IEN Apr 20 2024

Dispute between town and water system continues

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

Sullivan’s Island Town Administrator Andy Benke recently sent a check for more than $200,000 to the Charleston Water System in an effort to solve a dispute between the two entities, but, unless the town comes up with another $850,000 or so before July 20, CWS has threatened to cut off the town’s water supply.

At an April 1 meeting, the Sullivan’s Island Town Council voted to approve a payment of $227,381.92 to the water system, a figure determined by water utility rate consultant Raftelis, based on a 1994 contract between CWS and the town. Benke said the check was mailed, but, as of April 11, there was no word from CVS and no indication the check had been cashed.

CWS CEO Mark Cline insists that the town of Sullivan’s Island owes the water system $1.078 million, a difference of $850,618.08. Since they are still trying to solve this issue through mediation, neither side is saying much, though both the water system and the town released statements regarding the disputed terms of the 1994 contract.

“Charleston Water System does not agree with the town of Sullivan’s Island’s viewpoint or its recollection of the historical facts,” Cline said in a

statement released by the water system. “We fully intend to discontinue the town’s water service July 20 unless their past due amount is fully paid and they have entered into a new contract that appropriately covers the costs of providing water service to their community. It’s not fair that our other customers have been subsidizing the town’s service for years now.”

“Charleston Water System wants the town to ignore the terms of the signed agreement we entered into almost 30 years ago, after Hurricane Hugo devastated our independent deep water well system,” Sullivan’s Island Mayor Pat O’Neil said in his own statement, (Continued on page 9)

SI

might consider taking its power underground

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

The Sullivan’s Island Town Council’s Public Facilities Committee will ask Dominion Energy to send a representative to its next meeting to discuss the possibility of burying some or all of the electric company’s power lines.

Committee members discussed putting the lines underground at their April 9 meeting, held after several local residents voiced their displeasure with the way the town’s trees were trimmed so their branches wouldn’t interfere with the electrical lines.

Deputy Town Administrator Joe Henderson said Dominion is compiling “some very rough estimates” concerning what it would cost to bury the lines. He pointed out that when the town considered this option in 2019, the estimated cost of completing an engineering study of the proposed project was between $150,000 and $180,000. (Continued on page 5)

Celebrating Earth Day

Sullivan’s Island event promises something for everyone

By Dan Krosse

For The Island Eye News

It’s an island mystery. What creatures from the South Carolina Aquarium are coming to Sullivan’s Island on April 27? Starfish? Snakes? Sharks? Definitely not a shark, but you will have to join the fun at Sullivan’s Island Earth Day 2024 to find out for sure.

Taking place in front of Poe Library – 1921 I’On Ave. – from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Earth Day celebration is designed for all ages and is a free event organized by Sullivan’s Island For All, a local organization dedicated to sharing the wonders of the island’s very own Maritime Forest.

“We want everyone on the island and beyond to come see how the Maritime Forest fits into the bigger environmental picture,” said SI For All President Karen Byko. “Every experience at the event is centered around nature and conservation.”

(Continued on page 5)

Photo by Rob Byko.

Kelly Fosberry, left, painted faces at last year’s Sullivan’s Island Earth Day. This year, the annual event, featuring something for everyone, is scheduled for April 27 in front of the Poe Library.

Noise and short-term rental issues overlap at IOP Council workshop

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

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The Isle of Palms City Council once more sent proposed changes in its noise ordinance back to its Public Safety Committee following a lengthy discussion at its April 9 workshop. The discourse was mostly about whether to base potential infractions on decibel readings, but a few Council members apparently just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to drag the issue of shortterm rentals into the conversation, complete with accusations of hidden agendas.

Public Safety Chair John Bogosian said his committee would meet again May 7, and a proposed ordinance will be on the Council’s agenda for first reading at its regularly scheduled May 28 meeting. He also explained why the ordinance wasn’t quite ready for the Council to consider.

“There’s been no consensus on an ordinance that would pass,” he said. “The Council had lots of different views, but there was consensus on decibel levels. After the workshop, I think there is a majority that would be willing to go forward with decibel levels, as long as they are appropriate for zoning classifications. I think what we bring to Council for first reading will have decibel levels in it.”

Bogosian’s committee includes Council members Jan Anderson and Jimmy Ward.

Not everyone on the Council favors using decibel levels, however, and not everyone agrees that noise is an issue on the Isle of Palms.

“We have minimal noise, and they are almost always resolved without the need for decibel readings, with the ex-

ception of a handful of people,” Council Member Blair Hahn commented.

“Let’s learn how to get along with each other and deal with the issue that we are a resort and not put decibel meters in all our residents’ hands. We can learn from Myrtle Beach. It’s not working in Myrtle Beach.”

