SC250 Seeks Approval to Build Replica Palmetto Log Fort on Sullivan’s Island
By Joshua Uys
The South Carolina Semiquincentennial Commission is seeking permission from the Town of Sullivan’s Island to construct a temporary replica of the historic palmetto log fort as part of the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
SC250, chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2018, was created to recognize and promote South Carolina’s role in the Revolutionary War through public education, engagement and historical interpretation.
Brett Bennett, president of the Charleston County SC250 committee, presented the proposal to Sullivan’s Island Town Council on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The plan calls for a historically accurate reproduction of the original palmetto log fort that defended the island during the 1776 Battle of Fort Sullivan.
SC250 is requesting permission to use Battery Butler/Capron, commonly known as “the Mound,” as the site for the structure. During the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, a similar exhibit was constructed on National Park Service property adjacent to Fort Moultrie. Bennett said that option was explored extensively, but the National Park Service is unable to accommodate the project due to ground-disturbance restrictions and limited resources.
proposed structure would represent only a fraction of that size but would be built to scale in terms of design, materials and height. The replica would feature 20-foot-tall walls constructed from palmetto logs salvaged after Dominion Energy removed trees near power lines on the island. The walls are expected to be filled with sand to reflect historical construction methods that helped absorb cannon fire. The structure would also be ADA-accessible.
The Mound offers several logistical advantages, including available field space, nearby parking, public restrooms, and proximity to law enforcement and emergency services.
The original fort measured approximately 500 feet on each side. The
All construction costs would be covered by SC250 through sponsorships, grants or private donations. Sullivan’s Island would not be responsible for any construction expenses associated with the project.
The structure would be temporary and remain in place through September 2027. Bennett said the extended timeline would give residents and visitors ample opportunity to experience the exhibit.
“Anybody who has interest in this structure or the exhibit itself will have ample opportunity over about a 15-month period to see it,” Bennett said.
SC250 would also assume responsibility for maintenance, dismantling and removal of the structure at the conclusion of the exhibit.
Mayor Patrick O’Neil voiced support for the educational potential of the project.
“I think there’s a lot of opportunity for education with this,” O’Neil said. “I think we owe it to our very unique history on this island and the Battle of Fort Sullivan.”
Isle of Palms City Council Advances $32M Beach Renourishment Project, Approves Use of New Company for Beach Study with 7–2 Vote
By Hanalei Potempa
The Isle of Palms City Council focused on upcoming beach renourishment efforts, major budget considerations and a restructuring of its finance oversight process at its Jan. 29 meeting, as leaders prepare for an expensive year — particularly in coastal protection work.
Council members voted 7–2 to hire Foth/Olsen of Jacksonville to study the city’s sand renourishment strategy. Coastal Sciences & Engineering, which has a long history with the city, will continue to manage IOP’s current renourishment project.
Foth will provide a detailed 10- to 20-year plan introducing new strategies, including regulatory, financial and environmental considerations.
“Hiring Foth/Olsen to provide detailed future beach management strategies to preserve a healthy beach is the first significant tangible step toward proactive, long-range beach planning — positioning Isle of Palms to manage future challenges the way leading coastal communities like Hilton Head have done,” Council Member Scott Pierce said.
While some council members said the current approach has been effective, a majority agreed that bringing in a new contractor could introduce more innovative methods aimed at extending the lifespan of future sand placements.
“It’s nothing against what we’ve done, but look at the condition of the beach. We’re in a situation now that I think would be a disservice if we didn’t look at other alternatives and techniques on how to long-term manage our beach,” Council Member
John Bogosian said.
Other council members echoed those concerns, including Katie Miars, who said, “I think we need to look at other alternatives. … We cannot fiscally keep going in the way we are going.” She added that the cost of sand has roughly doubled in recent years, creating a financial challenge if projects continue at their current pace.
Mayor Phillip Pounds said “hard structures are to retain sand to extend the life of our renourishment project,” citing groins or breakwater structures.
Current beach restoration remains a central priority for the city and is part of IOP’s long-term Comprehensive Beach Management Plan. Officials say erosion continues to threaten oceanfront properties, beach access and the local tourism economy, and that full-scale renourishment is necessary for lasting protection.
