NEW CROSSWALKS TO INCREASE SAFETY See Page 3 Photo by Rachel Basye Vol.4 Issue 7 July 2026 PHASE II OF WATERWAY BOULEVARD See Page 6 IOP LEADERS APPROVE LARGEST BUDGET IN ISLAND HISTORY See Page 5 TOP 5 STATES WHERE TOURISTS COME FROM See Page 7 FUN STARTS HERE SUMMER ACTIVITY DIRECTORY See Page 13 DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LIFEGUARD See Page 14 To read digitally, visit ReadIslandVibes.com The conversation continues at IsleOfPalmsPodcast.com
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IslandVibesIOP.com 3 “These were the only two crosswalks on Palm Boulevard not painted with the red brick style,” said IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds. “All this requires SCDOT approval, which takes a while, unfortunately.” He pointed out that while the effort started with a simple email request from Wildwood area residents to paint the crosswalks and add “pedestrian cones in the middle like all the other crosswalks on Palm,” the work was delayed and the matter grew into “a bigger project which eventually took it to the Public Safety Committee.” Once completed, the two installations brought the total number of island crosswalks along Palm Boulevard to 10, and while that might sound like a lot for such a small community, Public Works Director Robert Asero said that the absence of any of them could otherwise create some preventable accidents. “One resident last year came very close to getting hit by a motorist at 43rd before the crosswalk was put in,” Asero said. “Trying to get from the land side of Palm Boulevard to the ocean side has been increasingly difficult due to traffic, especially at the height of the tourist season which is underway now.” For example, IOP tourism, while always healthy in summer, is now popular year-round, with upwards of 20,000 visitors per day in peak season and 60,000 during the July 4 weekend, spread across 4.44 square miles of land. The number of visitors is likely to keep increasing. A few years ago, the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office in Columbia estimated that by 2035, Charleston County would be home to 448,125 people – approximately 6.88% higher than in 2023. “The amount of regional growth we’ve experienced in the past five-to-10 years has had a significant impact on the number of day visitors to the island,” said Kathryn Basha, planning director with Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments in 2023. “And this is an issue that city leaders are already grappling with in terms of parking and traffic.” As for IOP, Asero indicated that while the crosswalks are useful, there is no substitute for people practicing simple traffic courtesy. “My 11 drivers and temporary workers have to have constant communication between them due to the number of people walking,” Asero said. “It’s always been a major concern with us in looking out for residents and visitors on the island at any one time, especially in the summer.” NEWS The motion and second couldn’t come fast enough in their April 28 meeting, and the subsequent work came almost as quickly, after IOP City Council unanimously approved a measure to install two new simulated brick crosswalks on Palm Boulevard. The crosswalks were installed on May 26 at 43rd and 46th avenues by Asphalt Concepts LLC of Mount Pleasant as additional measures for increased public pedestrian safety, a growing island concern amidst heavy tourist traffic. “These are crosswalks that access the beach – lots of people cross here all the time in very busy areas, especially in summer,” said Bryan Gawrych, co-owner of Asphalt Concepts. “The approval process did take a while, but once it was given, we got it done in four or five hours.” The work cost $17,820, paid for by IOP City, and came after a long-simmering effort by city council to obtain consent from the South Carolina Department of Transportation. New crosswalks to increase safety for pedestrians along Palm Boulevard By L. C. Leach III The new crosswalk at 46th and Palm Blvd. is expected to improve island traffic safety. Photo courtesy of Brian Gawrych, Asphalt Concepts
IslandVibesIOP.com 4 This month’s cover photo shoot found us on Front Beach at the Isle of Palms County Park. The lifeguards on duty were participating in the bright morning of the South Carolina sun, adhering to the physical demands of running a mile in 7 minutes, 45 seconds and swimming 500 meters in under nine minutes. The entire staff greeted our photographer, Rachel Basye, with friendliness and smiles while the oppressive heat and humidity continued to climb. Salt. Sun. Sand. Sounds like the recipe for an easy, relaxing, carefree summer. For most of us, that is true. For an oceanfront lifeguard – not necessarily. Of course, their days include all of these things, but they also include much more – responsibility, physical fitness, mental fortitude and the ability to keep calm under pressure, to name just a few. Staying alert and hydrated throughout their 10+ hour shifts was paramount among the list of requirements for the guards on duty during our most recent photo shoot. The IOP lifeguards work Island Vibes Vol. 4, Issue 7, July 2026 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER JAZZY JORDAN ASSISTANT@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ART DIRECTOR BETHANY LONG COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS BRAND AMBASSADOR SONYA BUCKHANNON SONYA@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL BASYE COOPERRIVERPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM DIGITAL MANAGER ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ELLEN KERR ELLEN@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM WEB EDITOR GEORGE CONKLIN CONTRIBUTORS RYAN BUCKHANNON • ELLA DUANE LAURA FOGARTY • ALLYAH HARRAR BELLA HARRAR • CARI LAWSON • L.C. LEACH III COLIN MCCANDLESS • KIMBERLYN NAYLOR PHILLIP POUNDS • SARAH ROSE SALES REPRESENTATIVES STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM MARNIE BONN MARNIE@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE BOSS DOG REGGIE DISTRIBUTION ISLE OF PALMS • WILD DUNES • GOAT ISLAND • DEWEES ISLAND • U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • CVS • FOOD LION ASHEVILLE/HENDERSON AIRPORT ALL SC WELCOME CENTERS DIRECT MAIL VIA US POST OFFICE Homes on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island Affluent neighborhoods rotated monthly Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, NC Buckhead, Druid Hills, Decatur, Atlanta, Georgia Island Vibes is published locally by a team of independent contractors. Island Vibes is published 12 times per year by Islands Publishing LLC. