The pride of Isle of Palms, SC today, tomorrow and always. Vol.3 Issue 6 June 2025 To read digitally, visit ReadIslandVibes.com The conversation continues at IsleofPalmsPodcast.com BREACH INLET DROWNINGS See Page 3 MANHUNT SUSPECT CAPTURED See Page 5 SEAWALL TRIAL AWAITS VERDICT See Page 6 Photo by Rachel Basye DEADLY CURRENTS RIP CURRENT AWARENESS (Page 8) SHARK TALK EXPLORING ALPHAS OF THE SEA (Page 15) BEST MATES FATHER & SON FISHING DUOS (Page 19) Fishing For Memories Hooked
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Two Lowcountry residents are dead after attempting to swim the treacherous waters of Breach Inlet on May 6. An 18-year-old woman, Yoselin Lopez-Perez, and a 28-year-old man, Guillermo Quintero-Camacho from the Charleston area, were unresponsive after first responders from both Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island police and fire departments pulled them from the water and performed lifesaving procedures, following 911 calls from local witnesses saying that two swimmers were in distress. EMS workers raced Lopez-Perez to East Cooper Medical Center, but she was pronounced dead from drowning shortly after arrival. Quintero-Camacho was taken to MUSC Trauma Center, where, despite hanging on, he remained unresponsive and was pronounced dead from drowning early the next morning. “Isle of Palms Police is the investigating agency for this case and we are working with the Charleston County Coroner’s Office,” said Sgt. Matt Storen, special services and public information officer with IOPPD. Sullivan’s Island Fire Chief Anthony Stith speculated that Quintero-Camacho might have gone in to save Lopez-Perez and got into the same trouble, as both were 20 to 30 feet off the beach in water in which the depth is constant shifting. “Two calls came in from witnesses saying they could see the male 3 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS Two swimmers drown in Breach Inlet’s deadly currents Warning signage now in multiple languages By L. C. Leach III bobbing up and down as if he were holding onto something,” Stith said. “They went in on the Isle of Palms side and we were just not lucky that they didn’t survive.” Both Stith and Storen, however, pointed out that the inlet, which separates Isle of Palms from Sullivan’s Island, has long been a ready-made death trap for all would-be swimmers. “I’ve been here 43 years and Breach Inlet currents are always running under the water,” Stith said. “They are very strong – and some of the currents run at 30 knots (approximately 34 mph) which is very fast. It’s a terrible place that often looks calm.” Whether the waters are calm or rough, Storen reminds everyone that swimming in Breach Inlet is not only dangerous, but also unlawful. “There is no swimming allowed at Breach Inlet,” he said. “A city ordinance prohibits it.” Area beach signs warn of “Deadly Currents – No Swimming – No Wading – Stay Out of the Water – Several Drownings – Don’t Be Next.” If caught in the water, violators in IOPPD’s jurisdiction can be fined $1,087. For Sullivan’s Island, the fine is $1,040. Stith added that part of the reason people violate this law is because they either don’t see the signs, can’t read the signs in English or just simply ignore the warnings because Breach Inlet on any given day looks like an inviting body of channel water, especially as you come across the Palm Boulevard bridge and see the inlet up close. “But looks can be deceiving,” Stith said. “This is a very dangerous place to be in the water... And the warning signs are in Spanish now.” Breach Inlet’s dangerous reputation goes back centuries to when these treacherous currents foiled battle plans. In a failed attempt to capture Fort Sullivan during the Revolutionary War in 1776, British generals realized that crossing the inlet would be risky, especially considering that the inlet at the time was a mile wide. But they still sent hundreds of men in 15 armed flatboats across the inlet supported by warships, artillery and infantry – all of which came to nothing as the American forces and the currents combined to defeat them. One of the area’s historical markers even reads: “The shore and sandbars change constantly, as strong and dangerous tidal currents flow into and out of the salt marsh between the islands and the mainland.” The Sullivan’s Island side of the inlet also recently underwent a long beach restoration project along 4,100 linear feet of shoreline, which added 76,000 cubic yards of sand (enough to fill 23 Olympic-size swimming pools) to the dunes, all of which made the area even more dangerous than usual. Steven Traynum, IOP coastal engineer consultant and president of Coastal Science & Engineering in Columbia, said that as dangerous as it is to swim in the inlet, even just standing in shallow water is a coin flip for personal safety. “I have surveyed the area before while standing in the inlet’s shallow water,” Traynum said. “There are natural changes of shoals moving around that area, with millions of cubic yards of shifting sand – such that the bottom topography changes very quickly – and makes negotiating the water tough even when you’re just standing in a few feet at low tide.” While the inlet can be a great spot for fishing, photography and dolphin sightings, both Stith and Storen urge everyone to heed the signs and warnings and the area’s history and to please think twice before taking a chance on becoming another unnecessary island casualty. “I’m sorry these two people died,” Stith said. “But I hope in the future this kind of tragedy won’t happen anymore.”
