Isle of Palms Fire & Rescue’s James Giddens Retires After Two Decades of Service
By Joshua Uys
After 23 years of service to the Isle of Palms community, Isle of Palms Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief James Giddens is retiring this month.
Giddens was born in downtown Charleston in 1982 and spent time on the Isle of Palms with his family while growing up. He began his firefighting career with the St. Andrews Fire Department in July 2001. In January 2003, he joined the Isle of Palms Fire Department as a firefighter. He said his primary reasons for choosing the department were the opportunity to learn the water-rescue side of the fire service and the increased pay, as he and his fiancée were preparing to marry later that year.
Among his favorite memories are sharing laughs while hanging Christmas lights on Front Beach with fellow firefighters and City
Hall staff. He also enjoyed family-style dinners during shifts and relaxing with the crew while playing Halo on Xbox at night. Dinner time was especially meaningful, he said, because it was when the crew would “solve all the world’s problems” and share stories from the job.
Giddens earned the nickname “Bones” early in his firefighting career, and it has stayed with him for the past 25 years.
Many people know him simply as Bones rather than by his given name. If you see him around town, a simple “How’s it going, Bones?” will likely lead to a friendly conversation.
“I know I’m going to miss helping people and running calls, but the main thing I am going to miss the most is hanging out with my brothers on shift,” Giddens said.
The 77th Annual Sullivan’s Island Fire & Rescue Fish Fry took place on Saturdy, June 27, 2026.
Photo Credit: Gary Visser
Photo Credit: Gary Visser
PUBLISHERS OF:
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The Island Connection SiP Magazine
In Memory of Swan Richards
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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
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Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482 843-886-NEWS
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Carolina Day 250th Anniversary Draws More Than 10,500 Visitors
By Rebekah Clausen
More than 10,500 visitors gathered over Carolina Day weekend, June 27-28, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island. The two-day event brought together community members, partners, the Catawba Indian Nation, volunteers, multiple National Park Service sites, international partners and visitors.
The anniversary commemorated a pivotal moment in American history, when a small band of Patriot soldiers defeated the Royal Navy for the first time. Just one week later, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. The victory at Sullivan’s Island demonstrated that the Patriots could stand against the British Empire and prevail.
Visitors participated in a full schedule of events, including historic weapons demonstrations featuring muskets and artillery, rangerled interpretive programs, question-and-answer sessions with local experts, performances by the Corps of Drums from His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Portsmouth and the Parris Island Marine Band, and military flyovers by Joint Base Charleston and the Royal Air Force Aero -
batic Team, the Red Arrows.
A formal commemoration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including U.S. Department of the Interior Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly and His Majesty’s Consul General Rachel Galloway. The ceremony featured a wreath presentation, performances by the Fifes and Drums of Yorktown and the Corps of Drums from His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Portsmouth, a musket salute, and a ceremonial exchange of sea and land artillery fire involving the tall ship Spirit of South Carolina.
The commemoration also featured a variety of activities along History Row, where informational tents staffed by partner organizations, interactive exhibits and living history demonstrations were available throughout the weekend. Activities included indigo dyeing, colonial dancing, brickmaking, cricket, colonial games and colonial crafts. Friends of Charleston National Parks, SC250 and the Town of Sullivan’s Island hosted information booths and supported programming during the event.
Despite extreme heat throughout the weekend, medical and safety teams reported no serious heat-related incidents. The National Park Service expressed its gratitude to the residents of Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms for their patience with road closures, parking restrictions and shuttle operations that helped make the Southern Signature City national event possible.
