IEN Mar 22, 2024

Sullivan’s police nab man wanted in the Upstate

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye

News

A man wanted by law enforcement agencies in the Greenville area was quickly apprehended by the Sullivan’s Island Police Department March 7. The Charleston County School District temporarily placed Sullivan’s Island Elementary School on lockdown, “in an abundance of caution,” according to Town Administrator Andy Benke.

“At no time was the school threatened or in peril,” Benke said.

Sullivan’s Island Police Chief Glenn Meadows said Greenville authorities unsuccessfully attempted to serve felony arrest warrants on 49-year-old Jason E. Forester at his home in Taylors, South Carolina, but were able to track him to the (Continued on page 10)

Fire strikes twice on the Isle of Palms

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

An Isle of Palms home was gutted by a fire March 10, and, despite windy conditions, firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze and limit the damage to nearby houses.

Just a day later, on March 11, the IOP Fire Department got another call, this time to extinguish a fire in a unit of Mariner’s Walk in Wild Dunes. No injuries were reported in either case.

The March 10 fire, at 505 Ocean Blvd., was reported at 2:47 p.m., and units of the IOP Fire Department were dispatched a minute later. When firefighters arrived on the scene at 2:53 p.m., they discovered the elevated three-story home “heavily involved in fire in the front and both sides,” according to Fire Chief Craig Oliverius. He said two adults and a dog were able to escape the blaze without injuries.

The chief noted that it took around 30 minutes to get the fire under control. Though the fire caused “extreme damage,” the homes on either side were virtually unscathed except for some melted siding at 507 Ocean Blvd.

“They had two houses they were trying to protect. They handled that as soon as they arrived,” Oliverius pointed out. “It was a wind-driven fire. The wind was pretty significant at that time of day. It was pushing heat and smoke toward the neighboring houses.”

Including the chief and Fire Marshal Sean Harshaw, 11 IOP fighters were on the scene. They were aided in fighting the fire by units from Sullivan’s Island and Mount Pleasant. The IOP Police Department, Charleston County Rescue, Charleston County EMS, the city of Charleston and Dominion Energy all helped out as well.

Oliverius said Harshaw and the town of Mount Pleasant Fire (Continued on page 11)

Photo by Rob Byko.

The annual Dunleavy’s Pub St. Patrick’s Day Block Party was held on Sullivan’s Island March 16. Among those enjoying the festivities were, left to right, Jennifer Meadows, Bill Dunleavy and Lauren Weaver. More photos on page 22.

Photo by Kenny Reichs.

The home at 505 Ocean Blvd. was destroyed by fire March 10.

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Despite the rain, Exchange Club oyster roast goes on

By Robbie Berg

For The Island Eye News

I am sure everyone remembers the torrential downpour and extreme flooding on March 9, with more predicted for the whole day. The Oyster Roast Committee certainly does. Tents up and emails went out to 300+ expected attendees at the IOP Exchange Club’s annual Bud and Cecily Stack Memorial Oyster Roast, saying the event would go on “rain or shine,” with fingers crossed for a break in the weather. The skies cleared enough for the brave of heart and oyster lovers to come out and have a memorable and delicious dining experience.

Thank you. We know that for many of you, this is a yearly event that you look forward to, not only for the oysters but knowing that all of the proceeds will go to deserving area youth for scholarships.

Thank you to our sponsors, The Outpost and Coastal Marinas. With their sponsorships, we will be able to give five scholarships. What a commitment to the Charleston area schools. Thank you to Scott

Toole and Michael Schuler for making this possible. Entertainment was provided by the fun and very talented Dave Landeo, and I am sure some of our attendees showed up just to hear him. Thank you, Dave, for providing a festive atmosphere to our oyster roast.

I write frequently about the wonderful members of the Isle of Palms Exchange Club and volunteers – well here I go again. This could not have happened without so many of our Exchange members working for months planning and for working tirelessly the whole week getting ready for the event. They take great pride in providing a exemplary experience. A special thank you goes to Qwen Low. She has lived in Maryland for two years and yet she purchases all

of the items that go into making the chili, prepares it with our volunteers and serves the hot dogs and chili the day of, plus gives a monetary donation to the scholarships as well. This year she arrived on Tuesday and left on Sunday, after making sure all was well in our kitchen and making notes for next year. Way to go Qwen – you are our Chili Queen.

Scholarships will be awarded to deserving students at the IOP Exchange Club’s April dinner. Some of the scholarship winners will possibly go on to District Exchange and National Exchange for other scholarships. Stay tuned: We will keep you updated concerning our scholarships and awards. Thank you to all of our attendees for making this happen.

The Outpost and Coastal Marinas were the sponsors for the March 9 IOP Exchange Club Bud and Cecily Stack Memorial Oyster Roast. Left to right: Back: IOP Marina Dockmaster Tyler Tracy, Anne Toole and Scott Toole, general manager of Coastal Marinas. Front: The Tooles’ children – William and Kathleen Marie.

Photo courtesy of the IOP Exchange Club.

Photo courtesy of the IOP Exchange Club.

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Cleanup Crew welcomes volunteers for spring litter sweeps

By Susan Hill Smith For The Island Eye News

The Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew kicked off its series of 2024 spring litter sweeps March 11, working in partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium’s Conservation Team. Around 90 volunteers attended the Monday

evening event at Front Beach.

Each spring litter sweep includes a welcome session geared to students, groups, businesses, families and other newcomers. The series continues every other Monday evening: March 25, April 8, April 22, May 6 and May 20. The April 22 litter sweep coincides with Earth Day 2024, which is themed “Planet vs. Plastics.”

The optional welcome session for each spring litter sweep runs from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the litter sweep from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Participants meet by the city restroom building and Coconut Joe’s in the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard.

As the weather heats up with more visitors and more litter, the IOP Cleanup Crew will switch to a summer schedule, with litter sweeps every week on Monday nights and Wednesday mornings. The IOP Cleanup Crew uses volunteer power to keep the coast clean, protect natural ecosystems and public health, document litter data and help solve the pollution crisis.

Since 2018, thousands of volunteers have joined the crew to collect more than 175,000 litter items while documenting the data in the South Carolina Aquarium’s Litter Journal. The city of Isle of Palms and local businesses support the “citizen scientists” of the IOP Cleanup Crew.

Supplies are provided, and participants will get a magnet that permits them to park for free during future sweeps. They also will enjoy discounts at participating IOP restaurants after volunteering. Those who volunteer twice get a T-shirt made with recycled plastic and other sustainable materials.

If you have questions or you plan to bring a group of more than 15, contact co-founder Susan Hill Smith at susanhillsmith@gmail.com.

Sweeping the beach

Working in partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium’s Conservation Team, the Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew has engaged thousands of volunteers at its litter sweeps since starting in 2018.

A slow descent to tyranny

By Rom Reddy

The U.S. Constitution has one founding principle – the principle of self-governance. What separates the United States from almost any country in the world is three words: WE THE PEOPLE. Ronald Reagan said, “Man is not free until government is limited.” A slippery slope to tyranny starts when our government starts to act like they are the rulers who know what is good for us and we are the ruled.

As the federal budget has almost tripled since the year 2000, government agencies have grown all-powerful. Many federal laws and regulations are interpreted and executed by unelected bureaucrats, which has the chilling effect of restraining individual liberties, restricting competitiveness on the world stage and increasingly making people afraid to express their opinions freely. A highly divided government with extreme partisan views on both sides is slowly but surely dividing the country. Nasty, social media cowards who spew their hate hidden behind a computer screen have intimidated a large portion of a decent population into silence for fear of becoming a target of cyber bullying.

In South Carolina, the same dynamic is playing out at the state and local level. Large agencies like the 3,500-person-plus DHEC bully and intimidate citizens who cannot defend themselves, take their property, threaten them with jail time and punishment if they don’t comply with illogical and ever-changing interpretations of regulations, impose draconian fines and private property restrictions that ordinary citizens cannot afford to fight and generally believe that they are not a servant of the citizens but their master and ruler. The same goes for SCDOT, for whom the expression “my way or the highway” was custom-made. If you disagree, I will punish you is the new government motto.

Then we have our dysfunctional local politics, where the Council members’ attitude is they can decide what is good for us and retaliate against anyone who challenges them or expresses a different view. Using their elected powers to attack, slander and punish citizens they represent is what the Founding Fathers always feared. First, Council assigned themselves jurisdiction over private property by asserting that they have jurisdiction over all waterfront to your back porch that exceeds the state’s jurisdiction. This is with two lawyers on the Council who apparently did not study the theory of pre-emption. Then they decide that on your private property, you may protect the foundation of your home but no need to protect your pool or

A catastrophic financial outcome for rental owners

The newly drafted noise ordinance is scheduled for its first official reading at the City Council meeting Tuesday, March 26. Meters will now be utilized to measure decibel readings that will be illegal if daytime readings are above 70 and nighttime readings are above 55. If a rental owner is cited for five infractions in a year, his or her license will be revoked, costing the owner his entire rental income. The rental house will not only be unable to pay its bills but will become illiquid and its value reduced by 25% to 40%. Since meters are being used, there will be no room for discretion, and the five-strike rule will ensnare many owners and create extensive hardships and financial ruin.