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Islands Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction electronically or in print format without the expressed written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited and a violation of U.S. copyright laws. Content, including editorial, advertising or comments, that threatens, harasses or degrades others may be revoked or refused from print and online publication at the sole discretion of Island Vibes. Inquiries to: Island Vibes P.O. Box 22617, Charleston, SC 29413 Proud Member of the IOP Chamber of Commerce and A South Carolina Press Association Award-Winning Publication. About the Cover By Laura Fogarty At lunch, I sat beside Win Walker, who I’ve known since the late 1990s when he owned IOP Real Estate and we worked together on marketing projects, including a condominium marketing program and, later, Mount Pleasant Magazine. Before long, we were swapping stories about the early days, remembering people, businesses and ideas that helped shape our island community. Those conversations reminded me that while Isle of Palms has changed over the years, the things that matter most haven’t. We’ve watched neighborhoods grow, businesses evolve and From the Publisher There are moments in life that remind you how fortunate you are, and sometimes they’re as simple as walking into a room filled with familiar faces. That was how I felt when I attended the June Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce meeting at Islander 71. The conversations were lively, the atmosphere was welcoming and before long I found myself talking with people I’ve known for more than four decades. Opportunities like that have become rare, which makes you appreciate them even more. I spent a while catching up with Sandy Stone and before long, we were reminiscing about his father, Don Stone, who worked tirelessly to build Island Realty. He had a sharp business mind, but more importantly, he loved his family and believed in the future of Isle of Palms long before much of the growth we see today became reality. He understood something that’s still true today: our home belongs to a community worth investing in. Today, his legacy continues through his grandsons, Alex and Eric Stone, who carry the family business forward. families welcome new generations. Yet through it all, one thing has remained constant: the people. The families who have built businesses here. The volunteers who give their time. The neighbors who become lifelong friends. The newcomers who quickly discover what makes this island so welcoming. They are the reason Isle of Palms has always felt like more than just a beach town. As you flip through this issue of Island Vibes, I hope you’ll see more than stories about places and events, but also the people behind them. The ones who shaped this island yesterday, continue shaping it today and will ensure it remains a special place for posterity. Positively yours, Bill Macchio Publisher From Left to Right: Richard Miller, Landyn Marunich, Gary Boone, Finn Mears, Sophia Hoffmann with staffing shortages, among other challenges, but maintain a collectively positive, upbeat, humble attitude. Three-year lifeguarding veteran Sophia Hoffman described her experience on and around the stand. “Lifeguarding on the Isle of Palms was recommended to me by a friend and I really had no clue what I was getting into, and I ended up loving it!” Hoffman explained what a distress call might entail. “I always call over my supervisor. ‘Stand # to sup # can you meet me urgent.’ If they don’t get there in time, I call in, ‘rescue rescue.’ Calling over the supervisor is always helpful because they’re generally on their way if they’re not there already. From there I decide what equipment would be best for a rescue – buoys (cans), can and fins or a board. Going out, I assess whether the subject is actively moving, therefore when I get there I know what to signal to the other guards on the beach.” Hoffman continued, explaining common misconceptions regarding lifeguards. “People think we’re just here for some sun. As much as it is nice to be out on the beach, we have responsibilities even when on break, when we’re Photo by Rachel Basye Continued on Page 5. FROM THE TEAM Don Stone and his grandson, Eric Stone in 2014.
IslandVibesIOP.com 5 NEWS FROM THE TEAM IOP leaders approve largest budget in island history – tax increase likely Major expenses include drainage, boulevard improvements, beach renourishment By L. C. Leach III The vote wasn’t unanimous, but the IOP City Council is set to adopt the largest budget in island history for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with an increase to the annual operating millage. It will include $37.49 million for projected revenues and $44.91 million for projected expenses – 49% more than in 2025. The two amounts not only dwarf all previous island budgets but will require money from existing fund balance reserves, such as the city’s Beach Preservation fund, to make up the $7.42 million shortfall. “We have a total of 11 separate funds that surplus money is added to at the end of each year,” said IOP City finance director Debra Hamilton. “It’s similar to a savings account – and whenever we need to draw out money to balance our yearly budget, we take it from one of those funds.” If there are no late changes, the new budget as proposed will take effect July 1 and include a raise in the annual operating millage to 19.2 – a 1.8 mills increase from the current fiscal year – which Hamilton said would “generate approximately $514,000 in additional property tax revenue.” The new budget was approved on first reading at the May 26 council meeting by a vote of 7-2. Councilmembers Jimmy Ward and Ashley Carroll cast the two no votes. Carroll could not be reached for comment, but Ward said his main objection centered on employee pay raises. “I didn’t think we did enough for our city employees, especially first responders – I thought they needed a 20% salary increase,” said Ward, adding that too many qualified people keep leaving the city to go to surrounding communities that pay more. “I think they’re going to continue leaving based on pay.” Expenditures will include a number of projects, such as: • AI traffic signal implementation • New police and fire department drone • New ladder truck for fire department • Public green space and parking at IOP Marina • New side loader truck for public works • Public artwork at Front Beach • Ocean Boulevard resurfacing • Drainage A major portion of expenses, however, will go toward ongoing boulevard improvements and beach renourishment. Phase 2 of the $1.08 million Waterway Boulevard project, for instance, is currently underway to raise the elevation of footpath areas and install check valves to prevent tidal backflow and help protect the island from future coastal flood risks. As Isle of Palms enters another summer season of beaches loaded with visitors and vacationers, work crews are undertaking the island’s biggest beach renourishment project to date, placing 2.5 million cubic yards of beach-quality sediment along up to 19,200 linear feet of shoreline on the two ends of the island between now and September. While the project will cost $21.47 million, it did come in nearly $11 million lower than originally anticipated by IOP City leaders. The city continues to maintain strong reserves, with cash deposits totaling approximately $57.5 million at the end of March, and about $6.2 million in FY2026 property tax revenues collected from Charleston County. “We have been good stewards of our city’s finances and are in good financial shape,” said Mayor Phillip Pounds. “There are many competing priorities for the city’s revenue, so it’s certainly a balancing act to put money back into the community, take care of our employees and keep a reasonable level of reserves for future unknowns that will surely come our way.” “Very knowledgeable, responsive and honest. We have bought and sold over 20 homes and never experienced the quality of service that Andrea provided” “...extremely helpful in making recommendations to get our house market-ready. With her suggestions for home improvements, our house sold in a week at the high end of market value.” 