IC May 17 2024

The Early Turtle Catches the Wave

SEA TURTLE SEASON IN SC OFF TO AN EARLY START

BY SCDNR

For The Island Connection

South Carolina’s sea turtle nesting season has begun a couple days earlier than normal with a loggerhead nest reported in Garden City Beach.

Trained volunteers with the Garden City Surfside Sea Turtle Guardians located the nest this morning while walking the beach. They are among the team of over 1,500 volunteers and biologists who will regularly patrol South Carolina’s beaches through October to count, monitor and protect sea turtle nests.

May 1 traditionally marks the beginning of sea turtle season in South Carolina, but recent sea turtle activity indicated nesting began early this year. Last month, volunteers with North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle Patrol noted the first ‘false crawl’ of the season, made by a loggerhead female who came ashore but returned to sea without nesting. Other early nest years include Folly Beach on April 29 in 2002 and Kiawah Island on April 26 in 2019.

"With warmer winter conditions and observations of mating loggerheads, there was some expectation that nesting would begin sooner than May, especially after the initial false crawl reported," said biologist Michelle Pate, who oversees SCDNR's sea turtle nesting program. "We ask that beachfront residents and visitors recreating on our coast turn off lights at night as sea turtles begin this annual ritual of nesting."

Nesting requires a great deal of energy, so

(continued on page 5)

Put in Park DISAGREEMENTS ON PARKING AT THE NEW CAPE CLUB PREVENTS OPENING

BY THERESA STRATFORD

For The Island Connection

It was an email sent out from the Kiawah Island Club to the membership at the end of April that spurred the Town to send out a community-wide email in response, or rather, in defense, of themselves.

The topic in reference was in regards to the new Cape development off Beachwalker Drive and, specifically, the Club facility they built there.

The email from the Kiawah Island Club entitled “Club Topics with Tom” noted that the Town issued a site plan approval for the Cape Club facility in 2020 and subsequently the building permit, but at this time will not grant a certificate of occupancy for use by the membership. The reason cited the need for additional parking requirements.

Sea turtle stranding season underway at the SC Aquarium

BY SUSAN MCLAUGHLIN For The Island Connection

The South Carolina Aquarium has seen a significant uptick in admissions recently.

“Our sea turtle stranding season has definitely started strong. These past two weeks have been a whirlwind, with seven sea turtles admitted in rapid succession and each needing individualized treatments and care,” said Sea Turtle Care Center manager Melissa Ranly. “It’s clear that sea turtles have arrived along the South Carolina coast and are facing some unforgiving impacts out there.”

The email stated: “The Club and Company submitted the site plans for approval nearly one year ago and submitted a separate, related site plan approval over five months ago, along with an updated Ocean Pines plan to address the new parking request. However, as of the writing of this letter, the Town has been unwilling to

(continued on page 2)

This year's naming theme for sea turtle patients is breakfast foods, adding an appetizing touch of whimsy to their journey toward recovery. Hashbrown was the first patient, a juvenile green sea turtle that arrived “smothered and covered” in mud and epibiota, indicating that the turtle has been sick for quite some

(continued on page 2)

The sea turtle volunteers who discovered the first nest of the season pose for a photo (from L-R: Vanessa Smith, Tommy Ginevan, Terry Grahm [and Mazie], Tara Burfening, Vickki Hardwick, Bridget Hardee, Mike Dalton).

Dr. Jamie Torres, volunteer veterinary student Lauren Humphrey and sea turtle biologist Ashley Wright provide care to Strudel, an injured sea turtle. COURTESY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM

MYLO N EWS

Sea Turtle Stranding

(continued from page 1)

time. Not long after, a full “breakfast buffet” of sick and injured sea turtles – four greens and two Kemp’s ridleys – arrived and are currently undergoing rehabilitation in the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center:

• Biscuit, a juvenile green that washed ashore debilitated, underweight, dehydrated, covered in epibiota, with lesions on the neck and shoulders, a dislocated flipper and a damaged flipper;

• Eleanor, a juvenile green that arrived with a hook in its flipper;

• Strudel, a juvenile green that washed ashore severely lethargic and emaciated, with corneal ulcers in both eyes;

• Frittata, a juvenile green that was stranded, covered in

Parking (continued from page 1)

Denise K. James editor ICeditor@luckydognews.com

Swan

Ada

Jeff Lovins sales manager JLovins@mylonews.com 843-885-8662

Lynn Pierotti consultant lynn@luckydognews.com

approve these site plans. Without these approvals and then subsequently our installation of this retroactive parking, the Town will not issue a certificate of occupancy.”

The email goes on to admit “frustration” that the Cape Club cannot open, despite being staffed and ready to operate “today.”

It said, “We are disappointed the Town appears unwilling to provide the necessary approvals, but we will continue to work in good faith to address their new demands.”

In response, the Town sent out a community-wide email on April 26 entitled, “Response to The Cape Beach Club Status.”

