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Volume 22 • Issue 18

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September 18, 2026

2026 is a Banner Year for Sea Turtles BY JANE MAGIONCALDA | For The Island Connection

outh Carolina has experienced an exceptional number of sea turtle nests this year. The numbers seem to indicate that this will be the third-highest loggerhead nesting total ever recorded. The season continues into October, so the numbers are preliminary, but Seabrook Island’s current totals agree with that statement. As of this writing, Seabrook has 78 nests, the third-highest number since the Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol (SITP) began in 1990. Loggerhead sea turtles take about 30 years to reach sexual maturity, so that means that some of the turtles that are nesting now may be the direct beneficiaries of the hard conservation work of SITP and other turtle patrols along the Coast. The loggerhead sea turtle is the official state reptile of the State of South Carolina and is officially listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Federal Endangered Species Act. There is still much work to be done to help sea turtles since they are facing myriad risks. We experienced some of these risks firsthand this year. Coyotes are one of the primary predators of newly laid nests on Seabrook. This year, 19 of the

78 nests were harmed by coyotes on the night they were laid. Some nests were only partially harmed, and SITP was able to salvage some viable eggs from a number of nests that were relocated and eventually successfully hatched. Loss of habitat and beach erosion is another severe risk for the nests. This year, nine nests were adversely impacted by the king tides. Some nests were washed over by the tide on a few evenings, and others were relocated because the dune in which they were laid was fully eroded. Lights shining on the beach from beach-facing homes and facilities are also a challenge. Turtle hatchlings emerge from the nest and normally head toward light reflecting off the ocean. When buildings are lit overnight, the hatchlings can become disoriented and head back toward the buildings. This happened a number of times this year. The Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) was alerted, and they agreed to contact applicable homeowners to remind them that “Lights Out for Sea Turtles” is an important part of Seabrook’s conservation program. Similarly, the Seabrook Island Club agreed to correct their

lighting timers to lower beach-facing lights after their facilities close. SITP will continue to monitor the situation. Our sea turtles depend on everyone to help protect them. Avoid single-use plastics and practice safe fishing and boating habits. Keep trash out of the ocean and don’t release balloons into the air. During nesting season (May through October), keep the beaches dark – turn off exterior lights and close blinds and drapes facing the ocean and avoid using flashlights or cell phone lights on the sand at night. Leave no trash, equipment, fishing gear or holes on the beach. Stay off the dunes and away from any marked sea turtle nests. If you see a nesting sea turtle or hatchling, keep your distance and notify SITP at 843-310-4280. Let’s continue the work to protect sea turtles so future generations can experience the joy of seeing these magnificent creatures. SITP is licensed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources under SCDNR MTP#543 and is supported by SIPOA, the Town of Seabrook and public donations. More information can be found on the website: siturtlepatrol.com.

Seabrook Prepares for Sand Scraping BY THERESA STRATFORD | For The Island Connection

he long-awaited sand-scraping project will begin in October on Seabrook Island, after about three years of planning. The sand-scraping project will relocate sand from an area of the beach with an abundant sand supply to an area with a diminished sand supply. About 150,000 cubic yards of sand will be moved from the intertidal beach in the area in front of Boardwalk 1 to the area between Boardwalks 7 and 9. Many residents have noticed the erosion at the end of Boardwalk 9 and the recently closed Boardwalk 7. This project will rebuild the dry sand beach in these areas and in front of the seawall. The sand scraping permit requires that this work be completed between October 1 and December 31 to avoid impacts to beach habitat. Beginning in October 2026, sand will be collected from the intertidal beach in front of Boardwalk 1 and hauled by truck along the beach to be placed in front of Boardwalk 9. Enough

sand will be relocated to create a 100-foot-wide dry sand beach in front of Boardwalk 9. At the August 25 Seabrook Island Town Council meeting, Council Member Darryl May, who is chair of the Public Safety Committee, announced that there would be some rules during the pendency of the project. One of the changes will be to the speed limit. May said that the Public Safety Committee is recommending 20 mph during the day and 25 mph at night. He said they are also recommending that the beach be closed from sunset to sunrise each night during the project. Beach fires would also be prohibited while the project is ongoing, along with dogs off-leash on the beach during that time. Seabrook Island Town Council will talk more about this project and how rules may change at the September Town Council meeting. SIPOA began planning for this project in 2023.

Page 2 • LuckyDogNews.com • September 18, 2026

Mike Burkhold: Candidate for State Comptroller to visit Kiawah PUBLISHERS OF: The Island Eye News The Island Connection SiP Magazine Christian Senger Assistant Publisher Theresa Stratford Editor tmmart89@gmail.com Stacey Nichols Graphic Designer Advertising advertising@mylonews.com Lynn Pierotti Consultant lynn@luckydognews.com Contributors Jane Magioncalda Theresa Stratford Lily Addicott Morgan Farah Reese Thompson Future submission deadline: September 23 for the October 2 issue PUBLISHED BY Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482 843-886-NEWS For more information, check out LuckyDogNews.com Want to share this paper with a friend? Digital flipbooks of each print issue can be found at LuckyDogNews.com.

For The Island Connection

ike Burkhold spent 15 years making sure other people’s money added up. Now he wants to do the same for South Carolina. Burkhold is a candidate for South Carolina Comptroller General. He is a lifelong South Carolinian, raised in Chapin and a graduate of the College of Charleston. He and his wife have been married for 30 years, raised two children and live on Sullivan’s Island. In 2009, he started a healthcare company called Equiscript from his living room. The work was exact and unglamorous: tracking millions of healthcare transactions and making sure every one of them was accounted for. The company grew from nothing to millions in revenue. It made the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies for five years running, ranked among South Carolina’s 25 fastest-growing companies two years in a row, and was named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina for three years straight. Burkhold stepped back from running the company in June and now serves on its board. Then he looked at the state’s books. In 2023, South Carolina had to restate them by $3.5 billion. A Senate subcommittee investigated and placed responsibility for preparing the state’s annual financial report on the Comptroller General’s office. The error traced back to how the state’s accounting systems were mapped to each other when it switched software, and Burkhold said that is exactly the kind of problem he spent his career solving. “That was an IT mapping problem, not a mystery,”

he said. “I built a company on getting that mapping right. The office that was supposed to be keeping the count wasn’t, and the system was built so that no one paid a price for it.” Most voters have never heard of the office, and Burkhold said that is the office’s fault, not theirs. The Comptroller General keeps the state’s books, approves each bill before the Treasurer pays it, and reports back to taxpayers on how their money was handled. The Comptroller does not approve the budget, set tax rates, or manage a program. Where the state has gone light, Burkhold argues, is on the third job: telling people where the money went. He grants that the state already puts a good deal of spending data online. The trouble is that it is scattered across agencies and websites, and no single place adds it up. According to Burkhold, “You can find pieces of it if you know where to look. Nobody should have to know where to look; following your tax dollars should be as simple as possible.” His plan starts there. An Online Taxpayer Checkbook would put the state’s spending in one place where anyone can read it, with no public records request required. He will examine what the state spends the way a business owner examines his own books, by a plain standard of legality, necessity and impact, and when a dollar fails that standard, he will stop it and show the public why. He has been showing his work already. Since early summer, Burkhold has published a weekly column called “The Man Who Counts” at count.

burkhold.net. Each piece takes one public document, an audit, a budget proviso, a state financial report and walks through what it says in plain language, with a page number the reader can check. Recent pieces have traced $3.4 billion in unspent money that legislature lets agencies carry from year to year, and state job-creation grants where the only proof of jobs was the company’s own word. When asked why he is running for this office, Burkhold responded, “I’m a businessman who spent my career making numbers honest. I want to help make South Carolina the most wellrun state in America. To do that we have to first understand our finances.” Burkhold will be on Kiawah Island on Oct. 1. If you would like to meet him, please email Desiree Watson at: desireewatson@me.com.