Whether it’s telling the story of Isle of Palms in the pages of Island Vibes or by podcast, it’s a story our publishing team loves telling. You can read the most recent stories about Isle of Palms in the June edition of Island Vibes digitally at ReadIslandVibes.com. To access the most recent podcast episode about Isle of Palms and its residents, visit IsleOfPalmsPodcast.com. In this episode we visit with Isle of Palms resident and retired South Carolina senator, Ernie Passailaigue. I hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting Passailaigue until we visited his house to record this episode. We had friends in common and as our conversation progressed it became more engaging because of our mutu4 FROM THE CREW IslandVibesIOP.com The pride of Isle of Palms, SC today, tomorrow and always. Publisher’s Note From the Editor Father’s Day Tribute Island Vibes Vol. 3, Issue 6, June 2025 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 COOPERRIVERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM DIGITAL MANAGER ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ALYSSA FRANCO THEDIGITALTOUCHCHS@GMAIL.COM WEB EDITOR GEORGE CONKLIN CONTRIBUTORS RYAN BUCKHANNON • MARY COY KATIE FINCH • LAURA FOGARTY MAURICE FRAZIER • ALLYAH HARRAR L. C. LEACH III • COLIN MCCANDLESS KIMBERLYN NAYLOR • PHILLIP POUNDS SARAH ROSE • ALEX STONE • BROOKE WATSON SALES REPRESENTATIVES STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM COLLEEN KASSNER COLLEEN@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM PAUL SMITH PAUL@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE BOSS DOG REGGIE DISTRIBUTION ISLE OF PALMS • WILD DUNES • GOAT ISLAND • DEWEES ISLAND • U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • CVS • FOOD LION ASHEVILLE/HENDERSON AIRPORT • ALL SC WELCOME CENTERS DIRECT MAIL VIA US POST OFFICE Homes on Isle of Palms and Sullivans 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 al respect for these individuals. One of these friends was Arthur Ravenel and we talked about his instrumental role in making the Ravenel Bridge possible. We each discussed our own interactions with our mutual friend. The kind of conversations I had with Passailaigue and not long ago with Tommy Hartnett, are part of an overarching goal of mine to capture a slice of history via podcasting. Our conversaContent is King tions tell the story of the island's past and present and will live on forever. Honestly y’all, thinking of capturing our history via podcasting truly inspires me to grow our podcast library; content is king no matter how it’s distributed. Beyond the content is how consumers around the world have embraced podcasting. In 2024, 55% of U.S. residents listened to a podcast once a month. The No. 1 preferred podcast platform is YouTube, and No. 2 is Spotify. IsleofPalmsPodcast.com uses both platforms and many more. Additionally, Google Analytics reports that residents from every state in the country have listened to or watched the podcasts IsleOfPalmsPodcast.com, MountPleasantPodcast.com and CarolinaRealEstatePodcast.com. Knowing the popularity of our region, we’ve created a local Podcast Directory, CarolinaPodcasts.com. If you have a podcast or would like us to create your podcast and include it in our Podcast Directory, contact Info@CarolinaPodcasts.com. Thanks for reading Island Vibes in digital at ReadIslandVibes.com or print format and watching or listening to IsleOfPalmsPodcast.com. Keep vibing, Bill Macchio Publisher Dad. Another three-letter word that can never be replaced. Neither can he who holds this title and wears it as a badge of honor. The man, the myth, the legend and my father—Keith Giroux. Being the only boy in my family has been a blessing and a burden. I never had to battle for his attention with a younger or older brother. However, I was expected to be the man of the house when my dad wasn't there. Fortunately, my dad was always around. From a young age, my dad tried his damndest to get me to follow in his sawdust-filled boots. His grand plan of grooming me to be a carpenter didn’t pan out. No matter how many hammers I swung I could never quite hit the nail on the head. I wasn’t handy, but I did inherit his magic hands. As his apprentice, my job was simple: hand the sculptor his tools and watch him craft a masterpiece. If it could be dreamt, he could build it. If those calloused hands could talk, they would tell the story of a humble, blue-collar, self-made man who made an honest living. When my dad wasn’t breaking his back climbing up ladders or cutting down trees, we would go play a round of golf, play poker at deer camp or indulge in his favorite hobby of all: drinking ice-cold beer in the hot tub. He wasn’t a man of many words, but when he spoke, I sure did listen to his wisdom. As time marched on, my journey came full circle and my father’s prophecy was partially fulfilled. Just like him, I too work with my hands every day. Writers and carpenters share many similarities, but most importantly as artists we respect each other’s craftsmanship. Cheers, old man! Your only boy, Zach Giroux Managing Editor
June’s About the Cover centers around a special bond that tugs on the heartstrings of this issue: Father’s Day. The concept was simple and didn’t require much logistics, which means the photoshoot was a smashing success. The cover photo depicts a father and son fishing off the Isle of Palms Pier on Front Beach. If you dive beyond the surface level though, you’ll spot the bigger picture. Notice the emotional embrace between BJ Bowen and his son Trey? This body language speaks volumes about their close relationAbout the Cover Best Catch Yet By Zach Giroux 5 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS Island-wide manhunt ends in successful capture, several injured By L. C. Leach III Early in the afternoon on May 1, a group of Sullivan’s Island schoolchildren and teachers suffered non-fatal injures following a crashed stolen car that ended with a police manhunt for a fugitive on the run. Officers from Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island police departments, alongside the help of other local, state and federal personnel, arrested suspect Justin Collin Adams of Greenville County. Adams was charged with three counts of attempted murder and two counts of assault and battery in the first degree. Adams’ apprehension came approximately five hours after police were alerted to an incident on the property of Sunrise Presbyterian Church near Breach Inlet on Sullivan’s Island. “This was a search for an armed and dangerous man, who intentionally tried to run over elementary-to-middle-school-aged children on a playground,” said IOPPD Sgt. Matt Storen, special services and public information officer. “He is alleged to