City leaders argue that a full renourishment is needed to protect both the community and the local economy.
The beach renourishment project will be put out to bid next month, with construction expected to begin early in the summer season. Although the project will take place during peak tourism months, officials say the timing is optimal to slow erosion and is more favorable from a pricing standpoint.
The project is budgeted at approximately $32 million. Current projections show about $10 million coming from the city’s beach renourishment fund and roughly $12 million from Wild Dunes, with the source of the remaining $10 million
still to be finalized. Options under consideration include drawing down existing state and municipal accommodations tax funds, debt financing or a combination of the two.
Facing record expenditures, council members also agreed to replace the council workshop by re-establishing the currently defunct Finance/ Ways and Means Committee. All council members would serve on the committee, which would oversee funding for large-scale infrastructure and beach protection projects.
“The city workshop felt cumbersome to me, and I felt it was time to change back to a Ways and Means,” Council Member Jimmy Ward said.
“With roughly $60 million being invested this year in beach restoration, infrastructure, first responder equipment and our workforce, restoring the council finance committee ensures transparency and forward planning that match the scale of that investment,” Pierce said.
In other business, the council approved moving forward with a redesign of parking, improvements to the public dock area and redevelopment of the remaining lot at the IOP Marina, with up to $500,000 allocated for the project.
Council returned from executive session after obtaining legal advice on placing a requirement for easements from beachside homeowners before renourishment can take place. A motion was made not to require easements that failed to advance. The city will revisit easements at the Feb 10 meeting.
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CONSULTANT
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CONTRIBUTORS
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Mary Pringle • Aaron Sweet
Joshua Uys • Chris Zoeller
Campbell Sullivan
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February 11 for our February 20 issue
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Dear Island Neighbors,
Please be aware that scammers have been targeting some residents with business before the town. Using email addresses obtained from public records on the town’s website — such as applications to the Design Review Board and Board of Zoning Appeals — scammers send official-looking emails posing as town staff, requesting fee payments and including an “invoice” attachment. Payment is typically demanded through online services such as PayPal or Venmo.
These emails may appear at first glance to come from a town address but, upon closer inspection, do not (for example, “planning.sullivansisland.sc_gov@usa.com”). Please note that all legitimate town email addresses end in “.sc.gov.” In some cases, scammers may also spoof the name of a town employee, making it appear the fraudulent email address belongs to that individual.
If you receive a payment demand or unexpected bill that appears to come from the town, please call Town Hall to verify before opening any attachments. Do not submit payment through any website other than the official town website, which is where all legitimate town payments are made online.
STORMWATER PROJECT UPDATE
Construction of stormwater infrastructure in the areas around Station 28½ and Station 31 is well underway. Recent work includes reconstructing both outfalls with check valves, installing large-capacity pipes and beginning major trunk lines from Marshall Boulevard to the marsh.
Next steps include installing pipes along Middle Street, where road closures are currently in effect between Station 31 and Station 32. A detour map has been posted on the town’s project webpage.
Elsewhere on the island, staff have initiated an ongoing maintenance strategy to provide more immediate flooding relief. This includes jet-vac cleaning of pipes, restructuring ditches and closed-circuit television inspections of infrastructure in the island’s most problematic areas. In a recent test, the town’s newly purchased portable pump was deployed to provide temporary drainage around blockages.
Several additional stormwater projects are in the pipeline. More information will be shared soon.
MOSQUITO INFORMATION
Coming out of a winter storm, mosquitoes are hardly top of mind. However, there has recently been some potentially misleading information regarding the type and extent of mosquito spraying conducted on the island.
All mosquito control is provided by the Charleston County Mosquito Control Program, which is respon-
sible for all 1,353 square miles of Charleston County. The program conducts comprehensive assessments of mosquito populations and locations and deploys both ground spray vehicles and aerial spraying helicopters to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness.
In a letter to the town, J. Brian Hayes, director of the program, explained:
“All treatment decisions are guided by daily mosquito surveillance data collected countywide, including on Sullivan’s Island. Our field inspectors identify standing water containing mosquito larvae, respond to residents’ service requests and take landing counts to measure adult mosquito activity. Our lab team traps and identifies mosquito species, tests for mosquito-borne diseases and analyzes data to guide treatment recommendations. When Sullivan’s Island residents see a CCMC helicopter, its crew is almost always inspecting for mosquito larvae or treating larvae identified during a recent inspection.”
