IslandVibesIOP.com 10 moon to locate the ocean, and artificial light can confuse and disorient them. Remove trash, beach furniture, tents, umbrellas, towels and toys nightly. Fill in sand holes and flatten sandcastles to prevent trapping adult sea turtles and hatchlings alike. Keep dogs leashed and away from nesting sites. Do not allow your dog to harass, bark at or follow sea turtles. Observe these beautiful creatures from a distance. Never approach, shine lights on or take flash photography of nesting turtles. Do not touch or disturb any sea turtle nest or "turtle team" marking tape. It is unlawful to disturb, take or possess any sea turtle or its eggs. Violations can carry heavy fines (up to $25,000) and potential imprisonment. If you hook a turtle while fishing, do not cut the line. Call the SCDNR Hotline at 1-800-922-5431 immediately. Additionally, immediately report dead, injured or harassed turtles to the same SCDNR number. You may also call the Isle of Palms Police Department It’s that time of year again – sea turtle nesting season is upon us. In South Carolina, sea turtle season runs from May 1 to Oct. 31. The following is a brief reminder (or tutorial for all our island newcomers) on the basics of sea turtle rules, laws and advocacy. Turn off or shield all beachfront lights after 10 p.m. and close blinds on ocean-facing windows. Limit the use of flashlights and flash photography after 10 p.m. Sea turtles follow the light of the COMMUNITY A Turtle Tutorial Sea Turtle Nesting Season Underway By Staff BEACH RULES The following rules are enforced by the Isle of Palms Police Department (non-emergency: 843-886-6522) to keep the beach safe, clean and enjoyable for everyone. Know Before You Go LEAVE NO TRACE Use trash and recycling bins at beach access points. Littering can result in fines. NO PROHIBITED ITEMS Glass, alcohol, Styrofoam, plastic bags, straws and balloons are not allowed. Fines can reach $100 per offense. NO SMOKING OR VAPING Smoking of any kind is prohibited on the beach and access paths (fines may apply). NO VEHICLES Cars, golf carts and motorized vehicles are not allowed. Electric bikes/ skateboards are banned between Memorial Day and Labor Day. BOATING SAFETY Jet skis and motorboats must stay out of designated swimming areas. Dogs on the Beach • Dogs are allowed but must follow regulations • Must be vaccinated and wear a valid rabies tag • Owners must clean up after pets • Leash and off-leash hours: ♦ April 1 – Sept. 14: Off-leash 5 a.m.–9 a.m. ♦ Sept. 15 – March 31: Off-leash 4 p.m.–10 a.m. • Permits are free and available through the police department Protect the Beach RESPECT WILDLIFE Sea turtles are endangered; do not disturb them STAY OFF DUNES Use designated paths to protect fragile sand dunes and sea oats FILL IN HOLES Large holes can be dangerous for both people and wildlife Overnight and Gatherings • No overnight sleeping on the beach • Do not leave chairs, tents or gear unattended after sunset • Groups of 50+ require a permit • Commercial activity is not allowed Fire Safety • Fireworks and open fires are strictly prohibited non-emergency line at 843-886-6522 to report any unusual or suspicious activity. These rules apply to residents and visitors alike to ensure the survival of loggerhead sea turtles, which are a threatened species in South Carolina. From May 1 to Oct. 31, protect endangered sea turtles on Isle of Palms by keeping beaches “clean, dark and flat.” Turtles dig the dark! Help them survive and thrive on the Isle of Palms. Flags for Heroes IOP Exchange Club Americanism Program of Service By Robbie Berg The Isle of Palms Exchange Club’s Americanism Program of Service Committee invites everyone from Mount Pleasant, Charleston and the islands to come and view the “Flags for Heroes” display at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club (201 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms) “flying high” and become a sponsor of a flag(s) to honor your hero or heroes. The club has been erecting the flags since Memorial Day 2023. As this is a fundraiser, they also hope that you will visit iopflagsforheroes.com/sponsor-a-flag-1 and sponsor a flag in honor of your hero, and if you are a business, honor several heroes. Those who have seen this beautiful sight of 80 flags flying understand and appreciate what this inspirational experience feels like. It has become a community favorite for Memorial Day, July Fourth and Veterans Day. Each flag at the IOP Exchange Club has a tag noting your hero’s name, rank and other info, with an added feature for the community, sponsors and donors. There is a laminated sheet that lists the flags (veterans) in alphabetical order located on the seawall walkway and dock walkway. Flags are also flown at the circle at Mount Pleasant Towne Center for Veterans Day. Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation by becoming a sponsor and witnessing this breathtaking display with your family members, taking time to reflect on the service and sacrifice our heroes and their families have given to our country. Honoring your hero allows the IOP Exchange Club’s Americanism Committee to donate all of the funds raised to veterans’ organizations including the Fisher House, Tri-County Veterans Support Network, Vantage Point Foundation, Project Street Outreach and the VA Hospital, just to name a few. Come view your flags from May 18-31, June 29-July 11 and Nov. 7-19 at the IOP Exchange Club for an inspiring tribute to your hero and salute to our 250-year-old nation. Flags for Heroes display at IOP Exchange Club.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1