Although it started out saying that normally the Town would not comment on matters related to the operation of the private club, they felt the need to address their position on this issue.

Susan

Barbara

“The communication inaccurately characterized the ongoing review of the site plan applications by the Town's planning department. In particular, the assertion that the Town is ‘unwilling’ to approve the site plans submitted by Kiawah Partners for the Ocean Pines development is simply false. The Ocean Pines site plan is currently under review by the Town's planning department. The purpose of that review is to ensure that all applicable requirements under the now-expired development agreement and the Town's zoning ordinances are met. In conjunction with the site plan review, the planning department staff identified various deficiencies, including the adequacy of parking associated with the operation of the Cape Club. Just to clarify, there is no parking at all for Club members, visitors and guests at the Cape.”

The email from the Town states

TOWN OF KIAWAH

Board of Zoning Appeals

Monday, May 20, 1 p.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

May Community Drop-in

Wednesday, May 22, 2 p.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

Ways and Means Committee

Tuesday, Jun 4, 10 a.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

Town Council

Tuesday, June 4, 1 p.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

sand and epibiota and had a severe ear infection;

• Poptart, a juvenile Kemp’s ridley that was caught on hook and line deep in the esophagus and needed surgery;

• Pancake, a juvenile Kemp’s ridley that also was caught on hook and line in the flipper and had ingested plastic.

The Aquarium’s team of biologists, veterinarians and dedicated volunteers are working tirelessly to provide the necessary care to rehabilitate these sick and injured sea turtles. Guests can witness this rehabilitation in action during an Aquarium visit and come face to face with current sea turtle patients, read their stories and learn how to protect them. For more information, visit scaquarium.org/STCC.

that the Cape must either meet all requirements and conditions or provide variances from the requirements and get approval from the Town’s Board of Zoning Appeals.

“It is incumbent on the applicant to submit revised plans that address outstanding deficiencies or to seek and obtain the requisite variances. That has not happened as of yet,” the Town’s email read.

It is important to note that the Town approved the site plan in 2020 under the impression that this amenity would be only for residents of the Cape. In that case, there was sufficient parking provided in the site plans. However, the Cape Club will be open to all Kiawah Island Club members throughout the island.

At this time, additional parking is being sought at an adjacent property, the status of which is still pending.

Tom Nevin, president of the Kiawah Island Club, provided this statement

when asked to respond to the issue: “The comprehensive planning for the Cape Club has included member parking from the onset. We will continue to work toward acquiring approval for its installation so that the Club and cottages can be used by all members.”

The Cape Club will feature an infinity edge pool, fitness area, beachfront, a Mike Lata-led restaurant and two oceanfront member cottages.

The Cape on Kiawah spans 14 acres and 1,000 feet of beachfront property – the largest of any development on the island. The development was completed in 2023 and consists of 78 residences in six buildings. Along with the Cape Club, other amenities are a fitness studio, rooftop deck, grand lawn, outdoor storage, a pet washing station and EV charging stations. Residents of the Cape also have the opportunity to purchase a Kiawah Island Club membership.

TOWN OF SEABROOK

Special Committee on Short-term Rentals

Monday, May 20, 10 a.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Public Safety Committee Meeting

Tuesday, May 21, 10 a.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Town Council Regular Meeting

Tuesday, May 28, 2:30 p.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Planning Commission Meeting

Wednesday, June 12, 1:30 p.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Luke Farrell Makes His Debut on Kiawah’s Town Council

BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection

Luke Farrell joined the Kiawah Island Town Council for his first official meeting on May 7. His swearing-in ceremony took place the day before, on May 6.

Farrell moved to Kiawah Island from California in 2020 after purchasing his home in 2018. However, he had been visiting Kiawah for over 30 years with his sons after his in-laws bought a home on the island in 1991.

With an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering and more than a dozen years running chemical plants for two Fortune 300 companies, Farrell comes to Town Council with a strong background in project management. He also spent 25 years on Wall Street as a trader, analyst, portfolio manager and senior strategist.

His experience with Town government comes from his service on the planning commission and as a member of the Shorebird Patrol.

Farrell was kind enough to address some questions that The Island Connection had in regards to issues facing the town and his intentions as a Town Council member.

What do you think is the biggest issue that Kiawah Island residents face at this current time? How do you plan to tackle that issue?

“In the short run, I believe managing ongoing changes and expectations will be critical. Residents and visitors are seeing an increase in traffic; there are capacity issues with amenities and other island stresses as a result of the ongoing development. In the longer term, development will shift from Kiawah Partners to the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Island build-out will continue, and it will be vitally important to correct and manage the short-term issues while planning for strong review and supervision of the longer-term development of the island. My goal is to work with the Town Council and staff to strengthen oversight and transparency while adding additional professional resources to achieve better results and success. The ultimate goal is to preserve the character of Kiawah well into the future.”

What is the most polarizing issue facing Kiawah residents, and how do you think you will handle both sides of the coin to represent everyone?