have assaulted his mother with a knife, taken her car, then used that car to intentionally run over the children.” Witnesses called police around 12:48 p.m. to report the attack, which left one adult and two children injured. After Adams crashed his mother’s car into a building on the church property, he then proceeded to flee on foot. “IOPPD assisted with the initial response, since the incident was located so close to our jurisdiction — and due to this incident being so involved, we responded immediately,” Storen said. “IOPPD assisted with search operations, media management — Chief Kevin Cornett was part of the unified command system and provided guidance and support at the command post.” Six SIPD officers assisted in the hunt and the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter Crew was dispatched to make a sweep of the area. “Although the search was initiated immediately by SIPD and IOPPD officers, the concerted effort using mutual aid assets to conduct a grid search started at approximately 3:40 p.m.,” said SIPD Police Chief Glenn Meadows. “Once sufficient assets had assembled, officers were organized into five search teams to do house-to-house searches.” Using the helicopter’s advanced camera system, the air team spotted something suspicious in the 3200 block, across from the church property. “They noticed that a boat cover had a cut, or was open,” Storen said. “They zoomed in and saw a part of the suspect’s red shirt, then when they went to the thermal function of the camera, they confirmed that a body was on the boat.” Police apprehended the suspect at approximately 5:53 p.m., according to Meadows. As for a motive for attempting to harm the schoolchildren, Storen said the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this incident “at the request of SIPD.” Both Storen and Meadows added that the operation resulted successfully because of straightforward, combined police work. “The cooperation and collaboration of all 22 federal, state and local agencies played a tremendous role in the success of the operation,” Meadows said. “The helicopter from the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office proved to be a valuable tool locating the suspect.” The incident marks a continued disturbing trend of violent assault on the islands. In the past two years, IOPPD has responded to or investigated 82 cases of assault – 39 in 2024 and another 43 in 2023. While the year 2025 is on pace for similar numbers, the crime trend across Charleston County is dropping. “So far, we’ve never had a manhunt end up as a cold case,” Storen said. “And for our part in this, it was just an agency assist, which we do regularly for all kinds of cases. Our partnerships at all levels are priceless in ensuring us to do our jobs and keep everybody safe.” POINT • SCAN • SUBSCRIBE Keep a piece of Isle of Palms with you no matter where you live. We will mail you POSITIVE VIBES anywhere in the U.S. ship. Dive deeper. Trey is not only looking over at his dad for fishing advice; he’s counting on him for life advice. In fishing, like in life, you can’t expect to catch a trophy fish on the first cast. Patience is a virtue, not a privilege. Once you’ve caught thebig one, you’ll realize that the greatest part was reeling in the memories. Fish on!
difficult management issue. Residents taking matters into their own hands to protect their land and home from erosion can lead to making matters worse.” From 2008-14, more than 100,000 cubic yards of sand have been dumped along the eastern fill area of Seascape and Ocean Club near Wild Dunes Resort. The seawall construction under legal review is situated on the far end of Front Beach adjacent to Breach Inlet. “We’ve been dealing with extensive erosion along the Breach Inlet area since summer 2023,” Traynum said in 2024. “City leaders have been doing everything they can and trying to hold the line until the Army Corps of Engineers can add about half a million cubic yards of sand to the south end area. That project is expected to occur in the next couple of months.” Despite all these arguments, Anderson requested that each side look over the case transcripts and then prepare a proposed order (legal document) outlining the terms to the court for further review. “This kind of procedure of reviewing proposed orders is not unusual at the ALC (Administrative Law Court),” said Leslie Lenhardt, senior managing attorney with the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, which represented the Coastal Conservation League in the case. “And proposed orders are just another way for each side to present their case, and for the judge to make a further analysis.” Once the transcripts become available, the parties will have 30 days to submit the proposed orders. “Then the judge will rule on the merits,” Lenhardt said. If the ruling ultimately favors Reddy, Lenhardt noted it could establish precedent for other coastal residents to install similar structures, leading to more shoreline damage with increased erosion, disruption of the beach’s natural cycle and impacts to wildlife that use the beach, such as sea turtles and endangered bird species. If the ruling ends up favoring DES, Reddy would have to pay a levied fine of $289,000 and take down the wall. “Reddy has indicated that if he loses, he will appeal the case,” Lenhardt said. In the case of McQueen v. South Carolina Coastal Council heard before the Supreme Court of South Carolina in 2003, court documents recorded the following: “The State has the exclusive right to control land below the high-water mark for the public benefit.” Under this precedent, DES would need to prove that the beach around Reddy’s structure is above the high-water mark. Until a ruling is determined, the seawall will remain standing. “Every day that Reddy’s seawall is allowed to stand, it has negative impacts,” Lenhardt added. “I’m hoping we can have a resolution to this case by July or early August.” 6 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS Ruling lingers on legality of IOP resident’s seawall By L. C. Leach III After simmering for 17 months, the long-awaited rescheduled court case of an Isle of Palms resident is over. However, the judge’s ruling as to whether the seawall’s construction has legal merit is still in limbo. Long before a trial date was set, IOP resident Rom Reddy made it clear that despite any potential legal action against him, “I am going to fight it for myself. I have a constitutional right to protect my property – I’m going to exercise those rights.” Despite ongoing beach renourishment efforts by IOP city leaders to battle island erosion, Reddy contends that his structure is better able to withstand the waves than expensive sand, which so far has “just all gotten washed away.” South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES) officials argued before Judge Ralph Anderson that Reddy violated a state law per the Coastal Tidelines and Wetlands Act of 1977 that states, “Tidelands and coastal waters are identified as ‘critical areas’ over which the Department (DES) has direct permitting authority.” More so, that such hard erosion control devices on the beachfront contribute to the deterioration of the beach, which is a public trust resource. “Any erosion control action you take on your own can impact public use of the beach or further contribute to erosion of the area,” said Steven Traynum, coastal engineer consultant for IOP City and president of Coastal Science & Engineering in Columbia. “Rapidly eroding shorelines are a very
