IOP COUNCIL SEEKS INPUT FROM NEXT GENERATION See Page 8 Photo by Rachel Basye CITY SECURES FEMA FUNDS TO COMBAT FLOODING See Page 3 BARTENDERS HONORED FOR LIFESAVING HEROICS See Page 5 To read digitally, visit ReadIslandVibes.com The conversation continues at IsleofPalmsPodcast.com Vol.2 Issue 11 November 2024 KICKOFF TO OYSTER SEASON AND COOLER WEATHER THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND TALES OF TOMMY HARTNETT (Page 18) HAPPY THANKSGIVING WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? (Page 9) VACATION VIBES IOP ADVENTURES (Page 27 )
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Improvements project is the only City of Isle of Palms grant project funded by FEMA under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) in the past 10 years,” said Emily Bentley, chief of recovery and mitigation with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, a partner of FEMA. “HMGP grants are reimbursement-based… The city has to expend funds on the approved scope of work and submit documentation of actual costs to get reimbursed.” During Tropical Storm Debby this past August, the city’s Phase 3 Drainage plan not only rerouted much of the flood water, but structures were made to handle a larger capacity. Phase 4 Drainage is also 3 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS FEMA grant latest effort to curb constant flooding, erosion issues By L. C. Leach III Continued on Page 15 Flooding from Tropical Storm Debby looding has become so routine on Isle of Palms that despite the inconvenience it often causes for residents and public works personnel, it is something everyone just lives with as a normal part of the environment. “Other southeastern coastal cities face similar problems but with one caveat: the Lowcountry of South Carolina is low,” said Norman Levine, director of the Santee Cooper GIS Laboratory and Lowcountry Hazards Center at the College of Charleston. “Over one-third of all homes are built on land that sits below 10 feet (3 meters) of elevation.” Specifically, Isle of Palms is about 11 feet above sea level – only 2 feet higher than neighboring Sullivan’s Island – making it susceptible to fallout from hurricanes and major storms. Despite its longtime resiliency and having been spared the worst of major hurricane disasters, the island is constantly in need of measures to control erosion and flooding. Other measures include ongoing beach nourishments since 1983 to combat erosion; an island-wide Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan to address long-term potential threats of eventually sinking; and most recently, a $1.08 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for improvements to Waterway Boulevard. The intention is to protect the boulevard from king tides, which currently inundate areas of the island several times a year, including an area surrounding a city fire station. “The Waterway Boulevard Pathway underway for Palm Boulevard, between 38th and 41st avenues. “The height of the structures and final grades were designed so that these sites may be easily incorporated into the city’s strategic plan to combat sea level rise,” said Hillary Aton, project manager with Thomas & Hutton engineering services in Mount Pleasant. Aton pointed out that the entire section of the Phase 4 Drainage will have to be reinforced from scratch because it “does not have any existing drainage infrastructure.” All of these measures, however, are not permanent guarantees for keeping nature away. City leaders currently anticipate that beach nourishment projects need to occur every eight to 10 years. “Right now, we’re looking at a cost of maybe $18-20 million for two largescale projects,” said City Administrator Desirée Fragoso this past summer. More so, Steven Traynum, engineering consultant for IOP City F
hanks! A word we often forget to say to each other in exchange for doing the little things in life. It only takes a short breath to say it, so be sure to take uring the time I lived on Isle of Palms and later in Mount Pleasant, I’ve been fortunate to have met a lot of very special people. Two of these people, Bonnie and Tommy Hartnett, we’ve featured on Pages 18 and 19 of this issue. Knowing Island Vibe’s November edition was going to include an article on my friend Tommy Hartnett, I gave him a call. Together we walked through his time on the Isle of Palms starting with his first summer job in 1959 working for J.C. Long’s company Construction Services. Tommy’s uncle John B. Harnett ran the company. He worked hard for J.C. Long and his uncle and learned about the building business. For Tommy, the Isle of Palms provided even more firsts. He had his first date with Bonnie Kennerly, who he would later marry, and they bought their first home on 27th Avenue, though they would sell it before they ever lived in it. Bonnie was a school teacher in North Editor’s Note 4 FROM THE CREW IslandVibesIOP.com D T Publisher’s Note Island Vibes Vol. 2, Issue 11, November 2024 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 DIGITAL/SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR BRITTANY GEORGE BRITTANY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL BASYE CONTRIBUTORS ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA • RYAN BUCKHANNON • MARY COY LAURA FOGARTY • MAURICE FRAZIER GRACE KNEUPER • L. C. LEACH III COLIN MCCANDLESS • PHILLIP POUNDS SARAH ROSE • ROD TURNAGE SALES REPRESENTATIVES STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM SARAH ROSE SARAH@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 • PUBLIX ASHEVILLE/HENDERSON AIRPORT ALL SC WELCOME CENTERS 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 publisher@islandvibesiop.com Thanks, y’all Plenty thankful the time for those who make time. Before every meal, no matter if it’s delicious or unappetizing (sorry, honey), my wife’s family and I take turns saying grace and what we’re thankful for. It shouldn’t take a buttery turkey or a glazed honey ham sitting before you (although preferred) to be grateful for another day. We all have a cornucopia of things to be thankful for. So before we start salivating over the smorgasbord in front of us, let’s each make our own list of the top 10 things we are thankful for. Don’t worry, your food isn’t going to get cold; that’s why God created hot plates. I’m thankful for… • My wife’s patience • My family’s unconditional love • My friends’ loyalty • My good health • My job (my publisher paid me to say