“My sense is that the transfer of Captain Sams Spit to KICA and then following through with a conservation easement involving the Conservancy is critical to our successful stewardship of the Island and the environmental commitment that is a fundamental part of our responsibility as residents. This is a difficult topic involving legal strategy and multiple primary and secondary parties with intersecting interests but with different timeframes for success. I believe that all residents want this transfer to happen, and the only questions are when and how this happens.”

What is your opinion about the traffic problems in the area?

“This is a tough question for me

because it involves perspective. I have spent the last 20 years living and commuting in Los Angeles. I know ‘traffic.’ For someone that has lived on Kiawah for many years, their perspective is very different, and the change they have seen is material. I am sympathetic to their perspective, and I believe there are three to four components we can change to better handle the high-load periods, especially at the first gate, but this will require commitment from the resort, contractors, the Town and KICA to achieve real success. Of growing concern for me is development more broadly across Johns Island and the lack of planning and current maintenance of the road system in this part of the county. The loading and road quality of both Main Road and Maybank Highway will become a pressure point in the near future. Participation on the Johns Island Road Commission will be of increasing importance.”

This is going to be an active couple of years ahead as far as development goes with Seafields, the MUSC Health Center taking shape and other projects coming to fruition, like Andell West. What do you think constituents need to know?

“Development can be beneficial and successful if well-planned and managed. These developments will bring benefits and increased capacity for certain services and products. However, we all should expect that there will be a nearterm cost in the form of construction traffic and delays. It will be important to prepare for this and use creative solutions to minimize the impact as much as is practical.”

When it comes to transparency, how do you think you will handle communication with Kiawah Island residents?

“Transparency is critical to good government. Forums where people actually talk and exchange ideas are vital components. Documenting decisions in writing so that all can see the rationale and the details is also critical. Participation by the public is a requirement for success. This Island has the benefit of a wealth of talent and intellect. I believe this Council will continue to encourage participation, both formally in committees and task forces, and informally, through coffee talks and town halls. We need to ensure that we tap into this intellect. Facts and data are important, but so are the ideas and opinions of the residents of this island.”

Luke Farrell.

Sea Turtle Season (continued from page 1)

female sea turtles do not lay eggs every year. This cyclical pattern of nesting results in fluctuating nest numbers from year to year. It’s not unusual for record-breaking years (like 2019; 8,795 nests) to follow low nesting years (like 2018; 2,766).

Overall, sea turtle nest numbers across the Southeast have trended up over the past decade, making biologists across the region optimistic that these threatened reptiles are beginning to recover after several decades of conservation efforts.

South Carolina Sea Turtle Nest Numbers

2018: 2,766

2019: 8,795 (highest on record)

2020: 5,560

2021: 5,644

2022: 7,996

2023: 6,618

Four sea turtle species nest are on South Carolina beaches: loggerheads, greens, Kemp’s ridleys and leatherbacks. All four species are classified as endangered or threatened and are protected under the Endangered Species Act in addition to state law. Loggerhead nests comprise the majority of the state’s total number each year.

Sea turtle clutches average 120 eggs and hatch after approximately 60 days. Nesting females may remain in South Carolina waters and continue to nest every two weeks, laying up to six nests per season. Throughout this stressful time, the turtles also abstain from eating.

South Carolina beachgoers can help the state’s sea turtles by keeping beaches clean, turning beachfront lights out to avoid disorienting turtles and giving all sea turtles and nests a wide and respectful berth when encountered on the beach.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Reminders

• Respect boating laws and boat cautiously, especially in small tidal creeks where sea turtles like to feed. Boat strikes have emerged as the leading cause of death for sea turtles in South Carolina.

• Keep artificial lights off the beach at night during nesting season – this includes beachfront property lights and flash photography, which can disorient nesting mothers and hatchlings.

• Always respect sea turtles by observing them from a distance on the beach. Individuals that violate federal law by harming or interfering with sea turtles or their nests can be subject to civil penalties of up to $25,000 and up to a year’s imprisonment.

• Keep our beaches and ocean clean by avoiding single-use plastics. Plastic bags and balloons are among the most common trash items found on South Carolina beaches and can cause injury or death when sea turtles mistake them for food.

• Report all sick/injured/dead sea turtles and nest disturbances to the SCDNR at 1-800-922-5431 so that staff/volunteers can respond as soon as possible.

Waves of Feminine Strength 22ND

ANNUAL FOLLY BEACH WAHINE CLASSIC RETURNS TO THE WASHOUT

BY AMBER DOKAS

For The Island Connection

The surf is calling at the 22nd Annual Folly Beach Wahine Classic, splashing down at the iconic local surf spot, the Washout, July 27-28, 2024. The all-girl nonprofit surf contest is the only one of its kind in South Carolina, and it’s the longestrunning female surf contest on the east coast, bringing surfers from across the nation to the sunny shores of Folly Beach.

