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.
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