Could Kiawah Island Finally Have Better Cell Coverage?
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
Can you hear me now? How often have you said that as you walk around to different spots on your Kiawah Island property? There’s no sugar-coating it – the cell phone coverage on Kiawah is not great, and it’s about time to get that under control. At least that is what the Town of Kiawah Island is finally trying to do.
After receiving the Kiawah Island Planning Commission’s recommendation, the Town of Kiawah Island passed a first reading on an ordinance that deals with improving the cell towers on the island.
Led by Kiawah Island Town Council Member Lance Spencer, the idea is to improve cell coverage on the island once and for all, and to bring the island up to modern times when it comes to general quality of life
(Continued on page 5)
Low Tide Brewing launches Charity of Month program
BY CAROL CRONK For The Island Connection
Low Tide Brewing is not just about crafting exceptional beer. The popular Johns Island brewery has become known for fostering a sense of community, belonging and goodwill.
“Nestled in the heart of Johns Island, we’re dedicated to curating experiences that bring people together,” said Allison Havens, operations manager. “Supporting local causes has always been part of who we are.”
Each year, Low Tide partners with over 80 organizations and has donated more than $45,000 to local charitable causes.
WFull support continues for the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
ithout hesitation, the Seabrook Island Town Council voted unanimously on July 22 to support a grant awarded to the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network. The recommendation for approval came from the Environment and Wildlife Committee, chaired by Gordon Weis.
The grant of $2,450 would cover supplies for LMMN, like gloves, vials, bags, scalpels and binoculars, as well as the printing of outreach materials. They would also use the money to fund a piece of equipment called a YSI to test water quality. Lauen Rust, LMMN’s executive director, said, “Oxygen, temperature and salinity relate directly to animal health. Lesions, poor health or reproductive issues can be correlated to poor water quality.”
Seabrook Island renewed its relationship with LMMN in March.
For the past six years, LMMN has been monitoring the behaviors of dolphins in the area and providing educational outreach near Captain Sams Inlet, where the dolphins are known to strand feed.
A primary focus for LMMN is to ensure that dolphins are not harassed by boaters or other people on the shoreline while they are in the water or while strand feeding. The fear is that the dolphins will abandon the strand feeding practice if they are bothered by humans.
Along with LMMN’s four-person staff, they utilize a host of volunteers to help them educate the public on dolphin behaviors and protecting their ecosystems. Currently, LMMN has 40 volunteers. These volunteers spend their days on the beach educating the public about dolphin behavior. According to Rust, the program has reached 56,000 people total.
“For years, we have hosted pint nights to raise funds for local nonprofits. While they were meaningful, we wanted to create a program that could make an even bigger impact,” Havens said. “This deep commitment to giving back was the inspiration for the Charity of the Month program. In 2023, during a point-of-sale system upgrade, we discovered the option to add donation
(Continued on page 2)
LMMN will have at least one team member stationed near Captain Sams Inlet on Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island for four hours a day at low tide from mid-April to December 31. The four-day-a-week schedule includes holiday weekends in the off-season and every day of the week during peak season. These efforts are meant to educate the community about dolphins and the practice of strand feeding.
Strand feeding is a feeding behavior that dolphins engage in, which allows them to corral fish near the sandy shores and then create a large wave to push the fish and themselves onto the shore to eat the fish before returning to the water. Dolphins learn their behavior from their mother. LMMN has found that it is not a common behavior and that most dolphins do not engage in strand feeding in other parts of the world. Giving the dolphins their space to strand feed is important, so as not to disrupt this specialized hunting strategy.
The grant they received from the Town of Seabrook Island last year helped LMMN purchase a hydrophone, which is an underwater microphone.
Rust described it at
(Continued on page 2)
Strand feeding is unique to dolphins in this area and involves eating fish on shore before returning to the ocean. (Photo courtesy of LMMN.)
PUBLISHERS OF:
The Island Eye News
The Island Connection SiP Magazine
In Memory of Swan Richards
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Denise K. James Editor denisekjames@gmail.com
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Advertising advertising@mylonews.com
Lynn Pierotti Consultant lynn@luckydognews.com
Contributors
Theresa Stratford Cheyenne Twilley Carol Cronk
Ashley Shepherd Rom Reddy
Sarah Reynolds Robbie Berg
Future submission deadline: August 27 for the September 5 issue
PUBLISHED BY Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482 843-886-NEWS
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Continued from page 1
the time: “It lies on the sea floor and allows us to listen in on the dolphins, and we can hear them clicking, echolocating and communicating with each other. It really adds a lot to our data. Plus, we will let visitors hear the dolphins, too.”
