The pride of Isle of Palms, SC today, tomorrow and always. Vol.3 Issue 5 May 2025 To read digitally, visit ReadIslandVibes.com The conversation continues at IsleofPalmsPodcast.com SHOAL MANAGEMENT PLAN TO PROTECT AT-RISK HOMES See Page 5 LITTLE GOAT ISLAND DONATED FOR CONSERVATION See Page 3 MARINA DREDGING TO IMPROVE WATERWAY ACCESS See Page 7 Photo by Rachel Basye THEN VS NOW THE CITADEL BEACH HOUSE (Page 26) ISLAND RAISED CONGRATS, GRADUATES! (Page 25) COVERT OPERATION CIA AGENT TURNED AUTHOR (Page 15) Motherly Love is in the Air
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3 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS Little Goat Island donated as protected land to preserve wildlife By L. C. Leach III No matter how much Charleston County grows in the future, the coastal area of Little Goat Island is likely to remain a pristine, undisturbed sea island. In late March, owners Gary and Kim Chesson donated Little Goat Island to Lowcountry Land Trust as a full conservation easement, with the intention of preserving its natural wildlife habitat, beauty and water quality, such that it will look the same 200 years from now as it did 200 years ago. “The land trust acts as the steward of the land’s conservation status,” said Elizabeth Cross, senior marketing manager with Obviouslee, a Charleston marketing company affiliated with Lowcountry Land Trust. “The Chessons will retain ownership of the island but have given up the right to develop or alter the land in certain ways in order to protect its conservation values.” Narrowly situated between Isle of Palms and the Intracoastal Waterway, Little Goat Island comprises 28 acres of upland habitat surrounded by 393 acres of salt marsh. Keeping it in this natural form has become a harder challenge in recent generations, as surrounding areas are constantly subjected to more land development, coastal erosion, rising sea levels, growing populations and year-round visitors to Isle of Palms – which can number 20,000-60,000 per day in peak season. “Little Goat Island is part of a broader vision to work to continually protect land and water across the Lowcountry,” said David Ray, chief conservation officer with Lowcountry Land Trust. “It adds coastal resilience to have these kinds of areas undeveloped, and it was done through the generosity of private landowners. No public funds were used to protect it.” He added that without the donation, any development on Little Goat Island could eventually affect this sanctuary for birds, butterflies and even aquatic wildlife. “The lack of development also means that the fish habitat nearby isn’t negatively impacted by runoff,” Ray said. “For generations, its waters and shores have sustained oysters, fish, birds and native plants that are deeply woven into the area’s history and culture. This island serves as a crucial refuge for rare, threatened and endangered species while strengthening the network of protected lands within the Bulls Bay watershed." Although it is only a very small part of the Lowcountry, the hope is that in time, Little Goat Island could serve as a model for a balance between nature and progress. "We're so excited to be able to preserve Little Goat Island in perpetuity,” said Kim Chesson. “My parents lived across from this island for over 20 years, and now we have a house that overlooks it. We love that it will stay undeveloped for our family and for our Isle of Palms neighbors to enjoy." Situated near the Isle of Palms Connector, Little Goat Island stands as a testament to coastal conservation.
Mom. My most frequently uttered three-letter word growing up and the same still applies today. As a young boy, I never realized how often my vocabulary relied on that noun. As commonly as I used it, Mom will always be a proper noun to me, for a myriad of reasons of which I will now unpack. Her name is Debbie, but not to me. She goes by numerous other synonyms such as: Mama, Mama Bear, Little Debbie, Deb, Debby G and Dirty Deb. They’re all interchangeable depending on her mood, the occasion and how long it’s been since I visited home or simply picked up the phone. In my mind, you’ll always be the superwoman who gave birth stepping forward with ideas for articles that will help inform our readers and bring everyone together. Island business owners have been sharing information about their businesses so Island Vibes can better help them. I recently had a great conversation Mr. Excitement 4 FROM THE CREW IslandVibesIOP.com The pride of Isle of Palms, SC today, tomorrow and always. Publisher’s Note From the Editor A Mother’s Day Tribute Island Vibes Vol. 3, Issue 5, May 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 DIRECTOR ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ALYSSA FRANCO THEDIGITALTOUCHCHS@GMAIL.COM CONTRIBUTORS RYAN BUCKHANNON • MARY COY • LAURA FOGARTY • MAURICE FRAZIER • ALLYAH HARRAR • L. C. LEACH III • SUZETTE HEAD COLIN MCCANDLESS • MEL MILES • PHILLIP POUNDS • SARAH ROSE • SUSAN HILL SMITH ALEX STONE SALES REPRESENTATIVES STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM SHERI ROSE SHERI@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 George 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 DawleyBlvd., 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 to a 10-pound gourd of a baby. As time would have it, our relationship matured from my adolescence into manhood. Early on, I depended on you for everything. I’ll spare myself from childhood humility, but I needed you like a newborn needs a pacifier. I was undoubtedly a mama’s boy. As time wore on, so did my pride and pursuit for independence. I was a teenage boy with nothing to lose, yet everything to prove. Let’s fast forward to the present. I’m now a young married man with a wonderful wife and home of our own. I no longer live under the same roof as you and Dad, let alone in the same state, but we make the best of our long-distance relationship. In today’s world of technology, there are no excuses for a lack of communication, only