The National Park Service also thanked the many staff members, volunteers, partner agencies and community members whose dedication, collaboration and hard work made the 250th anniversary commemoration possible. Their combined efforts helped create a safe, meaningful and respectful event honoring the actions of Patriot soldiers 250 years ago.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team, the Red Arrows perform a flyover during Carolina Day/ NPS R. Claussen
Living historians fire muskets during a historic weapons demonstration during Carolina Day/ NPS B. Gerena
The park’s artist in residence displays clay molds/ NPS R. Claussen
A living historian with the Slave Dwelling Project speaks to visitors/ NPS B. Gerena
Visitors help raise the Moultrie flag over Fort Moultrie on June 27, 2026/ NPS B. Gerena
Carolina Day 250th Anniversary Photos
Joanie Rosen, Dr. Rochelle Rutledge and Betty Lancer, who celebrated turning 102 at the Carolina Day festivities at Fort Moultrie
Photo: Provided
Photos by Rob Byko Photography
SI July 4 Parade Photos
Photos by Rob Byko Photography
Parade Winners
RIBBON NAME THEME
SC250 Grand prize Grace Cowan Fort Moultrie and Ship
First place Peter Alexander Eagle
Second place Jane Smith Ship
Third place Tracy and Baxter Hahn Palmetto fort
Best Bike Teresa Brown Unicorn
Most Spirited Judy Blalock Eagle and America
Most Original Georgia Crown NASA and UFO
Best Ensemble Mary Ann Mackey/Kelly Murphy Toy Story/Cathy Curtis
Best Beach theme Horwitz Family Beach Hair
Most Island Spirit Debby Alphin Eagle and Fireworks
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Howard Stone Clary Pickering Scooby/Dog
Ryan Blair Snoopy
Lollie and Chris Sertich
Todd Nunn Camper
Letter to the Editor: The Heart Behind LENS — Serving Those Who Serve Us
By the LENS Selection Panel (Ted Kinghorn, Tony Jones, Laura Strecker and Elizabeth Reidenbach)
When most people think of the Isle of Palms Police and Fire Departments, they picture flashing lights, emergency calls and the men and women who show up on our hardest days. What many don’t see is that first responders — and the neighbors they protect — sometimes face hardships of their own.
That’s where the Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation quietly steps in.
Created to support the dedicated members of the Isle of Palms Police and Fire Departments, LENS exists for one simple reason: to ensure that the people who devote their lives to protecting our community know their community stands behind them when life becomes difficult.
Behind every grant awarded is a volunteer Selection Panel that carefully reviews scholarship and hardship applications with thought, compassion and responsibility. Every dollar donated to LENS has been entrusted to the organization by generous businesses and residents, and that trust is something the panel takes seriously. Applications are evaluated using established guidelines to ensure funds reach those facing genuine need while honoring the generosity of every donor.
While confidentiality is always respected, the requests the panel reviews are deeply personal and often life-changing.
Recently, LENS provided financial assistance to an Isle of Palms resident overwhelmed by mounting medical expenses while battling cancer. The foundation also awarded a higher education scholarship to the child of a police officer, helping invest in the next generation while easing the financial burden of pursuing a college education. When a firefighter’s home HVAC system unexpectedly failed, LENS stepped in to help cover the replacement, ensuring the family could remain safe and comfortable during an already stressful time.
These are more than financial transactions. They are reminders that no one in our community should have to face life’s most difficult moments alone.
The LENS Education Scholarship Program continues to provide tutoring assistance and college scholarships for the spouses and children of Isle of Palms first responders, opening doors that might otherwise remain closed. At the same time, the Hardship Relief Program extends beyond public safety personnel to assist Isle of Palms residents experiencing unexpected financial crises caused by illness, family emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances.
Beyond these individual grants, LENS also strengthens the Police and Fire Departments through investments in specialized training, wellness initiatives, financial education, equipment and events that recognize the extraordinary commitment of our first responders. These programs help ensure the people who protect the Isle of Palms are themselves supported, appreciated and equipped to continue serving our community.
For the Selection Panel, this work is both humbling and inspiring. Every application tells a story. Every decision carries responsibility. Every grant awarded is made possible because someone in our community chose to give.
LENS is far more than a nonprofit organization. It is neighbors helping neighbors. It is a community honoring those who dedicate their lives to public service. It is proof that on the Isle of Palms, when someone is facing one of life’s toughest moments, they don’t have to face it alone.