this) • Our staff • Our readers • Our island businesses/public safety • Clemson to beat South Carolina in the Palmetto Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 30 As you sit down to feast, look around your table. Chances are you wouldn’t be sitting there if it wasn’t for those people. Tell them thanks for everything. But wait until they pass the gravy! Positively yours, Zach Giroux, Managing Editor Charleston and as much as they wanted to live on Isle of Palms, they knew it was impractical for Bonnie to drive across the Grace Memorial Bridge from their home on Isle of Palms. They would ultimately move into a home Tommy had built in West Ashley. During my call to Tommy, I asked him to tell me in a word or a sentence what he liked most about Isle of Palms. Seamlessly the words came to him: "the peaceful and tranquil setting.” Tommy and Bonnie recently moved off the island and now live in I’On, where they will be celebrating their 59th wedding anniversary. When I was thinking about writing this publisher’s note, naturally I thought about tying it into Thanksgiving and being thankful. Then I started thinking about what I was thankful for, and that’s when I decided to write this because there is a lot for which I am thankful and grateful. One thing I am very grateful for is the people I’ve met like Tommy Harnett and how they’ve enriched my life, and the passionate and creative people who surround me and share my love for publishing. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Positively yours, Bill Macchio, Publisher
artending and saving lives don’t typically go together; however, such was the case for three Islander 71 staff members who rescued a couple from drowning in their submerging SUV at the Isle of Palms Marina. On Sept. 24, Johnny Himmelsbach, Shannon Standhart and Cash Luther were recognized by the Isle of Palms City Council for pulling a visiting area couple from a submerging vehicle. The incident happened the night of Sept. 14 near the boat ramp adjacent to the restaurant. The rescued couple had been visiting the Isle of Palms from the Chicago/ Midwest area. They drove their rented SUV off a boat ramp, not realizing where they were. In an instant, Himmelsbach jumped a fence, raced to the edge of the marina, jumped in water 13 feet deep and swam to the SUV – while Standhart simultaneously ran to the nearby fire department and phoned 911. Luther ran to assist Himmelsbach. An EMS unit came to ensure the couple was OK. “It felt like a movie – it was all over in about five minutes,” Standhart said. “But this could have been a totally different outcome, and we can’t stop thinking about that.” The trio received the city’s Signal 30 given only about once every two years since its creation in 2002. Past recipients have been recognized for similar feats, such as: • Saving a neighbor's life. • Preventing the spread of a house fire. • Pulling an accident victim from a tractor trailer rig just before it burst into flames. • Performing CPR and saving the life of a person in cardiac arrest. ooler weather. Football. Oyster roasts. Spectacular sunsets overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Fall has officially arrived and what says autumn in the Lowcountry better than Clemson and Carolina football? The historic Palmetto Bowl, the annual football game between the Tigers and the Gamecocks, features one of the longest rivalries in college football. The two in-state foes first played on Nov. 12, 1896, and have matched up every year since then with the exception of 2020 when it was an “R.” Shuckers, newspaper table covering, lemon wedges, cocktail sauce and of course, saltines, are among the accompaniments necessary for a traditional Charleston oyster roast. Oyster roasts provide the backdrop for many family gatherings, philanthropic events, music festivals, local restaurant promotions and college game days on and around the island. Whatever the reason, stay safe, enjoy the season and be sure to wear gloves if it’s your first time shucking oysters! Dig in! IslandVibesIOP.com 5 NEWS C B About the Cover Shuckin’ Season By Laura Fogarty From left to right: Editor Zach Giroux, Brand Ambassador Sonya Buckhannon and Art Director Bethany Long From Left to Right: Shannon Standhart, Johnny Himmelsbach, IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds Islander 71 trio honored for rescuing couple from submerged vehicle By L. C. Leach III cancelled due to COVID-19. Honoring that longstanding tradition, our cover photoshoot for November’s issue of Island Vibes found us in the Buckhannon backyard, setting up the quintessential oyster roast table. A long held Southern tradition, oyster roasts are said to have originated from the Native American tradition of roasting oysters over an open fire. Tradition also dictates that wild oysters only be eaten in months with Photo by Rachel Basye Award from Mayor Phillip Pounds for their heroic lifesaving actions and were also given a standing ovation for their bravery and quick thinking that turned a near tragedy into a real happy ending. The Signal 30 Award honors a special citizen service and occurs on an extremely limited basis. The award was developed in 2002 and is named after an IOP Public Safety code for citizen service. “This will be the 11th Signal 30 Award in 22 years, so pretty awesome,” Pounds said to Himmelsbach and Standhart during the presentation. Luther was unable to attend the event. “What you guys did is just fantastic and inspiring.” Islander 71 General Manager Chris Sollom added that the threesome also received a letter from District 1 Congresswoman Nancy Mace, acknowledging their efforts and thanking them for their bravery. “I am honored for all three of them to be a part of my staff,” Sollom said, “and really glad the incident turned out OK.” Both Police Chief Kevin Cornett and Fire Chief Craig Oliverius recommended the trio for the Signal 30 Award, which on average has been • Volunteer coaching, keeping the area beaches clean from litter and the creation of a medical loan closet to assist residents and visitors with special needs. At the presentation, Himmelsbach said that while the honor wasn’t necessary, it was “greatly appreciated,” and that the plaque the council awarded would make “a nice Christmas gift for mom.” “Some friends and people who come in the restaurant talk about it, and I get a couple of handshakes,” Himmelsbach said. “Other than that, it’s business as usual. I’m just glad no one was hurt.”