The mission of the Folly Beach Wahine Classic is to share the strength of surfer women (wahines) of all ages and abilities through a fun weekend of surf competition, girl power, and camaraderie, riding the waves of womanhood toward a life of purpose. Your support extends to event partners including Warrior Surf, Surfers Healing, Waves 4 Women, She’s On Edge and Charleston Surfrider, among other local

ocean-based nonprofits working together to make a difference and showing girls and their families the infinite potential of a woman’s strength.

Sponsoring the Folly Beach Wahine Classic isn’t just good vibes; it’s great exposure for your business. All sponsors are promoted on the official Folly Wahine website, social media, tent and banner placement on the beach and more. Ruby-level and above company logos will be displayed on the back of the official event t-shirts. View more sponsorship benefits at FollyWahine. com/Sponsorship-and-Donations.

You can learn more about the Folly Beach Wahine Classic, become a sponsor and support the mission at FollyWahine. com. Keep up with the swell and hear when contest registration opens on Facebook at Folly Beach Wahine Classic and Instagram @FollyBeachWahine.

May the Fish Be WIth You

BY CAPT. GEOFF BENNETT

For The Island Connection

It’s a perfect time to be fishing! Our waters are now full of bait, and fish are actively eating. All summer seasonal species have arrived and, when added to our traditional gamefish, provide a whole array of options for an angler. If you haven’t started fishing yet, get going.

Consider making the most of live bait when focusing on redfish. Menhaden are a great choice whether fished with cut or alive. We’ve been catching some nice redfish by casting chunks of menhaden under docks. You’ll need to use enough weight to hold your bait steady so it doesn’t slide around on the bottom and get snagged. I use pinch-on split shots that can be easily changed; just add or remove these weights as needed.

Topwater trout action is abundant at first light. Heddon’s Super Spook Jr. in their silver mullet color works great, but my go-to is the chartreuse and black. Vary retrieve speeds as you work these lures along grassy banks and over shell rakes. When a fish strikes, reel quickly before raising your rod tip. Hard to do sometimes when a violent explosion erupts around your lure. Once the topwater bite starts to fade, suspended twitch bait lures are a good choice to continue the fun.

Sharks have filled our waters with multiple species like bonnetheads, black tips and sharpnose easily accessible. You'll start to see the fins of sharks as they cruise along river banks and also find them feasting along drop-offs in the harbor and inlets. Blue crab, live shrimp and cut bait all work well on these predators. I favor 7/0 circle hooks. Just put the rods in the holders and wait for them to whip over.

See you on the water!

Since 2009, Capt. Geoff Bennett has operated Charleston Charter Fishing providing light tackle charters. Clients choose from a full menu of artificial and live bait fishing options with charters tailored to their desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit his website at charlestoncharterfishing.com, or email him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.

Known as the Heron’s Nest, this beautifully renovated villa features an ample sized living area that opens to a large screened porch, recently renovated kitchen, a cozy sunroom, and beautiful views of the marsh and several Grand Oaks. Walk to the nearby pool, world class tennis facility and the Lakehouse fitness center with indoor pool, or ride your bike to the various restaurants and shops at Freshfields Village and Bohicket Marina.

Angler Thomas Smith from Pensacola, Florida.

Celebrating Four Decades of Learning

SEABROOK ISLAND NATURAL HISTORY GROUP

The Seabrook Island Natural History Group marked its 40th anniversary as members gathered recently for the organization’s annual meeting at Lake House. Noting that SINHG was Seabrook Island’s oldest special interest group, as well as its largest with more than 500 members, President Lynn Baker told the gathering about the late Johns Island native Betty Stringfellow, granddaughter of the Andell family. The Andells once owned much of Seabrook, and they, along with a group of other like-minded Seabrookers, began to organize informal group

educational tours in the early 1980s to focus on the Lowcountry’s natural history and culture.

“SINHG has been carrying on that mission ever since,” Baker said, adding that a fall series of more than thirty trips for members would be announced early in the summer.

In addition to its twice-yearly program of member trips, SINHG offers six evening programs per year for Seabrook residents and their guests focusing on the Lowcountry’s history, archaeology, cultural traditions and ecology.

To learn more about membership, visit sinhg.org.

Portrait of Betty Stringfellow.

40th year celebration.

An Artistic Opportunity SPOTLIGHT

ON APPRENTICES

IN

SPOLETO

BY CAROL ANTMAN For The Island Connection

As Allison Ross-Spang approached her 2013 graduation with a bachelor’s degree in arts management from the College of Charleston, she had a common problem – “I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do for a career” – but she was certain of her passion: “I knew that I enjoyed helping others bring art into the world.” Her direction became clear when, on a professor’s suggestion, she applied for an apprenticeship at Spoleto Festival USA. “It felt like the perfect stepping stone after graduation.” Eleven years later, she is an associate producer. “It has had a huge influence on my career. I’ve been very lucky to be able to grow and change roles throughout the years, so it’s certainly made me who I am today.”