Mosquito control trucks spray for both larvae and adult mosquitoes using pyrethroids, which are derived from chrysanthemum flowers. These treatments are applied at extremely low concentrations — approximately one teaspoon per football field — and break down rapidly after landing on surfaces. Spraying occurs late at night to minimize impacts on pollinators.
More toxic treatments are used only in rare circumstances. Hayes noted that aerial adulticide applications are considered only when ground treatments are ineffective or during mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. If such treatment were necessary, the public would receive 36 to 48 hours’ advance notice, along with additional precautions listed on the pesticide label. These applications occur as close to dusk as possible to further limit impacts on non-target organisms.
He added that such measures have not been taken on the island since 2017, following unusually heavy rainfall and concerns related to the Zika virus.
Finally, Hayes noted that the program has not requested, nor does it require, any additional management of Sullivan’s Island’s maritime forest, adding that crews are trained to inspect and treat mosquito habitats without impacting the environment.
More information about the county’s mosquito program is available at: https://bit.ly/4qcDIu6.
See you around the island, Pat O’Neil Mayor 843-670-9266 oneilp@sullivansisland.sc.gov
Mount Pleasant’s Jason Annan Takes First at Charlie Post Classic 15K
By Jeff Lovins
The annual Charlie Post Classic 15K Run, 5K Run and 5K Walk were held on Sullivan’s Island on Saturday, Jan. 24. The 15K race was won by Mount Pleasant resident Jason Annan, who finished with a time of 55:52.105.
The top female finisher was Madelynne Cadeau of Charleston, who placed sixth overall with a time of 57:52.699.
Presented by the Charleston Running Club, the event honors the memory of Dr. Charlie Post, a well-known Charleston runner, triathlete and family physician who volunteered his time and medical expertise to the running community. Post served as head of the College of Charleston’s student health services and as the school’s team sports physician.
Race proceeds benefit a scholarship established in Post’s memory, which is awarded annually to a student-athlete at the College of Charleston.
Gail Bailey celebrates her top finish in the 80-and-up division, which included both men and women.
Assistant Chief Mandy Hawver of the Sullivan’s Island Fire Department ran the 5K race in full bunker gear
Shrimp boat play structure in Stith Park
at the end of February or early March!
IOP Recreation Department’s Free Sea Stroll & Learn Offers Exciting Lineup for 2026
By Tammy Cox
The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department will host the fourth annual Sea Stroll & Learn series from May through November on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 a.m.
The free program is open to residents and visitors. Participants will gather at the 25th Avenue beach access and walk the beach for approximately 45 minutes while engaging with local experts on a variety of coastal and environmental topics.
2026 SCHEDULE:
• May 14 — Birds
Charles Donnelly, Holy City Birding
• June 11 — Life Under the Water
Mike Frees, Barrier Island Eco Tours
• July 9 — Sea Turtles
Mary Pringle, Island Turtle Team
• Aug. 13 — Sea Foam, Algae, Fleas and Other Curiosities
Barrier Island Eco Tours
• Sept. 10 — Stingrays
Barrier Island Eco Tours
• Oct. 8 — Surf Fishing From the Sand
Barrier Island Eco Tours
• Nov. 12 — Whales
Barrier Island Eco Tours
For the latest events and updates, visit iop.net or follow the City of Isle of Palms on Facebook and Instagram.
The concrete is settling in around the new shrimp boat play structure in Stith Park. Look for the play area to reopen
Local Students Make Furman University Fall 2025 Dean’s List
By Brian Edwards
The following Furman University students from the area were named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2025 semester. The dean’s list recognizes full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Isle of Palms
• Michael Bowen Enright, son of Tamara Enright and John Enright
• Griffin O’Neil Farmery, son of Sharon Farmery and Benjamin Farmery
• Ava Lucia Kane, daughter of Paul Kane and Tatiana Kane
Johns Island
• Catherine Reynolds Hester, daughter of Jerry Hester and Julia Hester
• Daniel Isaiah Phillips, son of Eric Phillips and Olisa Powell
• Daniel A. Stroman, son of Duane Stroman and Angela Stroman
Sullivan’s Island
• Clementine Grace Anderton, daughter of Joseph Anderton and Amy Anderton
2026 Isle of Palms Polar Plunge Set for Feb. 28 at The Windjammer
By Christian Senger
The 2026 Isle of Palms Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics South Carolina will take place Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Windjammer, located at 1008 Ocean Blvd.