Ted Kinghorn, Tony Jones, Laura Strecker and Elizabeth Reidenbach LENS Selection Panel
JIMMY DYE
Founding Partner, Island Resident, REALTOR®
Isle of Palms Bluebird Makes Incredible Return Home
Jimmy Dye is the co-founder of The Cassina Group with over 20 years of experience, specializing in luxury, waterfront, estates, and historic propertie s across the coast of South Carolina. RealTrends rank s him among the top 1.5% of agents in the U.S. and #8 in South Carolina. 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
By Mary Pringle
Those of us who are lucky enough to have bluebirds nesting in our yards cherish these beautiful, gentle creatures and feel fortunate to have them inhabit the nest boxes we provide for them. These cavity nesters can stay in the Lowcountry year-round, eating not only insects but also seeds and berries. They usually raise several broods of young from April through July.
But life can be dangerous at first as the young birds learn to fly. My Turtle Team friend, Barb Gobien, who lives on the Isle of Palms, had young bluebirds fledge from one of her two nest boxes in mid-May. One of them collided with a sliding glass door even though she had placed stickers on it in an effort to prevent this. She heard the loud THUMP and knew what had happened.
When birds of any species crash into glass, they can suffer head trauma that can cause internal swelling and even loss of vision. With supportive care that includes rest, fluids, feeding and protection from predators, they can often regain their vision and good health. It appeared there were no fractures, but the bird would not fly and frequently rolled onto its back with its legs in the air. We knew it needed medical care and arranged for it to be taken to the Carolina Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in upstate South Carolina. No one, including the medical staff there, thought there was much hope that this little bird would survive and lead a normal life.
Bluebirds appear to have family units that stay together for a while, teaching the young what they need to survive. Sometimes the fledglings from their first nest remain with the family and even help feed subsequent broods of chicks. After a month, we received word that the bird had made a full recovery. We were concerned, however, about the long time it had been away from its family group and living in a strange, artificial environment.
Barb and I met a transporter in Mount Pleasant to retrieve the bird. We were surprised that as we got closer to the Isle of Palms, the bird became very vocal and excited. When I mentioned this to someone who transports and releases birds for the Carolina Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, she said she commonly sees this when returning birds to their home territory. How could the bird know this while inside a closed cardboard box? Certain wildlife, including sea turtles, salmon and some migratory birds, can sense the Earth’s magnetic fields for navigation.
When we arrived at Barb’s house, her bluebird family appeared and seemed interested in our presence. Perhaps they thought she was about to put out food for them. I held our little fledgling up in the air and made sure his father, perched on the roof, saw him and that he saw his father.
To our amazement, when I released the young bird, it flew up to join its father, mother and a couple of siblings, who had gathered in a palmetto tree. People say not to anthropomorphize, or ascribe human behavior to animals, but who could deny that this was indeed a happy family reunion and that everyone was so glad to have “junior” back with the sweet family where he belonged?
A Sweet New Tradition: Chamber Launches Community Pop-Ups
By Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce
What happens when you combine free popsicles, ice cream treats and shopping local? You get an Isle of Palms Chamber Community Pop-Up!
The Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce is launching a fun new community tradition that gives residents and visitors another reason to explore the island’s local businesses. The idea is simple: Stop by a Chamber member business, enjoy a complimentary frozen treat, meet your neighbors and discover everything our local businesses have to offer.
The inaugural Community Pop-Up will take place Thursday, July 23, from noon to 2 p.m. at Just Beachy, located in the Harris Teeter Shopping Center on Palm Boulevard. The event is free and open to everyone.
Guests can enjoy complimentary popsicles and ice cream treats while supplies last, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation. Just Beachy will also give away one beach chair and one gift card, with winners drawn at 2 p.m. Winners must be present to claim their prizes.
