Isle of Palms City Council to Consider Branding Initiative Following Committee Recommendation
By Joshua Uys
Earlier this year, the City of Isle of Palms issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a marketing firm to lead a comprehensive branding initiative for the community.
The response exceeded expectations, with more than 30 firms from across the United States and abroad submitting proposals.
Following presentations and evaluations, the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee (ATAX) voted Wednesday, July 8, to recommend two marketing firms. City Council will consider the committee’s recommendations and make a final selection later this month.
How is this initiative funded?
This project is funded entirely through tourism marketing dollars provided by the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (Explore Charleston). These funds come from the state accommodations tax paid by visitors staying on the Isle of Palms.
Under South Carolina law, 30% of state accommodations tax revenue must be spent on the promotion of tourism. The city contributes 30% of its state accommodations tax collections to Explore Charleston, which then provides funding for destination marketing initiatives like this one.
A common misconception is that these funds
could instead be used for other city priorities. They cannot. State law restricts how accommodations tax revenue may be spent, and these tourism marketing funds are legally dedicated to tourism-related purposes.
What is the goal of the branding initiative?
In alignment with the city’s Strategic Plan, the goal of this initiative is not simply to attract more visitors, but rather to strengthen the Isle of Palms’ identity and better communicate who the community is and the types of visitors it hopes to attract.
The branding strategy will focus on positioning the Isle of Palms as a premier beach destination, encouraging visitors who align with the character of the community, such as families and corporate retreats, rather than more disruptive forms of tourism.
The project also will establish a cohesive visual identity for the city, including updated branding standards, color palettes, typography, logos and design guidelines.
These standards will create a consistent, professional appearance across city communications, signage, vehicles, presentations, websites, social media and other public-facing materials.
If approved by City Council later this month, the selected firm will work with stakeholders and city leaders to identify what makes the Isle of Palms unique and develop a brand that distinguishes the community from other coastal destinations.
The city will continue to share updates as the project moves forward.
Start the Month Clean Campaign Targets Litter Close to Home
By City of Isle of Palms Environmental Advisory Committee
Litter is everywhere. And if you look closely, you may find it around your property, where it can become part of the island environment or eventually make its way into the ocean, salt marshes and waterways if it is not collected and disposed of properly.
The good news is that everyone can help protect public health, wildlife and neighborhood beauty simply by picking up litter around their home or business.
That’s why the City of Isle of Palms and the Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew are joining together this August to launch the ongoing Start the Month Clean campaign.
It’s simple. On the first day, or during the first week, of each month, take a few minutes to look around your home, business or organization for litter. Focus
on areas around walkways and the public right-of-way, where you are likely to find the most litter. Be safe and aware of traffic as you clean up.
As a reminder, consider adding a recurring cleanup reminder to your calendar. You may even want to check more often than once a month — for example, every time you roll your trash cans back after collection.
If you want to make an even bigger impact, recruit your neighbors to join the campaign. You can also become a citizen scientist by using the South Carolina Aquarium’s Litter Journal app or online platform to record the litter and debris you collect. This helps create a clearer picture of the litter problem around your property while contributing to a broader understanding of litter issues in your community and beyond.
Street litter on the Isle of Palms (Provided)
PUBLISHERS OF:
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In Memory of Swan Richards
EDITOR ieneditor@luckydognews.com
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ASSISTANT PUBLISHER
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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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Message from the Mayor
Dear Island Neighbors,
CAROLINA DAY AND INDEPENDENCE DAY
If you were here for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, you know that it was a very busy weekend that went very well.
Ft. Moultrie/Ft. Sumter National Park Superintendent Brad Shattuck reports that about 8,500 people visited the events at the park over the two days. The shuttle bus service from Mt. Pleasant (Thank you, Mayor Haynie and the Town of Mt. Pleasant!) was used by about 1,000 people each day of the weekend, which in conjunction with the several hundred spots the Park Service made available in their field, alleviated the parking strain on the Island. Thanks to everyone with our Town staff and the Park Service folks (including many who came in from other locations).