6 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS IOPFD’s Hathaway honored with Key to the City after 36 years of service By L. C. Leach III or longtime Isle of Palms Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Richard Hathaway, being a firefighter is in his family’s DNA – it was in his sights even before he started school. Now, after 36 years of serving “the greatest profession in the world,” Hathaway stepped down from the department recently. On Sept. 24, IOP City Council bestowed him a Key to the City in recognition of his outstanding and exemplary service. The honor once symbolized the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave a guarded and walled medieval city at will. Today, it confers trust and honor – and is perhaps IOP’s rarest award. “The proclamation was signed by all of our firefighters,” said IOP Fire Chief Craig Oliverius at the Sept. 24 presentation at City Hall. “It has been absolutely phenomenal and a pleasure to work with Chief ‘Hat’ as we call him.” So far, during the combined tenure of current Mayor Phillip Pounds and former mayors Jimmy Carroll, Dick Cronin and Mike Sottile going back to 2001, there have been only three Key to the City recipients. Pounds added that his only regret in presenting Hathaway with the honor is not being able to keep him in the department, “which would be my preference.” “He worked to make us safer and more efficient by bringing new ideas, implementing new programs and mentoring to the new hires,” Pounds said. “We have a ton of amazing personnel in our fire department, and Deputy Chief Hathaway is one of those amazing people.” City council went one step further by approving a resolution to name the training room at the Public Safety Building in Hathaway’s honor “to ensure that future generations will remember his contributions to public safety,” Pounds said. Hathaway’s road to providing those public safety contributions began at an uncle’s fire department in Wichita, Kansas, almost before his first conscious memory. “It was always great to visit his fire house,” recalled Hathaway. “I have a picture of myself at probably age 3 or 4, riding my big wheel with my plastic fire helmet on my head. All of my friends growing up also went into the fire service Deputy Fire Chief Richard Hathaway in full battalion gear F 803.586.9553 | McCombsKipp.com A Father/Daughter Team that Treats You Like Family! Happy Thanksgiving! Continued on Page 7
NEWS IOPFD's Deputy Fire Chief Richard Hathaway's last day on the job. From our family to yours, We are thankful for the island communities. Protect your island lifestyle. Family Owned & Operated COASTAL COVERAGE SPECIALISTS 843.881-4707 insureme@sigsc.com Mount Pleasant & Beaufort AUTO • HOMEOWNERS • CONDO • LIFE • WIND & HAIL • COMMERCIAL • FLOOD IslandVibesIOP.com 7 together. I can’t remember wanting to do anything but serve the community.” At age 18, Hathaway joined the Wichita Fire Department Explorer Post 881 as a volunteer, then the Moncks Corner Rural Volunteer Fire Department upon moving to South Carolina. “My professional (paid) career started with the City of North Charleston Fire Department in August 1998,” he said. “I was fortunate to work with some of the best firefighters who taught me so much.” When an opening became available with the IOPFD in 2001, Hathaway knew instinctively that this was where he wanted to be. “I had friends who had also left North Charleston to go to Isle of Palms who continually encouraged me to make the transition,” he said. “At the time, Isle of Palms paid more, and I really liked the environment.” It didn’t take long for his extensive experience and training to get noticed. Within six months of his arrival, Hathaway was promoted to engineer, whose normal course of duties is to develop programs, processes and plans to limit or prevent fire damage. After that, Hathaway just kept rising through the ranks – to lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, battalion chief of training and finally as a deputy fire chief. “All of this was possible because many people took the time to teach me and invest themselves in training me,” he said. When asked why he is retiring now, at a moment when he is at the top of his profession, Hathaway said it was just the right time. “This has honestly been a difficult decision,” he said, adding that getting the Key to the City was “one of the greatest honors of my life.” “I honestly couldn’t tell you what prompted our city officials to be that generous to me,” Hathaway added. “All of my accomplishments were a product of teamwork and support from some of the greatest people on this planet.” From Page 6
resolution to establish a Youth Council has recently been approved by IOP City Council. This unique initiative was spearheaded by Mayor Phillip Pounds to empower young citizens, giving them a voice in local government decisions that affect their lives and the future of this community. The goal is to increase citizen engagement among all residents, particularly youth. Youth Councils or Youth Commissions are becoming more popular nationwide. Both Mount Pleasant and Charleston have similar programs already established. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, approximately 25% of the U.S. population is under the age of 18. More specifically to IOP, the population of individuals under the age of 18 is between approximately 400 to 500 residents. The youth 8 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS A IOP Council looks to next generation leaders for feedback By Maurice J. Frazier hold the future and it’s vitally important that they are equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to become the next generation of local leaders. The Youth Council will serve as a forum for young people to discuss issues of concern, propose initiatives and provide recommendations to the city council regarding policies and programs that impact their generation. Youth Councils promote civic engagement by: • Giving them a formal role in local decision making • Offering real world experiences with elected and advisory bodies • Teaching them about the role of councils, boards and commissions • Providing them with an opportunity to develop leadership skills and learn how local government operates • Increasing communication between youth and adults, and among youth themselves • Increasing youth volunteerism • Enhancing classroom civic education To qualify for this opportunity in leadership, youth must be between the ages of 14-18 from public, private, charter and home schools. They must serve one or two-year terms with appointments made by the city council. Additionally, they must have a proven record of leadership, commitment to community service and community values and want to create positive opportunities for the youth on IOP. The city council will work with local schools, community organizations and youth groups to facilitate the formation and recruitment of the Youth Council members. The Youth Council will meet at least quarterly and provide reports to the city council on their discussions, recommendations and initiatives. The city council will commit to providing necessary support and resources to the Youth Council to ensure its effective operation and impact. BELVA'S FLOWER SHOP IS MT. PLEASANT'S FIRST AND OLDEST FLORIST, founded in 1956 by BELVA J. WILLIAMS. Belva's high standards and excellence continues with Jim Sumner and his wife Debra. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AND QUALITY WORK ARE OUR FIRST PRIORITIES. We have the ultimate guarantee and strive to stand behind it. We pursue the highest quality flowers and hold these standards to our vendors all over the world. VOTED BEST FLORAL SHOP IN MOUNT PLEASANT! CALL OR VISIT US TODAY! 1965 Riviera Drive #4 Mount Pleasant, SC 843-884-9576 • belvasflowershop@hotmail.com Online Ordering Available!