Acommittee of IOP residents that includes local business owners, former civic leaders and environmentalists is bringing a proposal before IOP City Council on May 27 to request approval to plant palm trees in the Front Beach Lot B parking lot as part of a community-driven beautification effort. The endeavor, dubbed Plant-APalm 2.0, entailed an initial goal of planting 100 palm trees in the lot, which sits along Ocean Boulevard on land owned by IOP residents but managed by the city. While the trees will be donated, the group of citizens will be asking city council for support for ongoing irrigation. The grassroots project was spurred by residents who decided they wanted to pitch in and collaborate on beautifying the parking lot, which lies in the Front Beach commercial district and is largely devoid of any trees or other vegetation. Its aim is to foster a stronger sense of civic pride and community engagement among residents. Individuals, business owners and groups who have already pledged tree donations or expressed their support for the idea include Benj Farmery, owner of Smugglers, IOPizza Co and Papi’s Taqueria (committed to nine trees) and his business partner Mike Gandy, owner of Tru Blues House of Wings; Bobby Simmons of Acme Lowcountry Kitchen (committed to five trees); Family Vacation Rental Group (FVR), which is composed of 17 professionally-manNEWS 7 IslandVibesIOP.com WELCOME TO 2301 PALM BLVD. 843-886-9600 carrollrealtyinc.com Meet your home base for your next Isle of Palms getaway! “Steps From the Ocean with endless outdoor escapes and breathtaking views are all in your future when you book this stunning home. Call the Carroll Realty Inc. team directly!” PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS - Beautiful Landscaped Fenced Yard - Stunning Interior Design - Huge Chefs Kitchen - Very Private Fenced Back Yard with Pool - Across the street from the beach - $250 Credit Towards Beach Gear (3-14 nights stays) Community group replants palm tree donation plan By Colin McCandless aged vacation rental companies; former IOP mayor and city councilman Jimmy Carroll; Dudley Spangler of Carroll Realty; environmentalist Monica Pelletier; and citizen Patsy Hindman, among others. Upon receiving council approval, Plant-A-Palm 2.0 will launch a contribution program through which property owners and friends of the island may sponsor the planting of a palm tree for $300, which covers the expense of the tree and the planting. While the group’s preliminary goal was to plant 100 palm trees, pledged donations had already surpassed that mark as of publication thanks to many generous community contributions pouring in to promote the effort. The name is a nod to the original Plant-A-Palm Committee, a group of concerned citizens who raised money for the purchase and planting of over 800 native sabal palmetto trees along Palm Boulevard to restore a portion of the island’s natural beauty after Hurricane Hugo ravaged the landscape on Sept. 21, 1989.
Rip currents are the deadliest and most common hazard people face at the beaches of North and South Carolina, as well as along most of the coastlines of the world. The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) estimates rip currents are responsible for about 100 drownings each year in the United States and over 80% of lifeguard rescues. Between 2000 and 2024, there were 192 rip current drownings (~8 per year) reported in North and South Carolina. This number far exceeds any other weather-related fatalities during that time frame, making rip currents the No. 1 weather-related killer in the coastal Carolinas. With millions of people visiting the beaches of North and South Carolina each year, it is very important rip current awareness and education continues to be promoted to help keep the public safe. What Are Rip Currents? Rip currents are strong, channelized currents of water that flow back into the ocean from the shoreline. They typically form at breaks in the sandbars, and near structures such as jetties and piers. Rip currents are commonly found at any beach where there are breaking waves, including Great Lakes beaches. Rip currents act as treadmills of the ocean, with speeds averaging 1 to 2 feet per second, but they have been measured as fast as 8 feet per second—faster than an Olympic swimmer! Rip currents do not pull people under the water, they pull people 8 IslandVibesIOP.com OPINION Beach smarter with rip current awareness Editor’s Note: The following editorial was sourced from “Carolinas Rip Current Awareness” published by the National Weather Service. NWS offices across the coastal Carolinas hosted their inaugural Carolinas Rip Current Awareness Week on April 27 through May 3. away from shore. The length and width of rip currents can vary dramatically. Rip currents are dangerous and life-threatening for several reasons: • They pull people away from shore into deeper waters. • They are often hard to identify in the surf and not everyone knows about the danger of rip currents. • Sometimes the worst rip current events occur with the best weather. Nice and sunny weather does not mean the ocean is safe. • People try to swim against rip currents versus swimming out of them. How Do Rip Currents Form? Rip currents form as incoming waves push water up the slope of the beach. To remain in balance, excess water building in the surf zone seeks the path of least resistance as a rip current through the surf zone. Rip current formation is more favorable with incoming wave direction perpendicular to shore, larger wave heights and longer wave periods. However, rip currents can still form in surf of only 1 to 2 feet. Rip currents are most common within a few hours of low tide but can still form during all hours of the day. How To Spot a Rip Current Spotting a rip current can be tricky, especially at eye level standing on the beach. It is easier to spot rip currents from an elevated position overlooking the beach (e.g., parkContinued on Page 9.