Superintendent Shattuck shares these thoughts on the event from his perspective:
“Carolina Day 250 stands among the most significant commemorations the National Park Service has hosted in the Southeast, and the partnership on the ground made it a spectacular success. The Town of Sullivan’s Island was central to delivering an event of this scale completely incident-free — I couldn’t be more proud. Happy 250th birthday America!”
Independence Day also was a fine day for our annual Island celebration. There were 106 golf carts and 93 bikes in the morning parade, with lots of inventive decorations. All were creative and contributed to a memorable event. The decoration winners were:
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 and Kelly Murphy, Toy Story/Cathy Curtis
Best Beach Theme: Horwitz Family, Beach Hair
Most Island Spirit: Debby Alphin, Eagle and Fireworks
Thanks to everyone who contributed to a great parade, in particular including our Town Hall and Public Safety staff.
properties that they are based on.
For the 2026 fiscal year through May (all but one month, accounting for nearly all property tax revenues), the Town received $4,738,174 towards operating expenses and $2,471,195 assigned to debt service. The debt service expenses have been flat for six years, reflecting the structured payment schedules of the 2018 and 2020 bond issues.
The calculations of property taxes for a given property are a little complicated (especially for the middle of summer) but basically the County starts with its estimate of a property’s appraised value. That is usually less than the actual market value, often a lot less. (Don’t complain!) Then it multiplies that by either 4% (owneroccupied primary residence) or 6% (non-primary residence or commercial). Then the millage rate (for the Town, in this case) is applied to that value.
The total of ALL our real properties (per the County-appraised values) is about $2,753,314,000. Of that about 60% comes from owner-occupied properties and about 40% from non-owner-occupied and commercial properties. But because of the higher (6% vs. 4%) assessment ratio, the two groups contribute roughly the same amount of taxes.
STORMWATER PROJECTS GET STATEWIDE NOTICE
Our stormwater work and the master plan driving it were featured in the cover story for last month’s issue of Uptown, the publication of the Municipal Association of South Carolina. Town Administrator Joe Henderson provided very informative quotes. You can see it here: https://bit.ly/4f6uj55 . Thanks, Joe, for your leadership in this complicated, years-long very important effort!
SPEAKING OF STORMWATER PROJECTS...
The ongoing work in the Station 28 ½ and Station 31 is finally nearing completion. Final shoulder grading is expected to be done by the end of July, and area cleanup, grass seeding, and sod installation should be substantially complete by the end of August...all contingent on Mother Nature’s cooperation.
Thanks to all of you who have lived with this construction for the last several months, for your patience and cooperation.
See you around the Island!
Pat O’Neil
Mayor 843 670 9266 oneilp@sullivansisland.sc.gov
PROPERTY TAX INFO
Town Comptroller Jason Blanton has shared interesting info from the County about ad valorem (property) tax revenues that come to the Town, and the
Isle of Palms Residents Donate Tesla to Police Department
By Sgt. Matt Storen
The Isle of Palms Police Department recently added a donated Tesla Model S to its vehicle fleet, thanks to the generosity of Isle of Palms residents Jeff and Melissa Polluta.
The vehicle entered service in July after being equipped with emergency lights, a siren and other necessary public safety equipment. It will be assigned to the chief of police for official department use.
The donation allows the department to return a more purpose-built police vehicle to frontline operations, helping reduce fleet mileage and potentially delaying the need for future vehicle replacements.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation from the Pollutas,” Police Chief Kevin Cornett said. “This vehicle will not only help us avoid replacing fleet vehicles ahead of schedule, but it will also serve as a great conversation starter with members of our community.”
The Tesla can be seen at community events and other official police department functions. Its addition provides the department with a unique tool to engage and connect with the public.
The Isle of Palms Police Department thanks Jeff and Melissa Polluta for their generosity and continued support of public safety in the Isle of Palms community.
Isle of Palms 2026 Half Rubber Tournament Set for Aug. 8
By Aaron Sweet
The 2026 IOP Half Rubber Tournament will take place Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Isle of Palms Recreation Department beginning at 8 a.m.
