IEN June 14 2025

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE:

SOUTH CAROLINA EXCHANGE DISTRICT CONVENTION HOSTED BY ISLE OF PALMS EXCHANGE CLUB

Page 2

LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLES FACE NESTING CHALLENG ES ON ISLE OF PALMS

Page 6

The City of Isle of Palms Discusses Shoal Management Project Concerns

By: Joshua Uys

At least two members of the Isle of Palms City Council are less than enamored with the idea that the city is considering moving sand from one area of the beach to another to address erosion on the north end of the island.

At their regularly scheduled meeting on May 28, Council members discussed the city’s permit application for a shoal management project that was filed with the Ocean and Coastal Resource Management division of the state Department of Health and Environmental Control in April.

Elizabeth Campsen stated that she is “not a big fan of taking sand from one section and adding to another,” while Blair Hahn further criticized the excavation, saying removing sand from 44th to 53rd Avenue would lead to a 50-foot to 100-foot inland shift of the high tide line, effectively taking people’s property and relocating it elsewhere on the island.

Desirée Fragoso, the City Administrator, responded that bringing in new sand is not included in this permit, so sand will have to be moved around the island. She assured council members that the main focus is to use sand from (continued on page 3)

SIX LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS YOU CAN’T MISS THIS SUMMER

Page 11

Sullivan’s Island Palmettos Receive a Reprieve

By: Brian Sherman

The good news for Sullivan’s Island residents who are mourning the potential loss of a large number of historically significant trees is that a contractor hired by Dominion Energy to remove more than 500 palmettos located near overhead power lines did not begin work as scheduled on May 28. The not-so-good news is that there’s a pretty good chance that most of the palmettos will be history by the end of this year.

“A month ago, we felt that as of Memorial Day, all 523 trees were going to go down right away,” said Sullivan’s Island Director of Resilience and Natural Resource Management Rebecca Fanning on June 6. “In the end, we have more time to prepare, keep negotiating, and think as a town (continued on page 5)

The Battery by Scott Cinnes

Here are the top three finalists for the 2024 Mylo News Photo Contest with The Battery by Scott Chinnes claiming first place, Birds of a Feather by Meg Scott earning second, and Lighthouse at Folly by Lily Shroder placing third.

WINNER: The Battery by Scott Chinnes

PUBLISHERS OF:

The Island Eye News

The Island Connection SiP Magazine “Where To” Map Editor ieneditor@luckydognews.com

Christian Senger • Assistant Publisher

Laura Anderson • Web Editor

Ada Jenkins • Graphic Designer

Jeff Lovins • Sales Manager jeff@luckydognews.com 843-885-8662

Lynn Pierotti • Consultant lynn@luckydognews.com

CONTRIBUTORS:

Robbie Berg • Kelli Ferguson

Nicole Nelson • Ada Jenkins

Joshua Uys • Mary Pringle

Brian Sherman • Brett Spaulding

Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837, Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482 843-886-NEWS

Submit your letters to the editor to: ieneditor@luckydognews.com

DEADLINE: June 19 for our June 28 issue

The Island Eye News, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC, is a free, independent newspaper published every two weeks and is for and about the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Goat Island and Dewees Island. Copies are mailed free of charge to every active mailbox in our coverage area and are also available at area businesses.

Contributions of information, pictures and articles are welcomed, are used according to space limitations and news value and cannot be returned except by special request. Op-ed articles and letters to the editor do

South Carolina Exchange District Convention Hosted by Isle of Palms Exchange Club

By: Robbie Berg

On June 1, the South Carolina Exchange District held its convention at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club. Sixtyfive Exchange members attended the day and evening events, representing 14 of the 19 Exchange Clubs in South Carolina. The South Carolina District is the second largest district in the National Exchange Club, with the largest Exchange Club (Charleston) and the second largest club (Isle of Palms) in the nation.

President Jim Herzog stated that there were 374 projects conducted in South Carolina by the 19 clubs related to Americanism (Veterans), Prevention of Child Abuse, Youth and Scholarships, and Community Service.

During their luncheon, three graduating seniors received South Carolina District scholarship awards. Each Exchange Club submits its scholarship winners to the South Carolina District, and two of the district scholarship winners were from the Isle of Palms Exchange Club, winning the Youth of the Year and ACE scholarships from the South Carolina District. The district scholarship winners will then go on to the National Exchange for possible scholarship awards at the national convention in July.