Before leaving the recent meeting on July 22, Seabrook Island Mayor Bruce Kleinman asked Rust if she thought swimming should be banned in Captain Sams Inlet. She said, “Well, Kiawah bans it, so there would be some consistency there. It is very dangerous. It drops off steeply, which is great
Low Tide Brewing
Continued from page 1
round-ups to every transaction. This sparked the idea.”
Each month, a local nonprofit is featured in the taproom and on Low Tide’s platforms. The featured organization receives a Pint Night Fundraiser, where $1 from every pint sold goes directly to their cause; a full month of in-taproom promotion to raise awareness about their mission; and 100% of round up donations from all sales during their designated month.
“Low Tide has found this combination not only boosts fundraising but also gives organizations a platform to connect with guests and share their story. Selection is based on community impact, alignment with our values and the opportunity to highlight a variety of causes throughout the year,” said Havens.
“The Charity of the Month programs are Low Tide’s way of using beer as a tool for good, connecting people, creating experiences and making a tangible difference right here in the Lowcountry,” she added.
Low Tide Brewing has selected The Sea Islands Blessing Basket Program as their Charity of the Month for September 2025. Together, the two groups will focus on raising awareness and support for the Blessing Basket Program, now celebrating 10 years of fighting island hunger on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands.
Low Tide Brewing and the Blessing Basket Program will host a Brews for Baskets event on September 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. All are welcome to join the celebration and be a part of the impact to fight island hunger. A canned meat drive will also be held at Low Tide. Donations of canned meat and seafood can be dropped off
Town of Kiawah Island
Infrastructure and Public Works Committee
Thursday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Arts & Cultural Event Council
Thursday, Sept. 4, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Ways & Means Committee
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
for dolphins but not for people. I think it is very unsafe. Plus, there is a strong tidal fluctuation there. We know dolphins are there two hours before and two hours after low tide, so allowing people to swim there still has them potentially swimming with dolphins.”
LMMN is a nonprofit organization that focuses on protecting marine mammals, including dolphins, whales and seals, in South Carolina. Their goal is to increase awareness about local marine mammals and to increase awareness about their behavior. LMMN also hopes to decrease harassment of dolphins by boaters and beachgoers. Rust is the state coordinator for all dolphins and whales that strand along the coast of South Carolina.
For more information on LMMN, visit lowcountrymarinemammalnetwork.org.
at Low Tide Brewing throughout the month of September. For more information or to get involved, contact: Allison Havens – Operations Manager allison@lowtidebrewing.com
Dan Schwarz – Assistant Operations Manager dan@lowtidebrewing.com
Town of Seabrook
Town Council
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Board of Zoning Appeals
Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 1:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Environment & Wildlife Committee
Thursday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
K iawah iSland Town h all 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Kiawah Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9166
SeabrooK iSland Town h all 2001 Seabrook Island Road Seabrook Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9121 lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
JohnS iSland c ouncil
Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, S.C. 29455
Chairman Chris Cannon: 843-343-5113
charle STon c oun T y c ouncil 4045 Bridge View Drive N. Charleston, S.C. 29405 843-958-4700
ciT y of charle STon 75 Calhoun St. Charleston, S.C. 29401 843-724-3745
Election days are here again for the Town of Seabrook
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
Election days are upon us again, but this time, the results will hit closer to home. Why? Because in November, Seabrook Island residents will be voting for a mayor, a combined utility commissioner and four new Town Council members. Two Town Council seats are for four-year terms, and the other two seats are for two-year terms. The utility commissioner is for a six-year term, and the mayor’s term would be four years.
Filing to run for office began at noon on August 6. Filing will close at noon on September 5. Interested candidates will need to fill out the appropriate forms with Seabrook Island Town Hall and turn them in with the town clerk by the deadline.
In May of this year, Seabrook Island Town Council voted to change the term limits from two years to four-year staggered terms for members of Seabrook Island Town Council and the mayor.
That means that starting with this upcoming election, the Town Council seats would be staggered for four-year terms. The next election will have two Council seats up for re-election for two-year terms. To accomplish the staggering, there would be a separate election for those two seats with initial terms for two years in two years, and those would be up for full four-year terms at that time.
The new term lengths will go into effect after this election. All of the current council members will have to run in this election.
The idea behind four-year staggered terms is that more would be able to get accomplished during the tenure, versus in just the two years that they have been doing.
Town Administrator Joe Cronin shared statistics in the May meeting about past Council members and their time in office since 1987.
Two Fun Event s .
“The past eight or nine elections have shown more longevity with most members running again after their initial two years,” Cronin said. The average tenure is 3.38 years over the entire history. From 2005 to 2023, the average tenure was 4.11 years.