Organized by Law Enforcement Torch Run officers, the Polar Plunge is a major fundraising event supporting Special Olympics South Carolina. Proceeds help provide year-round sports training and competitive opportunities for athletes across the state, while also promoting inclusion, healthy lifestyles and goal achievement within the community.
Community members are invited to participate by “Freezin’ for a Reason” and taking the plunge in support of Special Olympics athletes. Organizers expressed appreciation for the continued support of Law Enforcement Torch Run officers and the many individuals who make the event possible.
Schedule of events:
• 10 a.m. — Check-in and live music
• Noon — Costume contest and awards
• 12:30 p.m. — Plunge time
You can learn more at so-sc.org/event/isle-of-palms.
Isle of Palms Recreation Department to Host Community Yard Sale
By Owen Bailey
The Isle of Palms Recreation Department will host its annual Community Yard Sale on Saturday, March 21, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center.
More than 50 vendors will sell used or “like-new” items along Hartnett Boulevard between 27th and 29th avenues, just outside the recreation center. The sale of retail items will not be permitted.
For more information, contact Kelsey Marsh at 843-886-8294 or visit iop.net.
Isle of Palms Fire Department Receives Fire Safe SC Designation
By Joshua Uys
The City of Isle of Palms Fire Department has earned the Fire Safe SC designation for another year, recognizing the department’s commitment to fire prevention, public safety education and emergency preparedness.
The Fire Safe SC program promotes community risk reduction across South Carolina and recognizes fire departments that meet specific safety and risk-reduction standards. To maintain the designation, departments must:
• Complete four courses annually.
• Identify the top three residential calls for service from the previous year and report interventions used to reduce those incidents in the following year.
• Transition incident reporting from the National Fire Incident Reporting System to the National Emergency Response Information System.
• Leverage partnerships to reduce community risk and track the impact of each new or existing partnership.
• Promote fire and life safety education, reporting the number of residents reached and the methods used.
The designation also impacts a fire department’s Insurance Services Office rating, which affects insurance premiums for homes and businesses in the community. The Isle of Palms Fire Department has maintained an ISO rating of 1 — the best possible score — since 2017.
“A lot of hard work by our firefighters allowed us to successfully meet this goal as part of our community risk reduction efforts,” Isle of Palms Fire Chief Craig Oliverius said.
Fire Safe SC designation signals that the Isle of Palms takes a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to fire safety.
Fork Cancer Event at Islander 71 Rescheduled to Feb. 22
By Christian Senger
Fork Cancer, an American Cancer Society fundraising event, has been rescheduled to Sunday, Feb. 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Islander 71 on Isle of Palms.
The all-you-can-eat-and-drink event will benefit the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge in Charleston, a free home away from home for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Tickets are on sale now at forkcancercharleston.org/tickets-donations.
Fork Cancer, presented by MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, provides critical support for Hope Lodge, which offers free lodging and a supportive community for cancer patients and their caregivers. Located on Calhoun Street, the Charleston Hope Lodge helps ensure patients can focus on treatment without the added burden of housing costs.
Charleston’s Hope Lodge was the first Hope Lodge built by the American Cancer Society and was founded 56 years ago.
By Rom Reddy
- Reddy or Not: Assault on Property Rights
I hope you are all paying attention to what I believe is an assault on property rights happening before our eyes. Freedom and property rights, which are intricately linked, do not disappear overnight. They erode gradually until one day you wake up and realize we have replaced God as our shepherd with government.
At the January 29 City Council meeting, there was a six-minute segment following executive session that may have been overlooked during the more than two-hour meeting. The mayor of Isle of Palms made a motion to forgo seeking permanent easements from residents for the upcoming beach renourishment and instead proposed simply assuming an easement. This was done with the concurrence of the city administrator, who stated that obtaining easements had been difficult during the last renourishment effort.