regrets. However, God knows we don’t always see eye to eye. Sometimes I’m stubborn as a mule and you hold grudges like a microphone, but at the end of the day a mother and son’s love can conquer all. We’ve been through good times, bad times, sad times and trying times. But I can’t recall a time when I didn’t lean on you for advice or moral support or confide in you without telling Dad. That being said, I wouldn’t change a thing. In retrospect, I wouldn’t trade the highs and lows of our relationship for a calm and steady upbringing because weathering storms makes us appreciate sunny days. My glass will forever be half full because of you. Thanks for being my mentor, but most importantly, thanks for being my Mom. Love your only son, Zach Giroux Managing Editor Yo, Mom! Mother's Day has me thinking about you a little extra this time of year. I hope you're having as much fun in Heaven as you did being my Mom. Life's too short so be sure to treat Mom like a queen every day, not just today. I’m always excited about something, which is a blessing but also sometimes a curse. If you get excited about too many things at one time, nothing will get done to its best potential. That has not been the case since I began publishing Island Vibes. Our readers and marketing partners have led the charge on excitement, always suggesting new editorial ideas. They've been keeping us energized about new story and marketing ideas, which has been a change for me. Island residents have been with Connor, a young entrepreneur who owns Beach Bums, a beach chair and umbrella rental business. One of the things we discussed was his idea for a Beach Bum clothing line. I told him Island Vibes would assist in any way we could. I love conversations like that. I also had a discussion with an island entrepreneur named Benji, who owns several businesses around the island. It seems like everyone knows Benji and together we worked on a new look for our back cover, which highlights Front Beach businesses — and our Front Beach webpage: FrontBeachIOP.com. Between our readers' enthusiastic interaction and the collaborations with our island businesses, I stay excited about Island Vibes! Positively yours, Bill Macchio Publisher
About the Cover A Mother’s Joy By Sonya Buckhannon 5 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS Shoal management projects underway for at-risk homes By L. C. Leach III Jimmy Bernstein's garage slab is now 15 feet shorter due to tide erosion. This month's cover of Island Vibes captures a tender and timeless moment featuring Katie Buckhannon with her two daughters: 2-year-old Winnie and newborn Bonnie, just 4 weeks old. Set against a backdrop of vibrant spring blooms on the Isle of Palms, the photo radiates warmth, motherhood and serenity. What the image doesn’t show is the behind-the-scenes scrambling to find flowers still in bloom. Just days before the photo shoot, the azaleas, which were in full bloom at our planned location, had all dropped their blossoms. But in a wonderful twist of fate, the shoot came together, echoing the spirit of Mother’s Day: expect the unexpected and embrace the beauty of life as it comes. With Katie cradling baby Bonnie and Winnie nestled beside her, this scene reminds us that the most meaningful blooms are the lives we nurture. While Isle of Palms faces constant risk from high tides and beach erosion, two major projects are underway to combat these threats. On the western end, between Breach Inlet and 10th Avenue, IOP City is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to rebuild dunes with 550,000 cubic yards of sand – enough to fill approximately 170 Olympic-sized swimming pools. “That sand is being placed in the low-tide area,” said IOP coastal engineering consultant Steven Traynum, president of Coastal Science & Engineering in Columbia. “And the city is moving about 35,000 cubic yards of that sand to replace dunes eroded over the past two years.” The estimated project cost is $300,000 and will come from the city's Beach Preservation Fee Fund. All work is scheduled to be completed in April and is part of an ongoing island-wide renourishment effort. On the eastern end, however, the situation is far more urgent. Traynum pointed out that of all the island’s at-risk areas, the only one meeting the state's definition of an emergency condition is along “Beachwood East, Seascape and Ocean Club areas of Wild Dunes.” To this end, sand from a new shoal that is attaching to the beach directly in front of Beachwood East is expected to bring at least some form of temporary relief. “Currently, there are about 10 homes threatened around Beachwood, and two large condo complexes threatened at the east end,” Traynum said. “The shoal is adding 600,000 cubic yards of sand to the island but creating localized areas of severe erosion while it attaches.” The project at Wild Dunes will require 120,000 cubic yards of sand to be moved from the seaward end of the attaching shoal and placed in the focused erosion areas. It will cost approximately $800,000, of which the Wild Dunes Community Association will contribute $600,000, with the balance coming from the city’s Beach Preservation Fee Fund. Work is expected to be completed in mid-May. “However, the city is pursuing several additional measures to manage the long-term health of the beach, including temporary sandbags, and planning the next large-scale nourishment,” Traynum said. Since 2007, six island beach areas have been monitored, with south IOP, south Wild Dunes and north Wild Dunes identified as the most eroded areas. “In recent years, erosion has outpaced natural sand flow,” said Traynum for an earlier Island Vibes story published in 2024. “We lost about 100,000 cubic yards of sand in these three sections every year from 2008 to 2018. But if the new shoal provides sufficient interim nourishment, we might be able to push a large-scale dredging project further into the future.” If so, it won’t come a moment too soon for Wild Dunes residents. At their annual Community Association meeting March 22, beach nourishment was a main topic of concern. “We had approximately 200+ residents in person and many others via Zoom,” said Terri Haack, managing director for Wild Dunes Resort. Andrew Schumacher, chief operating officer for the Community Association, added that for its 2,135 residential properties, “we believe a majority of the community is supportive of a Continued on Page 6