It is important to note that if a Council member or the mayor had to quit in the middle of their term, there would be a special election if they had more than six months left in their term. If they quit within six months of their term ending, the seat would remain vacant until the regular election took place.
Seabrook Island Mayor Bruce Kleinman said in May, “When you come into office, it takes time to acclimate to the job. The effectiveness of Council is diminished during that time. So many of the strategic priorities are the same from the past two Councils. That shows that it is so hard to get things done. The Town will function better when Council has more time to accomplish things.”
The election will be held on November 4 at Town Hall. Any person wishing to vote in this election must register no later than Sunday, October 5. Voter registration by mail forms will be accepted if postmarked by Monday, October 6.
Early voting begins on Monday, October 20 and ends on Friday, October 31. Early voting centers, listed below, will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and will be closed Saturday and Sunday.
• Downtown Main Library - 68 Calhoun St., Charleston
• Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections Headquarters - 4340 Corporate Rd., North Charleston
• Baxter-Patrick James Island Library - 1858 S Grimball Rd., Charleston
• Essex Village Church of Christ - 736 Savage Rd., Charleston
• Mt. Pleasant Seacoast Church - 750 Long Point Rd., Mount Pleasant
As of press time, current Council members (left to right) Dan Korvelsky, Daryl May and Gordon Weis, Raymond Hamilton had not filed for reelection yet.
Freshfields Village welcomes fall with free events
BY ASHLEY SHEPHERD
For The Island Connection
Freshfields Village is welcoming the fall season with a full calendar of popular annual events, including returning favorites and new additions sparked by strong community interest. From live music and a new seasonal art show to classic car meetups and dog-friendly fun, these events have become traditions for parents, grandparents, kids and even the family dog. Starting on Labor Day weekend and running through October, locals and visitors are invited to attend free community activities at the outdoor destination center.
“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’re proud to continue offering a space where the community can come together in meaningful ways,” said Herbert Ames, managing director of EDENS. “Freshfields Village has become a place where annual traditions are celebrated and new memories are made. Whether it’s a favorite fall concert, an art walk or a pup-friendly event, our goal is to create a welcoming environment that
brings people together year after year.”
Labor Day Weekend, Music on The Green
Friday and Saturday, August 29 & 30, 2025 from 6 to 9 p.m.
The finale of Freshfields Village’s 20-event summer concert series takes place over Labor Day Weekend. Guests can enjoy performances from The Parks Brothers (trio) on Friday and Julio & The Saltines on Saturday, to officially close out the season. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and the whole family for two back-to-back evenings of Music on The Village Green.
Labor Day Weekend, Seabrook Island Artist Guild Show & Sale
Sunday, August 31, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 6 a.m.
The Seabrook Island Artist Guild (SIAG) will bring together local artists from Seabrook, Kiawah and Johns Islands to showcase and sell original works on The Village Green, including oil paintings, pastels and Lowcountry-inspired pieces. Attendees can stroll through The Village to browse and purchase various artwork.
Cars & Coffee Event Finale
Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 9 to 11 a.m.
The final Cars & Coffee event of 2025 will
showcase a variety of classic vehicles around The Village Green for visitors to explore, and offer the chance to connect over coffee and breakfast available for purchase from Java Java. The popular monthly seasonal series is set to return in February 2026.
Fall Art Walk
Friday, October 10, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m.
For the first time ever, a beloved February event is making a fall appearance. Visitors can pop in and out of retail shops where local artists will be doing live demonstrations and offering works for purchase. Beverages will be offered throughout for an enjoyable evening full of art and experiences.
(Continued on page 6)
Cell Coverage
Continued from page 1
with communications and in terms of public safety.
Spencer said that Beach Patrol reported that sometimes they aren’t able to get a simple DHEC form up online for people to sign if they refuse a transport.
“There are quite a few places they can’t connect in order to have that form signed because of low bandwidth,” he said.
Spencer went on to say that what hinders Kiawah Island is the tree canopy. “It’s a good thing because you may not see the towers most of the time, but it is also what affects coverage.”
Spencer added that the decision for the Town should be a simple one. “If we want better coverage, then we have to go with the technical parameters to get it. If we don’t, then we have to live with what we have now. We are at least two generations behind out here, so we have to do something.”
The Town’s planning staff has been working on what new communications towers would look like since February of this year. In early July, the planning commission approved the recommendations. The changes to the ordinance would set a maximum height of 150 feet, with clarifications and submittal requirements. Public notice requirements would also be a large part of this ordinance.
Currently, there are seven towers on the island. Six of the seven cell towers are stealth, which means they blend in better with the environment. Only one is a monopole, which means it is the typical vertical pole made of steel. The stealth poles range from 65 feet to 105 feet. The monopole is 173 feet at Kestrel Court. Five of the current towers operate on 4G, and only two support 5G.