843.532.3010 - AndreaRogers1@gmail.com CALL ANDREA ROGERS SOUTHERN PROFESSIONALISM A way of life, The way to be About the Cover From Page 4. expected to train. On stand we’re expected to stay alert and focused on however many people are in our swim zone. On top of that, we’re trained first responders so when an emergency is at hand, we’re the first to aid those in need.” Hoffman reflected on a particularly harrowing rescue situation and the lessons it taught her. Being scared will get you nowhere. I was on IOP roving by the pier and decided to take a board for a rescue and ended up almost having to go through the pier – which isn’t ideal when you have a fast current, medium to large swell, and a person hanging onto you. I got them in safely due to my supervisor coming in to help me, and for the following week I beat down on myself. But, from then on I’ve learned when a board is best, what my strengths are and what I need to work on, and on breaks I go through the pier to practice what I would do if I had that happen to me again. That was my rookie year, and I’ve continued to come back because I know I am capable.” Balancing safety and visitor fun can be a challenge but Hoffman takes all things in stride. She explained, “In an event where I have to whistle, I like to make eye contact first. Establishing a quick connection with the guests makes them feel more comfortable than scared. If I call them over or walk up, I love to inform them of what’s going on and why we have that rule established, because there’s a better chance they’d help those around them to follow that rule too.” While our nation is in the midst of a prolonged lifeguard shortage, the American Red Cross continues to encourage and offer certification. The official American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification trains candidates to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies with blended-learning and in-person programs consisting of online modules, handson water rescues, CPR/AED for professional rescuers, and first aid, resulting in a two-year nationally recognized credential. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a lifeguard, please reach out to the American Red Cross or the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission.
6 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS While Tropical Storm Arthur recently brought a temporary respite of cooler weather to the Southeast, its heavy rain provided an early reminder of the flooding and other tidal intrusions that South Carolina coastal communities face during each hurricane season. On Isle of Palms, between 21st Avenue and 41st Avenue, work is underway on Phase 2 of the Waterway Boulevard Flood Barrier Project to not only combat the next round of coastal flooding but hopefully prove a long-term solution to the forces of Mother Nature. “The project includes raising the pathway to an elevation of 7 feet to provide protection from extreme tides and long-term sea level rise,” said Hillary Aton, project manager with Thomas & Hutton engineering services in Mount Pleasant, the company in charge of the flood project. “For context, portions of the existing pathway were below 5 feet elevation, and in some areas, as low as 4.27 feet, where overtopping has occurred repeatedly during extreme tide events.” Phases 1 and 1a were completed in fall 2025, which consisted of a new $1.5 million flood barrier within the Harbor Golf Course at Wild Dunes. Holes 9 and 10 that parallel the Intracoastal Waterway were raised in elevation to assist in seasonal tidal flooding. Aton pointed out, however, that Phase II includes the installation of new, localized drainage systems to Phase II of Waterway Boulevard progressing Project anticipated to significantly check island flooding By L. C. Leach III capture and convey stormwater runoff along Waterway Boulevard beneath the pathway and installation of “in-line check valves on all outfall pipes discharging to the Intracoastal Waterway.” “These check valves are designed to prevent tidal backflow into the drainage system, reduce ‘sunny day’ flooding and preserve system capacity during storm events,” she said. “No changes, additions or expansions to the scope of work have been made.” This portion of the project runs for approximately 1.68 miles and is scheduled for completion in fall 2026. Funding for the project was approved in August 2024 for approximately $1.08 million. The federal cost share amounted to $979,931.70; the remaining cost of $108,881.30 either must come from IOP City or another funding source secured by the city. “Localized flood reduction projects support risk reduction for the impacts from tropical systems and other flooding events,” said Tiffanie Barrett, chief of public information and external affairs with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. “So they are an important tool for improving the resilience of coastal communities – as well as other communities.” No one is sure yet how these improvements will stand up to future king tides or coastal storms because “the tidal protection components have not yet been tested by a major coastal storm or severe tidal event,” Aton said. She added though that early drainage improvements are already delivering benefits – an encouraging sign to safeguard the island from “increasing coastal flood risks in the years ahead.” “Together, Phases 1 and 2 of the Pathway and Flood Protection Project represent a critical investment in the city’s long-term resilience,” Aton said. “The full completion of Phase 2 is expected to establish a continuous tidal barrier, reduce tidal intrusion from the Intracoastal Waterway and significantly mitigate coastal-driven flooding impacts.” Standing water between 31st and 32nd Avenue shows need for raising pathway elevations. CONGRATS YOU FOUND SHELLY! Learn more on page 31 for your chance to win a $10 giftcard! Imposter! Not the real Shelly! TWICE THE FUN IN THIS JULY ISSUE, THERE ARE 2 SHELLY’S HIDDEN!