Teams may consist of three or four players, and the entry fee is $25 per person. Every participant will receive a tournament Tshirt. The tournament champion and runner-up will receive prizes from local sponsors and businesses.
Sponsors for the 2026 tournament include Just Beachy, Barrier Island Eco Tours, IOPIZZA Co., Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, The Windjammer, New York Butch er Shoppe, Islander 71, Mex 1 Coastal Cantina and My Favorite Things.
Register a team today at iop.net. For more information about the tournament, contact the Isle of Palms Recreation Department at (843) 886-8294.
Mt. Pleasant Mom Reveals $250K Win on Fox’s The Floor
By Joshua Uys
After keeping a big secret for more than a year, Mt. Pleasant mom Lauren Samet can finally share her news. Samet won $250,000 on Fox’s game show The Floor but couldn’t tell anyone until the season finale aired in June.
She celebrated with a watch party surrounded by family and friends, many of whom were hearing the news for the first time.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Samet said. “Did I really just do this? A mom from Charleston?”
Samet had always wanted to appear on a game show, so when she learned The Floor was casting, she figured she had nothing to lose.
The rules are straightforward: One hundred contestants stand on a massive interactive LED floor divided into squares, each representing a different trivia category. Players challenge neighboring contestants to head-to-head duels, with the winner claiming their opponent’s territory while the loser goes home. The contestant controlling the most squares at the end of each episode wins $20,000. The last person standing takes home the $250,000 grand prize.
“You want to duel your neighboring contestants in a category that you feel comfortable with,” Samet said. “I challenged voice actors. Pictures came up on the screen, and I had 45 seconds to name the image to gain pieces of that person’s territory.”
During the casting process, Samet pitched soap operas as her specialty. She has been watching them for more than 30 years, beginning as a teenager, and still tunes in today. Producers agreed she was the right fit.
“I’m definitely a self-proclaimed soap opera expert,” she said with a laugh.
Samet’s game plan proved to be more defensive than aggressive. Early in the competition, she noticed that other contestants were reluctant to challenge her.
“I knew my category scared people,” she said. “That helped me be more defensive rather than offensive throughout the season. If they wanted to come after me, they’d have to risk losing in soap operas.”
“Toward the last day, I started getting a little more confident,” she said. “I thought, ‘Can this really happen?’ I was still in disbelief.”
The Floor is hosted by Rob Lowe and filmed in Dublin, Ireland. Production wrapped in May 2025, and the finale aired in June 2026, meaning Samet had to keep the outcome secret for more than a year.
Now that she can finally talk about it, Samet is happy to share what she learned. Her advice for anyone considering auditioning: Set realistic expectations, make friends and remember that your strategy might go out the window the moment the floor shifts.
“Ninety-nine contestants won’t win the $250K, and only some will win $20K,” she said. “Keeping that in mind takes the pressure off. But also go meet people and socialize. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ve made lifelong friends because of this show.”
And one practical tip she’s happy to pass along:
“Wear comfortable shoes,” she said. “You’ll be standing on that floor all day.”
The Floor is currently streaming on Hulu.
Dig In! IOP Contest to Spotlight Native Plants and Trees
By the City of Isle of Palms Environmental Advisory Committee
Residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to enter the City of Isle of Palms’ 2026 Native Landscaping Contest, which is designed to celebrate the plants and trees that naturally belong on our barrier island, along with the people who support them.
Launched this year by the city’s Environmental Advisory Committee, the new contest gives islanders an opportunity to showcase the native trees, pollinator-friendly flowers, shrubs and other hometown foliage on their properties.
The online entry form is located on the Native Plants page of the city’s website. The contest deadline is Sept. 15. The page also features resources and inspiration for anyone who wants to get involved in native gardening “at the grassroots level.”
Whether you are a master gardener, a novice or someone who takes a hands-off approach to wild plants, the judges want to know how you help native plants thrive. Your property does not have to feature native plants exclusively to enter. While you can upload photos with your submission, they are not required.
ing wildlife. As the South Carolina Native Plant Society explains, this also helps celebrate our state’s natural heritage and reinforces a vibrant sense of place with a “beautiful palette of colors, shapes, fragrance, and textures.”