9 IslandVibesIOP.com OPINION Bring a Taste of New Orleans to Mount Pleasant & Park Circle lolaparkcircle.com • 843-990-9416 Enjoy Crawfish, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, LoLa's Mac N’ Cheese and more! 1036 Chuck Dawley Blvd. Mt. Pleasant & 4830 O’Hear Ave. North Charleston ing lot, beach access or headland). Watch the water for several minutes as ocean conditions, including rip current characteristics, can change. You can also ask a lifeguard if there are any rip currents in the area. Look for these clues when trying to spot a rip current: • A narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water between areas of breaking waves and whitewater • A channel of churning, choppy water • A difference in water color • A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward Some types of rips, such as flash rips, can appear as narrow sections of turbulent whitewater heading away from the beach. Types of Rip Currents There are several different types of rip currents, characterized by how and where they develop along with how long they persist. Below are the rip current types typically found in our area: Channelized - This is the most common rip current type in the Carolinas. Channelized rip currents form due to the presence of irregular patterns of nearshore beach characteristics, such as shape of sandbars. The rips occupy deeper channels between the sandbars, and they can stay in place for hours to as much as several months. As the shape of the beach changes, especially during and after strong storms, the location and strength of these rip currents will also change. Boundary - Boundary rip currents form against rigid structures in the surf zone. The structures can be either natural (such as headlands and rock outcrops) or man-made (such as groins, jetties and piers). These rip currents move little and can persist for months or years. Flash - Flash rips are usually of short duration, lasting no more than 15 or 30 minutes. However they can be quite dangerous as they form suddenly, can occur over a large and varying area and are unpredictable. For more information, visit weather.gov/ilm/ ripcurrents or reach out to your local National Weather Service Forecast Office. From Page 8.
an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. According to the American Heart Association, 9 in 10 cardiac arrest victims who receive a shock from an AED in the first minute live. "We are very grateful for the support the IOP FVRG has shown our agency since the group was formed. This donation adds one more tool for our officers to accomplish the department's mission of serving and protecting all who live, work and visit the Isle of Palms," said Police Chief Kevin Cornett. The AEDs were purchased by the IOP FVRG with no taxThe Isle of Palms Police Department will be equipped with life-saving equipment thanks to a donation from a local business group called the Isle of Palms Family Vacation Rental Group (FVRG). The FVRG purchased two automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the department, with the goal of having these critical life-saving tools readily available in patrol vehicles and all-terrain vehicles patrolling the beach during the busy summer months. AEDs are life-saving devices that analyze heart rhythms and deliver payer funds being used. If the program is successful, the agency hopes to add two more devices next year. “Representing approximately 90% of all professionally-managed properties, we are committed to being responsible and caring members of the Isle of Palms community. We believe that by working together, we can create a harmonious environment that benefits the residents and vacationers who all love and cherish IOP," FVRG co-chair Mel Miles stated. Formed in 2024, the IOP FVRG is made up of 17 members and cochaired by Mel Miles of Exclusive Properties. The group was created to improve communication and livability with residents. As the summer season hits its stride, the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce and its members are fully immersed in the high-energy pace that defines our coastal community’s busiest time of year. The chamber has remained actively engaged with businesses across the island, continuing to build momentum through new membership conversations, community partnerships and event participation — including the recent grand opening and ribbon cutting of Jeff’s Bagel Run, a welcome addition to the local culinary scene. While summer brings with it a natural uptick in commerce and tourism, chamber leadership is also looking ahead to the fall and beyond. Recognizing the value of ongoing connection outside of peak months, we are in the early stages of developing a series of member-facing and community-oriented social opportunities. These prospective events are designed not only to strengthen the opportunities and complexities of operating in a seasonal economy, we welcome the involvement and insight of all our members — new and long-standing alike. To share your ideas, explore partnership opportunities or get involved in a subcommittee, please reach out to the chamber team. We’re excited for what the remainder of the year holds and look forward to shaping it together. IOPPD receives life-saving equipment donated by vacation rental group By Sgt. Matt Storen IOPPD Public Information Officer 10 BUSINESS IslandVibesIOP.com Chamber Notes Summer business surge requires strategic planning By Alex Stone IV President, IOP Chamber of Commerce relationships within the business community, but also to foster new connections with those who may be exploring membership or partnership with the chamber. At this time, we are actively seeking ideas, collaborators and event partners who share our vision of celebrating and supporting the Isle of Palms through meaningful, community-driven programming. In addition to these social efforts, the chamber is expanding its strategic focus through a new marketing initiative. This follows the success of a recent pilot campaign designed to assess how targeted digital strategies might elevate visibility for Isle of Palms businesses. The results were highly encouraging, providing clear, data-driven confirmation that we can effectively reach specific audiences with customized messaging. Based on these insights, the chamber is now working to develop a series of scalable campaigns aimed at increasing traffic, engagement and economic activity within the IOP business corridor. As these campaigns evolve, chamber members will have opportunities to participate as featured businesses, sponsors or test case collaborators. Another area of growing interest among our membership is the formation of specialized subcommittees that bring together businesses with shared models, markets or industry challenges. These subgroups provide a platform for candid conversation, resource-sharing and collective problem-solving. We’ve observed the strength that emerges when peer businesses connect over common goals — whether it’s navigating seasonal demand, workforce dynamics or customer engagement — and we are currently identifying members who are interested in leading or participating in these groups. The chamber remains committed to being a resource, advocate and convener for our business community. As we continue to navigate both