Town of Kiawah Island

Town of Seabrook Island

Board of Zoning Appeals Tuesday, September 22, 1 p.m. Kiawah Island Town Hall

Town Council Tuesday, September 22, 2:30 p.m. Seabrook Island Town Hall

K iawah Island Town H all 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Kiawah Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9166

Arts & Cultural Events Council Thursday, October 1, 2 p.m. Kiawah Island Town Hall

Environment & Wildlife Committee Thursday, October 8, 10 a.m. Seabrook Island Town Hall

Seabrook Island Town H all 2001 Seabrook Island Road Seabrook Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9121 info@townofseabrookisland.org

Op-eds and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lucky Dog Publishing or its staff.

Arts Council Board Monday, October 5, 9 a.m. Kiawah Island Town Hall

Planning Commission Wednesday, October 14, 1:30 p.m. Seabrook Island Town Hall

Johns Island Council Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, S.C. 29455 Chairman Christina Gammons White

Old Island Eye, Island Connection Issues Available

Ways & Means Committee Tuesday, October 6, 10 a.m. Kiawah Island Town Hall

Public Safety Committee Tuesday, October 20, 10 a.m. Seabrook Island Town Hall

Charleston County Council 4045 Bridge View Drive North Charleston, S.C. 29405 843-958-4700

Town Council Monday, October 6, 1 p.m. Kiawah Island Town Hall

City of Charleston 75 Calhoun St. Charleston, S.C. 29401 843-724-3745

Page 3 • LuckyDogNews.com • September 18, 2026

Charleston Symphony Appoints Philip Smith as Inaugural Trumpet Laureate For The Island Connection

he Charleston Symphony Orchestra (CSO) proudly announces internationally acclaimed trumpeter Philip Smith as the orchestra’s inaugural Trumpet Laureate, an innovative artistic appointment and unprecedented honor in the Symphony’s history. Widely regarded as one of the greatest orchestral trumpet players of his generation, Smith brings a remarkable legacy spanning nearly five decades of performance, teaching and artistic leadership. He served for 36 years with the New York Philharmonic, being appointed co-principal trumpet by Zubin Mehta, and then principal trumpet, The Paula Levin Chair. “Creating the position of trumpet laureate for Phil reflects not only his unparalleled artistry, but also the impact he has already had on our musicians, audiences and community,” said Michael Smith, CEO of the Charleston Symphony. “This appointment underscores our continued commitment to artistic excellence.” Smith’s relationship with the Charleston Symphony has deepened in recent seasons, appearing regularly as a guest musician and through collaborations with the CSO brass section. In 2025, he joined the orchestra for its Carnegie Hall debut concert, further reinforcing his connection to the organization during a major milestone for the orchestra. In 2018, he also reprised the New York Philharmonic’s acclaimed Holiday Brass

program, conducting and hosting the Charleston Symphony Brass and special guest, Doc Severinsen. “Phil Smith represents the very highest standard of orchestral brass playing,” said Artistic Director Yuriy Bekker. “What makes him especially remarkable is the combination of extraordinary artistry, humility and generosity. Having him continue this relationship with the Charleston Symphony is deeply meaningful for our orchestra.” As trumpet laureate, Smith will serve as an artistic ambassador for the Charleston Symphony while performing with the orchestra for the 2026-2027 season. He will also join CSO Principal Trumpet Antonio Martí, performing Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Trumpets on the season’s opening weekend: September 25 and 26 at the Charleston Gaillard Center. During his celebrated career, Smith performed under many of the world’s most renowned conductors, including Mehta, Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Masur, Lorin Maazel and Alan Gilbert. He appeared as soloist in numerous world premieres and major concerto performances with the New York Philharmonic and orchestras around the globe. A graduate of The Juilliard School, Smith began his professional career when Sir Georg Solti appointed him to the Chicago Symphony

Orchestra while he was still a student. He later earned international recognition not only as a performer, but also as a teacher, conductor, clinician and recording artist. In 2005 he was made an Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Music, in 2006 he was given the International Trumpet Guild Honorary Award and in 2022 was awarded the Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation from the American Bandmasters Association. Smith was appointed as the William F. and Pamela P. Prokasy Professor in the Arts at the University of Georgia Hugh Hodgson School of Music in 2014, retiring in 2025 as Professor Emeritus. For more information, please visit charlestonsymphony.org

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Page 4 • LuckyDogNews.com • September 18, 2026

Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy Presents: Our Vital Natural Habitats on October 19 For The Island Connection

he Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy (SIGSC) invites you to an engaging evening of storytelling and advocacy for coastal resilience, highlighting how we can safeguard the marshes that protect our shores. Join Captain Chris Crolley and Dr. Blake Scott as they present three collaborative initiatives dedicated to the preservation of these vital natural habitats: the Bird Island Research Department (B.I.R.D.), the Coastal Expeditions Foundation and the M.A.R.S.H. Project. Date: Monday, Oct. 19 Time: Registration and light refreshments at 6:30 p.m., program starts at 7 p.m. Location: Seabrook Island Lake House To register, visit sigsc.net/events. Along the South Carolina coast, a series of islands and marshlands – including Crab Bank, Marsh Island, Deveaux Bank, Bird Key-Stono and Tomkins Island – provide essential habitats for nesting and migratory birds. However, these critical sites are currently threatened by overdevelopment, habitat loss and rising sea levels. To address these pressing issues, we are honored to welcome two distinguished experts in the field. Captain Chris Crolley, the founder, owner and CEO of Coastal Expeditions, has been a leading figure in ecotourism and outdoor guiding in the South Carolina Lowcountry since 1992. With over 30 years of experience exploring, guiding and advocating for the protection of our coastline and marshlands, he brings invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our region.

