MAYOR POUNDS NAMED PRESIDENT OF SC MAYORS ASSOC. See Page 10 Photo by Rachel Basye Vol.2 Issue 10 October 2024 To read digitally, visit ReadIslandVibes.com The conversation continues at IsleofPalmsPodcast.com CELEBRATING A YEAR'S WORTH OF POSITIVE VIBES SHELL-SHOCKED SEA TURTLE SEASON FINDINGS (Page 15) ANYBODY'S RACE COUNCIL SEATS HEAT UP AS ELECTION NEARS (Page 6) RESTAURANT TO THE RESCUE STAFF SAVE COUPLE IN SUBMERGED SUV (Page 3) OH MY GOURD PHASE 3 DRAINAGE PROJECT COMPLETE See Page 5 ADDING MORE HANDICAP BOARDWALKS See Page 8
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3 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS 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! Marina restaurant staff rescue couple from submerged SUV GPS leads tourists down boat ramp at night By L. C. Leach III I Continued on Page 7 t started with a sudden striking of water and ended with a harrowing life and death situation at Isle of Palms Marina. Around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, Islander 71 staff members Johnny Himmelsbach and Shannon Standhart were outside cleaning up and about to head home after a long weekend night. “And we heard this strange splash,” said Standhart, the restaurant’s bar manager. “We looked at each other as if something wasn’t quite right – and when we went to look, there was an SUV slowly submerging in the water.” In an instant, Himmelsbach jumped a fence, raced to the edge of the marina, jumped in water 11-13 feet deep and swam to the SUV – while Standhart simultaneously phoned 911 and ran to summon firefighters from IOP Fire Station 2 only a block away. When Himmelsbach reached the vehicle, he saw an elderly couple inside and water already up to the seats. “They were slightly in shock, but had the presence of mind to roll down the windows.” Bar assistant Cash Luther ran to assist Himmelsbach, noting that “it was kind of strange to see a car in the water,” as they both worked to pull the couple to safety. Johnny Himmelsbach Cash Luther Shannon Standhart
Editor’s Note urreal! That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think of all that we’ve accomplished in our first year of publishing Island Vibes. In honor of our one-year anniversary, let’s celebrate our first birthday by taking a stroll down the sandy memory lane and reflecting on the high tide that brought us here. Twelve months ago, this publication you’re actively reading was just a figment of our imagination. The notion of this newspaper was conceived in my publisher’s office when Bill uttered the word ‘vibes.’ This singular noun took on a life of its own and birthed something never before produced: a rare hybrid of a newspaper with the personality of a magazine. The vibrant array of colors against the bleach white newsprint is indicative of the energy we wish to give off. Like clockwork, phones rang off the hook with jubilation when word got around that Isle of Palms would be getting its very own newspaper. Residents called and pleaded with us to launch it overnight. When we realized the demand for such a news source, we knew this was the perfect ith the one-year anniversary of Island Vibes upon us, I began to reflect on my affection for Isle of Palms and when it started. At the time I was working for Rupert Murdoch and living in Houston. I did not like living in Texas nor working for a large company and was looking at alternative Southern locations to call home. I was a single parent raising my son Drew. With most of my family living in Florida, I figured we could live near or in Charleston. It was close enough to family, but just far enough away if you know what I mean. I had never been to Charleston, but when I was doing my research I noticed there were these small island communities just outside of the city. I vividly remember thinking, “How cool is that!” Not long after Drew and I left Texas, we set off to see what Charleston was all about. After arriving in the area we spent a few days in Charleston, then traveled over to Isle of Palms and instantly knew that would be our new home. The island was different back then; there was no IOP Connector 4 FROM THE CREW IslandVibesIOP.com W S Publisher’s Note but it was still a popular destination. As a father, I knew that Drew would be safe even when I wasn’t on the island since there was only one way on and off. That was then and this is October 2024, the first anniversary of Island Vibes. I want to say thanks to my many island friends who convinced me to start Island Vibes even though I previously said no numerous times before I said yes. I also want to thank the residents of Isle of Palms for enthusiastically telling us how much you appreciate our efforts and your community newspaper, Island Vibes. For me and everyone here on our team, there is no greater joy than to serve the Isle of Palms community through the digital and print pages of Island Vibes. Positively yours, Bill Macchio, Publisher Bringing vibes full-circle A year of good vibrations storm of opportunity. Since day one, our mission has never strayed: to be the pride of Isle of Palms today, tomorrow and always. Looking back on the past year, we can confidently say that we have achieved and surpassed this goal. However, we are not ones to rest on our laurels. The journey has only just begun. The first few months following its launch, we received great praise and greater expectations. Thus far, we have earned the trust and respect of the locals and the loyalty of our readers. Now, it’s our job to maintain it. We appreciate your unwavering faith, support and positive vibes. Here’s to our next horizon! Positively yours, Zach Giroux, Managing Editor Island Vibes Vol. 2, Issue 10, October 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 • WARREN DASHE 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 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 Bill and his eldest son Drew formerly lived on the Isle of Palms (circa early 1980s).