New Officers installed at the District Convention:

South Carolina District Board Officers 2024-2025

President – Victor Apat

President Elect – Mike Gaston

Vice President – Paul Franklin

Secretary – Robbie Berg

Treasurer – Kim Collins

District Directors

Kim Collins

Joe Delpino – Daniel

Paul Franklin

Paul Grantham

Sonja Ogletree

Kitty Riley

In the evening, Sheryl Bidwell from the Mt. Pleasant Exchange Club presented the awards for the Exchange Clubs in the South Carolina District.

Award categories:

Club Growth - Tri County, Visionary Women’s, and Latin Exchange Club

Media - Charleston Exchange

Facebook - Visionary Women’s, Latin, and Charleston Exchange Clubs

Community Service - Charleston and Latin Clubs

Americanism - Charleston

Fundraising for Charities - Isle of Palms Exchange Club for the Connector Run and Charleston Exchange

It was a day to remind all of the Exchange Club members of how instrumental their fundraising and volunteer hours are to the charities they support through monetary contributions and personal help.

photo credit: Isle of Palms Exchange Club

Shoal

Continued from page 1

the offshore migrating shoal, also known as ‘Potential Harvest Area 2’ in the below permit diagram. If the shoal is inaccessible, sand from the accretional area along the avenues, known as ‘Potential Harvest Area 1’, will be used as a backup plan.

She also reassured Hahn that any change in the high tide line is temporary and that excavation along the avenues will occur 400 feet beyond the building line.

Some residents have expressed multiple concerns about this plan. Some say good beach management and renourishment are defined as adding new sand to a depleted beach, not relocating sand within a beach. An additional concern some have is the relocation of sand from what the city and state define as a public beach to what they classify as a private beach.

This upcoming project will be much smaller than some previous beach nourishment projects on the Isle of Palms. Its primary purpose is to provide storm relief to properties and prolong the lifespan of the 2018 nourishment project, thus reducing the overall cost of maintenance and keeping the beach accessible to the public at all tide levels.

Harvesting the migrating shoal or excess areas along the avenues will be a much more cost-effective solution for the city, at only 10% of the cost of trucking in upland sand. Additionally, this approach will avoid issues with traffic and sand compatibility that would arise from bringing in new sand.

Just a short walk to the beach in a great location on the island. Want to turn this into a deep water property? Owners will sell their 35ft boat slip at the Long Island Yacht Marina. 3013 MIDDLE STREET

The plan is to begin work on the project at the end of 2024, during the winter months when beach usage decreases. It is estimated that the project will take one to two months to complete, and during this time, most of the beach will remain accessible.

The city welcomes public feedback on this project using the form provided at www.iop.net/public-comment-form.

3511 SQ/FT 5BD 5BA SALT WATER POOL

$3,985,000

Warrior Surf Foundation Hosts 8th Annual Golf Tournament at Wild Dunes

By: Emily Shiffer

Warrior Surf Foundation (WSF) held its eighth annual Charity Golf Classic and Cocktail Dinner on Friday and Saturday, May 17-18, at Wild Dunes Resort and Harbor Course.

The dinner was attended by 150 people from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Attendees enjoyed live music, a silent and live auction, and speeches from keynote speakers, Marine veteran John Warren and WSF co-founder and WSF founder and Marine veteran Andy Manzi. WSF Executive Director and Navy veteran Stephanie Dasher was presented with the Warrior Saber Award, given to service members who continue to live honorable and dedicated professional lives after their active service ends.

“This was the third year the event was held at Wild Dunes, which hosted a wonderful dinner,” said Candy Oliver, WSF’s director of development. (continued on page 5)

Palms

Continued from page 1

about moving forward with integrity. I feel like we’re making good progress, especially given our partnership with the South Carolina Department of Transportation. We get to think about it with this time we’ve bought.”

The power company originally marked 523 trees located on both public and private property with white paint, designating them to be cut down flush with the ground. However, following an assessment of each tree by Fanning and SCDOT Vegetation Manager Jennifer Gruber, only approximately 250 of the trees were marked with red paint, indicating that they would remain scheduled for immediate removal.

“I was surprised at some they deemed as high priority,” Fanning commented.

“Their logic is that this isn’t about palmettos falling and snapping lines but more about landscape professionals who trim fronds and get close enough to primary lines to cause a terrible accident. It’s really about safety for anyone who works near power lines.”

The director of resilience and natural resource management said the first trees to go will be those that are either within 5 feet of, adjacent to, or above primary power lines or are blocking access to switch fuses on telephone poles.

Fanning said she didn’t know when cutting will begin, adding that Dominion’s contractor probably would be able to remove no more than 20 trees a day.

“I feel like it’s going to take some time,” she said. “It’s going to start soon, but we don’t know when.”

