Since May 2005 PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC PERMIT NO. 137 POSTAL PATRON
Volume 22 • Issue 18
FREE
September 18, 2026
Isle of Palms Completes First Phase of Beach Renourishment Ahead of Schedule By Joshua Uys After 35 days of construction, the city’s dredging contractor, Marinex, has completed Reach 1 of the Isle of Palms Beach Renourishment Project more than two weeks ahead of schedule. Marinex placed approximately 900,000 cubic yards of sand along Reach 1, extending from Mariner’s Walk to Dewees Inlet. For perspective, that is enough sand to fill roughly 275 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Within 24 hours of completing Reach 1, construction crews moved to Reach 2 and began pumping sand near the Wild Dunes Property Owners Beach House. During this phase, crews will place approximately 800,000 cubic yards
of sand between the Beach House and 56th Avenue. The city’s coastal engineers expect this reach to take approximately 45 days, although the dredging schedule remains subject to weather conditions and equipment maintenance. Once Reach 2 is complete, crews will move to Reach 3 on the south end of the island, extending from the Isle of Palms Pier to Breach Inlet and placing an additional 800,000 cubic yards of sand. By the end of the project, approximately 2.5 million cubic yards of sand will have been placed along the Isle of Palms shoreline, creating a wider beach and restored dune system. Together, the beach and dunes serve as a natural barrier against storm surge, erosion and flood-
ing, helping protect people, property and public infrastructure. Renourishment also preserves recreational space for beachgoers, supports the island’s tourism economy and provides habitat for sea turtles, shorebirds, plants and other coastal species. The beach will remain open throughout the project, and active construction zones of approximately 300 yards will be fenced off for public safety. Sand walkovers will be constructed over the dredge pipe to maintain access to the ocean for beachgoers. Residents and visitors can follow the project’s progress and view the latest construction forecast at isleofpalms.gov/city-managed-beachrestoration-projects.
Beach Preservation Committee Hears From Coastal Consultant
By Brian Sherman The city of Isle of Palms might have to come up with more than an average of $6 million a year to maintain the integrity of its sandy shore, according to a study that was presented to IOP’s Beach
Preservation Advisory Committee Sept. 2. Chris Creed, a senior coastal engineer with Foth Olsen, which was hired by the city earlier this year to conduct a study of IOP’s beach restoration strategy, told committee members that it would
cost between $5,799,800 and $6,614,200 annually if the city chose to supplement the beach with sand dredged from the Intracoastal Waterway by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, counteract erosion by managing the shape of the Dewees Inlet shoal on the north end of the island and build a terminal groin at the south end. A terminal groin, which would come with an estimated cost of $4.5 million to $5.5 million, is a structure perpendicular to the shoreline to trap sand and slow beach erosion. Creed said the 1,200-foot-long groin would be built with around 15,000 tons of rock. “The groin does not alleviate the need for sand, but it will reduce the demand of sand from offshore borrow sites,” he explained. He cautioned that the figures he presented Sept. 2 were preliminary “planning level” numbers and could change based on a variety of factors, including whether the beach erodes at a low rate or at a high rate – which it did between July 2021 and September 2024. Creed presented other options, all of them aimed at maintaining a baseline condition established by Foth Olsen, a professional coastal engineering consultant headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. They included: • sand from the Intracoastal and Dewees Inlet shoal management, at a cost between $5,303,000 and $7,385,800 a (Continued on page 14)
Page 2 • IslandEyeNews.com • September 18, 2026
Dear Island Neighbors,
represented a great match. The Town will learn about this building with an interesting background AT NO COST, and the students can have easy (but supervised) ISLAND CLUB FUNDRAISER, SATURDAY, access to it. Of course we’ll have the necessary memoOCTOBER 17! randum of understanding to clarify any legal issues. As you might expect, the rumor mill has spun this If you haven’t seen the Island Club building recently win-win arrangement into something warranting grave (1452 Poe Avenue, next to the Fish Fry Shack), it’s suspicion...as in: the idea that it indicates the Town is worth checking out. It’s received impressive renovations over the last couple of years, with partial support preparing to spend taxpayer dollars on a rehab effort on this building for some undefined (but no doubt from the Town and more support from members and residents. Even more impressive is the Club’s program- nefarious) purposes. Well, as above, the expertly supervised information we will be receiving costs us nothing. ming: lots of varied recreational opportunities for Islanders of all ages, whether longtime residents or new It should also be emphasized that there is no obligation on the Town’s part to do anything with any recommenneighbors. You’ve got a chance coming up to support the Club dations the students might make. Councilmember Carl Hubbard, Chair of Counwhile enjoying a wide sampling of food and beverages cil’s Public Facilities Committee, had these important from Island businesses. observations: Here’s what Club President Trey Sedalik tells us: “I appreciate Charles engaging with the school to “Following a sell-out crowd in 2025, The Island Club will again host its Taste of Sullivan’s Island fund- offer this opportunity for the students to further their raiser on October 17, from 12 to 3 p.m. Tastes and sips studies. I expect the results of their work will provide another significant piece to the Island’s historic fabric. from Home Team BBQ, Sullivan’s Fish Camp, Poe’s I see no downside to this collaboration, and I look Tavern, Longboard, High Thyme, Mex 1, Dunleavy’s forward to sharing their findings with everyone. Pub, Island Coastal Lager, Republic Ice Cream, the “There are no immediate plans for the future of Wine Shop and Rebel Rabbit High Seltzer are included in the ticket price. Proceeds will benefit renovations to the old Town Hall. We continue to work with the citizen ad-hoc committee to review all possibilities for the historic building, which has been hosting events the structure. We’ve cleared some lingering title issues since 1946. Limited tickets are on sale now at https:// with SCDOT, and working with the school is the next sullivansislandclub.org for $100, children under 3 step. I have welcome all thoughts and comments from years old are free.” Islanders (chubbard@sullivansisland.sc.gov ). These Get your tickets while you can! will be shared with the ad-hoc committee as it moves forward with its deliberations.” OUR OLD TOWN HALL Happy Fall!...or what passes for it.