He added: “I am concerned that this is in some ways addressing the hidden agenda for people who want to limit short-term rentals. It’s not about noise. It’s about putting pressure on shortterm rentals.”

Council member Katie Miars, apparently offended by that statement, called the closing sentence of Hahn’s anti-decibel tirade “disingenuous at best.”

“It’s very frustrating that this has become yet another quiver for the short-term rental group to fight against the residents of this city,” she said. “I believe some people who are coming to vacation on this island might actually want to enjoy some peace and quiet. If we had an enforceable number, it might actually be helpful for all parties involved.”

Council member Elizabeth Campsen agreed that the proposed changes in the noise ordinance and the short-term rental situation are unrelated.

“This issue we’re talking about pre-dated the latest short-term rental discussion and the referendum,” she noted. “One didn’t have anything to do with the other. I personally am not using this as leverage to get rid of shortterm rentals. I’m just saying we need an objective, impartial ordinance.”

On Nov. 7, 2023, Isle of Palms voters rejected a referendum that would have capped at 1,600 the number of investor-owned short-term rental licenses

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on the island.

Concerning whether decibel levels should be part of the ordinance, Police Chief Kevin Cornett presented the Council with two opinions. He said the city of Myrtle Beach started using decibel levels, found that system to be too complicated and is now considering a change. Meanwhile, the chief reported that his colleagues in nearby Mount Pleasant “see a lot of value in it. They switched over to decibels in the last few years, and businesses are finding value because they know what their threshold is.”

Cornett also reported that his department had two noise complaints in January, four in February, 23 in March and 12 in April, as of the 6th of the month. He said among the 23 complaints in March, only one citation was written.

“The law is completely subjective at the moment,” Cornett pointed out. “If an officer shows up and decides it’s not too loud based on their own experience, they won’t write a ticket. Most of the time, when an officer shows up, the noise stops.”

Council member Ashley Carroll said the city has never reached out to the city’s short-term rental managers for feedback on the proposed noise ordinance and that the Council should do that “before we impose subjective decibel limits on our community.” Mayor Phillip Pounds disagreed that rental managers have been ignored.

“They are always a plugged in to the community. Sandy Stone is on the Planning Commission, and he has certainly expressed his point of view as a management property owner. We do that on certain (Continued on page 17)

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The Poetry Society of South Carolina revealed its plans for expansion beyond the Lowcountry, with the addition of three new regions to its jurisdiction.

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PICTURE THIS:

The perfect boat day

The outpost

Top of the mornin’

Stop by the ship store, The Outpost, for some coffee and breakfast while you stock up on all the supplies you’ll need for a day on the water

AAND... We’re off!

Embark on a scenic journey from Capers Inlet to Charleston Harbor, spotting historic landmarks like Fort Sumter, and the USS Yorktown while admiring The Ravenel Bridge.

Land ho!

Beach your boat to enjoy the sandy shores of Caper’s Island. And don’t forget about Boneyard Beach! Witness the haunting beauty of sunbleached trees

caper’s island shem creek fort Sumter

cruisin’ the creek

Conclude your day of coastal exploration by treating yourself to a delightful dining experience at Shem Creek And keep an eye out for dolphins!

Town Administrator

Power

Continued from page 1

Andy Benke said the study could be paid for with what is known as the non-service standard fund, which is calculated based on .5% of the gross sales of electricity on Sullivan’s Island – around $35,000 per year.

“The fund has a five-year balance, so every year, year five rolls off,” Benke said, pointing out that at the end of fiscal year 2022, the balance was $177,411.69.

He said the money can be used for any project

Earth Day

Continued from page 1

Along with the South Carolina Aquarium, collaborators for the event include the Sullivan’s Island Bird Banding Station, Poe Library, The Island Turtle Team, SMART Recycling, Battery Gadsden Cultural Center and the Sullivan’s Island Community Garden.

Sullivan’s Island Earth Day will have something for everyone. You can explore the Maritime Forest with a guided tour as you learn the value of native plants and how they can inspire your home garden.

You can also watch a live bird-banding demonstration. To identify and keep track of individual birds, scientists put aluminum or colored bands on birds’ legs. Don’t miss your chance to learn more about the important research the Bird Banding Station is doing on migratory and

related to Dominion infrastructure and lighting.

According to Benke, an engineering study would be necessary to determine the grid layout; where the switch gear would be located; where property easements will be needed; construction costs; and new street lighting configurations.

Benke said the lines in two general areas of Sullivan’s Island already are buried: Marshall Boulevard up to Jasper from Breach Inlet to Station 28.5, and Station 12 to the harbor, between Middle Street and Osceola and Conquest.