Fanning noted the possibility that some palmettos might be able to be relocated, especially those that have had a home on the island for decades or longer. As an example, she cited trees currently situated near the Sand Dunes Club.

“These trees have got to be over 100 years old, but a complicating factor is that they are just a couple of feet from from the sidewalk and roadway,” she said, pointing out that those located near water and sewer lines and beach access paths also are difficult to dig up and move.

“Some of these palms are direct descendants of brave palmettos that sacrificed their lives in the Revolutionary War,” she added.

“There’s so much resident support for keeping these palmettos. It’s costly, but that doesn’t make it infeasible.”

Regardless of the number of palmettos that eventually are marked with the pernicious red paint, Fanning is confident that something good will come from the town’s recent effort to rescue as many trees as possible.

“Even if we don’t save a single one, I feel adamantly that we need to plant differently,” she said. “People tend to push trees to the edge of their property, in conflict with power lines. Trees need to be in safe places so they won’t get butchered or removed completely.”

She concluded, “I feel hopeful and that’s the best that I can say.”

Warrior Surf

Continued from page 3

On Saturday, a pre-tee flow yoga class was held at 9 a.m. for participants and their families. Lunch was held at 11 a.m., followed by tee time at 1 p.m. One hundred thirty-six golfers participated in the rainy tournament at the Harbour Course. Team NMB won the tournament and received a handmade plaque by Cody Hendrick, WSF’s chief community ambassador.

Sponsors for this year’s event included Mira Winery, Coastal Ketamine & Aesthetics, Quiet Storm Surf Shop, Kia Country of Charleston, Akers Ellis Real Estate & Vacation Rentals, Sticky Bumps Surf Wax, and more.

The annual event raised $135,000.

“This will put 28 veterans through WSF’s Surf Therapy Program,” Oliver added.

WSF’s Surf Therapy Program provides 12 weeks of free surf therapy, yoga, wellness classes, and community to veterans struggling with PTSD and other mental health challenges.

Upcoming WSF events include Yoga Fest at James Island County Park on Thursday, June 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $30. WSF’s eighth annual Surfboard Raffle and Auction will take place on Saturday, August 31, at Bohemian Bull.

WSF was founded in May 2015 on Folly Beach to help post-service veterans with transitional challenges including PTSD, moral injury, survivor’s guilt, and TBI through different healing therapies, including surfing, yoga, wellness sessions, and community.

Sullivan’s Island Director of Resilience and Natural Resource Management Rebecca Fanning

6 • June 14, 2024

The Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition was held on Isle of Palms on Saturday, June 1. This year’s winners are:

Best of Children’s

1st - Site O - Wish Upon a Starfish

2nd - Site Q - Future Island

Living

3rd - Site T - Cat Ate the Fish

Best of Young Adults

1st - Site K - Kung Fu Wave

2nd - Site L - Game On!

3rd - Site M - Just Chum

Charlie Peberdy Memorial Award - Best of Family

1st - Site 26 - Sea Biscuit

2nd - Site EE - ATL Shawty

3rd - Site X - Bluey

Best Architectural

1st - Site 25 - Giant Castle by the Sea

2nd - Site D - Sease Family Drip Company

3rd - Site 5 - Breach Inlet Icon

Loggerhead Sea Turtles Face Nesting Challenges on Isle of Palms

By Mary Pringle Project Leader, Island Turtle Team for SCDNR

Loggerhead sea turtles are facing real challenges when trying to nest this season on the Isle of Palms. It seems that their favored areas near Breach Inlet, Beachwood East and Dunecrest Lane have lost so much sand that finding a spot to leave eggs has become even more difficult.

By June 5, they had laid five nests south of 6th Avenue and five nests in Wild Dunes, either at or near Beachwood East or Dunecrest Lane, comprising 71% of the total nests.

The last day of May was quite interesting for our Turtle Team. At the south end of the island is a steep wall where the tide eats away at the artificial berm of sand that the city of Isle of Palms maintains to protect the houses while we wait for the major sand renourishment project this summer. Karen Thomas-Burbee, who was visiting the island from the Rock Hill area, discovered several loggerhead eggs at 3rd Avenue exposed on the pedestrian path and several more broken eggs down on the beach. Karen contacted us by using the QR code on that path’s turtle sign. The tide often comes up to the steep 10-foot escarpment, erasing the telltale 2-foot-wide tracks that loggerheads leave behind, alerting those on patrol that a nest has been laid. But somehow, the mother turtle had managed to scale that very steep path to get up on the tall berm.