The current stealth tower at the Ocean Course is 70 feet. That is where they are proposing a monopole to replace it. The question is if it would go up to 150 feet.
Joanne Hennessy, chair of the planning commission, said, “Stealth is old technology. We need monopoles to support better coverage. We get a lot of questions on height at 120 feet versus 150 feet. If we increase the height, coverage will improve.”
It is up to the Town to find that balance of height for the cell towers and stealth versus monopole aesthetic.
Mayor Bradley Belt commented, “What’s the best balance on the island to actually achieve the coverage-related objectives to encourage investment, but also address legitimate concerns about the aesthetic impact? Being adjacent to a tower that you never used to be able to see because it was blocked by the treescape, but now, all of a sudden, you see it outside your backyard every single day. To start going higher, there just needs to be a process.”
Town Council Member Madeleine Kaye said, “One property owner said he has a corner of one room in his house where he gets some service. Having coverage is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. To me, this is a no-brainer.”
Although there is more work to be done to find out the height requirements for new cell towers and the aesthetic of replacing any existing towers on the island, the ordinance to improve cell coverage passed at first reading. The changes refer to the zoning code recommended by the Planning Commission pertaining to cell towers. The changes include raising height restrictions on cell towers to enable better cell coverage on Kiawah.
Freshfields Events
Continued from page 4
Dogtoberfest
Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 11a.m. to 3 p.m.
In celebration of Halloween, The Village’s most popular pet-friendly annual event returns with an afternoon of canine-themed fun. The Green is abuzz with furry friends in costumes, highlighted by a pet costume contest at 2 p.m., local vendors with unique dog gear and accessories, adoptable pups from community rescues and more. Plus, Freshfields offers dozens of pet-friendly retailers to explore throughout the Village.
Movies on The Green: Special Fall Showing
Friday, October 17, 2025 from 7 to 9 p.m.
The wildly popular summer event series, Movies on the Green, where visitors can enjoy a nostalgic outdoor movie on the big screen, returns for one special fall showing in October. The free screening will feature Harry Potter for families of all ages to enjoy, complete with a complimentary popcorn station and snacks for purchase.
Garden & Gun BBQ, Bluegrass & Bourbon Event
Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 3 to 6 p.m.
The semi-annual Garden & Gun event returns this fall for the fourth installment of this wildly popular event. This free event in partnership with Garden & Gun brings together Southern BBQ, live bluegrass music, and specialty bourbon tastings from Kiawah Spirits and FortyEight Wine Bar.
For more information about these events and other happenings at Freshfields Village, visit freshfieldsvillage.com/events/.
Experience the culture of Barbados
BY ROBBIE BERG For The Island Connection
Charles Towne Landing is hosting a cultural festival August 29-31, along with the Barbados and Carolinas Legacy Foundation, Barbados South Carolina National Heritage Corridor and Barbados Consulate of Miami. The three-day festival is aptly called “Barbados Comes Back to Charleston.”
This is the second year of the festival, which honors the Barbadians who came to settle and create the first South Carolina colony in 1670 with other English settlers and indentured servants. These settlers chose Albemarle Point, where Charles Towne Landing State Park is presently located.
Rhoda Green, the Barbados and South Carolina Honorary Consul and president of the Barbados and Carolinas Legacy Foundation, urged everyone to come and experience the rich heritage of Barbados. The festival offers food, music, history and even the opportunity to board Adventure, the Barbadian ship at Charles Towne Landing.
“Barbados brings a burst of tropical and cultural expression and flavor reminiscent of the pulse, memory and sound of Charleston past and present,” Green said.
David Baker, manager of Charles Towne Landing, said, “We are honored to host this event and look forward to welcoming the public to experience this important cultural story firsthand. This festival offers a meaningful opportunity to honor the deep and enduring cultural ties between Barbados and Charleston, which played a critical role in shaping the region’s identity. By highlighting this chapter of history through music, food, storytelling and fellowship, the festival not only educates but uplifts.”
For more information and to purchase tickets visit barbadoscomesto.com.
175 years, we ' ve welcomed g enerations of Charleston families, friends, and team members into something tr uly special.
The Barbadian ship Adventure.
Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon set for October on Johns Island
BY SARAH REYNOLDS For The Island Connection
Charleston County Parks welcomes runners and walkers to Johns Island County Park for the annual Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon and 5K race on Saturday, October 4. This year’s race will also feature a Kids Dash for ages 3-7.
The scenic course at Johns Island County Park features forest trails filled to the brim with plants and wildlife. Participants will enjoy spotting wildflowers, plenty of critters, lots of fall foliage and, of course, the spectacular moss-draped oak trees along the park’s trails.