“One of our goals is to create more opportunities for people to discover and support the incredible businesses that make the Isle of Palms such a special place,” said Chamber President Zach Lary. “Sometimes all it takes is a simple reason to stop in, meet a local business owner, browse the store and reconnect with neighbors.”
The Chamber plans to host Community Pop-Ups throughout the year at different member businesses, with each event featuring its own unique twist. The goal is to create fun, family-friendly experiences while helping more people discover the outstanding local businesses that make the island thrive.
Whether you’re picking up beach gear, cooling off with a frozen treat or simply stopping by to say hello, everyone is invited. Bring your family, invite your friends and join us as we kick off what we hope becomes a new Isle of Palms tradition — one pop at a time.
Letter to the Editor: How Do Sullivan’s Island Salaries Compare?
Life is increasingly expensive and, in some cases, almost unaffordable. We’re all looking for ways to save money. It’s been suggested that the Sullivan’s Island town budget is excessive and should be vigorously pruned — or possibly completely revamped. Salaries for Sullivan’s Island town employees have been proposed as one area of the budget that might need a haircut. Is this true?
In 2025, the Town of Seabrook Island completed a survey of salaries for 21 different staff positions and compared them with those of 21 other coastal municipalities from Florida to North Carolina. The analysis included salaries for the towns of Sullivan’s Island and Kiawah Island, as well as the cities of Folly Beach and Isle of Palms.
There are eight staff positions for which data are available for Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms and Folly Beach. They are shown in the graph. Sullivan’s Island is shown in red. In only two of the eight positions does Sullivan’s Island pay more than Isle of Palms or Folly Beach.
In a separate analysis of the data (not shown in the graph), there are eight staff positions for which data are available for Sullivan’s Island and Kiawah Island, although they are not the same eight positions shown in the graph. In all eight positions, salaries at Sullivan’s Island are lower than those paid at Kiawah Island.
This is reassuring information because salaries and benefits account for almost 50% of our entire town budget.
We can always find ways to reduce expenses, but it appears that, at least with regard to staff salaries, Sullivan’s Island is swimming in the same waters as Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and Kiawah Island.
Ned Higgins
Sullivan’s Island Town Council
All letters submitted to The Island Eye News must bear a full name, address and phone number for verification. Only the author’s name and city will be printed. Submissions are excepted via email to ieneditor@luckydognews.com or mail to P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, S.C. 29482.
Letters may be edited for length and readability. The Island Eye News reserves the right to reject letters that are libelous, unseemly, not individually addressed to The Island Eye News or that have been previously published elsewhere.
The Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce Proudly Supports the City’s Family-Friendly Branding Initiative
ATTENTION RESIDENTS
The Town of Sullivan’s Island seeks residents interested in serving on the Town’s Boards and Commissions. The following seats are due to expire:
Tree Commission:
Two (2) seats, one with term expiring September 1, 2027 (to fill unexpired term), and one with term expiring September 1, 2029.
Planning Commission:
Four (4) seats for terms expiring September 1, 2029.
Interested residents should submit application packet by 4:00PM on Friday, August 7, 2026
Please contact Pamela Otto at potto@sullivansisland.sc.gov or (843)883-5744 with applications or questions. Information and applications are also on the Town website at https://sullivansisland.sc.gov/government/boards-commissions
By the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce
The Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce is proud to support the City of Isle of Palms’ efforts to further establish our community as one of South Carolina’s premier family-friendly vacation destinations.
For generations, families have chosen the Isle of Palms because it offers something increasingly rare: a beautiful beach, welcoming local businesses, safe neighborhoods, outdoor recreation and the opportunity to create lasting memories together. We applaud the city’s investment in strengthening that message and believe it aligns perfectly with the Chamber’s ongoing mission.
The Chamber also appreciates City Council members John Bogosian and Scott Pierce for supporting this campaign and for their continued efforts to strengthen the Isle of Palms as a place where families can visit, live and thrive. Their dedication, along with that of their fellow council members, reflects the shared commitment of many throughout our community to ensuring a strong future for the island.