6 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS healthy and robust beach.” Mike Gollobin is one. Since moving to Isle of Palms in 2014, he has watched nature push more menacingly into neighborhoods and the two golf courses. “We lost our par 5 18th hole on the Links Course seven-to-eight years ago and had to rebuild it, and then it washed out again within a year or two, and we had to convert it to a par 3,” he said. “In the last few years during many of the king tides, we’ve had to close down the 9th, 10th and 11th holes on Harbor Course because those holes are underwater. And for the last five or six years, we get a presentation at each community meeting about erosion control efforts because it’s become a recurring issue for us.” For some more than others, such as Jimmy Bernstein. When Bernstein moved from Chicago to Beachwood East in 2011, he and his wife did so partly because “this was where we wanted to be – right on the ocean.” But now the ocean is encroaching uncomfortably close – such that the tides have eaten away 15 feet of his ground level garage slab. “It used to measure 40 feet; now I am constantly worried about when other parts COASTAL COVERAGE SPECIALISTS 843.881-4707 | insureme@sigsc.com Mount Pleasant & Beaufort AUTO • HOMEOWNERS • CONDO • LIFE • WIND & HAIL • COMMERCIAL • FLOOD New Carrier Coastal Insurance Carrier Schirmer Insurance Group has access to a new coastal insurance carrier! Get top-tier protection for WIND, FLOOD, AND HURRICANES. Call now or visit SIGSC.com for A FREE QUOTE! SCAN TO LEARN MORE From Page 5 Shoal management projects of the house are going to be gone,” he said. “When I bought the house in 2011, none of this was happening. I had at least 50 yards of greenery, and then 50 more yards before you got to the ocean. Now that’s all gone.” When asked why he just doesn’t wait for the worst to happen, collect the insurance money and relocate to another beach, Bernstein said he only wishes it were that simple, as “damage on the first floor is not covered by insurance,” and he doubts he would get the full insurance value of the house. “Beach homes have high deductibles,” he said. “And in any case, I don’t want the insurance money – I’d rather have the house.” Along with current renourishment efforts, city leaders anticipate that major beach projects now need to occur every eight-to-10 years. What remains uncertain is whether they will be enough to stem the tides from eventually overtaking the island. “The city is pursuing a permit for another large-scale nourishment project, presently considered for 2027,” Traynum said. “The work along the east end is highly dependent on the pace at which the current shoal attaches to the beach; however, we are optimistic that the work being done will provide sufficient protection until that time.”
NEWS 7 IslandVibesIOP.com Dredging in the works at IOP Marina, last done 2011 By L. C. Leach III We’re proud to provide the highest quality bird feeding products available anywhere... backed with expert advice to help you bring the joy of bird feeding into your backyard. www.mywbu.com/mtpleasant | 1117 Market Center Blvd., Suite 101, Mt Pleasant, SC | 843-216-8800 @wbumtpleasant @wbumtpleasant Follow Us! Even though Isle of Palms’ beaches are under constant threat from erosion, the reverse is true for the IOP Marina. Every decade or so, the marina becomes too laden with silt and sediment for boats to navigate safely, and wheels are turning now to have the marina dredged sometime in the city’s next fiscal year. “We have applied for permits for this project but that is it,” said Mayor Phillip Pounds. “We received $1.5 million from the state budget to assist with this project, but no bids or contracts have been awarded at this point so we don’t yet know the total cost.” IOP City will pay for the public areas around the marina, and City Councilman Rusty Streetman added that plans for the dredging go back to 2023. “The marina was last dredged by the city in 2011, and 22,000 cubic yards of sediment was removed at that time,” he said. “It was also dredged once before … in a partnership with Dewees Island and the Morgan Creek Harbor Association, as well as the City of IOP.” Marina dredging is necessary periodically to maintain proper channel depth, so as to allow easy ingress and egress by recreational boats, DNR vessels, charter fishing, fire rescue and other emergency service boats. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that dredging is also performed to “reduce the exposure of fish, wildlife and people to contaminants and to prevent the spread of contaminants to other areas of the water body.” “The design and federal permitting has been completed, and right now the project is out for public comments,” Streetman said. “The project is now in the FY (Fiscal Year) 26 budget.” Which means that the dredging could take place anytime beginning July 1. “The next time it will be mentioned in a council meeting would be our workshop on May 13 – basically a progress report,” Streetman said. The FY 26 budget is still under review, with final discussion and approval expected at the May 27 city council meeting. While nothing in the budget is final until formally adopted, Streetman and Pounds are confident that the marina dredging will happen as soon as possible in the new fiscal year. “It would not be during the summer months due to all the marina traffic,” Streetman said. “We usually try to do projects that could affect traffic during the slower season rather than the period of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day.” IOP Marina to be dredged sometime in the city’s next fiscal year.