7 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS Only 3 minutes off the IOP Connector! NEW LOCATION, SAME OWNER Same Quality Brands www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Danco WWW.DANCOHOME.COM Charleston’s Coolest Modern. COMFORT SLEEPER AMERICAN LEATHER The only sleeper sofa you can sleep on. As opposed to the bars and springs of yesteryear, the comfort sleeper features a patented 24/7 platform system topped with five inches of luxury high-density foam. For an amazing night’s sleep. With over a dozen styles available, from transitional to modern sleeper sofas and sectionals, you’re sure to find the best centerpiece to your living room. Be ready when life unfolds. Sleepovers just got a whole lot more comfortable Veer Cruiser City Wagon - All-terrain wagon with push steering 642 Coleman Boulevard Mount Pleasant,SC 843.856.9277 | BabyBloomersHome.com 2024 ® NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! The Sassiest Gift Boutique in Mt. Pleasant 1751 North Highway 17, Suite B, Mt Pleasant 3 minutes from , Town Center same side of Hwy 17 DANCO Modern Furniture CHARLESTON'S COOLEST MODERN FURNITURE VISIT THEIR NEW HOME DancoHome.com Paul@DancoHome.com | 843-884-2256 American Leather, BDI, Calligaris, Copeland Furniture, Fjords, Lazar, Mobican, Skovby, Stressless While the Charleston area is never short for day trippers and week-long vacationers, the majority of people who visit from out of state, dating back to 2018, have come almost exclusively from five East Coast locations: North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Virginia and New York. “Within that timeframe, the top five states have remained largely consistent,” said Dan Guttentag, associate professor and director of the Office of Tourism Analysis with College of Charleston. “The only exception was in 2019, when Pennsylvania replaced Virginia in the top five list.” How big is the current impact? Consider that over the last five years, the total number of annual visitors to the Greater Charleston Area has grown significantly, from just over 7.23 million in 2021, to a whopping 7.91 million in 2025. If you’re keeping score, that’s an increase of 680,000, or 136,000 per year on average. And approximately 1 of every 3 visitors comes from the above five states. All of which – despite soaring consumer goods, hotel rentals and plane tickets – translates to a record $14.35 billion in economic impact in 2025, a 2.3% increase over 2024. Put another way: almost one-quarter of all annual Lowcountry sales, as estimated by the Charleston region’s travel and hospitality industry, come from tourism. While hotel room costs have risen each year since 2021, occupancy is currently holding at a staggering three-year mark of 70%. “The variety of experiences available to visitors of all ages is undoubtedly a major draw,” said Chris Campbell, vice president of strategy & external affairs with Explore Charleston. “At the same time, the continued growth of nonstop air service at Charleston International has significantly expanded access to markets including parts of Florida, Northern Virginia and New York State.” While it is hard to pinpoint why more people in these states and in Georgia and North Carolina are attracted to Charleston, the attractions themselves have been staples for the past 100 years, and some since before the nation’s birth: Antebellum homes and Revolutionary War buildings. A simple 30-minute walk along East Bay Street can make you feel as if you’re about to encounter a patriot in an 18th-century brick tavern, or a Civil War general commandeering one of the many stately homes leading down to the Battery. Fort Sumter The site where the Civil War began, you’re treated not only to the cast iron cannons and bombarded walls, but to expert guides who put you right in the experience with stories about the fort you never learned in school. Seafood What’s a trip to Charleston without sampling top-notch seafood, such as what you find at Hyman’s on Meeting Street? For visitors who think all she-crab soup is created equal, once they taste the Charleston recipe, created on demand by an early 20th-century local chef, they’re hard-pressed to accept any other. “History remains the leading reason leisure travelers choose to visit the Charleston area,” Campbell said. “Our celebrated culinary scene continues to gain momentum and now ranks as the second most influential draw. Other attributes that resonate with visitors are our renowned beaches, abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, diverse collection of tours and attractions, extensive shopping options and a popular calendar of festivals and events that showcase the character and culture of our region.” WHO’S COMING TO CHARLESTON – besides everybody? By L. C. Leach III