ne of the most valuable takeaways from our recent history, notably 2020, is that it helped remind people what matters most in life. As 2024 comes to an end, reflecting upon this year, what are you thankful for? What makes your heart swell with gratitude so that you wake up each morning, appreciative of another day? We asked a few business owners and public officials on IOP what they were thankful for and here are some of their responses. Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds stated that he’s "thankful for health, family and friends." IOP Police Department’s Sgt. Matthew Storen is thankful for the life he has been blessed with. “I am thankful for my family, who supports me in every aspect of my life. I am grateful for a rewarding career as a police officer. I’ve been able to see and do things most people will never get to experience in a lifetime. It is a gratifying job. Lastly, I’m thankful for my health, both physically and mentally. It’s a work in progress each day, but I always try to make it a priority to have selfcare so I can continue to experience all the joy in life.” Abraham and Olga Morales, owners of Morales Pavers, are thankful for family. “I’m deeply grateful to all our clients; they have supported our dream. They have allowed us the flexibility to work around my late father’s schedule. It was during the time I took on the role of caregiver for him in his final months,” Olga said. Winslow Carroll from Carroll Realty Inc. echoed similar sentiments. “I’m thankful for my friends and family. I have a great group of people in my life always supporting me. With that support I feel motivated to pursue whatever goals I wish and treat every day as a new opportunity to better myself.” Andrea Leary and Chad Shores from Rad Rydz Golf Carts are very thankful for their incredible employees and wonderful customers. Without them, they would not have been able to see their vision come to life. What seems to be a common theme amongst all these businesses and individuals is that family, health, happiness and time spent together far outweigh profit margins and business alone. These aspects of life are the foundation for true abundance and wealth in one's life. With all the festive gatherings and activities this holiday season, here's to wishing you the best of times celebrating what matters most: togetherness and gratitude. IslandVibesIOP.com 9 Brandy McMahon, Realtor® 843.996.6377 bmcmahon@dunesproperties.com . . . Just Listed in Wild Dunes! 1208 Ocean Club Villas | 3 bed, 3 bath, 1965 Ft2 | $1,725,000 OPINION What are you thankful for? By Maurice J. Frazier O
here did the year go? “The days are long, but the years are short” is a quote we hear occasionally and it certainly applies to 2024 for the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce. We would like to take this opportunity to send a sincere thank you to many of you who have contributed to a pivotal year for the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce. First, thank you to our residents, businesses, guest speakers, supporters and members. We witnessed milestones and navigated change with your input, care and direction. Island Vibes! Oh, Island Vibes! Thank you to Bill Macchio, Zach Giroux and the team for being steadfast in supporting the chamber. Also, congratulations to Island Vibes on your first anniversary and success. Thank you to Marty Christiansen, Chamber Notes It takes a village to run a chamber By Rod Turnage President, IOP Chamber of Commerce 10 IslandVibesIOP.com BUSINESS WELCOME TO 811 OCEAN BOULEVARD ON ISLE OF PALMS! An Enchanting Coastal Retreat Step into a realm of comfort and charm as you discover this exquisite five-bedroom, five-bathroom home nestled in the heart of Isle of Palms, a paradise for both relaxation and adventure. With its spacious interiors and stunning outdoor areas, this home promises a vacation soaked in coastal sunshine and serenity. Inside, each room tells a story of elegance and comfort. The expansive living areas are adorned with beachy decor, creating a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to unwind. From the coziest nooks to the bright, airy spaces, each corner is designed with your comfort in mind. The stunning pool area is the perfect spot to relax after a beach filled day. 843-886-9600 | carrollrealtyinc.com W our fearless and dedicated administrator. Marty performs her role flawlessly and is often in the business of “herding cats.” Thank you, Marty, for keeping the ship afloat! Many thanks to the City of Isle of Palms and our city council. Your collaboration and willingness to work together took on a greater meaning in 2024. We feel well-positioned and confident our relationship is built on trust and honesty for years to come. A chamber is not a chamber without focused volunteers in the form of a board of directors. Our board understands execution and stays committed to our vision while understanding the issues important to our business community. Thank you to Sandy Stone, founding board member and treasurer; Scottie Frier, founding board member and secretary; Ryan Buckhannon, founding board member and past-president; and Alex Stone, vice president and incoming-president. This team has many family and career responsibilities yet they find time and energy to make a difference in our community. IOP Chamber positions are unpaid service roles. We are often asked why the president’s role is only for one year. In reality, this is a three-year position as the vice president moves into the president role the following year, and then the past-president role. It is also important to note that the president does not have authority to make decisions without a majority board vote. The president’s role is to develop and lead the strategic direction of the chamber. As we move into the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, we will not be holding monthly in-person meetings. The next IOP Chamber meeting will be on Jan. 28, 2025, at the IOP Exchange Club from noon – 1 p.m. Attendance is open to all, free of charge and membership is not required. Residents interested in an Associate Membership can get more information at this meeting or by visiting iopchamber.com/membership/ and typing in “Associate Membership inquiry.” Stay informed about our community and the IOP Chamber by following @IOPchamber. Thank you for your continued support in making the Isle of Palms a world-class island to live, work and play. We cherish being your neighbor!
