Beach Run Scheduled for July 19
BY AARON SWEET
The 2025 Isle of Palms Beach Run will take place Saturday, July 19, on Front Beach, behind The Windjammer on the Isle of Palms.
Competitors can enter in the following divisions: 5K run/walk or 10K run. The race begins at 8 a.m., and youth fun runs start at 8:30 a.m. The registration fee is $30–$40 for the 5K run/walk or 10K run, and $10 for the youth fun runs. Registration will also be open at 7 a.m. on race day; cash or check only.
Registered race participants will receive a free moisture-wicking T-shirt.
Register at raceroster.com, at the Isle of Palms Recreation Department, 24 28th Ave., or call 843-886-8294 for more information.
IOP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONSIDERS PARTNERSHIP WITH EXPLORE CHARLESTON
BY JOSHUA UYS
Following a highly successful marketing campaign by the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce — projected to generate more than $1.6 million in revenue and $185,000 in tax revenue — the chamber plans to expand its efforts.
The campaign ran from December 2024 through February 2025 and was funded through the city’s accommodations tax (ATAX) program. Miles Marketing Agency designed and executed the campaign in partnership with the IOP Chamber. The total ad spend was just $10,676.55 and focused on promoting the island as a family-friendly vacation destination in key markets like Atlanta, Charlotte and Knoxville on Meta platforms.
A Day of Fun, Sun and Sand
(continued on page 2)
Speaking during an ATAX committee meeting in March, Chamber Vice President Zach Lary and marketing professional Brian Hoffman of Miles Marketing shared how targeted Facebook and Instagram ads directed users to the chamber’s website, which hosts event calendars and categorized maps of the
Residents and visitors took part in the 36th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition on Saturday, June 7. PHOTOS: ISLE OF PALMS RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Overall Best of Show Winners - “Charleston Drip Company.
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Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482 843-886-NEWS
Letter from the Mayor of Sullivan’s Island...
Dear Island Neighbors, Happy summer!
We’ve got a couple of traditional island events coming up that you won’t want to miss—and some other info and possible food for thought.
FIRE AND RESCUE FISH FRY
Come out and meet neighbors while enjoying the best fish dinner deal anywhere, for a worthy cause: supporting the efforts of our great fire and rescue volunteers. They are real force multipliers for our professional firefighters and other public safety providers.
It’s Saturday, June 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. Beverages are available for purchase (cash only), and there’s music by Fowler’s Mustache. Come out to the Big Tin (Fish Fry Shack, corner of Station 15 and Hennessey).
It’s a great meal deal at yesterday’s prices—still only $5. I guess that’s fitting, given the ticket counter’s location on that weird What3Words.com system: “nutrition.lunches.yesterday.”
INDEPENDENCE DAY EVENTS
On Friday, July 4, we’ll have the traditional golf cart parade in the morning, followed by the Party in the Park in the evening, with music by the Shem Creek Boogie Band—and, of course, fireworks!
For info, please go to bit.ly/ July4th-2025.
But remember, as on all days, DIY fireworks by civilians are illegal!
TOWN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
We’ll soon be soliciting applications for seats on all of our boards and commissions. This is a chance to participate in your town government. To learn about these important groups, please visit: bit.ly/BandCApplication
FINAL PRESENTATIONS OF RESILIENCE PLAN
The final draft of our Resilience and Sea Level Rise Adaptation
Plan will be presented to the public and council at the July workshop (Monday, July 7, 6 p.m.) and council meeting (Tuesday, July 15, 6 p.m.).
For more information, visit: bit. ly/SIRSLRAP
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THE EVENTS OF MAY 1
Sometimes you never know when concepts will turn into raw reality in the blink of an eye.
On Wednesday, April 30, I joined a large number of Lowcountry leaders in a regional visioning exercise, “Reality Check 2.0,” sponsored by the BerkeleyCharleston-Dorchester Council of Governments. It addressed the challenges of the next 20 years (270,000+ more people!) and really focused on the need to think of our region as a whole, interconnected system— regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.