8 IslandVibesIOP.com IOP Rec Center primed for improvements, upgrades By L. C. Leach III NEWS Whether you prefer competitive play, outdoor night exercise or just being in a relaxing environment for a few long walks, the IOP Recreation Center is undergoing multiple improvements to not only make your visits more enjoyable, but to attract more people to come out and experience the facility’s offerings. “On average, we have 500 to 600 participant registrations each month for classes, programs and athletics,” said IOP Recreation Director Karrie Ferrell. “This number will vary depending on registration time periods.” To help increase numbers, the center began work in April on a new $56,000 exterior paint job, paid from the building maintenance fund. Additionally, three new playground pieces and surfacing installation, which started in March and is scheduled for completion in early May, was contracted not to exceed $500,000. Pending city council approval, new pickleball lights costing $60,650 could soon be in the works as well. A new baseball scoreboard will also be in the budget if the current scoreboard fails during seasonal play. The cost at present is unknown, but Ferrell pointed out that it could be similar to the soccer scoreboard “which we replaced earlier this year, and it was around $15,000.” “All projects combined, the total cost for rec center improvements is $620,000,” she said. “The playground project was paid for with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The rest of the projects are percentages from the Recreation Building Fund, Hospitality and Capital Projects.” She added that while it is too early to tell if the improvements will bring out more center patrons, signs are encouraging. For example, Ferrell noted that the center’s monthly numbers doubled in March due to camp registration, “but do not include participation we get at the playground, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, fitness court or people just enjoying the park.” So while the upgrades are in progress, come out and see what you’ve been missing, and maybe improve your health by reducing some of that stress through physical exercise. Chances are you’ll be back to participate in many of the center’s offerings. “I think any upgrade to a facility could increase participation,” Ferrell said. “If the lights are added to the pickleball courts, that will increase playing opportunities. Once the playground project is complete, we will see an increase of birthday parties, mom groups, homeschool groups and many others visiting the park. Maintaining a clean and upkept facility lets the community know you care about offerings and their overall experience.” IOP Rec Center could soon get new lights for its outdoor pickleball courts.
9 IslandVibesIOP.com OPINION Stand up for your shady neighbors — native trees By Susan Hill Smith 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 Ever since my husband and I moved in 30 years ago, the most outstanding feature of our family’s Isle of Palms home has been the live oak tree centered in the backyard. Recently though, I’ve started to more fully appreciate the goodness this tree provides us and the ecosystem as a keystone species, while also paying more attention to other native trees around us — not just oaks and palmettos, but also the longleaf pine, a keystone species conservationists are trying to revive. The electric company reminds us how much our community loves trees by stoking an outcry every time they pluck out our palmettos and cleave our oaks to ensure power line protection. Dominion Energy, the City of Isle of Palms, local businesses and residents should help compensate by strategically planting trees where they can thrive uninterrupted with a right-tree, right-place approach that focuses on native trees — not non-natives like Bradford pear trees, crepe myrtles or unstable Washingtonia palms. Given the years it can take some native trees to mature, we should strive to replace what’s been lost with thoughtful urgency. To help make this happen, the city could tap some of the $240,000 it already has in an account that’s restricted for beautification purposes. Likewise, it’s just as important for us to ensure the health and longevity of trees that remain. That’s a message I’ve heard from the city’s Zoning Administrator Matt Simms, a certified arborist, and other arborists he looks to for wisdom like his mentor Gerald Benoit, and Ash Connelly with SavATree. They recently joined forces in planning a tree tour at the Isle of Palms Rec Center that was part of the Art & Cars in the Park event. As Connelly led the tour, she pointed out a big shift in American National Standards Institute recommendations for maintaining palmettos. ANSI now says to leave all green foliage intact for needed photosynthesis — even those fronds with brown or yellow tips — and only remove damaged or dead fronds. Similarly, minimal pruning is best for oaks and other hardwood trees. “Every cut made on a tree is puncturing a hole in its vascular system,” Connelly explained. Even when pruning dead wood to protect against insects or potential hazards to people or property it should be done with care, so the wound can close successfully — preferably during cooler months when it’s consistently under 72 degrees. Connelly also sought to dispel “a common industry misconception” that trees need to be thinned out so they don’t compete against each other. “They are communal,” she said. “They do support each other.” This underground network, dubbed the “Wood Wide Web,” is largely invisible to us, but important to the survival of trees — and ultimately ours as well.
