THE DINGHY TURNS 10! (Page 22) IOP CHAMBER AND EXCHANGE CLUB JOIN FORCES (Page 6) THE LIFE AND TIMES OF J.C. LONG (Page 28) PARKING SUGGESTIONS FOR TOURISTS See Page 9 WILD DUNES SHOAL MANAGEMENT UPDATE See Page 3 MARINA PARKING SITUATION EXPLAINED See Page 5 Photo by Rachel Basye Vol.2 Issue 7 July 2024
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ust off the Isle of Palms, directly in front of Beachwood East at Wild Dunes, a new sandbar shoal is attaching to the beach. The shoal is roughly 350 feet out in the ocean, stretches for approximately 2,500 feet parallel to the beach and is carrying a major load of sand. In an ongoing effort to keep erosion from wearing away many areas of the island’s coast, IOP city leaders and engineering consultants are hoping to use the sand from this shoal in a future project as a key source of beach nourishment to protect homes, development and of course, the island’s beaches. “The priority would be to use sand from the offshore shoal that is attaching,” said city administrator Desirée Fragoso. “The project aims to address the challenges and opportunities associated with maintaining and preserving a healthy beach, which is our greatest asset.” In a public presentation in May at the IOP Recreation Center, Fragoso and coastal engineering consultant Steven Traynum explained project parameters, possible timelines, island coastline history and evolution, monitored areas and previous nourishment efforts to an attendance of more than 60 people. “There’s a lot of sand offshore at Isle of Palms,” said Traynum, president of Coastal Science & Engineering in Columbia. “We’re looking at how the shoal is attaching right now, and what it’s going to do over the next 12-18 months. That’s going to have a big impact on how many more years we’re going to get out of 3 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS OF VACATION RENTALS THE GOLD STANDARD ISLE OF PALMS, SC IOPESCAPES.COM 843.456.46O6 Continued on Page 8 J IOP beach nourishment projects expected every eight to 10 years ‘Erosion has outpaced natural sand flow’ By L. C. Leach III this particular project.” Dating back to 1983, the City of IOP has attempted several other largescale beach nourishments, most notably in 2008 and 2018. Other erosion control efforts have included sandbags to protect structures and sand scraping, which involves moving sand from one part of a beach to another. In his presentation, Traynum showed six beach areas across the island which have been monitored since 2007. South IOP, south Wild Dunes and north Wild Dunes are currently the most eroded areas. “In recent years, erosion has outpaced natural sand flow. We’ve lost about 100,000 cubic yards of sand in these three sections every year from 20082018.” Traynum added that the east end of the island has lost about “254,000 cubic yards of sand per year since 2018.” That’s an equivalent volume of approximately 78 Olympic-size pools. However, Traynum pointed out that once the new shoal attaches to the beach, it could add half a million cubic yards to IOP beach nourishment – big enough to keep the east end of the island supplied with sand for the next four to six years. “The new sand would then be used to replenish the eroded beach areas in front of Wild Dunes Resort, Beachwood East and Dunecrest Lane, and near Wild Dunes Ocean Club at the far east end,” Traynum said. “The background erosion rate is more than the shoal provides in
Ollie finding a way to keep the good vibes going, while Paco schemes ways to spoil their fun. A special thanks to our ever so talented illustrator Grace Kneuper. In retrospect, this issue and our newspaper as a whole, would not be feasible without the civil liberties of the First Amendment -- the rights to free speech and more specifically the freedom of the press. We are forever grateful to those who help pave a way for a better tomorrow. Cheers! Positively yours, Zach Giroux, Managing Editor y, oh my, I can’t believe it’s already July. Cue the fireworks, fire up the grills and enjoy a red, white and blue popsicle because the sun is high in the sky and summer is in full swing. Before I cannonball into all of the spectacular content that splashes these pages, I would like to call special attention to the true reason for our jubilance -- the Fourth of July -- the anniversary of America’s independence. Thanks to all of the service men and women and first responders who dedicate their time and selflessly sacrifice their lives to ensure the daily freedoms we enjoy today. Our cover exudes patriotism and is a nod to the next generation that we hope will uphold the values that our country has valiantly fought to defend. We the people tip our hats to all that y’all do in courtsey of the his is a patriotic time of year for sure. For me, I’m a little more emotional because I reflect on the region where we live. South Carolina was part of the original 13 Colonies that decided to fight the British by starting the Revolutionary War. If you think about it, our community was made up of independent-minded individuals, entrepreneurs, businesspeople, castaways — whatever you want to label them they took a different road than most people. England would call them revolutionaries, and four of those leading this effort were signers of the Declaration of Independence who lived right here in Charleston and along the Carolina coast. Of course after signing the Declaration of Independence things started heating up. It is not talked about often, but Long Island (present day Isle of Palms) played a part in keeping the British from defeating the Colonial forces on June 28-29, 1776. Under the command of Sir Henry Clinton, Brit4 FROM THE CREW IslandVibesIOP.com T Island Vibes Vol. 2, Issue 7, July 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 PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL BASYE SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ANTHONY MACCHIO SOCIALMEDIA@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM DIGITAL DIRECTOR BRITTANY GEORGE BRITTANY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM CONTRIBUTORS ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA • RYAN BUCKHANNON • LAURA FOGARTY MAURICE FRAZIER • TERRI HAACK • BROOKE KAPING • GRACE KNEUPER • CLARK LEACH COLIN MCCANDLESS• PHILLIP POUNDS SARAH ROSE • ROD TURNAGE SALES REPRESENTATIVES STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@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 publisher@islandvibesiop.com Editor’s Note M Publisher’s Note red, white and blue. Speaking of independence, this issue addresses the individual freedoms that residents have come to expect such as free boat and trailer parking at the IOP Marina (See Page 5); amenities available to the public behind the gate of Wild Dunes Resort (See Page 7); and community listening sessions facilitated by the city to voice the concerns of residents (See Page 9). In other exciting news worth mentioning, we took the liberty of launching our very own