The race course offers occasional areas of uneven terrain and varies from hard-packed trails with roots to grass. For this reason, strollers are not recommended, and dogs will not be allowed on the course.
Johns Island County Park is located at 2662 Mullet Hall Road, just off River Road. It sits on 738 acres and offers miles of trails for runners, walkers and equestrians.
Race Details
• The half marathon and 5K begin at 8 a.m. Kids Dash will begin at 7:50 a.m.
• Packet pick-up is available on site from 7-7:45
a.m.
• There will be two on-course water stations, but pre-filled personal water bottles are also highly recommended.
• Bibs are required for racers and lost bib penalties will be enforced.
• The Kid’s Dash is an untimed event.
Registration Details
• Registration is required and ends Wednesday, Oct. 1. On-site registration will not be available.
• Participants ages 3-7 may register for the Kids Dash; ages 8 and up can register for the 5K; and ages 10 and up may register for the half marathon.
• Participants of the Kids Dash must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Chaperones for half marathon participants under 15 must also be registered and participating in the half marathon.
• The Kid’s Dash is $5, the 5K is $38, and the Half Marathon is $55 to register.
• To register online, visit cprc.com/1712/Lowcountry-Trail-Run.
The Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon and 5K is part of Charleston County Parks’ 5K Trail Run/ Walk Series. In this three-part series, participants compete in Where the Wild Things Run, the Lowcountry Trail 5K, and the Chili 5K. In addition to finisher medals, championship awards are distributed to the overall and age group winners in the series.
For details on the Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids Dash, to view race course maps, or to register for the race or the 5K series, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
Opnion: Reddy or Not
ATrainwreck on the Beach: Part 2
BY ROM REDDY For The Island Connection
lmost a year ago, on Sept. 23, 2024, I published in this column Trainwreck on the Beach. Almost everything in that column has played out, and the destruction of the beaches continues unabated. The Isle of Palms City Council in general, and the mayor in particular, can no longer keep putting lipstick on a pig. In the past four years under their watch, the beaches have substantially deteriorated, driven largely by bad policy and a hoax that prevents citizens from protecting their property by threatening them with illegal laws often rooted in ideology. COVID, anyone?
1. In 2014, the Legislature passed the Beach Preservation Act. The law required 1% of the accommodations tax to be diverted to beach preservation, which was specifically defined as three exclusive items: beach renourishment with new sand, dune maintenance and vegetation and maintenance of public beach paths. Would it surprise anyone to learn that not one dollar has gone to these “exclusive” uses? Instead, funds have been wasted on incessant beach scraping, sandbags and other unauthorized uses. Advising this Council for a decade has been a coastal “engineer” who is not an engineer, has a record of being 100% wrong over the long haul, faces no consequences, and is awarded essentially no-bid renewals for “experience.” Valuing experience over competence and results went out almost 40 years ago in the private sector.
2. Instead of relying on metrics such as beach depth and wave run-ups, we have no measurements at all—only rhetoric spouted to Council members who believe in radical ideologies with little basis in science or the real world. Instead of recognizing the need to build beach levels to retreat water and maintain dunes that protect the ecosystem and shoreline, we operate with no dunes and years of “emergency” scrapings that lower the beach and pull water in. Scrapings have been banned or heavily restricted in many states. Several engineers have said there is a formula for maintaining a beach that directly correlates to the amount of new sand placed on it. This is literally formula-driven.
3. In 2018, the Legislature amended the Beach Management Act (Act 173) to abandon preservation through “retreat” and adopt preservation through “replenishment and renourishment.” Why? Because the Lucas case in the 1990s, and several since, required that retreated land be purchased by the state and the tax base be shrunk. The state and the city, though, still operate under “retreat,” not recognizing the long-term liability. Unfortunately, it will take courage for citizens to fight lengthy and uncomfortable legal battles to assert these rights. Not everyone is prepared to do so, but it is starting to happen.