“The decision to put these two segments underground was made by SCE&G primarily due

resident birds.

Kids in grades K-5 have been busy summoning their inner Van Gogh – or maybe Dr. Seuss – to design posters showing us just how much they love the Earth. All of the artwork will be on display at the Earth Day event, with winners being published in The Island Eye and also being shown at Sandpiper Gallery.

Learn more about the poster contest and RSVP for the hike and bird banding at SIforAll.org.

Sullivan’s Island Earth Day promises fun for the whole family. Back by popular demand is EcoTrivia, an interactive trivia game that participants play live on their phones for prizes. Families will also enjoy Nature Bingo, chalk art, face painting, educational tables, puzzles and more.

Plan to grab lunch at the event, because the Mac Daddy Food Truck will be serving its

to the impact ocean spray and salt had on the lines,” Benke said.

Dominion completed its purchase of South Carolina Electric & Gas in 2020.

Henderson pointed out the major challenges of burying electric lines or any other type of subterranean work.

“Typically, boring and trenching is involved across roads and sidewalks; there may be adverse impacts to root systems of large trees; water table issues once buried; relocating or working around other utilities; and installing transformers on residential properties,” he said.

award-winning mac ‘n’ cheese, served with the toppings of your choice. The Kona Ice truck will also be at the event. The Flavorwave on the side of the truck allows you to custom-blend flavors until each shaved ice becomes your own unmistakable creation.

We want to sincerely thank all of our sponsors,” said Sullivan’s Island for All Treasurer Dr. Norman Khoury. “Their support will allow us to continue to provide free educational programming to inspire kids and adults to protect this special place we call home.”

Sponsors include: presenting: Lucky Dog News, Crews Subaru, e.e. fava architects; gold: Pinnacle Financial Partners, dpk media solutions; silver: Byko Realty, First Capital Bank, Sea Island Builders; bronze: SMART Recycling, Sullivan’s Fish Camp, Summer Realty, Pat and Ruthie Votava, Republic Services, United Site Services.

Holy Smoke: Incredible barbecue at an incredible price

By Tom Scruggs, IOP MMC President For The Island Eye News

If you love good pork barbecue, this is for you. The best in the Isle of Palms/Mount Pleasant area may be the barbecue you can buy at the semiannual fundraiser put on by the Men’s Club of Isle of Palms United Methodist Church.

You’ll be able to buy a barbecue pork platter with baked beans, cole slaw, pickles and a roll, all for only $10. A large cup of barbecue with no sides is also $10. Tasty desserts prepared by the women of the church are sold on-site and priced separately.

Pre-order online and pick up at the drive-thru at the church on Saturday, May 4, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. You can buy tickets online at iopmethodist.com using Venmo, or place your order at the church drive-thru and pick it up immediately. Cash, checks and Venmo are accepted. We are a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.

This is top-notch barbecue, prepared by a master barbecuer from Shelby, North Carolina. The men of the church have done this event in the spring and the fall for a dozen years, so the prepping and serving logistics run flawlessly.

on

In that time, they’ve served up tons of barbecue and raised well over $100,000 for charity. Since 2018, they have focused exclusively on six local charities: East Cooper Community Outreach; East Cooper Meals

foster care; My

House – for victims of domestic abuse; and Epworth Children’s Home. You can feast on barbecue while you help those in our community who need a helping hand. If you’re inclined, you are welcome to make an extra donation either on Venmo or when you pick up your order.

Thinking About Buying or Selling on Sullivan’s Island?

Wheels; One80 Place – for veterans and the homeless; HALOS – for grandparents providing

Sister’s

Photo courtesy of MMC.

Smoking litter decreased on Isle of Palms in 2023

By Susan Hill Smith For The Island Eye News

The percentage of litter on the Isle of Palms related to smoking decreased noticeably in 2023, according to data collected by the conservation group Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew and other volunteer “citizen scientists” using the Litter Journal, a project of the South Carolina Aquarium Citizen Science app. At the same time, volunteers engaged in organized group cleanups, on average, documented 17% fewer litter items on the Isle of Palms than in 2022.

“Our ultimate goal is litter prevention, and the data suggests our community is making headway on that front,” said Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew co-founder Susan Hill Smith. “We are also thankful the city of Isle of Palms is devoting more resources to litter collection, and we suspect an increasing number of motivated citizens are helping clean up litter on their own.”

Litter is still a persistent problem for the Isle of Palms, with close to 70,000 litter items documented in 2023, including 41,700 removed from the beach.