Essentially, one community.
The very next day, this concept hit home in an unexpected, powerful way.
As you recall, on Thursday, May 1, someone drove a car into a group of unprotected children and adults outside Sunrise Church, hitting two children and one adult after threatening many more. They were part of an academic program conducted at the church for students from several area communities.
Thankfully—and miraculously—there were no fatalities; however, one teacher suffered severe injuries requiring surgeries and hospitalization. Amazingly, the children’s injuries were not serious.
The incident resulted in a massive, highly organized and ultimately effective multi-agency manhunt and apprehension, under the tremendous leadership of our Chief of Police Glenn Meadows and Deputy Chief Monty Anders. (For a description of all this, go to bit.ly/SIManhunt.)
They had invaluable assistance from Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie; Isle of Palms Chief Kevin Cornett, Deputy Chief Kraig Thompson, and Public
Information Officer Matt Storen; and Mount Pleasant Chief Mark Arnold and Deputy Chief Pat Carter.
Of course, every available member of our Sullivan’s Island Police and Fire Departments was on the scene working diligently and professionally—including some who came in from off duty. All told, 130 law enforcement and public safety personnel from the following agencies responded on the scene in support of the operation:
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Department of Homeland Security—Homeland Security (continued on page 3)
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DEADLINE: June 18 for our June 27 issue
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Op-eds and Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lucky Dog Publishing or its staff.
ISLE OF PALMS WATER & SEWER COMMISSION
The Isle of Palms 2024 Consumer Confidence Report is available on our web site at iopwsc.com or a copy can be picked up at our office located at: 1300 Palm Blvd or request a copy by calling 843-886-6148
Mayor Pat O’Neil.
Investigations
• National Park Service
• Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)
• U.S. Marshals Service
• South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
• South Carolina State Ports Authority
• Isle of Palms Police Department
• Isle of Palms Fire Department
• Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, including helicopter
• Mount Pleasant Police Department
• Mount Pleasant Fire Department
• College of Charleston Department of Public Safety
• Charleston Police Department
• North Charleston Police Department
• Charleston County Emergency Management
• Charleston County Radio Communications
• Charleston County Fire and Rescue Service
• Charleston County EMS
• Charleston County School District Security and Emergency Management
All of us on the island extend our gratitude to the fine folks from these participating agencies for their swift, professional and collaborative response, which ensured the safety of residents and visitors and led to the successful apprehension of the suspect.
This event was widely covered by local and national media, showing a huge audience how the many Lowcountry, state and federal public safety partners worked together so effectively for the common purpose of protecting the public and ensuring justice.
It provided striking evidence to all of us—near and far—of the truth in what John Donne said:
“No man is an island, entire of itself;
Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”
The same applies to towns and cities, even when, geographically, they might be an island. We are indeed one region, one community.
See you around the island!
Pat O’Neil, Mayor 843-670-9266 oneilp@sullivansisland.sc.gov
island to help visitors connect with local businesses.
“The big takeaway from this pilot: it’s replicable, it’s scalable,” Lary said. “More funding allows us to have more reach and ultimately more money for IOP businesses and the city as a whole.”
Following the campaign’s success, the chamber submitted a new request for $55,000 to expand its efforts but was ultimately approved for just $15,000. The chamber rescinded its funding request before it went up for a vote by the IOP Council.
“While we are excited to continue our digital marketing campaign promoting tourism to the island, we felt $15,000 would be insufficient for our vision,” Lary told The Island Eye. “We did not want to waste any ATAX funds generated by the island businesses we represent.”
The chamber’s goals include scaling up the marketing campaign across Google and Meta platforms, improving collaboration with city officials and local businesses, and using real-time data to optimize strategies.