cartoon series entitled “High Tide and Good Vibes.” In a nutshell, it’s about an egret named Izzy, a sea turtle named Ollie and a coyote named Paco. The main characters' initials spell IOP. The plot revolves around Izzy and ish troops debarked onto Long Island from British ships just off the shoreline. Clinton had received intelligence from the British Navy that at low tide Breach Inlet would be 18 inches deep. His plan was to march all 3,000 British troops who were on Long Island across Breach Inlet at low tide. As the British marched to Breach Inlet, American forces quickly established a makeshift fortification on the northern tip of Sullivan’s Island opposing the inlet. Col. William “Danger” Thomson held the position with a mixture of militia units and Native American warriors, which together numbered under 800. Needless to say, Breach Inlet is not 18 inches deep and those 3,000 British troops did not cross Breach Inlet. In June 1776 the British were thwarted in their attempt to destroy Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island. Because Isle of Palms has a place in history on many fronts, we feature a historical article in every edition of Island Vibes. In this issue we spotlight a slice of island history detailing how Charles Long, affectionately known to everyone as J.C., purchased 1,300 acres of land on Isle of Palms on Dec. 12, 1944. His vision of greatness would change the Isle of Palms forever (See page 28). I love this article and the path I took in 1985 when I asked Thomas Waring to write it for East Cooper Magazine, the predecessor of Mount Pleasant Magazine. I had discovered that Waring, who became the editor of the Post and Courier in 1951, was a good friend of Long. Small world! Cheers! Bill Macchio, Publisher Red, White & True
IslandVibesIOP.com 5 NEWS F I Marina parking restructure aims to balance city, restaurant needs By L. C. Leach III About the Cover By Laura Fogarty n an effort to improve parking arrangements at the Isle of Palms Marina for at least the summer season, the IOP City Council voted 6-1 at its May meeting to approve a new temporary parking measure. The measure, in effect through Oct. 1, is intended to secure and designate resident-only boat trailer parking spaces in the lot shared by IOP City and Islander 71. “This essentially restructures the shared lot and moves the trailer parking spaces from where they are in the middle of the lot,” said city administrator Desiree Fragoso. “The restaurant would have exclusive use of 20 spaces and the city would keep the 16 exclusive resident parking spaces currently there now. The remaining spaces would be shared among the restaurant and the city.” During the temporary arrangement, agreed upon by the city and Islander 71 in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), there will be no reduction in parking spaces for the public. Other rules that apply include: • Island residents will still park in the area for free. • Non-residents would pay a $10 flat rate fee to park in this area. • Marker 116 LLC, which owns and operates Islander 71, will be responsible for managing the Marker 116 exclusive parking area during the term of this agreement. • The city will be responsible for managing the city exclusive parking area during the term of this agreement. • No overnight parking will be permitted in the remaining non-exclusive portions of the shared lot. Overnight means any vehicle or trailer left in the shared lot past midnight. “This temporary MOU would establish that the trailer parking spaces that would be moved would be exclusive to Isle of Palms residents with a valid decal for their truck and trailer,” Fragoso said. “Right now there are about 11 of these trailer parking spaces and not all of them are easy to access with a truck and trailer. Maneuverability around them is challenging.” The MOU is the latest agreement between the city and Islander 71, now in its second year of operation. In 2022, the city council approved a lease with the IOP Families Group – Marker 116 LLC – for the operation of the restaurant. IOP Marina is situated on the Intracoastal Waterway and is considered to have one of the best views of any public eating place in the Lowcountry. The site also includes a boat club, boat rentals and charters, a dedicated dock space for about 50 boats, The Outpost store and deli and the Marina Market. “We’ve already identified a few things in the code that may need a little bit of clarification,” Fragoso said. “Rather than do it piecemeal, we can have that conversation in September and bring it all to council at the same time.” At the end of the temporary parking arrangement, council has the option to amend the current ordinance for parking and fees or to review ordinance measures with a new contractor for clarification and make changes as necessary. Photo by Rachel Basye, Cooper River Photography or this month’s cover photoshoot of Island Vibes, we found ourselves on the docks in front of Islander 71 on Morgan Creek overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Siblings John David (8), Elliott (6), Eva (3) and all 135 pounds of their Great Dane, Lilly, were sweet and cheerfully cooperative models. John David was protective of his younger sisters while posing on the dock, and Lilly was eager to participate as long as she knew exactly where her mom and the doughnuts were at all times! Affectionately called “firecrackers” by their family, Eva and Elliott brought the perfect mix of bright and sassy to this breezy morning photo session coordinated by firsttime cover photographer Rachel Basye of Cooper River Photography. Basye specializes in portraits, real estate and landscape photography and has participated in many local festivals and markets around Charleston, including the Isle of Palms Farmer’s Market during the summer. Her website is cooperriverphotography.com and she can also be found on Instagram @cooperriverphotography. Basye brought a light and expert touch to our memorable session during which we were lucky enough to see some dolphins amongst the pelicans before a pop-up thunderstorm drenched the marina. Eva, Elliott and John David are looking forward to another Fourth of July on the island complete with fireworks, friends, the beach and, of course, what they call the “IOP golf cart parade water fight.” What a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday — as an island child, creating lasting memories while riding bikes to the rec center, twirling sparklers, watching fireworks on the beach, eating Bomb Pops on the dock and watching the sun sink down into the water. For the older islanders among us, the Fourth seems to evoke a sense of nostalgia for our own childhood memories on the water and beyond. Here’s to memories, both old and new. Here’s wishing you a safe, happy, healthy Fourth from all of us at Island Vibes and here’s to the Red, White and Blue! Island Vibes Brand Ambassador Sonya Buckhannon with John David, Elliott and Eva. Lilly and John David.