Over the past year, the Chamber has intentionally expanded its visitor-focused marketing efforts with one goal in mind: helping families discover everything the Isle of Palms has to offer while supporting the businesses that make our island so special.
Through the launch of our redesigned website, VisitIOP.com, we’ve created an engaging resource where visitors can easily explore where to eat, shop, stay and play. Our comprehensive business directory, community event calendar and growing collection of family-friendly itineraries encourage guests to experience more of the island and return year after year.
Our social media campaigns have likewise focused on showcasing the authentic Isle of Palms experience. From kid-friendly activities and local restaurants to beach adventures, shopping, outdoor recreation, pet-friendly attractions and seasonal events, we’ve worked to highlight the people, places and experiences that make this island such a memorable destination for families.
Being family-friendly extends beyond recreation. It also means fostering a community where families feel welcomed, supported and safe. The Chamber is proud to recognize the dedication of the Isle of Palms Police Department, Isle of Palms Fire Department and the many first responders whose commitment helps make our island a place where families can confidently vacation, visit and call home.
The Chamber is also a proud supporter and partner of the Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation. Through community events, educational initiatives and programs that support first responders and local families, the LENS Foundation plays an important role in strengthening the sense of community that makes the Isle of Palms so special. Together, these organizations help create the welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that defines our island.
The Chamber believes successful tourism is about more than simply attracting visitors. It’s about connecting those visitors with locally owned businesses, encouraging longer stays, supporting repeat visits and creating economic opportunities that benefit our entire community.
We are excited to see the city continue investing in destination branding and look forward to supporting those efforts however we can. Working together, the city, the Chamber, local businesses, property managers, restaurants, retailers, first responders, nonprofit organizations and residents all play an important role in shaping the visitor experience.
The Isle of Palms has always been much more than a beautiful beach. It’s a community where families gather, traditions are made, neighbors look out for one another and lifelong memories begin.
Being family-friendly isn’t simply a marketing message — it’s a commitment to the kind of community we strive to be every day. The Chamber remains committed to promoting not only the incredible businesses that make the Isle of Palms such a memorable destination, but also the organizations, first responders and community partners whose dedication helps preserve the welcoming, family-friendly spirit of our island. We look forward to collaborating with the city as we continue telling the story of the Isle of Palms and welcoming families for generations to come.
To explore local businesses, upcoming events and family-friendly experiences, visit VisitIOP.com.
School of Rock Mount Pleasant Students Selected to Perform at Summerfest 2026
By Grace Duchan
School of Rock Mount Pleasant is proud to announce that seven of its students have been selected to perform at Summerfest, one of the most iconic music festivals in the United States.
From June 25-26, approximately 575 students representing 70 bands from 52 School of Rock locations across six countries will perform on five major stages in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Now a beloved annual tradition, School of Rock’s participation in Summerfest is a centerpiece of the organization’s global calendar. It offers students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at a premier national music festival. Students join a lineup that has historically included some of the biggest names in the industry, including the Foo Fighters, the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney.
The event brings together students from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and the United States for a celebration of music, culture and community.
“Moments like this don’t happen by accident. Summerfest is an accumulation of everything that School of Rock represents, made possible by hundreds of owners, instructors and families who show up every day,” said Stacey Ryan, president of School of Rock. “Most importantly, these moments are made possible by the students themselves. It takes real courage to step onto a stage of this caliber, in front of thousands of people, alongside musicians you’ve only recently met, and trust everything you’ve worked for. These students are doing exactly that.”
The performance at Summerfest reflects the growth School of Rock sees across its programs year-round. According to the brand’s 2025 Social Impact Study, an independently commissioned survey of more than 1,400 parents of current students, 82.1% of parents observed improved attitudes toward peers from diverse backgrounds and age groups. An additional 84.8% reported meaningful progress in their child’s confidence, communication skills and ability to engage in group settings since enrolling in School of Rock.