PUBLISHERS OF: The Island Eye News The Island Connection SiP Magazine In Memory of Swan Richards EDITOR ieneditor@luckydognews.com ADVERTISING advertising@mylonews.com ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Christian Senger GRAPHIC DESIGNER Stacey Nichols CONSULTANT Lynn Pierotti CONTRIBUTORS Geoff Bennett • Katherine Berry Amber Doskos • Pamela Marsh Mary Pringle • Aaron Sweet Joshua Uys • Chris Zoeller Campbell Sullivan PUBLISHED BY 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 September 23 for our October 2 issue For more information and for digital flip-throughs of current and past issues, please visit LuckyDogNews.com Op-eds and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lucky Dog Publishing or its staff.
For quite some time now, as an initiative of Council’s Public Facilities Committee, an adhoc committee of interested residents has been exploring possible uses for our old Town Hall at 1610 Middle Street. It’s an historic building (c. 1915) that originally served as Fort Moultrie’s Ordnance Office. The ad hoc committee has been led by our Planning and Zoning Director, Charles Drayton, and our Building Official, Max Wurthman. Recently, Charles and Max arranged for a mutually beneficial opportunity with Professor Christina Butler of Charleston’s own American College of the Building Arts. The students in her Historic Preservation 202 course (Documenting & Researching Historic Buildings) needed a building to use for this course requirement: “The primary product of this course will be a preservation report for a selected building, including drawings, condition assessments, remediation recommendations, and research findings.” Enter the old Town Hall. Professor Butler thought it would be a great object of study for her students, so it
ABOUT YOUR WATER AND SEWER BILL As you know, the Town has a separate Water & Sewer Department that provides our water and maintains the pipes and infrastructure needed to get it to us and move it back to our own sewer treatment plant once it goes down the drain. Mayor Pro Tem Justin Novak chairs Council’s Water and Sewer Committee, and he provides this relevant information: “The town recently went through extensive negotiations and finally agreed upon updated terms for the purchase of water from Charleston Water System, which delivers water to the town through a pipe that runs under Charleston Harbor. In this contract, the town secured the right for residents to have access to up to 850,000 gallons per day (gpd) for the next 40 years. The town also secured the right to purchase additional capacity in blocks of 50,000 gpd up to total of 1 million gpd. This additional capacity is likely to be needed because residents are using more water in larger new and renovated homes, in pools, and in yards through irrigation – all part of island life! “The updated contract also allows the town to purchase water at a discount. Fortunately, the town was able to keep rates stable this year without any increase either to residents’ water or sewer bills! “Now that an updated contract has been secured, the town’s Water & Sewer Committee has been looking at how the Water & Sewer Department can best meet its mission of providing these services to residents at cost – charging customers only what it costs to provide the services. As part of this process, the Committee is taking a hard look into how we structure our rates, apply revenues to operational costs, and fund known and anticipated future costs, such as infrastructure maintenance and equipment replacement. “While most people would rather (Continued on page 3)
Page 3 • IslandEyeNews.com • September 18, 2026
Mayor
Continued from page 2
not think about how the water gets to the tap or leaves the toilet, its an important part of the services the town provides to residents in our barrier island community. “To learn more, see the video of the Committee’s meeting on August 27, 2026: https://sullivansislandsc.suiteonemedia.com/event/?id=2155. Our next meeting is currently scheduled for 9:15 am on Thursday, September 24, 2026.” FALL JURY TRIALS Clerk of Court Becky Williams tells us that fall jury trials will be held at the end of October. Jury summonses were mailed out on Monday September 7. If you received a summons and have questions or concerns, please reach out to Becky at 883 5734.
Isle of Palms to Hold Ribbon Cutting for New Public Dock Eco-Education Signs By Joshua Uys The public can learn about the remarkable ecology of tidal wetlands and waterways Oct. 1 with morning events that spotlight a set of new interpretive nature signs at the Isle of Palms Marina. A free Stroll & Learn program organized by the City of Isle of Palms recreation staff will start the schedule at 7:30 a.m. at the Public Dock, located on the Intracoastal Waterway side of the marina at 50 41st Ave. During the stroll, members of the Island Turtle Team, Barrier Island Eco Tours and Holy City Birding will lead participants through a new set of 14 interpretive signs that highlight the salt marsh, the Intracoastal Waterway and other components of the “Inner Coast.” Along the way, the naturalists will share their knowledge and field related questions. At 8:30 a.m., the City of Isle of Palms will hold an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to recognize the addition of the nature signs, which were installed earlier this year through the Public Dock Eco-Education Project. Similar to signs in national and state parks, the displays feature facts about seabirds, shorebirds, wading birds, fish, sharks, manatees, dolphins and sea turtles. Visitors can also learn how key elements of the salt marsh ecosystem, such as pluff mud and cordgrass, depend on each other. A subset of seven smaller “Salt Marsh Creature” signs can be viewed along the walkway from the dock to Islander 71 restaurant. Taken together, the signs create an outdoor classroom that is available for free to visitors from sunrise to sunset at the Public Dock. PDFs of the sign designs are also available as an online educational resource through the city’s website. “While we often focus on the beach, we must also recognize, protect and celebrate the critically important salt marsh and tidal ecosystems around us,” said Laura Lovins, who chairs the city’s Environmental Advisory Committee. Lovins and EAC member Susan Hill Smith led the creation of the new interpretive signs, with support from the full committee and city staff. They collaborated with local graphic designer and illustrator Kaitlyn Hackathorn, who previously worked for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Project sponsors include The Outpost at Isle of Palms Marina, Islander 71 and Barrier Island Eco Tours. The City of Isle of Palms includes around 840 acres of salt marsh, while the city’s marina provides a gateway to an expanse of largely protected tidal wetlands to the northeast. South Carolina is known to have the most salt marsh acreage of any East Coast state, between 350,000 and 500,000 acres depending on calculation methods. More than 75% of commercial and recreational fish species in the region — as well as sea turtles and some dolphins — rely on salt marshes and related estuaries. These wetlands also protect communities from flooding and storms while capturing and storing carbon 10 times faster than tropical rainforests.