Smoking litter accounted for 16% of the 2023 beach totals, compared to 21% in 2022 and 34% in 2018, when Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew’s first summer of cleanups engaged hundreds of volunteers and generated data that helped shine a light on litter problems. Related awareness efforts and a beach smoking ban enacted by the city in 2020 correlated with the declining percentage of litter tied to smoking.

Changes in smoking litter from 2022 to 2023 came with continued efforts to raise awareness of the beach smoking ban, including digital messaging that greets people as they drive onto the island and an increased number of cigarette butt receptacles along the streetscape at Front Beach. The new receptacles include colorful canisters with messaging from the nonprofit Surfrider Foundation that ask smokers to “Hold onto your butt!” and dispose of it properly.

The city of Isle of Palms Environmental Advisory Committee worked with the city’s Public Works Department on installing the canisters, which likely impacted cigarette smoking litter on the beach as well. In 2023, 39% of litter documented in the island’s streetscape and parking areas was related to smoking, compared to 44% the year before.

Cigarette litter dropped from the No. 1 beach litter item on Isle of Palms to No. 2 in 2023, with plastic food wrappers and film taking the top spot. Cigarette butts are still the No. 1 item collected in the streetscape and parking areas. Other top litter items on the island include paper and cardboard, as well as plastic caps, lids, straws, straw wrappers and left-behind toys.

While anyone can set up a user profile and record observations in the Litter Journal online, much of the data comes from an active calendar of group litter sweeps organized by IOP Cleanup Crew and the South Caro-

Water

Continued from page 1

which was released on April 3. “We entered into that agreement at a significant cost to ensure that our residents would have certainty as to the source of our water for decades to come. It’s hard now to accept the baseless claim that CWS is ‘subsidizing’ Sullivan’s Island when we paid almost $2 million in 1994 dollars to support the infrastructure that allowed them to sell water to us and to our neighbors on the Isle of Palms and when in 2020 we gifted them an easement through our public park and playground so there would be additional capacity to sell water to our neighbors in Mount Pleasant.”

According to CWS spokesperson Michael

lina Aquarium, as well as the efforts of Lowcountry litter crusader Howard “Beach Santa” Hogue, who documented a quarter of Isle of Palms’ litter items on his own last year.

Total attendance at organized group events in 2023, 1,339 at 51 litter sweeps, was comparable to 2022 – 1,382 at 45 sweeps – providing an opportunity to look for year-over-year trends in the amount of litter found on the Isle of Palms. On average, each volunteer engaged in a group event in 2023 collected 36.4 litter items, compared to 43.8 items in 2022 – a reduction of about 17%.

Consistent with previous years, around 77% of all litter items recorded for the Isle of Palms in the Litter Journal in 2023 were partly or completely made of plastic. That includes cigarettes, which contain plastic threads as well as toxic chemicals. The plastic pollution crisis has become so pervasive across the globe that this year’s international Earth Day has been themed “Plastics vs. Planet.”

Join Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew

The IOP Cleanup Crew’s 2024 spring litter sweep series continues in partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium on April 22 – which is Earth Day – May 6 and May 20. Each spring event starts with a 5:30 p.m. welcome session for new volunteers, followed by a cleanup from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sign in at the beach access in the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard near Coconut Joe’s. No advance registration is required. Email susanhillsmith@gmail.com if you are bringing a group of 15 or more.

During the summer, litter sweeps will be held twice a week: on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Follow the IOP Cleanup Crew on Facebook at facebook.com/IOPCleanup for more details.

Saia, the $1.078 million it is demanding is “the cumulative portion of their bill they haven’t been paying since 2017. They paid this portion in full and without question for the first 22 years of the contract and then suddenly stopped on their own accord that year.”

The 1994 agreement between Sullivan’s Island and CWS states that “The life of this contract shall extend for a term of 30 years from the date of execution and shall be automatically renewed for additional 15-year periods unless Sullivan’s Island gives 180-day written notice. … of its intent not to renew this contract.”

Prior to presenting his April 1 motion to pay the Charleston Water System $227,381.92, Sullivan’s Island Town Council member Justin

Novak pointed out that “Years ago, Charleston Water System decided to raise our rates as if our signed contract did not exist. The town disputed that rate increase and has continued to pay the undisputed amount owed in accordance with our long-standing, signed agreement.”

He added that the town has placed the disputed amounts in escrow, “pending a resolution of the dispute.”

When the contract was signed in 1994, the town agreed to pay CWS $1,986,216 to help with the cost of connecting its lines to Sullivan’s Island. O’Neil pointed out in a recent interview that the contract said Sullivan’s Island would not have to pay any additional capital charges except for work done for the benefit of the island’s water supply.