appy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for – the great country we live in, the beautiful area we get to call home, family, friends and on and on. I hope you will have the opportunity to spend some time with family and friends and enjoy our beautiful island this holiday season. You may be aware that City Council is reviewing options for a potential new City Hall building. You may be asking yourself, ‘Why is this project being discussed at this time? What is wrong with the existing building? Aren’t there other more pressing needs, such as drainage infrastructure or beach preservation, facing the city?’ Recognizing that City Hall is an important asset, City Council began an exploratory process to evaluate the condition of the existing building, identify immediate maintenance needs and assess all options available to the city. Before making investments in expensive and flooring, insulation, an elevator and repairs of termite damage and rotted railings and stairs. These repairs are estimated to cost more than $3 million. City Hall also needs additional office space to accommodate staff. A more open, flexible space for employees will encourage greater collaboration and boost creativity – all the good things we want in a workspace. Thoughtful consideration is also being given to how to improve the delivery of government services to residents by creating a convenient, one-stop shop for folks. To date, the Public Services and Facilities Committee has met with vendors to review possible alternatives from renovating the existing building or renovating and expanding the existing building to a possible relocation of City Hall. There is much more work to be done. As we move forward with the evaluation of our City Hall facilities, I want to emphasize council’s commitment to being thorough, thoughtful and transparent in our decision-making process. It is our responsibility to explore all available options, gather feedback from the community and ensure any investments reflect our community’s priorities and are a prudent use of public funds. I hope you have a great holiday season. Thank you for the opportunity to serve! See you around the island. Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP 843-252-5359 ppounds@iop.net IslandVibesIOP.com 11 CIVICS Mayor’s Message City improvements are always the best investments By Phillip Pounds Mayor, Isle of Palms H repairs, we feel it is prudent to explore all possible options that not only address the building’s current condition but enhance its functionality, adapt to the changing demands of our community and serve us for the future. Our existing City Hall was built almost 40 years ago and needs extensive repairs including a new roof, windows IOP RUN 5K 10K FUN RUN Proceeds go to the following local charities fighting for prevention of child abuse and healing those affected by it. Halos. Windwood Farm. Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center. Florence Crittenton. My Sister’s House. Landmarks for Families. Doors to Freedom. Darkness to Light. Child Abuse Prevention Center - Beaufort. IOP Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Committee. Lowcountry Orphan Relief. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO! IOPRUN.COM 2024 Run Beneficiaries $146,000 Raised! John & Carol Bogosian Mike & Claire Powers Dan & Barbara Brown Barb & Dave Janssen Deb & Dave Barr Jim Smitherman Georgia Roane Jim & Jan Anderson • Dimi & Brooke Matouchev • Limehouse Produce • Whole Foods • Pinnacle Bank • IOP Escapes • Brett Barnes • Long Island Cafe/IOP Raw • The Cone Family • Islander 71 • Rusty & Deborah Streetman • Stacey Streetman Johnson • Cal & Billie McRae • Scott & Jennie Pierce • Lalla Lee & Chip Campsen • Janis & Jeffrey Rubin • Chuck & Sue Harris • Amy Jancewicz • James & Jodee DeFinnis • Cindy & Bob Keane • Daulton & Harriet Kieth • Chick Fil A - Long Point • Ellen & George Dalton • O’Charley’s • Brian & Pam Smith • Papi’s Taqueria • John & Tonya McGue • Eike & John Gundersen • Abide Awhile Garden Boutique Susan & Matthew Breckheimer • Paul & Elizabeth Grantham • Trader Joe’s • Costco • Anonymous 2024 IOP Run for the Child Sponsors Thank you
CRIME MARIJUANA MAYHEM & MORE It seems like the off-season is harvest time for the island's favorite herb. Law enforcement dealt with six cases of marijuana possession (a.k.a. Mary Jane, Devil's Lettuce, etc.), including a couple of repeat offenders who thought "second offense" meant some kind of reward. For those who craved a little more excitement, we saw several arrests for Schedule I narcotics and cocaine — because why settle for just the greens when you can graduate to something stronger? SOBER OR SLAMMER The island recorded six DUIs, a slight dip as vacationers left. But don't worry — expect more late night walks home, with car keys probably lost somewhere in the sand. TEAMWORK MAKES THE JAIL WORK Group activities were all the rage. A trio was caught with drug paraphernalia in a car they shouldn't have been driving. A dynamic duo added marijuana, an open container and a "borrowed" driver's license to their evening fun. Meanwhile, a foursome stuck to classic weed and paraphernalia charges. And an ambitious group of eight tried their hand at credit card fraud. It's nice to see everyone coming together — but maybe stick to beach games next time! 12 IslandVibesIOP.com POLICE YOUR FRIENDS OR THE COPS WILL 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 September and October. The names of individuals and business locations have been omitted out of privacy and respect. As summer ends and vacationers depart, the locals are stepping up to keep things interesting. Here's a rundown of the island's recent escapades: POLICE BLOTTER Installing Fire Pits, Patios, Building Outdoor Kitchens & more! 843-614-0209 | MoralesPaversCHS.com MORA ES P A V E R S We’re a Hardscape business, locally owned in Charleston, SC. /moralespaverschs @morales_pavers CALL TODAY For a Complimentary On-Site Consultation!