fter seven years of planning, surveying, long-term design and construction totaling $5.7 million, all work for Phase 3 of the city drainage projects on Isle of Palms has been completed. Phase 3, conducted by Thomas & Hutton engineering services in Mount Pleasant, included work at 30th, 36th and 41st avenue outfalls and encompassed a total service area of more than 351 acres for all three drainage basins. The intent was not only to improve water drainage in these areas, but to position the island to withstand flooding and sea level rises for years to come. A ribbon cutting on Sept. 3 celven our cover photo pumpkin is surprised that October has arrived. Time passes quickly on our beautiful island and this year’s entrance into fall proves no different. Setting up for this month’s cover photoshoot involved an impromptu pumpkin carving session with our art director Bethany Long. Her vision for October’s cover came to IslandVibesIOP.com 5 NEWS E A Drainage improvements better equip island for inevitable flooding By L. C. Leach III About the Cover Fall: the sweetest treat of all By Laura Fogarty Isle of Palms city staff and state officials celebrate the completion of the Phase 3 drainage project with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 3. fruition on an unseasonably cool and breezy morning that felt almost like, well, fall! Isle of Palms beachgoers near the Front Beach Pier who witnessed our photoshoot were full of questions about the surprised pumpkin in the surf. Photographer Rachel Basye not only kneeled down in the water to capture the perfect cover shot, but also answered questions from the many passersby who stopped to inquire about the whys and hows of the cover process. Most notable among the inquiries was, “Why a pumpkin in the ocean?” Long and Basye were quick to answer with patience and humor while giving a clear picture of the lighthearted and positive vibes we strive to create here at Island Vibes. Whether we are ready or not, beachgoers on IOP can look forward to excellent weather and fewer crowds during the upcoming autumn months. Let’s use this fall break from the tourist season to bask in the joy of all things positive on this isle of paradise that we are fortunate enough to call home. Happy fall, y’all! ebrated the Phase 3 completion: Current and former city council members were joined by SC Office of Resilience officials and staff, state representatives, project engineers, the city's grant writer and city staff. Mayor Phillip Pounds said the milestone will better equip the island to handle heavy rainfall and mitigate flooding risks. "During Tropical Storm Debby, it was really heartening to see limited standing water along these outfalls and within the community, even after experiencing around 10 inches of rain,” Pounds said. “The recent drainage improvements demonstrated awesome results. Ahead of the last storm, we moved our personnel as a precaution, but it turns out we didn't need to. This is a great testament to the success of this project." The completed improvements brought the drainage outfalls up to a modern-day standard for capacity, which is the 25-year storm event, according to Hillary Aton, project manager with Thomas & Hutton. Construction included the installation of inline check valves in each of the pipes at all three outfalls. These valves prevent tidal inundation or backflow, eliminating sunny-day flooding during extreme tide events and preserving storage/drainage capacity within the upstream system for rain events. All three outfalls discharge north to the Intracoastal Waterway to keep the water from coming back to the island. “Additionally, installed on the downstream end of each outfall are sluice gates,” Aton said. “The gates are manually operated and can be lowered to close off and isolate the system for maintenance and inspection purposes. These gates are intended to be in the fully open position during normal operation and any storm event.” Aton added that completion of Phase 3 carries an additional benefit: as an aid to city efforts to combat sea level rise. “The designs for the outfalls incorporated a level of resiliency by considering factors such as sea level rise and potential future improvements to the systems draining to the outfall. 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.” Moving forward, part of Phase 4 will focus on drainage improvements to Palm Boulevard, between 38th and 41st avenues. Thomas & Hutton is currently in the design phase for this location. And rather than improve an existing condition, Aton said this entire area will have to be reinforced from scratch. “This section of Palm Boulevard does not have any existing drainage infrastructure,” she said. “The proposed drainage improvements will provide much needed flooding relief during heavy rain events.”