Photo by Mic Smith Photography.

Kentucky Derby Watch Party

Break out the hats and dress to impress

Come be our guest at our Kentucky Derby Viewing Party

14 Foot TV Screen, Awards for Best Dressed & Best Hats, Live MC for the Event and more!

150th Kentucky Derby

Saturday, May 4th 3:00-8:00 PM

80 41st ave Isle of Palms

Free Event with Complimentary Valet

Adult male dwarf sperm whale washes ashore on Sullivan’s Island

Mary Pringle • LMMN Volunteer

For The Island Eye News

The first marine mammal stranding for Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms in 2024 was an adult male dwarf sperm whale that washed ashore at Station 281/2 on Sullivan’s Island late in the afternoon of April 4. This came after the Turtle Team had seen a leatherback sea turtle carcass at Station 16 earlier in the week. Another leatherback carcass had stranded on Morris Island about the same time. These huge sea turtles can weigh over 1,000 pounds and migrate north along our coast, eating literally tons of jellyfish in the springtime. These two both appeared to have been chopped in half by ships offshore.

Dwarf and pygmy sperm whales are said to be the second most common marine mammals that strand on our beaches, with bottle-nosed dolphins being the first. These small whales are usually 8 to 12 feet in length and weigh up to 900 pounds. Their blowholes on their heads are to the left of center. They also secrete a red colored ink when disturbed or stressed. This is a fact that

some of the Sullivan’s Island Fire Department personnel discovered when they got inked when they had to handle our whale. Along with pygmy sperm whales, they are in the combined species called kogia.

Lauren Rust, executive director of the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network, and LMMN stranding technician Nicole Principe responded to this stranding when the whale was discovered alive on the shoreline. LMMN is the only organization authorized to handle marine mammals in South Carolina. As an LMMN volunteer, I was called to assist. There was plenty of help from the Sullivan’s Island Fire Department, the Isle of Palms Police Department and the Sullivan’s Island Fire and Rescue Squad.

There were no external signs of injuries or wounds from interacting with watercraft, but this whale was obviously in distress, sick and dying. That is usually what it means when they come ashore. If well-meaning humans try to push them back into the water, it only prolongs their agony and creates a real danger of people being hurt or even killed by

a large mammal in distress with a thrashing tail.

While we kept putting water on the whale and trying to keep it calm and as comfortable as possible, two veterinarians from the South Carolina Aquarium arrived to assess the situation and render treatment. Dr. Jamie Torres and Dr. Lauren Michaels calmed the whale with an anesthetic and then humanely euthanized it. Whales in the kogia species cannot survive in captivity because of their lifestyle of diving deep in the ocean to eat squid, octopus, fish and invertebrates. Furthermore, there are no marine mammal rehab facilities near here for this whale, who was not a candidate for rehabilitation. A necropsy was performed by LMMN at the Hollings Marine Lab at Fort Johnson on James Island to try to determine the reason for its stranding. At this time, the cause of death is suspected to be cardiomyopathy –heart disease – but histology results are pending.

The police and fire personnel were most helpful in standing by

waiting to load the whale into the pickup truck that the LMMN staff brought onto the beach. We are blessed to have such helpful agencies nearby. We are also blessed to have these beautiful animals in our nearby waters.

Reminder: if you come across a dolphin or whale washed up on the beach, dead or alive, please call the SCDNR hotline at 800-922-5431 or the IOP police at 843-886-6522 and report the exact location. Never push it back into the ocean or allow others to do so.

Nicole Principe, and Lauren Rust, center, administer aid to the dwarf sperm whale that washed up on the Sullivan’s Island beach with assistance from Sullivan’s Island Beach Services Officer Kierah Beavins, right and Isle of Palms Police Department Master Officer Kevin Barrattini, far right.

Photo by Mary Pringle.

Taste of Sullivan’s Island will benefit Island Club

By Carol Antman

For The Island Eye News

The Island Club, a local gathering spot on Sullivan’s Island, will host a fundraiser on May 18 that will raise money to renovate the historic building that has been the site of community events since 1946.

Taste of Sullivan’s Island is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Restaurants from across Sullivan’s Island will serve tastes and sips of their specialties at 1452 Poe Ave. Ticket holders can enjoy everything with one ticket. The fundraiser also includes a silent auction online at app.galabid.com/islandclubfundraiser.

A limited number of tickets are on sale now at thesullivansislandclub. com/ for $50 per person in advance. The cost will be $60 at the door.

Isle of Palms Exchange Club to honor heroes by flying flags

By Robbie Berg For The Island Eye News

Now is the time to sponsor a flag with the Isle of Palms Exchange Club’s Americanism Committee. Your flag can be flown at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, as well as at Towne Centre – your choice. Visit IOPFlagsforheroes.com to get a sponsor form for one veteran or become a bronze, silver or gold sponsor.

