FLOOD INSURANCE FOR ALL? See Page 9 SEA LEVEL RISE TOP OF MIND See Page 5 FIRE DEPARTMENT SEEKING TWO CHIEFS See Page 7 Photo by Rachel Basye Vol.2 Issue 9 September 2024 of LABOR TORRENTIAL RAINFALL TROPICAL STORM DEBBY IMPACT, AFTERMATH (Page 3) PLEASE DON'T FEED... WILDLIFE FEEDING BAN EXPLAINED (Page 6) ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?! CAROLINA & CLEMSON SCHEDULES (Page 28) To read digitally visit ReadIslandVibes.com The conversation continues at IsleofPalmsPodcast.com
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sle of Palms has weathered its share of hurricane and tropical force winds, water and property damage long before the first recorded storm in 1851, but luckily this time for Isle of Palms residents, Tropical Storm Debby came and went without much more than a lot of rainfall and some initial anxiety. Mayor Phillip Pounds declared a state of emergency on Aug. 5, in anticipation of a storm surge warning originally predicted between 2-4 feet. City hall closed for three days, garbage pickup was suspended until Aug. 12 and the Emergency Operations Center was activated. And while Debby left some homes damaged and caused flooding in places, much of the 14-15 inches of rain didn’t stay long, and it took almost no time for IOP to return to normal. “A tornado downed many trees on 25th Avenue, and we had minor damage to a few homes and cars,” Pounds Not that the worst couldn’t still happen at some point. But flood prevention and drainage phase efforts have been underway since 2017, and the city recently completed Phase 3 drainage at 30th, 36th and 41st avenues. “This time, we had few closed roads at the height of Debby, and a decent amount of standing water in many places,” Pounds said. “But our new drainage outfalls at 30th, 36th and 41st worked well.” So if Debby is any indication of the future, IOP might be strong enough to withstand a major storm if it ever hits. 3 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS HEATH HACKETT 843-708-4265 | ANDREW SMITH 803-513-5168 Charleston’s Premier Boat Dealership Specializing in your lifestyle on the water CHARLESTON BOAT MART 415 W. COLEMAN BLVD., MOUNT PLEASANT NEIGHBORING SHEM CREEK Albury Brothers Boats Gated Boat Storage Next To Shem Creek • Mobile Full Service And Management Programs Available SCAN TO LEARN MORE! Debby delivers torrential rainfall, tornado damage By L. C. Leach III I said. “But public works has continued to pick up debris, and all of our staff did a fantastic job before, during and now after the storm.” Isle of Palms sits only 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 geography and low elevation, Isle of Palms has remained remarkably resilient – and so far, has been spared the worst of major hurricane disasters. For example, in 1954, Hazel touched down at the South Carolina/North Carolina state line. In 1959, Gracie pushed into St. Helena Sound between Edisto Island and Hunting Island State Park. Then in 1989, Hugo landed on top of Sullivan’s Island. All three hurricanes were Category 4, inflicting catastrophic damage to homes, snapping and uprooting trees and downing power lines. Aside from Hugo, the last time a hurricane of any category made landfall on Isle of Palms was July 22, 1867 – more than a generation before the island started to become a coastal resort. All Photos Provided By Laura Fogarty
of! That’s the sound of a satisfying grunt after a job well done. I spent the long Labor Day weekend musing about my blue-collar adolescence. I wouldn’t change my backwoods childhood for the world because I learned some coming-of-age lessons and sage advice that I’ve carried with me from boyhood to manhood. Contrary to popular belief, I’m no stranger to physical labor. Ask anybody who knows me, except for my wife; her opinion is biased and based on whether the household chores are done. Which, in fact, they’re not. Sorry, honey. I promise I’ll take out the trash after these digressions. Growing up against the rural backdrop of the Green Mountains that swathe Vermont, it’s easy to get swallowed up in the daily grind of breaking your back to make a modest living. I watched my parents make that hard-earned dollar the not-so-easiest of ways. My old man was a carpenter and mama was a bartender. I always knew that I was destined to work with my hands, but I wanted that to look a tad bit different than my folks. So, I became a writer, which counts as a hands-on trade in my book. Here are my takeaways from the chapters that bind my upbringing: Always be the hardest working hen Hurricane Hugo slammed into the South Carolina coastline just after midnight on Sept. 21, the high tides were higher than normal and the moon’s orbit at that time combined to increase those tides and the storm surge even further. Some accounts say 12 feet, others say 20 feet. Whatever heights they did reach, they caused extensive damage all along our coast. At the time, Hugo was the strongest storm to strike the U.S. in 20 years and the costliest with losses exceeding $7 billion in damages. 4 FROM THE CREW IslandVibesIOP.com W O Publisher’s Note When Hugo made landfall, Mount Pleasant Magazine had a little publishing office for more than a decade where Walgreens is now on Highway 17 next to Staples. Since our office was on the same electrical grid as the old East Cooper Hospital location, we had electricity before most homes did. Within a short period of time our office had all the comforts of home. Anyone who knows me knows I always look for the silver lining. Hugo’s silver lining was not obvious at first. Although disasters like Hugo cause chaos, destruction and in some cases deaths, they also unite people in a common cause of recovery and healing. Immediately after Hugo, our publishing offices quickly became a gathering place for Hugo survivors. Our team, advertisers and readers started dropping in on a regular basis to tell their Hugo stories; where they were, the extent of damage to their homes and how they survived this monster storm. The harrowing experiences of people who came into the office pulled at our heartstrings and filled our eyes with tears. I knew this was a oncein-a-lifetime experience — well, hopefully just once. To read about one