special election for Isle of Palms City Council will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 5 to fill the remaining term of council member and top vote-getter Elizabeth Campsen who resigned in August. Residents Josh Hooser, Susan Hill Smith and Rusty Streetman have filed to run. Hooser is seeking his first term and the latter two are former council members. All three candidates responded to the following questionnaire. Candidate responses are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. CANDIDATE Q&A Question 1: What are the main reasons you are seeking election to city council? Josh Hooser: I believe in putting our residents first and will be a and I lead the Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew, which uses volunteer power to fight litter and pollution. Now, I’m serving on a Community Enrichment Task Force to help our city answer challenges and thrive. Rusty Streetman: Our council has accomplished many things, but there’s still much to do. Public safety is a chief concern. Resources to accommodate growing numbers of visitors is another. Public parking, increased enforcement of traffic violators, improved island access and water drainage, and traffic flow will all have to be solved. And because I am familiar with all of these issues from a previous council term, I want to be part of their solutions in order to keep Isle of Palms the kind of place many people like to come and enjoy. Question 2: What are priorities that you would want to focus on during your term? Josh Hooser: Our island thrives on a delicate balance between residential life, our vibrant business community and the recreational amenities that draw both locals and visitors. I will focus on bringing the city’s ATAX money back to the island, resolving short-term rental reform and scrutinizing every dollar spent to make sure that we invest wisely in projects that enhance the quality of life for all. I will stand up to protect the rights of property owners along the coastline and inland, ensuring that everyone on the island can enjoy their property without unnecessary government intrusion. Property rights are a cornerstone of our community, and I will always vote to defend them. Susan Hill Smith: Flooding resiliency – Based on a new Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan, Isle of Palms can expect 1 foot of sea level rise by 2050, putting 1,250 buildings at risk and impacting 12.5 miles of leader in uniting our residents in a positive direction moving forward. The decisions made in the coming months will significantly impact our island’s future, and I am committed to ensuring our city’s resources are managed wisely. I will not just react to challenges but anticipate them, ensuring that we remain a community where families, nature and local traditions flourish. I’m ready to lead with the vision and heart that our island deserves. Susan Hill Smith: I want to use my talents to strengthen our vibrant community as we face critical challenges. I served on city council from 2018-2021, and while I chose not to run for re-election during our youngest child’s last high school years, I intended to return. With my background in communications, I provide a solutions-based approach, a collaborative spirit and an eye on the future. I created the city’s Environmental Advisory Committee, 6 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS Three-way race in the homestretch to fill vacant council seat Q&A with candidates vying in November special election By L. C. Leach III A JOSH HOOSER IOP Resident: Full-time since 2018. Tenure: Seeking first term on council. Occupation: Lawyer. SUSAN HILL SMITH IOP Resident: Since 1994. Tenure: Seeking second term on council. Occupation: Recently left Blackbaud's brand marketing team to focus on community and environmental work. RUSTY STREETMAN IOP Resident: Since 1984. Tenure: Seeking second term on council. Occupation: Retired/Bi-Lo, VP store operations, Eastern Region.
Researching better parking solutions, especially on Palm Boulevard. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure everyone full access to all of our public accommodations and beaches. Beach and waterway maintenance and restoration. The stability of our beaches and cleanliness of our shoreline and waterways are what we are known for. Ongoing erosion issues in critical spots must be part of a well-designed plan to protect our beaches. Question 3: If elected, what changes/expansions would you strive to make in the community? Josh Hooser: I will vote with a deep focus on enhancing the quality of life for all residents. I will work to strengthen our Code of Ordinances to improve issues that impact daily life, such as traffic congestion, parking challenges, litter and noise. I will champion coastal resilience initiatives, including enhanced flood protection, dune restoration and sustainable practices that protect our beaches for future generations. As a member of city council, I will roadways. We need to fulfill all of the city’s remaining drainage project recommendations at a quicker pace for today and the future. Proactive beach preservation – As we resolve emergency erosion issues and prepare for a large-scale beach renourishment, we must also develop a clearer plan for future challenges and additional revenue streams to support it. Resolving traffic challenges – Gridlock on busy beach days is beyond inconvenient, it’s unsafe. A key solution is to add an extra traffic lane exiting the Isle of Palms Connector. Mount Pleasant must approve this adaptation to move forward. I can help get them on board. Livability issues – Concerns about short-term rentals cannot be forgotten. I will press for effective enforcement and possible expansion of ordinances while working with leading property managers to promote good neighbor policies. Rusty Streetman: We currently have many specific island concerns that include: Utilizing our Comprehensive Drainage Plan to more efficiently handle storm water issues. Our Phase 4 Drainage Plan will be crucial to achieving this goal. More efficient traffic flow. We are a residential island first, and improvements to elevate the multi-use Waterway Boulevard path is essential for the safety of everyone who walks, runs, jogs or bikes. always be mindful to listen to all residents regarding the impact of short-term rentals on the community. We must consider thoughtful and reasonable restrictions on shortterm rentals for single-family homes to balance the quality of life of our residents with our thriving business community. Susan Hill Smith: The city should add a staff position for someone with a STEM background to help advance flooding protection projects, beach preservation and conservation while securing related grant funding. Rusty Streetman: With all of the island’s current issues and others pending, effective collaboration between council members and between both members and all IOP residents might be the most important factor. I pledge to promote and improve civility and teamwork, and more involvement collaboratively with all residents of the island, including regular community meetings. Our residents are an unlimited source of great ideas, and we need to encourage more feedback and input from them. Through this approach, I believe we can make IOP an even better place for residents and visitors alike. All island residents eligible to vote are encouraged to cast their vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5. For more information, visit scvotes.gov. Marina restaurant rescue “And by the time we got them back to the dock, their vehicle had already sunk and all we could see was lights underwater,” Himmelsbach said. “I’m just glad no one was hurt.” An EMS unit arrived shortly thereafter to make sure the couple was ok. The rescued couple had been visiting IOP from the Chicago area. They drove their rented SUV off a boat ramp, not realizing where they were. "The driver stated that he was following GPS instructions and got confused,” said IOPPD Sgt. Matt Storen. “Once he realized the error, it was too late and the vehicle went into the water. When Charleston County dispatch received the 911 call, the first officer arrived at 10:29 p.m.” Islander 71 general manager Christopher Sollom not only praised the efforts of Himmelsbach, Standhart and Luther, but acknowledged the luck of the timing because “we had closed up for the night and could have just as easily been gone. Instead, we were all in the right place at the right time for a coordinated effort and I am so proud of all of them.” “Everything happened so fast – it felt like a movie,” Standhart said. “Johnny didn’t bat an eye – he acted on instinct, and it was all over in about 5 minutes. But this could have been a totally different outcome and we can’t stop thinking about that – angels on our side for sure.” 7 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS From Page 3 Provided by Mic Smith Photography.