Spoleto describes its apprenticeship program as “a unique, seasonal employment opportunity to develop skills under the guidance of professional arts administrators and technicians.” It attracts college-age and early career applicants from across the country to work in everything from marketing to ticketing to special events for a period of between four to six weeks. Selected applicants are given a $600 per week salary, travel assistance and housing in college dorms. But the bonus of attending performances and meeting arts luminaries is the most valued part. “I was able to attend incredible showcases of art and talent that, as a 20-year-old college student, I may not have been able to attend otherwise,” said May Lebby Thompson, a box office associate.

Apprentices describe the intense working environment as fast-moving, eye-opening, fun and exhausting. Chloe Wright returned for her fourth time this year as a marketing apprentice. “One day, you might be working on PR, helping coordinate interviews or writing blog posts. The next, you’ll be running

from one concert to the next with your camera, capturing content for social media.”

Savannah Wray is an artist services apprentice charged with making sure the talent has everything they need. Her biggest surprise? “I didn’t expect to spend nearly as much time at Walmart as I did!”

It’s an incredibly inspiring environment which depends on creative collaboration. Just ask Phillip Snyder, who is working as an associate producer. “The thrill of getting to work on a team to make something happen has always been extremely intoxicating to me,” he said. “It felt good to be in charge of something, even though it sometimes came with a lot of pressure.”

It’s also a formative experience for these young professionals. For Lily Stone, it “solidified [a] love for the arts.” For Snyder, it influenced his year-round career teaching music in college: “The perspective I have gained from being on the producing side of the performance arts helps me immensely to mentor my students in their careers.” And Wright, who is a freelance video producer, finds that her festival experiences are her best calling card. “So much of my work that I display to clients looking to hire me . . . comes from these 17 days in Charleston. Not only do I get an extensive amount of material that I can display in my portfolio, but I get the room to develop my skills and try new things in such an artistically vibrant environment.”

The festival’s high standards are the result of talent on stage and behind the curtains. Apprentices play an essential role and are enormously impacted. As Snyder found, “Getting to work so closely with people presenting and procuring art at the very highest level was an experience that changed my life.”

Visit spoletousa.org for more info.

‘Shop’ By and

Celebrate

SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF JOHNNY WAS AT FRESHFIELDS

BY BARBARA ENGLAND

For The Island Connection

Johnny Was, a national women’s clothing and accessories store, is celebrating its second Anniversary at Freshfields on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The team at Johnny Was would like to invite you to the celebration to enjoy yummy nibbles, festive drinks and a fantastic opportunity to win a $500 gift card.

The party will also include 20% discounts on everything in the store along with a trip to a Bouquet Bar with any purchase, while flowers last. The Bouquet Bar is a fun way for the Johnny Was staff to treat their customers by allowing them to create their own flower arrangements to take home.

Johnny Was is a 37 year-old brand based out of Los Angeles. The company was named for the Bob Marley song, “Johnny Was A Good Man,” a favorite of the original owners and their children. The CEO/President Rob Trauber is especially proud of the Freshfields store

because he grew up coming to Kiawah Island for family vacations.

The Freshfields store currently has a dedicated staff of six ladies who strive to make every shopper’s experience fun and special. The sales team describes the clothes as coastal chic – a little bit bohemian, artsy, elevated, eclectic and, most of all, happy. Nancy Bosco is the manager, and Stephanie Corbett is the assistant manager. The sales team is made up of Kiawah, Seabrook, Johns and James Islands residents.

“We love being located in Freshfields Village, which has such a neighborly feel all year long. Our team thrives on meeting new shoppers and loves building personal customer relationships,” said Bosco.

Visit Johnny Was on May 18, and celebrate the second anniversary of the Freshfield location. You’re sure to leave with a big smile, a flower bouquet – and perhaps even a gift card just for shopping by.

How could anyone not love this lovely little plant? Its graceful stems are adorned with beautifully scalloped, bright green leaves. Rub the foliage and sniff: You’ll detect a charmingly spicy “earth odor.” Its little stems are perfectly square in the cross section…so fun to feel. And its flowers! Each calyx is a miniature, starshaped chalice, the five points stretching out. The corolla is like a miniature orchid, a pale ivory pink, with plenty of darker purplish speckles, seducing the bumbling honeybees to follow the trail inside, where delicious nectar awaits.

This little plant is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It’s a perennial species, which of course means that it can come back season after season from underground parts that it produces. In this case, the underground parts are swollen, somewhat crisp, white cylindrical tubers produced at the ends of its slender rhizomes. Flowering commences in April where I live (Actually, I’ve seen the plants blooming a few times as early as late March), and, of course, flowering may be later as you move north. The oldest flowers on a stem will be toward the bottom with the newest ones up top. If all goes well, each flower will produce four small, dark fruits. . . one seed inside each. Flowering tends to deplete the little tubers, and so the plants will begin producing a new crop of them later on.