The Isle of Palms Chamber and its incredible membership are off and running as summer makes its grand entrance! The sunshine and charm for which Charleston is so well known have truly put on a show this spring, and with that, we’ve started to see the number of visitors to our beloved island steadily rise. In chamber news, Vice President Zach Lary has been out and about, staying busy in the community. He’s been connecting with both island residents and local businesses, sharing the unique benefits of becoming a chamber member — and the results are showing! We’ve seen a wave of new faces at our recent meetings, and dare we say, record-setting ly with the Isle of Palms Council, city staff and public safety officials. By collaborating with these key stakeholders, we aim to address any issues promptly and effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors alike. We recognize the importance of open communication and are eager to listen to our residents’ concerns, ideas and feedback. Your insights are invaluable in shaping our practices and ensuring that we align with our community’s needs. Replanting nature’s beauty one palm at a time By Mel Miles Co-Chair, Family Vacation Rental Group attendance. There’s definitely a buzz in the air, and it’s been amazing to watch our chamber family grow. Of course, having some seriously awesome and engaging guest speakers hasn’t hurt either. These presentations have sparked thoughtful conversations, meaningful questions and real connections. The energy in the room — before, during and after 10 BUSINESS IslandVibesIOP.com Chamber Notes April sunshine sprouts more visitors By Alex Stone IV President, IOP Chamber of Commerce each meeting — has been nothing short of inspiring. We’ve seen everything from first-time entrepreneurs to seasoned, retired business veterans sharing stories, advice and laughs. The Isle of Palms business community truly is a special mix, and it’s been wonderful to see such cross-generational collaboration and support. As we say goodbye to spring and prepare to welcome summer with open arms, we encourage everyone to pause and soak in the beauty of the island we get to call home — a place that so many others travel far and wide to experience, even for just a moment. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a newcomer or a visitor considering planting roots In celebration of Earth Day the week of April 22, the FVR inquired of council as to what the city’s plans are to replant the 296 palm trees recently removed and scheduled for removal by Dominion Energy. The hope of the Family Vacation Rental Group is for the IOP Council to replace the palm trees removed from public property, and for the FVR to raise money to replace palms removed on private property. According to Matt Simms, IOP zoning administrator and ISA Certified Arborist, as of March 31, the city has allocated $242,605 to beautification projects but not specifically to this need yet. Our hope is that the city funds and replants the maximum number of palm trees removed from public property that is feasible. We also will be exploring additional funding over and above the $5,000 Dominion Energy has pledged for replanting. We are in the preliminary stages of establishing a private fund for donations to restore our island, as we are the Isle of Palms! Recently, 17 professionally-managed vacation rental companies formed the IOP Chamber subcommittee FVR (Family Vacation Rental Group). We represent almost 90% of all STRs (short-term rentals) on the island and are organized to improve communication and livability for our residents. We are committed to being a responsible and caring member of the Isle of Palms community and believe that by working together we can create a harmonious environment that benefits the residents and vacationers who all love and cherish IOP. We are committed to enhancing the quality of life in our beloved Isle of Palms community. Our primary mission is to be a good neighbor and positively contribute to the vibrant atmosphere that makes this island truly special. We understand that the vacation rental industry impacts residential neighborhoods, therefore we have come together as a group of compassionate professionals to foster strong relationships with residents and support the Isle of Palms community. We are committed to working closehere, there’s something for everyone in our chamber family. We can’t wait to see you at our next meeting — come be part of the momentum! Alex Stone IV Isle of Palms Chamber President
Thank you for the opportunity to serve! See you around the island. Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP 843-252-5359 ppounds@iop.net These boards and commissions include: PLANNING COMMISSION This commission creates and approves a Comprehensive Plan and makes a recommendation on the plan to city council. The commission undertakes a continuing planning program for the physical, social, economic growth, development and redevelopment of the City of Isle of Palms. The commission also makes land use decisions that are consistent with the policies and plans formally adopted by the city council. ACCOMMODATIONS TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE This committee advises city council on the expenditure of local accommodations tax funds for the purpose of promoting tourism, the arts and cultural affairs in the community. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE City council formed this committee to advise on matters of environmental impact, protections, conservation and sustainability by exploring innovations, best practices and data around changes. The committee aims to educate the community about environmental issues and city initiatives, while promoting a sustainable lifestyle. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS This board hears and decides appeals for zoning variances and decides on zoning exceptions. Watch for updates later in the year when vacancies on these boards and commissions are announced, and you can apply for open positions. There are many great community events to enjoy with friends and neighbors this spring. You can get updates or 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. Let the tourist season begin! Later this month our visitors will start to descend on our slice of paradise like the hummingbirds and butterflies that return annually. Last month I highlighted two resident committees that had recently finished their work and made presentations to city council. These two committees were short-term, special purpose committees that each met for over a year. However, did you know there are ongoing opportunities for residents to get involved? The city encourages the participation of individuals to assist the municipality in making our community a great place to live, work and play. Citizen participation is vital; joining a board or commission is one way residents can volunteer and become involved with their city government by providing ideas and input. 11 IslandVibesIOP.com CIVICS 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) Mayor’s Message April flowers attract more tourists By Phillip Pounds Mayor, Isle of Palms