Under South Carolina law, municipalities collect a 2% accommodations tax on overnight stays in hotels, inns and vacation rentals. At least 30% of this revenue must go toward funding a destination marketing organization (DMO). On the Isle of Palms, that portion — over $1 million annually — currently goes to the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), also known as Explore Charleston.
City Council discussions on Tuesday, May 27, included how future chamber efforts might be funded in collaboration with the city’s DMO.
“This is advertising. It should come out of our 30% ATAX money. I support finding a way for you to get with the CVB and carve off a piece of that money in order to hit hard with this branding effort,” said Council Member John Bogosian. “I’m all in favor of supporting the chamber with more money around this initiative; I just think it’s in the wrong bucket.”
Mayor Philip Pounds indicated openness to exploring a shared approach. “I think it would be great to have an alternative, local DMO,” he said. “I think there’s enough to go around for more than one effort. It could get you further beyond the $55,000.”
Step Back in Time This Carolina Day at Fort Moultrie HISTORY, FAMILY FUN, AND A FISH FRY—JUNE 28 HAS IT ALL.
BY FRIENDS OF CHARLESTON NATIONAL PARKS
Calling all history buffs, curious kids, and anyone looking for a fun and educational summer outing —
Carolina Day is back at Fort Moultrie on Saturday, June 28, and this year promises to be one of the most interactive yet.
Carolina Day commemorates the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, fought on June 28, 1776 — a stunning Revolutionary War victory where a scrappy group of Patriots defended the palmetto-log Fort Moultrie against the mighty British navy. Now, 249 years later, Fort Moultrie invites the community to relive this pivotal moment in American history through hands-on activities, reenactments and educational fun for all ages.
This is no ordinary history lesson. Kids can become Junior Rangers, try their hand at colonial-era games, learn to play cricket, make musket cartridges or even dye fabric with indigo like they did in the 18th century. Families can explore a living historian encampment complete with cooking demos, medical kits and crafts, and meet members of the Catawba Nation sharing their cultural traditions.
Throughout the day, visitors can watch — and hear — the roar of musket and cannon fire during historic weapons demonstrations. Don’t miss the 2 p.m. living battle reenactment featuring the legendary Sgt. Jasper rescuing the fallen Moultrie flag under fire.
Inside the Visitor Center Theater, enjoy fascinating talks on the South Carolina State Navy, the British 33rd Regiment, and the unexpected outcome of
the battle itself. History buffs will especially enjoy the 6 p.m. guest speaker session with local author Norm Rickeman, who calls the Battle of Sullivan’s Island “the biggest upset victory in America’s military history.” Rickeman will also be on hand during the day for a special book signing.
Creative minds can visit the Artist-in-Park demonstration or design a regimental flag to take home. And for those who just want to soak in the scene, grab a bite from a food truck and stroll through “History Row,” where rangers and reenactors bring the 1700s to life.
Bonus: Just next door, Sullivan’s Island’s beloved annual Fish Fry will be sizzling starting at 5 p.m., supporting the island’s volunteer firefighters while serving up a side of local tradition.
Carolina Day is a fee-free event, running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island. Whether you come for the cannon fire or the cricket, the artistry or the archaeology, this is one day where the past comes vividly — and joyfully — to life.
You can register for the event at eventbrite.com.
Visitors enjoying past Carolina Day event.
PHOTOS: ROB SHENK
Collaboration to Replant Palm Trees
BY MEL MILES
In celebration of Earth Day during the week of April 22, the Family Vacation Rental Group (FVR) inquired with the Isle of Palms City Council about the government’s plans to replant the 296 palm trees recently removed or scheduled for removal by Dominion Energy. The FVR hopes the council will replace palm trees removed from public property, while the group will raise funds to replace trees removed from private property.
According to Matt Simms, Isle of Palms zoning administrator and ISA-certified arborist, as of March 31, 2025, the city has allocated $242,605 for beautification projects, though none has been designated specifically for this purpose yet. FVR’s hope is that the city funds and replants the maximum number of palm trees removed from public property that is feasible.