First let’s look at the benchmark set. Decibel levels from lawnmowers and leaf blowers can be 85 to 90. A decibel reading from a decibel meter app with a 15-mph wind recently measured an average of 74. I strongly recommend that

yard because they deem that to be a “luxury item.”

The General Assembly in 2014 stated three exclusive uses for the Beach Preservation Fund that is funded by the accommodations tax: renourish the public beach – scraping is not renourishing – build, maintain and vegetate the public dunes and maintain the public beach paths. The public beaches are in total disarray, having dropped 10 to 12 feet, but none of the preservation fund is being used for the “exclusive” uses specified by law, defying the laws of fiduciary responsibility. As Michael Hornsby points out in a piece in the Commentary section of this newspaper, massive beach erosion and inland flooding can be directly attributed to a blocked Breach Inlet. Yet no permit has been applied for. The people all know it, but the government knows better. IOP Mayor Pounds took a victory lap last week and said IOP did not plan to do anything else with the public beaches for the rest of the year. The city’s strategy is to wait for the Army Corps dumping of spoils from the Intracoastal dredging, which the Corps is quoted as saying: “This project is unlikely to provide residents the nearterm erosion relief they are hoping for.”

Finally, the government knows best when it comes to noise ordinances. Apparently, we will now use meters to measure noise. Seventy decibels on the meter for maybe 30 seconds gets you a ticket. Get five tickets and you lose your rental license, causing rental owners possibly six-figure losses and an inability to sell their home. What is 70 decibels? The noise on the inside of your car at 65 mph is in the mid-60s to 70 decibels. I get the need for enforcement and maybe fines. But when you substitute a meter for someone’s judgment, you are forced to enforce a draconian law. The punishment does not fit the crime, and rental owners should be up in arms. Once again, a very lengthy debate on noise ordinance, spanning much wasted time and money, results in a law that will only punish owners with very severe outcomes for something that may often be outside their control.

Folks, give governance back to the citizens. Your job is to represent our interests and make our life easier and better – not to rule over us and make our lives miserable.

Reddy or Not represents the opinion of Lucky Dog Publishing owner Rom Reddy but not necessarily the opinion of this 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.

Island Eye • LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Council members download and use the app before deciding on this punitive new rule.

However, to tie an objective measurement that has not been tested for legitimacy to an owner losing their license and plunging the property into a financial crisis for an issue that is often not possible for an owner to control 24/7 is punitive and appears to be a way to legitimize the hostility this Council seems to have toward the rental community that everyone agrees is a major contributor to this island.If a resident’s barking dog keeps a neighbor up five times a year, does that justify penalizing the neighbor with such punitive measures that he is put in financial distress? That is what we will be doing to rental homeowners.

The rental owner community is in favor of fining violators, but the government shutting down rental homes due to noise levels lower than lawnmowers and leaf blowers goes above and beyond anything reasonable and will almost surely end up in the courts.

I appeal to the Council to consider “founded noise violations” exempt from license revocation

defined by Ord. No. 2021-14, Section 7-1 15 F: “A licensee has had five (5) or more complaints of unlawful activity within a single calendar year that are determined to be founded by the Police Department.”

Noise sound expert David Cohen stated at the March 12 meeting that ambient noise is a big challenge on our island, with general ambient noise measuring 30 decibels and the ocean noise measuring 60. He also stated pool pumps and AC units near property lines could register over 60 if the pump speed is on high.

Finally, we should all recognize that this objective sound measurement is an experiment at best. We should treat it as an experiment by trying it for one year without these severe penalties, and the Council should impose dollar fines instead. Tabulate the data at the end of the year and then decide – as opposed to risking the financial ruin of rental owners with an experiment.

Mel Miles • Isle of Palms

Reddy or not

Fix flooding, erosion and the destruction of our public beaches

By Michael Hornsby

Recent island-wide flooding on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island and further beach erosion will be repeated in April’s King tides and the coming named storms of 2024.

After the destruction of Hurricane Idalia and the Dec. 17, 2023, storm, many homeowners wrote to the Isle of Palms City Council, urging them to seek the root cause of the near record flooding and erosion. We received no replies to these letters attempting to alert them to the impending Lahaina-like loss of life and destruction Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island may soon be facing.

The issue is simple: The public beaches have received little or no sand over the last decade or more, resulting in an accelerated destruction of the public beaches, starting on the southern side and rapidly moving northward. In addition, the renourishment projects done in the northern beaches as recently as 2018 have all but disappeared.

Since most of the sand did not end up on the southern beaches, it is safe to assume that the sand went to the only other outlet on the island, Breach Inlet, causing the inlet to be blocked – as verified by multiple aerials. This blockage is not only redirecting the inlet onto the Isle of Palms southern beaches but is also blocking the outflow through the inlet, causing significant flooding for inland homes that had never experienced flooding like this on a routine basis.

In the 2018, $14.6-million beach renourishment project, very little of the permitted 1,676,518 cubic yards of sand was placed on the public beach, even though the project received approximately $9 million of public funds. The SCDHEC-OCRM permit 2016-00803 called for 600,000 cubic yards to be placed between the connector and Breach inlet. In the final analysis, that area received zero sand. This started the destruction of the Breach Inlet end of Isle of Palms public beaches.

In 2023, the city of IOP allocated $1.2 million from the Beach Preservation fund for trucking in 50,000 cubic yards of sand and some emergency scraping of not more than a foot. Instead, only a few truckloads of new sand were brought in, and the beach has been scraped significantly more than a foot, damaging the beach and pulling the water closer. Also of note is that the General Assembly approved the Beach Fund for replenishment – new sand – dunes and vegetation and beach path maintenance for the public beaches only. None of this is being done. Emergency scraping is not one of the listed uses for the Beach Preservation Fund. In many states, including North Carolina, beach scraping is illegal as it lowers the beach.

Why is this important to all Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island residents? Why does emergency action need to be taken now? As we saw recently, our streets turned into rivers with moderate rain and no storm surge. Evacuating Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island for a hurricane with storm surge will be a Lahaina-like disaster. Hundreds of residents, family members, friends and neighbors will be stuck in vehicles, with the Sullivan’s Island causeway and many Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island city streets turning to raging rivers.

Why are we seeing unprecedented storm tidal flooding? Since Hurricane Matthew in 2016, we believe a series of failed beach projects by the city of Isle of Palms and SCDHEC-OCRM and the soon to fail USACE beneficial use project are the direct causes.

In 2018, 1.7 million cubic yards of sand were dredged and placed on the Wild Dunes beach (Sta 236+00–324+00) at a cost of $14.6 million. As of the 2022 Year 4 monitoring report, “Overall, the 2018 project area has lost ~1,174,000 cy (107.7 cy/ft) of sand from April 2018 to August 2022. This value equates to an annual loss of 25 cy/ft per year and represents ~70% of the nourishment pay quantity.” This represents a cost of $2.5 million in

Sullivan’s Island needs a reset

“Why was Sullivan’s Island Police Chief paid to resign?”

So many of us Sullivan’s Island residents have been asking that and other questions repeatedly now for what has been years, but, under the guise

2018 dollars per year lost to erosion. In addition, SCDHEC-OCRM failed to enforce its original permit and failed to review the project annual reports for downstream damage over these four years.

It is clear that this sand is now blocking the channel of Breach Inlet. There are only two exits around Isle of Palms for storm and tide water to drain to the Atlantic Ocean: Dewees Inlet and Breach Inlet. The geographic layout of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island focuses water in and out of the wetlands at Breach Inlet. Why are Isle of Palms officials, SCDHEC-OCRM and their consultants ignoring this clear and present danger to life and property?

After Hurricane Idalia and the Dec. 17, 2023, storm, the city of Isle of Palms allocated $1.2 million and received an emergency SCDHEC-OCRM permit to be used for 1 foot of scraping and trucking in 50,000 cubic yards of sand. After a few truckloads of sand that were initially placed quickly eroded away, it was decided to only scrape, which continued around the clock. By a rough calculation, hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of compacted sand were scraped up into dozens of berm re-creations of loose sand. All of these berms are now eroded away, adding to the blockage of Breach Inlet.