wo well-known island nonprofits are joining forces to expand their reach and broaden their impact in the community -- the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce and the Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) program. Rod Turnage, IOP Chamber president and director of the LENS program, Ted Kinghorn, announced on May 14 that the two organizations have agreed to a strategic partnership through which each organization will strive to promote improved quality of life, increased public 6 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS T Ready to List? Choose a Track Record of Success. Amy Rogers 843-824-4892 www.iop-residential.com 1100 Palm Blvd, #2C, Isle of Palms, SC 29451 13 Wills Way | Under Contract 10 Seagrass Ln | Sold 30 Marsh Island Ln | Sold 3204 Waterway Blvd | Sold 4202 Palm Blvd | New Listing 3800 Cameron Blvd | Under Contract IOP Chamber and LENS collaborate to form strategic partnership By Colin McCandless safety and their support for the local hospitality industry. The groups issued a statement that they would be collaborating to help strengthen the organizations’ positive impact on the island and service to residents and guests. Turnage and Kinghorn hope this alliance will offer an example for other organizations and individuals to work together and embrace kindness. "LENS IOP has positively impacted our community since its inception,” said Turnage of the impetus behind the partnership. “This coupled with the LENS Leadership Team makes this an obvious, great fit for the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce. We are fulfilling our community commitment to partner with a proven local nonprofit organization." Kinghorn noted that the chamber and LENS were both created about the same time three years ago. “I think it’s important that we find a way to collaborate.” As part of the agreement, a LENS representative and the IOP Chamber president will serve as ex officio members of each other's boards. Kinghorn added that the partnership only makes sense since there is a symbiotic relationship among businesses, LENS and the hospitality industry on the island. This inter-organizational effort allows them to collaborate on programs that support the hospitality industry. Kinghorn said the hospitality industry has been very generous toward the first responders that LENS assists through its initiatives, programs and scholarships, as well as to the foundation itself, particularly at its LENS Banquet fundraising events. At their May 15 banquet, local restaurants contributed creative dishes as part of their “Taste of the Island” competition. LENS has in turn been supportive of the IOP’s hospitality industry and this partnership will only serve to bolster their advocacy. As part of the partnership, organizational expanded communications will include, but not be limited to sharing calendar updates, website links, joint programs, joint sponsorships and an expanded social media strategy. “This is all about keeping people informed,” Kinghorn said.
PAVING A WAY FORWARD The IOP LENS program’s mission is to support our law enforcement and our community as well. After only two plus years in existence, the IOP LENS program is enhancing its support even further following an agreement with the IOP Fire Department with a menu of ways it can help. We hear the sirens of the fire trucks and know that help is on the way, be it a 911 call for a personal health emergency, a traffic accident, a swimmer caught in peril or the need for some brave people to rush into a burning building to save others at s the new managing director of Wild Dunes Resort, I have become aware of some confusion regarding the resort offerings available for the local community. The Wild Dunes Community Association manages the first residential gate and Wild Dunes Resort manages the second gate at the end of Palm Boulevard. The general public cannot enter the gated Wild Dunes community without being a homeowner, registered hotel or vacation guest or without an advanced reservation for services open to the public (golf, spa, dining). For golf enthusiasts, Wild Dunes Resort has two championship golf courses designed by the legendary Tom Fazio: the Links Course and the Harbor Course. Both courses offer a challenging yet enjoyable experience with stunning coastal views. Golfers must book a tee time online by visiting our website at destinationhotels. com/wild-dunes/golf. The Spa at Sweetgrass, voted the No. 1 spa in South Carolina by Spas of America, offers a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. A variety of 7 IslandVibesIOP.com OPINION A Which Wild Dunes Resort amenities are available to the public? By Terri Haack, Wild Dunes Resort Managing Director experiences and treatments, including massages, facials and wellness therapies, are available with appointments made in advance. To view our spa menu and book your appointment, visit our website at destinationhotels.com/wild-dunes/spa. Rated the No. 4 tennis and pickleball resort in the world by Tennis Photo by Rachel Basye, Cooper River Photography Resorts Online, we offer lessons and clinics with advance reservations. Our experienced instructors cater to all skill levels. Learn more about our camps and clinics by visiting our website at destinationhotels.com/ wild-dunes/tennis-and-pickleball. Wild Dunes Resort has a diverse range of dining options. Coastal Provisions, located in the Boardwalk Inn, offers a refined dining experience with fresh, locally-sourced seafood. For a more casual meal, Oystercatcher, located in the Sweetgrass Inn, serves globally-inspired small plates and shareable dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations must be made in advance through opentable.com or by calling the resort directly at 866-359-5593. In addition to these amenities, Wild Dunes Resort hosts numerous wellness and culinary ticketed events throughout the year. We encourage you to visit our Activities page on our website at destinationhotels. com/wild-dunes/activities. We look forward to welcoming you. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR their own risk…and put out the fire. Few among us are prepared for this but our firefighters are, and just like the rest of us they sometimes need a little help. Maybe it’s a family health expense issue, a traumatic event or something that is very private but just needs some help and is not in the budget. IOP Fire Department and the LENS program have agreed on a way forward for LENS to raise money to help in these situations. Thanks to many who already support LENS this new initiative has already gained favor and donations as proof. We can do even more with additional support. Our firefighters are held in esteem, and rightfully so. Let's not take them for granted. Let's be there for them as they are for us. Donations may be made to lensiop.org. Jim Thompson Isle of Palms COURTESY GOES BOTH WAYS I liked Laura Fogarty’s article “Beach Behavior” in the June publication. Why not expand that to the “courtesy” we islanders give each other and to our guests? Perhaps teach, educate, invite…practice driving courtesy – letting others out from side roads, stopping and letting walkers cross the street, especially with children, and slowing down to posted limits. Bikes and golf carts also. Everyone has a place to go…visitors can join us in being courteous… show that “Southern hospitality” and then take it home…try it there too. A positive proactive approach might do well. And then couple it with some wellplaced signs to further educate…at the light coming off the IOP Connector. Coming on at Breach Inlet and along Palm Boulevard when traffic is slower… there’s time to read a sign. Keep up the good work. Thanks for your time and consideration. Dennis Frazier Isle of Palms
8 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS www.RadRydz.com | 843-972-8525 | Chad@RadRydz.com | 857 Coleman Blvd., Unit E Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (behind REV Financial) Now Available Exclusively at RadRydz Enjoy cruising on the street or beach in your new RUST PROOF, all aluminum and warrantied Atlas Cart LSV. @RadRydz DO make up that gap.” A permit application for the new sand harvesting project was submitted to the Ocean & Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) in April. If approved, the permit would be valid for five years. Fragoso said that while it is uncertain when the city will hear back from OCRM, “our goal is to secure a permit this fall that would allow a winter permit,” she stated. And while it is too early to know how much sand the new shoal will yield, plans for harvesting it for beach nourishment include the following: • Up to two renourishment efforts totaling 400,000 cubic yards of sand. • Work restricted to winter months. • Use of land-based equipment, likely requiring two-three months. • All excavations are limited to wet beach sand. No work in dunes or dry beach sand. • Majority of beaches will be open to the public during harvesting. • Harvest areas will contain avenue buffers to limit work too close to structures. “Given enough time, nature could severely and permanently erode much of the island’s central and eastern areas – which is what we’re hoping this new shoal will help to prevent,” Traynum added. “But if we end up having a lot more erosion and the shoal doesn’t really do a lot for us, then we’ll have to look at alternative measures.” From Page 3 the long term, that’s why periodic nourishment is needed. But if the shoal provides sufficient interim nourishment, we might be able to push a large-scale dredging project further into the future.” City leaders currently anticipate that beach nourishment projects need to occur every eight to 10 years. “Right now, we’re looking at a cost of maybe $18-20 million for two largescale projects,” Fragoso said. “Our goal is to coordinate both so that we only pay for the mobilization cost of one. But with a beach preservation fee that generates about $1.5 million every year, there is potentially a gap that the city and city council will need to identify how to meet to
IslandVibesIOP.com 9 NEWS WELCOME TO 16 LAKE VILLAGE LANE If you are looking for a nice quiet peaceful location inside Wild Dunes, this is the house for you! Home is located at the end of a cul-de-sac, overlooking a large pond with great peeks of the Wild Dunes Harbor Golf Course. Home is very well maintained and clean. 3 bedrooms and two baths, ranch style house. 843-886-9600 | carrollrealtyinc.com ‘Surge pricing’ suggested for non-residents during peak season By L. C. Leach III ommunity listening sessions are now being held to solicit public feedback and determine what Isle of Palms residents would like to see in terms of enhancements and improvements to the island’s quality of life. The sessions are the next steps in an effort that began with an online Community Enrichment Plan Survey, compiled in late 2023 from the input of 748 respondents. Since then, an advisory taskforce of 13 residents and business owners has been working with city leaders, College of Charleston, Explore Charleston and Mount Pleasant consulting firm The McNair Group toward formulating a specific plan to improve areas such as stormwater management, beach preservation, parking and traffic management. The group will be gathering and brainstorming ideas until September, after which it will make a presentation to city council with recommendations on how to move forward. “Part of our job, what we’ve been tasked with, is this wonderful survey,” said Paige Grimball, task force member and island resident. “It’s a wealth of information, and we