Visiting from Florida

BY JOHN NELSON For The Island Connection

Did I tell you that these tubers are edible? Well, they sure are. Very tasty, I think, and perfectly suitable for salads. Just get all the sand off.

This species is originally native only to Florida: The first known herbarium collections are from the Tallahassee area back in the 1800s. Because of its tubers, it was able to be transported easily from one place to another. After

the 1940s, this plant has exploded onto the Southeastern scene as a serious garden weed, and I have theorized for some time now this is largely due to inadvertent transport from Florida, stowing themselves away in shipments of container plants. Once the tubers

establish themselves, the plants behave like winter annuals, coming up as vegetative growth when autumn starts and lasting through winter’s chill. Then they bloom in the spring. This species has become a real nuisance in Southern gardens, and many people despise it despite all the good things I’ve mentioned about it at the beginning of this article.

Unfortunately, merely pulling or digging the plants up does little to stop its spread, due to those tubers and the rhizomes, which often fragment during this failed removal process. Makes the situation worse. I expect that only extreme diligence in digging/pulling would take care of an infestation, but who wants to put in all that work? Sure enough, there seem to be effective herbicides that will knock out this plant, but they are very powerful and unfriendly to other garden things. If you must use one, consult your local officials.

John Nelson is the retired curator of the Herbarium at the University of South Carolina, in the Department of Biological Sciences. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, call 803-777-8175 or email johnbnelson@ sc.rr.com.

Lowcountry and Holy City

PHOTO BY JOHN NELSON

Answer: “Florida Betony,” “Rattlesnake weed”, Stachys floridana]

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CHARLESTON GOLF COURSE ROUND-UP

SINGLE IN THE HOLY CITY: CAN YOU FIND YOUR MONDAY MORNING PERSON IN CHARLESTON?

“It’s not about finding your Friday or Saturday guy. It’s about who you want to spend Monday morning with.” Could this be a reality in the Hoiy City?

In the Charleston metro area, you'll find a variety of outstanding courses. Here is a simplified guide for your golfing ventures.

KIAWAH ISLAND NAMED ONE OF THE BEST FAMILY BEACH VACATION SPOTS IN THE U.S.

Travel + Leisure has just unveiled its selections for the finest Family Beach Vacation Spots in the U.S., and one of our sea islands made the list.

RIVERDOGS ADD BIG NAMES TO 2024 LEGENDS IN THE SOUTH GAME PRESENTED BY THE MARINO FAMILY

SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENT WINS 2024 POETRY OURSELVES COMPETITION

Friday, the

CITY OF CHARLESTON CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF ITS LATEST AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT

City

MAYOR COGSWELL ANNOUNCES DUI CHECKPOINTS TO CRACK DOWN ON IMPAIRED DRIVING

Mayor William Cogswell announced effective immediately, the Charleston Police Department will deploy strategically positioned D.U.I. checkpoints

On

National Endowment for the Arts revealed that Jessie Leitzel, a senior at Charleston County School of the Arts in South Carolina, clinched the 2024 Poetry Ourselves competition's top spot with her original poem.

Once again, the Charleston RiverDogs will host a charity softball game in midJune at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, featuring former Major League Baseball players.

The

of Charleston marked a significant milestone with the ribboncutting ceremony for the James Lewis, Jr. Apartments situated at 89 Hanover Street.

around the islands...

ONGOING

WHAT: Charleston Farmers Market

WHEN: Every Saturday from April to December

WHERE: Marion Square, Downtown

MORE INFO: For over three decades, the CFM has been a cornerstone of Charleston’s culinary landscape, uniting farmers, growers, artisans, and food aficionados. Nestled in the heart of Downtown Charleston at scenic Marion Square, we offer a delightful market experience every Saturday from April through November, with an added treat of our special Holiday Market on select weekends in December. Indulge in a wealth of fresh local produce and homegrown creativity while enjoying live music, community gatherings, activities, and more in a welcoming environment suitable for families and pets alike.

WHAT: Textile Gallery

WHEN: January 20 - September 15

WHERE: Charleston Museum

MORE INFO: Quilting, a timeless form of creative expression, melds colors and patterns into purposeful objects. Like paint on canvas, fabric pieces serve as artistic boundaries, challenging individual visual acuity and imagination. We’re excited to announce a collaborative exhibition with the Gibbes Museum of Art, featuring abstract artwork alongside the Museum’s quilts. This showcase highlights the artistic splendor of both mediums.

WHAT: Elisa Harkins “Teach Me A Song” Exhibition

WHEN: April 5 - July 20

WHERE: Halsey Institute

MORE INFO: Elisa Harkins’s ongoing project, “Teach Me a Song,” explores themes of translation, language preservation, and Indigenous musicology. The project involves a series of exchanges where collaborators teach her a song, resulting in recordings ranging from ceremonial to rock ’n’ roll. By sharing and trading music between nations, Harkins aims to decolonize traditions of Indigenous musicology. This exhibition marks the first time the complete project has been showcased.