Plants that have evolved here as part of complex ecosystems are often more resilient, require fewer resources and put down deep roots that enable the soil to filter pollutants, retain nutrients, prevent erosion and flooding, and improve air quality. This can save time and money compared with gardening using nonnative species.
What are common native plants on the Isle of Palms?
• Iconic tree species include the sabal palmetto, South Carolina’s state tree, and the Southern live oak. But there are many other trees native to Lowcountry barrier islands. The Town of Sullivan’s Island’s Native Tree Guide includes an index of 42 species.
• One of the most recognizable native plants is pink muhly grass, often affectionately called “sweetgrass” by locals. Dwarf palmettos can be planted or may pop up on their own if allowed to grow. Southern wax myrtle, a native evergreen
many more. Given enough room, the island can also host large stands of yellow lanceleaf coreopsis and drought-resistant blanket flowers, which resemble exploding fireworks.
Those looking for inspiration can visit the city’s Native Plants Garden at the intersection of Palm Boulevard and Seventh Avenue.
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Charleston Trio Raises $32K for Windwood Farm Through 100-Mile Ultramarathon
Staff Report
On June 19, 2026, three Charleston residents toed the starting line of the Big Horn 100-Mile Ultramarathon in Wyoming with two goals in mind. The first was to finish the race within the allotted 35-hour time limit. The second was to raise $25,000 for Windwood Farm, a home for boys who have been abused and neglected in Awendaw.
Before the race, the three runners — Will Senn, Peyton Talbott and Jay Bethea — launched a fundraising campaign called “The Miles That Matter” to raise money and awareness for Windwood Farm. Their “why” behind the effort was simple.
“We’re choosing to do something hard for those who have endured hardships they never chose,” Senn said.
Senn is the current president of the Exchange Club of Metropolitan Charleston and has been involved with the nonprofit organization for more than a decade. The Miles That Matter fundraising campaign started as a wild idea and soon became a movement, attracting individuals and businesses alike to support the mission.
The race, held in Wyoming’s Big Horn National Forest, tested even the most experienced ultrarunners. None of the Charleston men had ever run an ultramarathon, and nearly all of their training was done at sea level. The Big Horn 100-Mile Trail Race started at an elevation of more than 4,700 feet and climbed above 9,000 feet at its highest point. Over the course of the race, the runners climbed more than 20,500 feet while enduring dramatic weather changes, sleep deprivation, fatigue and mental challenges.
Thankfully, the runners had a support crew assisting them throughout the race, providing much-needed encouragement and aid at designated stations. As the miles passed, the race became increasingly difficult, and more runners began to drop out. Bethea ran valiantly, but a knee injury forced him to withdraw at mile 66. Talbott and Senn continued on, knowing time was not on their side.
(Continued
Isle of Palms Exchange Club Wins National Exchange “Fundraiser of the Year” Award for IOP Connector Run – Run for
By Robbie Berg
The Isle of Palms Exchange Club has received the National Exchange Club’s Fundraiser of the Year award for the 2025 IOP Connector Run – Run for the Child. The award was presented July 10 during the National Exchange Club Convention.
Many of you have stood along the race course cheering on participants during the Isle of Palms Exchange Club’s IOP Connector Run. It is an exciting event, and the runners, along with everyone who helped support them from registration to the finish line, should be proud to say, “Job well done!”
That is exactly how the Isle of Palms Exchange Club feels about receiving this national recognition. Congratulations to the IOP Connector Run Board, the Isle of Palms Exchange Club’s Prevention of Child Abuse Program of Service Committee, the cities of Isle of Palms and Mount Pleasant, the Isle of Palms Recreation Center, the Isle of Palms Police and Fire departments, sponsors, volunteers and runners.
The IOP Connector Run represents 34 years of collaboration among the IOP Connector Run Board, the Isle of Palms Exchange Club, and the cities of Isle of Palms and Mount Pleasant to organize and present a sanctioned 5K and 10K race.