different types of animals and some that are considered endangered.” Kittrell’s duties include: • Responding to calls for injured wild animals/birds • Responding to calls about alligators that have wandered into dangerous locations • Assisting with sea turtle activity • Helping protect endangered birds that nest on the beaches • Enforcing leash laws • Rescuing animals that have washed up on land or have become beached • Transporting stray animals to an appropriate facility • Reporting animal bites and suspected diseased animals to appropriate health officials • Educating residents about how to handle situations involving exotic animals such as coyotes, which have become a growing island concern “We have seen an increase in coyote activity this year and have been working to find ways to best address the issues surrounding them,” Cornett said. Kittrell added that wildlife issues tend CRIME 13 IslandVibesIOP.com New animal control officer focused on pet safety By L. C. Leach III he next time you spot wayward coyotes, lost turtles, sick pelicans, itinerant raccoons, roaming dogs or any other animal species or wildlife on Isle of Palms, chances are that IOP Police Department’s Animal Control Officer Sean Kittrell will be on the case. Kittrell recently became the island’s newest animal control officer, responsible for keeping the island’s growing number of animals under control for the safety of all island residents and visitors – and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I have always had an interest in working with animals,” said Kittrell, who has been with IOPPD less than two years. “I was fortunate enough to grow up in Charleston and have spent a lot of time here and on Goat Island, so I was already very familiar with the wildlife on Isle of Palms and I didn't want to miss this opportunity.” Kittrell’s interest was also fueled by his previous position. Upon joining IOPPD in the spring of 2023, he became a beach service officer, which allowed him to see up close how an animal control officer handled dayto-day workings and routine, a job with increased demand as the island becomes more populous with residents, visitors and animals. For example, last year there were 61 beach coyote sightings reported. This past September, the IOP City Council approved an ordinance on second reading prohibiting the feeding of wildlife, except for feral cats and birds. The main issue discussed at the meeting centered on how intentional feeding of wildlife can lead to increased human-wildlife conflicts and the spread of disease and encourages concentration and growth of animals in urbanized areas, which can pose a hazard to humans, pets and plant life. “Our animal control officer has played an important role in our community,” said IOPPD Police Chief Kevin Cornett during the hiring process. “Because most people do not realize that this island is home for a lot of to “follow the seasons.” He pointed out, for instance, that coyotes, which have become a much bigger concern in recent years for both residents and visitors, will increase in number and be far more active and protective of their dens in the late winter and springtime during mating season, “which is when we usually have the most frequent problems with them.” In the fall and the waning months of summer, many barrier islands and coastal communities such as IOP will see a lot of first-year pelicans get sick and weak “as some of them never learned how to fish properly on their own.” Raccoons, a usual menace to neighborhoods, are now also a health concern. “We’re focused primarily on preventing and stopping any possible outbreaks of distemper or rabies,” Kittrell said. But when asked to name the island’s most pressing animal concern, Kittrell said dogs, by far. “We always want to remind our residents and visitors to have their dog on a leash,” he said, “unless they are observing the offleash hours on the beach.” Kittrell added that while there aren’t a lot of distinctive measures to implement without disrupting the island’s ecosystem and natural wildlife habitats, residents with any animal concern always have the option to contact Kittrell to help keep them safe and to keep the right balance between humans and animals. “Going forward, I want to prioritize building a relationship with the community that we have on Isle of Palms,” Kittrell said. “My door is always open and I want to be there to assist with any and all animal calls.” LEASH LAWS ON IOP When can dogs be on the beach off leash? -Dogs are allowed to be off-leash on the beach from April 1 through Sept. 14 from 5 a.m. until 9 a.m. and Sept. 15 through March 31 from 4 p.m. until 10 a.m. -Dog owners must have a leash in hand, have their dog under voice command and must clean up excrement. There are dog bag receptacles at most of the public beach access paths. At all other times, dogs must be on leash and under complete control, even in the water. Please follow these rules to make sure that your pet is safe and that you are ticket-free. DOG PERMITS -All dogs that live or visit the City must be vaccinated against rabies and have a metal license tag attached to its collar with the name of the licensed veterinarian who provided the vacccine. Dog owners must also have a valid certificate of rabies vaccination readily available at all times. Residents are encouraged to obtain a dog permit from the Isle of Palms Police Department. -Dog permits will be issued annually and are free of charge. Having a dog permit may facilitate the safe return of lost dogs. Ordinances are enforced by the Isle of Palms Police Department. The non-emergency number is (843) 886-6522. For more information, visit iop.net. T