such Hugo experience written by an Isle of Palms resident, see Page 27. More articles about Hugo can be found at IslandVibesIOP.com. Positively yours, Bill Macchio, Publisher Storms have silver linings, too Editor’s Note Hard Work Pays Dividends person in the room. Like in sports, you may not always be able to outsmart your opponent, but you can muster the will to outwork them. The expression, “work smarter, not harder” holds true, but don’t let it turn into complacency or laziness. Show everyone the same respect and gratitude regardless of whether they are the CEO or janitor of your company. Your title or salary doesn’t make you a better human. Making an honest living, whether it's a lot or a little, and earning it in the dirt is what defines a person’s character. Like any other life skill, true grit can only be developed over time, never purchased or bought. Thanks to our island employees from all professions. Your sweat equity is what makes this island ebb and flow and such a paradise on which to live, work and play. Positively yours, Zach Giroux, Managing Editor Island Vibes Vol. 2, Issue 9, September 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 SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ANTHONY MACCHIO SOCIALMEDIA@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM DIGITAL DIRECTOR BRITTANY GEORGE BRITTANY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL BASYE CONTRIBUTORS SABEL ALVAREZ ARATA • RYAN BUCKHANNON • ROBBIE BERG LAURA FOGARTY • MAURICE FRAZIER BROOKE KAPING • GRACE KNEUPER L. C. LEACH III • COLIN MCCANDLESS JULIE NESTLER • PHILLIP POUNDS • SARAH ROSE • ROD TURNAGE • ANNE TOOLE 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
long with ongoing drainage improvements, beach nourishments and erosion control measures to keep Isle of Palms intact, city leaders have begun moving in earnest toward an island-wide Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan. The plan, currently in the developmental stage with full-service site design firm Seamon Whiteside of Mount Pleasant, is seen not only as a proactive way to handle recurring flooding issues, but to sustain the island from long-term potential threats of eventually sinking. “This plan is a foundational step in the city’s history,” said Ryne Phillips, professional engineer and senior team leader with Seamon Whiteside. “As the threat of rising sea levels continues to impact coastal communities around the world, it is crucial for the city to develop strategies to mitigate the risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of our community.” Phillips added that while current efforts have helped mitigate coastal flooding from king tides and minor abor Day is upon us. Labor Day not only marks the unofficial end of summer, but it is also a day to recognize and honor the contributions of the workers in our country and community. With that in mind, the Island Vibes crew set out to identify and pay tribute to some of the island employees that make our own little community work. Our September cover photo features a sampling of all walks of workers, all of whom either work, live or own a business on Isle of Palms – sometimes all three. Without further adieu, here they are: Adam Dukes, owner of GrandScapes Landscaping, combines experience IslandVibesIOP.com 5 NEWS L A Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan ‘A foundational step in city’s history’ By L. C. Leach III About the Cover Labor Day Special By Laura Fogarty Continued on Page 6 storm surges, a holistic, comprehensive outlook is necessary to identify potential impacts from sea level rise and combat them far before they become a major issue. “Currently, IOP city does not have anything that directly addresses sea level rise, or its impact on the community and environment,” Phillips said. “And with the threat of significant sea level rise on the horizon, this kind of plan is the best chance for the island to remain as it is without irrevocable change.” Consider, for example, New Orleans. When founded in 1718, New Orleans was 10-15 feet above sea level – comparable to the Isle of Palms now. By 1968, however, its elevation had dropped to 5 feet. A 2007 study by Tulane and Xavier universities suggested that its average elevation had decreased to only 1-2 feet above sea level. Now New Orleans is, on average, about 1-2 feet below sea level – and even lower in some areas. “So this plan for IOP will serve to outline vulnerabilities due to sea level rise and make recommendations for programs, projects and policies against current and future climate change,” Phillips said. “But before any work can be done, we first have to complete three tasks or stages.” • Information Gathering Part of this stage includes priorities of proposed projects, adaptation plan goals, recommendations for adaptation measures and public engagement. In July 2024, Seamon Whiteside launched a month-long survey to solicit input and concerns from all residents. “And we had more than 200 responses,” Phillips said. “We’re reviewing them now.” • Draft Plan Development This stage will incorporate cost estimates, physical infrastructure recommendations for buildings and roads and regulatory adaptation strategies to reduce future flood risks, especially for homeowners in low-lying island areas. “For example, a significant portion of the island is currently on septic, and many of these septic systems are in low-lying areas that will experience increasingly more frequent flooding should sea level rise continue as projected,” Phillips said. “Without such a document to explicitly identify these vulnerabilities, action could be delayed or completely ignored thereby promoting more risk to the community and environment.” • Final Development Presentation and Adoption. The final stage will involve mapping, cost estimates and funding strategies for completion of adopted measures and projects. “The plan is being developed through the collection and analysis of data, collaboration with experts and engagement with local stakeholders,” Phillips said. “Sea level rise adaptation plans are becoming a common practice for coastal communities across the U.S.,” Phillips said. “In South Carolina alone, similar efforts so far include: City of Beaufort, Beaufort County, Edisto Beach, Folly Beach, City of Charleston, Pawleys Island and Hilton Head Island.” And there are likely to be more in the coming decade. In a 2022 technical report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, researchers determined that through the year 2050, sea levels along the U.S. coastline are projected to rise 10-12 inches on average. This rise is expected to create a profound shift in the occurrence of and passion to create unique designs both residential and commercial. Chief Oliverius describes fireman Anthony Rodriguez: “He is versed in all aspects of our craft, is bilingual, an excellent cook and an amazing person! His work ethic is off the charts!” Russell Sires has been driving for UPS since 1998 and is perhaps best-known island-wide for “delivering packages and smiles.” Mayor Philip Pounds makes himself available to his island constituents and is easily accessible via phone or email. Pounds regularly participates in community events and actively listens to the citizens of IOP. Dr. Scott Smith offers personalized, unhurried, affordable medical care as a way of giving back to the island that has provided precious vacation memories for him and his family. Officer Amanda Postel is a victim’s advocate and emergency management and accreditation corporal. Chris Burrell has been an IOP resident for 12 years and has been enjoying the labors of building an island life with his wife Tamara and kids Jordan and Fin. Chris works for Trident Construction, and when not on the job, he can be found working on his house, yard and tan at the 28th Avenue beach access. Postmaster Felicia Roney ensures smooth and professional operations at the USPS, while mail carrier Joseph Bailem traverses the island delivering letters and packages on his daily route. Savanna Timmons-Griffith works for Dr. Jonathon Shong at Sandy Cove Veterinary Clinic. Timmons-Griffith joyfully relays, “We feel very honored to be accepted by the community and thrive on relationships with the residents here. We love meeting new faces and are always happy to lend a hand with the furry friends on the island!” She is joined in our photo by Nyla and Nimbus (who, admittedly, aren’t actually that hard working). Three-time James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Ken Vedrinski is the executive chef, owner and sommelier of Trattoria Lucca in downtown Charleston. Chef Vedrinski’s Coda del Pesce is an all-Italian seafood restaurant on Ocean Boulevard. A big thank you to Wild Dunes Resort for allowing us to shoot this cover on the Nest Rooftop outdoor space on the sixth floor of the Sweetgrass Inn. They made the Island Vibes team and all the hard-working people we photographed feel special and welcome. We could truly feel their Southern hospitality and desire to be part of the community.
6 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS Feeding IOP wildlife may soon carry a fine By L. C. Leach III e it raccoons, possums, aquatic fowl or other forms of natural wildlife, the IOP City Council is nearing passage of an island-wide ordinance banning all feeding of these animals. The initiative came from the IOP Police Department to boost both animal and human safety, prevent the spread of diseases associated with wildlife feeding and, most importantly, to keep the balance of boundaries between humans and wildlife. “Residents already call us about this issue,” said IOPPD Police Chief Kevin Cornett. “And it’s just as much to keep the animals safe as it is to keep people safe.” Council discussed and passed the ordinance on first reading July 23 by a vote of 7-2. While the wording is likely to change in places for clarity, if the measure passes on second reading, which is expected in August, violations from then on are punishable with fines up to $1,087 or up to 30 days in jail. “This is the first time we have attempted an ordinance like this,” said Sgt. Matt Storen, special services and public information officer with IOPPD. “And we did so because feeding wild animals can have many negative consequences to the animals and the surrounding environment.” For example, suppose squirrels and raccoons regularly visit your yard. Further suppose you see no harm in leaving out table scraps or other food for them to enjoy. What tends to happen, however, is the squirrels and raccoons start to become dependent on these scraps and stop foraging in their natural habitat. And animals that prey on them, such as the island’s growing coyote population, seek them out in neighborhoods and become a bigger problem for humans. “Predators, like coyotes, follow their prey wherever they go,” Storen said. “When that happens, they come further into more populated areas of the island where they might not have hunted in years past.” Other problems that come from feeding wildlife include: Disease. When animals gather in large numbers due to a steady food source, diseases harmful to humans, such as rabies and canine distemper, can spread more quickly at feeding sites. Other diseases include leptospirosis, a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected animals; hantavirus, which causes difficulty breathing; and Baylisascaris, an intestinal parasitic infection in raccoons also known as raccoon roundworm. Nutrition. Wild animals have specialized diets and can become malnourished or die if fed the wrong foods – similar to a home pet that develops obesity or heart disease from eating table food. Aggression. Wildlife animals that become accustomed to people can lose their fear of them. While this might sound positive on the surface, it can lead to animals becoming aggressive toward humans and even intrusive – such as Canada geese. These geese occupy urban areas because there is plenty of food and water, a low risk of predators and humans that tend to leave them alone except for throwing them bread crumbs and other food. The geese have not only lost their fear of humans, they are prone to attack if you invade their carved-out urban space. “People should remember that wild animals are adept at finding their own food,” said Billy Dukes, chief of wildlife with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. “Feeding wildlife, even