We knew there was a nest somewhere nearby because of the presence of exposed eggs and broken shells. When we responded to Karen’s call, we concentrated on probing any disturbed spots down on the flat beach up against the steep escarpment of sand where the broken shells were found. We had all but given up when Jessica Strahan, who has a house at 3rd Avenue and Charleston Boulevard, walked up the flat beach up against the steep escarpment of sand where the broken shells were found. We had all but given up when Jessica Strahan, who has a house at 3rd Avenue and Charleston Boulevard, walked up the path where we had probed the downward slope and felt something underneath the sand with her bare foot. The eggs were at the very top of the path, very close to the surface. This path had been closed and recently opened, so people walking down the steep incline were pushing sand downhill, uncovering the eggs. What an extraordinary find! This nest would have been destroyed by heavy equipment during the major sand pumping project later in June and buried under many feet of sand if the eggs had not been discovered.

Most Creative

1st - Site C - Big Al

2nd - Site 7 - Garfield

3rd - Site 14 - Isle of Bones

Best of Adults

1st - Site 8 - Saving Money

2nd - Site 12 - Dorchester Paws

3rd - Site 17 - Americans in Paris

Best of Show - Overall: Site 1 - Riverdogs Days of Summer

It was such a good feeling to take the 121 surviving whole eggs up to a safe place near 31st Avenue and mark the nest in a new spot for incubation.

From the condition of the rescued eggs, it appeared that they had been laid sometime in the previous week or two. A few of them were discolored and collapsed, but most looked viable. There were six broken shells from being walked on. One of the broken ones was used for our DNA sample in the genetics research project. The nest was protected from coyotes by a staked-down heavy screen.

Photo by IOP Rec Dep

Beachkrew Brings Beach-Inspired Apparel to Sullivan’s Island

By Emily Shiffer

A new retail shop has joined the thriving shopping scene on Sullivan’s Island. Beachkrew, a beach-inspired loungewear apparel store, is now open at 2019 Middle Street. The shop offers unisex and children’s crewnecks, hoodies, tank tops and tees, sweatpants and shorts, tote bags, and hats.

Beachkrew was founded by Karlee Hart during her junior year of college at the University of Delaware when she was just 21 years old. An accounting student originally from southern New Jersey, she always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for loungewear.

“I wasn’t a big girly-girl, but I loved fashion and seeing what people were wearing,” says Hart, who opted to wear big, cozy sweatshirts. “I wanted to be comfortable, but I didn’t like how they fit.”

Before Beachkrew, Hart initially started her fashion career in May 2021 designing trucker hats for her line hatsbykarlee in her

parents’ basement. She watched YouTube videos to learn how to adhere custom patches to them with her mom’s old iron. To grow her business, she utilized Instagram and TikTok, taking photos of the hats and following stores and their followers to expose her hats to potential new clients. She Googled how to make a website and set up her first online shop using Square (the brand now uses Shopify).

She relocated full time to Ocean City, New Jersey, where her family had a beach home. By July, the hats were officially a hit, and she set her sights on expanding her brand to more than just hats with a loungewear line inspired by beach towns.

“In most beach towns, you find the same exact thing: unoriginal, low-quality sweatshirts with the town’s name across it. I thought it would be fun to create beach-inspired apparel for locals and vacationers that was more fashionable and higher quality. I felt like it was a problem I could solve,” says Hart. “I know I’m my best self when at the beach or near the water–there’s something about the ocean we all connect to.”

She rebranded hatsbykarlee to Beachkrew during the summer of 2021 (the ‘K’ a nod to her first name), with the intent to make her hats almost solely beach-inspired and to begin creating clothing with positive and beach-inspired (continued on page 9)

Vern’s is a Cozy Culinary Gem in Charleston’s CannonboroughElliotborough

By Nicole Nelson

Walking through the doors of Vern’s restaurant in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood of Charleston, you may feel as if you have been transported to another time and place. Perhaps you are reminded of a small, rustic restaurant in the West Village of New York City, a warm, welcoming tavern in the rolling hills of Scotland, or even a bistro in the French countryside. Whatever it reminds you of, there is no question that this is a well-executed and professionally run neighborhood restaurant from the experienced husband-and-wife team of Daniel “Dano” and Bethany Heinze.

Despite being billed as a neighborhood restaurant by the Heinzes, it is already an established destination in the crowded Charleston restaurant scene. Almost immediately after its buzzy opening in the summer of 2022, it became known for its cozy atmosphere, delicious American cuisine, and friendly, attentive service.

The menu features a variety of unique dishes with a modern twist, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Vern’s has quickly jumped to the top of many “Best of Charleston” lists.