You can have a flag waving in a veteran’s honor from May 22 to May 28 and Nov. 3 through Nov. 16, with a tag noting their name, rank and other information. The flags waving in the wind are a breathtaking sight.

The IOP Exchange Club Americanism Committee has provided more than $25,000 in donations this year to veterans organizations, including the Fisher House Foundation, the Tri County Veterans Support Network, Vantage Point Foundation, Growing Minds, She’s the Veteran and the VA Hospital.

Many stories could be told by the families and friends who sponsor a flag. This is a way to say thank you to our fallen veterans and their families for their ultimate sacrifice and to our veterans who have served our country throughout the years here at home and across the world.

For the committee to increase its support of the Charleston and Berkeley County veterans and their families, the Exchange Club Americanism Committee hopes you join them by sponsoring flags for the 2024 “Flag Flying High” display in May and November.

Single sponsor • $75 per flag, Memorial Day only; single sponsor • $150, Memorial Day and Veterans Day; set of 3 flags • $200, Memorial Day only; set of three flags • $400, Memorial Day and Veterans Day; bronze sponsor • $750, five flags, Memorial Day and Veterans Day; silver sponsor

• $1,000, 10 flags, Memorial Day and Veterans Day; gold sponsor

• $2,000, 20 flags, Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

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Post 3137 gives flags a dignified retirement

By Pamela Marsh

For The Island Eye News

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3137 on the Isle of Palms held its semi-annual Flag Retirement Ceremony April 6, beneath the American flag soaring over the Post, with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Post Commander Bo Stallings opened the ceremony, followed by the invocation by Chaplain Carol Truslow, the National Anthem led by Joe Houdek and the Pledge of Allegiance. The flag over the Post was raised during the playing of “To the Colors” by Houdek, the post bugler.

Hundreds of flags were properly retired by veterans, auxiliary members, Boy Scouts and other members of the community. Troop Leader Daniel Senden and Boy Scout Troop #20, which meets at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, participated, as did Boy Scout Troop #15, which meets at Moultrie Middle School. The Troop #15 leader is Ryan Giles.

During the educational component of the program, the Boy Scouts demonstrated the proper way to fold the flag. The ceremony celebrated the flag as more than just a piece of cloth – it is the emblem of America.   Post 3137 is fondly referred to as “The Post on the Coast.” Members of the VFW have served in a foreign war in one of the branches of the U.S. military – Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard. Many local

Island Eye • LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A plan to save the trees

Fellow residents, once again we have lived through the tree “trimming” done every five years per electric company requirements. And every five years, a portion of our neighbors raise red flags to signal their dissatisfaction. Rightfully so, as our beloved live oaks are treated with complete contempt, and streetscapes become eyesores. And for those that thought this process is over, wait until the pending palm tree elimination occurs. There has not been any communication about this step, but it will occur without any recourse. Once again, I expect a small group to get outraged to no avail.

Meanwhile, we are greeted to our island with the honor of being a “Tree USA” recognized community and have protected the Maritime Forest with countless hours of research, debate and legal fees.

Every attempt to address this issue in the past has lost its way with town leadership due to the expense, associated difficulty and that there were no votes attached to the effort. Certainly, it is expensive, but, naturally, where there is a will, there’s a way. The town’s leadership, Dominion Energy and the residents of Sullivan’s need to find their will and their way.

Let us assume there is no Dominion interest in burying the power lines, even though a FEMA best practice is to have all utilities underground for coastal communities – just like they are at both ends of the island. If the homeowners decide this is a good idea, let’s say, through a referendum, then why not fund this the same way the state has funded the failed nuclear power plant – by adding an infrastructure charge to our bills. At least we would be getting something for our money. We could finance whatever portion cannot be funded by Dominion, federal grants or a town issued bond over 30 or more years and have all Sullivan’s electric ratepayers pay a monthly infrastructure charge to fund this investment.

Let us not forget Dominion and its predecessors had the property-tax-free use of the Sand Dunes Club for some 50 years and received $16 million for the land when they decided to sell the property. But I expect all this, too, will be forgotten, and we will continue to cycle the “save the trees” campaign every five years because this is hard to do and we lack the commitment to see it through as a community. That is, of course, unless those silent on this issue make their views known, much like they have done with the Maritime Forest.

Kevin Pennington Sullivan’s Island

Retirement Ceremony

VFW Post 3137 held its semi-annual Flag Retirement Ceremony April 6.

veterans served in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, the Gulf War or Iraqi Freedom. Sadly, many of our World War II vets are no longer with us.