inadvertently, causes animals to become habituated to human presence and lose their natural wariness around them, increasing the likelihood of a bite or scratch from an animal.” Other wildlife that would fall under the new wildlife feeding ban ordinance would include game and nongame species such as deer, coyotes and skunks. The ordinance was first presented at the IOP Public Safety meeting in mid-July, and came partly from resident concerns about neighbors intentionally feeding raccoons. “We started hearing earlier this year when the coyote situation was sort of out of hand and we were seeing a lot of encounters and coastal flooding, as much as 10 times more than now. Climate change is seen as a key factor. "The growth in climate impacts is far outpacing our efforts to adapt to them," said Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme in a 2022 speech at the 55th Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. “We need nations, cities, businesses, investors and every actor to turn this step into a sprint if we are to…help communities and nations adapt to climate impacts.” All of which makes the new IOP adaptation plan not only a good idea, but critical for trying to ensure that when maps are made 100 years from now, Isle of Palms is still on them and intact. “Once the results of the survey have been fully reviewed and processed, a draft for the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan will be delivered to the city this fall,” Phillips said. “The goal is to have the plan in place and adopted before the end of 2024.” From Page 5 B sightings,” said City Administrator Desirée Fragoso. Councilmen Blair Hahn and Jimmy Ward, however, cautioned against carrying this kind of measure too far. Hahn said that bird feeders should be excluded, and also questioned whether the new ordinance was necessary since the city already has a nuisance measure in place. “If anybody creates a danger to public health, peace, safety, morals or decency, they are supposed to be noticed to stop,” Hahn said. “They can be fined up to $500 or put in jail for 30 days.” Ward agreed, adding that any ordinance implemented to address this issue should “deal with nuisances.” Cornett pointed out that as written, the nuisance ordinance does not have enough teeth to enforce, as the simple feeding of raccoons and waterfowl does not constitute a public nuisance. “I think when you have something that is a little more well-defined, it’s easier to defend in court when you make that charge,” Cornett added. “But I think we want to add language that says this does not apply to feeding normal birds.”
7 IslandVibesIOP.com Longtime firefighter set to retire Department seeks 2-chief system By Maurice J. Frazier hief Richard Hathaway has announced his retirement from the Isle of Palms Fire Department. His last day with the department will be Oct. 14. His dedication, support and contribution will not only be hard to replace but truly missed. Hathaway first started out as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 14. “It’s something I had always wanted to do. I had family members who were firefighters, and I wanted to just follow along,” shared Hathaway, who has served as a firefighter for 36 years. Hathaway’s career began at the North Charleston Fire Department in 1998. Then he went to work with the City of Isle of Palms in 2001 right after 9/11. “I had friends who worked for IOP Fire Department, and they persuaded me to come over,” explained Hathaway of the decision. “I was very interested in the type of calls IOP Fire Department were receiving. I enjoyed working for NCFD and learned a lot from them. It was just a new opportunity.” Despite experiencing countless dangerous, life-threatening experiences throughout his career, the memories that stand out most clearly in Hathaway’s mind and heart are those of the time spent with his fellow fighters: the camaraderie, teamwork and family they all became. “It makes this job honestly so much different than most careers. The closeness you have with the people who you work with is unmatched,” Hathaway said. When asked about retirement, and what the next chapter may hold, Hathaway didn’t have any immediate plans, and he is okay with that. “A real bittersweet kind of decision to make. I have hobbies. Spending more time with family,” Hathaway said. “I’m originally from Kansas. At some point, I want to get back. I would like to go back to school.” As one chapter closes, others are beginning for new firefighters. Hathaway’s advice to new firefighter hires? “Do your research. Make sure that you’re mentally and physically prepared to do the kind of work this job requires. Keep a positive attitude. Listen more than you speak in the beginning. Invest in this career and it will invest in you.” As Hathaway winds down the final weeks of his 36-year career, his heart is full. “I love that I’ve had this opportunity. I would like to express my deepest gratitude,” he stated. “It’s been a tremendous career for me. I couldn’t have asked for anything different. I truly fulfilled my dream. There’s a lot of people who go to work every day miserable, and that’s just not the case for me. I’ve been so blessed. Thank you to everyone over the years who had invested in me. They believed in me. I’m grateful to the City of Isle of Palms. To my firehouse brothers and sisters, thank you for everything. We have the best people working here. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.” IOPFD requests restructure to 2 fire chiefs Hathaway’s retirement does leave a slight deficit within the department though. Recently, Fire Chief Craig Oliverius submitted a proposal to IOP City Council to restructure the fire department and establish a two-deputy chief system. This type of system isn’t uncommon and is often used in other cities. Presently, IOP Fire Department operates under a model with a single deputy chief who oversees operations and administration. “We are increasing our capabilities with our paramedic program, marine rescue and firefighting program. Being surrounded by water, we have a big need which requires more attention,” Hathaway explained. Under the new proposal, the IOP Fire Department will have a deputy chief of operations and a deputy chief of special operations. This change involves reclassifying the current role of deputy chief of operations/administration to deputy chief of operations and the position of battalion chief of training to deputy chief of special operations. The deputy chief of operations would supervise the following functions: • Emergency fire operations • Emergency rescue operations (land-based) • Emergency hazardous materials operations • Non-emergent daily operations The deputy chief of special operations would oversee: • Marine firefighting operations • Water rescue operations • Special rescue operations • Emergency medical operations • Emergency management (ICS) Benefits of the proposed structure include: • Enhanced efficiency and focus • Specialized leadership • Improved oversight and accountability • Support for new and future programs The two-deputy proposal is still circulating within different committees at IOP City Council. After that, it will go to the full council for a vote. C Isle of Palms Fire Department Chief Richard Hathaway (left center) is joined by his squadron and Fire Chief Craig Oliverius (right center) to celebrate his upcoming retirement in October after 36 years of service. NEWS Photo by Rachel Bayse, Cooper River Photography
8 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS 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. Invites ISLAND SOCIAL You! LET’S CELEBRATE OUR ISLE OF PALMS COMMUNITY BEACH RETREAT 3407 PALM BLVD SEPT 11, 2024 5-8PM arely seven months after taking the oath of office for IOP City Council, Elizabeth Campsen abruptly resigned on Aug. 9. Campsen’s departure came on the heels of a family opportunity which will force her and her husband Richard to permanently move out of the island’s district in 2025. “This move was certainly nothing we planned,” Campsen said in a resignation letter to city hall officials. “However, when an offmarket possibility presented itself, Richard and I knew it was an opportunity we had to take.” While she could have remained on council through 2024, Campsen chose to step down now to “align the municipal election for the seat I hold with the upcoming general election.” “I hope this timing will drive good turnout for the previously unscheduled municipal election,” Campsen said. Mayor Phillip Pounds verified with Charleston County election staff that a special election in November is the most likely course to fill out Campsen’s term, which runs through early January 2028. “I was sorry to receive Elizabeth’s resignation,” Pounds said. “She has been a valuable member of this community for years. I’m sure residents are disappointed to have just voted her in and will now have to make another vote.” Campsen, a certified paralegal, was one of two first-time candidates elected to the IOP City Council in November 2023. In an eightcandidate race for four seats with high voter turnout, Campsen polled 1,346 votes – more than any other candidate. One of Campsen’s platforms focused on a long-simmering referendum question regarding the city’s short-term rental license policies. Prior to her election, Campsen spent the majority of her career with a law firm in a Charleston real estate practice group. Campsen was appointed a member of the IOP Board of Zoning appeals in 2016, and ascended to its chair in 2021. During her long tenure on the board, she became familiar with zoning ordinances, commercial encroachment, parking and traffic congestion, litter and other related issues that eventually led to a firsttime entry and election to council. Since Campsen took her seat on the council in January 2024, she was involved in many council decisions, including those regarding an ongoing noise ordinance, improvements to Palm Boulevard, private resident construction of erosion control devices, a new city parking plan management system, the annual IOP city budget and most recently, an ordinance to ban feeding island wildlife. “I hope the contributions I have made over the years as a resident, Board of Zoning Appeals member and councilmember have had an impact,” Campsen said. “I have enjoyed serving the city and working with each of you. I have always enjoyed engaging in the process and always tried to do my best.” Candidates wishing to run to fill Campsen’s vacancy have only a short time to make the November ballot. Former council members Rusty Streetman and Susan Hill Smith have publicly announced that they will be entering the race. Until then, the council will have a missing vote and seat. Top vote-getter Campsen resigns from IOP Council Streetman and Smith enter race By L. C. Leach III B
loods can happen anywhere — even in areas with low-to-moderate flood risk. Flooding and cyclone events (e.g., hurricanes) are the most common and costly disasters in the United States, causing billions of dollars in damage each year. Coverage is crucial because: • 99 percent of U.S. counties have experienced a flood since 1998, and over 40 percent of flood insurance claims come from outside high-risk flood areas. • Just 1 inch of water can cause roughly $25,000 of damage to your property. • Most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage—only flood insurance can financially protect your building and contents from a flood event. • Unexpected flood events — such as ponding or sewer backup—can happen in communities far from waterways due to new land use or IslandVibesIOP.com 9 Located Near Top-Rated Schools in 29464!* *Buyer to verify; does not guarantee availability. Belle Hall Elementary School Laing Middle School Lucy Garrett Beckham High School Layne Kipp, Realtor® 803.586.9553 lkipp@dunesproperties.com Bethany White, Realtor® 540.333.0360 bwhite@dunesproperties.com Contact Us Today to Schedule a Private Showing! 