The group also plans to explore funding beyond the $5,000 Dominion Energy has pledged for replanting. FVR is in the preliminary stages of establishing a private fund for donations to help restore the island—because, after all, we are the Isle of Palms.
We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our beloved Isle of Palms community. Our primary mission is to be a good neighbor and contribute positively to the vibrant atmosphere that makes this island so special.
We recognize the impact the vacation rental industry has on residential neighborhoods. That’s why we’ve come together as a group of compassionate professionals to build strong relationships with residents and support the Isle of Palms community.
We are committed to working closely with the Isle of Palms City Council, city staff and public safety officials. By collaborating with these key stakeholders, we aim to address any issues promptly and effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors alike.
We also recognize the importance of open communication and are eager to listen to residents’ concerns, ideas and feedback. Your insights are invaluable in shaping our practices and ensuring we align with the needs of our community.
Dependable Insurance Protection from the Experts in Coastal Living
A Jazzy Night
Attendees ahead of the May 27 Jazz Concert at Fort Moultrie event featuring the Charlton Singleton Quintet.
PHOTO: STAFF
Chasing Wind and Waves
BY CLAUDIE BENJAMIN
Watch Michael Brandon drawn into the sky by a large, colorful kite. Ask him about kiteboarding and hydrofoiling, and his response makes you feel this is something you’ve got to try for yourself.
“I love the freedom these sports offer,” he said. “It’s one of the best ways to connect with nature, especially in Charleston, with access to great beaches. You’re fully immersed and completely focused on the task at hand, allowing you to leave everything else behind on land. The learning curve is humbling, but as you become more comfortable, these sports allow you to experience some truly wild conditions with ease, giving you control in what might look like complete chaos.”
Meet Michael at Force Kite and Wake at 1405 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Suite 100. This has been his workplace for the past five years. Even if you’re reasonably athletic, walking into the shop can be intimidating. The space is packed with gear from every imaginable modern wind sport. It’s not only for the thrill-seeking soul who wants to soar into the sky pulled up and along by a kite; there’s something to these sports that can appeal to anyone.
“These sports all carry a relatively steep learning curve, but once you’re proficient, they’re only as extreme as you make them,” said Michael.
The attraction strikes everyone, with or without a background in wind or water sports, whether they be in Maui or San Francisco. Or, yes, Charleston. The sport is non-gender-specific. The area’s youngest kiteboarders are around 10 or 11, and the oldest is 80-plus.
The local wind and water community has grown steadily over the past 20 years, from a couple dozen enthusiasts to several hundred. This is in addition to the huge sailing community, which has also seen significant growth.
What does it take in terms of strength and aptitude to try kiteboarding or the latest trend of hydrofoiling? According to both
Michael and JP, two seasoned kiters who are among a staff of eight at Force, the very beginning might involve watching videos of the basics or spending some time on your own with a small trainer kite to fly on the beach. Then, you’ll have a better idea of what direction to take within the many disciplines these sports offer.
The experts at the store are happy to chat about the different sports and can suggest what may be the best fit and how to get started.
Force encourages anyone interested in exploring the sports to come in and get information from its experienced staff. They always suggest a series of private or semi-private lessons for any wind sport. Kiteboarding is a practice of managing power, and it can be easy to make catastrophic mistakes as an inexperienced newcomer trying to teach themselves, regardless of experience in wind and water.
“There’s no shortage of foiling disciplines, and we have members of the community that take advantage in every aspect. We have a growing group of prone surf foilers in the area who paddle into waves and pop up onto the foil to surf; this is probably the most difficult discipline,” Michael said. “The foil allows them to add energy by pumping the board and accelerating with their input, giving them the opportunity to connect multiple waves in one ride. With an outgoing tide, the inlet at South Folly can seriously become a world-class spot for surf foiling, and there aren’t more than 20 surfers in the area taking advantage of this.”