This scraping and digging of the beach has lowered the beach by several feet and brought the waves closer to undermining our homes. I ask again: Why are Isle of Palms officials, SCDHEC-OCRM and their consultants ignoring this clear and present danger to lives and property?

Since November 2023, we have been hearing about the USACE beneficial use project. The Isle of Palms mayor and Council have repeatedly made claims about this project renourishing the beach and have even included these claims in official ordinances. The USACE has never stated that this project is a renourishment project. On the contrary, the USACE has plainly stated that “this project is unlikely to provide residents the near term erosion relief they are hoping for.”

The person advising the city of Isle of Palms is a third-party consultant, and his claims have varied as widely as the USACE project start dates. This is the same consultant who designed the failed 2018 project. We have repeatedly asked, “If the scraping has eroded away hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of sand on berms, why do they think the fine sand and silt pumped into the surf by the USACE will not also erode away?” We spoke with a project manager at Georgetown County, where the USACE contractor is currently working. He said they “have a ways to go and won’t be finished till mid-April.” What increased flooding risk will be created for Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island when the USACE adds an additional 500,000 cubic yards to the blockage of Breach Inlet?

We ask you to act today for accountability. Start by asking Isle of Palms to immediately start trucking in new sand and create a dune system along the OCRM baseline, as required by law. There will initially be an accelerated washout as the beach starts to heal. The washout can be slowed by stabilizing the toe of the dune initially with rock or coir.

Ask Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island to immediately initiate action to clear the inlet and relieve the flooding on the islands. Attend the Sullivan’s Island Stormwater Master Plan open house and Town Council presentation March 19 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to call for action on Breach Inlet.

Are you concerned about the unprecedented flooding of your homes and streets? Are you concerned that in a real named storm you will be trapped by the flood waters? Are you alarmed that your home will be undermined? Are you concerned about the condition of our public beach?

Please join our petition at change.org/fixbreachinlet or email fixbreachinlet@outlook.com.

Michael Hornsby is an Isle of Palms resident.

Island Eye • LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

of it “being a personnel matter,” we received no further information.

In 2019, two women attendees to the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association conference alleged that then Chief Griffin sent explicit, racist and inappropriate images to them. Griffin’s membership to that organization was

promptly revoked. Incredibly, no known action was taken by the town of Sullivan’s Island. Inquiries regarding the matter to TOSI officials were consistently met with a “no comment” response, as it was “a legal and personnel matter.” Unbelievably, even with other allegations being made in the years since, (Continued on page 8)

Our CWP Law Conforms to the Constitution: We Should Keep It

By Chip Campsen

I am a lifelong outdoorsman, strong supporter of the Second Amendment and serial exerciser of my Second Amendment rights. I chair the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee that has jurisdiction over hunting, fishing and forestry laws in South Carolina. I authored the Constitutional Amendment guaranteeing South Carolinians’ right to hunt and fish, am a recipient of the NRA Rick Daniel Memorial Defender of Freedom Award and the only state legislator in the nation to receive Ducks Unlimited’s coveted Conservation Service Award.

I could go on and on. The point is, firearms have been a big part of my life since early childhood. From the beginning of deer season in August to the end of turkey season in May, rarely a week goes by without me bearing multiple classes of weapons. Yet out-of-state dark money groups have flooded my district with misleading mailers and social media, painting me as an anti-gun puppet of Joe Biden and existential threat to Second Amendment rights.

Have I suddenly become a gun control zealot? Not a chance. What’s really going on is out-of-state dark money groups are demanding we repeal our law requiring a concealable weapons permit to carry a concealable weapon – a pistol – in public.

I support the CWP requirement to carry concealable weapons and refuse to be bullied into submission. So they attack me relentlessly. This same tactic has been deployed in multiple states. Many have caved. I will not.

CWP requirements include a clean criminal background check, live fire training and instruction in complex laws governing when lethal force is justified. I have supported this model since its inception in 1996. It has advanced responsible gun ownership, prevented crime and saved innocent lives.

The criminal background check assures CWP holders are law-abiding. Range training assures they are less likely to injure innocent bystanders. Legal training assures they understand when lethal force is justified – important details when using a weapon in self-defense. CWP holders enjoy reciprocity – the right to carry – in 35 other states, frictionless gun purchases and respect of law enforcement.

I have vigorously argued that this tried-and-tested model should not be discarded. Yet the General Assembly is on the cusp of eliminating the CWP requirement for carrying a concealable weapon in public. No criminal background check. No range training. No instruction in the law of self-defense. Nothing.

Proponents of trashing the CWP requirement strategically dub their proposal “constitutional carry” – as if the Constitution mandates their wild west visions. It does not. In fact, South Carolina’s longstanding CWP requirement conforms hand-in-glove to the most important Second Amendment decisions authored by two of the most conservative justices in history.

Griffin remained employed by the town. The details were only recently made public and only in response to the P&C’s FOIA request.

It is now clear and documented that this unacceptable pattern of behavior continued until Griffin was “paid (taxpayer dollars) to leave.” Griffin had been promoted from within in 2017 after the prior longtime police chief was also let go without explanation. It became known thereafter that his departure was due to his own sexual indiscretions while on the job. In 2020 or 2021, the media reported another town employee was being sued for sexual harassment of a female town employee. He is still employed by TOSI. This brazen lack of transparency and, right or wrong, the perception of the perpetuated “good ole boy network” is completely unacceptable.

In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), Justice Antonin Scalia crafted a tour de force of Second Amendment jurisprudence. Heller held the Second Amendment is a personal right for “law-abiding, responsible citizens” to bear arms “in defense of hearth and home.”

In New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen (2022), the Court struck down a law preventing New Yorkers from carrying concealable weapons unless they demonstrated an extraordinary self-defense need to the satisfaction of a government official. Justice Clarence Thomas held the Second Amendment is for “law abiding, responsible people” with “ordinary self-defense needs.” Requiring demonstration of extraordinary self-defense needs violated the Second Amendment.

Bruen specifically noted CWP laws like South Carolina’s are constitutional because they do not require a showing of extraordinary self-defense needs to government officials.

Heller and Bruen, in concert, demonstrate South Carolina’s CWP law is in accord with the Constitution. Background checks assure holders are “law abiding.” Training assures they are “responsible.”

Law enforcement widely supports our current CWP law. Initially, they widely opposed the so-called “constitutional carry” bill that eviscerates it. So proponents of constitutional carry brought law enforcement to heel by taking a hostage. They made it clear law enforcement’s top legislative priority – enhanced penalties for felons in possession of firearms – would not pass unless and until constitutional carry passed. This has gone on for years.

Enhanced penalties for felons in possession has been a top priority for Gov. Henry McMaster as well. He asked for it twice in his January State of the State address. Yet hostage status persists. Public safety is subordinated to politics.

Opponents were unable to stop the bill in the Senate. But we did improve it on the margins by creating incentives to obtain a CWP. I passed an amendment that made renewing a CWP virtually effortless. Another amendment enhanced penalties for gun-related offenders who do not possess a CWP.

The bill now resides in a House-Senate conference committee. The outcome is uncertain. But one thing is certain. Out-of-state agitators will continue their campaign of lies and deceit, as they have in numerous states before us. I refuse to cower to their demands by taking a wrecking ball to South Carolina’s time-tested CWP law.

See the Second Amendment Foundation’s experience with out-ofstate agitators involved in this effort in South Carolina: saf.org/dudley-browns-despicable-deception/.

Sen. Chip Campsen represents District 43 in the state Senate, which includes Charleston, Beaufort and Colleton counties. He wrote this commentary before Gov. Henry McMaster signed H 3594 into law on March 7.

This very same pattern, regarding lack of transparency, is playing out in the hiring of a new town administrator. It became widely known in 2022 that, after 22-plus years, the current administrator intended to retire. Residents, aware of the numerous new challenges that face the island, immediately began inquiring about when and how the new administrator search would start and then be conducted. All were met with the response that it was a “personnel matter” and that it was essentially a done deal, as the town would be promoting from within. Only after pressure continued did town officials relent and launch a limited search in October of 2023. That search evidently yielded several very qualified and experienced individuals, but, with the apparent and deliberately extended delay in responding to them, shortlisted applicants have not been able

to wait and had to move on to other positions. If that is in fact the case, the unfortunate appearance, or reality, is that the “search” was merely a way to placate those inquiring, and the powers-that-be could then simply do what they intended to do from the start. Sullivan’s Island, its residents and visitors deserve better.

Our island has changed significantly over the past 20-plus years. Our Town Council is comprised of many smart men and women. Our new challenges should be met head on with transparency, lessons learned from the past and fresh ideas from some new, well-qualified and experienced professionals.

Pat Votava Sullivan’s Island

Island Eye • LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Continued from page 7)

Island Eye LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

(Continued from page 8)

A solution to beach erosion

Is there a solution to the risks of beach erosion on public and property owners?