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12 IslandVibesIOP.com before returning after 5:30 p.m. to pack them up, saving their patrons the hassle of the haul. In addition to their chairs and umbrellas, all guaranteed to be in perfect condition, coolers are also available to rent for those desiring to stay hydrated or store snacks during their visit. As a young entrepreneur, Fishburne started out by combining his experience from previous jobs with beach rental chair companies, where he learned how to build up an online presence while still maintaining the personal touch of a customer-based business. To aid in the initial costs, Fishburne worked at a restaurant and alongside an electrician to save enough to finally invest in himself and his brand-new company. While Beach Bums currently only serves the Isle of Palms, they hope to soon expand and begin offering services to various islands and beaches throughout South CaroliAfter gaining experience working at two different beach rental chair companies on Isle of Palms as a teenager, Connor Fishburne soon learned enough to launch his own beach rental business, Beach Bums. Customers can book a date and location, and every day at 9 a.m. they will set up the selected beach chairs and umbrellas Beach Bums Get ready to get relaxing By Brooke Watson • Premium Beach Chair Rentals Comfortable and sturdy chairs for ultimate relaxation. • Beach Umbrella Rentals Stay cool under high-quality umbrellas, perfect for shade seekers. • Full-Service Beach Setup We handle the hard work so you don’t have to. • Convenient Online Booking Secure your Isle of Palms beach services hassle-free. • Local Expertise As a Charleston-based company, we know the best spots to unwind! Online reservations can be made up until 12AM EST the day of the rental period. Call/text Beach Bums for availability of late or same day rentals. 843-754-0102 | beachbumsiop.com YOUR PREMIER BEACH CHAIR & UMBRELLA RENTAL SERVICE ON ISLE OF PALMS Whether you're here for a family vacation, a relaxing solo getaway, or a fun-filled weekend with friends, we provide top-quality beach gear rentals to make your stay stress-free and enjoyable. 2025 ® Sean Sheppard,Owner voted THE BEST TRAINER/COACH in Mount Pleasant! VETERAN OWNED AND OPERATED Follow for more @rugd_training_and_fitness • PERSONAL TRAINING • MASSAGE • PARTNER TRAINING 843-606-2047 1985 RIVIERA DR. SUITE 101 MOUNT PLEASANT, SC na. They’re also branching out into clothing, starting their own brand that’s sure to be as comfortable and reliable as their rentals. To give back to the community, they are looking at devising ways to assist in cleaning up our beaches. With litter becoming an ever-increasing problem, Beach Bums reminds each of their customers to clean up their trash. While they’re happy to pack up the rented equipment and ensure the environment remains as untouched and clean as possible, if each customer doesn’t take the time to dispose of their garbage, they can’t track it down. Because of that, they’re currently considering a variety of creative methods to prevent litter altogether and clean up the trash that accumulates over time. With a solid foundation and a strong devotion to the Lowcountry, Beach Bums is excited to welcome everyone to the beauty of IOP. Whether it’s for a relaxing solo vacation or a family trip, they’ll ensure the beach is welcoming and stress-free, providing customer service people can count on to make the most of their time on this little slice of island paradise. BUSINESS
Summer is in full swing! What a great time of year to enjoy all our island has to offer. One of the primary duties of city council is approving a budget annually. Recently, city council approved the city’s budget for the next fiscal year which begins on July 1. For those who like to review the details, the full budget can be found on the city’s website. There is also a onepage summary for those who like to review it at a high level. The bottom line: Good news, no property tax increase for this year! Also, our cash reserves continue to grow even with several projects/initiatives slated to begin or be completed during the next budget year. Some highlights of the proposed budget: • Total revenues are projected to be $32.7 million • Total tourism revenue is projected to be $7.6 million • Total expenses are projected to The pride of Isle of Palms, SC today, tomorrow and always. • Every home on the Isle of Palms, including Wild Dunes • Every home on Sullivan’s Island • Mount Pleasant businesses • Charlotte’s most affluent zip codes DIRECT MAILED TO: SHIPPED TO: • All SC Welcome Centers throughout the state • The official Lowcountry kiosk at the Asheville/Hendersonville Airport • Local vacation rental homes Published digitally at www.readIslandVibes.com, Google has tracked residents from 50 states who read the digital edition. If you would like to be part of Island Vibes please reach out to Bill Macchio at 843-530-0403 or Publisher@IslandVibes.com THE GOLD STANDARD OF VACATION RENTALS WWW.IOPESCAPES.COM 13 IslandVibesIOP.com CIVICS Mayor’s Message FY 2026 budget approves no property tax increase By Phillip Pounds Mayor, Isle of Palms be $30.1 million • Personnel costs account for 41% of total expenses • No new debt is anticipated in this proposed budget Some of our projects planned include: • Drainage/stormwater – Palm Boulevard between 38th and 41st avenues, Waterway Boulevard multi-use path elevation, drainage/ ditch maintenance. • Dredging around