Joining him is Dr. Blake Scott, a historian, published author and expert storyteller who serves as an associate professor at the College of Charleston. His research delves into cultural and ecological links connecting the U.S. with the Caribbean and Latin America. He is also the co-founder of the M.A.R.S.H. Project. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will illuminate the importance of preserving these unique ecosystems and the collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the challenges we face. The Bird Island Research Department (B.I.R.D.), in collaboration with the College of Charleston, plays a crucial role in this effort, focusing on the study and preservation of the bird island habitats and marshlands in the Carolina Lowcountry. This interdisciplinary initiative combines the expertise of professors, students, field biologists, scientists and artists, merging storytelling with existing research to create a comprehensive understanding of these ecosystems. The Coastal Expeditions Foundation champions sea turtle conservation, environmental education and hands-on stewardship throughout the Lowcountry. Their mission is to preserve the natural beauty of the region by promoting habitat conservation, ensuring public access to nature and providing immersive educational experiences. The Marsh Appreciation and Restoration Society for Happiness Project (M.A.R.S.H.) is a grassroots initiative focused on restoring and preserving local marshlands in the Southeast. Through volunteer efforts, M.A.R.S.H. aims to ecologically revitalize neighborhoods by cleaning up debris, planting native species, engaging in citizen science monitoring and fostering community outreach and education. With the support of local officials and community members, these organizations are working to design an ecological corridor that spans the Carolina Lowcountry – from Awendaw to downtown Charleston and Seabrook/Kiawah. Their grassroots efforts seek to unite communities and restore fragmented habitats through vibrant native plantings, increased tree canopy, revitalized tidal creeks and bird island habitats. The goal is to create a sustainable Lowcountry where both people and wildlife can thrive together, setting a model for ecological restoration that can be emulated by communities across the country. We invite you to join us on Monday, Oct. 19, for this engaging presentation as Captain Chris Crolley and Dr. Blake Scott share their insights and experiences related to the conservation of South Carolina’s vital marshlands and coastal ecosystems. For more information about SIGSC and to reserve your spot, visit sigsc.net/events.

Page 5 • LuckyDogNews.com • September 18, 2026

BBQ, Bluegrass & Bourbon Credit: Photo by Samantha Jean Becker

Cars & Coffee Credit: Photo by Ruta Smith

Movie On The Green Credit: Photo by Abby Murphy

Freshfields Village Welcomes Back Fall Favorites with Two Brand-New Events For The Island Connection

reshfields Village, the premier open-air shopping and dining destination just 30 minutes from downtown Charleston, is welcoming fall with the return of seasonal favorites and two brand-new events designed to bring the community together. Throughout September and October, guests can stroll The Village during the Fall Art Walk, catch the final Cars & Coffee gathering of the season, and settle in for a fall Movie on The Green, alongside the debut of Lowcountry Smoke & Shuck and Fall Fiesta: Tacos, Tequila & Tunes. From local art and classic cars to an afternoon celebrating Lowcountry food traditions, tacos and live music and an outdoor showing of Coco, Freshfields Village’s fall programming offers plenty of reasons to spend a day or weekend at the crossroads of Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. The lineup of free, family-friendly events gives Charleston-area residents and visitors even more ways to gather outdoors and enjoy the season at The Village. “Fall is one of the best times to gather outside in the Lowcountry, and we’re excited to introduce two new events that give our community even more reasons to come together,” said Mary Katherine Phillips, senior director of Investments at EDENS. Whether guests join us for local food and live music or settle onto The Green for a movie night, we want Freshfields Village to be a place where people can spend time together and enjoy the season.” FALL 2026 EVENTS INCLUDE: Cars and Coffee Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Thinking of Selling?

The final Cars & Coffee event of the 2026 season will bring a variety of unique, antique and specialty vehicles to The Village Green for guests to explore. Visitors can connect with fellow car enthusiasts while enjoying coffee and breakfast available for purchase from Java Java. The popular monthly series, held on the third Saturday of each month from February through September, will return in 2027. Fall Art Walk Friday, Oct. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. Freshfields Village’s Fall Art Walk invites residents and visitors to spend an evening exploring art throughout The Village. Guests can watch live art demonstrations, discover works from local and visiting artists inside participating retail shops, and enjoy live music while strolling through Freshfields Village. Lowcountry Smoke & Shuck Saturday, Oct. 10 from 3 to 6 p.m. Freshfields Village and Garden & Gun will bring together Lowcountry flavors, live music and an afternoon outdoors for the inaugural Lowcountry Smoke & Shuck. The event will feature an oyster roast and shrimp boil by CudaCo. Seafood House, a whole-hog roast from The Peculiar Pig and smoked chicken with classic sides from Fork Grove Barbecue. Charleston country singer-songwriter Lauren Hall will perform live on The Village Green, while FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen will offer seasonal cocktails, wine, beer and nonalcoholic options at bars throughout the event.

Registration is free, with food and beverages available for purchase by cash or credit. Guests traveling from outside the area can also take advantage of a preferred room rate at Andell Inn, located at Freshfields Village. Fall Fiesta: Tacos, Tequila & Tunes Friday, Oct. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. Freshfields Village and the Town of Kiawah Island will debut Fall Fiesta: Tacos, Tequila & Tunes, a new Friday evening celebration featuring live music, tacos and cocktails on The Village Green. Guests can enjoy food for purchase from the Papá Grande food truck and the Freshfields Village restaurant Cantina 76, along with featured cocktails from FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen. The Will Thompson Band will provide live music throughout the evening, setting the soundtrack for an easygoing fall night outdoors. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and make themselves comfortable on The Green throughout the evening. Movie on The Green: Coco Saturday, Oct. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. The fall weekend continues Saturday evening with Movie on The Green. Guests can return with chairs and blankets for an outdoor showing of Disney and Pixar’s Coco under the stars. Taking place the evening after Fall Fiesta, Movie on The Green allows locals and visitors to turn the two events into a full fall weekend at Freshfields Village. Guests can spend Saturday exploring The Village’s shops and restaurants before settling onto The Green for the movie that evening.

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Page 6 • LuckyDogNews.com • September 18, 2026

AROUND THE ISLANDS MULTIPLE DAYS WHAT: Cheers Charleston Restaurant Week WHERE: Various WHEN: Sept. 10-22 MORE INFO: Hall Management Group’s internal restaurant week will return. Each participating restaurant will offer a limited-time, three-course prix fixe menu, giving guests an opportunity to experience the signature style of each Hall Management Group concept. Full menus, pricing and reservations are available through each restaurant. Participating restaurants include: Halls Chophouse Charleston, Halls Chophouse Nexton, High Cotton, Slightly North of Broad, and Rita’s Seaside Grille. WHAT: Vintage Market Days of Charleston WHERE: Charleston Area Convention Center WHEN: Sept. 18 - 20 MORE INFO: Three days of shopping, vintage finds, handmade goods, boutique clothing, furniture, food and more. With more than 100 vendors, shoppers can discover everything from true vintage and vintage-inspired pieces to handmade items, unique home décor, boutique and vintage clothing, specialty foods and one-of-a-kind treasures. Tickets can be purchased at events.humanitix. com/vintage-market-days-r-charleston-team-vintage. WHAT: 42nd annual MOJA Arts Festival WHERE: Various WHEN: Sept. 24 – Oct. 1 MORE INFO: The 42nd annual MOJA Arts Festival will run Sept. 24 through Oct. 1 at locations across Charleston, featuring local and national performers. This is the first year the festival has been planned by MOJA Arts, a newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to stabilize and grow the event long term. The festival has been shortened from 11 days to eight this year and will introduce a new tradition: honoring the cultural legacies of four West African and Caribbean nations. The 2026 festival will spotlight Barbados, Gullah Geechee, Jamaica and Sierra Leone. Visti mojafestival.com for more info. WHAT: Fleece+ Friday WHERE: Beachwalker Center WHEN: Every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. MORE INFO: Join the Kiawah Cares Made with Love program to create handmade crafts for children, seniors, Veterans, teachers, new moms and neighbors in need. All skill levels are welcome to make no-sew fleece blankets, craft greeting cards, sew fabric totes, knit/crochet scarves and more. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 WHAT: Cars & Coffee WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. MORE INFO: Arrive in your favorite ride or stop by the Village Green to browse unique, antique and other cool cars. Coffee and breakfast will be available for purchase at Java Java. WHAT: 2026 Charleston Beach Olympics

Our community calendar keeps you updated on local events. From festivals to workshops to family-friendly gatherings. Stay connected and never miss out on the excitement.