I believe there is. My very simple solution is to have the public and private owners join together to form a nonprofit corporation or LLC and each owner contribute to a fund based upon a measured equitable frontal protection. This fund would construct from Dewees Island to Breach Inlet a seawall or other permanent protection barrier, and this would not be in any violation of existing beach protection laws for it is a totally continuous area. Should there be a billionaire in this group, he, she or it could do the entire seawall gratuitously.

Dennis J. Donahue Jr. Isle of Palms

Parks Foundation to host golf tournament

By Sarah Reynolds

For The Island Eye News

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission’s nonprofit partner, the Charleston County Parks Foundation, will host a tournament April 8 at Charleston National Golf Club in Mount Pleasant to raise funds to support the Foundation’s projects.

The day will feature a round of golf with a cart, gift bag, breakfast provided by Chick-fil-A and a cocktail reception with food from Dog & Duck. Entry fees for the shotgun-start, captain’s choice tournament are $135 per person or $500 for a team of four. Participants will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets and mulligans and can expect various other on-course competitions, including a $10,000 holein-one contest sponsored by Crews Subaru of Charleston and Coastal Golf Marketing.

Charleston National, a Rees Jones-designed championship venue, was rated by Golf Digest as the best nonresort golf course in the Charleston area.

Tournament registration will take place the morning of the event, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 10 a.m.

Proceeds from the tournament will go to support the efforts of the Charleston County Parks Foundation, which currently is working on four projects: the Genesis Swim Safety Fund, which supports aquatic safety programs in rural Charleston County; the Park and Recreation Opportunity Fund, which provides opportunities for those who encounter financial barriers to accessing

parks, programs and services; the Nature Stewardship Fund, which is focused on preserving, protecting and managing natural resources throughout the Charleston County Park system; and the Cultural History Fund, which aids in cultural and historical research, preservation, interpretation and education for diverse audiences.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information on the tournament or to register, visit ccprc. com/3733/Golf-Tournament.

IOP Rec Department to host art show

By Tammy Cox

For The Island Eye News

The Isle of Palms Recreation Department will host the first annual Art at the Rec juried art show on June 20, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The show will feature artists who live and work on Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Mount Pleasant and the surrounding Charleston area. The application deadline is April 12 at noon.

Approved mediums include watercolor, oil, acrylic, photography, drawing, etching, pastels and mixed media. The IOP Recreation Department

Wanted

Continued from page 1

will notify confirmed artists by May 1.

The Art Show will be located inside the Recreation Center. Participating artists will display and sell artwork throughout the event. Artists may also work throughout the day and demonstrate their process.

As an enhanced, multiple-level educational process, the IOP Recreation Department youth art classes, Blooming Artists – ages 3 to 5 – and Stroke of Genius – ages 6 to 10 – will encourage participating children to select three completed works of art from classes held from January through June to display and sell at the exhibit.

Charleston area. Meadows said his department confirmed through an automatic license plate reader camera that Forester’s car and, most likely, the wanted person himself were on Sullivan’s Island.

“We deployed our officers and located an unoccupied gray Honda Odyssey in the Battery Thomson parking lot,” the chief said. “We set up a security perimeter, located Forester and a female companion walking in the area and detained them. We confirmed his ID and placed him under arrest based on outstanding warrants from Greenville.”

Meadows said Forester’s car was found just after 2 p.m. and that he was located and detained within five minutes by Patrolman First Class Elias Shaffer and Patrolman First Class Monty Anders.

Officers from the Isle of Palms Police Department helped secure the area.

“We greatly appreciate ther assistance,” Meadows said.

Forester was transported to the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in North Charleston.

Fire

Continued from page 1

Department investigated the fire the evening of March 10 and the morning of March 11 and listed its cause as “undetermined.”

“It’s no longer under investigation,” Oliverius said the afternoon of March 11.

A neighbor has started a GoFundMe for the occupants of the house – Marion Stone and Donna Tisdale – at gofundme.com/f/fire-relief-fund-for-marion-stone-donna-tisdale?cdncache=0.

The IOP Fire Department was dispatched to 7000 Palmetto Drive, in the Mariner’s Walk section of Wild Dunes at around 7:30 p.m. March 11. Firefighters found heavy smoke and fire inside and outside the building. They evacuated the five-unit building and extinguished the fire. Help was provided by the Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island Fire Departments, as well as Charleston County Emergency Medical Services, Charleston County Rescue, the IOP Police Department, Wild Dunes Resort security and the Wild Dunes Community Association.

According to Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds, the occupants of the other four units of the building were evacuated until the IOP Fire Department determined it was safe for them to return. He said Island Realty moved one of them to another Mariner’s Walk condo for the night, while a couple that had rented a unit through Beachside Real Estate was relocated to a house for the remainder of their stay. Wild Dunes Resort made arrangements for the others to stay in one of

the resort’s hotels for the night.

“We are thankful to have a dedicated team and the support of our partners,” Oliverius said. “We also emphasize the importance of preventive measures to lower the risk of fire emergencies. Fires spread rapidly and sprinklers give people more time to escape while first responders are in transit. IOP Fire and Rescue encourages and supports the use of residential and commercial fire sprinklers to help save lives and property.”

Photo by Brian Sherman.

The home at 505 Ocean Blvd. was destroyed, but firefighters were able to limit damage to the homes on either side.

IOP Recreation Department offers Sunshine Academy

By Tammy Cox For The Island Eye News

The Isle of Palms Recreation Department will offer a play and learn, curriculum-based program for 3- and 4-year-olds, beginning in August.

The IOP Sunshine Academy is scheduled to get underway on Aug. 13 and run through May 29, 2025, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Rec Center.

Although the IOP Sunshine Academy will follow the Charleston County School District calendar, parents can register children monthly, per semester or for the school year. Parents also have the option to sign up their kids for Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Tuesday and Thursday; or Monday through Friday.

The cost of the program is $200 for IOP residents and $205 for nonresidents per month for Monday, Wednesday and Friday and $150 per month for residents and $155 for nonresidents for Tuesday and Thursday. No drop-ins will be allowed.

All children must be potty trained – no diapers – and kids are required to bring a snack and water bottle.

Register for the IOP Sunshine Academy at IOP.net.

Isle of Paws Music Fest scheduled for May 4

By Kelsey Marsh

For The Island Eye News

The Isle of Paws Music Fest is set to bring the fun to humans and canines alike at the IOP Recreation Center on May 4. The event will feature local dog-related vendors and services – including vaccines and microchipping – a dog show, delicious food vendors and the iconic music of The Allman Brothers Band, performed by local favorites Idlewild Revival.

Register your furry friend for the dog show today by calling the Isle of Palms Rec Center.

ECCO prepares to unveil The Big Dill

By Ashley Avera

For The Island Eye News

East Cooper Community Outreach will hold its highly anticipated, inaugural charity pickleball tournament June 14 through June 16. The Big Dill is slated for the 16-court pickleball facility at Collins Park in North Charleston.

Pickleball enthusiasts, players of all skill levels and community members are invited to participate in the three-day tournament, where competitors will face off in seniors, doubles and mixed doubles divisions. The tournament is being held in partnership with Pickleball Charleston, a local organization that is rooted in building community across all ages and skill sets through the love of pickleball. Its goal is to celebrate sportsmanship and teamwork through the nation’s fastest-growing sport while providing a top-tier experience to every player who steps on the court.

“The Big Dill is not just about playing the sport we love; it’s about making a difference in the lives of those in our community who need it most,” said ECCO Marketing Manager Ashley Avera. “All proceeds from this event will go toward helping ECCO continue to help those facing financial distress.”

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America right now and ECCO wanted to be a part of that movement. This will be the first large-scale charity tournament in the Charleston area and a perfect opportunity to give back to the local community while enjoying a weekend of competition and fun,” Director of Development and Marketing Don Squires added.

For more information, visit eccocharleston.org/thebigdill.

One Lucky Dog

By Katherine Berry

Owner: Sarah Parker and Josh Daniel

Dog’s name: Maggie

Age: 13

Breed: Australian shepherd - “pure breed rescue”

Favorite toy: Foooood

Vet: Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital Food: Anything I want

Well hi there. Come follow my swagger and sit with me to hear why I’m such a lucky dog. My name is Maggie and my motto is to get as much love and as much food as I can. I’m a natural comfort creature, and I have an impact on everyone I meet. Gently snuggling and gazing into your eyes is my magical power. If you’re sad, I will find you and give you a hug. I’m so grateful to be here, and sometimes humans need reminding that love really is all you need – that and cookies, of course!