4. In the interim, the government intimidates citizens with arcane laws not based in fact. The state essentially says it is no longer governed by the setback line jurisdiction and instead will claim jurisdiction over private land based on where vegetation is spotted—regardless of the reason. In other words, if you intentionally take out your shrubs and let the property go natural, the state can claim your land for free while you continue paying taxes. Insane. The city is equally problematic. Its ordinance, originally set up to prevent building on accreted land, is now interpreted to claim unlimited private land from an arbitrary mean high water (MHW) line. By this reading, jurisdiction could extend up to Ocean Boulevard in some cases—at no cost to the city. However, they forgot to read statute 48-39-120 B, which says public trust land is seaward of the MHW mark, and that the MHW mark remains as it was when the property was first developed or subdivided. That makes sense because all oceanfront owners continue to own and pay taxes up to the original MHW mark. Instead, the city intimidates citizens into thinking the MHW mark for property lines constantly moves. Another hoax that will be easily overturned when citizens stand up and challenge these bullies. Our founders said, “Freedom and property rights go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other.” We must defend this. 5. We must stop the misleading rhetoric from our local leaders. First, they said the Army Corps project was a $10 million “free replenishment.” More recently, they said it was a $4.5 million free replenishment. The Army Corps, to its credit, always denied this, saying it was simply trying to dispose of spoils from Intracoastal Waterway dredging. As predicted, this has been a disaster. The heavy equipment on the beach 24/7 compacts the sand, lowers the beach, and destroys the ecosystem within the sand. The “spoils” are dirty. Beaches have turned into oil baths in some areas, with garbage such as goggles pumped onto the shore. Visitors are visibly shocked. The sand itself is too fine to stay in place. As a recent resident-sponsored study showed, placing sand on these southern beaches is like pouring water into a leaky bucket. It washes into the Sullivan’s Island party shoals or into the channel on the other side of the bridge, creating bigger problems. This must be fixed first with a groin or equivalent. Prior to the
Army Corps project, the beach was beginning to stabilize. Six-foot tides stayed back. Now, six-foot tides reach many escarpments and have largely washed out the so-called “dunes” created by the city with Corps sand—promised as the solution. Another colossal waste of money that enriched the contractor and engineer.
6. Finally, the very idea that homeowners cannot protect their property— and that the city or state will not, or are too incompetent to do so—is frightening. The false narrative that property owners only care about themselves and not the beach makes no sense if you think about it. Why else would someone live on the beach if they did not care about it? In my case, several elected officials spread the false narrative that my protective structure, built landward of the setback line (identified in my deed as a jurisdictional line), would damage the beach and neighboring property. Almost two years later, there is little damage to the beach. Both immediate neighbors have publicly said my structure helped them, and one even wrote to all Council members confirming this. Not one dollar of public money has been spent on scraping or sandbags, and most visitors comment on how much nicer my yard looks compared with the rest of the beach. Would we stop for a minute and question our assumptions—or why Florida, Georgia, and many other states follow different strategies? No. Instead, we follow the definition of insanity: doing the same failed things with the same failed people and expecting different results.
There is only one solution: for property owners and beachgoers to wake up, examine the assumptions they have been operating under, and realize there are better solutions than failed policies that are destroying the beaches for the public and property owners. Maybe vote these folks out and replace them with a less ideological group. Our only other option is the courts. Maybe we don’t prevail at first, but prevail we will. The stakes are too high.
Reddy or Not 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-available basis.
AROUND THE ISLANDS
ONGOING
WHAT: Fleece+ Friday
WHERE: Beachwalker Center
WHEN: Every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon
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.
WHAT: Spirit Tasting
WHERE: Kiawah Spirits, 615 Freshfields Dr.
WHEN: Every Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Stop by Kiawah Spirits for tastings of select spirits. Guests must be 21 years old to participate. While supplies last.
WHAT: Music on the Green
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: Every Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Village Green will be alive with song and dance from various local artists every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, purchase snacks and drinks from surrounding businesses, and come together to enjoy a lively Lowcountry evening outdoors.
WHAT: Sea Island Farmers Market
WHERE: 2024 Academy Rd., Johns Island
WHEN: Every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Sea Island Farmers Market is a year-round delight for locals and visitors alike. This market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods and handmade crafts. It’s the perfect spot to start your weekend with a basket full of farm-fresh goodies and unique finds.
WHAT: Weekend Wine-Down
WHERE: Deep Water Vineyard, 6775 Bears Bluff Rd., Wadmalaw Island
WHEN: Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Attendees can expect tastings ($15 gets you a tasting of 6 samples of the vineyard’s wine and a souvenir stemless glass), drinks, food trucks, live music, and more.
WHAT: Farmers Market
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: Mondays in July and Aug. from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Pick from the freshest organic produce, local food products, and Lowcountry crafts all summer long.
WHAT: Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experiences
WHERE: Festival Hall, 56 Beaufain St., Charleston
WHEN: July 11 - Aug. 31
MORE INFO: A new immersive show combines the widely celebrated Beyond Van Gogh exhibit with the added Beyond Monet exhibit, offering audiences the unique opportunity to experience
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.
the masterpieces of both Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet. Tickets starting at $29.50 with a limited number of VIP tickets available. For tickets and schedules, visit beyondexhibitions.com.