need to hear from everyone.” At both the May and June sessions at the IOP Recreation Center, survey consultant David McNair led a discussion about both the survey and the need for more resident input. “It’s always nice to hear things in people’s voices sometimes rather than just words on a screen or in a report,” said McNair at the May session. “What I aim for in guidance with the task force is responsible recommendations.” For example, one question put to the May gathering concerns island parking: What solutions do you believe we should be considering? This is how the 30 attendees voted across six suggestions: • Consider ‘surge pricing’ for peak parking times (residents not included) – 25 percent. • Use of technology with sensors and apps that provide timely parking updates – 25 percent. • Redesign of current parking areas to maximize their use – 17 percent. • Campaign to incentivize shuttles, biking and alternative access to beach for visitors – 21 percent. • Consider long-term solutions to beach parking (possible low parking deck) – 4 percent. • Other (unspecified) – 8 percent. Other questions involved quality of life, environment, beach safety, overall island safety and use of accommodations tax money. “Issues are similar when you go from beach town to beach town,” said Joe Ready, task force member. “People have been willing to listen to other perspectives, which I think is really important. This is a real opportunity – and we want to get everybody’s voice in the room.” C
partment and Piccolo Spoleto completed the 35th annual Sand Sculpting Competition on June 1 to kick off the month. On June 8, the Charleston Battery hosted “Isle of Palms Chamber Night.” Many of our members and their kids enjoyed a pre-game tailgate before watching the Battery take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. We mentioned last month that the IOP Chamber is not a political organization, but rather a nonprofit that supports our local business community. We also create and distribute “good neighbor” policies to our business community. These are best practices crafted from the suggestions and concerns of our residents and other business communities that have successfully initiated these policies. We are always open to new ideas and thoughts from our community. In addition, the IOP Chamber is unique in that we do not support traditional economic development or recruitment of new businesses as a purpose or goal. In contrast, we support the business community's well-being and service to our residents and visitors. Our objective is to enhance the overall hat an exciting June it was for the island. Our business community embraced the “busy season” and the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce celebrated the island’s women in business. Over 12 local women business leaders were highlighted and we capped off the month with local speaker Jennifer Blake. Thanks again to all the women business leaders serving Isle of Palms who allowed us to showcase your amazing talents. You all truly make a difference. The Isle of Palms Recreation Deenvironment of our beautiful island in collaboration with the existing business community. Our mission statement is: We advocate to advance commerce by serving residents and guests. Our vision statement is: Our vibrant island lifestyle is always in season. The next IOP Chamber meeting will be July 23 at the IOP Exchange Club from noon to 1 p.m. Attendance is open to all, free of charge and membership is not required. Please bring a friend and enjoy our guest speaker, local artist Steven Jordan. We hope to see you at the IOP Beach Run on Saturday, July 27. Online registration closes on July 24. 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 destination to live, work and play. We cherish being your neighbor! Chamber Notes ‘Our vibrant island lifestyle is always in season’ By Rod Turnage President, IOP Chamber of Commerce BUSINESS 10 IslandVibesIOP.com W SCAN FOR LIVE BEACH TRAFFIC AND WEATHER Traffic Safety Expert
can be found at iop.net and you can receive updates by signing up for Sunnie – the city’s AI platform for sending updated messages direct to your mobile device. To get started text “hello” to (877)–607–6IOP (467) or visit iop.net. Thank you for the opportunity to serve! See you around the island. Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP 843-252-5359 ppounds@iop.net appy July 4! I hope you will have the opportunity to participate in the annual Golf Cart Parade and Fireworks. Both are always a great way to spend the day on the island. A couple of much anticipated projects are complete or very close to completion – improved drainage outfall at 41st Avenue and our new public dock. First, thank you for your patience as the city works on these highly-anticipated improvements to the quality of life on our island. The drainage project will provide much needed relief to an area that is impacted by significant tidal inundation. As a result of piping and covering the open ditch between Waterway Boulevard and the Intracoastal Waterway, the city added approximately 30 parking spaces to the marina area. The parking spaces will be free for residents with a valid resident decal. I’m really excited that the construction of our new public dock is almost complete! It will include a 16-foot-wide pier and covered areas with benches and swings, a new floating dock with an ADA compliant gangway and kayak and standup paddle board launches. The dock will provide a great spot to enjoy one of the best sunset views on our island and a great space for residents and guests to enjoy for many years to come. Mayor’s Message Let’s celebrate our country’s independence island style By Phillip Pounds Mayor, Isle of Palms CIVICS CREATING MEMORIES ONE VACATION AT A TIME FIND YOUR DREAM VACATION HOME AT WWW.ISLEOFPALMS.VACATIONS IOP Vacations • July 4 Golf Cart Parade and Fireworks- The parade begins around 9 a.m. at 2nd Avenue and Charleston Boulevard and fireworks at Front Beach start around 9 p.m. • July 18 Farmer’s Market– 4–7 p.m. at the rec center. • July 26 Coffee with the Mayor– 9–10 a.m. at City Hall, 2nd floor. •July 27 IOP Beach Run– 8 a.m. at Front Beach. 