the IOP Marina. • Reconstructing tennis courts at the rec center. • Numerous vehicle/equipment replacements for Police, Fire and Public Works departments. • Public Works transition of trash cans for future side-loading trucks. This will allow for a truck with an automated arm, like the recycling trucks, to more efficiently pick up our residential garbage. • Green space around the public dock at IOP Marina. • Continued beach maintenance at Breach Inlet and in Wild Dunes. Additional information and updates on these and other projects can be found at iop.net. There are many great upcoming community events to enjoy with friends and neighbors. You can get updates and find more information on upcoming events at iop.net or you can sign up for Sunnie to receive text alerts of city events and news by texting "Hello" to (877) 607-6467. JUNE 7 – Sand Sculpting Competition – Front Beach, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. JUNE 12 – Sea Stroll and Learn – 25th Avenue beach access, 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. JUNE 19 – Farmers Market – IOP Rec Center, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. JUNE 27 – Coffee with the Mayor – Public Safety Building (30 JC Long Blvd.) 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Thank you for the opportunity to serve! See you around the island. Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP 843-252-5359 ppounds@iop.net
14 IslandVibesIOP.com CRIME DON’T CALL DISPATCH FOR A GOOD TIME Calls for Service: 1,054. That’s one call every 41 minutes; about as often as someone proposes on a sandbar, gets sunburned beyond recognition or Elon Musk fires someone with a single emoji. Highlights include a gentleman who called 911 because “My neighbor is having too much fun.” No crime was found, but we did consider issuing a citation for excessive Bell Biv DeVoe. DUIS DON’T DRIVE THEMSELVES Arrests: 40. Including 18 for DUI because apparently some folks still treat Palm Boulevard like it’s Daytona Beach circa 1987. Add in lifted golf carts blasting Vanilla Ice and the whole thing felt like a low-budget time travel film with questionable life choices. GOLF CART CRAZIES Golf Cart Stops: 3. Three brave souls dared to challenge traffic laws at 12 mph. One cart was towing a kayak, one was shaped like a pineapple and the third had a homemade cupholder fashioned from a flip-flop and a fishing hook. Arrests: zero. Judgments: many. COYOTES ENJOY SPRING BREAK TOO Coyote Sightings: 21. The same mangy fellow has allegedly stalked a food truck called Taco ’Bout It. We’re unsure if he’s unionizing, running for mayor or just waiting on a churro. Either way, he’s polling well — and honestly, he’s got my vote. HIGHER THAN THE TIDE Drug Violations: 25. Eighteen involved marijuana because nothing says “coastal retreat” like forgetting the laws exist. Other arrests included folks dabbling in ecstasy, meth or in one case, powdered sugar passed off as “a spiritual supplement.” Six citations were issued for decorative bongs doubling as flower vases. Points for style. KEEPING ORDER IN PARADISE, DESPITE YOUR BEST EFFORTS The following incidents were obtained from the Isle of Palms Police Department Media Log Reports. This is a parody of real criminal events that occurred between April and May. The names of individuals and business locations have been omitted out of privacy and respect. POLICE BLOTTER Remember: Leash your common sense, hide your margaritas and if your golf cart has a fog machine and a DJ booth … we’re not mad, we’re just impressed. PARK SMARTER NOT HARDER Parking Citations: 1,266. We wrote enough tickets to wallpaper a beachfront condo. If your excuse was “But I’m local,” we assure you, so are we and we still walk from Wild Dunes to Front Beach like it’s the Oregon Trail. ISLE OF PEACE AND QUIET Noise Complaints: 1. An all-time low. Either the island got quieter or our chronic complainer finally bought noise-canceling headphones and discovered inner peace or bourbon. BUMPER TO BEACH Biggest Traffic Day: April 19. Over 52,000 vehicles entered and exited the island. It's unclear if it was a beach day or a mass evacuation drill gone wrong. Either way, Palm Boulevard hasn’t emotionally recovered and Susan’s still trying to back out of her driveway. SLOW YOUR ROLL The Mobile Radar Trailer is still missing. More than likely, it was quietly pulled to 22nd Avenue for the annual Memorial Day Weekend tractor races. If it starts waving a checkered flag or offering pulled pork, just let it enjoy itself.
Tours. During this educational walk, Coll will take you on a journey to learn more about sharks and their impact on the ocean ecosystem. “I’m going to dive into a little bit about conservation facts and how important sharks are,” Coll shared. Coll will highlight how to identify specific marine life, discuss handling techniques for any species you may catch and explore the role of sharks in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Coll, 21, already has 10 years of experience and has been with Barrier Island Eco Tours since he was 11 years old. “I’m just passionate about all the wild and marine life that we have here in the Lowcountry,” expressed Coll. The biggest takeaway is that sharks are at the top of the food chain. “Any healthy ecosystem has top predators that are there maintaining the populations of everything else below them,” Coll explained. The sharks in our area primarily Get ready for an interactive event that will take place right on the beach as the Isle of Palms Rec Center presents its Sea Stroll & Learn on June 12, hosted by Joseph Coll with Barrier Island Eco COMMUNITY Shark Talk Exploring alphas of the sea on IOP By Maurice J. Frazier 15 IslandVibesIOP.com Living and Selling the Lowcountry Lifestyle #1 Isle of Palms Realtor - 2024 IOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE www.iop-residential.com 1100 Palm Blvd. 2C Isle of Palms, SC 29451 Amy Rogers REALTOR OF DISTINCTION amy@iop-residential.com 843-824-4892 As seen on feed on mullet, menhaden, Atlantic croaker and redfish. The most common sharks in the Charleston area are the Atlantic sharpnose and the bonnethead. This Sea Stroll & Learn offers a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and fully appreciate the complexities of the marine ecosystem and the life it supports. For more information, contact the IOP Rec Center at (843) 886-8294.