WHERE: Folly Beach County Park WHEN: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. MORE INFO: Come get your game on with 99 fellow Olympians with an opportunity to claim the gold and win prizes. All for a great cause! Your ticket will get you a spot in the games, swag bag w/ headband, & sponsor provided gifts along w/ a free drink & pizza at the official after party! Learn more at charlestonbeacholympics.com. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 WHAT: James Taylor & His All-Star Band WHERE: Credit One Stadium, 161 Seven Farms Dr., Daniel Island WHEN: 7 p.m. MORE INFO: Legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor & His All-Star Band are returning to the Charleston area on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, with a performance at Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 WHAT: Dolphin Walks with Lauren Rust WHERE: Kiawah Beachwalker Park WHEN: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. MORE INFO: Enjoy a 3 mile walk and talk to see and hear strand feeding dolphins with dolphin biologist, Lauren Rust. Registration is required. WHAT: 8th Annual Braggin’ Rights Bash WHERE: Halls Signature Events, 5 Faber St WHEN: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. MORE INFO: Hall Management Group announced the return of its eighth annual Braggin’ Rights Bash, setting sail with a Yacht Rock. Chefs and mixologists from all 10 Hall Management Group concepts will go head-to-head, competing to see who will receive the most guest votes and leave the night with 2026 “bragging rights.” Proceeds from this year’s event and silent auction will benefit the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center. The Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center’s mission is to lead and coordinate a child-focused, communitywide response to prevent abuse, protect children and heal families. For more information, visit hallssignatureevents.com. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 WHAT: Jazz Night at Porch Bar WHERE: Andell Inn, 300 Farm Lake View Rd., Kiawah Island WHEN: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. MORE INFO: Stop by the Porch Bar at the Andell Inn every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for a Jazz Night featuring a local group. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 WHAT: LinkU Invitational WHERE: Credit One Stadium, 161 Seven Farms Dr., Daniel Island WHEN: 1 p.m.

MORE INFO: The College of Charleston men’s and women’s basketball teams will play exhibition matches in the 2026 LinkU Invitational, a first-of-its-kind outdoor college basketball doubleheader at Credit One Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 27. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 WHAT: Cast Off Fishing Tournament WHERE: Folly Beach Pier WHEN: 6 a.m. MORE INFO: No pre-registration is required. On-site registration for tournaments begins the morning of the event. Parking fees are an additional charge at the Folly Pier. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 WHAT: Dolphin Walks with Lauren Rust WHERE: Kiawah Beachwalker Park WHEN: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. MORE INFO: Enjoy a 3 mile walk and talk to see and hear strand feeding dolphins with dolphin biologist, Lauren Rust. Registration is required. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 WHAT: Lowcountry Smoke & Shuck WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. MORE INFO: Garden & Gun returns to Freshfields Village for a celebration of the flavors and traditions of the Lowcountry. The open-to-the-public gathering on the Village Green features food and drinks available throughout the afternoon from some of the region’s favorite culinary talents, including an oyster roast and steamed shrimp, whole hog roast from The Peculiar Pig, and smoked chicken with classic sides from Fork Grove Barbecue. Bring a chair and stay for seasonal cocktails and a live country performance by Lauren Hall. Make it a day by exploring Freshfields Village and its array of retail offerings. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 WHAT: Film Showing WHERE: Seafields, Kiawah Island WHEN: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. MORE INFO: Enjoy a screening of “Prince of Tides.” There is no cost to attend and no tickets are required, but seating is first come first serve FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 WHAT: Fall Fiesta - Tacos, Tequila & Tunes WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. MORE INFO: Spice up your fall at Fall Fiesta: Tacos, Tequila & Tunes! Join Freshfields Village and the Town of Kiawah for an evening of live music by the Will Thompson Band, flavorful bites from Papá Grande and Cantina 76, and featured cocktails from FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen.

Page 8 • LuckyDogNews.com • September 18, 2026

The Captain Sam Spit Saga BY ROM REDDY | For The Island Connection

e have all heard the expression “putting lipstick on a pig.” The Captain Sam Spit litigation saga that will cost SC taxpayers $32 million is what that expression was created for. The $32 million taxpayer-funded settlement does not include 17 years of legal fees expended by the Department of Environmental Services and the AG’s office with no oversight and does not include an additional $4 million paid by taxpayers in the town of Kiawah. The Attorney General and the legislators rush to present it as “good for everyone”. Presumably that includes us taxpayers. I am not sure if we would agree. Let’s start at the beginning. The Kiawah Island developers originally acquired roughly 10,000 acres in Kiawah Island in 1988 for approximately $105 million. The “spit” was a 170-acre parcel acquired as part of this overall acquisition in 1988. A crude ratio of acreage (170 out of 10,000) would value the original purchase price of the spit at less than $2 million. Maybe the spit was a special parcel and was worth twice the average. That optimistic assumption would still put the original value of the spit at $3.5 to $4 million tops. I am trying to be nice! If the state felt strongly about the spit needing to be “protected” land, they could have negotiated a conservation easement with the developer or even bought the land as part of an overall development plan. This would have cost the state little to nothing. The state did nothing at the time. In 2008 when the developer applied for per-

For Sale $420,000

mits to develop the split, the permit requested a bulkhead revetment (retaining wall) as part of the permit. This started a back-and-forth series of lawsuits between the state, the far-left Coastal Conservation League and the developers. Millions of dollars of taxpayer money and effort were spent over a 17-year period (including 5 SC Supreme Court rulings) arguing about permits for revetments and the government’s rights on private land. Each time the state prevailed on winning a small permit battle, they did not realize they were losing the bigger war on private property rights. It seems the Attorney General at that time (lawyer in name only McMaster) and his successor and current AG Alan Wilson could not figure out that government cannot take over private land and mandate what goes on without buying that land. It is part of the SC and US constitutions. The AG’s office or the Governor could have intervened with the useless bureaucrats at the Department of Environmental Services at any time during the 17-year litigation, ended this madness and negotiated a sensible deal. Yet, with no oversight from the AG or Governor’s office, the bureaucrats at DES kept wasting our money on endless litigation. None of these legal fees have been disclosed so far. Finally, last year someone realized that the state, in addition to legal fees could face as much as $ 200 million in damages for “taking” private land . A takings claim can trigger damages and paying the attorney’s fees for the other side. They also concluded that the DES in-house

taxpayer-funded lawyers could not handle the case anymore, and they would have to hire expensive outside counsel like citizens are forced to do when defending themselves against these agencies. This is how we ended up with a $37 million settlement to the developer (at least 10 times their purchase price). Roughly $32 million comes from state taxpayers, $4m from the town of Kiawah taxpayers and $1 million from a conservancy group. All this could have been easily avoided if the state including the Governor’s and AG’s office had simply respected private property rights and the Constitution and not wasted our money defending the indefensible and paying the price with our money. Instead of making up some happy ending, wouldn’t it be refreshing if our government could simply say they made a mistake and they are sorry. Nope. That’s where the lipstick on the pig comes into play. The Reddy Room represents the opinion of Lucky Dog Publishing owner Rom Reddy, but not necessarily the opinion of the newspaper. In keeping with our philosophy of publishing all opinions, we welcome responses, which must be limited to 400 words and will be published.on a space-avail-