New council member David Cohen wisely objected, saying, “I disagree. I don’t think that we should be going onto people’s properties without their permission.” Thank you, David, for your commitment to property rights. Why is this important?
Under South Carolina beach management law (48-39-280 A1), the baseline is set at the crest of the primary dune for standard zones and at the 40-year erosion line for inlet zones. When renourishment is performed, it is done so that the crest of the new dune aligns with the existing baseline, with all renourishment occurring seaward of the dune and baseline. No easement is required for this work, as the state has jurisdiction seaward of the setback line.
The area between the baseline/setback line and a homeowner’s escarpment is the responsibility of the homeowner, as is done on Folly Beach. Any interference landward of the setback line without an easement would constitute trespassing — something the mayor and city administrator appeared willing to disregard by using the power of the city to assume jurisdiction.
Why should every property owner decline to provide either a temporary or permanent easement? Because if an easement is granted, the plan is not to place the dune at the baseline, but rather at the eroded property escarpment. When the next survey is conducted to reset the baseline — which is scheduled to occur for Isle of Palms this year — the baseline would then be drawn at the crest of the new dune located on the escarpment.
This would reset the baseline landward for all affected properties, potentially placing the setback line through private yards. The result would be a permanent loss of property jurisdiction for landowners without compensation. The city administrator has already publicly stated that once renourishment occurs, the renourished land becomes “property of the state.” Having worked with beach management laws for two years, I believe this statement is inconsistent with the law, but it is what the Department of Environmental Services and the far-left, radical, tax-exempt Coastal Conservation League want property owners to believe.
The 2018 amendment to the beach management laws abandoned retreat and adopted replenishment and renourishment as policy. Lawmakers assumed DES would adopt a policy consistent with renourishment, which it has not. The amendment also stated that the baseline could not be moved seaward of the 2018 baseline due to renourishment. However, the law is so poorly written that unelected officials are interpreting it to mean that once the baseline is moved landward, it can never move seaward again.
In summary, granting any type of easement allows the dune to be placed landward of the baseline, which resets the baseline landward. Officials then argue that because renourishment occurred, the baseline cannot be moved seaward again. Challenging this interpretation would require litigation, which, as my own case demonstrates, is a long and costly process.
The broader plan to take private property became evident once correspondence was obtained through discovery. We also learned that city engineer Steve Traynum participated on a DES “blue ribbon” panel. That panel was part of a settlement in a lawsuit between DES and the Coastal Conservation League, in which the league demanded — as a condition of settlement — that DES change regulations to expand jurisdiction into a loosely defined “beaches critical area” landward of the state-approved setback line.
The panel helped pass these regulations in May 2024. At trial, DES claimed its determination of this new critical area was based on subjective observations of a vegetative line, which would grant the state random and unpredictable authority over private property if allowed to stand. CSE and Traynum were complicit in changes that I believe are illegal and will ultimately need to be unwound in court. I find it ironic that the city pays
31st Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge Check Presentation at Dunleavy’s Pub
CSE with taxpayer funds while the firm works against taxpayer interests. Regardless of the divisions within our community, I urge residents to stand together in defense of property rights.
Reddy or Not 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.
Credit: Bill Dunleavey, Sandye Williams, Jamie Maher.
Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend
By Angela May
Hundreds of readers from across South Carolina and beyond traveled to Isle of Palms Jan. 16–18 for the 21st annual Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend with Mary Alice Monroe. What began more than two decades ago has grown into one of the Lowcountry’s premier reader experiences, bringing nationally bestselling authors to the island community.
The sold-out weekend kicked off Friday, Jan. 16, at Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar with a lively conversation titled “Cool Local Authors with Hot New Books.” The relaxed, open-to-thepublic gathering featured light bites, a pop-up bookshop and an author talk set against a colorful sunset backdrop. New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe, a longtime island resident and founder of the event, welcomed guests and moderated the discussion with fellow New York Times bestselling authors Brad Taylor, Victoria Benton Frank and Paul Attaway. The group entertained the audience with a lively conversation about their latest novels and writing careers.