5K/10K Run and 5K Walk. Youth Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. UPCOMING CITY EVENTS H IslandVibesIOP.com 11 As we continue to identify ways to improve our infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for our residents, the city is working with Dominion Energy to move power lines underground instead of having them overhead. Last year, Dominion Energy completed an undergrounding project at 21st Avenue and Palm Boulevard and we are working with them on another one scheduled this fall to underground the power lines at 14th Avenue. These projects improve the reliability of service and the aesthetics of our community, as overhead power lines can be unsightly and disrupt the natural beauty of our surroundings. Overhead power lines are also more susceptible to damage caused by storms which can cause outages and service disruption. The cost of the undergrounding projects is shared 50/50 between the city and Dominion Energy. Undergrounding power line projects are costly and take time from concept through design and engineering and final construction. The city also tries to limit construction projects to the “off-season” to minimize disruption during the busy season. Over the next few months, we will be reviewing the remaining identified projects for prioritization and looking to add new areas where it may be feasible to pursue undergrounding power lines. Updated and additional information
CRIME “Alright, Alright, Alright” This phrase couldn't better explain the number one incident leading this month's report. Yep, the devil's lettuce, the green monster or stank weed. If you were one of the 33 people in the company of Mary Jane this month, congrats, you are helping to keep possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia atop these monthly reports. Remember folks, if you can smell it before you see it, it's probably not a good idea to drive with it. Nothing Heroic About Heroin A few folks decided the stank wasn't enough to get them where they needed to be. They were consequently charged with possession of heroin, along with driving under suspension, open container, driving without a license and driving under the influence. This dynamic duo is in the running for this year's "IOPPD Best Of." Go big or go home. In this case, going big meant going to jail. Car Insurance Isn’t Optional The dreaded driving under suspension always makes its way to the top of the list each month and this month was no different. Thirty-two individuals believed that having a license to drive, insurance or registration was optional and discovered to their dismay that it is indeed not. Pro tip: Your car insurance is not like a subscription box service; you can’t skip a month and expect things to be okay. Drink or Drive, Not Both Twenty-three people learned the hard way that it is not okay to take their drinks on the go. Pouring it out before you get in the car would just be wasteful, right? Well, it turns out it’s also the law. An additional four people found out it is also illegal to have alcohol on the beach — a citation that carries a larger fine than building an illegal seawall. Next time, maybe stick to the sandcastles and sunscreen. Don’t DUI It Bringing up the fourth position this month, 20 individuals realized too late that driving under the influence is no joke on IOP. With numbers down a bit, perhaps some are learning their lesson and either not driving after drinking or avoiding IOP altogether. Regardless, a few have not. One received their second DUI offense along with a third DUS offense, while another earned their third DUI. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink, unless it is from a river of Natty Light and Jagerbombs. The rest of the DUI offenders were what we call "first-timers." Minors, Mind Your Manners The rest of the month was filled with minors trying to sneak alcohol, complaints about loud music at a neighbor's house that someone wasn't invited to and a couple of missing golf carts — what some would call first-world problems. It seems our town is hosting its very own reality show with a cast of characters who just can't stay out of trouble. 12 IslandVibesIOP.com By Detective Dusty Dunes FINE LINE BETWEEN CRIME AND COMEDY The following incidents were obtained from the Isle of Palms Police Department Media Log Reports. This is a parody of real criminal events that took place between May and June. The names of individuals and business locations have been omitted out of respect and privacy. Next month, let's be safe and realize that if stinky grass is the worst of our problems, we've got bigger problems. And remember folks, let’s keep the drama on TV and out of the police blotter. POLICE BLOTTER WE MAKE FINDING THE PERFECT PROPERTY A SEAMLESS PROCESS. Krista M. Swingle REALTOR® Brand Name Real Estate Charleston, SC Krista@PalmBIvdRealty.com Hugh Swingle IV Property Manager In Charge (843) 474-1200 PalmBlvdVacationRentals.com Responsive Results Driven Hands On Understanding South Carolina’s New Firearm Law: A Conversation with IOPPD Police Chief Kevin Cornett CONVERSATION CONTINUES BEYOND THE PAGES OF ISLAND VIBES Kevin Cornett, Chief of Police, Isle of Palms, SC chats with host Bill Macchio in this episode of the Island Vibes Podcast. Chief Cornett talks about how he got into law enforcement, the different jobs he’s done within police departments in South Carolina, and how it was he became the Chief of Police … in Springdale, and later IOP.