“Taste of the Island” is a competition amongst loca l Island Restaurants in recognition of our Hospitality Indus try. Each establishment will prepare their best dish, which w ill be displayed on tables around the venue. Guests are in vited to indulge in these stellar samples and then vote for their favorite.

ABOUT LENS IOP:

LAW ENFORCEMENT NEIGHBORHOOD SUPPORT (LENS) FOUNDATION IOP HELPS THE LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT CONNECT WITH THOU SANDS OF YOUTH AND ADULTS THROUGH ENRICHING OPPORTUNITIES, S UPPORTIVE PROGRAMS AND EDUCATIONAL EVENTS. OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE OFFICERS WITH THE VITAL RESOURCES AND SUPPORT NEEDE D TO CREATE LASTING, POSITIVE BONDS WITH THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS THEY SERVE. WE ALSO PROVIDE MUCH-DESERVED RECOGNITION OF POLICE OFFICERS AND FUNDING FOR ADVANCED TRAINING.

My early life turned weird when my litter mate and I started to fight really badly. My then family thought it was best to find one of us a new home. I was over my sister so I volunteered. I knew deep down I had a greater purpose, my perfect caregivers were out there and they were looking for me, too. I was right. From the moment we met, I knew we had a special bond. She needed me as much as I needed her. I sauntered over with my swagger and snuggled in her lap like she was my new woobie. We fit together like bacon and biscuits.

Once I landed on the island, my days improved quickly and were stacked with goodness: Icees from Pelican Ice, trips to see friends, herding all the cute boy dogs, fetching sticks and hanging with the IOP FD and their special stash of cookies and head scratches. I feel like a celebrity when I visit, but the highlight of my life has been the sunrise beach walks with Mom that started each one of those special days. Woof!

A few months ago, I started to get sick, so some days my legs don’t work so well, and we miss our walks. But that’s OK. I still bubble inside for the life I have.

My life on IOP is a gift, and, as long as I’m able, I will walk with my twerk, with a side of swagger, alongside my parents fur-ever. There are so many special paw prints on the island, full of memories to be grateful for and being surrounded by such love has made me such a lucky dog.

If you have a “Lucky Dog” with a story to share, email me at LuckydogsIOP@gmail. com to set up a quick visit with you and your pup. Thank you • Katherine.

Prioleau Alexander is next LENS Leadership speaker

By Kitty Riley For The Island Eye News

Marine veteran, adventure seeker, author and editor Prioleau Alexander will be the next speaker in the Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support group’s Leadership Series.

Alexander will bring his cutting sense of humor to the IOP Exchange Club from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 9. Those who are interested in hearing his presentation should sign up as soon as possible since the audience will be limited to 60 people. To register, visit lensiop.org/progams.

Jim Thompson will serve as moderator for the program, and participants will receive a complimentary copy of Alexander’s book, “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” – a “hysterical and mostly historically account of American history you will not want to miss.” In addition, Thompson, who enjoys a quality glass of wine, will see that it will be well-chosen – and complimentary – for our guests and speaker.

This should be an enlightening and entertaining event, so be sure to register soon and feel free to bring a guest.

Charleston Animal Society marks its 150th anniversary

By Joe Elmore, CAWA, CFRE

President and CEO • Charleston Animal Society

As the Charleston Animal Society continues through its sesquicentennial year, one can’t help but be struck by the intertwined threads that link the history of Charleston and the history of the Society.

South Carolina’s first animal organization and one of the oldest in the nation, the Charleston Animal Society will celebrate its 150th anniversary throughout 2024. It originally was formed on March 14, 1874, as the South Carolina Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and focused on working animals such as livestock, farm animals and horses.

A group of prominent Charlestonians established the organization, led by its first president, Nathaniel Russell Middleton. Dr. John L. Ancrum was the second president of the Animal Society; his impact would propel the organization forward into the next century. When he died in 1900, Ancrum willed the Animal Society “the rest and residue” of his estate. The will wound its way through the courts for 40 years before the case was settled at the beginning of World War II, when the organization changed its name to

the John Ancrum Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“I still run into people to this day who refer to us as ‘John Ancrum,’” said Charleston Animal Society Senior Director of Community Engagement Kay Hyman.

In 2008, the organization’s name was shortened to Charleston Animal Society, about the same time it moved into its current location at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston.

Not always a shelter

A common misconception is that the Charleston Animal Society was formed to shelter homeless animals, but it wasn’t until 74 years after its founding that the Society began to shelter animals in response to the cruelty and death perpetrated on them by local governments. Back then, it was common for government to round up stray dogs and kill them by inhumane means such as drowning. Countless dogs met their final demise in the Ashley and Cooper River. However, as the government-designat-

ed animal shelter in Charleston County, the Charleston Animal Society worked for decades to lower euthanasia rates and push for more humane methods of putting animals to sleep. In 1910, the Society was “authorized to purchase a gas tank,” as an alternative to drowning.

In 1948, building began on a shelter located at 667 Meeting St., now home to Patrick Veterinary Clinic. From downtown, the Society moved west, setting up first on (Continued on page 15)

Photo courtesy of the Charleston Animal Society.

Animal Society

Continued from page 14

St. Andrews Boulevard and then on Dupont Road in the 1960s. The Animal Society later operated out of a trailer next to the jail for 24 years but had to move when the Sheriff’s Office needed the land to expand the jail.

Into the 21st century

Planning for the 21st century, the organization’s leaders initiated public spay/neuter efforts along with teaching compassion to children. Both initiatives continued to grow in the early 2000s. With the move to its current location in North Charleston, the Animal Society was still not adequate in size for the Charleston community. In fact, the Remount Road facility was overcrowded on day one. However, as one of a dozen selected communities to participate in the nationwide Mission Orange project, the Animal Society worked with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals over a fiveyear period to significantly increase Charleston County’s live release rate.

In 2013, taking in well over 90% of the animals throughout Charleston County and despite overwhelming odds, the Animal Society built the first No Kill Community in the Southeast, saving all of the healthy

and treatable animals in its care. With that remarkable achievement and other unprecedented accomplishments, the Animal Society became an international model for lifesaving success.

The Charleston Animal Society has not stopped its momentum as a national leader in improving the plight of animals. Last year, the Society set a Guinness World Record for pet vaccines, organized the nation’s largest annual statewide adoption event for dogs and cats for six years in a row, won a North American competition of nonprofits with Land Rover and sustained Charleston County as a No Kill Community for 11 years.

Celebrating a rich history

The Charleston Animal Society will celebrate its rich history throughout the year at multiple events and will also produce a commemorative edition of its Carolina Tails magazine in June.

The remarkable history of Charleston Animal Society, anchored in leadership, tradition and excellence, is only possible through its membership and community support. Over 60% of its funding is through contributions, and its membership is comprised of more than 20,000 individuals who give a gift of their time, their home or their income.

Farmers market to offer food trucks

By Tammy Cox

For The Island Eye News

The Isle of Palms Recreation Department has announced that its family-friendly, fun and popular Farmers Market will return in 2024 – but with a twist. This year, it will feature a food truck jam with Hawaiian, Greek, Polish, Latino, Thai and other cuisines. This new combo event will be held the third Thursday of each month, June through October, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Nestled under the oaks, the event will feature local farmers, artists, crafters, photographers, music, specialty foods, food trucks, tinsel hair, balloon art, face painting, IOP businesses and more. To date, more than 75 vendors have been secured for June.

During the June market, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., guests will enjoy another new event for 2024 – Art at the Rec. The juried art show will feature local artists. Approved mediums include watercolor, oil, acrylic, photography, drawing, pastels, etching and mixed media. The IOP Recreation Department youth art classes also will display and sell art during the show. For more information and to apply, visit IOP.net.

“The 2024 Farmers Market will be a family fun event. With more vendors, a diverse array of culinary delights and the new addition of a local art show, the market promises to have something for everyone,” said IOP Recreation Director Karrie Ferrell.

Dr. Kerry Solomon honored with distinguished Dulaney Award

By Marissa Rossnagle For The Island Eye News

The American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery has named Isle of Palms resident Kerry Solomon, M.D., as the 2024 recipient of its prestigious Dulaney Award.

AECOS is a nonprofit ophthalmic society whose mission is to advance vision care and improve patients’ quality of life through innovation, education and advocacy. The Dulaney Award program is in its 24th year and recognizes ophthalmologists who have contributed significantly to the field

of ophthalmology, advancing patient care and leading the development of novel technologies and techniques.

“I am incredibly proud to be the recipient of this year’s Dulaney Award. It is an honor bestowed to many outstanding surgeons whom I greatly respect and admire. Being recognized in this class of exceptional physicians is especially gratifying,” Solomon said.