“Here, with these sports, there are no lift tickets, no annual fees or season passes,” JP said. “Once you have the experience and equipment, all you need is the right conditions,” he said.
He’s been in the field for about 20 years, and his two sons—both college graduates—and a third, still in high school, are near experts.
Michael Brandon.
PHOTO: CLAUDIE BENJAMIN
Eric Swanson kitefoiling.
PHOTO: JAMES LIAO
A BIG Thank You
Dear Friends of the LENS Foundation,
We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who joined us for our annual Horses and Heroes event last month. It was truly a special evening filled with exciting auction moments, delicious food, lively dancing and a wonderful sense of community. Your presence directly supported the vital work of the LENS Foundation and the Charleston Police Department’s Mounted Horse Patrol, and your enthusiasm provided a real lift for all of us. Thank you to Donna Moeckel, owner of Anson Restaurant, for hosting this amazing event, and to our VIP sponsors Black Diamond Caviar and Don Luchi.
We are thrilled to announce that the event successfully raised more than $120,000! In addition to the remarkable results, we also received generous commitments from community members to purchase two more horses for the mounted patrol. A special thank you to Donna Moeckel, Jack Schaeffer, Lou Hammond and Cynthia Chace for their remarkable generosity.
As we move forward this year, we still have significant work ahead to fully support the CPD Mounted Horse Patrol. Beyond the needs of the horses themselves, we are currently undertaking the exciting project of refurbishing a beautiful historic barn near Hampton Park to provide a wonderful new home for the team. Alongside the costs of this renovation, the ongoing feed and care for the horses remain essential.
We humbly ask for your continued support of the LENS Foundation so that we can successfully meet all of our goals for the Charleston Police Department’s Mounted Horse Patrol team.
With heartfelt thanks, The LENS Foundation
The evening’s emcee, Tom Crawford. PHOTOS: LENS FOUNDATION
Horse Ice Sculpture at The Horses & Heroes Gala.
Local officer with one of the Charleston Police Department’s horses.
Horse Ice Sculpture at The Horses & Heroes Gala.
Islander 71 Now Open 7 Days a Week with All-New Menus
Summer is here, and Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar is now open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy waterfront views and Southern coastal cuisine daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the dining room, with the bar open later Thursday through Saturday for evening cocktails.
To celebrate the season, Islander 71 has also launched brandnew lunch and dinner menus, featuring fresh takes on local favorites, small plates, and new seafood entrées.
Visit www.islander71.com for menus, reservations, or event inquiries.
‘Prehistoric Sea Monster’ Found Washed Up on IOP
BY MARY PRINGLE
On Tuesday morning, June 3, Turtle Team member Kim Poremski was doing her weekly patrol. She didn’t find loggerhead tracks but instead came upon something frightening washed up on the beach at 21st Avenue.
It resembled a prehistoric sea monster — about five feet long, with five rows of large, bony scutes instead of the scales typically seen on fish. It also had a shark-like tail.
What Kim found was an Atlantic sturgeon. These fish have been known to wash up on the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island in the spring and fall. According to the NOAA Fisheries website, Atlantic sturgeon inhabit rivers and coastal waters from Canada to Florida. They hatch in freshwater, head out to sea, and return to their birthplace to spawn.
They have soft, strange-looking, toothless mouths and projections called barbels that help them sense food such as worms, mollusks, and crustaceans. These are sucked up from the bottom of the ocean and rivers and ground up in their stomachs. Like sea turtles, sturgeon are slow-growing and late-maturing. They can reach up to 14 feet in length, weigh as much as 800 pounds, and live up to 60 years.
Sturgeon and their eggs have been eaten for centuries and are
known for producing prized black caviar. They are even credited with helping save the Jamestown colonists from starvation in 1607. Due to overfishing, Atlantic sturgeon have become extremely endangered. They are now protected by the federal Endangered Species Act as well as South Carolina law.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) partners with NOAA — the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — to study and protect this ancient species, which has existed since the time of the dinosaurs. Their main threats include incidental catch (bycatch), gill nets, poor water quality, dredging, and vessel strikes. It is illegal to harm or keep them.