The vibe at Vern’s is warm, inviting, and relaxed. Tables are bare wood, placed closer together than most restaurants in Charleston, but given the cozy confines the restaurant, it works perfectly. The small bar is on the left side of the dining room, and despite its small size, it offers serious wines and excellent beers from Charleston and the Southeast region. The “house” beer is made by Westbrook Brewing Company, a well-respected establishment just across the Cooper River in Mount Pleasant. The bar clearly adheres to the same ethos as the entire restaurant, featuring excellent wines by the glass and the bottle. Orange wines and sparkling wines both occupy dedicated sections of their wine list, something that is still somewhat rare in Charleston.

The food is clearly the star of the show with a menu that changes regularly depending on the seasons and what is available from their local and regional suppliers. The charred sourdough with allium butter and dill is a delicious staple of the primi courses, as is the raw yellowfin tuna with Calabrian chili and lemon. The secondi courses are highlighted by some excellent salads, vegetables and pastas, particularly the bitter lettuce salad and sunchokes with peas and ricotta salata. Many flavors in these dishes stand out for their exceptional execution and uniqueness, often not seen in Charleston. The main courses are highlighted by the spring chicken in brown butter jus, which, despite its small size, packs a ton of flavor. The fish offerings rotate regularly and were cooked perfectly on recent visits. Their beef comes from Black Hawk Farms in Kentucky and was also prepared impeccably.

Emphasizing the experience and connections that the Heinzes have in the American restaurant industry, Vern’s frequently offers “mash-ups” and guest chefs from around the country. These can be an excellent opportunity to experience cuisines that Charleston does not feature.

Overall, Vern’s restaurant is a great example of how American restaurants are still evolving and thriving, even in unlikely settings and locales.

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie to Commemorate 248th Anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island

By: Brett Spaulding National Parks Service

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park will commemorate the 248th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island with programs and weapon-firing demonstrations on Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30.

Carolina Day, observed annually in South Carolina, commemorates the successful defeat of British naval and land forces by patriots on June 28, 1776. This was the first decisive victory by the American colonies in their fight for independence and prevented the British from gaining a foothold in South Carolina for another four years.

Visitors of all ages have the chance to experience the American Revolution through the life of a soldier at Fort Moultrie. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the entrance fee has been waived for Saturday, June 29. Musket demonstrations will take place on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Artillery demonstrations will be on Saturday at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. Special talks will take place on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Park rangers from several South Carolina National Park Service sites will be present to provide information on various Revolutionary War topics and events. On Sunday, June 30, there will be an open living history encampment from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for visitors to enjoy. Patriots and Loyalists will be represented by living history volunteers of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment and the 33rd Regiment of Foot.

Photo by Lizzy Rollins

Beachkrew-

Continued from page 7

and to begin creating clothing with positive and beach-inspired sayings. Beachkrew launched with two sweatshirts in August 2021, with the monikers ‘Get Busy Living’ and ‘Stay Wavy Baby.’ With her parents’ blessing, Hart took a semester off from school to focus on the brand. During that time, she created the brand’s signature sweatshirt design, ‘More Beach Days,’ encouraging people to get to the beach as much as possible – “a positive movement about how the beach makes us feel and putting it into clothing,” says Hart.

Confident in her vision for Beachkrew, Hart decided to drop out of college. By the fall of 2021, momentum was growing – she collaborated with a small smoothie shop in Ocean City called Spoon and Sip to have her items in a storefront and visible to more eyes. She “went crazy” on TikTok, posting four to five times a day, bringing in visitors who had seen her posts.

By the end of 2022, Hart was looking to expand Beachkrew beyond the Jersey Shore. Her family had friends in the Charleston area that they had been visiting for years.

“I felt like Beachkrew's energy and vibe were here,” she says. She opened a small short-term storefront at Ashley Artisan Suites in downtown Charleston next to Form Pilates in February 2023, a relationship that would ultimately lead to her store relocating to Sullivan’s Island.

Meanwhile, the Ocean City location continued to grow at the smoothie shop. Hart now had hired employees of her own and opened her solo flagship Beachkrew store on May 13, 2023.

Seeking to find a more permanent home for Beachkrew in

in Charleston, an opportunity came open on Sullivan’s Island after the closing of Breathe Pilates. Her persistence and prayer paid off, “My dream for the brand is to create the pieces I can’t find,” says Hart. “We’re eventually going to expand into swimwear and knits and linens.”

The goal: to bring the beach vibes and ‘Keep the Feeling Alive,’ another moniker and movement that Beachkrew hopes to bring to its customers.