With his colleagues, Solomon established Operation Sight in 2011, a nonprofit organization that offers free surgery for uninsured South Carolina residents living with cataracts or retinal disorders. Under his leadership, Operation Sight has expanded nationwide.

Solomon currently serves as the chief medical

Learn more about eclipses at Fort Moultrie

By Brett Spaulding For The Island Eye News

A ranger-guided talk and viewing of an upcoming partial solar eclipse is scheduled for April 8 at the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center on Sullivan’s Island.

The eclipse will be visible from the Charleston area beginning at approximately 2 p.m. There is a $10 fee per adult for the tour, which is set to start at 3 p.m. Children 15 and younger can participate at no charge. Safety glasses will be

provided to safely view the eclipse. The program will focus on how eclipses happen and will explore historical eclipses that have been seen in Charleston.

Fort Moultrie is located at 1214 Middle St. on Sullivan’s Island. The park represents the history of static seacoast defense in the United States from the American Revolution to the end of World War II.

To learn more, call 843-883-3123. Additional information about Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park is available at nps.gov/fosu.

officer at US Eye, a physician-led network of eye care practices across the Southeastern United States, and is a LASIK and laser cataract surgeon at Carolina Eyecare Physicians in Mount Pleasant. He is the former president of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and is active in research, having been an investigator for many Food and Drug Administration clinical trials. Additionally, he was one of the first surgeons to perform laser-assisted cataract surgery and the first ophthalmologist in South Carolina to perform all-laser LASIK and topography-guided LASIK.

p.m. 8:43 a.m./8:40 p.m.

April 3 3:24 a.m./3:43 p.m.

a.m./9:54 p.m.

April 4 4:34 a.m./4:52 p.m. 10:50 a.m./11:04 p.m.

April 5 5:37 a.m./5:55 p.m. 12:46 a.m.

Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

This native perennial is named for a Greek god

By Mary Pringle

IOP Environmental Advisory Committee For The Island Eye News

Asclepias tuberosa is the botanical name for butterfly milkweed. This native perennial is named for Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. The species name tuberosa refers to the swollen roots. Native

al Formulary. Butterfly milkweed is also called orange milkweed or butterfly weed.

Americans chewed its tough root to treat lung ailments including pleurisy, explaining another common name for it – pleurisy root. Until 1936, it was included as a medicine in the U.S. Pharmacopeia-Nation-

This plant likes full sun to part sun and well-drained soil, is tolerant of drought once established and does not like to be transplanted. Seeds can be sewn in the fall to sprout in spring, or a young milkweed plant can be put in the ground in early spring. This species grows to be 1 to 3 feet tall and has bright orange flowers in clusters that are 2 to 5 inches across. The seed pods are grayish green and crack open when dry to release silkytailed, wind-dispersed seeds. Butterfly milkweed is resistant to deer, rabbits and salt but can be toxic to dogs, cats and horses if eaten in great quantities.

Care should be taken not to pur-

chase and plant tropical milkweed. Tropical milkweed, or asclepias curassavica, has similar flowers but is taller and has a mix of red and yellow petals rather than butterfly milkweed’s solid orange petals. Tropical milkweed is not native to our area and is even illegal to sell in California. The reason for this is that it is a robust plant that can be visited by many monarch butterflies over many months, leading to the buildup of high levels of a protozoan parasite that infects and harms adult monarchs. Tropical milkweed sometimes continues to grow all winter long, so the harmful parasite can survive to infect even more monarchs the next season.

Butterfly milkweed blooms from May to September and, true to its common name, its flowers attract and feed butterflies as well as hummingbirds and bees. It is a larval host plant for monarchs and queen butterflies and is widely distributed. Its nectar has great value to different species of native bees. It grows throughout the Eastern half of the

United States in meadows and open wooded areas, as well as in a few Southwestern states.

Butterfly milkweed is one of 23 species of native plants that will be planted this spring in the new native plant demonstration garden in the triangle of land on Palm Boulevard at 7th Avenue, a parcel owned by the Isle of Palms Water and Sewer Commission.

Photo by Sharleen Johnson.

Thinking outside the building: church services on the beach

By Paul Coleman

For The Island Eye News

“What? Your church has its Sunday service on the beach? That sounds amazing.”

This type of response is not uncommon when a person finds out that DeepWater Church meets from Easter through October on the Isle of Palms beach, something that’s been happening for the past two years. An idea that seemed too outsidethe-box before 2020 – outdoor worship services – is now an important part of the function and mission of this local congregation.

It’s true that buildings are useful tools for churches to facilitate the gathering of people for worship services, Bible studies, youth groups, counseling, social events, weddings, funerals and more – but brick and mortar is not the essence of the church. In the New Testament, the word used for church in the Greek language is ekklesia, defined as “a called-out assembly or congregation.” So the church is the gathering of Christian believers that form a local congregation.

Consider that there are Christians meeting in all types of places around the world. Churches meet in cathedrals, sanctuaries, homes, office buildings, storefronts, tents, caves, under shade trees and even underground – out of the view of those who persecute the church. Thankfully for Christians and other faith groups in our country, we are protected by our God-given right – the freedom to gather and express our faith publicly.

While worshipping on a beach may not be for some, it has provided an opportunity for others to attend a worship service that does not require walking into a building. This season’s beach services will begin on March 31 with Easter at Front Beach at 10 a.m. On April 7, beach services will move to the beach at 25th Avenue, also at 10 a.m. If there is a threat of inclement weather, check DeepWater’s social media for Sunday morning updates.

Island neighbors and visitors are invited and welcome to attend; remember to bring a chair.

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ left heaven and came to Earth to share the good news of His kingdom, to give his life on a cross and be risen from the dead and to establish a spiritual

Commemorating the first shots of the U.S. Civil War

By Brett Spaulding For The Island Eye News

The Civil War began in April 1861 in Charleston. To mark this historic event, a commemoration is planned at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park on April 13 and April 14. Visitors of all ages will learn how this event impacted and reshaped the country. At Fort Moultrie on April 13 there will be an encampment throughout the day. Ranger programs and rifle firing demonstrations will begin at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. On April 14, there will be an encampment from 9 a.m. to noon.

On April 12, 1861, the first shots of the war were fired on Union soldiers at Fort Sumter. Living historians in period clothing will portray soldiers and civilians at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie to help provide insight into the tension-filled days that preceded the war.

Fort Moultrie, located at 1214 Middle St. on Sullivan’s Island, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The entrance fee will be suspended at Fort Moultrie on April 13. To take part in the activities at Fort Sumter, you will need to contact Fort Sumter Tours at fortsumtertours.com for ferry tickets.

To learn more, call 843-883-3123. Additional information about Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park is available at nps.gov/fosu.

family. As we near Easter on March 31, know there are multiple churches on our two islands, and so whether you attend on the beach or in a building, know that you can hear good news that could change your life. Thanks for reading, God bless you and your family and Happy Easter.

*Note: The Easter Sunrise Service, which is a collaborative effort of multiple churches on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, will start at 7 a.m. on the Sullivan’s side of Breach Inlet.

Photo courtesy of DeepWater Church.

Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

Spoleto Adds Brandy Clark to 2024 Festival Lineup

By Lauren Van Liew

For The Island Eye News

Spoleto Festival USA, America’s premier performing arts festival, which will take place from May 24 through June 9 in Charleston, has announced that 2024 Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Brandy Clark has joined the Festival’s Front Row Series. Clark’s performance on June 1 adds to a star-studded lineup of concerts at the College of Charleston’s Cistern Yard.

“With its towering live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, the Cistern is easily one of the most picturesque backdrops in Charleston, encompassing 160-plus years of Lowcountry history,” said Spoleto General Director Mena Mark Hanna. “We’re pleased to bring this lineup of popular touring musicians to this historic venue to create a dialogue between past and present, where modern expressions dance with timeworn echoes. This electrifying juxtaposition promises unforgettable performances.”

Front Row Series Lineup

Old Crow Medicine ShowMay 24 and 25 - To kick off the Festival, acclaimed old-time string band Old Crow Medicine Show will perform back-to-back nights on the Cistern stage. The six-piece band, which introduced the world to one of the top five country singles of all time, “Wagon Wheel,” is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the release of their Grammy Award-nominated album “Jubilee.”

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue - May 27 - New Orleans icon Trombone Shorty will return to the Festival for the first time since 2011. The seven-time OffBeat

Artist of the Year leads his legendary ensemble in a high-octane performance that blends New Orleans jazz with rock, funk and hip-hop influences. The Grammy Award winner’s extensive list of accomplishments includes touring with Lenny Kravitz; sharing the stage with a diverse array of talents from the Foo Fighters to Bruno Mars, Ringo Starr and Green Day; and performing at vaunted venues such as the White House and blockbuster events including the NBA AllStar game and Coachella.