104 Summers Creek Court, Mt. Pleasant | 3 Beds, 3 Baths, 1899 Ft2 | Listed for $525,000 Everyone needs flood insurance Provided by FEMA OPINION F community development. Disaster Assistance In the event of a presidential disaster declaration, you may be able to receive federal disaster assistance. Most of this aid comes from low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that must be repaid with interest or as grants from FEMA. Having your own flood insurance policy may provide significantly more funds for recovery than federal disaster assistance. Between 2016 and 2022, the average FEMA disaster assistance grant award was $3,000. In the same period, the NFIP paid an average claim amount of more than $66,000. In some cases, policyholders may be eligible to couple their flood insurance claims with federal disaster assistance. It’s important to know that not all flood events receive a presidentially declared disaster designation. How to Buy Be sure to purchase flood insurance as early as possible to prepare for emergencies, as there is typically a 30-day waiting period between the purchase of a policy and when it becomes effective. Your homeowners or renters insurance agent should be able to sell you a flood insurance policy. Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent Use the following questions as a guide when discussing flood insurance with your agent: • What is my property’s flood risk? • Is flood insurance mandatory for my property? • Will my mortgage lender require flood insurance? • What flood damage will and won’t be covered by my homeowners insurance policy? • What is the difference between a private flood insurance policy and an NFIP flood insurance policy? • Does my community participate in the NFIP’s Community Rating System (CRS)? • Learn more about CRS. • How much coverage should I purchase for my building and contents? • When will my policy become effective? • What is the term or length of my policy, and how do I pay for or renew it? • Will my policy provide coverage based on Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV)? • How are the two different? For additional assistance, chat live with a specialist from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday-Friday, email FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov or call 877-336-2627. Photo provided by resident after Hurricane Debby
he turn of the summer visitor season and back to school was certainly eventful as we experienced our first named storm of the year. Tropical Storm Debby certainly impacted many residents and businesses but as usual, we saw a unified community eager to help Chamber Notes Tropical storm shows fabric of island community By Rod Turnage President, IOP Chamber of Commerce BUSINESS 10 IslandVibesIOP.com T Cooper River Photography by rachel basye now booking fall beach photo sessions! www.cooperriverphotography.com one another. This was demonstrated through business-to-business outreach, the DeepWater Church providing clean-up efforts to Isle of Palms Baptist Church, neighbors helping neighbors and a 24/7 emergency response from the city, fire, police and emergency response teams. The Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce would like to say “thank you” for your collaborative and exhaustive efforts. Storms have a way of showing the fabric of the island. We often toss aside our differences and extend a helping hand. They can show that all of us truly care about the well-being of our neighbors and community and reveal to us the importance of a unified community in real-time. Storms highlight the significance of city leadership, the safety of our citizens and just how lucky we all are to call Isle of Palms “home.” We often see a collaborative effort to live in harmony one day at a time. Over the last few months, the chamber has been acutely focused on collaboration and has experienced that true collaboration requires listening while putting our personal differences aside. We have been proactively organizing meetings with smaller teams from “all sides.” This approach allows for open communication and the submission of difficult questions without bias. It has allowed the participants to lift the siloed approach and discuss the facts. As a result, we have found we all have one common goal: protecting and preserving the quality of life on Isle of Palms. Most of us want to effectively address the issues of a growing metro and live out the reasons we chose Isle of Palms as “home.” From a business perspective, we are learning that net profits will be down in 2024 versus 2023 for most of our island businesses. Some key indicators are found in the year-todate short-term rental data: Average Daily Rate decreased 2.5 percent at $604/night in 2024 versus $620/ night in 2023; Paid Occupancy is down two percentage points year-todate at 38 percent in 2024 versus 40 percent in 2023. Additionally, some food and beverage businesses have shared how increased expenses will likely hurt their collective end of year results. The next IOP Chamber meeting will be Sept. 24 at the IOP Exchange Club from noon-1 p.m. Attendance is open to all, free of charge and membership is not required. We will hear from member speaker Mayor Phillip Pounds as we continue collaborating with the city on behalf of residents and the business community. 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!
sending updated messages direct to your mobile device. To get started text “hello” to 877–607–6IOP (467) or visit iop.net. Next Coffee with the Mayor: Friday, Sept. 27, 9-10 a.m. at the Isle of Palms Marina. Thank you for the opportunity to serve! See you around the island. Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP 843-252-5359 ppounds@iop.net hope you had a great summer – now on to one of my favorite seasons on our island – fall! I have written in past messages about community and what that can mean or feel like. I came across an article recently that captured beach living well. It is from The New York Mayor’s Message There’s no place like the beach or IOP for that matter By Phillip Pounds Mayor, Isle of Palms CIVICS I IslandVibesIOP.com 11 Two Island Marina at Breach Inlet Boat Slips For Sale Matt DeAntonio | Carroll Realty, Inc. | 843.532.6288 Times, The Morning on June 24. The article, written by Melissa Kirsch, is titled “Consider the Beach.” Here is an excerpt from that article: The beach for me these days is participatory performance art. I love to see people unfurl their beach selves under the sun’s spotlight. To see how they’re adorning themselves, the music they’re blasting, the way they stake their territory, their peculiar rituals and accessories. I like the community aspect