14 IslandVibesIOP.com COMMUNITY T Wild Dunes Community Association keeps new leadership in-state By Maurice J. Frazier he Wild Dunes community has hired a new chief operating officer to the Wild Dunes Community Association. After a nationwide search, the WDCA Board of Directors appointed Andrew P. Schumacher of Hilton Head. Schumacher will assume the role on Nov. 18, working closely with current COO David Kynoski and the WDCA staff during the transition. Kynoski's retirement will take place at the end of the year. The COO position is responsible for its day-to-day operations, working with a seven-member board of directors that sets policy for the Association. The WDCA office is responsible for the daily operations of the community, including the following: • Access control (decal, barcodes) • Administration • Annual community assessment • Architectural review questions • Beach house reservations • Community common landscaping • Community activities • Operations – security gates, roads, lagoons • Rules and regulations Schumacher was born and raised in Port Jefferson on Long Island, New York. He graduated from St. John's University in New York City with a bachelor’s in business. After graduation in 1994, he moved to Hilton Head to pursue a career in the golf industry. Schumacher began working for Palmetto Dunes at the Arthur Hills Golf Club in October 1994. After six years, Schumacher moved to Charleston and earned a master’s in accounting from the College of Charleston. Schumacher then returned to Hilton Head to work with the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association, most recently as their chief executive officer. In addition to his career at Palmetto Dunes, Schumacher has served as vice chair of finance for the Hilton Head-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce for more than six years as well as treasurer for the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island for the past three years. Schumacher and his wife Jennifer have lived on Hilton Head for many years with their two boys, Davis (19) and Cooper (17). He enjoys spending time outside, either at the beach or on the water, hiking, golfing or riding his bike through the community. Buckhannon Brothers, Inc Making Bathrooms & Kitchens Beautiful Since 1997 Licensed Residential Builder Call us today for a quote 843-224-0667 Making Bathrooms & Kitchens Beautiful Since 1997 Licensed Residential Builder Call us today for a quote 843-224-0667 Beautiful Since 1997 Licensed Residential Builder Call us today for a quote 843-224-0667
City gets FEMA grant COMMUNITY 15 IslandVibesIOP.com embers of Wild Dunes Yacht Club from Isle of Palms enjoyed a fall cruise in late September. Captains and crew boated up the Intracoastal Waterway into Winyah Bay and up the Sampit River to Harborwalk Marina in Georgetown. The purpose of the boating club is to encourage safe boating in all its forms, promote skills of seamanship and navigation and enjoy the social and educational opportunities provided by the organization. A docktail party the first night gave everyone the opportunity to mingle and meet new members. The following day the boaters met for lunch at the Wacca Wache Marina on the Waccamaw River in Murrells Inlet. The club's spring cruise will be to Beaufort to attend the Air Show at the Marine Corps Air Station. The highlight of that event is a flight exhibition by the Navy's renowned Blue Angels. Wild Dunes Yacht Club throws ‘docktail’ party By Pam Marsh LET’S EAT, DRINK AND JOIN US FOR A THANKSGIVING DINNER NOVEMBER 28 SEATING AT 2:00, 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. RefugeIOP.com Reserve your spot today! Give Thanks and president of Coastal Science & Engineering in Columbia, added that beach nourishments have been even more critical in recent years because island erosion has “outpaced natural sand flow.” “South IOP, south Wild Dunes and north Wild Dunes are currently the most eroded areas – we’ve lost about 100,000 cubic yards of sand in these three sections every year from 20082018,” Traynum said, adding that the east end of the island has lost about “254,000 cubic yards of sand per year since 2018.” That’s an equivalent volume of approximately 78 Olympic-size pools. “Given enough time, nature could severely and permanently erode much of the island’s central and eastern areas,” Traynum said. It’s a concern facing U.S. cities along the entire East Coast, including Boston, New York, Baltimore, Norfolk and Charleston, which NASA’s Earth Observatory has named as one of the fastest sinking cities (about 4 millimeters per year) in the eastern U.S. All of which means that for Isle of Palms and all of Charleston County, current strategies to control flooding and the money needed to implement them could very soon go hand-inhand with all future development. “We are not saying don’t develop at all – we are saying to develop wisely, carefully, sensibly, given the current and future flood risks,” said Dale Morris, former head of resilience and sustainability with the City of Charleston, and co-author of a 2019 report that assessed the region’s flood risks. “Those risks are not going to decrease. We have a bias: to work with the natural and ecological systems that are here. If you ignore them, Mother Nature eventually will win.” From Page 3 M
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Editor’s Note: This lifestyle feature from the archives of Isle of Palms Magazine (Spring 2016) is a two-part series and the remainder will be published in our December issue. ou can hardly talk about former U.S. Rep. Tommy Hartnett without talking about the Isle of Palms. It’s not just the place he has ended up – it’s the place where he started. From childhood summers spent on the beach to his first job to 18 IslandVibesIOP.com Y LIFESTYLE Still at Home on the Island Former U.S. Rep. Tommy Hartnett By Brian Barrie the first date with his future spouse, the Isle of Palms has played a supporting role not only in Hartnett’s backstory but in who he is and what he has accomplished. Hartnett’s story is a fascinating tale of politics and family in the Lowcountry, highlighted by his six years in the U.S. House of Representatives as the first Republican elected from South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District since Reconstruction. The Early Days The foundation of today’s Isle of Palms was laid in late 1944, when real estate developer J.C. Long purchased more than 1,000 acres of land and began building roads and houses, putting into motion IOP’s transformation from a small summer resort community to a permanent home for thousands of year-round residents. Hartnett was introduced early on to the island that would become such an important part of his life. “J.C. Long’s wife was my daddy’s first cousin. We called her Aunt Alberta,” Hartnett recalled. “They would give us a house on the Isle of Palms for two or three weeks every summer. My daddy being handicapped, J.C. always felt it was good for him to come out and get some island air. We would stay near their house when there were hardly any houses out there. The farthest the island went at the time was 21st Avenue. There was a public picnic ground there where you could go out and picnic, but there was nobody on the island then.” Year after year, the family would return to the island where Hartnett and his sisters spent their days playing on the beach and their evenings watching fireflies. The amusement park on the island, with a carousel and swings, was open year-round, and there was bingo, too, but the Isle of Palms was still a strictly local retreat. Bonnie and Tommy Hartnett at home on Isle of Palms.