For the students taking the stage at Summerfest, the performance represents months — and often years — of growth, collaboration and self-confidence.
“Watching our students step onto stages like Summerfest is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do,” said Matt McFarland, owner of School of Rock Mount Pleasant. “These are young musicians who have spent countless hours practicing, collaborating and pushing themselves outside their comfort zones. To see them represent Mount Pleasant and perform alongside students from around the world is an incredible opportunity and a testament to their hard work and dedication.”
The Summerfest experience begins June 24 with a private event open exclusively to the School of Rock community and credentialed media. Students will gather for the first time at Milwaukee’s historic Rave/Eagles Club, a 180,000-square-foot, seven-level live entertainment venue built in the 1920s. Student bands will perform live sets from noon to 9 p.m.
Following the showcase at The Rave, students will perform at Summerfest on June 25 and 26 from noon to 3:45 p.m. across five festival stages located throughout the event’s 75-acre lakefront grounds.
Participating students represent 19 U.S. states — California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin — along with international locations throughout Latin America.
Together, they will have the opportunity to build friendships across cultures, gain confidence on professional stages and experience the power of music as a universal language.
School of Rock Performances at Summerfest 2026
Thursday, June 25, and Friday, June 26 | Noon-3:45 p.m.
• Aurora Pavilion
• Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
• Generac Power Stage
• UScellular Connection Stage
• Uline Warehouse Stage
Statistics are from a survey commissioned by School of Rock and administered by a third-party consultancy from April 26-May 7, 2025. The survey included 1,443 parents of currently enrolled students under age 18 and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.48% at a 95% confidence level. Results are based on selfreported experiences and are intended for informational purposes only.
AROUND THE ISLANDS
MULTIPLE DAYS
WHAT: USTA Girls’ 18 National Clay Court Championships
WHERE: Various
WHEN: July 5-12, 2026
MORE INFO: LTP Charleston will once again host the prestigious USTA Girls’ 18 National Clay Court Championships, one of the premier events in American junior tennis. The tournament runs through the same weekend Wimbledon crowns its 2026 champions, a fitting overlap for an event built around developing the sport’s next stars. Held at LTP Mount Pleasant, LTP Daniel Island and the Daniel Island Club, the USTA Level 1 National Championship will feature more than 200 of the nation’s top junior players competing in singles and doubles, including LTP Academy standouts Julie Seversen and Alice Thompson.
FRIDAY, JULY 10
WHAT: Party at The Point with Mr. Fahrenheit A Tribute to Queen
WHERE: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, 20 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Party at The Point is a family-friendly beachfront event that features live music and plenty of food and drinks. Gates open at 5 p.m., with music starting at 6 p.m. Free parking is available along the road leading into the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, as well as in the brand new parking lot across from the resort entrance. Uber and Lyft drop off area will be available to all guests to use, located 50 yards from the entrance. Tickets are $15 and be purchased here. Kids 12 and under get in for free.
SATURDAY, JULY 11
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.
WHAT: The Midnight City – on the NÜTRL Beach Stage
WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms A WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Midnight City is an Alternative Pop Indie band from Charleston. They are also a full-time cover/party event band with over 12 years experience.
SUNDAY, JULY 12
WHAT: Second Sunday on King WHERE: King Street, Charleston WHEN: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: King Street will be shut down to through traffic from Queen to Calhoun, roughly 1/2 mile. Strolling guests can enjoy music, shopping, dining, and more.
WHAT: Wheeland Brothers on the NÜTRL Beach Stage
WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: Doors at 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Wheeland Brothers are two Southern California surfers who grew up where the concrete meets the sand. Their playful pursuit of life invites listeners to join in on the stoke, all the while blending infectious good-time-energy with peaceful introspection. Their sound is a signature blend of surf rock, reggae, hip hop and acoustic pop.
versity. United by a love for storytelling and the raw beauty of acoustic sound, they began crafting music that evokes wide-open landscapes and the emotions that live quietly beneath the surface of everyday life.