locations of additional drainage infrastructure along the road and on the golf course. It should be wrapped up in September, and it will be a great amenity for our community to enjoy for years to come. Also, we recently completed the reconstruction of the tennis courts at our rec center. We’ve made many improvements here over the past few years. If you haven’t used the facility in a while, go by and check out our progress. Wishing you all a fantastic Fourth of July and a happy 250th anniversary! Let’s celebrate our shared history, our vibrant community and the freedom that unites us. Stay safe, enjoy the fireworks and happy Independence Day! IslandVibesIOP.com 8 CIVICS Mayor’s Message Celebrating Freedom and Building Our Future By Phillip Pounds, Mayor, Isle of Palms A lot of July Fourth happenings on our island – Home Decorating Contest, golf cart parade, fireworks – and around the Lowcountry. This is a big year for our country so come out and let’s celebrate together! Our beach renourishment project is underway! There will be a flurry of additional activity on our beaches this summer. This project will be happening 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To help you plan your beach visit, we will have multiple places to get updates on the work involved so you know what to expect and where work will be taking place. Stay informed about the upcoming beach renourishment project through these city communication channels: 1. The city’s dedicated beach webpage is updated regularly with the latest project information via this link: isleofpalms.gov/beach. The page also features: • A map of sand placement areas • Videos showing what to expect based on previous renourishment projects • A live tracker displaying active construction areas and project progress 2. Residents can also subscribe to the city’s monthly newsletter, which provides beach project updates and other city news delivered to your email inbox, at isleofpalms.gov/newsletter-sign. 3. In addition, major project announcements, updates and videos will be shared on the city’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. Great progress is being made on our Waterway Boulevard Multi-Use Path project. While this project may appear straightforward, it includes multiple
IslandVibesIOP.com 9 Need a Lyft? Alcohol continued making regular appearances as well. Officers responded to several DUI arrests, open container violations, broken liquor seals, fake IDs and minors in possession of alcohol. Vacation memories are priceless. Court dates, attorney fees and higher insurance premiums are not. The younger crowd also stayed busy. Officers investigated a range of thefts from breaking into locked coolers to stealing bicycles, as well as vandalism, trespassing, assaults and one case of defrauding an innkeeper. Somewhere along the way, someone decided that stealing from a beach cooler was worth the risk. Hopefully the reward was at least a cold sandwich. Animal-related calls added a little variety to the month. Officers handled dog bites, dogs running at large, animal cruelty investigations and welfare checks involving four-legged residents. Thankfully, no dogs were cited for barking after quiet hours – although a few probably deserved a warning. They Love to Fly Free and it Shows A handful of reports stood out from the crowd. Officers investigated the theft of nearly 250,000 airline miles, responded to a report of someone impersonating a law enforcement officer, recovered a stolen vehicle, addressed counterfeit license plates and fraudulent employment documents and assisted with a child welfare investigation related to narcotics. As always, no two shifts are ever quite the same on the Isle. So, as we head deeper into another busy summer, here’s some free advice: leave the drugs at home, make sure your driver’s license is actually valid, keep the music at a reasonable volume and remember that South Carolina laws don’t disappear just because your GPS says “You have arrived.” We’ll see what next month’s visitors bring with them. CRIME NEW MONTH, SAME ENERGY IOP POLICE BLOTTER This is a satirical summary of real incidents reported on the Isle of Palms over the past month. All names and events are based on public records and presented with comedic exaggeration. SUMMER HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED ON THE ISLE OF PALMS, BRINGING SUNSHINE, PACKED BEACHES AND ANOTHER MONTH OF POLICE REPORTS THAT REMIND US COMMON SENSE DOESN’T ALWAYS PACK ITS BAGS FOR VACATION. Green-minded Leading the monthly statistics once again was marijuana, which earned the unofficial “Most Valuable Offender” award. While much of America has moved on and legalized it in one form or another, South Carolina continues to stand its ground against a weed that’s become nearly as common as dandelions. Every summer, visitors arrive convinced the state must have changed its mind since last year. Spoiler alert: it hasn’t. The police blotter continues to serve as the monthly reminder that crossing the Isle of Palms Connector is not a magical portal where South Carolina laws disappear. Whether you agree with the law or not, the handcuffs don’t seem interested in the debate. A close second was everyone’s favorite repeat offender: driving under suspension. At this point, DUS has become such a regular feature that we’re considering giving it its own permanent section. Several drivers managed to combine suspended licenses with suspended tags, no insurance, counterfeit license plates, broken liquor seals or simply driving without ever obtaining a valid license. Apparently, “license suspended” is interpreted by some as more of a friendly suggestion than a legal restriction. As expected, noise complaints made another strong showing. Some were unfounded, but enough were legitimate to remind everyone that your vacation playlist doesn’t have to become the neighborhood’s. If your Bluetooth speaker requires its own carrying handle, chances are everyone within three blocks can enjoy your music whether they wanted to or not.