When Kim sent a photo, it was quickly identified as a sturgeon. SCDNR on James Island was contacted, as the agency collects any sturgeon found in the area. DNR biologist Jake Sherry responded and arrived at 21st Avenue, where he answered questions from curious onlookers and collected samples so the fish’s age, condition, and other data could be studied.
The sturgeon had been killed by a boat propeller, with visible injuries to the head and tail.
If you see a sturgeon, call 843953-9821 or email postb@dnr. sc.gov.
A sturgeon recently washed ashore on the Isle of Palms.
PHOTO: DNR
Williams Memorial Lecture Tells of Buildings’ Histories
BY MIKE WALSH
How old is that building? Who built it? Who used it, and for what purpose? What stories does that building hold?
Those were the types of questions explored during the second annual Roy Williams Memorial Lecture, given by noted local architectural historian Brittany Lavelle Tulla.
On Tuesday, May 20, Tulla, who holds a master’s degree in historic preservation from Clemson, captivated her audience at Sunrise Presbyterian Church with a presentation titled “Every Building Has a Story: The Powerful Role Historic Research Plays in Historic Preservation.”
Battery Gadsden Cultural Center sponsored the Second Annual Roy Williams Memorial Lecture in Historic Preservation as a tribute to the man widely considered the Sullivan’s Island historian, the late Roy Williams, who died in March 2023. His book, Sullivan’s Island, part of the Images of America series published by Arcadia Press, faithfully detailed in pictures and words many of the island’s unique homes and other buildings. As the speaker noted, Roy’s book is still used today as a reference for many of the island’s historic homes that have since disappeared.
Tulla showed several Sullivan’s Island projects she has worked on and then delved into the many tools she and her company use to uncover the hidden stories of historic buildings. Using four examples of recent projects her company has worked on, she illustrated how documents, maps, newspapers and photographs aid in this fascinating detective work.
The Starlight Motor Inn on Rivers Avenue was a derelict midcentury motel known as the Host of America that was scheduled to be bulldozed. But using all the tools at their disposal, Tulla and her associates
discovered that it actually represented a one-of-a-kind construction technique in which prefabricated guest rooms were inserted into a metal framework. That made it eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places thanks to its unique method of construction. The story of its transformation back into a lovely, fully functional motor inn was amazing.
A similar story was told about the unlikely building that stands at 1056 King St., bearing the name “Big Bertha.” Originally built as a 1940s movie theater, it went on to become a naval
training facility, a grocery store, a storage facility and a skating rink. Saved from the wrecker’s ball, it stands today as a contemporary art center thanks to the efforts of Tulla’s company, BVL Historic Preservation Research.
In downtown Charleston, the owner of a classic Charleston single house was curious enough to have BVL explore its 18thcentury roots, leading to the discovery of hidden wallpaper and the bright colors that originally graced the structure, as well as the story of the enslaved servants who once worked there.
The evening ended with the story of Hebron Zion Presbyterian Church on John’s Island, where uncovered history helped restore not only the building but also the congregation.
Tulla concluded the talk by honoring the generation of historic researchers who came before her, including Roy Williams. As she said, “Their work in the mid- to late twentieth century truly set the foundation for the current generation of historic preservation professionals in advocating for the character and historic integrity of our Lowcountry communities.”
The lecture can be viewed through the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center Facebook page
Brittany Lavelle Tulla speaking at the Second Annual Roy Williams Memorial Lecture in Historic Preservation.
PHOTO: ROB BYKO
AROUND THE ISLANDS
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.
ONGOING
WHAT: Charleston City Market Night Market
WHERE: Charleston City Market
WHEN: Fri and Sat, 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., Mar – Dec
MORE INFO: The Night Market is located between Church Street and East Bay Street. It provides the opportunity to discover quality, unique, local and handcrafted items.