Amos LeeMay 28  - With a career spanning nearly two decades, Amos Lee is known for his dreamy folk, rock and soul influences. Lee first became serious about performing while attending the University of South Carolina during the mid-90s. The singer-songwriter behind hits “Windows are Rolled Down” and “Shout Out Loud” will perform a solo acoustic show on the Cistern stage.

Rimes, Billy Currington, Darius Rucker and Kacey Musgraves. She also composed the music and lyrics for the hit musical comedy “Shucked,” alongside her longtime collaborator Shane McAnally. A star on the rise, Clark will perform

tra. The collaborative performance will showcase her new album “All My Friends,” which is inspired by the letters and speeches of suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt and sparked by the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. Her last

tracks off her self-titled album featuring her most personal songwriting to date.

appearance at Spoleto was in 2019 with her acclaimed trio I’m With Her.

Brandy Clark - June 1 - 2024 Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Brandy Clark won her first golden gramophone for Best Americana Performance for her haunting hit ballad “Dear Insecurity.” She has written songs that were recorded by Sheryl Crow, the Band Perry, Reba McEntire, LeAnn

Watchhouse - June 5 - Formerly known as Mandolin Orange, Watchhouse, the North Carolina duo of Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz, will be making their Spoleto debut. Topping Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums chart, Watchhouse’s work imbues their Appalachian-steeped folk with ambient drone, gauzy soul horns and experimental texture.

Aoife O’Donovan - June 7Aoife O’Donovan will return for a groundbreaking performance with the Spoleto Festival USA Orches -

Jason Isbell - June 8 and 9Six-time Grammy Award-winning artist Jason Isbell will be holding back-to-back performances to conclude the 17-day Festival. Critically acclaimed for his raw emotional honesty, the singer, guitarist and actor has cemented his place as one of music’s greatest performing songwriters. Isbell will take to the Cistern stage in a rare solo acoustic performance.

For tickets and more information on Spoleto Festival USA, visit spoletousa.org.

IOP Rec Department to host technology classes

By Tammy Cox

For The Island Eye News

The Isle of Palms Recreation Department is teaming up with information technology specialist Sherry Dwelle to host a series of technology classes in March and April.

Each class will offer answers to personalized tech questions that everyone should know, including security for laptops, iPads, iPhones, Androids and air buds; useful and safe apps for all devices; and

simplified solutions for day-today use. All participants should bring devices so that the training is specific to each individual’s needs. This series will not cover software programming.

The series includes a website design and launch program that will guide business owners through a step-by-step process on free resources, security, website design, launch and ongoing management. Classes will be held in the Minnow Room

at the IOP Rec Center.

Technology Simplified

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

March 26, April 2, April 9

Cost - $100 for residents, $105 for nonresidents, $30 for drop-ins

Website Design and Launch

11 a.m. to noon

Cost - $100 for residents, $105 for nonresidents, no drop-ins

April 9, April 16, April 23, April 30

Is There an App for That?

9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

April 13

Cost - $25 for residents, $30 for nonresidents

Cyber Security

9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

April 20

Cost - $25 for residents, $30 for nonresidents

For more details and to register, visit IOP.net.

Old Crow Medicine Show.

Photo courtesy of Spoleto Festival USA.

Warmer temperatures are waking up the fish

By Capt. Geoff Bennett For The Island Eye News

Chilly days are quickly fading away with temperatures rising well into the 60s and sometimes pushing into the 70s. Warmer water temperatures will wake the fish up and get them feeding. Trout were ready to go in mid-March. It’s time to break out your reels and rods and get ready for a great season.

Having spent the last few months laying low and avoiding dolphins, redfish are now focused on eating instead of simply surviving. Low tide will be the best time to target large schools of redfish that can number in the hundreds. These fish are still skittish, so a quiet and subtle approach is quite important. On many days, it pays to stay in one spot when you find a school and wait for them to come to you instead of scaring them away.

As these reds are nervous, I’ll try to disturb them as little as possible by minimizing my casting. This is a great time to fish with bait on the bottom. I’ll put a chunk of frozen mullet or blue crab on a size 3/0 circle hook and just let it rest until the redfish swim over it. Make sure the barb of your hook is fully in bait and the point is

cleanly exposed. Place your rod in the rod holder and get ready for it to whip over once the circle hook sets itself.

As trout begin to feed, popping corks cast along grass banks and over oyster beds will be a good bet with mud minnows attached. I usually pair an 18-inch to 24-inch fluorocarbon leader with a size 1 circle hook. While there is no shortage of options, I use oval-shaped corks that are heavier and can cast further. When using a popping cork, do your best to keep slack out of your line, and, when that cork drops under, just reel without lifting the rod tip. You’ll find that the circle hook rarely misses as long as your line is tight.

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.

In addition to baseball, here’s what’s available this year at The Joe

By Jason Kempf For The Island Eye News

Coming off of three championships and due to unprecedented demand for tickets, the RiverDogs have announced that single game tickets are currently available. Coinciding with that announcement, the Tampa Bay Rays single-A affiliate unveiled dates for the top promotional highlights of the campaign.

Tickets can be purchased at RiverDogs.com and will be delivered and accessible on a mobile device.

“We are excited to open our complete ticket inventory to our fans a few months earlier than we

traditionally do,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “In 2023, we set a record for sellouts and led the Carolina League in attendance. With the success the team has had on the field of late, we wanted to give our fans an opportunity to make their plans for the summer a little earlier.”

The complete promotions schedule will be released soon; some of the highlights include:

• Replica ring giveaway, April 6;

• Championship bobblehead set - We’ll give away a series of bobbleheads featuring star players from our three championship teams. The

three bobbleheads come together to form a scene atop the USS Yorktown. The bobblehead giveaways are slated for a trio of Wednesdays: April 17, June 19 and Aug. 21;

• Independence Day celebration, July 4;

• Boy Band Night, with custom jersey auction, April 20;

• Mother’s Day celebration Kids Zone is free, May 12;

• Halfway to Halloween with custom jersey auction, May 25;

• Big Top Charleston - Circus theme, June 8;

• Pickleball Night, June 5;

• Swampy Joe - We don’t mean to sound ogreish, but what are you doing in our swamp?, July 6;

• Margaritaville Night, with custom jersey auction, July 13;

• Mean Hot Days - Get into your baseball era on a Thirsty Thursday, July 25;

• RiverDogs Summer Games, with custom Olympic-themed jersey auction, July 27;

• Friends Night, with custom jersey auction, Aug. 24;

• Bald is Beautiful Night, Aug. 10.

Weekly promotions will once again feature Dog Day Tuesdays, presented by Twisted Tea, and Wicked Wednesdays, with surprise giveaways, uniforms and theme

nights, presented by Wicked Weed. Thanks to Budweiser, The Joe will continue to feature an electric atmosphere on Thirsty Thursdays, with $1 beers. Fans are invited to join the team by wearing red every Friday on Boeing Red Shirt Fridays, with post-game fireworks presented by REV Federal Credit Union. Saturday Show at the Joe will feature some of our most creative and can’t-miss theme nights. Finally, each homestand will wrap up with MUSC Health Family Sundays, featuring free parking and kids running the bases after the game.

Single-game ticket buyers can now reserve seats for the 66-game home schedule at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park. Opening Night, presented by REV Federal Credit Union, is scheduled for April 5 at 7:05 p.m. when the RiverDogs welcome the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers.The jampacked opening weekend that runs is presented by Nucor Steel Berkeley.

The remainder of the schedule includes visits from the Columbia Fireflies, Fredericksburg Nationals, Down East Wood Ducks, Lynchburg Hillcats, Augusta GreenJackets, Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the first-ever meeting with the Carolina Mudcats.

Knox Brookshire, 13, of Dallas, enjoys fishing in the Lowcountry.

Photo courtesy of Capt. Geoff Bennett.

The growing case for artificial turf in coastal communities

By Jeff Lovins For The Island Eye News

In the wake of an unprecedented nor’easter that struck on Dec. 17, unleashing 9.5-foot tides – the fourth highest on record – coastal communities are facing the harsh realities of climate change and its impact on traditional landscaping. The storm left a trail of destruction across barrier islands and coastal areas, highlighting the vulnerability of natural lawns and landscapes to extreme weather events and flooding.

Bryan Vogt, president of ProGreen Charleston, shed light on the aftermath and the growing shift toward sustainable landscaping solutions.

prompted a re-evaluation of landscaping practices in these vulnerable areas. Artificial turf is a formidable solution against such challenges. Unlike natural turf, synthetic options offer a resilient barrier to erosion and flooding.

“Artificial turf is not just about aesthetics; it’s about resilience. It conserves water, eliminates the need for harmful fertilizers and provides a low-maintenance solution that stands the test of time and weather,” Vogt emphasized.