WHAT: 17th Annual Lowcountry GOLF&GALA
WHERE: Wild Dunes Resort, 5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 5 - Sunday, Sept. 7
MORE INFO: The 17th Annual Lowcountry GOLF&GALA will feature a full weekend of fundraising and entertainment, including a golf tournament at the Wild Dunes Links Course and a gala reception at the Sweetgrass Inn on Friday, September 5. Gala guests are encouraged to keep the party going on Saturday, September 6, with a pickleball social, pool party, and a Caddyshack themed party/benefit concert at Islander 71. Learn more at FirstTeeCHS.org/golfgala.
MONDAY, AUG. 25
WHAT: Summer Oyster Roast
WHERE: Mingo Point, 876 Kiawah Island Pkwy., Johns Island
WHEN: 4 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
MORE INFO: Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s longest-running event is a treasured family favorite and a genuine Lowcountry tradition. Guests of all ages enjoy feasting on fresh oysters roasted over an open fire, along with other BBQ specialties such as ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and Lowcountry Boil with all the Southern side dishes and desserts. Guests will also enjoy family fun like live music and other activities. Each Mingo Point date includes two seatings for guests to choose from when purchasing tickets.
TUESDAY, AUG. 26
WHERE: 7th Annual Braggin’ Rights Bash
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Halls Signature Events, 5 Faber St., Charleston
MORE INFO: Chefs and mixologists from all 10 Hall Management Group locations compete in a culinary showdown, vying for the coveted “bragging rights,” while raising funds for a worthy cause. For more information, visit hallssignatureevents.com.
SATURDAY, AUG. 30
WHAT: Outdoor Barre Workout at Andell Inn WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 11:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: An outdoor barre workout at the Andell Inn Women of all ages are welcome. It’ll be a workout focused on strengthening, tightening and toning the full body while enjoying the ocean breeze. Bring a mat and a set of light weights (1-3lbs). Don’t worry if you don’t have anything, they will have extras.
WHAT: Summer Oyster Roast WHERE: Mingo Point, 876 Kiawah Island
Pkwy., Johns Island
WHEN: 4 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
MORE INFO: Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s longest-running event is a treasured family favorite and a genuine Lowcountry tradition. Guests of all ages enjoy feasting on fresh oysters roasted over an open fire, along with other BBQ specialties such as ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and Lowcountry Boil with all the Southern side dishes and desserts. Guests will also enjoy family fun like live music and other activities. Each Mingo Point date includes two seatings for guests to choose from when purchasing tickets.
SUNDAY, AUG. 31
WHAT: Seabrook Island Artist Guild Show & Sale
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Seabrook Island Artist Guild (SIAG) will bring together local artists from Seabrook, Kiawah and Johns Islands to showcase and sell original works on The Village Green, including oil paintings, pastels and Lowcountryinspired pieces. Attendees can stroll through The Village to browse and purchase various artwork.
WHAT: JAWS: 50th Anniversary Screening WHERE: Terrace Theater, 1956d Maybank Hwy., James Island WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: When the seaside community of Amity finds itself under attack by a dangerous great white shark, the town’s chief of police, a young marine biologist, and a grizzled hunter embark on a desperate quest to destroy the beast before it strikes again.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 4
WHAT: Sean of the South
WHERE: West Beach Conference Center WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join us for a night of music, stories and laughter. Sean Dietrich is a columnist, humorist, multi-instrumentalist, and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Newsweek, Southern Living, Reader’s Digest, Garden and Gun, and his column appears weekly in newspapers throughout the U.S. He has authored eighteen books and over four thousand columns.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 5
WHAT: Puppy Yoga
WHERE: Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave., North Charleston WHEN: 6 - 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Puppy Yoga on the lawn at Firefly Distillery, led by local instructor Reagan Sobel and joined by the adorable adoptable dogs of Clements Ferry Veterinary and Duty Tails Animal Rescue. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just here for the puppies, this all-levels class
AROUND THE ISLANDS
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.
is the perfect blend of movement and mood-lifting fun. Flow through your poses while playful pups wander through the crowd spreading joy, kisses, and maybe a little chaos. Tickets are $15 and a portion of proceeds benefits Duty Tails Animal Rescue. BYO yoga mat, water, and sunscreen/ bug spray.
WHAT: George Thorogood & The Destroyers
WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St., Charleston
WHEN: 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Since 1975, they’ve sold over 15 million albums, built a classic catalog of hits, and played more than 8,000 ferocious shows. They broke records with their 50 Dates/50 States tour, delivered landmark performances at Live Aid and on SNL, and became mainstays of radio, MTV and stages worldwide for more than two generations. Through it all, they’ve remained one of the most consistent – and consistently passionate – progenitors of blues-based rock in pop culture history.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 6
WHAT: Sunrise Yoga
WHERE: Kiawah Beachwalker Park WHEN: 7 a.m.