In light of scams that are occurring nationally involving false notices or calls claiming the recipient owes money for missing jury duty, be aware that our only official notices of jury duty go out in official Town envelopes, hand signed by the clerk and blue-ink stamped with the court’s seal. And we will never call you demanding payment related to jury duty. See you around the Island! Pat O’Neil Mayor 843 670 9266 oneilp@sullivansisland.sc.gov
2201 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island (843) 883-3708
Page 4 • IslandEyeNews.com • September 18, 2026
Taste of Sullivan’s Island Returns Oct. 17 By Mary Pringle Following a sold-out crowd in 2025, The Island Club will again host its Taste of Sullivan’s Island fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 17, from noon-3 p.m. Tastes and sips from Home Team BBQ, Sullivan’s Fish Camp, Poe’s Tavern, The Longboard, High Thyme, Mex 1, Dunleavy’s Pub, Island Coastal Lager, Republic Ice Cream, The Wine Shop and Rebel Rabbit High Seltzer are included in the ticket price. Sponsors include Alex Brener-Carolina One Real Estate, Sea Island Builders, The Ideal Life, KSA Insurance, Grandscapes, Cumming Wealth Management, LENS Sullivan’s Island, Herlong Architects and Christy Siegling Realtor. Proceeds from the event will benefit renovations to the historic Island Club building, which has been hosting events since 1946. Limited tickets are on sale now for $100 on sullivansislandclub.org. Children under 3 are admitted free. The Island Club is located at 1452 Poe Ave. on Sullivan’s Island.
Battery Gadsden to Host 5th Annual Members’ Dinner By Mike Walsh Anybody remember the opening lines to the old rock ’n’ roll song “Stagger Lee”? It went, “Oh, the night was clear, and the moon was yellow, and the leaves came tumblin’ down.” It may not be time for tumblin’ leaves, but hopefully the night will be clear and the moon will be yellow on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 10, when Battery Gadsden Cultural Center hosts its fifth annual members’ dinner. This has undoubtedly become the most popular benefit offered to current members of BGCC. Last year saw 120 members gather on the grounds of Battery Gadsden for a wonderful evening of food, fun and fellowship. We are thrilled to have again secured the services of well-known local caterer Jamie Westendorf. Everyone knows that means plenty of delicious Lowcountry food, and no one will leave hungry! The social hour will begin at 5 p.m. with an offering of beer, wine and soft drinks, and Jamie will start serving at 6:30 p.m. As in the past, we will be honoring some folks who have gone above and beyond in supporting BGCC. Live music will be provided this year by popular local musician Chris Cordero. This annual event is offered as a free benefit to those who have taken the time to join and support BGCC and are current on their membership. All our memberships include spouses or significant others. Members may also bring guests for a charge of $20 each. If you’ve not joined in the past, this would be a great time to do so. That’s easily done through our website, batterygadsden.org. Not sure whether you’re up to date on your membership? Have other questions? Just contact us at batterygadsden@gmail.com, and we’ll be happy to respond. In order to give our caterer an accurate head count, reservations are required. Reservations should also be made at batterygadsden@ gmail.com. The deadline for reservations is Sunday, Oct. 4. Please join us for this memorable evening under the stars at Battery Gadsden!
Page 5 • IslandEyeNews.com • September 18, 2026
VFW Post 3137 Hosts 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Veterans salute the Flag
Trumpeter Joe Houdek plays “TAPS”
Chaplain Carol Truslow, Past Post Commanders Bryan Brooks and Bo Stallings, Post Commander Cayton Johnson
By Pamela Marsh VFW Post 3137 on Isle of Palms held a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Sept. 11. Post Commander Cayton Johnson coordinated the ceremony with assistance from past Post Commander Bryan Brooks, Chaplain Carol Truslow and trumpeter Joe Houdek.
A video showing the horrific events of that morning, accompanied by explanatory narration, was presented. The post also provided first responders and other attendees with a light breakfast. The solemn ceremony honored the memory of all those lost that morning and reminded attendees to “never forget.”
THE LOWCOUNTRY’S RENOVATION EXPERT & BOUTIQUE BUILDER TWELVE TIME PRISM AWARD WINNER
2 2 0 C O L E M A N B O U L E VA R D • M O U N T P L E ASA N T, S C 2 9 4 6 4 • 8 4 3 . 3 8 8 . 5 5 5 0 • R E N A I S SA N C E S O U T H .C O M Look for us on Houzz, Facebook, and Instagram
Page 6 • IslandEyeNews.com • September 18, 2026
JIMMY DYE Founding Partner, Island Resident, REALTOR®
Jimmy Dye is the co-founder of The Cassina Group with over 20 years of experience, specializing in luxury, waterfront, estates, and historic properties across the coast of South Carolina. RealTrends ranks him among the top 1.5% of agents in the United States. A member of REALM, Jimmy Dye offers unmatched expertise and a global network connecting premier Lowcountry properties with qualified buyers worldwide. For more information on these exceptional homes, contact Jimmy Dye at 843.452.6482 or visit JimmyDye.com.
2302 RAVEN DRIVE, Sullivan’s Island
2871 ION AVENUE, Sullivan’s Island
Isle of Palms Recreation Department to Host Ghostly Tide Tales By Owen Bailey The Isle of Palms Recreation Department will host Ghostly Tide Tales on Friday, Oct. 16, from 6-7 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature campfires on the beach and ghost tales presented by Bulldog Tours. The event will take place on the beach using the public beach access next to the Sea Cabins. Free parking will be available during the event in Municipal Lot B. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring chairs, blankets and flashlights to find a spot near one of the fires. For more information, visit the City of Isle of Palms website.
Golfers to Drive Hope at Drive for ALS Awareness Golf Classic Golfers and community members will come together for a day of golf, friendly competition and entertainment while raising funds to fight ALS at the 2026 Drive for ALS Awareness Golf Classic, taking place Monday, Nov. 2, at Snee Farm Country Club in Mount Pleasant. Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS robs people of the ability to walk, talk and eventually breathe. Through an extensive network, the ALS Association provides support in all 50 states for people living with ALS and their loved ones by helping ensure access to critical care programs and services. The Drive for ALS Awareness Golf Classic was founded by family and friends determined to turn heartbreak into action. Inspired by the life and legacy of Russ Robinson, whose love of golf brought people together and created lasting friendships, the event honors those who have died from ALS while supporting individuals and families currently facing the disease. Through fellowship, awareness and fundraising, the tournament raises funds for research, care and advocacy through the ALS Association, ensuring that every swing, sponsorship and act of support helps bring hope to families and moves the organization closer to a future without ALS. Funds raised will support patient care, advocacy and research aimed at finding treatments and a cure for ALS. Often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a progressive motor neuron disease that gradually robs people of their ability to walk, talk, swallow and eventually breathe. The ALS Association’s golf tournaments bring together corporate and philanthropic leaders for a mix of sport, connection and fundraising. On the course or in the clubhouse, the events provide an opportunity to support people living with ALS and advance the search for a cure. To learn more about the 2026 Drive for ALS Awareness Golf Classic, sponsorship opportunities or how to sign up to golf, visit als.org/DriveforALS.