WHAT: Spandita Malik “Meshes of Resistance” Exhibition

WHEN: April 5 - July 20

WHERE: Halsey Institute

MORE INFO: Malik’s showcase at the Halsey Institute, titled “Meshes of Resistance,” presents pieces from her ongoing series. Within this collection, Malik captures portraits of women in India she’s met through self-help centers addressing domestic and gender-based violence. These portraits, taken within the women’s homes and personal spaces, are printed onto region-specific fabric. The women then personalize their portraits through embroidery, empowering themselves to shape their representation and fostering an artistic partnership with Malik.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

WHAT: Islander 71 2nd Anniversary Party

WHERE: Islander 71, Isle of Palms

WHEN: Noon

MORE INFO: Join us in celebrating Islander 71’s 2nd Anniversary all day long. Enjoy live music, local vendors, and help us raise money for the local Charleston Waterkeepers Foundation. DJ Trey J will spin a ’70s hit set from noon-4 p.m., followed by The Secret Ingredients performing your favorite tunes from 5-8 p.m.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

WHAT: Charleston Stage’s “Cabaret at The Pearl” WHERE: West Ashley Theatre Center

WHEN: 3 p.m.

MORE INFO: Come join Charleston Stage’s Resident Actors and pianist Michael Lopez on May 19 at either 3 p.m. or 6 p.m. for an hour filled with laughter, music, and heartwarming memories as they commemorate the conclusion of their 46th season. This cabaret-style performance will unfold at the cozy West Ashley Theatre Center performing space known as "The Pearl," which also serves as the venue for Charleston Stage’s numerous educational programs. Suitable for ages 6 and up, this family-friendly production promises an enchanting experience for all.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

WHAT: Chow Town: Food Truck Rodeo

WHERE: Seabrook Island Town Hall

WHEN: 4 p.m.

MORE INFO: Seabrook Island’s Town is excited to announce its annual summer and holiday food truck rodeos. Open to all, these events will take place at Town Hall, located at 2001 Seabrook Island Road. Join us monthly throughout the summer and in December for our Holiday Extravaganza, featuring local food truck vendors, artisans, and live music for everyone to enjoy.

WHAT: Blooms and Bubbles: Exclusive Garden Tour

WHERE: The Joseph Manigault WHEN: 4 p.m.

MORE INFO: Since 1949, the Garden Club of Charleston has maintained the formal garden behind the Joseph Manigault House, reflecting Charleston’s early 1800s ambiance with authentic period plants. Join us for a guided tour led by Garden Club members to explore the garden’s diverse flora, preceded by spring-themed refreshments at 4 p.m. Members can enjoy this tour at no cost, while admission to the house also grants free access to the tour. Please note the final interior tour begins at 4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 24

WHAT: Memorial Day Weekend Music on the Green

WHERE: Freshfields Village, Kiawah Island

WHEN: 6 p.m.

MORE INFO: Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with us at the two-night Music on the Green Concert Series. Enjoy free, family-friendly concerts showcasing a diverse range of music genres, including Carolina Beach, Motown, Top 40, and Country, performed by regional bands. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and chairs for a cozy and enjoyable evening under the stars.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

WHAT: Atlantic Cup WHERE: Charleston Harbor WHEN: TBD

MORE INFO: After a hiatus since 2018, the Atlantic Cup returns from May 25 to June 7, 2024. Renowned as the longest offshore race in the Western Atlantic and the sole U.S. race dedicated to the Class40, this edition commences from Charleston, South Carolina on May 25, culminating in Portland, Maine the weekend of June 7.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29

WHAT: Charlamagne tha God, “Get Honest or Die Lying” WHERE: Charleston Music Hall

WHEN: 7 p.m.

MORE INFO: Join us at the Charleston Music Hall on Wednesday, May 29 at 7 p.m. as we collaborate with Blue Bicycle Books to present Charlamagne Tha God’s book release event for “Get Honest or Die Lying.” Experience a moderated conversation with Charlamagne Tha God discussing his new book, followed by an audience Q&A session. Every ticket holder will receive a pre-signed copy of the book upon arrival. Please note that book personalizations will not be available.

“Man is not free until government is limited”— Ronald

Reagan

It was not that many years ago that Reagan’s statement may have seemed redundant in America. Not anymore. The federal government has grown almost 40% in the last four years. Much of that growth has gone to increasing federal bureaucracy, and that bureaucracy is then used to oppress the citizens. Unfortunately, as the head grows, the body grows. Our State and local governments have also grown dramatically. South Carolina boasts agencies like DHEC, which is approximately 4,000 strong, and SCDOT, which is approximately 5,000 strong.