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Page 7 • LuckyDogNews.com • September 18, 2026

Kiawah Island Photo Club: Kickoff Meeting is Oct. 5 For The Island Connection

Seabrook Island Marsh Management Alliance Could Take Shape

ummer is almost over, and the Kiawah Photography Club is close to its opening meeting of the year. The first meeting will be Monday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Sandcastle. This “open meeting” means any KICA member or long-term renter who is interested in seeing what the club has to offer is welcome to attend. Please reach out to friends and neighbors and invite them to join us that day to learn more about the club. They will be introducing KIPC Board members, talking about some of the highlights for the coming year, which are the members’ popular Monthly Challenge Photo Video organized by Sally Cutler, details from Nima Marsh about a photo adventure trip to Bull’s Island later in October and we’ll also debut the “theme” for the year. Many thanks to Jeri Mearns for updating the club calendar with all our meeting dates for the year. October is a busy month, so please check the calendar on the website for specific talks, walks and workshops at kiawahphotoclub.org. The mission of the Photo Club is to provide members of all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy learning about the art of photography in a friendly and supportive environment. Informative and hands-on meetings include Q&A sessions to further enhance individual learning and members’ choice of camera ranges from iPhones to DSLRs. Come along with your friends and neighbors to meet our club members at the kick-off meeting on Oct. 5.

BY THERESA STRATFORD | For The Island Connection

lthough not set in stone, the first step was taken at the July 28 Seabrook Island Town Council meeting by Town Council Member Raymond Hamilton, who is also chair of the Environment and Wildlife Committee, to start a new committee: The Seabrook Island Marsh Management Alliance (SIMMA). SIMMA would follow the guidelines set forth in the Seabrook Island Marsh Management Plan, which was approved in 2024. Hamilton, who was attending the July 28 meeting remotely, brought the idea to Town Council for the first time that day. SIMMA would be a committee comprised of the different entities of Seabrook Island. He said that ideally, someone from the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association would be represented, as well as representatives from the Architectural Review Committee, Camp St. Christopher, Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy, the Seabrook Island Club and the Board of Zoning Appeals. The committee would not have the authority to implement ordinances or resolutions, but they would make recommendations to the town, representing the different entities with a unified voice. “I’ve talked a lot about the marsh,” Hamilton said. “And how it is our first line of defense against a storm or flood waters. The marsh helps us get rid of things, it protects us and we have to do everything we can to protect our marshlands.” Seabrook Island Town Administrator Joe Cronin said that the committee would ultimately be established by the Town Council. They would make the determination of who would be appointed to the committee, how many members and what role the committee would have. He reminded the Town Council that they do not currently have designated staff or budget to assist with the committee, but that Council could bring this up as part of the budgetary process, which began in August. Cronin said he would look into how the committee could be formed and whether a resolution was required. Seabrook Island Mayor Bruce Kleinman commented that he wanted the budgetary and governance aspects aligned.

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Page 9 • LuckyDogNews.com • September 18, 2026

Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation Unveils New Brand and Website, Opens Annual Hunger Awareness Challenge For The Island Connection

he Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation (SIHAF), a volunteer-powered organization serving Johns and Wadmalaw Islands, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity and a new website, sihaf. org. This move unites its three programs, eleven community partners, volunteers and giving in one place. The new look and tagline “Rooted in Community” – “Nourished by Compassion” reflects the values SIHAF is built around: families, neighbors, volunteers & local partners nourishing one another with compassion close to home. SIHAF’s Blessing Basket Program brings this to life. Each month Blessing Basket distributes fresh, quality food to more than 300 families on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands. Currently, the 300 monthly Blessing Basket recipients living on Johns and Wadmalaw live below the poverty level. Through the Blessing Basket program, SIHAF nourishes these neighbors and families who face the threat of hunger every day. Many, including families and elderly residents have lived in the area for generations. Others are new and have come to the islands looking for work and stability. SIHAF’s Blessing Basket program, Water Wellness Mission and Crockpot Cooking are administered directly by SIHAF. In addition, SIHAF provides tangible support through grants, access to volunteers and helps create awareness for eleven partners. Working together, SIHAF’s network is committed to bringing healthy groceries, meals and access to clean water to the island communities always with a deep commitment and genuine compassion. “Our new brand says out loud what our community has always lived: “we are rooted here, and we nourish and help one another.” commented Shirley Salvo, Founder and President of the Foundation. “Our new website makes it easier than ever to give, volunteer and see the difference that staying local can make.” The refreshed branding arrives alongside SIHAF’s 6th annual Hunger Awareness Challenge, a year-end matching campaign that runs October 1 through December 31, 2026. During the Challenge, the first $100,000. donated will be matched dollar for dollar doubling the impact of the gift. Donate, volunteer or learn more - sihaf.org. Gifts can also be mailed to SIHAF, PO Box 268, Johns Island, SC 29457-0268.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance For The Island Connection

ITA (volunteer income tax assistance) is an IRS program that provides free tax preparation assistance to seniors and low-to-moderate-income taxpayers. VITA volunteers help taxpayers receive the credits and deductions they’ve earned. Volunteers of all backgrounds and ages are welcome and are needed to serve clients in the Charleston area, including Johns Island and James Island, with basic tax returns. No prior tax preparation experience is needed, and being comfortable operating a laptop computer is helpful. Tax counselors receive extensive free tax training and will become familiar with IRS/SC tax rules and regulations. The key to providing this service is local volunteers who are willing to help. Tax counselors are expected to be available at least four hours one day per week from February through April 2027. The reality is that many people travel, so schedule adjustments can be made. It’s a great way to learn new skills, assist in helping others, and become more involved in your community. Please consider joining our local volunteer team! Contact the Lowcountry VITA Recruitment Coordinator, Anne Woods, at 602-785-1836 or email annwoodsaz@gmail.com for more information. To learn about the VITA Program, go to irs.gov/individuals/ free-tax-return-preparationfor-qualifying-taxpayers.

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Page 10 • LuckyDogNews.com • September 18, 2026

TIDE CHART

Bug Spray Required: A Summer in Stewardship

saltwatertides.com

DATE

HIGH TIDE

LOW TIDE

SAT., SEPT. 19

HIGH: 2:17 A.M., 3:06 P.M.

LOW: 8:06 A.M., 9:17 P.M.

SUN., SEPT. 20

HIGH: 3:12 A.M., 4:01 P.M.

LOW: 9:03 A.M., 10:09 P.M.

MON., SEPT. 21

HIGH: 4:09 A.M., 4:55 P.M.

LOW: 10 A.M., 10:59 P.M.

TUES., SEPT. 22

HIGH: 5:04 A.M., 5:45 P.M.

LOW: 10:55 A.M., 11:44 P.M.

WED., SEPT. 23

HIGH: 5:55 A.M., 6:30 P.M.

LOW: 11:47 A.M.

THURS., SEPT. 24

HIGH: 6:41 A.M., 7:11 P.M.

LOW: 12:27 A.M., 12:36 P.M.