Page 7 • IslandEyeNews.com • September 18, 2026
Isle of Palms Exchange Club and Patriot Housing Project to Host Model Home Tour By Robbie Berg and Vicki Johnson The Isle of Palms Exchange Club’s Americanism Program of Service will showcase a model container home for veterans built by the Tri-County Veterans Support Network on Monday, Sept. 28. The community is invited to the Isle of Palms Exchange Club from noon-5 p.m. to tour the container-built home. The Tri-County Veterans Support Network (TCVSN) will host the open house to give the community an opportunity to learn more about its new initiative, the Patriot Housing Project. Guests will be able to tour the project’s completed model home, learn how shipping containers are being repurposed into permanent supportive housing for veterans experiencing homelessness and discover ways to volunteer or donate to help more veterans move into safe, stable housing. The Americanism Program of Service has donated $14,000 toward the project this year, in addition to tens of thousands of dollars donated to TCVSN over the years. The Tri-County Veterans Support Network consists of “many agen-
cies committed to implementing a planned, coordinated community response to the varied needs of our veterans to include emergency relief, housing, employment, education, spiritual support and others as well as identifying and resolving gaps in services and resources to support our local veterans and families in crisis.” In addition, the community is invited to participate in a hands-on volunteer opportunity from 3-5 p.m. Participants will assemble 500 care packages and write notes to include in the packages for veterans experiencing homelessness. TCVSN extended its thanks to the Isle of Palms Exchange Club, VFW Post 3137 and Jim Thompson for their ongoing financial support throughout the years. Their continued partnership helps the organization serve veterans and advance the mission of the Patriot Housing Project. To learn more, visit patriohousingproject.org or contact Vicki Johnson at 910-530-9546. Everyone is welcome to attend, get involved and help bring hope home to local veterans.
THINKING OF SELLING?
Over the last 32 years we've been in business, we've always been negotiable on our commission rates. A 1% drop on a multi-million dollar property can result in a $30,000 to $100,000 benefit to a seller. Our gross sales of over 1 billion in transaction side sales during the last 32 years show that we know what we're doing. If you're thinking of selling, give us a call!
NEW CONSTRUCTION
D L
O S
PAUL BOEHM 843-810-0571
2857 BROWNELL AVE. - $8,250,000 2918 MARSHALL BLVD. - $7,035,747 paulboehm0@yahoo.com
D L
D L
O S
O S
2668 MIDDLE ST. - $3,200,000
3121 MIDDLE ST. - $3,000,000
BRAD HAYNES 843-412-1295
bradhaynes44@gmail.com
Page 8 • IslandEyeNews.com • September 18, 2026
Behind the Mask: From Colorado Ballfields to Isle of Palms Isle of Palms Recreation Department to Host Halloween Golf Cart Parade and Carnival By Owen Bailey The Isle of Palms Recreation Department will host a Halloween Golf Cart Parade and Carnival on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4-6 p.m. Participants can register for the Golf Cart Parade at isleofpalms.gov. The top three decorated golf carts will receive prizes. After the parade, everyone is invited to participate in the Halloween Carnival, which will include a drive-through haunted house, children’s entertainment, food and sweets vendors, and more. For more information, visit isleofpalms.gov or call 843-886-8294.
By Jeff Lovins Before Larry Letofsky became a trial lawyer on the South Carolina coast, he was a Colorado kid who crouched behind home plate. He began playing baseball at age 5, grew up in an athletic family and competed in baseball, football and basketball while his father coached him through high school. By his senior year, he was all-state in three sports, but baseball remained the natural fit. Baseball was part of the family language. Larry’s father and uncle, twins who lived near each other in Colorado, coached and officiated for years. His father and brother were later honored in the Colorado Dugout Baseball Hall of Fame for their contributions to Aurora baseball. In that environment, Larry learned not just how to play Photo by Jeff Lovins for but how to read the game — its Island Eye News rhythms, strategy and hidden calculations. He enrolled at the University of Northern Colorado so his parents could continue watching him play. On a full scholarship, he started for four years under coach Tom Petroff, whom he credits with teaching him baseball’s deeper strategy. As a junior, Larry hit .462, among the best averages in the country, and later spent time in summer and rookie-level baseball connected to the Cincinnati Reds. He came close enough to the dream to know the difference between the “almosts” and the few who make it. He still talks like a catcher. The position, he says, is as mental as it is physical. A catcher is involved in every pitch: calling games, studying hitters, positioning fielders, managing pitchers and setting the tone. It is punishing work, full of foul tips, bruises, broken bones and constant wear. For Larry, that was part of the appeal. Catching meant seeing the entire game and helping control it from the center. That role gave him a close view of elite talent. He remembers facing hitters such as Tony Gwynn, Joe Carter and Gary Templeton and learning how thin the margin for error could be. One lesson stayed with him: When the other team’s best hitter comes up, do not let him beat you. Over time, the catcher’s wisdom became practical — support your pitcher, speak at the right moment and notice details others miss. When baseball narrowed, Larry turned to another demanding arena. He studied accounting, attended law school and met his wife at California Western School of Law in San Diego. Together, they built careers in litigation, first at large defense firms and later in their own boutique practice. Trial work became their specialty: difficult cases that had to be argued in court rather than settled quietly. Their move to Isle of Palms followed years in Southern California and the realization that success there carried costs: traffic, crowding and a frantic pace. As remote work and virtual court appearances became more viable during the pandemic, the calculation changed. His wife’s family lived on the East Coast, and Larry could still fly back to California for trials when needed. Daily life no longer had to mean freeways and office towers. On Isle of Palms, they found not only a better place to work but also a different social rhythm. At meetings, events and in daily routines, people introduce themselves and welcome newcomers. After years on the West Coast, that openness on Isle of Palms mattered. The island offered the human scale that makes community possible. In many ways, Larry’s life still follows the same pattern. Whether calling pitches, trying cases or practicing taekwondo at the recreation center, he is drawn to disciplines that demand focus, toughness and control under pressure. He still talks to young players, especially catchers, about passion and commitment. On Isle of Palms, after decades of competition and reinvention, Larry Letofsky seems to have found something rare: a place where ambition and an easier lifestyle can share the same field.