MORE INFO: Charleston County Parks’ Sunrise Yoga program is back at select park sites this summer. Participants will stretch their bodies, awaken their minds, and fuel their spirits in this uplifting, intention-setting yoga class sure to enhance the day ahead. Sunrise Yoga is inclusive and open to all abilities and fitness levels.
WHAT: 5th Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam
WHERE: The Refinery, 1640 Meeting Street Rd., Charleston WHEN: 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Live music lineup that includes progressive improvisational rock/jam band Big Something headlining along with local favorites Kanika Moore & The Brown Eyed Bois, and Just Groove. Purchase tickets at drifterfest.com
SUNDAY, SEPT. 7
WHAT: One Night of Queen: Performed by Gary Mullen & The Works
WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St., Charleston WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: For over 20 years Gary Mullen & The Works have been performing their world-renowned “One Night of Queen” live concert. The band will have you dancing in the aisles during their show, while they pay tribute to the stage theatrics, showmanship, and music of arguably the greatest rock band of all time: Queen.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 20
WHAT: Cars & Coffee Event Finale
WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: The final Cars & Coffee event of 2025 will showcase a variety of classic vehicles around The Village Green for visitors to explore, and offer the chance to connect over coffee and breakfast available for purchase from Java Java. The popular monthly seasonal series is set to return in February 2026.
BY CHEYENNE TWILLEY
n July 24, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Director Dr. Tom Mullikin addressed members of Ducks Unlimited (DU), emphasizing the critical role of public-private partnerships in protecting South Carolina’s natural resources. He was joined by SCDNR Board Chairman Dr. Mark Hartley and longtime conservation champion Senator Chip Campsen.
In his remarks, Mullikin praised Ducks Unlimited for its enduring commitment to wetlands conservation nationally and across the Palmetto State.
“For over 85 years, Ducks Unlimited has been a national and international leader in wetlands conservation,” he said. “You have conserved over 19 million acres across North America and, importantly, over 215,000 acres here in South Carolina alone.”
Mullikin emphasized that SCDNR’s mission to protect and manage the state’s wildlife, wetlands, rivers, forests and coastlines cannot be achieved alone, and that strong, mission-driven partnerships are critical.
“What DU brings to the table is not just passion but capacity: engineering know-how, science-based restoration, strong relationships with landowners and the fundraising engine to match,” he said. “This partnership helps protect all wildlife, enhances clean water for our communities and supports the traditions we value — from hunting and fishing to birdwatching and boating.”
One standout example of DU’s support is its $25,000 contribution to the restoration of Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary, a critical coastal habitat located in Charleston Harbor. In 2018, Ducks Unlimited joined other partners in supporting SCDNR’s efforts to rebuild the eroded island.
“Whether we’re restoring habitat at the Santee Delta, securing easements in the ACE Basin or educating the next generation about wetlands and waterfowl, this partnership with Ducks Unlimited makes SCDNR stronger,” Mullikin said.
“Together, we can make South Carolina a national model for cooperative conservation — not just for ducks, but for all who depend on healthy land, clean water and wild places.”
Fifth annual Drifterfest is back in September
The 5th Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam is returning September 5-7 with a dynamic lineup of live music celebrating the life and legacy of the late Drifter Merch founder Bert Griggs.
The main event takes place on Saturday at the Refinery Amphitheater with a lineup that includes progressive improvisational rock/jam band Big Something, headlining along with local favorites Kanika Moore & The Brown Eyed Bois and Just Groove. Doors open at 5 p.m., with music from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Tickets are on sale at DrifterFest.com/tickets. General Admission is $30 in advance and $40 on the day of show. With limited availability, $60 VIP tickets are 21 and older only and include GA access, second-level rooftop viewing area overlooking the event with private VIP bar, inside bathrooms, seating, VIP parking and commemorative laminate.
The festival kicks off on Friday with a free pre-jam event featuring Machine Funk “A Tribute to Widespread Panic” at Home Team BBQ downtown starting at 6 p.m. Then on Sunday, the festive weekend wraps up with a free show featuring Junco Partner at Vickery’s on Shem Creek from 4-7 p.m.
Drifter Fest has grown into a must-attend celebration of music, art, local eats and specialty drinks. This year, a portion of proceeds will benefit Rock ‘n Roll Rescue, a nonprofit that allows children access to instruments and music education programs. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting Drifter Fest and its mission.
“Bert had a unique ability to make everyone feel special,” said Lorrie Dixson Griggs, festival founder and Bert’s widow. “Drifter Fest is our way of honoring his memory and the joy he brought to so many through music and community.”
For more information, tickets, sponsorship and other inquiries, go to drifterfest. com. For media passes and interviews, please contact lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com.