12 CRIME GRASS GONE WILD With marijuana citations growing faster than weeds after a rainstorm, it was only fitting that someone took it to the next level — by stealing sod. Yes, actual grass. We may never know whether it was landscaping ambition or a deeply misunderstood 4/20 celebration. The important thing is that somewhere, someone's backyard is now 3 feet greener and 100% less legal. MINORS DOING MAJOR THINGS Spring break saw 13 minors busted with alcohol, several caught with marijuana and more than a few wielding fake IDs so bad they still had the watermark "FAKE" stamped across them. It's no wonder every local bar now demands two forms of ID. Today's youth never consider spending a little extra to upgrade their counterfeit driver’s licenses. FIRST-TIMERS VS. FREQUENT FLYERS The DUI parade was equally festive. Several first-time offenders thought they could "drive real slow" to avoid attracting attention — a bold strategy that didn't pan out. Meanwhile, our seasoned spring breakers treated traffic laws like polite suggestions, cruising around with suspended licenses and open beverages like they were starring in their own personal episode of “Cops: Isle of Palms Edition.” NO SNOW TO SHOVEL While we had enough marijuana busts to start our own reggae festival, this was the first month in a while without any cocaine, meth or fentanyl making a cameo. Call it progress, call it a seasonal fluke — or maybe, just maybe, spring break scared off the snow in more ways than one. SUN, FUN AND SERIOUS LACK OF JUDGMENT 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 March and April. The names of individuals and business locations have been omitted out of privacy and respect. Spring on the Isle of Palms brought the usual sunshine, traffic, senior skip day and a whole serving of questionable decisions marinated in beach air and bad ideas. Over just a few weeks, officers logged 29 marijuana and drug paraphernalia cases, a theft of actual sod and enough minors carrying alcohol and fake IDs to supply a poorly thought-out music festival. Final Thought: Spring break 2025 wasn't just about breaking waves — it was about breaking curfews, common sense and occasionally breaking into someone else's landscaping. Stay safe out there, Isle of Palms — and next year, maybe let's leave the grass where it belongs. POLICE BLOTTER ZACH LARY, a local business leader and active member of the community, has officially announced his candidacy for Isle of Palms City Council. Zach brings a fresh, open-minded perspective to the upcoming election, with a platform focused on preserving the island’s family-friendly charm while promoting responsible, pro-business growth. Though he has called Isle of Palms home for only a few years, Zach has quickly become engaged in the community, contributing through his work with the IOP Chamber of Commerce, LENS Foundation, and other local initiatives. With an extensive background in business operations and management, Zach brings practical experience and a results-driven mindset to the table. “At the end of the day, my job isn’t to create problems or debate them, it’s to understand needs, present solutions and execute. This is often where public officials fall short.” Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Zach enjoys taking full advantage of everything the island has to offer. During his down time, he enjoys golfing and spending time with his family at the beach. Zach lives in Wild Dunes with his wife Caitlin and their two daughters, Prudence and Phoebe. ZACH LARY ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR ISLE OF PALMS CITY COUNCIL Zach’s platform will center on five key priorities: • The Long-Term Sustainability of the Island • Protecting Residential Quality of Life • Supporting the Local Business Community • Improving the City’s Financial and Operational Efficiency • Ensuring Transparency and Communication with Residents “Isle of Palms is unique. The beautiful nature and hospitable atmosphere combined with the sense of community are unlike anything I’ve experienced before. It is a wonderful place to live and raise my daughters. I truly believe IOP will always be home for my family and feel obligated to do my part in contributing to the island’s long-term success.” “The long-term future and sustainability of the island is my primary focus,” he said. “This is where my daughters will grow into young women and members of the community. I look at what IOP will be in 5, 10, 20 years and feel we need to make decisions that ensure the longevity of the place we call home.” The city council election is scheduled for November 4, 2025 and Zach is looking forward to connecting with members of the community both during and after the election cycle. www.ZachLary.com IslandVibesIOP.com
Cold beer in hand, salty sea breeze coming off the shore and music resonating for miles: The Songwriters Festival drums up tons of support By Maurice J. Frazier Book your Spring 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! COMMUNITY 13 IslandVibesIOP.com Isle of Palms Songwriters Festival filled the air with sounds and beats during the weekend of April 12-13. Dave Landeo and his wife Christy, who organized the free public festival, now in its third year, have poured their hearts and souls into it, spurred by their love for music. And it truly shows. With over 20 songwriters and several hundred people in attendance, the IOP Songwriters Festival was a huge success. “It was a pleasure listening to these wonderful artists sharing their songs for a great cause. And we are grateful for our sponsors and donors who made it possible,” stated Dave Landeo of the event. The Dinghy played host as the venue this year, allowing attendees the freedom to come and go to see the artists perform. Beneficiaries of the philanthropic event included Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Girls on the Run and the Lowcountry Music Scholarship. Will Hurley won the $1,000 Lowcountry Music Scholarship for his song “Jacob’s Secret.” The Lucy Beckham High School senior also won a free recording session with Magus Productions in Mount Pleasant. A consolation prize was awarded to Wando High School’s Adeline Majewski for her song “Waitin’ at My Door.” The event raised a total of more than $9,000 toward local charities, according to Landeo. In addition to supporting aspiring young musicians, the event also provided a collaborative opportunity for performers. One songwriter stated, “It was a great way to meet and network with other musicians.” If you missed out on the 2025 festival, then be on the lookout for next year’s. AMPLIFY YOUR VISION: REACH LOCALS IN EVERY FORMAT WITH ISLAND VIBES LOCAL ADVERTISING FROM A TRUSTED SOURCE GET SEEN DIGITAL PRINT & The pride of Isle of Palms, SC today, tomorrow and always.