WHAT: Mount Pleasant Makers Mart
WHERE: Park West Recreation Complex, 1251 Park W Blvd, Mt Pleasant
WHEN: Every Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., May - Oct
MORE INFO: This new weekly market will feature a diverse selection of vendors offering a wide range of goods, including fresh, locally sourced farm products, prepared foods, and a variety of unique handcrafted items.
WHAT: 5th Annual Lowcountry Juneteenth Week
WHERE: Various
WHEN: June 16–23
MORE INFO: The 5th Annual Lowcountry Juneteenth Week Festival runs from June 16–23, 2025. The multi-day festival honors the spirit of Juneteenth with a lineup of music, history, culture, family fun, and community empowerment across the Lowcountry. Visit j19week.com for more info.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
WHAT: 8th Annual Lowcountry Open
WHERE: Various
WHEN: All day
MORE INFO: Held during Men’s Health Month and on Father’s Day weekend, the event offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the men in our lives while supporting a cause that directly impacts them. The fishing tournament will feature both Inshore and Kingfish Divisions, expanding access and competition for even more local anglers. To learn more, visit helowcountryopen.com.
WHAT: Charleston Carifest Caribbean Carnival
WHERE: Jenkins Youth and Family Village, 3923 Azalea Dr, North Charleston
WHEN: 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Charleston Carifest celebrates Caribbean Culture and Heritage. This year’s featured countries are Antigua and Barbuda. Attendees can enjoy live music, dancing, spaekers, and much more.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
WHAT: Lowcountry Pizza Fest
WHERE: The Refinery, 1640 Meeting Street Rd., Charleston WHEN: 12 p.m.
Tide Chart
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10:33am/11:03pm 11:17am/11:45pm 12:06pm 12:32am/1:00pm 1:23am/1:59pm 2:19am/2:59pm 3:19am/4:00pm 4:20am/5:01pm 5:22am/6:01pm 6:23am/7:00pm 7:23am/7:57pm 8:21am/8:52pm 9:17am/9:45pm 10:12am/10:35pm 4:41am/4:25pm 5:23am/5:12pm 6:07am/6:05pm 6:54am/7:03pm 7:44am/8:07pm 8:37am/9:15pm 9:33am/10:22pm 10:30am/11:27pm 11:27am 12:28am/12:24pm 1:25am/1:20pm 2:19am/2:14pm 3:12am/3:08pm 4:02am/4:00pm
Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in tide time predictions and can be very different. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be wrong so use common sense.
Source: saltwatertides.com
MORE INFO: This Father’s Day, “The Largest Pizza Party in the City,” will be held at The Refinery in downtown Charleston. Hosted by Christine England of “Lowcountry Eat Out” and Mike Piterra, US Pizza Team and Owner of Pizza Modo Mio. The family-friendly event will bring together local and regional pizza vendors, interactive pizza-themed games, live performances, and charitable giving—all centered around one of America’s most beloved food: pizza.
MONDAY, JUNE 16
WHAT: Summer Litter Sweep
WHERE: Isle of Palms WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew hosts a litter sweep in partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium’s conservation team. Each litter sweep includes a welcome session geared toward students, groups, businesses, families, and other newcomers.
TUESDAY, JUNE 17
WHAT: Family Storytime
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave, Sullivan's Island WHEN: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Drop in for a morning of creative learning with Miss Mary Lena. Be prepared to get messy. Suitable for ages 2-5 with their caregivers.
WHAT: Memoir Writing Circle
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave, Sullivan's Island WHEN: 1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Write from a prompt for 20 minutes and share for fun and feedback. Memoir Story Share, June 24. Call 843-883-3914 for details.