Page 9 • IslandEyeNews.com • September 4, 2026
Wild Dunes Pickleball Association Serves Up Hope for Children’s Cancer Research By Katie Miars The Wild Dunes Pickleball Association is bringing the community together Oct. 18 for a special pickleball tournament and fundraiser benefiting MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital while honoring the life and legacy of local island boy Naish Kaloupek. The event first came together after Naish was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer, in October 2023. What began as a community effort to support Naish has grown into an annual fundraiser dedicated to advancing childhood cancer research and raising awareness that childhood cancer can affect any child and any family. Naish was known for his infectious smile, sense of humor and love of sports. He spent his days playing basketball at the recreation center, surfing with his father and learning tennis and golf at Wild Dunes. Throughout his 18-month battle, he inspired those around him with his courage, positivity and determination.
He loved the outdoors, was named Boy Scout of the Year and posthumously received the rank of Eagle Scout. Even when treatment kept him off the court, he continued showing up to cheer on friends from the sidelines. The inaugural event raised more than $50,000 for pediatric cancer research. This year’s tournament will once again bring together players, families and supporters for a day of competition, community and giving, with all proceeds benefiting childhood cancer research at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. In addition to tournament play, the fund-
raiser will feature a silent auction with items and experiences, including golf trips to the Bahamas and Hilton Head Island, as well as other donated prizes. The Wild Dunes Pickleball Association is currently seeking event sponsors and silent auction donors. Several local businesses and organizations have already stepped up to support the cause, including Carroll Investors, Slotchiver & Slotchiver, Island Home Watch, DeepWater Church, Younger You Aesthetics, Islander 71, Bulls Bay Golf and The Club at Wild Dunes. Community members interested in playing, sponsoring, donating auction items or making a contribution are encouraged to get involved. The Wild Dunes community hopes to honor Naish’s legacy, support families facing childhood cancer and help create a brighter future for children fighting the disease. For sponsorship opportunities, silent auction donations or additional information, contact Jen Stephens at wdpickleball@gmail.com.
Smile More. Stress Less. Join our Dental Membership today and enjoy worry-free dental care all year long! MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES: • Two exams • Two cleanings • Two fluoride treatments • Yearly X-rays • One free emergency visit • 10% off all treatment
All for just a $149 activation fee and
48
$
per month!
Scan the QR to get started.
434 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 (843) 884-8884
smilecarolinasc.com Dr. Jeffrey Johnson
Page 10 • IslandEyeNews.com • September 4, 2026
AROUND THE ISLANDS MULTIPLE DAYS WHAT: Cheers Charleston Restaurant Week WHERE: Various WHEN: Sept. 10-22 MORE INFO: Hall Management Group’s internal restaurant week will return. Each participating restaurant will offer a limited-time, threecourse prix fixe menu, giving guests an opportunity to experience the signature style of each Hall Management Group concept. Full menus, pricing and reservations are available through each restaurant. Participating restaurants include: Halls Chophouse Charleston, Halls Chophouse Nexton, High Cotton, Slightly North of Broad, and Rita’s Seaside Grille. WHAT: Vintage Market Days of Charleston WHERE: Charleston Area Convention Center WHEN: Sept. 18 - 20 MORE INFO: Three days of shopping, vintage finds, handmade goods, boutique clothing, furniture, food and more. With more than 100 vendors, shoppers can discover everything from true vintage and vintage-inspired pieces to handmade items, unique home décor, boutique and vintage clothing, specialty foods and oneof-a-kind treasures. Tickets can be purchased at events.humanitix.com/vintage-market-days-rcharleston-team-vintage.
WHAT: 42nd annual MOJA Arts Festival WHERE: Various WHEN: Sept. 24 – Oct. 1 MORE INFO: The 42nd annual MOJA Arts Festival will run Sept. 24 through Oct. 1 at locations across Charleston, featuring local and national performers. This is the first year the festival has been planned by MOJA Arts, a newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to stabilize and grow the event long term. The festival has been shortened from 11 days to eight this year and will introduce a new tradition: honoring the
Our community calendar keeps you updated on local events. From festivals to workshops to family-friendly gatherings. Stay connected and never miss out on the excitement.