COMMUNITY 14 IslandVibesIOP.com Isle of Paws Music Fest to unleash fun fur all By Allyah Harrar Witness history with coastal fossils on display at Rec Center By Maurice J. Frazier 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 6/30/25 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 Grab a blanket, leash up your pup and get ready for this year’s Isle of Paws Music Fest at the Isle of Palms Recreation Department on May 15 from 4-7pm. There will be live music, food trucks, local pet vendors and more. Admission is free and open to the public. Dogs are welcome (and encouraged!) but must remain leashed unless inside the designated dog park area. S.T.A.R. will be on site offering K-9 Good Citizenship Testing and local rescues will also be onsite for anyone looking to adopt or support animal welfare groups. One of the most ‘paw-pular’ parts of the event is the dog show. Categories include: Cutest Puppy, Best Looking Dog and Best Male and Female Rescues. There’s no fee to enter, but registration is required (same-day entries may be accepted if space allows). Even if you’re not bringing a dog, there is still plenty to enjoy. The music, food and relaxed pace make it an easy way to spend a Thursday evening with neighbors and get a head start on the weekend. To register for the dog show or for more details, visit www.iop.net/recreation/online-registration or contact Kelsey Marsh at 843-886-8294. On May 14 at 5 p.m., the Isle of Palms Recreation Center will transport you back to sixth grade science class with its Speaker Series topic “Coastal Fossils: Unique Finds in the Lowcountry.” Whether on the sandy beaches of Charleston or tucked into riverbanks of the Lowcountry’s many waterways, discovering shark teeth and bones is a thrilling experience. These findings can date back millions of years. “I’m going to cover local shark teeth you can find here around Charleston, and how to identify the difference between them. I will take the audience into the different time periods and which fossils came from those in this area,” explained Parker Gibbons, naturalist for Barrier Island Eco Tours. “We have collected a few Cretaceous deposits. I’ll bring a lot of specimens with me.” Morris Island, Cypress Gardens and various dredge islands are excellent locations for locating teeth and fossil hunting. The top five shark teeth commonly found in and around the Charleston and Mount Pleasant area belong to the great white, mako, megalodon, snaggletooth and thresher sharks. Gibbons noted that megalodon shark teeth are the most popular among these five. Imagine massive megalodon sharks swimming just off the Atlantic Coast millions of years ago. Throughout the year, the IOP Rec Center hosts special speaking engagements featuring informative topics presented by experts in their respective fields. Events are always free, and everyone is invited. For more information on the Speaker Series, visit iop.net/recreation/programs-classes/ adult-programs#speakerSeries. Angustidens tooth
Covert Operation Former CIA officer turned author pens female spy novel By Sarah Rose 15 IslandVibesIOP.com As a junior in college at Florida State University, Brittany Butler interned for the U.S. State Department at the American Embassy in Paris. Her work there garnered the attention of the CIA who encouraged her to apply. When Butler was a senior, she was recruited to be a CIA case officer, which required an extensive clearance process, including psychological evaluations, polygraph tests, background checks and medical examinations. Having successfully passed, she moved to Washington, D.C., in 2005 after graduating with degrees in international affairs and political science. She began her first assignment with the CIA’s Directorate of Operations in 2006. Butler recalled the most frightening part of the job. “In 2008, I found myself sitting in a hotel lobby in the Middle East, waiting for a highthreat meeting after having identified a source with actionable intelligence on a terrorist organization. I planned to meet with him alongside a case officer and an intelligence officer from an Arab intel service. The first meeting with any potential source can be nerve-racking. Most often, these individuals are terrorists themselves or have been at one point. I had done a good deal of research and analysis that indicated that the source did not mean to do us harm, but there was always a chance that I had missed something. Fortunately, this source’s intentions were not nefarious, although this is not always the case.” Butler added that in 2009, the same officers she was working with on the prior operation later deployed to Khost Base in southeastern Afghanistan, where her CIA colleagues were scheduled to meet with a source who claimed access to one of the founders of Al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s deputy commander. Tragically, security didn’t pat the would-be informant down and he launched a suicide attack killing eight CIA officers on base, the worst attack on CIA officers in its history. Despite the risks her position posed, Butler said the most rewarding asLIFESTYLE pects of the job were the immediacy and relevance of preventing terrorist attacks on the homeland. After Butler had her second son in 2014, she decided it was time to pivot in her career. She left the CIA and wrote her first novel, “The Syndicate Spy.” She said, “There are many stereotypical James Bond and Jason Bourne characters in fiction but very few, if any, that regard females in intelligence. In espionage, the reality is women must work 10 times harder than men to build rapport and trust. We weren’t seen as equals. The