Last year’s race raised $200,000 with a record
2,500 registered runners competing in the two race distances. Since its inception, the event has now distributed $200,000 to 11 child abuse prevention agencies. What a milestone for everyone involved!
Congratulations also to Michele Priest, past and current chair of the IOP Connector Run Board, and to the Isle of Palms Exchange Club’s Child Abuse Prevention Program of Service Committee, whose members volunteer throughout the year at the events and activities of the nonprofit organizations they support.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of the sponsors of the IOP Connector Run – Run for the Child, as well as the support of the Isle of Palms Police and Fire departments, the Isle of Palms Recreation Center, the town of Mount Pleasant and its employees, and the Isle of Palms Exchange Club members who volunteer and serve on the IOP Connector Run Board.
IOP CONNECTOR RUN 2026 – 35th Year
A record 835 runners have already registered for the 2026 race, the highest total at this point in the year.
Register today at IOPRun.com. Join the fun on Oct. 3 by becoming a sponsor, volunteering or registering to run, and help make this year’s race another milestone in the prevention of child abuse.
Thank you for supporting the Run for the Child and the Isle of Palms Exchange Club.
Windwood
Continued from page 6
Physically and mentally exhausted, the two Charleston residents kept reminding themselves why they were running and the impact they hoped to make for the boys at Windwood Farm. With just 18 minutes to spare, both men crossed the finish line after 34 hours and 42 minutes, earning the title of finishers in one of the toughest ultramarathons in the United States.
As for The Miles That Matter fundraiser, the campaign surpassed its goal, raising more than $32,000 from more than 130 individual donors by the end of the race.
The challenge was about much more than the miles. It was an opportunity for three men to make a positive impact in their community and rally people around a cause greater than themselves.
Luxury Vacation
INTERPRETED BY: Katherine Berry
OWNER NAME: Jane and Jessica Graham
NAME: Sister Mary Catherine MC’ ‘Mary CC’ and ‘Sister’
AGE: 3 ½
BREED: Great Dane
FAVORITE TOY: Goat Horn
VET : Dr. Turick –Mt Pleasant House Calls
FOOD: Homemade Crockpot weekly – meat, egglplant, rice, beans, carrots, broccoli, asparagus, and other veggies!
Sister Mary Catherine
Allow me to explain this story correctly. There was never a “Great Dane escape.” Humans can be so silly. Small dogs get into a little trouble. With us, we accidentally summon the police. Together, we’re 305 pounds of jowls, feelings and absolute chaos, and on this night, we had a blast!
Before I continue, I’m Sister Mary Catherine — “MC” if you’ve earned it. I’m 130 pounds of athletic grace, discipline and exceptional decisionmaking. I kind of resemble a nun, which explains the name. Today, I glide through life with confidence, but it wasn’t always so pretty. I’m a rags-toriches Dane for sure, and I’m a grateful, lucky dog because my moms never gave up on me.
The world used to feel too big. My littermates and I were tossed out. Survival was all I knew, and I only knew that because my littermates told me so. I followed them and did exactly as they said because they knew more than I did. Then one day, it all changed. We were separated, and I lost who I had always been. Who am I without my siblings?
Adoption was scary at first. I remember trying to make myself small by burying myself face-first in the couch. I hoped it was all a bad dream. I didn’t think the world could be kind, but thankfully, I was gifted the kindest, most patient humans to help me trust again. They loved me. They bribed me with treats. Then one day, they got me something I didn’t know I needed: a little brother.
The day he plopped out of the car, all shiny and confused, I immediately claimed him as MINE!
However, I’d like to file a complaint because Mom specifically requested the biggest male
DOG
Dane our rescuers had, but she failed to request an ounce of common sense. He is such a doofus with his Batman eyes and heart on his crown.
Anyway, back to the day you’re asking about. It started innocently enough. My little brother, Doc, “accidentally” opened the front door. I heard the click and saw freedom. Meanwhile, he’s looking at me through his Batman eyes like he just discovered fire. Rolling my eyes but with my heart singing, I said, “I know what to do. Let’s go!”