FRI., SEPT. 25

HIGH: 7:24 A.M., 7:49 P.M.

LOW: 1:07 A.M., 1:23 P.M.

SAT., SEPT. 26

HIGH: 8:04 A.M., 8:27 P.M.

LOW: 1:47 A.M., 2:09 P.M.

SUN., SEPT. 27

HIGH: 8:44 A.M., 9:07 P.M.

LOW: 2:27 A.M., 2:56 P.M.

MON., SEPT. 28

HIGH: 9:26 A.M., 9:49 P.M.

LOW: 3:08 A.M., 3:44 P.M.

TUES., SEPT. 29

HIGH: 10:12 A.M., 10:35 P.M.

LOW: 3:50 A.M., 4:32 P.M.

WED., SEPT. 30

HIGH: 11:02 A.M., 11:27 P.M.

LOW: 4:36 A.M., 5:25 P.M.

THURS., OCT. 1

HIGH: 11:59 A.M.

LOW: 5:26 A.M., 6:22 P.M.

FRI., OCT. 2

HIGH: 12:26 A.M., 1:04 P.M.

LOW: 6:23 A.M., 7:27 P.M.

LILY ADDICOTT | For The Island Connection

osquitoes, mud, ticks, invasive species, spiky palmetto fronds – you name it – these two interns have battled their way through it all. This summer, Conservancy of the Sea Islands welcomed two students as stewardship interns, giving them a firsthand look at the work involved in protecting the properties the Conservancy preserves in perpetuity. Both Cami Duffy and Caroline Saussy, students at the College of Charleston majoring in Environmental Studies and Sustainability, share a passion for the great outdoors, native plants and biology. Their internships allowed them to explore these interests through annual stewardship monitoring, an important part of the Conservancy’s work to protect natural lands. Along the way, Duffy and Saussy quickly developed essential skills for assessing habitat health, from identifying plants and animals and interpreting signs of wildlife to removing invasive species and learning land management strategies. To complement their stewardship efforts, the interns also took on a special project to enhance the quality of habitat for two of the Conservancy’s preserved properties. Their goal was to create a more inviting space for birds, bobcats and other small mammals. At each site, they installed a bird box, built a bobcat den made of old logs, and planted a garden full of hardy, native species. To see the results of their hard work, the interns set out wildlife cameras to monitor the properties. The cameras captured many mammals, including raccoons, deer and armadillos, but one unexpected visitor stole the show: a curious bobcat exploring one of the dens they had built. Alongside Duffy and Saussy’s interests in land preservation and ecological restoration, they also brought their energy and enthusiasm to the Conservancy’s volunteer opportunities. Their favorite days of the summer were spent working alongside volunteers, either knee-deep in the pluff mud, harvesting sweetgrass or getting their hands dirty in various garden projects. Every day provided a new opportunity for these interns to learn from those around them, grow their skill sets and become stronger communicators and conservationists. They describe their most meaningful projects as the work they completed at The Gathering Ground, opening to the public in the summer of 2027. There, they cleaned up litter, helped shape the trail system and restored habitat. As the 100-acre nature preserve along Betsy Kerrison Parkway takes shape, their work is helping create a place where people can slow down, experience the Lowcountry landscape, connect with the cultural traditions of our Sea Islands and learn from the natural world. For Duffy and Saussy, their summer experience has gone beyond the bounds of a traditional internship. What began as a broad interest in environmentalism has grown into a strong commitment to land and wildlife conservation, shaped by firsthand experience with meaningful conservation projects that create positive change and inspire engagement within surrounding communities.

Cami Duffy

Caroline Saussy

Page 11 • LuckyDogNews.com • September 18, 2026

Black beetle Eastern firefly (Photinus pyralis)

Where Have the Fireflies Gone? The Loss of Fireflies in the Lowcountry BY MORGAN FARAH | For The Island Connection

n a hot summer evening in the Lowcountry, it is hard to miss the small flashes of light moving through the darkness. Fireflies, or lightning bugs as many of us call them, have long been a familiar part of South Carolina summers, flickering above marshes, beneath live oaks, along woodland edges and across fields as the sun sets. Yet for many of us, it seems there are fewer than there once were. That decline represents more than the loss of a nostalgic summer tradition. Fireflies are an important part of the food web, serving as both predators and prey, and their presence can tell us something about the health of the landscape. The conditions they need are becoming increasingly scarce—making the protection and stewardship of natural areas across our Sea Islands all the more important. Fireflies are beetles in the family Lampyridae, and South Carolina is home to numerous species with different behaviors and habitat requirements. Their familiar flashes are primarily a form of communication, with males of many species using specific patterns to attract females. The light is produced through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase, an extraordinary example of bioluminescence occurring right in our backyards. The adults we see on summer evenings, however, represent only a small part of their lives. Fireflies spend much of their life cycle as larvae, often hidden in soil, leaf litter, damp vegetation or other sheltered areas, and this stage can last months or even years. Firefly larvae are predators that feed on slugs, snails, worms and other soft-bodied organisms, while fireflies themselves provide food for birds, spiders, amphibians, reptiles and other wildlife. Their decline can therefore be an indication that the habitat supporting an entire community of organisms is changing. There is no single cause of firefly decline. Habitat loss and fragmentation, artificial light, pesticide use and changing climate conditions can all affect different species in different ways. Habitat loss and fragmentation are particularly concerning because many fireflies depend on moist soil, leaf litter, vegetation and relatively undisturbed areas for their development. Unfortunately, these are

often the very features removed when natural land smaller pockets of habitat can become important is developed. pieces of a much larger ecological network. Across the Lowcountry and our Sea Islands, Artificial light at night is another often-overwoodlands, wetlands, old fields, maritime forests looked threat. Because fireflies depend on flashes and other natural areas are increasingly replaced by to communicate and find mates, excessive lighthomes, roads, commercial development, recreing can interfere with these signals. Streetlights, ational spaces and highly managed landscapes. security lights, landscape lighting, pathway fixNatural areas can become expanses of turfgrass tures, decorative lights and illuminated buildings and ornamental beds, wetlands may be drained or can quickly transform a naturally dark habitat. altered, vegetation and mature trees removed, leaf This does not mean eliminating necessary lighting. litter cleared and previously dark areas illuminated Turning off unnecessary lights, using timers or mothroughout the night. These changes may seem tion sensors, choosing lower-intensity fixtures and small individually, but together they can dramatidirecting lights downward can reduce light reachcally reduce the quality and connectivity of firefly ing the surrounding habitat. For fireflies, maintainhabitat. This is one reason land conservation is so ing darkness is a form of habitat protection. important. By protecting forests, wetlands, meadThe way we manage our landscapes also matows and other natural areas from fragmentation— ters. We have traditionally considered a well-mainand by restoring and thoughtfully managing those tained yard to mean short grass, clean garden beds, landscapes—Conservancy of the Sea Islands helps defined edges and the removal of fallen leaves and preserve not only individual habitats, but the larger dead vegetation. But what looks untidy to us can ecological systems that wildlife depends on. be an essential habitat for wildlife. Firefly larvae Development does not necessarily eliminate spend much of their lives in soil, leaf litter and every firefly from a property; rather, it gradually damp vegetation. Fallen leaves help retain moisreduces the amount of suitable habitat available. A ture, provide shelter and support the small organcontinuous woodland can become a collection of isms that fireflies rely on for food. Dead stems proisolated yards, a wet meadow can become a drain- vide habitat for insects, while (Continued on page 15) age area surrounded by lawn, and a naturally dark forest edge can become a brightly lit road or neighborhood. Wildlife does not recognize property boundaries, which is why the larger landscape matters. A single native garden may seem insignificant compared with a large preserve, but yards, parks, community spaces, wetlands, wooded areas and undeveloped land can collectively provide valuable habitat and www.kiawahhousecare.com connections between larger natural areas. On our Sea Islands, these