19 IslandVibesIOP.com LIFESTYLE The Hartnett children: Lee Anne and Tom Jr. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS IN ISLAND VIBES, EMAIL PUBLISHER@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM OR 843-530-0403. THE ONLY PUBLICATION EXCLUSIVELY FOCUSED ON ISLE OF PALMS WITH REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION THROUGH THE STATE WELCOME CENTERS AND MAILED TO ISLAND HOMES. SPREADING ABOUT ISLE OF PALMS Good Vibes SOUTH CAROLINA WELCOME CENTERS “It was very quiet – all local people. It was not any place where people came from afar to vacation with their families because there weren’t any big houses here and no air conditioning,” Hartnett said. Later, his first job was on the island, with J.C. Long’s construction company, as was his first date with Bonnie Kennerly, his future bride. “Our first date was a luau on Front Beach,” recalled Bonnie Hartnett. “We were chaperoned by Henry and Esther Tecklenburg, parents of Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg. There was a fire and we roasted marshmallows and I think they cooked a pig. You could do that back then.” Later on, the couple would go to the end of the island where Wild Dunes is now and shoot cans over the marsh. “That was where I learned to shoot, when I was dating Tommy here at the end of the island,” Bonnie Hartnett remembered. They were married in 1965, and they decided to start their new life together on the Isle of Palms. They purchased their first house on the island but never moved in. “We bought the house a month before we got married,” recalled Hartnett. “There was no living together then – she lived with her mom and dad and I lived with mine – but she was teaching school in North Charleston and I was working downtown. We got to thinking about it, and it just wasn’t the practical thing to do, so we sold that house before we ever moved into it.” More than a decade later, in 1977, the couple bought another house on the Isle of Palms, this time in Wild Dunes. It was their summer home until 2011, when they became permanent residents. Public Service Calls By the time the Hartnetts bought their home on the Isle of Palms, Tommy was already a leader in the South Carolina Statehouse. He was a rising star in the Republican Party as well, though his political career had begun on the other side of the aisle. In 1964, at the age of 22, Hartnett entered his first political contest, running in the Democratic primary for the State House of Representatives. He won that race as well as the general election and went on to be re-elected three more times, serving a total of eight years. He might have spent more time in Columbia, but, in 1972, the Democratic Party nominated George McGovern as its candidate for president, and he was just too liberal for Hartnett. “I fell out with the Democrats,” Hartnett explained. “My name was already on the ballot for the June (Democratic) primary when I went to a meeting and they were asking all the candidates who they were planning on voting for president. I couldn’t lie. I said ‘I’m voting for Richard Nixon, and if me voting for Nixon means I don’t get your vote for the Statehouse, then keep your vote. I quit.’” Local Republicans quickly recruited Hartnett to run for the State Senate, and, when he and future Gov. James B. Edwards won their seats, half of the Charleston-area Senate delegation was on the Republican side of the aisle. After two terms in the Senate, he was ready for a new challenge. When U.S. Rep. Mendel Davis announced that he would not seek re-election in 1980, Hartnett set his sights on Washington, D.C., and the U.S. House of Representatives. The last time voters had sent a Republican to the House from Charleston was during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era in 1876, when African American Joseph Rainey was re-elected to his fourth term. Reconstruction ended the following year when federal troops were withdrawn from the South and Rainey was defeated in the election of 1878. TO BE CONTINUED (PART II): Mr. Hartnett Goes to Washington In the Oval Office: President Ronald Reagan, far right, with, counterclockwise: U.S. Reps. Tommy Hartnett and Floyd Spence; David Stockman, director of the Office of Management and Budget; Lyn Nofziger, assistant to the president for political affairs; U.S. Reps. Trent Lott and Carroll Campbell; and Vice President George Bush.
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