intention of the book is to change the narrative about female spies.” The characters in the novel, she said, are inspired by colleagues she worked alongside at Women for Afghan Women. Her work at the CIA’s Counterterrorism Afghanistan-Pakistan Department gave her a deep understanding of the Taliban and their treatment of females, whom she described as “resilient.” “These women have survived generations of violence, but they are not victims,” stated Butler. Of the novel’s protagonist, Juliet, Butler explained, “Female intelligence officers are bold, daring, intelligent and unapologetically assertive in their quest for the truth. They also have an artful ability to see beyond religious and cultural barriers to find what unites us, not divides us. I wanted Juliet to embody all these qualities and more, attributes that I had witnessed in almost every female case officer or targeting officer. It was also important to me that Juliet not solely be portrayed as some sexual dominatrix, but instead, stand more on the laurels of her intellect and skill, as real female intelligence officers must.” Another character, Mariam, is based on two courageous women, according to Butler. She said, “Shukria Dellawar, whom I am honored to call my good friend, served as a peace, gender equality and human rights advocate for Afghanistan over the last decade. She is ultimately who inspired me to write the book. The other is Princess Ameerah al-Taweel, whom I’ve admired from a distance. Princess Ameerah is head of the al-Taweel Foundation and boldly speaks on behalf of Saudi women empowerment.” In 2020, after spending 15 years in Washington, D.C., Butler relocated to the Charleston area. Now a mother of three boys, Butler’s next novel, “The Patriot’s Daughter,” launches in April 2026. To learn more about Butler’s journey, follow @formerspy1 on Instagram, TikTok or Substack.
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! 843.456.4606 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 We will mail you POSITIVE VIBES anywhere in the U.S. POINT•SCAN•SUBSCRIBE Keep a piece of Isle of Palms with you no matter where you live. Brigitte McElroy, Realtor Brigitte@CarolinaOne.com | 843-708-5353 From Isle of Palms to Charleston. Brigitte McElroy brings experience that will help you find your desired lifestyle. 13
On the Menu The Boathouse: Spectacular seafood with stunning views By Sarah Rose 18 IslandVibesIOP.com LOCAL SINCE 1989 Real Estate 800.476.8444 Vacation Rentals 888.250.8730 DunesProperties.com CharlestonCoastVacations.com . . . FEATURED LISTING 2407 Atlantic Avenue, Sullivan’s Island 5 Beds, 5 Full & 2 Half Baths | 5106 Ft2 $14,500,000 This fully reimagined oceanfront estate on Sullivan’s Island blends coastal elegance with modern luxury. Featuring a saltwater pool, ocean-facing primary suite, chef’s kitchen, and expansive porches, it’s made for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Designed by Dufford & Young, every detail honors timeless charm with sophisticated updates throughout. Listed by: Tim Reese, Realtor® 843.906.1861 FOOD & BEV Built on the site of an old ramshackle bait shop across the road from where the Civil War-era Hunley submarine launched, The Boathouse at Breach Inlet was designed by Reggie Gibson to emulate a typical turn-of-the-century coastal South Carolina building. Bucky Greenlish and Lawrence Waring masterminded the interior with help from owner Richard Stoney. The woodwork, which incorporates over 10 different kinds of wood from mahogany to teak, was assembled by Matthew Montgomery, a local craftsman from Goat Island. The boats that decorate the ceilings are authentic vintage rowboats, many of which are nearly 100 years old. They were sourced by Stoney, who traveled the East Coast in search of the perfect sub models which reminded him of his childhood, during which he grew up on South Carolina’s waterways. Drawing from passed-down recipes scrawled on cards in Southern family kitchens, The Boathouse serves diverse and delicious seafood derived from nearby rivers, lakes and oceans. Starters include fried green tomatoes or pickled okra, pimento cheese, crab fritters, Old Bay-seasoned shrimp cocktail, sweet corn hushpuppies, crispy fried calamari, P.E.I mussels, oyster Rockefeller or burrata with herb-roasted plum tomatoes, tomato fondue, balsamic glaze and basil pesto oil. Alternatively, the chef’s nightly special is steamed snow crab legs with lemon and clarified butter. Another option is the raw bar, which offers a rotating oyster selection and a Dory tower, the chef’s choice of 18 raw oysters. For the main event, select from either grilled or blackened shrimp, Atlantic scallops or salmon, mahi-mahi, swordfish or halibut. Add a sauce such as beurre blanc, roasted corn salsa, remoulade or lemon basil aioli. Fried seafood options include shrimp, oysters, flounder or a combo of all three. Boathouse favorites include the poached seafood combination with lobster tail, shrimp and scallops, crab cakes, steak and crab cakes or the chef’s trio of filet medallion, crab cake and butter-poached lobster tail. Every Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m., happy hour at the bar celebrates oysters for $2 each. Cocktails made with house liquors are on special for $4, domestic beer such as Bud, Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Light and Michelob Ultra are $3 and house white, red or champagne are $5 a glass. The kid’s menu includes chicken fingers, fried shrimp or fish, steak and pasta with butter and cheese or marinara. To reserve a table, visit boathouserestaurants.com.
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