We took off, but we left the door open. We galloped and played like kangaroos. We conducted neighborhood patrol, did a perimeter sweep and inspected squirrels, mailboxes and smells. (BACON!)
We had everything under control.
Then the police arrived.
Friends with cookies? Nope.
It seems there was a concerned citizen because someone let the horses out of the stable. They helped us back home and made sure the house was safe. Of course it was. We had just left. That’s all that happened!
We’re safe and secure these days. Doc still follows me everywhere. He nibbles my ears, steals my personal space and stays on my heels, and I tolerate every minute of it.
The funny thing about surviving the streets is that you spend your whole life believing safety comes from having one pack. Turns out, sometimes your pack is one oversized little brother who thinks you hung the moon and two humans who never gave up.
That is what makes me one lucky dog.
Smile More. Stress Less.
AROUND THE ISLANDS
FRIDAY, JULY 24
WHAT: Cowboy Mouth – on the NÜTRL Beach Stage
WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Much like gumbo, the famous dish of their hometown, the New Orleans-born Cowboy Mouth uses a potent blend of musical ingredients – rock, blues, punk, funk, country, pop, soul and whatever else feels good – to create their bodacious, kickass tunes.
WHAT: War on the Shore II
WHERE: Festival Hall, 56 Beaufain St., Charleston
WHEN: 6:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Blue Chip will bring professional boxing back to Charleston. Expect an action-packed night featuring hometown favorites, regional contenders and some of the Southeast’s top professional boxing talent. For tickets, fight announcements and event updates, follow @ bluechipzone on social media or subscribe to Blue Chip Corner Notes at bluechipzone.com.
WHAT: Dancing on the Cooper
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Pier
WHEN: 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Charleston County Parks’ live music series on the Mount Pleasant Pier, Dancing on the Cooper, is back on select Friday evenings. Performing this evening will be Tommy & the Chucktown Players.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
WHAT: Pickleball for Hope
WHERE: Pickleball Kingdom, 680 Long Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant WHEN: 8 a.m.
MORE INFO: We Are Sharing Hope SC’s Pickleball for Hope fundraising tournament. Players of all ages and skill are welcome. Participants will enjoy hands-on coaching to help them get gameready, along with an easy-to-use tournament app to track brackets and wins throughout the day. Register at sharinghopesc.org/community-outreach/pickleball-for-hope.
WHAT: 21st Annual Sweetgrass Festival
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park, 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd., Mt Pleasant WHEN: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: The annual Sweetgrass Festival in Mount Pleasant, founded in 2004, is designed to promote and bring attention to the contributions of the Gullah Geechee people’s history, culture, traditions and their sweetgrass basket art form that originated in Mount Pleasant and continues to exist in our town and surrounding communities today. Additionally, the Sweetgrass Festival provides an opportunity for engagement, interaction and exposure
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.
to the Gullah Geechee people’s culture. Informative and interesting educational sessions will enlighten and entertain participants of all ages.
WHAT: Folly Pirates Over 40 on the NÜTRL Beach Stage
WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Folly Pirates Over 40 is a Jimmy Buffet inspired band from Folly Beach. We can play all those songs you know by heart and, after a few drinks, have you singing along to some new favorites, too!
SUNDAY, JULY 26
WHAT: The Art of Going Places - Travel Sketch & Watercolor Workshop with Karen Hewitt Hagan
WHERE: Wild Dune Resort
WHEN: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Wild Dunes Resort is hosting a guided sketching class with South Carolina-based artist, Karen Hewitt Hagan. Designed for artists, travelers, and creative professionals who want to translate their travel experiences into confident, expressive sketches. All levels are welcome. This session is structured as a working studio environment: part instruction, part experimentation, and part individualized feedback. Karen will demonstrate and speak about how this technique has affected her studio work. She will bring her recent sketchbooks and travel paintings for discussion. Whether you’re new to travel sketching or looking to refine your approach, you’ll leave with exciting, personalized sketches, a clearer process, and renewed confidence in working from reference material.
TUESDAY, JULY 28
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.