IslandVibesIOP.com 10 Catering comes to you Southern Siren Drop-Off Catering By Cari Lawson BUSINESS For a lot of people, the idea of hiring a caterer sounds like something tied to a big celebration. Southern Siren brings delicious Mediterranean and Southern fare right to your door, and is perfect for IOP businesses, residents and hosts and guests staying in IOP vacation rentals. That’s why the chicken marsala over lemon mashed potatoes has become such a favorite “just because” order. It’s cozy and familiar but still feels a little indulgent in the best way. The lemon zest in the mashed potatoes is the part people don’t expect, and then they immediately want to copy it at home. It’s the kind of meal that makes an ordinary Tuesday feel softer somehow. That same sense of care shows up in how Southern Siren approaches the community. Every month, a Charleston-area nonprofit is featured as the Nonprofit of the Month. It’s a personal decision rooted in gratitude for the organizations that helped encourage the dream in the first place. At the end of each month, 20% of gratuities and proceeds from the Sandwich of the Month are donated to support that nonprofit. While the food matters, the bigger goal is simpler than that. It’s about creating a moment in which people feel present. The laughter around the table. The stories that come out once everyone relaxes. The people with whom they’re sharing the meal. If the food helps create that kind of memory, then it’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. To view their online menu, visit southernsirenchs.com. Creating Unforgettable Memories BRINGING DELICIOUS MEDITERRANEAN AND SOUTHERN FARE RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR YOUR TRUSTED CHARLESTON VACATION RENTAL CATERING PARTNER Get a Quote or Order Online, Today! SouthernSirenCHS.com (843) 481-2790 | meg@southernsirenchs.com Sean Sheppard, Owner voted one of THE BEST TRAINER/COACHS 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
IslandVibesIOP.com 11 COMMUNITY Service to country and community IOP park served as host for traveling historical flag exhibit By Laura Fogarty Pops with Cops Keeping the community cool and connected this summer By Cari Lawson There are plenty of things kids remember about a beach vacation. Sandcastles, beach games, sunburn and fun with family are just a few that come to mind. When youngsters visit Isle of Palms, they may leave with a different memory. After all, it’s not every day a police officer hands you a popsicle. Throughout the summer, officers from the Isle of Palms Police Department make their way down the beach with coolers full of frozen treats. Children spot them from a distance and dash toward the officers to get their popsicles. The scene repeats itself over and In honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary, the Isle of Palms Exchange Club, together with VFW Post 3137, organized a traveling display of 26 historic American flags. This collection features the Continental Union and Betsy Ross along with every star-spangled version of our flag as America grew and stars were added, state by state. A Declaration of Independence banner completes this spectacular patriotic exhibit. The Leola Hanbury Memorial Park was one of several hosts for this historic display of our nation’s maturing flag. What a fitting locale given Hanbury’s patriotism and service to the island. Located at 1207 Palm Blvd., Leola Hanbury Memorial Park is a picturesque, immaculately landscaped green space named in honor of a community pillar who championed beautification and conservation efforts. Hanbury was an active member of the Isle of Palms City Council for six years and dedicated over 20 years to enhancing the island’s quality of life through her involvement in the Isle of Palms Garden Club. Some of Hanbury’s contributions to the island include serving as secretary of the Isle of Palms Commerce Association and serving on the task forces of the Charleston Harbor Project and the Beach Advisory Committee. Additionally, she was a member of the steering committee for the island’s 50th anniversary and was the original coordinator of the Isle of Palms Beach Sweep and a key organizer of the “Adopt A Dune” program. In 2014, Hanbury gifted the City of Isle of Palms $25,000 to create the now aptly-named Leola Hanbury Employee of the Year Recognition Award. This $500 award celebrates employees who go above and beyond, demonstrating integrity and a strong commitment to our community. Leola Hanbury Memorial Park over. A child accepts a popsicle. An officer asks how their beach day is going. Someone notices a piece of trash nearby and tosses it into the officer’s trash can. A parent waves from a beach chair. Then everyone moves on with their day. As simple as this program sounds, it has had a big impact. Pops with Cops has been around longer than some of the officers currently participating in it. Nobody seems entirely sure who first came up with the idea, but it has become one of those traditions that residents and kiddos alike look forward to. What starts as a free popsicle usually turns into something else. Kids ask questions. Sometimes a lot of questions. They want to know about police cars, radios, badges and whether officers ever get nervous. Officers answer them between handing out treats and collecting trash from the beach. It’s easy to forget that many children’s earliest impressions of law enforcement are formed through small moments like these and not dramatic ones. Not the kind that make headlines. Just everyday interactions that quietly shape how they view the people around them. For beachgoers, Pops with Cops can seem like a simple act of kindness. For the department, it’s an opportunity to be visible in a different way. Instead of showing up when there’s a problem, officers become part of an ordinary summer afternoon. The environmental lesson comes along naturally. Kids quickly register that the officers aren’t just carrying frequently hosts rotating civic displays, including the 250th anniversary traveling patriotic flag exhibit, an ideal tribute to American history and the legacy of Hanbury that continues to inspire goodness and public service. popsicles but that they’re toting a trash can, too. Picking up litter becomes part of the exchange. The beach gets a little cleaner, and the message tends to stick better than it would in a brochure or classroom presentation. Maybe that’s the real success of the program. Not the number of popsicles handed out, or bags of trash collected, but the fact that the interactions feel authentic and genuine. The goal is to interact with the community and remind beachgoers about littering and beach cleanup. There isn’t any fanfare or major presentation. It is just officers walking through the sand, children gathering around and a few minutes of conversation that might not seem important in the moment. Years from now, most of those kids probably won’t remember exactly what flavor popsicle they got. But they will recall a positive encounter that they had with a police officer and the importance of keeping our beaches clean.