cultural legacies of four West African and Caribbean nations. The 2026 festival will spotlight Barbados, Gullah Geechee, Jamaica and Sierra Leone. Visti mojafestival.com for more info. FRIDAY, SEPT. 18 WHAT: Winyah on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms WHEN: 6 p.m. MORE INFO: The South Carolina five-piece performs on the outdoor stage. WHAT: Beer From Here WHERE: South Carolina Aquarium WHEN: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. MORE INFO: The South Carolina Aquarium is hosting Charleston’s most unique beer tasting event. All-inclusive tickets to this 21+ event include evening admission to the Aquarium, samples of craft brews from 10 Lowcountry-favorite breweries, light bites, entertainment and a souvenir tasting glass. SATURDAY, SEPT. 19 WHAT: Cast Off Fishing Tournament WHERE: Mount Pleasant Pier WHEN: 7 a.m. MORE INFO: Tournaments offer awards for the Biggest 3 Fish by Weight, the Biggest Youth Catch (12 and under) and the Best 5 Fish (total weight). Participants are only eligible to win one category. Tournament registration fees are $12 for ages 13 and up, $9 for members of the military, $9 for seniors (60 and up), $9 for youth (12 and under), or $5 for fishing pass members. Adult chaperones are required for ages 15 and under. No pre-registration is required. On-site registration for tournaments begins the morning of the event. For additional details on the piers or the Cast Off Fishing Tournaments, call the Folly Beach Pier at (843) 762-9516, the Mount Pleasant Pier at (843) 762-9946, or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com. WHAT: Happy Steps 5K - Benefiting Camp Happy Days WHERE: The Island Club, 1452 Poe Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. MORE INFO: Join Camp Happy Days for Happy Steps, a 5K run/walk on Sullivan’s Island in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The race starts and finishes at The Island Club, where we invite you to stick around for the afterparty featuring food, drinks, raffles, auction items, music, and race
awards — all benefiting Camp Happy Days and the children and families we serve. WHAT: Sweat on the Ship x Modern Movement WHERE: U.S.S. Yorktown at Patriots Point WHEN: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. MORE INFO: Head to the Yorktown’s flight deck for an evening of movement, mindfulness, and community with Modern Movement Yoga. This all-levels class is designed to help you move with intention, build strength, and reconnect with yourself. Expect a thoughtful flow that blends breath, balance, and movement, leaving you feeling grounded, refreshed, and empowered. TUESDAY, SEPT. 22 WHAT: Beach Yoga WHERE: Isle of Palms WHEN: 7:30 a.m. MORE INFO: The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department continues its free Beach Yoga Series at the 25th Avenue beach access. All residents, visitors and fitness levels are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring a large towel or yoga mat, blocks and water. In the event of inclement weather, classes will move to the Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 24 28th Ave. For updates, visit iop.net or follow the city on Facebook and Instagram. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23 WHAT: SWEAT Fitness Series with Athleta WHERE: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre WHEN: 6 p.m. MORE INFO: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre’s SWEAT Fitness Series with Athleta returns this September, offering a free weekly outdoor workout series led by top instructors from across the Lowcountry. Each session will be held at The Oaks, across from Barnes & Noble, 1716 Towne Centre Way. Guests are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, water and a positive attitude. Don’t miss this series where fresh air, beautiful surroundings and energizing workouts come together under The Oaks. Friday, Sept. 25 WHAT: Guardianships and Conservatorships WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library WHEN: 11 a.m. MORE INFO: Judge Irv Condon will discuss and answer questions on the legal process related to adult guardianships and adult and minor conservatorships. The judge will explain how to avoid an adult guardianship and/or conservatorship; and if not possible, he will explain the
Page 11 • IslandEyeNews.com • September 18, 2026
AROUND THE ISLANDS necessary legal filings, what to expect at the court hearing, and the annual reporting requirements. WHAT: Poe Listening Lounge celebrates Dolly Parton WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library WHEN: 5:30 – 7 p.m. MORE INFO: Honor the patron saint of 9-2-5 at our Dolly Parton Listening Session. Come at 5:30 for a bling-and-butterflies craft and to swap Dolly stories. At 6:00, we will have an old-school, basement-style listening party in the kids’ room, focusing on one of Dolly’s classic albums, reading liner notes and lyrics, and talking about her songwriting skills. Bring a pillow or blanket and “set yourself down for a spell.” NOTE: THIS IS A PROGRAM FOR ADULTS. Latecomers will not be admitted after 6:00, so please be on time. Registration is required - call 843-883-3914 or email poe@ccpl.org for details. SATURDAY, SEPT. 26 WHAT: 23rd Annual Carolina Children’s Charity care • give • run 5K Partial Trail Run & Family Fun Walk WHERE: Palmetto Islands County Park, 444 Needlerush Pkwy., Mt. Pleasant
Our community calendar keeps you updated on local events. From festivals to workshops to family-friendly gatherings. Stay connected and never miss out on the excitement.
WHEN: 8 a.m. MORE INFO: The Lowcountry community is invited to join the 23rd Annual Carolina Children’s Charity (CCC) care • give • run 5K Partial Trail Run & Family Fun Walk on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant. Presented by Vertical Bridge, the event raises funds to benefit local children living with birth defects and childhood diseases. WHAT: Five Way Friday – on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms WHEN: 6 p.m. MORE INFO: Five Way Friday returns to The Windjammer. Formed in 1997, the band spent a decade touring the Southeast and East Coast, releasing three acclaimed albums and sharing the stage with artists including Vertical Horizon, Edwin McCain, Cowboy Mouth, Blue Dogs, Cravin’ Melon, and Uncle Mingo. ONGOING WHAT: Sullivan’s Island Run Club WHERE: Mex 1 Sullivan’s Island, 2205 Middle St.
8 46TH AVENUE, Isle of Palms
5 Bed, 4 Bath, 2,814 Sq Ft.
$
3,625,000
WHEN: Every Monday at 6 p.m. MORE INFO: Come out and join the SI Run Club every Monday! All paces are welcome as we enjoy 1-3 mile scenic historic routes along the beautiful shoreline. After the run, we’ll gather back at Mex 1 to celebrate with fun drink specials. WHAT: Mount Pleasant Farmers Market WHERE: Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Pavilion, 645 Coleman Blvd. WHEN: Tuesdays, April – September from 3:30 until 7:00 p.m. MORE INFO: The weekly Mount Pleasant Farmers Market, founded in 1998, features vendors selling local farm-fresh produce, meats, sauces, baked goods, and other specialty foods in a festival atmosphere. WHAT: Yoga on the Lawn WHERE: Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant, 250 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant WHEN: Every Sunday at 2 p.m. MORE INFO: Join Charleston Power Yoga at Hotel Indigo for a refreshing way to reset for the week ahead. Surrounded by the breeze and Lowcountry sunshine, you’ll flow through an energizing, all-levels class led by an expert instructor. Bring your mat, breathe deeply, and make this weekly getaway part of your Sunday ritual.
Ginn Maiers, REALTOR® (843) 696-7402 gmaiers@dunesproperties.com Adele McNair, REALTOR® (803) 727-6164 amcnair@dunesproperties.com
Your Coastal Connection LOCAL KNOWLEDGE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE START HERE Brandy McMahon, REALTOR® (843) 996-6377 bmcmahon@dunesproperties.com