or years, Isle of Palms beach access paths have lacked handicap ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) boardwalks. Last year, the first was completed at 34th Avenue along with two handicap parking spaces on Palm Boulevard. And more are on the way to be built. The other ADA access paths on the island are located on Front Beach, 21st Avenue and 9th Avenue. This fall, construction will begin on two more ADA complaint boardwalks. Installments will be done at 46th Avenue and 52nd Avenue. “We have been working to develop multiple access paths for the last seven or eight years,” explained Mayor Phillip Pounds. “Last year was the 34A which was done through a county grant. This year 8 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS ◊ Isle of Palms Resident Since 1984 ◊ Experienced Senior Business Executive Background ◊ Current and Former Board Member of Several Organizations and Charities ◊ Former Isle of Palms Councilmember and a Proven Community Leader ◊ Results Oriented ◊ Strategic Planner and Forward Thinking ◊ Strong Knowledge of Budgeting, Finance, Operational Planning, and Human Resources ◊ Excellent Listening Skills ◊ Collaborative Approach for the Good of our Island Paradise Rusty STREETMAN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR ALL ISLE OF PALMS CITY COUNCIL VOTE RUSTY STREETMAN NOVEMBER 5 Email rustystreetman@bellsouth.net or call (864) 414-0290 State grant to fund more handicap beach access paths, parking spaces By Maurice J. Frazier F will be 46th and 52nd avenues, which was greenlit through a state budget grant.” Pounds elaborated that even though they received the state grant of $500,000, which may seem like a lot of money, each ADA installment costs $250,000. This includes parking spaces and E-pay meters. They are also installing two foot bridges located at 26A and 36A; these will not be ADA compliant. “We are aiming for the two ADA boardwalks to be completed by the end of this year. The foot bridges are estimated to be completed by the first quarter of next year,” said Pounds. Projects on this scale take time to produce and execute. Most construction on the island occurs in September after the tourist season slows down. “We just received money from the state. State budget season starts in July. Then we had someone survey the property, gather the permits and have designs drawn,” said Pounds. “Things do move slow, but with this situation, it’s moving fast. We had to factor in parking spaces and sidewalks so we needed to decide which access path would be more beneficial.” Substantial planning and countless hours of discussion and negotiation precede a project of this magnitude. However, once completed, these bridges and boardwalks will enhance the beach access on IOP for all to enjoy. Photo by Rachel Basye, Cooper River Photography ADA-accessible boardwalk at 34th Avenue beach access.
IslandVibesIOP.com 9 Brandy McMahon, Realtor® 843.996.6377 bmcmahon@dunesproperties.com . . . Modern Beach House on Isle of Palms! 3002 Cameron Boulevard | 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2039 Ft2 | $2,300,000 Halloween tricks to ensure kids are treated safely Editor’s Note: The following public safety announcement pertains to Halloween safety and best trick-or-treat practices, provided by the Isle of Palms Police Department. OPINION PREPARATION Clear decorations and obstacles that could become hazards in the dark. Insist your child eat before trick-or-treating to reduce temptation to eat uninspected candy. Turn on interior and exterior lights. Appoint a “haunt patrol” from your neighborhood or citizens’ group. Establish a trick-or-treat route and a curfew in advance. Have a plan in case your child gets separated from the group. Remind children of safe places – friends’ homes, the Public Safety Building, fire stations or anywhere with crowds and lights. Review with children things real monsters might do or say to lure them: have cute pets, pretending to be hurt and needing help, using candy or saying Mommy and Daddy are sick or injured. COSTUMES Ensure costume length does not create a trip hazard. Try make-up instead of vision-obstructing masks. Use flame-retardant materials. Use bright colors, reflectors, glow sticks and flashlights. Fake weapons should appear obviously fake. TRICK OR TREAT No one should go alone. Younger kids should have a grown-up with them. Older kids should be in groups. Forbid entry into strange houses or cars. CANDY Remind children not to eat treats until they get home. Inspect all treats and discard any not wrapped or sealed. For emergencies call 911; for non-emergencies call 843-886-6522 and for Livability call 843-886-6262. For more public safety information, visit iop.net/police.