Members of the VFW Auxiliary have close family members who have served in the military in a foreign war and were honorably discharged. The VFW actively supports all members of the U. S. military, veterans and their families, and all VFW posts provide a dignified retirement of old and tattered American flags. A worn flag receptacle is provided to the community at the entrance to the Post on Ocean Boulevard.

To learn more about the VFW Post 3137, visit vfwpost3137.org.

Partnering together throughout your life

We care as much about why you're investing as what you invest in. Our personalized approach to investing is what sets us apart. And we'll work with you every step of the way to help you build the future you desire. So you can enjoy all the special moments life has to offer.

Left to right: Vice Commander Charlie Missle; Bugler Joe Houdek; Trustee Mike Hanna; Chaplain Carol Truslow; Post Commander Bo Stallings; Boy Scouts Rafal Pawlik, Davidson Bendell, Luke Pawlik and Brown Humphrey; and Past Post Commander Buddy Gillam.

Photo courtesy of VFW Post 3137.

The Mac Daddy Food Truck & Kona Ice

Live Animals from the SC Aquarium

Bird Banding Demonstration

Guided Maritime Forest Tour

Visit with the Island Turtle Team

Face Painting / Scavenger Hunt / Puzzle Challenges

Nature Bingo & Trivia

Kids K-5 Poster Art Competition & Exhibit

So Much More!

Presenting Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Surf bathing on Sullivan’s Island in the 19th century

By Cyndy Ewing For The Island Eye News

Frolicking in the ocean surf is a familiar activity on Sullivan’s Island today, but watersports were a novelty to residents two centuries ago. Join Dr. Nic Butler, historian for the Charleston County Public Library, for an overview of early swimming and surfing practices and the dawn of ocean tourism on the island’s Front Beach.

The program, sponsored by the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center, is scheduled for April 25 at 6 p.m. at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 3222 Middle St. on Sullivan’s Island.

A native of Greenville County, Butler has worked for more than 20 years as a public historian specializing in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. As creator and host of the biweekly podcast “Charleston Time Machine,” he draws attention to a wide variety of underexplored aspects of local history and neglected documentary resources.

Battery Gadsden Cultural Center is a nonprofit that supports and promotes the arts, culture, historic preservation, history and the natural environment of Sullivan’s Island. The more we know about our community, the more we can enjoy its rich heritage. BGCC programs are made possible through annual membership contributions and dedicated volunteers.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m. The talk is free and open to everyone who wants to learn more about the history of Sullivan’s Island. For more information on what BGCC does, visit batterygadsden.com or find BGCC on Facebook and Instagram.

Noise

Continued from page 2

things but that didn’t directly happen with noise,” Deputy City Manager Douglas Kerr told the Council.

Neither Carroll nor Ward was convinced that the Isle of Palms has a noise issue.

“We don’t have a high number of people or businesses that are not complying,” Carroll said. “I really don’t think we have a problem. I think as a community we can solve this together.”

“I’m not in favor of a decibel limit,” Ward added. “The more you keep stirring the pot, the worse it’s going to get. I think we’re going to get some pushback from the Front Beach business owners if you come up with a decibel limit.”

Two other issues were discussed at the workshop and were scheduled to be on the Council’s April 23 agenda: an ordinance that would restrict or possibly eliminate political signs in the public right of way and the emergency ordinance – which was set to expire April 20 – that would permit homeowners to build seawalls to protect their homes from the severe erosion that has plagued the southwest end of the island.

Dr. Nic Butler

MAY 15, 2024

5:30 PM - 9 PM

@ THE CITADEL BEACH CLUB

The Island

FEATURED DISHES

Taste of the Island is a competition amongst local Island Restaurants in recognition of our Hospitality Industry. Each establishment will prepare their best dish, which will be displayed on tables around the venue. Guests are invited to indulge in these stellar samples and then vote for their favorite.

KEY LIME PIE IN SMALL MASON JARS

PICKLED SHRIMP & VEGETABLES, LEMON BASIL AIOLI, CROSTINI

RAW OYSTERS WITH ONION PUREE, PICKLED WATERMELON RELISH, CRISPY FRIED LEEKS

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT:

Let's give a big shout-out to our Isle of Palms Police Department heroes. They're out there every day, keeping us safe and making big sacrifices. Acknowledging their hard work does wonders—it boosts their morale and shows them we care. Plus, it strengthens our community bond, making teamwork natural. It's essential we back them up, just like they do for us every single day. Here's to showing our local officers some well-deserved appreciation!