Saturday offered a full slate of events, beginning with Books & Brunch featuring Charleston native and Emmy Award-winning Food Network chef Kardea Brown. Wild Dunes Resort prepared
Brown’s shrimp and grits recipe, which guests enjoyed while Monroe and Brown discussed Brown’s new cookbook, Make Do With What You Have. Later, Paula McLain led a dynamic writing workshop, offering aspiring writers insights and advice from her bestselling career. The day concluded with Prose & Pinot, a conversation between New York Times bestselling authors Victoria Christopher Murray and Paula McLain, held in the rooftop lounge atop the Sweetgrass Inn, where sunset views complemented the discussion.
The weekend culminated Sunday afternoon with the main event at the Sweetgrass Inn’s Osprey Ballroom. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with a complimentary signature cocktail from Firefly Distillery, a specialty coffee bar by Charleston Coffee Roasters, desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes’ Mount Pleasant bakery and light bites provided by the Wild Dunes Resort catering team.
Monroe opened Sunday’s program with welcoming remarks, reflecting on the power of books to connect people and strengthen communities — a theme echoed throughout the weekend.
“This event has been about bringing readers and writers together here on Isle of Palms in a meaningful way,” Monroe said. “To see it continue for 21 years, and to know it’s helping children develop a love of reading, is incredibly special —
to me, to the authors and to the attendees.”
Guests then enjoyed an in-depth author conversation moderated by Polly Buxton, owner of Buxton Books, featuring New York Times bestselling authors Marie Benedict, Virginia Evans, Paula McLain and Victoria Christopher Murray. Their thoughtful discussion of craft, inspiration and storytelling drew both laughter and reflection.
The Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend with Mary Alice Monroe also serves as a fundraiser for literacy. All proceeds from ticket sales and 100% of auction revenue benefit a selected charity. This year’s recipient was Reading Partners South Carolina, a nonprofit organization that provides one-on-one literacy tutoring for local elementary school students. The 2026 event raised more than $15,000 for literacy initiatives.
Attendees traveled from across the Lowcountry and beyond, with many making it a full weekend by staying on the island. The combination of literature, leisure and philanthropy has become a hallmark of the event, drawing returning guests year after year.
The Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend is the flagship and largest event of the Wild Dunes Literary Series, which hosts seasonal events on Isle of Palms four times a year. For more information about the literary series, visit maryalicemonroe.com.
AROUND THE ISLANDS
ONGOING
WHAT: Oyster Roast
WHERE: Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, 80 41st Ave., Isle of Palms
WHEN: Every Saturday through March
MORE INFO: All you can eat oysters for $30. Available at noon until they’re gone.
WHAT: Sullivan’s Island Run Club
WHERE: Mex 1 Sullivan’s Island, 2205 Middle St. 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: 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.
WHAT: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE)
WHERE: Downtown Charleston WHEN: Feb. 13–15
MORE INFO: The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit celebrating wildlife and the outdoors through art, live entertainment and special events, will host its 44th annual showcase. A cornerstone of Charleston’s cultural calendar, SEWE draws visitors from across the country for immersive experiences that include acclaimed wildlife art, live animal demonstrations, outdoor programming, artisan exhibitors and more. General admission passes, special event tickets and limited VIP packages are available at SEWE.com.
SATURDAY, FEB. 7
WHAT: Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
WHERE: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, 1242 Belk Dr., #101, Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: 9 a.m.
MORE INFO: You’ll want to set your alarm because Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will host their
annual Ice Cream for Breakfast Day starting at 9 a.m. You find more details at jenis.com/icfb.
WHAT: Hiring Event
WHERE: Sweetgrass Inn Osprey Ballroom at Wild Dunes Resort
WHEN: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Ready to kick off your career in hospitality? Wild Dunes Resort is hiring! We’re looking for passionate, energetic team members to join us.
WHAT: Pup Bowl IX
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, 1218 Belk Dr., Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre is once again teaming up with the Charleston Animal Society to kick off THE big game weekend with the cutest football game of the year. Pup Bowl IX returns Saturday, Feb. 7 at The Oaks, located across from Barnes & Noble. Guests can cheer on adoptable puppies while enjoying live music, browsing local vendors and taking part in hands-on activities for children. Tickets for the family-friendly event are $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the event, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Charleston Animal Society. Tickets are available online.