of it all: Your music is, for better or worse, my music, for you are my neighbor for one brief day and this is our pop-up neighborhood. I like to eavesdrop on people’s conversations and observe how they discipline their children and, if they seem interesting, offer them some of my chips. We’re all in this together, I think, in my dopey sun-drunk stupor. Today, we live here, not in our houses or apartments with their climate control and Wi-Fi and roofs, but here, outside, exposed to the elements and the gulls and the gaze of others. Today, we agree, life really and truly is a beach, or at least this beach, and here we are, living that life as extravagantly as we can manage. We get to live here and visit the beach all the time! What a great community we get to call home. There are many ways to enjoy the beauty of our island and all it has to offer including venues to meet new neighbors or renew acquaintances. We have several great events coming this fall that I encourage you to take part in and feel the sense of community our city offers. Updated and additional information can be found at iop.net and you can receive updates by signing up for Sunnie – the city’s AI platform for
CRIME MORE WEED THAN SEAWEED Out of 47 drug possession incidents reported, the vast majority were for marijuana — a plant that’s apparently more prevalent now than the sea oats on the dunes, but possession of either can land you in jail. A couple people decided to spice things up with cocaine, and one even went for the hard-hitting combo of Fentanyl and meth because apparently, some folks believe that the Isle of Palms is holding open auditions for the next season of “Narcos.” Spoiler alert: the reallife consequences are much less glamorous. MOST-WANTED IS NOT A POPULARITY CONTEST Oh, and let’s not forget the individual who was not only in possession of marijuana, but also a wanted subject. Guess the fragrant aroma of the devil’s lettuce wasn’t the best way to stay under the radar — especially when you’re already on a most-wanted list. Pro tip: If you’re trying to lay low, maybe stay downwind of those who don’t appreciate the smell of your herbal essence! A TRIFECTA WITH A HEFTY PENALTY This month saw quite a few individuals multitasking with drugs and driving under suspension, some on their third offense. In fact, we had 31 cases of DUS, making it the blotter’s silver medalist. And in a truly “all-in” move, one individual managed to hit the trifecta: DUI, DUS and possession of marijuana — all first offenses. TINTED AND DIMWITTED A couple of our pothead pals also thought that having illegally-tinted car windows would be a great idea. Note to self: Don’t give the cops a reason to pull you over. So make sure your tag lights are lit, your brake lights are working and you have a pair of headlights. DUI IS NOT A TROPICAL DESTINATION We had only eight DUI incidents this month — a number that’s down significantly from earlier this year. If this trend continues, it may impede efforts for the coveted bronze award. And since the year is wrapping up with the holidays fastly approaching, we can surely expect these numbers to spike, so be smart and be safe. Folks are discovering that if you have a drink on the Isle of Palms and get stopped, you will win an all-expenses-paid trip to the county jail. 12 IslandVibesIOP.com By Detective Dusty Dunes SUMMER SHENANIGANS HAVE CONSEQUENCES 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 July and August. The names of individuals and business locations have been omitted out of respect and privacy. The takeaway for this month is simple: The tourists may be gone, but the shenanigans are here to stay. Until next time, stay safe and maybe consider sticking to legal hobbies. Welcome to September’s police blotter, where the summer tourists may have packed up and left, but the local excitement is still in full swing. It seems the beach might be quieter, but the troublemakers didn’t get the memo that the season’s winding down. 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! Whether you are buying or selling Winslow is your island specialist! Winslow Carroll Carroll Realty Inc 843-886-9600 LOOKING FOR YOUR DREAM HOME? 7 Driftwood Lane Under Contract $5,500,000 4 Sea Shell Lane Sold $2,000,000 4 - 53rd Avenue Sold $2,000,000
ack in the days when Elvis the Skinny was king, there lived on the Isle of Palms a couple of big time New York gangsters. The gangsters’ sojourn on the Isle of Palms is a tantalizing tale of fact and hearsay sprinkled with the obligatory lineup of colorful outlaw nicknames. The facts of the story are as follows: In April of 1955 one Thomas Francis “Duke” Connelly Jr. was the getaway driver in a $205,000 robbery of the Woodside branch of the Chase Manhattan bank in Queens, New York. Since robbing a bank is a federal offense even in New York, Duke Connelly made it onto the FBI’s most wanted list, peaking out at No. 13. So Duke, his wife and their two small children hightailed it out of New York and showed up on the Isle of Palms in early May. No one is quite certain why Connelly chose the South Carolina Lowcountry as his hideout, but rumor has it that he had purchased his first pair of Weejuns with the bank loot and developed a sudden and uncontrollable urge to dance the Carolina shag. Connelly rented a beach house using the alias “Mr. Kelly” and, as a reference, he gave the name of “Izzy” Sabel, a Charleston nightclub owner famous for his Manischewitz popsicles. Connelly was soon joined by an old friend of his, a truly nefarious character named Elmer Francis “Trigger” Burke. As his nickname implies, Burke was a professional hit man – who was wanted in New York for bumping off one Edward “Poochy” Walsh. Burke was also wanted for questioning in both New York and Massachusetts for his possible involvement in six other murders, especially the disappearance of Redmond Cribbins, the suspected mastermind behind the Queens bank robbery. For the next few months Burke and Connelly did all the usual touristy things like fishing, swimming and boating. The boys were never suspected of any wrongdoing although several South Carolina bridge inspectors disappeared under rather mysterious circumstances. But then that’s a fairly