Jones stated that the U.S. Coast Guard Base – Charleston currently has a workforce of 275 members. The base supports 11 local tenant units, including seven major commands. The primary mission of the Charleston base is to provide depot level mission support functions to local operational partners. Additionally, the base supports customers regionally in northern Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Charleston will eventually be the home of up to 10 major cutters and the future center of operational gravity on the East Coast. The Coast Guard broke ground in 2024 on the former Naval complex on the Cooper River, where several key projects are currently under construction. For more information on the VFW and Auxiliary at Post 3137, visit vfw3137.org. COMMUNITY VFW battles Coast Guard in friendly cornhole tournament Provided IOP Polar Plunge suits up for heartwarming cause Provided Winter on the Isle of Palms is about to heat up – at least in spirit – as the 2026 Isle of Palms Polar Plunge returns on Saturday, Feb. 28, at The Windjammer. The annual event brings together brave participants, cheering spectators and local law enforcement for a high-energy fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics South Carolina. Organized in partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Polar Plunge challenges individuals and teams to take a refreshing leap into the Atlantic Ocean while raising funds for a meaningful mission. One hundred percent of the funds raised directly benefit athlete programs across South Carolina, supporting opportunities that empower thousands of individuals through sports. Special Olympics South Carolina provides year-round sports training and competition for more than 30,707 children and adults with intellectual disabilities statewide. Funds raised through the Isle of Palms Polar Plunge help ensure these athletes can continue to train, compete and thrive in inclusive and supportive environments. The event is well known for its festive atmosphere, with participants often sporting creative costumes and team gear. Spectators are encouraged to come out and enjoy the excitement, even if they prefer to stay dry. Live music, contests and a post-plunge celebration add to the lively beachfront experience. Those ready to take the plunge can register as an individual or join or form a team. Each plunger is required to raise a minimum of $50 to participate, and all registered plungers will receive an event T-shirt. Community members are encouraged to participate by plunging, donating or cheering from the shoreline. With icy waves, spirited costumes and a powerful cause, the 2026 Isle of Palms Polar Plunge promises another unforgettable day of giving back. For questions about the event, contact Don Calabrese at dcalabrese@tompsc.com or 843-9985183.
IslandVibesIOP.com 12 newspaper pop with personality. What a cool job she has! Next, we made our way to meet Zach Giroux, our managing editor. I submit all my articles to Zach, who gives me my assignments and then gives feedback after I submit them. He is my boss and a really good In December, Island Vibes decked the halls with IOP Escapes vacation rentals and spread community cheer at another wonderful Island Social. I was lucky enough to be in attendance. Now, as a 12-year-old, I don’t often find myself in these fun adult settings, but let me tell you, it was cool! My dad and I headed directly to the beautiful ‘Beach Shelter’ house located at 3708 Palm Blvd. We walked up the steps and opened the door to find a live DJ jamming out — IOPPD Patrol Sgt. Kevin Barattini, famously known as DJ Medic. There was a full kitchen of catered food to our right, along with any kind of drink you could imagine. The house was very large and open where all the guests were mingling between the living room, kitchen and back porch. We decided to hit up the food first. Everything was yummy! My favorite was the pretzel bun sliders. 10/10! After we refueled our bellies, we started to socialize and meet all the guests and my coworkers. First, I chatted with Island Vibes’ brand ambassador and social butterfly, Sonya Buckhannon. I had met Sonya before for one of the cover shoots and see her often at island community events. Then she took me over to meet our wonderful art director, Bethany Long. She designs the layouts of the articles and makes the one at that. Bill Macchio, the publisher of Island Vibes, greeted us next. He is the boss of the operation and I was excited to finally meet him in person. He was very encouraging and gave me some great mentoring advice. He really values everyone’s ideas and speaking up for yourself, even if you are only 12! Finally, we ended the night getting to rub elbows with our very own Isle of Palms mayor, Mr. Phillip Pounds. He was so kind and he invited me to interview him for a future magazine article – so be on the lookout for that this new year! Special thanks to IOP Escapes vice president of sales Chris Basinger, marketing and property operations manager Trish Clark and the rest of the team for opening their doors to us and throwing such an awesome party. Happy holidays and Happy New Year! COMMUNITY dunesproperties.com Nobody knows the Charleston Coast better.® Real Estate: (800) 476-8444 Vacation Rentals: (888) 250-8730 Elevate Your Island Living EXPLORE THE FINEST HOMES ON THE COAST. 23 26th Avenue 5 BD $3,950,000 4 full, 2 half BA 3,694 Sq Ft. Isle of Palms Lisa & Mark Mitchell, REALTORS® Lisa: (843) 864-4601 lmitchell@dunesproperties.com Mark: (843) 847-7980 mmitchell@dunesproperties.com 25 Ocean Point 4 BD 4.5 BA 3,150 Sq Ft. $2,895,000 Wild Dunes Ginn Maiers, REALTOR® 843-696-7402 gmaiers@dunesproperties.com IOP Escapes spreads community cheer at recent Island Social By Kimberlyn Naylor 3708 Palm Blvd.