“Even if you're not at the beach, I want Beachkrew to remind you of that feeling year-round,” says Hart. “Get outside, get in a walk, get in the sun, and be a part of the community.”

L CAL SERVICES

Happy Retirement

Pastor Phil Clark, with 37 years of service as an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, is retiring. His career highlights include a distinguished 20year tenure as a Navy chaplain and serving as a parish minister at St. Mark's. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for his dedicated service and compassion.

What's Happening at Islander 71

Father’s Day Cookout

Sunday, June 16th 12-6pm

Southern Surf & Turf - Whole Hog BBQ

Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar

Live music 3:00-6:00pm!

4th of July Weekend

Open all day July 4th with live music all weekend long!

Dive into summer reading adventures with Mary Alice Monroe

By Ada Jenkins

Bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe is kicking off the summer reading season with the release of a new children’s novel and a week of special literary events throughout the Lowcountry to celebrate and encourage family reading and outdoor adventures through books. “Shipwrecked” is the third book in the New York Times bestselling middle grade series, The Islanders. In this high-stakes adventure, Jake Potter’s biggest dream comes true when he gets his very own boat, just in time for another summer of fun on Dewees Island with his best friends, Macon and Lovie. However, their first fishing trip takes a dangerous turn when a storm carries them far from Dewees, where they must use their strength, courage and knowledge to survive while waiting for rescue. Will their friendship withstand the ultimate test?

“Shipwrecked” Launch Party - June 15

Location: Wild Dunes Swim Center and Palmetto Hall, Wild Dunes Resort

Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Details: The Club at Wild Dunes presents the book release party for “Shipwrecked,” the thrilling third book in the Islanders series, co-written by Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May. This ticketed event will feature brief readings and book signings by the authors, followed by outdoor fun for kids around the pool, including a bounce house, pool games and more. Presented by the Club at Wild Dunes and Buxton Books.charleston.boldtypetickets.com/events/152931233/shipwrecked-book-release-pool-party

Book launch day at the library - June 18

Location: Wando Mount Pleasant Library, 1400 Carolina Park Blvd., Mount Pleasant

Time: 2 p.m.

Details: Enjoy a lively talk by the co-authors during this free event. Pre-order registration is encouraged.ccplsc.libcal.com/event/12542526

Book Launch Signing Party - June 18

Location: Barnes & Noble,Westwood Plaza, 1812 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston Time: 5 p.m. to 6: p.m.

Details: Meet the authors at this special book signing event with light refreshments provided and a small freebie for readers.

Book Signing Event - June 22

Location: Hutchinson Square, 102 S. Main St., Summerville Time: 10 a.m.

Details: Meet the authors at this special outdoor event on the Square, in the heart of historic downtown Summerville. Enjoy a short reading by the authors, and young readers will get to take home a small freebie, while supplies last. Books available for sale by Main Street Reads.

Book Signing Event - June 22

Location: Barnes & Noble, 1716 Towne Centre Way, Mount Pleasant Time: 3 p.m.

Details: Come celebrate summer reading in the children’s area with the authors. Refreshments will be provided, and books will be for sale and available for personalization. Young readers will receive a small freebie, while supplies last. For more information, visit MaryAliceMonroe.com

Six Local Farmers Markets You Can’t Miss This Summer

By: Kelli Ferguson

1. Sea Island Farmers MarketSaturdays from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., 2024 Academy Rd, John’s Island

The Sea Island Farmers Market is a yearround 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 whether you’re a resident or just passing through. www.seaislandfarmersmarket.com

2. Downtown Charleston Farmers Market - Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., 329 Meeting Street, Charleston

Nestled in the heart of downtown Charleston in Marion Square, this market is a popular stop for residents and tourists. Open every Saturday, this market is renowned for its great setting and fun variety of vendors. From local produce to freshly baked bread, food and drink options, and handmade home and gift items such as candles and jewelry, you’ll find everything you need to stock your pantry and more! www.charlestonfarmersmarket.com

3. Mount Pleasant Farmers MarketTuesdays from 3:30 p.m.-7 p.m. 645 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant

Every Tuesday from April through September, stop in at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market for local farm goods, meals, sweet treats and more. It’s an ideal midweek stop to replenish your kitchen.

www.experiencemountpleasant.com/ events/farmers-market/

4. North Charleston Farmers MarketThursdays from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., 4800 Park Circle, North Charleston

The North Charleston Farmers Market is a Lowcountry favorite every Thursday. This market features a variety of local vendors offering everything from organic produce to arts and crafts to food vendors. Enjoy live music and support local farmers and artisans.