FRIDAY, JULY L7
WHAT: Fruit Bats on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Fruit Bats perform at The Windjammer
SATURDAY, JULY 18
WHAT: Feeling 22: A Tribute to Taylor Swift – on the NÜTRL Beach Stage
WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Taylor Swift needs no introduction, as she is one of the most significant artists of our time. Feeling 22 – A Tribute to Taylor Swift is a spectacle to be witnessed, recreating her vast catalogue with incredible detail live in concert.
THURSDAY, JULY 23
WHAT: Community Pop-up
WHERE: Just Beachy, 1517 Palm Blvd., Ste. D, Isle of Palms, SC
WHEN: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
TUESDAY, JULY 14
WHAT: Beach Yoga WHERE: 25th Avenue beach access, Isle of Palms WHEN: 7:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department will continue its free Beach Yoga Series. 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.
THURSDAY, JULY 16
WHAT: Buffalo Traffic Jam – on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Buffalo Traffic Jam is a folk band born in the heart of Bozeman, Montana, where its members, Frankie Cassidy and Nathan Ross, first crossed paths as students at Montana State Uni-
MORE INFO: The Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce is launching a fun new community tradition that gives residents and visitors another reason to explore the island’s local businesses. The inaugural Community Pop-Up will take place Thursday, July 23, from noon to 2 p.m. at Just Beachy, located in the Harris Teeter Shopping Center on Palm Boulevard. The event is free and open to everyone. Guests can enjoy complimentary popsicles and ice cream treats while supplies last, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation. Just Beachy will also give away one beach chair and one gift card, with winners drawn at 2 p.m. Winners must be present to claim their prizes.
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: 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.
By Lisa Ernst
If you’ve spent any time on social media, chances are you’ve stumbled across Uncle Bobby passionately explaining why life in Charleston beats life on Long Island.
Five years ago, Uncle Bobby packed up his Long Island life and headed south to Charleston with his wife, Lindsey. What followed was something he never expected: He fell completely in love with Charleston and life in the South.
Not because of the beaches.
Not because of the palm trees.
Not even because of the weather, although he admits that part doesn’t hurt.
It was the people.
“The hospitality here is unbelievable,” he told me.
In fact, one of his favorite statistics since moving to Charleston is that he hasn’t yelled at anyone in five years. For a born-and-raised New Yorker, that’s practically a miracle.
“Back home, honking horns is considered a form of communication. Here, people actually let you merge into traffic.”
They wave when they pass you by. When strangers started waving at him, Uncle Bobby wasn’t quite sure what was happening.
“I thought they knew me,” he laughed. Eventually, he realized that’s just what people do here. It’s the norm.
The slower pace took some getting used to, but now it’s one of the things he loves most. These days, when he flies back to New York to visit family and friends, he experiences a little
culture shock.
If he had one sentence to convince a Long Island friend to move to Charleston, his advice would be simple: “Book a flight and open your eyes.”
Of course, every love story has its challenges. Charleston has palmetto bugs. New York has rats. Without hesitation, Uncle Bobby says he’ll take the palmetto bugs.
“I’ll take a flying bug over a subway rat any day.”
That said, there are a few things he still misses from home. No Charleston transplant can avoid the conversation about food, and Uncle Bobby is no exception.
He misses the delis.
He misses the diners.
And he definitely misses New York pizza.
But for him, that’s a small price to pay for sunshine, Southern hospitality and a lifestyle that feels a lot less stressful.
Five years later, Charleston isn’t just where Uncle Bobby lives. It’s home and where he and Lindsey are raising their 1-year-old son, Leo.
For Bobby, the move wasn’t just a change of address. It was a change of pace, perspective and quality of life. And if you ask him, all it takes to understand why is one plane ticket and a willingness to keep your eyes open.
Follow along with his Charleston adventures and his ongoing humor about New York versus Charleston life. You can find him at @UncleBobby_88 on Instagram and TikTok.