IslandVibesIOP.com 13 Similar to ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10 Plays, Island Vibes decided to do a countdown of the top 10 positive news events that occurred on Isle of Palms in 2025. As we march on to 2026, let’s start the year on a high note by reflecting on the feel-good stories from last year. Below is the order of events that we found most special. 10Longtime IOP mailman retires — Joe Bailem’s radiant smile will sorely be missed, now that the longtime mail carrier has retired from the U.S. Postal Service. After nearly 20 years serving the Isle of Palms as mailman extraordinaire, Bailem was celebrated a few days before his actual retirement with a party at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center. Many locals showed up for this surprise party in support of Bailem despite the dreary weather. Former IOP mayor Jimmy Carroll was in attendance and summed up the celebration nicely: “Congratulations to one of my favorite mail carriers of all time. It was wet and cold but Joe’s smile and laugh broke through the clouds.” Full story: bit.ly/LongtimeIOPMailman 9 Douglas Kerr named IOP city administrator — After serving nearly three decades as an Isle of Palms employee in various building, planning and zoning capacities, interim city administrator Douglas Kerr is now firmly in the position, following a contentious 6-3 vote during a special council meeting on Feb. 26, 2025. Kerr’s hiring came approximately two months after former city administrator Desiree Fragoso stepped down at the end of December 2024 to take a position with the Municipal Association of South Carolina. Her pending departure led city officials to conduct a national search through Find Great People to fill the vacancy. Full story: bit.ly/NextIOPAdminKerr Continued on Page 16. Year in Review IOP Top 10 events from 2025 By Zach Giroux Douglas Kerr Phillip Pounds Malcolm Burgis Joe Bailem FEATURE
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IslandVibesIOP.com 16 8Mayor Pounds gets re-elected by one vote — It was the closest mayoral election in Isle of Palms history, maybe the entire state and country, and needed a runoff and final recount to decide the winner. But in the end, incumbent IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds was re-elected for a second term over Councilman Scott Pierce by the margin of a single vote – 947 to 946. Pounds’ victory came 16 days after IOP’s Nov. 4 municipal election and two days after the Nov. 18, 2025, run-off, which came down to an official vote count and decision by the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections. Turnout among all eligible IOP registered voters for the runoff was a whopping 47.1%, whereas voter turnout for all the rest of Charleston County’s municipal elections held Nov. 4 was just 17.73%. Full story: bit.ly/IOPMayorPounds 7 IOP Plaza named after former mayor Burgis — A main thoroughfare of Isle of Palms will soon have a new name and look to honor longtime resident, entrepreneur, former mayor and city councilman and all-around charitable citizen Malcolm Burgis. On Aug. 26, 2025, the IOP City Council passed a resolution to rename the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and J C Long Boulevard to Malcolm M. Burgis Plaza. A granite monument and plaque will also be added. “Malcolm’s a legend,” said former city council member Kevin Popson. “And when Councilman Jimmy Ward and former mayor Jimmy Carroll told me they were going to start the effort to rename the plaza in Malcolm’s honor, I decided to take the lead and help raise the money to find the kind of monument we wanted.” Full story: bit.ly/IOPMalcolmBurgis 6Wild Dunes Harbor Course renovation complete — After more than seven months of renovations and guards against increased flooding, the Harbor Course at Wild Dunes is back in business and it promises to be more challenging than ever. The renovations cost more than $8 million and when public play resumed on Oct. 28, 2025, golfers found refurbished cart paths, rebuilt and enlarged greens and tee complexes, strategic bunkers near certain holes and a new irrigation system to allow for more efficient golf course watering, leading to water conservation. Full story: bit.ly/IOPHarborCourse 5New IOP Marina Dock — Isle of Palms residents and visitors can now enjoy the island’s new public dock located at IOP Marina. It took just over 50 months, an updated conceptual plan, design and redesign of public greenspace and some repairs and dredging, but the public dock is now completed. The scope of the project includes a 16-footwide pier with a covered area, an ADA-compliant gangway, a kayak and stand-up paddleboard launch access, benches, swings and the new floating dock. It cost approximately $1.7 million, funded mostly by a $1 million grant from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, with the remainder coming from the city’s Marina Fund and the Municipal Accommodations Tax and State Accommodations Tax. Full story: bit.ly/IOPMarinaDock 4Little Goat Island donated for conservation — No matter how much Charleston County grows in the future, the coastal area of Little Goat Island is likely to remain a pristine, undisturbed sea island. In late March 2025, owners Gary and Kim Chesson donated Little Goat Island to Lowcountry Land Trust as a full conservation easement, with the intention of preserving its natural wildlife habitat, beauty and water quality, such that it will look the same 200 years from now as it did 200 years ago. Narrowly situated between Isle of Palms and the Intracoastal Waterway, Little Goat Island comprises 28 acres of upland habitat surrounded by 393 acres of salt marsh. Full story: bit.ly/IOPLittleGoatIsland FEATURE Continued on Page 17. Year in Review From Page 13.
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