economy. Curriculum participants learn the basics of utility policy and administration, and the legal authority municipal utilities have to operate and serve new customers. • Public Safety Policy and Administration. This area focuses on responsibilities related to public safety, such as police, fire and municipal court policies and operations. Next year, Pounds will preside over quarterly board meetings as well as the annual meeting of the ASCM, determine a focus of the board, provide guest speakers for meetings and assist with organizational training. “My primary goal is to continue to provide a safe place for mayors to share experiences, build relationships and provide educational opportunities,” said Pounds, only the second IOP mayor elected as ASCM president since Mayor Dick Cronin (2009-2017). “The whole idea is for them to have a supportive structure to assist in their day-to-day roles.” But for the moment, Pounds admitted that, “It’s always nice to be elected and recognized by your peers.” 10 IslandVibesIOP.com I 1517 Palm Blvd., Suite A Isle of Palms, SC Open 7 Days a Week 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Tuesday: Steak Night Wednesday: Live Music Sunday: Lobster Night Weekly Events This family owned and operated venue is sure to please all. Enjoy your morning Macchiato with a fresh omelet or shrimp and grits from The Refuge’s Morning Tide menu. Follow up with us in our dining room, where we also serve fresh, local food for lunch and dinner. A night at The Refuge wouldn’t be complete without one of our signature cocktails concocted by our in-house mixologist. Planning a special event in Isle of Palms just got easier with our customized catering services available at The Refuge. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite for lunch or a memorable evening of dining, let us be your refuge. Pounds becomes second IOP mayor to be elected ASCM president By L. C. Leach III NEWS t didn’t take long for Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds to get noticed beyond the Lowcountry area. Despite being only in his third full year as mayor, Pounds was recently elected by his state peers as president of the Association of South Carolina Mayors (ASCM), an affiliate of the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) that represents the state's 271 incorporated cities and towns. Pounds has been involved with the Association of SC Mayors since his election as IOP mayor back in 2021, according to Casey Fields, MASC manager for municipal advocacy. “We are a voluntary membership – and our members attending the business meeting unanimously voted him in.” Pounds’ achievement and recognition came not just because he is a state mayor, but due to time spent learning how to be a better elected leader. For example, he graduated from the MASC Institute in February 2023 after completing an Advanced Institute curriculum program. All participants must complete four of the six courses, which include: • Advanced Advocacy and Intergovernmental Relations. Municipal elected officials must educate members of the General Assembly on how bills impact their cities and towns. • Advanced Budgeting and Finance. Topics focus on governmental accounting, annual audit, budget management and debt management. • Advanced Leadership and Governance. Participants learn how to develop a bold vision for their hometowns and how to develop sound public policy to carry out that vision. • Advanced Municipal Economic Development. This area concentrates on how to identify a municipality's unique assets, promote them, develop strategic partnerships and use available tools and incentives to encourage private sector investment and job creation. • Municipal Utility Policy and Administration. Most state municipalities own and operate utility systems that are critical to their community’s
on IOP passed your test with flying colors. It beat out every other city. Then, you committed. How long have you lived on IOP? We hear this question often. Some hy do you live on the Isle of Palms? There was likely something specific and deeply personal behind your decision. Most likely, you did not make this decision alone. Was it a feeling or a calling of sorts? Did the island’s beauty and flow capture you while visiting? Whatever your reasons, we are glad you are here. Congratulations to you. You are now united with the other homeowners from our 7-mile wide and 1-mile-deep stretch of island paradise. Living and owning a home on Isle of Palms is a choice. It is a dream for many. For instance, you could have chosen any other of the 19,405 cities in the U.S. or 71 cities in South Carolina. My guess is the number one reason you chose IOP was a perceived quality of life that outscored any other potential choices. You did your homework and quality of life survived Hurricane Hugo and the rebuild of the early 1990s. Some were born on IOP and never really left. I’ve heard answers ranging from 45 years to 45 days. So, what’s the point? Why all the questions? We all need reminders. Nearly all of us love “our island” and decided to live here because there was a unique fit to our way of life and future. The Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce recognizes your personal decision to call IOP “home” and welcomes residents to be part of our Associate Membership. This membership offers a collective opportunity to preserve, protect and serve Isle of Palms as residents and business owners. Our mission and vision are aligned with serving both residents and businesses to support our overall quality of life for all. The last IOP Chamber meeting of the year will be Oct. 22 at the IOP Exchange Club from noon to 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.” Our October speaker will be Rev. Rob Dewey from Lowcountry Community Chaplaincy. 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! Chamber Notes We love where we live for a variety of reasons By Rod Turnage President, IOP Chamber of Commerce BUSINESS IslandVibesIOP.com 11 Two Island Marina at Breach Inlet Boat Slips For Sale Matt DeAntonio | Carroll Realty, Inc. | 843.532.6288 W
When these opportunities present themselves, I would encourage you to raise your hand and participate. Also, I would encourage you to reach out to your elected officials and make sure your voice and opinions are made known. Thank you for helping to make us better. Remember to vote on Nov. 5 or during early voting depending on your schedule. CIVICS 12 IslandVibesIOP.com Cooper River Photography by rachel basye now booking fall beach photo sessions! www.cooperriverphotography.com Thank you for the opportunity to serve! See you around the island. Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP 843-252-5359 ppounds@iop.net hat does success look like? Personally, it may mean attaining goals like more exercise, weight loss, the number of books read or a new hobby. Corporately, it could mean more revenue or less expense or introducing new products or mergers and acquisitions. But if you think about our city, how would you define success? There are approximately 4,300 fulltime residents on our island, so I’m guessing there are about that many definitions of success for our city. Would it be: • Low taxes • Timely garbage pickup • Quality of life • Public Safety • Fiscal responsibility • Recreational opportunities • Thriving business community • Drainage/stormwater improvements Mayor’s Message Elections define our next steps of success By Phillip Pounds Mayor, Isle of Palms W • Environmental initiatives • Clean water • Transparency/communication with the community • Healthy beach Residents ultimately get to define what the definition is during every election. The definition of success can change over time as new information becomes available, situations change or public sentiment shifts. That’s why it is so important for a community to be engaged and participate in opportunities to let their voices be heard during open forum sessions or surveys or committee volunteer opportunities or interacting with elected officials. There have been numerous opportunities during the past three years to let your voice be heard in these spaces. I hope you have taken advantage of some or all of these.