WHAT: Espresso Martini Festival
WHERE: The Rickhouse, 1734 Signal Point Rd., James Island
WHEN: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Guests can sample espresso martinis crafted by leading Charleston bars and bartenders, enjoy live music, and browse a curated local vendor market.
WHAT: Oyster on the Point: Weigh Station & The Green Thieves
WHERE: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, 20 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina’s popular Oysters on the Point series will return for several dates this winter. During each event, guests can enjoy buckets of steamed oysters, live music, beach games, cold beverages, and more.
WHAT: Charleston Battery Home (Preseason) Game vs. Crown Legacy FC
WHERE: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Mu-
seum, 40 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Tickets for the games are on sale now via SeatGeek.com, the club’s exclusive digital ticketing provider.
SUNDAY, FEB. 8
WHAT: Football Skills Challenge
WHERE: South Croquet Lawn at Wild Dunes Resort WHEN: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Put your game-day talents to the test at the Football Skills Challenge. Join Wild Dunes Resort on football’s biggest Sunday for a friendly competition featuring three skill stations designed to show off your throwing, kicking and punting abilities.
TUESDAY, FEB. 10
WHAT: IOP Free Speaker Series - Estate Planning & Living Trusts with Jimmy Foti, Foti Law Firm
WHERE: Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 24 28th Ave.
WHEN: 5:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department’s 2026 Free Speaker Series offers residents and visitors a robust lineup of educational, health, nature and community programs throughout the year.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11
WHAT: Watercolor Painting Class
WHERE: Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 24 28th Ave. WHEN: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Watercolor Painting for Beginners and Intermediate Watercolor Painting. Get more info at giselleharrington.com/art-classes.
THURSDAY, FEB. 12
WHAT: Dracula in the Lowcountry with Dacre Stoker
WHERE: Jewish Studies Center - College of Charleston, 96 Wentworth St., Charleston
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. (slow play) and 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (all levels)
MORE INFO: Charleston FRIENDS of the Library will host an evening with author and literary historian Dacre Stoker, the great-grandnephew of Bram Stoker, for a special program exploring literary history, family legacy and the enduring influence of libraries.
Chamber Member Spotlight: The Refuge — Isle of Palms’ Cozy Two-in-One Gem
By The Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce for Island Eye News
If you’ve lived on Isle of Palms long enough, you know there are restaurants you go to, and then there are restaurants you lean on. The Refuge is firmly the latter — the kind of spot you return to like an old friend who knows your order before you sit down.
Tucked into the Harris Teeter plaza, The Refuge has quietly become one of the island’s most reliable go-to spots for just about everything: a great breakfast, an easy weekday dinner, cocktail-andapp night, a quick caffeine fix or that sacred “I-just-need-five-minutes-beforethe-day-starts” moment.
And here’s something locals especially love: The Refuge is essentially two experiences in one. There’s the main dining room and bar — perfect for Prime Rib Night, Lobster Night or live-music Fridays — and just steps away is the dedicated coffee bar, which feels like its own little world. Think efficient baristas, comfy nooks and the kind of chai tea latte or cold brew that makes early errands feel slightly less… early.
The menu itself is a journey through the tides — literally.
•Morning Tide covers the classics: bagel and lox, eggs Benedict, omelets and breakfast plates.
•Day Tide brings lunchtime favorites,
including the blackened triggerfish sandwich, the Refuge Reuben and the crab cake sandwich — locals quietly debate which one reigns supreme. Soups, salads, wraps and brunch cocktails round out the offerings if you’re making a day of it.
•Evening Tide takes things up a notch. If you try only one item, make it the BLT deviled eggs — basil pesto, heirloom cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon and balsamic glaze. Trust us. From there, venture into the Thai coconut shrimp curry or seared scallops for something coastal, comforting and consistently delicious.
Parents will also appreciate the kidfriendly menu, featuring easy wins like chicken fingers, grilled cheese and the ever-popular Sandcastle PB&J.
Don’t overlook the Low Tide Menu, available daily from 2 to 5 p.m. With options like shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon dip and other lighter bites, it’s ideal for the “hungry but not too hungry” crowd.