WHAT: MAX McNown on the NÜTRL Beach Stage
WHERE: The Windjammer WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Max McNown is a singer-songwriter from Bend, Oregon. He creates the kind of songs that perfectly soundtrack our most intimate moments: times of intense heartache and tremendous loss, immense upheaval and life-changing revelation.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18
WHAT: Collie Buddz on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Colin Patrick Harper, from Bermuda is known in the music industry as the reggae artist Collie Buddz. One of his first major gigs was working with recording star Shaggy on the single “Mad Mad World” from Shaggy’s new album at the time. That was, 2007, the same year Collie released his self-titled debut album with Sony Music with tracks such as ‘Come Around’ and ‘Blind To You.’
THURSDAY, JUNE 19
WHAT: Farmer’s Market & Food Truck Jam WHERE: Isle of Palms Recreation Center WHEN: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: The event will feature local farmers, artisans, crafters, specialty vendors, food trucks, live music, family-friendly activities, and more.
WHAT: Ladies-Only Sip & Swing Par-tee
WHERE: The Bays on Coleman, 736 Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant WHEN: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Bays on Coleman, an indoor golf club, will host a ladies-only Sip & Swing Par-te. Open to those who are new to the game or seasoned pros, this event gives local women the chance to explore The Bays’ Trackman golf simulators and receive tips from their in-house pro. Tickets are $40 for nonmembers and available for purchase here. Discounted pricing for The Bays members.
FRIDAY, JUNE 20
WHAT: Party at The Point
WHERE: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, 20 Patriots Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: 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 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. Kids 12 and under get in for free.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
WHAT: Beach Lovers Book Club
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave, Sullivan's Island WHEN: 10 a.m.
MORE INFO: Come for a lively discussion of “Playground” by Richard Powers
ONE LUCKY DOG
IKE
Interpreted by: Katherine Berry
OWNER NAME: Rick and Claire Eads
AKA: Ivan the Terrible AGE: 7 years
BREED: Golden Retriever
FAVORITE TOY: 3 rings (tug-o-war)
FOOD: Royal Canine Golden Retriever Blend
VET: MarshTides
What’s up, good people? I’m Ike. Not exactly the social butterfly—more like a golden recliner with fur—but I do love everyone. I’m a chill dude, a cuddle-on-my-terms kind of guy, and I’m here to tell you why I’m not just lucky—I’m doubly lucky.
My first stroke of luck was when I landed on this island with the perfect family that gets me. Second? My brother, Cash, moved in—six years after we were separated. That’s right. A full-blown sibling reunion. At first, I wasn’t sure if this golden tornado was staying or just visiting, but then he stuck around … and honestly? I kind of dig it.
Let me explain: I’m what you’d call selectively affectionate. I like belly rubs and cuddles, but only after I give the signal. That signal might be me side-eyeing you from across the room before dramatically flopping next to you like I’m doing you a favor. I’m not the most coordinated retriever in the pack, but I’m handsome and charming—and that’s what counts in my world.
Then along came Cash. Goofball, speed demon, ball chaser and full-throttle retriever energy—basically the opposite of me. He’s like a golden blur, and I’m … well, I’m more of a golden vibe.
He follows Mom around like she’s dipped in bacon grease. I like Mom too, but I also enjoy having my own thoughts in a quiet corner and follow her around for important things, like
dinner and soft blankets. And when Cash is getting too much attention? I bite his legs. Not in a mean way—just a “Hey bro, stop doing laps” kind of way. I don’t want the ball—I tried it once, it hit me in the face, and that was that.
What do I love? The throwdown mat. It’s our battleground and bonding spot. We wrestle like pros—he flips me, I flip him, we growl dramatically—and then it’s nap time. It’s a gentleman’s game.
So now, most days you’ll find us on the porch, side by side, watching the world pass by. He’s the chaos to my calm, the thunder to my lazy cloud, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So yeah, I’m Ike. Stubborn? Maybe. Independent? Definitely. But deep down, I’ve got a heart as soft as my ears. I’m a lucky dog because I’ve got love, peace, snacks … and now, I’ve got my brother back.
And that makes this golden life pure gold.