CRIME GIVE HUGS NOT DRUGS Once again, drug offenses topped the leaderboard, clinching the gold medal with a whopping 28 incidents. Of those, 19 were for "simple possession" of marijuana — aka Mary Jane or the devil’s lettuce. We’re not saying there’s a green thumb movement emerging, but if you see suspicious amounts of pizza delivery trucks around town, you can probably guess why. SCIENCE BELONGS IN A LAB In more serious news, we had two folks caught with Schedule 1 narcotics. Four individuals decided to live out their fantasy of being amateur chemists, possibly channeling their inner “Bill Nye the Science Guy” with a meth lab twist. Two others chose to juggle fentanyl and one brave soul thought it was still 1985 and tried to take a joyride with some cocaine. A word to the wise: “nose candy” won’t win you any powdered donut contests, but it will win you a one-way ticket to next month's blotter. DUS IS FOR DUMMIES Coming in at second place this month: noise complaints, with 20 neighborly disputes. As usual, most of these were probably from people who didn’t get an invite to the party. Rounding out the top three was driving under suspension, with 17 thrilling incidents. Of those, 13 were for DUS first offense. We had three secondtimers who should know better by now and — drumroll, please — one individual reached the coveted DUS third offense. It’s unclear if they’re trying to win some kind of repeat offender loyalty program, but they’re definitely racking up points. CARS DON’T RUN ON BEER New to the lineup this month is everyone’s favorite: open container violations. These 17 poor souls forgot that cracking a cold one inside your car is, well, frowned upon. Don’t say we didn’t warn you, folks — no drinking on the beach or in your car unless you want a starring role behind bars and not the kind you drink at. DO THE MATH, NOT METH We also had nine cases of public disorderly conduct, with one individual upping the ante by adding "hindering and resisting" to their resume. Bonus points to the two open container violators who decided meth was the perfect sidekick to their road trip. Talk about a messy situation — they definitely "meth-ed up" this time. DON’T DUI IT And finally, our DUI numbers are down — only eight this month. Either people are learning, or they’re just getting sneakier. Seven of these were for first-time offenders, while one person decided a sequel was in order with a second offense. We’re still taking bets on whether this trend will hold through next month. SNORKELING FOR AN SUV Oh, and we had one special couple who thought a boat ramp was a connector over a waterway, taking their car for a swim. Luckily, their seat cushions doubled as flotation devices, and they were able to exit the vehicle safely. 13 IslandVibesIOP.com PLAY STUPID GAMES WIN STUPID PRIZES The following incidents were obtained from the Isle of Palms Police Department Media Log Reports. This is a parody of real criminal events that took place between August and September. The names of individuals and business locations have been omitted out of respect and privacy. POLICE BLOTTER isle of palms NOW OPEN! Harris Teeter Shopping Center 1517 Palm Blvd, Suite D Isle of Palms, SC 29451 justbeachyiop.com justbeachycarts.com Rentals & Sales! LSV Golf Carts E-Bikes & Bikes Electric Scooters Surfboards Boogie Boards Skateboards Helmets & Pads Coolers Beach Chairs Beach Tents Outdoor Speakers Pool Floats Toys & Games Clothing & Hats Sunglasses Sunscreen & More! ON-DEMAND CARE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH CALL OR TEXT (843) 242-7362 OR VISIT THEISLANDDR.COM | 103 PALM BLVD, SUITE DR. SCOTT SMITH EVERYONE IS WELCOME $50 FOR BRIEF VISITS | $95 FOR EXTENDED VISITS No Insurance Accepted, but no insurance necessary.