dunesproperties.com Nobody knows the Charleston Coast better.®
12 MARSH ISLAND LANE, Wild Dunes
$
1,750,000
4 Bed, 4.5 Bath, 2,134 Sq Ft.
Real Estate: (800) 476-8444 Vacation Rentals: (888) 250-8730
Page 12 • IslandEyeNews.com • September 4, 2026
Island Turtle Team Helps Rescue ‘Chili’ the Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle moved easily by Aquarium staff without surgery. Chili spent several more weeks at the hospital to completely recover from the hook wound. During this time, the staff said Chili was the “pickiest eater they were caring for,” eating only shrimp and squid and eating better if the squid was offered first. Then, on Aug. 26, we heard from Melissa Ranly, manager of the hospital, that Chili was released into the Gulf Stream. True to form, Chili was thrashing like crazy and pooped and peed on the folks doing the handling! Godspeed, Chili. We hope you have a long and healthy life! Strandings in 2026 for Island Turtle Team
By Carol Antman This season, the Stranding Team of three people on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island who have permits to respond to sea turtles that wash ashore has written 20 stranding reports for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. We expect to do more in the fall and winter. This can be a sad and sometimes gruesome task involving mostly dead sea turtles. But on July 25, we met a special turtle who was later named Chili at the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center. This year, their patients are named for different condiments, and this name would prove to be appropriate. Kemps ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) are the smallest of all sea turtles, with adults usually measuring 23-28 inches in shell length and weighing up to 110 pounds. Chili was not yet adult size but was almost 2 feet long, larger than the usual half-dozen or so Kemps ridleys that we handle each year that are only about a foot long. These turtles nest mostly at Rancho Nuevo on the east coast of Mexico and along the Gulf Coast of Texas. But juveniles regularly travel up and down the East Coast as far as New England. They are the most endangered of all sea turtles after decades of habitat loss and poaching. They are easy prey because they nest in large groups during daylight hours. They get their name from Richard Kemp, a fisherman who found one in 1880 and sent the specimen to Harvard University when the species was relatively unknown. On July 25, we got the call from SCDNR that a fisherman on the Low Battery section of downtown Charleston had caught one on his line. Fortunately, he knew not to try to pull it up by the hook but instead helped it wash near the U.S. Coast Guard Station at Tradd Street,
where he could get a landing net under it to lift it, avoiding further injury. While we were en route, he moved it to the shade in someone’s yard on the Battery and poured water on it to avoid heat stress and dehydration. Another thing he did right was not cutting the fishing line close to the turtle’s mouth, where the hook was embedded in the lower jaw. He left about a foot of line to make hook removal less difficult at the hospital. Kemps ridleys are well-known for biting on fishhooks from piers and in the surf. We used duct tape to secure the fishing line to the upper shell. We were impressed with how beautiful and healthy this young turtle was — free of barnacles and algae. It appeared to be a subadult in excellent health. When we lifted it into the carrier box, it was very strong and very feisty. The staff at the Aquarium called it “bright, alert and responsive.” Bloodwork confirmed that there were no other health problems. Chili would thrash and wave all four flippers wildly when picked up — a very spicy Chili indeed! The hook was re-
The Island Turtle Team has responded to 20 strandings so far this year. All but five of the turtles died from boat strikes. Five were found alive and taken to the hospital. The strandings included: 5 loggerheads 3 leatherbacks 9 green sea turtles 3 Kemps ridleys
Page 13 • IslandEyeNews.com • September 18, 2026
British Entrepreneur Bets on Charleston as a Future Hub for Padel By Joshua Uys British sports communications entrepreneur Ben Nichols is moving his family to Mount Pleasant with a bet on Charleston: that the Lowcountry could become one of the next major markets for padel. “I could have based myself anywhere in the U.S. Instead, my family and I chose Mount Pleasant because I believe the Lowcountry has all the ingredients that made padel explode elsewhere,” he said. “Charleston has a healthy, active population, very outdoorsy people, a strong racquet sports culture, and a community that values human connection, real connection.” Padel, a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, has grown rapidly around the world, attracting an estimated 35 million players and high-profile celebrities including David Beckham, Eva Longoria and comedian Andrew Schulz. Nichols is the founder of Padel22, a communications agency dedicated exclusively to the sport. He has worked to introduce padel to broader audiences through coverage in Forbes, the Financial Times, The New York Times, CNN
International and the BBC. His career in sports media and communications has also included work in Formula One and communications counsel for World Anti-Doping Agency leadership during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Now, Nichols sees Charleston as primed for padel’s next stage of growth. “As for Charleston, it might sound an unlikely place to build a global sporting movement, but that’s exactly why I’m moving here,” Nichols said. “It’s a very big sport in South Florida, but I wanted to come somewhere where I could get in at the ground level, in an area where I think it’s going to be big.” Padel is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court smaller than a tennis court. Unlike tennis, the surrounding glass walls are part of the game, allowing players to return balls after they rebound off the walls. The sport is generally considered easy for beginners to pick up while still offering a highly competitive game for experienced players. Nichols believes that accessibility will ultimately determine how far padel can grow in the
United States. “Padel’s been doing what pickleball’s been doing in North America for the last four or five years,” he said. “Every country padel goes to, it has phenomenal success in terms of participation. It’s a very addictive sport to play.” He believes the next major step will come when padel becomes available to a broader segment of the public. “The only way it’s going to go mainstream is when it becomes something that everyone can access,” he said. “Education and awareness of the sport needs to be up. We need to see the private sector be successful, but the bigger opportunity is actually: How do you build this out to become a publicly accessible sport?” Nichols said the long-term opportunity will depend partially on whether local governments and public agencies recognize the demand for the sport and invest in public access. “One thing that needs to happen is you need public courts,” he said. “I would absolutely love a conversation to see how we can get these courts out there for more people.”