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Page 13 • LuckyDogNews.com • September 18, 2026

Local Athlete Represents U.S. at World Orienteering Championships BY REESE THOMPSON | For The Island Connection

etween the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Lily Addicott, Conservancy of the Sea Islands’ research intern, can be found studying maps to identify changes in local habitats. Outside of work, her passion and professional eye for maps have taken her to the world stage, where she represented the USA at the World University Orienteering Championships in Portugal and finished as the highest-placing American woman in the Sprint Individual. In other words, Addicott is the fastest American woman in the competition’s city sprint, a race that requires more than speed. Competitors must navigate an unfamiliar course only using a map and their ability to make split-second decisions along the way. “It’s kind of like a brain teaser puzzle,” Addicott said. “That makes it the most satisfying because your brain gets a chance to work. When you do pick the correct route choices through the woods, there’s no better feeling than having a perfect race.” As its name suggests, orienteering stems from the same idea as orientation: using your surroundings and a compass to determine your position and navigate from point to point. But competitors don’t see the course ahead of time. At the start of the race, they flip over their maps for the first time and must immediately begin planning their route while running. Similar to a more complex scavenger hunt, the map reveals a series of checkpoints, known as controls, along with impassable areas that can block the most direct path, leaving it up to each competitor to creatively determine the fastest way around them in sprint disciplines. Addicott said the moment she flips over the map at the start of the race can be daunting, making the way she processes the flood of information key to her performance. “Your brain is scrambled,” Addicott said. “I’m very nervous and can often make mistakes on the first control. To center myself, I take deep breaths and always check where north is so that I know exactly which way to flip my map when it starts.” Unlike mainstream sports confined to a stadium, field or court, orienteering can turn an entire landscape into the playing field. With Scandinavian roots, the sport began as military land-navigation training in the late 19th century before developing into several competitive forms. While not as recognized in the U.S., Addicott was introduced to the sport her freshman year of high school through the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program, where she advanced to the Navy Nationals orienteering competition. After taking a few years off when the pandemic hit, she rekindled her passion for the niche sport in college at Clemson University as an individual endeavor. Training independently, Addicott entered and won the Orienteering USA Junior Nationals that year, earning her spot at the Junior World Championships in Portugal in 2021. Five years of training later, Addicott said returning to Portugal brought her journey full circle. “That’s one of the reasons I really wanted to go to the World University Championships this year in Portugal because I really wanted to test myself and go back there and do better than my first time,” Addicott said. “It was really good for me to reflect and see how much I’ve truly grown.” In the most recent competition, Addicott finished 71 out of 115 competitors, the highest finish among American women in the city sprint. But training to compete against some of the world’s best orienteers comes with an added challenge when you’re practicing in a country where the sport is far less established. In many parts of Europe, Addicott said orienteers

have access to established clubs, mapped courses featuring terrain similar to competition sites, and school programs that integrate outdoor navigation. As a South Carolina native living in the Lowcountry, those resources can be harder to come by. Instead, Addicott puts the same mapping skills she uses to study local habitats at the Conservancy to work, creating her own orienteering maps to science and orienteering began separately, the two prepare for competition. “Preparation has been difficult, especially in plac- have become increasingly intertwined. The spatial awareness and problem-solving skills she relies on es that don’t have a lot of orienteering maps, which while racing also help her interpret maps used to has been my struggle since moving to Charleston,” Addicott said. “My boyfriend Ethan and I make our track changes in local vegetation and ecosystems at own maps to practice in places around here. It’s pret- the Conservancy. Research has also shown cognitive ty sparse because it is so time-intensive. You have to benefits to orienteering. Unlike relying on GPS learn how to use software. You have to learn how to for turn-by-turn directions, for example, the sport draw the maps. You have to get all the data to make requires competitors to continuously process their the maps, which can be pretty difficult, especially for surroundings, remember spatial information and make navigation decisions while physically moving people who are not super technically savvy.” through a course. Orienteering races can take place in a variety of “It translates heavily…what they do share beenvironments, from traditional courses through tween them is it can be like complicated problem forests and natural terrain to urban and semi-ursolving, or you’re undertaking a lot of informaban settings like college campuses and residential neighborhoods. With limited forest terrain near her tion,” Addicott said. “You have to memorize a lot home, Addicott scouts local developments for com- of things, and you have to make good decisions. plex networks of roads, buildings and pathways that It helps me sharpen my academic edge. Reading a map and being spatially aware helps me easily read can challenge her route-planning skills. She often contour maps and relief terrain maps.” trains around Park Circle, where the layout offers Nine years, four world championship appeara good blend of route choices for practicing quick ances and countless training runs later, Addicott navigation and decision-making that more closely replicate the complexity of terrain she may encoun- isn’t finished navigating what’s next. In December, she’ll return to the starting line at the North Amerter in international competition. “There’s a lot of detail that is squeezed onto these ican Orienteering Championships. Her next goal is ambitious: becoming the fastest and highest-ranked small maps, and the terrain in the southeast United female orienteer in the country. States is not very similar,” Addicott said. “So going Beyond rankings and finish times, Addicott said over there, it’s a big, big learning curve, but it’s really good to practice in terrain like that, and it’s definite- part of what keeps her returning to orienteering is knowing there may never have to be a final race. ly something I want to work on.” “I did not expect to see myself doing it for a long While orienteering’s smaller presence in the time, but after I met the community and realized United States can make training more challenging, that people do it when they’re much, much older Addicott said its size has also made the connectoo, and that the friends I have now will probably be tions within the sport especially meaningful. 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Page 14 • LuckyDogNews.com • September 18, 2026

Kiawah’s Town Council Talk Trash BY THERESA STRATFORD | For The Island Connection