14 IslandVibesIOP.com COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS-DRIVEN • Served on City Council, 2018-21 • Created City’s Environmental Advisory Committee • Co-founded Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew • Honored with Spirit of the Island Award • Serving on Community Enrichment Task Force An islander for the past 30 years ElectSusanHillSmith.com 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! Ghouls and giggles Halloween Golf Cart Parade primed to be spooktacular By Maurice J. Frazier he weather is cooling down, days are getting shorter and fall is in the air. This also indicates that Halloween festivities are almost here. Do you have your costume picked out yet? Get ready for one of the more recent island traditions and unique ways to enjoy this spooky holiday -- the Isle of Palms Halloween Golf Cart Parade & Carnival -- slated for Oct. 26 from 4-6 p.m at the IOP recreation center. The event was first created in 2020, complete with a terrifying drive-thru haunted house, to give residents something fun to scream about during COVID: a time when people missed fellowship and social interaction the most. Halloween is now only weeks away and the rec center is excited for another year of creepy costumes and decked out carts. Last year, 56 golf carts participated in the parade. This year, they want everyone who has a golf cart to come out and partake in the ghoulish fanfare. The parade route begins on 27th Avenue and goes through the neighborhood and back to the rec center’s parking lot, explained recreation supervisor Kelsey Marsh. There is a drive-thru candy station and golf carts that can fit are allowed to drive through the haunted house. “It’s funny, a lot of residents are super creative with decorating their carts,” Marsh shared. Though no specific theme has been set yet this year for the haunted house, it will undoubtedly preoccupy your dreams thereafter. All golf cart entries must register through the recreation department to participate. Registration is open now up until a few days prior to the parade. Prizes will be awarded to the best three decorated carts in the parade. As far as rules go, no materials may be thrown from or to golf carts along the parade route and participants must stay in/on the cart at all times. No spraying water or the use of water balloons can be employed on spectators. Golf carts must remain in motion; stopping to talk with spectators is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any golf cart, or on the person of any participant. If participants consume alcohol prior to or during the parade, they will be removed from the lineup. Drivers of all vehicles in the parade area must possess a valid driver’s license, be at least 16 years old and retain all liability insurance. Pets may ride in the golf cart parade but must stay inside the cart, safely secured. For more information, visit iop.net/ recreation/special-events-holiday-activities/halloween-carnival. T Provided/IOP Recreation Center
IOP sea turtle season yields high hatch rate success SC Aquarium records high intake of turtle patients By Maurice J. Frazier COMMUNITY 15 IslandVibesIOP.com iving on the coast, sea turtles are one of the well-known reptiles we see throughout the year. For the Isle of Palms, it was a very good nesting season. Sea turtle season runs from May 1 to Oct. 31, which entails a blend of nesting and hatching. Nesting occurs at the beginning of the season, while, with some overlap, hatching happens during the backend of the season. Prior to May 1, mating takes place offshore before the females start heading to the islands to nest. Throughout the year, there were 56 loggerhead turtle nests laid, the third highest ever recorded on IOP, second only to 2019 and 2012. As of Sept. 21, all but the last nest, which was laid during Tropical Storm Debby, have hatched. “Because of erosion and sand projects in Wild Dunes and south of the pier, we had to relocate these nests to the middle of the island where the eggs would not be washed away or covered with trucked in or scraped up sand,” explained Mary Pringle, president of the IOP Turtle Team. Pringle noted that there were a total of 6,822 eggs laid and the hatch success rate was 86.4 percent. Stranding season, where a sea turtle comes onshore due to injury, sickness or debilitation, takes place all year long. These sea turtles are taken to the South Carolina Aquarium for treatment. As of Sept. 12, the SC Aquarium has admitted 33 sea turtles for recovery care. “This is one of the highest number of patients the Aquarium has ever admitted in a single year. We’ve been incredibly busy all year long caring for these patients, whose injuries have ranged from being hooked by fishermen to boat strikes and entanglement, some of which resulted in several turtles receiving flipper amputations,” explained Susan McLaughlin, SC Aquarium public relations coordinator. All sea turtle species are listed under the Endangered Species Act as either threatened or endangered. There are several species in the world, four of which occur in our waters and on our beaches: loggerhead, green, leatherback and Kemp’s ridley. Humans and sea turtles are most likely to cross paths on our beaches and it is important to keep this environment clean and healthy for both. The beachfront specifically is where adult females come to lay eggs for future generations. Residents and visitors are encouraged to be vigilant about light pollution, walking on the dunes and leaving trash on the beach. Do your part to ensure the sea turtles not only survive but thrive in their ecosystem. L Photo provided by the South Carolina Aquarium. Photo provided by SCDNR.