common occurrence. Burke and Connelly made numerous trips into Charleston and were regular customers at the YMCA Health Club where they mingled with some of the city’s influential and prominent citizens. They also frequented Issy Sabel’s club on Market Street and mentioned to Sabel that they were interested in getting some new clothes – the best in town. So Sabel hooked them up with Henry Berlin who togged them out in his finest attire. When it came time to fit the shoes, Trigger Burke told Berlin what size he wore; whereupon Berlin, outspoken fellow that he was, told Burke that he was crazy and that he needed a much larger shoe size. Some months later, when Berlin related the story to an FBI agent, the agent told Berlin that Burke had been known to make people disappear with far less provocation. Speaking of people disappearing, it is at this point that the story turns primarily hearsay. On June 27, after hastily moving out of their beach house, Duke Connelly and his wife simply vanished. No one ever saw either one of them again – dead or alive. About a month later their two children were found abandoned, one in Wilmington, Delaware, and the other in Baltimore, Maryland. The official rumor was Burke murdered Connelly and his wife for Connelly’s $90,000 share of the bank heist. There was also a story going around that Connelly buried the money somewhere on the Isle of Palms or one of the islands accessible by the Intracoastal Waterway and then dropped out of sight. However, no trace of the money was ever found and a great deal of Isle of Palms real estate has been dug up by people searching for Connelly’s loot. And regardless of what became of the money, the statute of limitations on the warrant for Connelly’s arrest ran out almost 24 years ago. Theoretically, he would have no reason to stay in hiding, but he has not resurfaced, no body has been found and Burke stayed quiet as death about his friend. Trigger Burke was arrested by FBI agents on Folly Beach in August of 1955. Burke’s extradition hearing was presided over by Judge Ashton H. Williams who said he recognized the killer as soon as he walked into court because the judge’s Isle of Palms home was just a few doors down from the Connellys. Burke was returned to New York to stand trial for murder and to this day Henry Berlin laments the fact that throughout the extradition hearing no one ever mentioned how nice Trigger looked in his fine new suit from Berlin’s menswear. Burke was executed at Sing Sing prison on Jan. 8, 1958. If he knew anything about the disappearance of the Connellys or their money, he went to his grave with the knowledge. Even as he strode to the electric chair and was asked if he wanted to make a final statement, he simply said “no.” CRIME 13 IslandVibesIOP.com Image by freepik Aerial view of Isle of Palms in the 1950s. Gangsters who called IOP home Archives B Photo Provided Editor's Note: This article first appeared in Isle of Palms Magazine.
14 IslandVibesIOP.com COMMUNITY OF VACATION RENTALS THE GOLD STANDARD ISLE OF PALMS, SC IOPESCAPES.COM 843.456.46O6 POINT • SCAN SUBSCRIBE IOP WE Keep a piece of Isle of Palms with you no matter where you live. We will mail you POSITIVE VIBES anywhere in the U.S. T Local donors create firefighter fund to aid IOPFD needs Provided he Isle of Palms LENS Foundation recognized a host of local individuals, couples and businesses whose generous contributions have launched the Firefighter Founders program. This new initiative is tailored to meet the Isle of Palms Fire Department's specific needs, directly supporting the priorities outlined by the fire chief. Chief Craig Oliverius is a steadfast advocate for his team, emphasizing the importance of not just managing salaries, benefits and training, but also enhancing recruitment and retention efforts. He recently shared a statement highlighting the significant role of the Firefighter Founders program: "The Isle of Palms Fire and Rescue is privileged to serve a community that's both vibrant and supportive. The LENS Foundation Isle of Palms, through the Firefighter Founders program, has become a pivotal element in enhancing the lives of our firefighters,” Oliverius said. “This program is proactive, adaptable and effective, not only in supporting our safety personnel but also in advancing our community outreach initiatives. It addresses crucial needs, providing essential support where it's most needed — ranging from mental health initiatives through MUSC to scholarship opportunities and hardship support. The collaboration between our department and the LENS Foundation has been incredibly beneficial, profoundly impacting our firefighters and their families." For additional information on how you can join the Firefighter Founders or participate in upcoming public safety programs like National Night Out and the Public Safety Open House, please visit lensiop.org/firefighterfounders. We welcome your involvement in our efforts to support our first responders and enhance community safety. Fire Marshal Sean Harshaw also expressed profound gratitude for this support, noting the emotional and practical benefits it brings to the department and inviting all community members to engage with the LENSsponsored autumn safety programs. The LENS Foundation and IOPFD extend a heartfelt thank you to the inaugural Firefighter Founders: ◆ Jim and Linda Thompson ◆ Jean Blackwell and Kim Williams ◆ Ted and Anne Kinghorn ◆ Joanna and Stewart Brown ◆ Stuart Bascomb ◆ Mike and Clair Powers ◆ Dudley and Glenda Spangler ◆ Brooke and Dimi Matouchev ◆ Gary and Kim Chesson ◆ Paige and Rob Hauff ◆ Dave and Trudi Rohr ◆ Kathryn Magruder ◆ Karen and Charles McCoy ◆ Beth and Murray Small ◆ Sandy and Peggy Stone ◆ Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce ◆ SkyRun Charleston property management ◆ Jenn Grabenstetter ◆ Pete and Michele Page ◆ Phillip and Laurie Pound ◆ Jarrett and Brett Kraeling ◆ Patricia Buddemeyer ◆ Maryanne and Alec Chalmers ◆ Ginn and Brad Maiers ◆ Diane Tausig ◆ Kathy Shook ◆ Myron and Melly Tucker ◆ Stems & Skins ◆ Bernie and Shawn Drackwicz ◆ MacIntyre Brothers ◆ Tony and Whitney Jones ◆ Betsy Reidenbach ◆ Dave and Barb Janssen
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