Page 14 • IslandEyeNews.com • September 18, 2026
Beach Preservation Continued from page 1
Sunrise Manor 601 OCEAN BLVD, ISLE OF PALMS 5 BEDROOMS • 5.5 BATHS • SLEEPS 14
Luxury Vacation Home Management
year; • scheduled renourishment of the beach, ranging from $6,404,400 to $8,745,300 annually; • renourishment supplemented with sand from the Intracoastal and Dewees Inlet shoal management, which would cost the city an annual average between $5,303,000 and $7,385,800; • renourishment supplemented with sand from the Intracoastal, Dewees shoal management and a terminal groin at the south end of the island, at an average annual cost between $5,543,200 and $6,614,200; • triggered renourishment, implementing a project when the baseline somewhere along the island has been jeopardized, at an average annual cost between $7,046,900 and $11,580,500. Creed told committee members that trigger renourishment is “not that feasible … and really not a cost we want to talk about.” At the Sept. 2 meeting, Isle of Palms City Administrator Douglas Kerr said a cost of $6 million to $9 million a year “jumped off the page at me,” noting that “we lose a couple of hundred thousand cubic yards of sand a year. If I applied that rate of Marinex coming by and replacing what’s been lost, I come up with less than $2 million a year.” “We look at the gross loss,” Creed responded. “We looked at how much is being eroded away but don’t take credit for sand that accumulates in adjacent areas. It’s not off of the island. It’s just not where it’s supposed to be anymore.” “That’s the way we look at the problem. This is a data-driven analysis,” he added. “We’ve used the data that’s available to us. I think these are solid numbers here.” Creed pointed out that the city can look at several alternatives: Do nothing and see how long it takes to get to the baseline condition; count on beach renourishment, either regularly scheduled every five, seven or 10 years or taking the triggered approach; managing the shoal on the north end of the island; building a groin on the south end; or a combination of two or more of these options. He said if the city takes no action, the baseline probably will be violated at the south end of the island and near the middle of the island, but “for the most part, we’re still OK after five years.” “By seven years,” he added. “Things are really falling apart,” even if the erosion rate slows down. According to Creed, the Corps of Engineers most likely will be able to provide the city with 150,000 cubic yards of sand from the Intracoastal every three years, which would help alleviate the erosion problem near Breach Inlet. However, he also noted that this sand might not be sufficient to maintain baseline conditions on the south end of the island. Creed said he favors the shoal management approach before the city spends a lot of money trying to fix the erosion problem on the north end of the island. “There’s not a lot of agreement on whether you want structures on the beach there or not,” he said. “Those structures on the north end of the island are the last line of defense and not intended to reduce the sand-loss rates, particularly right after the project is built because they will be buried and not affecting the sand-loss rate.” Members of the Beach Preservation Advisory Committee include Chair Dieter Ostermann, Wendi Pasterik, Alice Bova, Dan Slotchiver and John Shillling.
Page 15 • IslandEyeNews.com • September 18, 2026
The Captain Sam Spit Saga By Rom Reddy We have all heard the expression “putting lipstick on a pig.” The Captain Sam Spit litigation saga that will cost SC taxpayers $32 million is what that expression was created for. The $32 million taxpayer-funded settlement does not include 17 years of legal fees expended by the Department of Environmental Services and the AG’s office with no oversight and does not include an additional $4 million paid by taxpayers in the town of Kiawah. The Attorney General and the legislators rush to present it as “good for everyone”. Presumably that includes us taxpayers. I am not sure if we would agree. Let’s start at the beginning. The Kiawah Island developers originally acquired roughly 10,000 acres in Kiawah Island in 1988 for approximately $105 million. The “spit” was a 170-acre parcel acquired as part of this overall acquisition in 1988. A crude ratio of acreage (170 out of 10,000) would value the original purchase price of the spit at less than $2 million. Maybe the spit was a special parcel and was worth twice the average. That optimistic assumption would still put the original value of the spit at $3.5 to $4 million tops. I am trying to be nice! If the state felt strongly about the spit needing to be “protected” land, they could have negotiated a conservation easement with the developer or even bought the land as part of an overall development plan. This would have cost the state little to nothing. The state did nothing at the time. In 2008 when the developer applied for permits to develop the split, the permit requested a bulkhead revetment (retaining wall) as part of the permit. This started a back-and-forth series of lawsuits between the state, the far-left Coastal Conservation League and the developers. Millions
of dollars of taxpayer money and effort were spent over a 17-year period (including 5 SC Supreme Court rulings) arguing about permits for revetments and the government’s rights on private land. Each time the state prevailed on winning a small permit battle, they did not realize they were losing the bigger war on private property rights. It seems the Attorney General at that time (lawyer in name only McMaster) and his successor and current AG Alan Wilson could not figure out that government cannot take over private land and mandate what goes on without buying that land. It is part of the SC and US constitutions. The AG’s office or the Governor could have intervened with the useless bureaucrats at the Department of Environmental Services at any time during the 17-year litigation, ended this madness and negotiated a sensible deal. Yet, with no oversight from the AG or Governor’s office, the bureaucrats at DES kept wasting our money on endless litigation. None of these legal fees have been disclosed so far. Finally, last year someone realized that the state, in addition to legal fees could face as much as $ 200 million in damages for “taking” private land . A takings claim can trigger damages and paying the attorney’s fees for the other side. They also concluded that the DES in-house taxpayer-funded lawyers could not handle the case anymore, and they would have to hire expensive outside counsel like citizens are forced to do when defending themselves against these agencies. This is how we ended up with a $37 million settlement to the developer (at least 10 times their purchase price). Roughly $32 million comes from state taxpayers, $4m from the town of Kiawah taxpayers and $1 million from a conservancy
group. All this could have been easily avoided if the state including the Governor’s and AG’s office had simply respected private property rights and the Constitution and not wasted our money defending the indefensible and paying the price with our money. Instead of making up some happy ending, wouldn’t it be refreshing if our government could simply say they made a mistake and they are sorry. Nope. That’s where the lipstick on the pig comes into play. The Reddy Room represents the opinion of Lucky Dog Publishing owner Rom Reddy, but not necessarily the opinion of the newspaper. In keeping with our philosophy of publishing all opinions, we welcome responses, which must be limited to 400 words and will be published on a space-available basis.
Contractors Will Have To Haul Their Own Trash By Brian Sherman If the Isle of Palms City Council approves proposed changes and tweaks to IOP’s trash collection policies, landscapers, tree service companies and other contractors will no longer be able to leave debris behind to be picked up by the city. Members of the IOP City Council’s Public Services & Facilities Committee ratified the changes, which still must be approved by the full Council, at their Sept. 1 meeting, following a pre-
sentation by Public Works Director Robert Asero. The new ordinance requires contractors to remove their debris and dispose of it legally. “I do believe this will slow down those questionable piles that we get,” Asero said. “I just found out through our city arborist that there’s actually a guy on Sullivan’s Island that drives around – maybe code enforcement; I’m not sure – that makes sure that contractors take away all those piles.”
Asero also pointed out that IOP residents will no longer be able to leave “massive” boxes out for public works employees to collect. Instead, they will have to be broken down and placed in the blue recycling cans or taken to a recycling center. IOP residents will still have two 96-gallon trash carts. “This is not intended to hurt residents who are doing things the right way,” Asero explained.