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he 6th Annual LOWVELO Ride, which raises critical funds supporting MUSC Hollings Cancer Center’s lifesaving cancer research and features different cycling routes all either beginning or ending at Isle of Palms, takes place Nov. 2. Riders choose one of five routes based on their desired distance: 10, 20, 23, 50 or 80 miles. There are many ways to participate, including a stationary ride and a virtual ride option. Each cyclist commits to fundraising at least a minimum amount based on their chosen distance. 18 IslandVibesIOP.com T WELCOME TO 700 OCEAN BOULEVARD. Choose luxury, convenience, and comfort when you look for a vacation rental at the beautiful Isle of Palms. If you’re excited to enjoy this gorgeous beach destination with your loved ones, you could stay at our oceanfront house at 700 Ocean Blvd. This spacious vacation home features six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and one half-bath that can easily accommodate up to 15 guests. The open floor concept allows a natural transition between the different living, dining, and cooking areas. You can enjoy an incredible view of the ocean straight from the window while spending your quality moments with loved ones. It has ample scope for get-togethers in the large living room and outdoor porch area. You can also relish some delicious BBQ on the outdoor grill. The house has its own private access to the beach, so you can walk to the beach on a boardwalk. 843-886-9600 | carrollrealtyinc.com Cycling for a cure LOWVELO ramps up to raise millions for local cancer research By Colin McCandless COMMUNITY The 23-, 50- and 80-mile routes travel across historic Charleston and over the Ravenel Bridge to Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms; the two longer routes continue out to Francis Marion National Forest and loop back to IOP. The 10- and 20-mile Island Rides start and end on IOP. LOWVELO23 had more riders (1,334), volunteers (305) and dollars raised (more than $650,000) than any ride in its history. The funds and rider participation both represented a 50 percent increase from 2022, according to Kristin Lee, Hollings Cancer Center (HCC) digital marketing/events communication specialist. “After five years, LOWVELO has cemented itself as one of the largest bike rides in the state and one of the largest benefiting cancer research,” said LOWVELO Manager Chris Winn. “We are hoping to recruit 2,000 participants this year and raise over $1 million for the research fund at MUSC Hollings. If we can get to that size, we would be the largest ride in the state, and to rally that many riders for cancer research would be a tremendous statement.” Winn explained that LOWVELO keeps rider-raised dollars local; funds are applied directly to advancing treatments and patient outcomes in Charleston and South Carolina, with the goal of finding cures and eradicating cancer. Over the first five LOWVELO rides, participants have raised over $2.3 million combined. LOWVELO supports an array of cancer research projects at HCC as well as fellowships and scholarships to help train the next generation of cancer researchers. One such project these funds helped establish is HCC’s CAR T-cell therapy research program, an immunotherapy approach now approved in the treatment of blood cancers, including lymphomas, some forms of leukemia and most recently, multiple myeloma. LOWVELO funds have also supported projects on novel antiplatelet therapy, diagnostic biomarkers for liver cancer detection and augmenting immune response in head and neck cancers. Winn said they are thrilled to be collaborating on LOWVELO with the City of Charleston, Town of Mount Pleasant, SCDOT, Charleston County, Berkeley County, Sullivan’s Island and their starting and finish line partner, the City of IOP. “This event rallies municipalities, citizens, sponsors, community groups, corporate teams and the tremendous staff of MUSC. Cancer has had an impact on everyone, and it has unified our city in its wake,” asserted Winn. To learn more about how to register for LOWVELO24 or contribute to the race, visit lowvelo.org. Photos Provided by MUSC Hollings Cancer Center
Mother Nature Island native nourishes the beach she calls home By Maurice J. Frazier aula McGuire is a person who loves life and lives it to the fullest. She also takes pride in giving back to the island that has given so much to her. A Sullivan’s Island native, McGuire prefers to spend more of her free time on Isle of Palms. As a member of the IOP Cleanup Crew, the Lowcountry’s health and beauty is her top priority and she is a firm believer that cleanliness is next to godliness. Her involvement with the IOP Cleanup Crew evolved from her early morning beach walks during which she picked up items such as the plastic straw wrappers from juice boxes and other plastics to discarded toys, abandoned towels and blankets. Since April, McGuire has collected, washed and distributed nearly 300 towels and 30 blankets to various charities serving people and animals, which has further enhanced her connection within the community. McGuire found herself regularly checking in on Wednesday mornings and the IOP Cleanup Crew eventually became part of her life. Now, they are part of her family. It’s important to McGuire to belong to a group dedicated to keeping the beaches pristine for residents, visitors and most importantly, marine life. “You only have to meet Paula once to know she is a beautiful soul committed to helping others and helping our planet,” shared Susan Hill Smith, co-founder of the IOP Cleanup Crew. She graduated from Moultrie High School before it became a middle school. McGuire moved away for a while, but returned to the area about six years ago to be closer to her family and to experience a quieter way of life than the Bay Area of California. She spent 20 years doing structural analysis and 19 IslandVibesIOP.com P LIFESTYLE actuarial work. She’s a healing arts practitioner, a licensed psychotherapist in South Carolina and California and an energy psychology practitioner and instructor. McGuire loves that she gets to help folks on their healing journey and provide tools for them to feel better about themselves and their lives. “Many of the people I worked with felt stifled and unfulfilled or cannot fully express themselves. Some have had childhood trauma or unhealthy relationships and want to explore how life could be better,” McGuire shared. Even though McGuire enjoys her career she also loves to relax and let her hair down. Her favorite hobby is walking on the beach every morning to watch the sunrise. She also enjoys yoga, reading and Qigong, a traditional Chinese practice that involves a combination of movement, breathing and meditation to improve health and well-being. One of McGuire’s most recent reads was “James” by Percival Everett, a powerful and moving novel. It is a re-imagining of Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” which prompted her to reread the original novel. McGuire loves to be surrounded by her family and friends. McGuire has no children or grandchildren, but has several nephews and a niece and has a few grandnephews and grandnieces as well. She can often be found at Acme Lowcountry Kitchen. “I love the Mount Pleasant Eggs Benedict: fried green tomatoes and poached eggs on an English muffin with Hollandaise sauce and, of course, a side of grits.” What makes living on the island so special is the full and rich life McGuire has experienced which includes family, community, work and beach walks. She is a person who wants herself and others to enjoy life and cherish being on this earth. Photos Provided. You only have to meet Paula once to know she is a beautiful soul committed to helping others and helping our planet."
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