“It conserves water, eliminates the need for harmful fertilizers and provides a low-maintenance solution that stands the test of time and weather.”

“Coastal flooding isn’t just a temporary inconvenience; it’s a damaging force, particularly when coupled with saltwater. The salt does far more long-term damage than fresh water, affecting nearly every traditional grass type except seashore paspalum,” Vogt explained.

• Bryan Vogt • president • ProGreen of Charleston

The environmental benefits of artificial turf extend beyond water conservation and reduced chemical use. Vogt highlighted the importance of responsible disposal and recycling initiatives for artificial grass, mitigating potential environmental impacts and ensuring a sustainable approach to landscaping.

pool and in the house. All that changed after ProGreen installed synthetic turf. It looks great all the time, the kids can play on it even after it rains and the ProGreen installers gave us tips on how to maintain it,” he said.

Jon Bushnell, owner of the Islander 71 restaurant in IOP, added. “We installed ProGreen turf two years ago. Customers and their children love the turf, and, even with such high foot traffic, we have had no issues until the king tide and flooding in December 2023. The turf and attached pavers had minor damage, but ProGreen responded immediately, and we reopened the turf area in 48 hours.”

As coastal communities grapple with the realities of rising sea levels and increased storm activity, the shift toward artificial turf represents a proactive step in safeguarding landscapes against future threats. This transition not only preserves the natural beauty of these areas but also underscores a commitment to sustainability and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

However, even this salt-tolerant turf comes with its challenges, including coarse blades, aggressive growth, difficulty in mowing, scarcity and slow recovery post-damage.

The storm’s impact affected homes and businesses along Waterway, Cameron and Palm boulevards on Isle of Palms, as well as most of Sullivan’s Island. This widespread devastation has

Testimonials from island residents and business owners further attest to the benefits of synthetic turf. Reese Havens, a former professional baseball player, IOP resident and Carolina One real estate agent, recently installed ProGreen turf around his home’s pool and frequently recommends it to his real estate clients.

“We previously had zoysia turf. The grass and mud were constantly getting on the kids’ feet, then dragged into the

Inness original is the highlight of estate sale

By Nancy Schwartz For The Island Eye News

Blue Moon Estate Sales of Charleston will hold an estate sale March 22 through March 24 at 16 Ascot Alley in Harleston Village. Among the antiques, furniture, china, glassware, rugs, linens and flatware will be a spectacular original painting by George Inness, considered to be the leading American landscape painter of his time. Inness was known for his ability and skill to put evocative feelings into his interpretations of the American landscape.

After the death of his son, George Inness went through a dark period in his life that was reflected in his work. In 1874, he went to Normandy to study under the French landscape painter Camille Corot, where the two would visit a park where a windmill was located. The windmill can be seen in the far-right bottom of the painting’s corner. Through research, it was discovered that, like many painters of his time, Inness rarely signed his work. His wife signed some of his work posthumously.

In 2005, the painting was restored at Philadelphia Art, Restoration and Conservation where it was determined that it was a George Inness original. However, without a signature, they could not officially authenticate it. In 2009, Sotheby’s valued it at $50,000.

The painting has been passed down through five generations of the current owner’s family, from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to the West Village in New York City, to a farm in the Hudson Valley, New York, and finally to Andy King in Charleston. King traced the original purchase back to his great grandfather, Frank Lewis, who purchased it from a Boston art gallery in 1875.

To learn more, contact Nancy Schwartz at 843-801-6777 or nancy@ bluemoonestatesales.com.

The aftermath of the December nor’easter serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in traditional landscaping in coastal regions. The adoption of artificial turf offers a viable and sustainable solution, ensuring that the scenic beauty and environmental integrity of barrier islands and coastal communities are preserved for generations to come.

Photos by Rob Byko.

Around the Islands

ONGOING

WHAT: GriefShare Recovery Seminar

WHERE: Church of the Holy Cross, 2520 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island.

WHEN: Every Tuesday, 2-4 p.m., through April 9.

MORE INFO: Sponsored by the Church of the Holy Cross, the seminar is free and all are welcome. GriefShare features nationally recognized experts on grief recovery topics. Seminar sessions include “Is This Normal?” “The Challenges of Grief,” “Grief and Your Relationships,” “Why?” and “Guilt and Anger.” To learn more and to register, call 678-523-8783 or email caryn.woodison@gmail.com.

WHAT: Sullivan’s Island Story Share

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island

MORE INFO: The Poe Branch Library is partnering with the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center in 2024 to collect stories of Sullivan’s Island life, and we need your help. All ages are welcome to participate, and every month will feature a new writing prompt to guide your story. Stories can be as short as a paragraph or several pages. If your story features characters or memories of Sullivan’s Island, we invite you to share these at our Island Story Share sessions and add them to Battery Gadsden and the South Carolina History Room’s repository of island stories. To learn more and get this month’s prompt, stop by the library or email poe@ccpl.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

WHAT: So you want to be a civil engineer?

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: 4-5 p.m.

MORE INFO: Join us as we explore future career pathways and what it takes to get there. Through books, activities, crafts, guest speakers, videos and more, we’ll see where our current interests can take us and try out new ones along the way. Ages 6-11. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/ Sullivans-island.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

WHAT: STEM challenge

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN:10 a.m.-noon

MORE INFO: Can’t make our civil engineering program? Drop in to participate in a STEM activity and ask Ms. Heidi what we learned the previous day. Ages 6-11. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

WHAT: POE-etry critique group

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: 1 p.m. (after hours)

MORE INFO: Gather with fellow poets to share and improve your work. Bring six copies of one or two poems to share with fellow poets – limit 2-3 pages. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

WHAT: American Mah Jongg

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: Noon-2 p.m. – all levels and 4-6 p.m. – experienced players

MORE INFO: Learn to play the fun and fast-paced game of American Mah Jongg. If you have a 2023 card, please bring it. To learn more: ccpl. org/branches/Sullivans-island.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

WHAT: Easter Egg Hunt

WHERE: IOP Rec Center

WHEN: 4 p.m.

MORE INFO: Children ages 12 and under will begin a mad dash for eggs at the largest Easter egg Hunt this side of the IOP Connector. Participants will be divided into four age groups: 3 and under, 4-6 years, 7-9 years and 10-12 years. To learn more: iop.net.

TUESDAY, APRIL 2

WHAT: Memoir Writing Circle

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: 1 p.m.

MORE INFO: Join us to get your stories started. Write from a provided prompt for 20 minutes, then share for friendly feedback. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

WHAT: “Break in the New” Mah Jongg Card Party

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: 2-6 p.m.

MORE INFO: Bring your new 2024 American Mah Jongg card for a day of extra-long play. Please bring a light appetizer or dessert to share. Space is limited. Reservations required - call 843-883-3914 or email poe@ccpl.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

WHAT: LENS Leadership Series

WHERE: IOP Exchange Club

WHEN: 6-7 p.m.

MORE INFO: Author and editor Prioleau Alexander will be the speaker. Jim Thompson will serve as the moderator for the program, and participants will receive a complimentary copy of Alexander’s book, “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” To learn more: lensiop.org/programs.

WHAT: Talk on partial solar eclipse

WHERE: Fort Moultrie Visitors Center

WHEN: 3 p.m.

MORE INFO: There is a $10 per adult charge for the ranger-guided tour. Children under 15 can participate at no charge. The program will focus on how eclipses happen and will explore historical eclipses that have been seen in the Charleston area. To learn more: nps.gov/fosu.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

WHAT: Narcan Training & Overdose Prevention Seminar

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: 6-7 p.m.

MORE INFO: This training with Shelby Joffrion of the city of Charleston Police Department is highly recommended for individuals at risk of an opioid overdose, as well as friends and family members of those at risk. It is also valuable for health care providers, social services providers, law enforcement personnel and emergency response providers. Participants will have the opportunity to take a Narcan harm-reduction kit with them at the conclusion of the one-hour training. Children in grades 6-12 are welcome with their parent/guardian. Reservations requested - 843-883-3914 or email poe@ccpl.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

WHAT: Suddenly in Command

WHERE: Isle of Palms Exchange Club

WHEN: 9-11 a.m.

MORE INFO: The Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support program will sponsor a family-friendly boating safety class designed to teach people who aren’t normally at the helm of a boat how to deal with unforeseen circumstances. To learn more: lensiop.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 and SUNDAY, APRIL 14

WHAT: Commemoration of the start of the Civil War

WHERE: Fort Moultrie

WHEN: 11 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 3 p.m.

MORE INFO: Visitors will learn how the Civil War impacted and reshaped the country. There will be an encampment throughout the day April 13 and from 9 a.m. to noon April 14. To learn more: nps.gov/ fosu.