wwwnorthcharleston.org/residents/special-events/farmersmarket/

5. West Ashley Farmers MarketWednesdays from 3 p.m. -7p.m., 55 Sycamore Lane, West Ashley

The West Ashley Farmers Market is held every Wednesday. This market is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and activities and its focus on curating a wide selection of local produce and goods. It’s the perfect place to shop for your weekly groceries while enjoying the community vibe. www.charlestonfarmersmarket.com/ west-ashley-farmers-market/

6. Isle of Palms Farmers MarketThird Thursdays from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. 24 28thst Avenue, IOP

For a truly local experience close to home, the Isle of Palms Farmers Market is a must! This year’s dates are June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 19 and Oct. 17. Enjoy our island community while shopping for fresh produce, local seafood and unique items. www.iop.net/iop-farmers-market

The Sullivan’s Island Club Hosts Inaugural ‘Taste of Sullivan’s’ Fundraiser

By: Emily Shiffer

The Sullivan’s Island Club hosted its inaugural Taste of Sullivan’s Island event on Saturday, May 18, at its location at 1452 Poe Ave. The sold-out fundraiser was held from noon to 3 p.m., with over 250 tickets sold for $50 each. Nearly 200 attendees gathered to socialize and enjoy a variety of tastes and sips.

Food was donated by restaurants on Sullivan’s Island, including Poe’s Tavern, Longboard, The Co-Op, Sullivan’s Fish Camp, High Thyme, Republic Ice Cream, Mex 1 Coastal Cuisine, and Dunleavy’s Pub, as well as Island Coastal Lager. Live music was provided by local musician Joel Timmons of the band Sol Driven Train.

A silent auction was also held, with items donated by Sullivan’s Island residents and local businesses, including Sandpiper Gallery, Sea Island Builders, Goldbug, A Maker’s Post, Bennie + CoCo, BeachKrew, Shades of Charleston, ABOVO, Halo-Halo Apparel, and more.

Taste of Sullivan’s was created by Sullivan’s Island Club committee member Natanya O’Donnell. After this year’s success, the club plans to host the event again next year.

Taste of Sullivan’s raised almost $25,000. The proceeds will go to renovations of the historic Sullivan’s Island Club, which has been hosting community events since 1946. The property is owned by the Town of Sullivan’s Island. “The goal is to raise $250,000,” said Sullivan’s Island Club committee member Trey Sedalik.

The club is actively seeking new members. Membership is open to current Sullivan’s Island citizens, as well as past residents. Learn more at: sullivansislandclub.com

“The Sullivan’s Island Club is a community center for everyone,” O’Donnell said. “It is affordable and accessible.”

by Rob Byko

photo

Shore Beats Work

Floppin’ Flounder

celebrates 30th annual run

Participants begin the 30th Annual Floppin’ Flounder 5K Run and Walk on June 8th on Sullivan's Island. Proceeds from the race benefited the Sullivan’s Island Fire and Rescue Department, the Charleston Running Club, and the Charleston Animal Society.

Credit: True Light Photo/Phillip Guyton, Jr.

Fishing Report: There’s an array of options for anglers

By: Capt. Geoff Bennett

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 an array of options for anglers. If you haven’t started fishing yet, let’s get going.

Consider making the most of live bait when focusing on redfish. Menhaden are a great choice whether fished 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 shot 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 goto 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 top-water 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. 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.

Gadsden Glen Center for Health and Rehab opened in 2022 to restore strength and spirit, providing a healing experience unlike any other in the Southeast

The award-winning Gadsden Glen, now welcomes the Charleston community With costs in-line with the area, Medicare and insurance coverage allows you to select Gadsden Glen for your short-term post-acute rehabilitation, setting you on a course of improved health and wellness.

The angler is Hayden Meffert from Orno, Maine.

South Carolina shrimp season to open in full June 4

From the South Carolina Department of Natural Resource

South Carolina’s favorite seafood will soon be more widely available at docks and markets along the coast.

Commercial shrimp trawling will open in all legal South Carolina waters at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

In an average year, shrimp season opens in full by late May, typically after the opening of eight smaller provisional areas in the state’s outer waters. This year those provisional areas opened on April 19, allowing shrimpers to begin harvesting some larger white shrimp from farther offshore while still protecting most of the spawning population closer to shore.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) officials set the opening date for shrimp season each year based on the conditions of the shrimp themselves. Aboard both commercial and

agency vessels, biologists sample and study white shrimp frequently in late spring. One of the things they’re looking for is evidence that a majority of female white shrimp have already spawned at least once.

“We’ve been conducting weekly sampling along our coast since late April to document that spawning activity,” said biologist Jeff Brunson, who leads the agency’s crustacean management.