11 arrests made during senior skip day at IOP

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

Area high schools held another senior skip day April 12, almost exactly a year after a similar event spawned gunfire, injuries to five people and three arrests. This time, no shots were fired and no one was hurt, but a large contingent of law enforcement officers were on hand to make 11 arrests.

According to Isle of Palms Police Sgt. Matt Storen, students from various high schools in Charleston and Berkeley County began to show up at the IOP beach around noon and “we wrapped up everything at 6:30 p.m.” During that six-and-a-half-hour period, nine adults were arrested on charges ranging from disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, simple possession of marijuana and having an open container of beer or wine in a motor vehicle to possession of a firearm.

One of the juveniles faces a felony drug charge, while the other was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon. Storen said the latter was wearing an ankle monitor and was either on probation or out on bond on an attempted murder charge.

“It’s all about keeping people safe. That’s why we do this.”

• Sgt. Matt Storen

Storen said it was difficult to estimate how many people on the beach were participating in the senior skip day, but he did note that law enforcement officers dispersed a large group of students from Philip Simmons High School. Following the April 7, 2023, incident, the IOP City Council passed an ordinance requiring a permit for gatherings of more than 50 people on public property.

The law enforcement community was prepared for this year’s senior skip day because parents and students contacted the IOP Police Department after plans for the event were posted on social media. Among the entities that helped out were the Charleston County Sheriff’s Department; the Mount Pleasant Police Department; canine, motorcycle and beach patrol officers from the North Charleston Police Department; the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division; the Department of Natural Resources; Charleston County EMS; the Isle of Palms Fire Department; Charleston County Dispatch; the Charleston County Emergency Management Division; and representatives from the Charleston County and Berkeley County school districts.

“It wasn’t the best of beach days, and that worked in our favor,” Storen said. “The beach was extremely windy. You were kind of getting sandblasted out there.”

“It was a successful day,” he added. “Some people might think it was an overreaction, but we’d rather have a plan in place. It’s all about keeping people safe. That’s why we do this.”

STUFFED SHRIMP WITH LEMON BUTTER SAUCE

LETTUCE WRAPPED LOBSTER ROLLS, ARTICHOKE STUFFED MUSHROOMS

RAW BAR, SHRIMP BOAT, TUNA POKE, & CRAB CAKES

SHORT RIBS AND GRITS

FRIED CHICKEN, CHARLESTON RED RICE & MINI CHEESECAKE BITES

COFFEE & TEA

CHARCUTERIE & BEEF TIPS

Around the Islands

ONGOING

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. 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.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

WHAT: Beach Lovers Book Club

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

WHEN: 10 a.m.

MORE INFO: Come for a lively discussion of the gripping memoir “Solito” by poet Javier Zamora. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

WHAT: Plant a Tree Arbor Day Celebration

WHERE: J. Marshall Stith Park, Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

MORE INFO: Free sapling giveaway; tree planting and maintenance advice; guided tour of the Maritime Forest; Zoom talk on native landscapes by Doug Tallemy; living shorelines information; live music with Stateless Actor from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the bandstand; scavenger hunt for kids; tree planting dedication ceremony. Special arborist talk sessions are available – email jgress@sullivansisland.sc.gov. to sign up. To learn more: sullivansisland.sc.gov/community-connections/arbor-day.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

WHAT: Earth Day 2024

WHERE: 1921 I’On Ave., in front of the Poe Library, Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

MORE INFO: Fun for the whole family. Live animals from the South Carolina Aquarium; guided tours of the Maritime Forest; bird-banding demonstrations; face painting; scavenger hunt; puzzle challenges; nature bingo and trivia; poster competition; and more.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

WHAT: Sea Stroll & Learn

WHERE: 25th Avenue beach access, Isle of Palms

WHEN: 7:30 a.m.

MORE INFO: The Isle of Palms Recreation Department will host its second annual free Sea Stroll & Learn on the second Thursday of every month from May through November. The first installment will be all about beach cleanup and will feature Susan Hill Smith, Howard Hogue and the IOP Beach Cleanup Crew. To learn more, visit IOP.net.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

WHAT: Taste of Sullivan’s Island

WHERE: The Island Club, 1452 Poe Ave., Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: Noon to 3 p.m.

MORE INFO: The Island Club, a local gathering spot on Sullivan’s Island, will host a fundraiser on May 18 that will raise money to renovate the historic building that has been the site of community events since 1946. The event includes a silent auction online at app.galabid.com/islandclubfundraiser.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

WHAT: Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition

WHERE: Front Beach, Isle of Palms

WHEN: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

MORE INFO:The 34th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition is free and open to those who would like to show off their sand-sculpting abilities. To learn more: iop.net or 843-886-8294.