Whether you stop in for brunch, dinner or just a warm cup of something to start the day, The Refuge has a way of making island life taste a little better.
The Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce is proud to count The Refuge among its members. If you stop in this week, tell them we sent you — and let us know what you tried at ADMIN@ IOPCHAMBER.COM
981-2762 tjohnstone@dunesproperties.com
Photo credit: The Refuge
Charleston Symphony Orchestra League to Host Prelude Luncheon With Artist Mary Whyte
By Sonia McKenna
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra League will host a Prelude Luncheon featuring renowned folk artist Mary Whyte on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gibbes Museum of Art.
The special event serves as a precursor to the Charleston Symphony Orchestra’s Pops Finale, Portrait of a Nation, a program that blends visual and musical storytelling to celebrate American composers and artists.
Guests will enjoy a seated luncheon highlighted by a presentation from Whyte, whose work is widely recognized for capturing the human spirit and American life. The afternoon will also include both silent and live auctions, along with wine and other refreshments, offering attendees an elegant and inspiring experience in support of the orchestra’s mission.
2025 Exchange Club Scholarships Winners Update Members on First Year at College
By: Robbie Berg
To kick off the Oyster Roast fundraiser, Isle of Palms Exchange Club members viewed nine videos submitted by the 2025 scholarship recipients. In the videos, the students thanked Exchange Club members for the scholarships awarded in April 2025 using proceeds raised from the Isle of Palms Exchange Oyster Roast held in March 2025.
A common theme throughout the videos was the impact of the scholarships on the students’ college journeys. Several recipients noted that the financial support was instrumental in helping them begin their college careers and work toward achieving their degree goals.
Exchange Club members said they always look forward to hearing from scholarship recipients and learning how they are navigating their first year of college, as well as their long-term career goals after completing their four-year degrees.
Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the CSOL’s Educational Scholarship Program, which supports music education initiatives in the community.
Patron and VIP tickets for the event have sold out. A limited number of additional tickets remain available, including a $500 “Friend of the Prelude” ticket, which includes preferred seating, as available, and a signed copy of Whyte’s new book, An Artist’s Life. General admission tickets are also available for $175.
The luncheon will take place at the Gibbes Museum of Art, located at 135 Meeting St. in downtown Charleston. Tickets are currently available for purchase.
Hidden Hearts: A Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt on the Island
By Jen Prod and Lisa Ernst
Valentine’s Day on the island has never been about grand gestures or over-the-top romance. It’s about sunset walks, familiar faces, small businesses we love and finding joy in the little things. This year, that spirit continues with something lighthearted and unexpected: Hidden Hearts.
Hidden Hearts is a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt designed to celebrate love in all its forms on the island. In the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, gift cards to local restaurants and businesses will be hidden around the island. Clues will be shared through short videos on Instagram (@heartofthepalms), encouraging locals and visitors alike to get outside, explore and have a little fun.
At its heart, the scavenger hunt is about supporting local businesses and celebrating the places that make the island feel like home. Each hidden valentine represents a small business that helps shape the community, from favorite lunch spots to shops locals visit year-round.
Valentine’s Day can sometimes feel exclusive or overdone. Hidden Hearts flips that idea on its head. It is playful, inclusive and meant to remind participants that love does not always look like roses and chocolates. Sometimes it looks like a walk through the neighborhood, a shared laugh or a surprise gift card tucked away somewhere unexpected.
So keep your eyes open, follow along for clues and don’t take Cupid too seriously this year. After all, on the island, love is best when it is shared, celebrated and rooted in community.
In 2025, the club awarded five Youth of the Year scholarships, three A.C.E. scholarships and one Technology Impact scholarship. The Scholarship Program of Service Committee hopes to increase the number of scholarships awarded in 2026, with a fundraising goal of $30,000 through the Oyster Roast.
The Isle of Palms Exchange Oyster Roast is scheduled for March 7, 2026. All proceeds benefit scholarships and youth programs. Tickets and sponsorships are available at ticketstripe.com/iopoysterroast.
Photo: Pam Shaw Chair of Scholarship Program of Service (Provided)
Ernst and Prod