repare for some unique summer fun when the annual Isle of Palms Half Rubber Tournament returns to the IOP Recreation Department next month. The event, which is entering its 26th year, typically averages anywhere from six to 12 teams including two from Savannah and others spanning the Charleston area, according to 13 IslandVibesIOP.com Tidewater Condo FOR SALE WILD DUNES, SC 29451 2 2 Ocean BEDS BATHS VIEW (843) 532-6288 | mattdeantonio.com A CARROLL REALTY BROKER P Half Rubber Tournament primed for opening pitch By Colin McCandless IOP Recreation Department recreation supervisor Aaron Sweet. For the uninitiated, Sweet explained that half rubber is a hybrid game featuring elements of stickball, wiffle ball and baseball that is played with a half rubber ball and a long, thin bat resembling a broomstick. Teams consist of three or four players: a pitcher, catcher and one-two outfielders. A game lasts three innings unless the score is tied after three in which case teams keep playing until a winner is determined. You can only hit singles and home runs and there is no baserunning involved as ghost runners are used in their place. The pitching line is 60 feet from home plate and pitchers throw overhand or sidearm. Any ball that makes it past the pitching line either in the air or on the ground that’s not an out is ruled a single. The distance from home plate to the home run line is 120 feet. Sweet said the recreation department puts up temporary fencing for the tournament and any ball hit over the fence counts as a home run. Home runs cannot be caught over the fence. Just like in baseball there are three outs. Outs can be recorded in three different ways: a pop-up catch by a fielder is one out; when a batter whiffs, if the catcher catches the ball cleanly before it touches the ground that is one out; also, if a batter foul tips it and the catcher snags the ball before it hits the ground, that’s an automatic double out. “It caters to all skill levels and abilities,” said Sweet of half rubber, noting that running plays no factor in the sport. “And it’s good for sportsmanship and camaraderie.” Regulation half rubber balls will be provided, but teams are expected to bring their own bats. Prizes will be awarded to the first and second place teams. A t-shirt, water, Powerade and pizza are included as part of the entry fee. On Aug. 10, games are slated to begin at 8 a.m. and run throughout the day. Entry is open to anyone ages 16 and older and the cost to participate is $25 per person. Teams must pre-register for the tournament by Aug. 2. To register, visit iop.net/recreation/ special-events-holiday-activities/half-rubber-tournament. Photo Provided by IOP Recreation Department. COMMUNITY
WE LOVE OUR LOCALS AND WE WELCOME VISITORS TO THE AREA! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10 AM- 5 PM 2434 N. HWY 17 MOUNT PLEASANT, SC PLEASE CALL THE BOONE HALL FARMS INFORMATION LINE AT 843-856-5366 FOR LATEST UPDATES Learn more at BooneHallPlantation.com
15 IslandVibesIOP.com COMMUNITY ou see it. You feel it. Spanish moss grows on giant live oaks, swaying gently in the coastal breeze. And if you listen closely, you might even hear the whispers of over 300 years of history, beauty and grace. The Avenue of Oaks at Boone Hall Plantation transports you back in time to an Y era gone, but never forgotten. The history of the past is important. The difference is in how that history is presented. Boone Hall is committed to telling the full story in a way that pays honor and respect to that history. The diversity of what is presented at this iconic venue has propelled "Exploring The Gullah Culture" True descendants of the Gullah people share this unique culture through live presentations that are educational and according to visitors also very moving and spiritually uplifting. Boone Hall to the forefront as one of the most famous plantations in the world and "a must see on any trip to Charleston," according to NBC Daytime television. Boone Hall is no stranger to Hollywood either. It was a production location for the famous TV miniseries "North and South," "The Notebook," "American Idol" and others. If These Trees Could Talk Recognized as the # 1 Plantation in the Charleston Area by USA TODAY 10BEST In a time of soul searching and reflection Boone Hall remains committed to telling the full story
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rew Ross will serve as the next president of the Isle of Palms Exchange Club. Ross, who works as a financial advisor with Edward Jones on the island, begins his one-year term on July 1. He transitions on from his prior role as first vice president. Ross explained what the position means to him and why it is such a special honor to have the opportunity to assist others. “The Exchange Club was originally created to be a place people could gather and exchange ideas to make an impact on the world around them,” said Ross. “This is where the name of the club comes from. I believe in unity of service, and by working together we can make a difference in the lives we touch. I have always been a strong believer in giving back to your community, and as club president I will be in 18 IslandVibesIOP.com D Whether you are buying or selling Winslow is your island specialist! Winslow Carroll Carroll Realty Inc 843-886-9600 4 53rd Ave. 4 bedrooms | 4 baths | 2,652 sq. ft. LOOKING FOR YOUR DREAM HOME? 7 Driftwood Ln. 4 bedrooms | 4.5 baths | 4,124 sq. ft. 11 Tabby Ln. .48 Acres | Deep Water Dock IOP Exchange Club's next president brings wealth of knowledge By Colin McCandless COMMUNITY a unique position to help as many people as possible.” Ross outlined some of his priorities and goals as he prepares to begin the new leadership role. “During my term I hope to focus on open communication within the Exchange Club membership and between other local service organizations with whom our core values and interests align,” stated Ross. “Partnerships and support of each other's respective organizations will be a major key to our success regarding the club's four areas of service: Americanism, youth programs, community service and the prevention of child abuse.” IOP Exchange Club member Ted Kinghorn said that Ross has a strong financial background and will do a great job of uniting people and growing and developing the club. He added that Ross should be a great fit for leading the service organization because he “brings business experience to the table” and is accustomed to working with a range of clients and personalities and serving people through his day job. A valuable skill that makes Ross an ideal candidate to lead the Exchange Club is his financial acumen. “It’s important that organizations are financially solvent,” said Kinghorn. “He has good common sense and wants to bring people together, which is important for a civic organization.” The mission of the IOP Exchange Club is to provide opportunities for its members to work together in fellowship to make the Isle of Palms community a better place to live. For more information about what they do and their programs, service and events visit iopexchangeclub.com. This family owned and operated venue is sure to please all. Enjoy your morning Macchiato with a fresh omelet or shrimp and grits from The Refuge's Morning Tide menu. Follow up with us in our dining room, where we also serve fresh, local food for lunch and dinner. A night at The Refuge wouldn't be complete without one of our signature cocktails concocted by our in-house mixologist. Planning a special event in Isle of Palms just got easier with our customized catering services available at The Refuge. Whether you're looking for a quick bite for lunch or a memorable evening of dining, let us be your refuge. Open 7 Days a Week 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Tuesday: Steak Night Wednesday: Live Music Sunday: Lobster Night Weekly Events (843)-242-8934 | 1517 Palm Blvd., Suite A Isle of Palms, SC
