IslandVibesIOP.com 25 Connor Fishburne grew up living the beach life and had his first opportunity to work on the island when he was 17. Fishburne, now 35, who owns and operates the beach rental business Beach Bums, described his love of working and tanning on the beach and going to Smugglers, Acme Lowcountry Kitchen and Sea Biscuit Café, but made it clear that his favorite part about being an entrepreneur on the Isle of Palms is talking to new visitors. His fondness for people shines through every word he speaks, further evidenced by his personable smile that radiates with an unmistakable joy for the job he does here. Fishburne set out to make the process of getting to and from the beach user-friendly and hassle-free. He explained, “Beach Bums is built for vacationers who want a smoother, faster way to get beach chairs and umbrellas and even coolers without guessing where to go. It’s as simple as pick your gear, select your beach access and check out in minutes. We deliver, set up and pick everything up so your beach day feels effortless.” Fishburne continued, “Umbrellas include a table automatically. For private, oceanfront homes, setup can be in front of your private boardwalk where available. We provide setup by 9:30 a.m. and (items) are picked up after 5:30 p.m. daily. For same-day orders it is best to call or text for faster service. Whether you are a local or a visitor, having the right beach gear can make all the difference.” In addition to sharing some of his favorite restaurants on the island, Fishburne offered his preferred beach access avenues as well. “Coconut Joe’s is a busy beach entrance with easy access to restaurants, public restrooms and showers. 25th Avenue offers a wide access path with golf cart parking. 28th Avenue is popular for its easy access, nearby parking options and proximity to the Isle of Palms Rec Center. 34th Avenue is handicap accessible with a boardwalk that makes getting to the sand easy.” He reminded beachgoers, “Bring sunscreen and water. We handle the chairs and shade; you handle the SPF and hydration!” Beach Bums delivers to nearly every one of the more than 50 public beach access paths spanning the roughly 7 miles of shoreline on the Isle of Palms. To place an order or to find more details, visit beachbumsiop.com or call or text Fishburne directly at 843-754-0102. Fishburne expressed heartfelt gratitude for our community. “I would love to thank the locals for all of the support. Being able to work on the island and getting to know the locals has been an absolute pleasure. Hoping to meet everyone – whether a call to say ‘hi’ or to order chairs!” To be frank, I cherish any opportunity to perform my civic duties. Not only am I a responsible, informed voter, I also pay my taxes and of course, in reference to today’s topic at hand, I answer the call when summoned for jury duty. Generally speaking, I don’t shy away from controversy, but I do proceed with a fair amount of trepidation and an abundance of caution on this particular subject matter. While I support the judicial system and its rules and procedural regulations, I feel there are a few problems contained therein. Consider this a formal complaint, an airing of grievances, if you will, about my recent experience in the Charleston County Circuit Court juror pool. On the first day of my juror servitude, I arrived promptly; well-dressed, well-rested and ready to serve. Much to my dismay, the parking garage reserved for free juror parking was full. No matter, I quickly and graciously decided. Plenty of parking was available at the public parking garage adjacent the courthouse, providing a much appreciated, shorter walk on the rugged cobblestone streets for my tender, dainty paws, and less time spent in air that was not ocean-adjacent – my preferred mode of oxygen delivery. Let me begin this next part of the story with an apology to the bovine community. I have nothing against you or your lifestyle, but being herded and corralled like cattle is not something I feel I should have to tolerate. Tolerate it I did, however, because of my deep and obedient commitment to civil service. My fellow citizens and I were shuffled from one room to the next, lined up along the walls of said courthouse, questioned, interrogated, released or not released and thereby led to one room, enduring one round of questioning after another. Fine. Part of the process of choosing a competent panel of jurors and I shall leave this particular matter at rest. Bathroom breaks were given at five-minute intervals every two hours, which I and my fellow candidates found insufficient. The exact number of snacks provided was zero. My tiny self emitted more than a few audible stomach growls due to the gross lack of calories supplied over the course of the day. I did not expect snacks to be provided and therefore brought my own, but I was not allowed to consume the provisions I had so carefully procured. Perhaps it was a mistake, an oversight I pray, but my group of potential jurors were not given a lunch break. Astonishing, to say the least. I was not picked for a trial this round and was finally dismissed in the late afternoon. Upon my gleeful exit, I was given a card with instructions regarding the procedure for the remainder of the week. And I quote, “Due to uncontrollable circumstances, the voicemail system may become inoperable,” which it did, forcing yours truly to leave the island and traverse downtown the following day to inquire as to whether my services were, in fact, needed. I was not, for which I was more than a smidge grateful, but a working, outgoing voicemail system should really be the bare minimum and would have saved me a journey that I mostly try not to make. Back on my fair isle, I am certain not to leave for the foreseeable future, and I shall remain grateful for the sand beneath my paws, the salty air that fills my lungs and a voice that I shall continue to use for the betterment of my community and the world at large. Meet Your Island Neighbors! By Laura Fogarty Hardworking Beach Bum TO BE FRANK Jury Doody -FRANK PEOPLE & PETS
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