11th Ave / Carolina Blvd The pride of Isle of Palms, SC today, tomorrow and always. The pride of Isle of Palms, SC today, tomorrow and always. THE-WINDJAMMER.COM ISLANDREALTY.COM 866.380.3983 The Rental Experts! 843.894.0955 | www.YoungerYoustudio.com 1022 Carolina Blvd. Suite 301 | Isle of Palms, SC Facials · Microneedling · Laser · Chemical Peels & More! Wellness by the Sea Regenerative Medicine & Aesthetics Comprehensive Services For Men & Women! CHARLESTON COAST VACATIONS Real Estate Sales 800.476.8444 Vacation Rentals 888.250.8730 dunesproperties.com 6 8 7 2 9 9 iopizzaco.com | 843-242-8121 5 isle of palms RENTALS & SALES! 8 10 11 12 12 13
We thank you for shopping our store and for supporting our small business. Centrally and conveniently located in Mt. Pleasant. mywbu.com/mtpleasant 1117 Market Center Blvd., Suite 101, Mt Pleasant, SC iop-residential.com smugglersiop.com (843)-885-7009 843-886-9600 carrollrealtyinc.com WE ARE YOUR ISLAND EXPERTS DINGHYIOP.COM 843.242.8310 4 3 1 10 11 Showcase your business on this map! Email Bill Macchio at Publisher@IslandVibesIOP.com 13
18 IslandVibesIOP.com After the rec center staff examined the playground recently, which displayed rust, old brackets and natural wear and tear from the salty sea breeze, they decided it was time for a complete makeover. The renovation, which cost $488,092.46, covered the three main play structures and the updated surfacing. These three play structures included the toddler house, a spider web and a big toy. Constructed in the late 1990s, the rec center playground was initially a sand playground surrounded by a chain-link fence, but it has evolved and expanded over the years. The toddler house, installed in 1998, was replaced with a new version featuring a butterfly climber with flower petals. Originally installed in 2003, the big toy was also replaced with a tall new structure. The spider web, installed in 2006, was subsequently replaced by a new rope climber and slide piece. IOP city paid for the project with funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which covered the entire cost of the renovations. “The city had ARPA Funds that needed to be used, and the council voted to use those funds to cover the playground project,” explained IOP Recreation Director Karrie Ferrell. The grand opening of the playground took place on Thursday, May 15, so it is ready just in time for the summer when school officially lets out. Rec center playground renovation completed for summer break By Maurice J. Frazier COMMUNITY IOP Beach Run ready to race on July 19 Provided The 2025 Isle of Palms Beach Run will take place Saturday, July 19, on Front Beach behind the Windjammer on the Isle of Palms. Competitors can enter in the following divisions: 5K Run/Walk or 10K Run. The race begins at 8 a.m. Youth Fun Runs start at 8:30 a.m. The registration fee is $30-$40 for the 5K Run/ Walk or 10K Run and $10 for the Youth Fun Runs. Registration will also be open at 7 a.m. the day of the race, cash or check only. Registered race participants will receive a free moisture-wicking T-shirt. Race sponsors include the Windjammer, Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, Papi’s Taqueria, Barrier Island Eco Tours, The Foot Store, Play It Again Sports, Spine Pain Center, Harris Teeter, TCBY, HOTWORX, Powerade and Queen City Timing. Register at www.raceroster.com or at the Isle of Palms Recreation Department, #24 28th Ave., or call 843-8868294 for more information. Warming up for the beach run! Photo Provided By IOP Rec
19 IslandVibesIOP.com BJ & Trey Bowen LIFESTYLE Isle of Palms is the kind of place where traditions meet the sea and where memories are often made beyond the sandy shores. That’s exactly what we’re celebrating this June as we reflect on our fathers and our father figures. And what better place to start than by casting a line. Whether you’re fishing off a dock or a boat, with a net or a pole, fishing is a quintessential Lowcountry tradition; a pastime where memories of dads and grandads often shine. When you’re fishing, time seems to stand still, and the world seems to slowly fade away through equal parts patience, determination and hope. IOP is brimming with stories of generations passing the sport and hobby of fishing down, and we had the privilege of talking with some of those legacy-makers. BJ & Trey Bowen BJ Bowen fished a few times as a kid but really took to the pursuit as Reeling in Memories Father & Son Fishing Duos By Katie Finch Book Your Summer Family Session, Today! E-mail Rachel Basye at cooperriverphotography@gmail.com. Timeless Family Moments, FOR MORE, VISIT COOPERRIVERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM Framed by the Beauty of the Island! Located in the Harris Teeter Shopping Center 1517 Palm Blvd, Ste. D, Isle of Palms, SC 29451 843.885.3090 • justbeachyiop.com Follow Us! Facebook: @justbeachyiop Instagram: @justbeachyiop Now Proudly Selling: E-Bikes and Bikes Electric Scooters Skateboards Surfboards Boogie Boards Helmets & Pads Coolers Beach Chairs & Tents Turtlebox Speakers Funboy Pool Floats Toys & Games Clothing & Hats Local Jewelry Nectar Sunglasses SunBum Sunscreen & More! Quality Bike, Surf, and Beach Gear Show This Ad for 20% OFF Your Next Purchase! Not valid on sale items. Exclusions may apply. Expires 7/31/25 an adult when a friend started fishing with his nephew. Bowen quickly realized it was a great way to spend time with his kids (and his kids’ friends) while being in the great outdoors. Just ask his son Trey. His approach is simple: start with fishing, find some time for exploration in the middle and leave when the kids are bored. Bowen’s fishing spots of choice are Breach Inlet and the public dock at the IOP Marina. While jovially chatting about sunshine and sandy toes, he also acknowledged the life lessons and character building that fishing provides. He loves to teach his son how “the smoked salmon at Harris Teeter or the mahi sandwich at the Dinghy didn’t get there on its own.” His hope is that his children and the next generation at large will learn both patience and gratitude through fishing, noting that you’re “at the mercy of what nature gives you for the day.” The unexpected is what ultimately leads to gratefulness. Continued on Page 20
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