reativity was on full display last month at Front Beach for the Isle of Palms Recreation Department’s Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition as sculptors shaped and molded their whimsical masterpieces and vied for sand art supremacy. Forty-five teams and more than a hundred people participated in the annual event, according to Kelsey Marsh, recreation supervisor for special events with the IOP recreation department. Teams ranged anywhere from one to four people. This year marked the 35th anniversary of the competition, and the 25th year that the recreation department has coordinated the event, said Marsh. For the first 10 years it was presented by Piccolo Spoleto. The contest features different categories based on age group and other factors, including an Adult 19 IslandVibesIOP.com C COMMUNITY IOP Sand Sculpting Competition continues to stand the test of time By Colin McCandless A sign in the sand acknowledging 35 years of the Sand Sculpting Competition. Children’s category winner, “Wish Upon a Starfish.” Best in Show overall winner, “Riverdogs Days of Summer.” category (ages 21 and up), Young Adult (ages 15-20), Family (at least one adult and one young adult/ child), Children for kids 14 and under and a Best Architectural and Most Creative category. Additionally, the coveted Best of Show is presented to the overall winner of the competition. The most sand sculpting sites were in the Adult and Family categories, with 20 and 15 teams respectively. In 2024, Best of Show was awarded to “Riverdogs Days of Summer,” an impressive scale model depicting the Charleston Riverdogs’ stadium Joe Riley Park, complete with stands, field and all. The overall winner in the Children’s division was “Wish Upon a Starfish.” In the Young Adult category, “Kung Fu Wave” rode the breakers to victory. “Sea Biscuit” won the Charlie Peberdy Memorial Best of Family Award by a nose. Best Architectural went to “Giant Castle by the Sea,” and “Big Al” claimed the title of Most Creative. The Best of Adults was awarded to “Saving Money,” a noble goal for any adult. Competitors are required to follow a few simple rules when constructing their sand art. Their sand sculpture must be predominantly built with sand and water. The use of hand shovels, buckets, trowels, shaping or forming tools, temporary forms and shoring and other miscellaneous hand tools are permitted. Utilizing wheeled vehicles to assist in the transporting of sand or construction process is prohibited. Inorganic, toxic or non-biodegradable sand stabilizers such as spray paint or glue are also not allowed. For more information on the event, visit iop. net/recreation/special-events-holiday-activities/sand-sculpting-contest. Sand Sculpting Competition 2024 Winners Best of Young Adults 1st - Kung Fu Wave 2nd - Game On! 3rd - Just Chum Best Architectural 1st - Giant Castle by the Sea 2nd - Sease Family Drip Company 3rd - Breach Inlet Icon Best of Adults 1st - Saving Money 2nd - Dorchester Paws 3rd - Americans in Paris Best of Children's 1st - Wish Upon a Starfish 2nd - Future Island Living 3rd - Cat Ate the Fish Best of Family (Charlie Peberdy Memorial Award) 1st - Sea Biscuit 2nd - ATL Shawty 3rd - Bluey Most Creative 1st - Big Al 2nd - Garfield 3rd - Isle of Bones Best of Show Overall Riverdogs Days of Summer Photo Provided by IOP Recreation Department.
oastal Crust, nestled within the Wild Dunes Resort, offers a delightful menu featuring wood-fired pizzas and an array of Italian-inspired dishes. This charming restaurant exudes a relaxed, beachy vibe, enhanced by its rustic, coastal decor. Guests can choose between cozy indoor seating and a spacious outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying the ocean breeze. When you visit Coastal Crust, be sure to request Robbie Townsend as your bartender. Born and raised in Mount Pleasant, Townsend began his bartending career as the manager of Coastal Crust’s Mount Pleasant location. “It was fate that I ended up here at Wild Dunes bartending.” Townsend has a deep connection with the Charleston community FOOD & BEV COASTAL COVERAGE SPECIALISTS 843.881-4707 insureme@sigsc.com Mount Pleasant & Beaufort Hurricane Season is Upon Us... Are You Covered? BE PREPARED! MAKE TIME TO EVALUATE: • Replacement Cost Coverage • Wind & Hail Coverage • Flood Coverage • Rental Property Coverage • Personal Property Coverage Behind the Bar Coastal Crust: Spirited refreshments courtesy of Robbie Townsend By Brooke Kaping C and loves engaging with the regular patrons. “Although there are a lot of tourists and it’s cool talking to people from different areas of the country and hearing their interesting stories and lives, I love getting the regulars that live back here. It’s the winter and fall times where I really get the opportunity to have conversations with them for hours.” Outside of his bartending duties, Townsend is enthusiastic about health and fitness. “I love meal prepping and working out. Fitness is definitely a big passion of mine.” When he isn’t at Coastal Crust, you can find him at the gym, dedicated to his personal well-being. Coastal Crust's beverage selection includes a curated list of craft beers, fine wines and creative cocktails to complement any meal. Townsend’s favorite cocktail to make is an old fashioned. Coastal Crust is open Monday through Thursday from 4-9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 4-10 p.m. Make sure to stop by and chat with Townsend while enjoying a drink and savoring a meal. Coastal Crust offers a diverse menu ranging from their renowned wood-fired pizzas to house made meatballs, locally-sourced pastas and delectable desserts. It provides a wonderful dining experience, combining delicious Italian fare, a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere and exceptional service. Be sure to make a reservation to fully enjoy this local hotspot. Photo Provided.
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