IslandVibesIOP.com 12 Free BeachYoga Find your inner peace outdoors By Cari Lawson IOP Beach Run Sprinting (or) strolling through the sand By Cari Lawson Wellness by the Sea Regenerative Medicine & Aesthetics Board-certified medical professionals that offer personalized state-of-the-art treatments for face & body. WE DESIGN A PLAN FOR YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS. TRUST THE EXPERTS. Lasers, toxins, facials, weight loss and more. REQUEST YOUR PERSONALIZED CONSULTATION IN A SERENE ENVIRONMENT. 843.894.0955 YoungerYoustudio.com 1022 Carolina Blvd. Isle of Palms, SC The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department is bringing new opportunities to the beach that don’t require a ticket but are still lots of fun. Free Beach Yoga is just one example. What began three years ago as part of a broader wellness initiative has grown into a meaningful part of the island experience. Residents and visitors gather at the 25th Avenue beach access each Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. from May through October to move, stretch and reset in a setting that is naturally calming. The program is simple and wholesome. There are no fees and no barriers to participation. A seasoned yogi can Every summer has those events that make you think, ‘Yep, that’s quintessential Lowcountry.’ For a lot of people, the IOP Beach Run falls into that category. On July 25, runners and walkers will come out to enjoy the Isle of Palms for this annual race. Being out near the water before the heat and humidity kicks into high gear is a special summer experience. Pair that with a few hundred neighbors and it sounds like the perfect day for fitness in nature. The course starts behind The Windjammer and follows the shoreline during low tide. You can catch the breeze while you listen to the sound of the waves and take in the views. This event is inclusive and is for anyone no matter how long you’ve been running. You’ll see experienced competitors, but you’ll also see families, kids doing the Youth Fun Runs and people A calming background to reset and relax. COMMUNITY find value in the class, but so can someone stepping onto a mat for the first time. Everyone arrives from a different place and experiences it in their own way. The beach adds peace that no studio can replicate. The shifting sand challenges balance, the ocean provides a steady backdrop, the pace feels slower. For many participants, the class becomes more than exercise and provides a much-needed respite in the middle of a busy week. In a community known for its natural beauty, the Free Beach Yoga series serves as a reminder that wellness can be accessible, welcoming and as simple as showing up. Photo provided by the IOP Rec Department. who signed up simply because it seemed like a fun and unique way to spend a Saturday morning. The longevity of this event speaks for itself. What better place to work out than on the beach? Registration is open now for the 5K Run/Walk, 10K and Youth Fun Runs. For more information or to register, visit raceroster.com/ events/2026/118774/iop-beach-run-2026. Runners enjoying this annual event. Photo provided by the IOP Rec Department.
13 IslandVibesIOP.com Isle of Palms Summer Fun Guide By Staff Report IOP Marina COMMUNITY BEST PLACE TO CRAB Pitt Street Bridge 972 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant BEST PLACE TO FIND GHOST CRABS Beach Access 27 2614 Palm Blvd. BEST PLACE TO FIND SEASHELLS Beach Access 42 40 2nd Ave. BEST PLACE TO FISH The Breach Inlet Seawall 118 Ocean Blvd. BEST BEACH ACCESS Beach Access 42 40 2nd Ave. BEST BEACH YOGA Beach Access 25 2402 Palm Blvd. BEST BOAT LANDING IOP Marina 50 41st Ave. BEST PLACE TO BIRD-WATCH The IOP Connector SC-517 BEST PLACE TO CANOE/KAYAK Morgan Creek 80 41st Ave. Summer on Isle of Palms offers countless opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty, recreation and unique character of the island. From watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean and searching for seashells along the shore to kayaking through the marshes and spotting local wildlife, there is something for visitors and residents of all ages to enjoy. As a companion to our Summer Activities Directory, this guide highlights some of the island’s favorite locations for outdoor activities, scenic views, family outings and memorable experiences. Whether you are a longtime resident or discovering Isle of Palms for the first time, we hope this directory helps you explore new places and make the most of everything the island has to offer this summer. BEST PLACE TO FLY A KITE Breach Inlet 118 Ocean Blvd. BEST PLACE TO GO FOR A WALK Beach Access 23 23rd Avenue BEST PLACE TO HAVE A PICNIC IOP County Park 1 14th Ave. BEST PLACE TO PLAY TENNIS/ PICKLEBALL IOP Recreation Center 24 28th Ave. BEST PLACE TO PROPOSE Beach Station 40 40 Station 19 St., Sullivan's Island BEST PLACE TO RIDE A BIKE Waterway Boulevard 21st–41st Avenue BEST PLACE TO SEE TURTLE TRACKS Beach Access 21 2002 Palm Blvd. BEST PLACE TO SEE WILD DOLPHINS IOP Marina 50 41st Ave. BEST PLACE TO STARGAZE Beach Access 23 23rd Avenue BEST PLACE TO SURF Beach Access 57 50 7th Ave. BEST PLACE TO WALK YOUR DOG Bark Park 22 9th Ave. BEST PLAYGROUND/PARK IOP County Park 1 14th Ave. BEST SUNRISE VIEW Front Beach 1300 Ocean Blvd. BEST SUNSET VIEW IOP Pier 1300 Ocean Blvd.