Opening the season too soon – and allowing trawlers to catch females that have not had an opportunity to spawn – could reduce the size of the fall white shrimp crop, which are the offspring of the spring white shrimp.

“Given the lack of extreme cold weather over the winter, the abundance of white shrimp in the estuaries throughout the state and the advanced ovarian development of shrimp, we feel good about the timing of the season opener,” said Brunson.

South Carolina’s commercial shrimp calendar has historically had three peak periods. In the spring, shrimpers typically capitalize on the influx of roe white shrimp, large, early-season shrimp that generally fetch higher prices and generate the most value for fishing effort. The summer months are defined by a peak in brown shrimp, which are similar to white shrimp in size and taste. In the fall and into winter, shrimpers bring in a second crop of white shrimp; the offspring of the spring roe shrimp.

Because white shrimp are a short-lived species that are sensitive to cold water temperatures and unusually wet or dry summers, their numbers can fluctuate dramatically from year to year. However, they’re also prolific spawners – which means that the populations can quickly rebound even after a poor year or season.

SCDNR staff sort shrimp aboard a monthly crustacean trawl survey

AROUND THE ISLANDS

ONGOING EVENTS

CHARLESTON FARMERS MARKET

Every Saturday through December

The Charleston Farmers Market champions Lowcountry farmers, artisans, and community groups, offering local produce, plants, herbs, flowers, vendors, entertainment, and arts and crafts.

Marion Square, Downtown Charleston

REYNIER LLANES: PASSAGES

May 24th through September 15th

Passages showcases the vibrant narrative paintings of established Cuban-American artist Reynier Llanes, blending scenes from nature and daily life with a mystical elegance.

Gibbes Museum of Art

JUNE EVENTS

1515

Juneteenth Family Fest

This day-long celebration features live performances, black art displays, children's games, cultural food, and booths from non-profits, local vendors, and Historical Black Colleges and Universities.

Riverfront Park, North Charleston | 3 PM

EXHIBIT: MERTON D. SIMPSON & WILLIAM M. HALSEY

April 6th through August 18th

Gibbes Museum of Art's artist spotlight series features South Carolina-born Abstract Expressionists Merton D. Simpson and William M. Halsey, known for their successful careers.

Gibbes Museum of Art

YOGA TUESDAYS

Every Tuesday through December

Join us for an exhilarating 45-minute FLO class, led by expert HYLO instructors at The Ryder's newest outdoor venue, The Backyard.

The Ryder Hotel, Downtown Charleston

Market Matriarchs Tea

Hosted by Dr. Kim Long and Dr. Jonathan Green, honor the Market Matriarchs, Juneteenth, and the oneyear anniversary of the International African American Museum with an afternoon tea event

The Charleston Place | 2 PM

1920

Juneteenth On King

Juneteenth on King will feature outdoor dining, live music, dancing, and artisan vendors. This family friendly event is hosted by City of Charleston’s Community Services Section.

Isle of Palms Farmers Market

Join us every third Thursday from June to October for fresh produce, food vendors, live music, and more at the market! Parking is available on site.

18

Magnolia Plantation Speaker

We're excited to host renowned local speakers and authors for insightful discussions on Charleston history. This session’s speaker is George W. McDaniel, Ph.D., Executive Director Emeritus, Drayton Hall.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens | 6 PM

26 Kid Tours: Carolina Day

Discover why June 28th, Carolina Day, is vital to South Carolinians and its impact on the American Revolution, then design and wave your own flag to commemorate the Battle of Sullivan’s Island!

Carolina Day 2024

Fort Moultrie is free to enter on June 29th and 30th, where you can learn about the 1776 battle where Patriot militiamen on Sullivan's Island withstood a British Royal Navy attack, keeping Charleston in Colonial hands.

Fort Moultrie, Sullivan’s Island | 10 AM

JULY

EVENTS

0304

Christmas In July

Beat the heat this summer with our Christmas in July edition of Tea with Santa, featuring pineapple decorating, holiday-themed treats, and festive fun each Wednesday in July.

Hotel Bennett, Downtown Charleston | 11:30 AM

Isle of Palms Fireworks Show

The Isle of Palms fireworks show will take place in the Front Beach area, with the beach between 21st Avenue. Note that personal fireworks are not permitted in the city.

04 Independence Day with the Riverdogs

Celebrate Independence Day weekend at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park with three home RiverDogs games featuring fireworks on Thursday, a military appreciation event on Friday, and a tribute to veterans on Saturday.

Front Beach, Isle of Palms | ~8:30 PM Joseph P. Riley Park | 7:05 PM