FRIDAY, JULY 31
WHAT: Congress the Band on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Congress The Band is one of the Southeast’s most exciting emerging rock acts bringing a new wave of rock music out of the Carolinas. Based in Charleston, the band has built a fast-growing reputation for turning every stage
– whether a packed club, a college town, or a full festival field into an all out rager.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
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.
WHAT: Play Dayz
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
WHEN: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
MORE INFO: Calling all kiddos ages 10 and under for a fun morning full of exciting, engaging and free activities under The Oaks. Expect face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts, snacks and more. Advance registration is not required –sign up when you arrive!
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.
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.
By Mary Pringle
Every loggerhead nesting season is different. Ongoing genetic research that began in 2010 has shown that the turtles that nested last year are rarely the same ones nesting this year. Typically, loggerheads skip a year before returning. Past records also show that nest numbers along the Atlantic Coast often spike about every four years. It appears 2026 is one of those bumper years for nesting.
South Carolina recorded 3,916 loggerhead nests in 2025. With the 2026 season still underway, however, there have already been 6,797 nests reported. Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, where the most loggerheads nest north of Florida, recorded 462 nests during a recent twoweek period and had documented 3,832 nests on the three islands it monitors by mid-July. Other beaches across the state, including Kiawah, Hilton Head and Edisto islands, had recorded 434, 374 and 419 nests, respectively, by July 14.
But how are the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island being affected by this?
ISLE OF PALMS: There have been 33 nests and 39 false crawls on the Isle of Palms so far in 2026, as of mid-July. That already exceeds last season, which was considered a low year with only 28 nests. Because the island has fewer miles of beach and a highly developed shoreline with artificial lighting, it will never see the nesting numbers found on Kiawah, Hilton Head or Edisto islands. This season, severe erosion has reduced avail-
able nesting habitat. These numbers were recorded before the July 22 start of the 24-hour sand-pumping beach renourishment project at Wild Dunes, which includes lights and noise from heavy machinery. We have seen many mornings when turtles appeared to search unsuccessfully for a dry beach or elevated dune suitable for laying eggs.
This season, turtle mothers also seem to prefer the north and south ends of the island, where 73% of all nests and 85% of false crawls have been documented so far in 2026.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has instructed us to relocate nests laid within the three upcoming project areas to the middle section of the island for safe incubation, and that has been done.
Under the terms of the construction project, the Turtle Team conducts an all-clear sweep of the project area at dawn each day to check for turtle tracks before work begins. Overnight monitoring for sea turtles is also required in the active work area. If a loggerhead comes ashore, all work must stop and lights must be turned off until she returns to the water. Any eggs laid during that time are then rescued and relocated.
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND: Sullivan’s Island has also surpassed last season’s total of 12 nests, with 16 nests recorded as of July 15. This is the highest number of nests ever documented on the island.
We never know how the offshore shoals and sandbars affect the turtles’ efforts to reach the
beach. Last season, most turtles nested near the north end around Station 26. Hurricane Erin later passed offshore but damaged the dunes there, affecting several nests.
This season, loggerheads appear to be nesting farther south near Fort Moultrie and the maritime forest around Station 16. On June 17 and again on July 15, turtles laid eggs in the vehicle path at Station 16 because there was no dry beach—only steep, eroded dunes that could not be climbed and very little beach remaining at high tide.
Other nests were laid against the rock seawall at the fort, where the beach is often underwater. Here, too, we have relocated most of the nests to the middle section of the island, hoping the dunes there remain safe until the eggs hatch.
Parts of the beach from Fort Moultrie to Station 18 could be described as a “boneyard beach,” with dead trees in the intertidal zone. We have recorded a record 30 false crawls on Sullivan’s Island this season. We are often seeing loggerheads crawl through the tangle of dead trees and wax myrtles in search of a dry, elevated nesting site, only to give up and return to the ocean. This type of beach, however, is a normal feature of ever-changing barrier islands.
Hatching season begins in mid- to late July, when tiny hatchlings begin emerging from their nests. We are hopeful the existing nests remain safe from storms and flooding and that, despite these challenges, it will be a successful season for both islands.