IslandVibesIOP.com 14 played a huge role too.” Back then it was more about looking up to them than understanding what they actually did. A typical day starts long before the beach feels like the beach. Before umbrellas, before coolers, before families even begin deciding where to sit, the lifeguards are already working through a routine that doesn’t change much but matters every time. Stands are opened. Equipment gets checked. Everything is laid out and checked again. It sounds simple until you think about what it means if something doesn’t work later. Because later is when it matters. Then comes training. Every day. For about an hour in the morning, the team runs drills, practices rescues and works through scenarios. Even after that, during breaks, it doesn’t really stop. There’s still mixed-in training, conversations about technique, staying ready. That part surprises people the most, Boone said. “People think we don’t do much,” he said. “But we’re constantly training, constantly preparing.” The thing most beachgoers never see is how much of the job is about preventing anything from happening in the first place. Most good lifeguarding doesn’t look like anything at all from the beach. A conversation that keeps someone out of a dangerous area. A If you’ve ever spent time at the beach, you’ve probably noticed the lifeguards before anything else. Up in the stand. Watching the water. Not saying much. From a distance, it can look like the kind of job where not a lot is happening. Gary Boone hears that assumption often. Boone, a member of The Citadel’s Class of 2027, has been working ocean rescue for six seasons now – three years as a lifeguard and three as a supervisor. Long enough that the beach feels familiar in a way most people don’t really understand unless they’ve been part of it day after day. He didn’t exactly stumble into it either. It started earlier, when he was younger and paying attention to the lifeguards he saw every summer. “I was inspired by some of my friends’ older brothers who were lifeguards,” Boone said. “The Junior Lifeguard program FEATURE HOW TO SAVE A LIFE: Applying and training to become a lifeguard The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission opens lifeguarding jobs months in advance. Anyone interested in working as a lifeguard next summer can apply in early 2027 at ccprc.com/jobs. Training is held in the spring/early summer. They also offer a Junior Lifeguard summer program at Isle of Palms County Park, which is similar to a summer camp where kids spend their day with lifeguards and learn about their jobs and the basics of aquatic rescue. Lessons and activities include environmental awareness, first aid, ocean-proofing, physical training, rescue equipment, teamwork and waterpark visits. For more info on that program and a list of the upcoming sessions (openings are still available), visit ccprc.com/jobs/lifeguards-aquatic-safety. OCEAN RESCUE LIFEGUARD REQUIREMENTS • Must be 16 years old • Must complete an interview with management staff • Must complete a physical fitness test to include, but not limited to: -500 meters (550 yards) swim test in nine minutes (pool) or 10 minutes (open water) - 1-mile run in 7:45 (track) or eight minutes (beach) • Must pass a drug test • Must complete all scheduled pre-season trainings, including Rookie School for first-year Ocean Rescue Lifeguards and Surf School for all Ocean Rescue Lifeguards • Must submit a completed CCPRC Physician’s Certificate (PDF) prior to attending lifeguard training DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LIFEGUARD The sentries keeping you safe By Cari Lawson Gary Boone Continued on Page 15. Eight a.m. daily shift routine.
IslandVibesIOP.com 15 you down slowly. Constant awareness even when nothing is going on. And then, suddenly, full sprint across the sand or straight into the water without hesitation. As a supervisor now, that responsibility stretches beyond just Boone. Every morning, he checks in with the guards on his team to make sure they’re ready. Some days are quiet enough that it almost feels routine. When Boone talks about the job, he doesn’t lean on big statements or polished explanations. He keeps coming back to people. That’s usually where it ends up anyway. Sometimes you meet someone on their best beach day. In other instances, it’s the opposite. This includes more than just a are certified through the United States Lifesaving Association. They’re also emergency medical responders. But Boone is quick to point out that none of that really means the learning stops. Sometimes it’s a swimmer caught in a rip current. Or a medical issue. Sometimes it’s something smaller that still turns serious quickly because the ocean doesn’t really give warning signs in a way people expect. Boone has been part of enough rescues now that he’s stopped trying to count them. But his first rescue stands out. A man had been caught in a rip current and was struggling offshore. Boone went in, reached him and brought him safely back to shore. Focus, effort and getting him back to where he could breathe again were essential. When it was over, the man hugged him. That part stayed with him more than anything else. An incident like this, more than anything, is probably what most people don’t understand about the job. Lifeguards aren’t sitting in those stands waiting for something exciting to happen. If anything, they’re wishing for the opposite. That families just have a normal day and go home sunburned, tired and fine. Most of the job is hoping you’re not needed but being ready if you are. There’s also the physical side of it, which people tend to underestimate. Long hours in the sun. Heat that wears technical response. It’s how you talk to people when they’re scared, keep things steady when everything around you isn’t and make sure a moment doesn’t feel bigger than it has to be. By day’s end, when the beach finally clears out and the stands start to feel empty again, the work still isn’t over. Equipment gets cleaned. Supplies get restocked. Everything is reset so the next day can begin the same way. Before wrapping up, Boone keeps his advice to beachgoers simple. Know your limits. Pay attention to the rules. For Boone, after six seasons, it always comes back to the same thing: helping people get through the day safely, and hoping they never have to notice he was there. FEATURE swimmer who gets redirected before they realize they were drifting. Small moments that never turn into emergencies. From the stand though, the focus is constant. You’re not just looking at water. You’re reading it. Watching how it moves. Watching how people move inside it. Who looks fine. Who doesn’t. Who might not realize they’re in trouble yet. Boone said part of staying locked in is that he’s always running things through his head. ‘If something happens right now, what’s the fastest way down? Which equipment would I grab? Who else would I need? How long would it take?’ When something does happen, it shifts fast. A radio call goes out. Other guards respond. Equipment gets chosen based on conditions without much discussion. Someone is already moving before most people on the beach even realize what’s going on. What looks like a sudden moment actually isn’t. It’s built on repetition of hundreds of drills, hundreds of training hours, all of it stacking up so the response doesn’t have to be thought through in real time. Charleston County Parks Ocean Rescue lifeguards train extensively and Life of a Lifeguard, Cont. From Page 14 Eight a.m. daily shift training routine. Photos by Cooper River Photography.
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