Apparently, these are not big enough, as the Department of Health and Environmental Control will now be split into two groups this summer—the Environmental group and the Health group. But, oops, all these agencies are out of space, so we will spend about $490 million to relocate them from owned offices in downtown Columbia (not nice enough or big enough) to leased offices in the suburbs. South Carolina Dept. of Transportation controls about two-thirds

Are We Free? GOVERNMENT VERSUS THE PEOPLE

BY ROM REDDY

of the roads in the state, including substantially all of the roads on our islands. This is the fourth-highest state-controlled road system in the nation. Let's not talk about the results because our roads are anywhere between the second and fourth worst in the nation. Don’t fret, taxpayer. We are adding more people.

DHEC and their subsidiary, Ocean & Coastal Resource Management, have completely changed their mission. They were supposed to help maintain our beautiful beaches and other waterfront areas. Instead, they are destroying all the above and have switched their mission to a policing agency, grabbing private property to temporarily gain more waterfront until they destroy that and grab more private property. On non-beach waterfront, DHEC requires a professional surveyor to establish a critical area for state jurisdiction over private property. But they do not always like the answers. So, now they require the

surveyors to stamp their survey, saying DHEC reserves the right to change the critical area at their discretion. And change it they do. Usually, these changes establish government jurisdiction over owners who cannot afford to fight the threats of jail time, fines or destroying the livelihood of the contractor or owner. Beachfront is even more egregious. The state uses a process to analyze the impacts of erosion over a seven-to-10-year period and establish jurisdictional lines over private property. There is a legal agreement with private property owners that these lines (termed the base line and setback line) are the limit of the state’s jurisdiction over private property. This jurisdiction over private property claimed by the state at no cost to the state was supposed to be a carefully thought-out process that is periodically reviewed and approved by the legislature and the governor. Why the sensitivity? Because the Fifth amendment to the Constitution prevents the government from annexing private property through regulation without just compensation. For many years, the public/private partnership functioned with a strict adherence to these jurisdictional lines, which is established in state law. But, no more.

Since we are one of the few states that does not have a routine program to replenish the beaches and maintain a protective dune that is essential to the beach ecosystem and protection of the coastline, we are losing our beaches at an increasingly rapid pace. The solution? Cross over the state jurisdictional base and setback lines and start applying definitions that were meant to apply seaward of the setback lines to private property landward of the setback lines, thus annexing private property with no compensation. On some homes, the state now claims jurisdiction up to the foundation, including your pools and landscaping. Voila! They destroyed the beaches but just got some new beaches by illegally annexing private property. In a few months, they will lose that as well and will have to annex more.

One homeowner asked OCRM, “Where does this stop?” The answer? “It does not.” Constitution? That does not apply. State law? Unnecessary inconvenience. Try to get justice in court? We will bring the full power of government down on you along with our loyal friends, the radical environmental groups such as Coastal Conservation League. Who is the

(continued on page 14)

OLD VILLAGE YACHT CLUB

BOHICKET MARINA SEABREEZE MARINA

RIPLEY LIGHT YACHT CLUB

ISLE OF PALMS MARINA ST JOHNS YACHT HARBOR

Now that the beach strategies are a mess, our Council will take up the two-year battle on noise ordinances. Here is an idea. Drop the noise ordinance requirements with idiotic meters during the daytime. Require the ordinance starting at 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends, and stop listening to people telling you that police or compliance officers cannot use their judgment as to when a disturbance is a disturbance at night. Apparently, nine noise citations were issued all last year, and we are wondering why we have a compliance issue?

It is time to get the government to understand they are not rulers making laws that appeal to them personally while espousing their wild, unresearched theories or using their positions to exercise their personal vendettas – they need to stop talking about their beliefs and start listening to those who put them there. Government should represent us, the voters. So, let’s get these self-centered governments out of our lives and out of our pockets. Only then will we be free and self-governing, as our founding

Reddy or Not represents the opinion of Lucky Dog Publishing owner Rom Reddy but not necessarily that of the newspaper. In keeping with the paper’s philosophy of publishing all opinions, the publisher welcomes responses, which must be limited to 400 words and will be published on a space-available basis.

5:00am/5:46pm 5:47am/6:31pm 6:33am/7:14pm 7:16am/7:54pm 7:59am/8:34pm 8:40am/9:12pm 9:20am/9:52pm 10:02am/10:34pm 10:45am/11:19pm 11:34am 12:09am/12:28pm 1:03am/1:28pm 2:01am/2:31pm 3:01am/3:35pm

11:13am/11:49pm 11:54am 12:37am/12:34pm 1:22am/1:13pm 2:05am/1:52pm 2:48am/2:32pm 3:30am/3:13pm 4:13am/3:56pm 4:57am/4:42pm 5:44am/5:32pm 6:34am/6:28pm 7:27am/7:30pm 8:21am/8:37pm 9:17am/9:45pm were located, and that municipality has now decided that erosion control works, and they plan to extend their erosion control structures to other properties. Ignorance is bliss on the part of one of the most divisive, inconsequential members of Council.