Gottshalk explained. here was a lot of trash talk at the Aug. 4 There is also a Kiawah Island Town Council Meeting, and “copycat” problem. for good reason. It had to do with the exorbitant amount of trash accumulating at the recycling Many people will see convenience site at Kestrel Court off Sora Rail Road items on the ground when they show up, next to the Berkley Electric substation. A major concern for the site stems from the recent closing of and they think that is how it is supposed the convenience site at Beachwalker Center by the to be, so they leave Kiawah Island Community Association (KICA). their items on the Brian Gottshalk, Kiawah Island’s Public Works ground, as well. director, presented on the situation. Although he “So, capacity is said the issue has gotten worse, Gottshalk reported not really an issue,” that he has been seeing a problem with trash piling said Gottshalk. “It’s up at the Kestrel Court location for years. the misuse of throwHe noted several reasons, but one of the main ing away prohibited issues could be the occasional inoperability of the trash compactor units or the fact that the containers items.” Now that might be full. “We’re seeing a lot of people just leave their refuse Beachwalker Cenon the ground,” Gottshalk said. “Pretty regularly on ter’s convenience site is closed, Gottshalk a Monday, we’ll come into work and be notified to said he is afraid the go check out the Kestrel Court location. It takes a situation will only lot of time from me and my team to clean up that site. Not to mention, it is unhealthy for the environ- get worse. “I am coming to you today ment and overall just terrible to look at.” to see what different Gottshalk wanted to bring the issue up to Kimeasures we could take at Kestrel Court.” awah Island Town Council so that he could make Kiawah Island Mayor Bradley Belt brought up them aware of the major problem and to start brainthe fact that residents could use the Bees Ferry Landstorming solutions. fill, located off of Bees Ferry Road in West Ashley, The trash problem was also brought up at the as an alternative. The Bees recent retreat over the winter. “We put forth the PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF Ferry Landfill has limited ESTATE SALES if the convenience sites hours, and Belt wondered efforts that were discussed there. We provided higherHIGH-END on Kiawah Island should also have limited “open” enforcement, we upgraded cameras and added another camera, as well, so we are regularly monitoring hours. There are currently two recycling collection sites the site. We also upgraded the signage, but we are on Kiawah Island. One is located at Kestrel Court, still seeing a lot of abuse and misuse of the site over and the other is located at Town Hall. These sites there.” Although Kiawah Island Town Council Member are supposed to be for Kiawah Island residents and Luke Farrell questioned whether the overabundance property owners only, but Belt said he has noticed many cars heading towards Johns Island when they of trash was the result of a capacity issue, Gottshalk leave the site at Town Hall, and not heading toward retorted that he didn’t see that as a problem, since Kiawah Island. most times he notices space in the compactors. Although not an agreed-upon solution among “What we are seeing is misuse of people throwTown Council, an alternative to setting limited ing away prohibited items that are clogging up the hours at the sites could also be just closing them aldumpsters, or creating voids in the containers so together, forcing people to use the West Ashley Bees that the trash doesn’t fall to the bottom where the Ferry Landfill, which is a little over 22 miles from compactor can work and press the material togethKiawah Island. er. There is also a lot of bulky kind of trash items PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF ESTATEplace,” SALES “The intention of these sites was for convenience that would not fit in those unitsHIGH-END in the first for the residents. Maybe you have an oversized box, and it PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF HIGH END ESTATE SALES doesn’t fit in your resHIGH-END ESTATE SALES idential container, so you bring it to one of the sites. Maybe you had an event at your house, and there are a lot of guests who produced a lot of trash; you can take that to one of these sites. However, it seems JOIN OUR 843-801-6777 like residents are MAILING @bluemooncharleston using it as a primary 843-801-6777 LIST nancy@bluemoonestatesales.com site for their trash, @bluemooncharleston bluemoonestatesales.com and that is not the nancy@ bluemoonestatesales.com intention,” Gottshalk bluemoonestatesales.com 843-801-6777 explained. @bluemooncharleston nancy@bluemoonestatesales.com bluemoonestatesales.com

Kiawah Island Town Council Member Lance Spencer said he thinks of the sites as an amenity. “It’s nice to not have to drive to Bees Ferry. I hate to punish the good-behaving people by closing the site, just because the bad-behaving people can’t follow the rules.” Kiawah Island Public Works doesn’t currently have the capacity or resources to fully enforce at the level that Gottshalk said would be needed. “We can go over there and sit for however many hours and maybe catch someone, and we can check the cameras, but those aren’t 100%. It isn’t the best use of our time,” he said. Farrell suggested using technology to assist in studying what days are getting the bulk of the trash left at the site. Some of the culprits could be contractors. “I would like to see us keep the site, but we may have to regulate it. Maybe people will have to punch a code to get through the gate, or scan an ID, or somehow call Town Hall. I’d ask you to be creative, and let’s try to keep it, but the current usage manner is unacceptable,” he said. Belt mentioned the fact that fencing in the site to create hours of operation would have costs associated with it. “There is a risk that in the end, this site could be removed. We may have to consider fencing it in and putting hours on it. There would be a cost associated with that. Not a huge amount, but a cost either way.” Kiawah Island Town Council Member Madeleine Kaye added, “We have to find a way to improve the situation because I would be strongly opposed to closing the site. The unintended consequences of where everybody’s trash and recyclables would go in the absence of Kestrel Court are just a nightmare. We have to find a solution because closing it down is unacceptable.” It was decided by the end of the “trash talk” that the Town of Kiawah Island would put out additional communication about the issue and would continue to monitor the situation to come up with solutions. Town staff will bring this back to Town Council sometime over the next quarter.

Page 15 • LuckyDogNews.com • September 18, 2026

fireflies

Continued from page 11

A BRIGHTER SMILE IS

native grasses and groundcovers offer shelter and help maintain cooler, more humid conditions. When we remove every leaf, mow every area short, clear dead vegetation and eliminate naturally damp spaces, we may be removing habitat rather than simply cleaning up the landscape. Pesticides can compound the problem. Because fireflies are part of a larger food web, their larvae depend on the many small organisms living in soil and leaf litter. Broad pesticide use can reduce these food sources and, depending on the chemical and how it is applied, may also affect fireflies directly. Supporting fireflies therefore means supporting an entire community of organisms rather than simply planting a few flowers. Healthy soil, native vegetation, insects, invertebrates, birds, amphibians and reptiles are all interconnected, and a functioning ecosystem depends on those relationships. The good news is that helping fireflies does not require acres of land or a formal wildlife preserve. Small changes across many properties can collectively make a difference. Preserving mature trees and existing vegetation, reducing turfgrass, protecting naturally wet areas, leaving some leaf litter beneath trees and in garden beds, planting diverse native species, limiting pesticide use and allowing portions of the landscape to grow more naturally can all provide valuable habitat. Just as importantly, we can rethink what a healthy landscape looks like. A layer of leaves beneath a tree may be habitat rather than a mess. A dead plant stem may shelter an insect. A patch of native grass may provide cover that a lawn cannot, and a damp corner of a yard may support life that could never survive

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in a dry, heavily managed landscape. Instead of asking only, “How can I make this landscape look better?” we can also ask, “How can I make this landscape function better?” The story of the firefly is ultimately a story about the landscapes we create and maintain. When those flashes disappear, we lose more than a familiar part of summer—we lose predators, prey and one small indication that the soil, vegetation, moisture and food web around us are functioning as they should. The Lowcountry will continue to change, and development will remain part of its future. The question is not whether we can stop development altogether, but whether we can protect important natural areas and design and manage our communities in ways that still leave room for wildlife. Protecting fireflies means protecting the conditions they need: moist habitats, native vegetation, healthy soil, leaf litter, connected natural areas and darkness at night. A backyard, community garden, resort property, roadside or neighborhood common area can all contribute to a larger network of habitat. The next time you see a firefly flashing above a meadow or between the trees, look beyond the light itself. That tiny flash represents moisture, soil, vegetation, prey, shelter and enough darkness for a firefly to communicate. As the Lowcountry continues to grow, we have an opportunity to make sure those flashes remain part of our summer nights. Sometimes protecting wildlife does not mean doing more; it simply means leaving a little more room for nature to do what it already knows how to do.

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