SULLIVAN'S ISLAND ISLE OF PALMS GOAT ISLAND DEWEES ISLAND LOCAL NEWS
Dominion Energy to Remove Over 290 Palmettos on Isle of Palms
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Isle of Palms WFW Post Hosts Coast Guard for a Day of Fun and Camaraderie
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How the Friends of Charleston National Parks Shape Our Heritage
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Candidates Debate Short-Term Rentals, Beach Erosion in Isle of Palms Special Election Forum
By Joshua Uys For Island Eye News
In a forum hosted at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club, three city council candidates Josh Hooser, Susan Hill Smith, and Rusty Streetman addressed key issues facing the community ahead of a special election following the resignation of former City Councilwoman Elizabeth Campsen The event, hosted by Island Eye News, was moderated by the paper ’ s publisher, Lynn Pierotti
Josh Hooser is running on a “Putting Isle of Palms First” platform
“We need to explore ways to raise funds first from those who profit off of the island but are not residents,” he said, expressing strong support for residents’ rights to protect their property with sea walls, better manage short-term rentals, and control growth.
“We’ve got to have comprehensive short-term rental reform,” he said “There are a lot of people who are making money off the dirt on this island I want my kids to grow up with other kids next door.”
campaign on environmental issues She leads the Isle of Palms cleanup crew, which has partnered with the South Carolina Aquarium to collect more than 215,000 litter items since 2018 During her time on the council, she helped create the
is not entirely against revisiting the issue later
Susan Hill Smith, who served on the council from 2018 to 2021, focused her
Environmental Advisory Committee, which educates the community and advises the council on environmental and sustainability issues.
Despite voting against a short-term rental cap during her time on council, Smith
“Apart from the nuisance of a shortterm rental, it’s not just the noise; it’s the potential loss of neighbors and community as short-term rentals creep down the street where they didn’t exist before ”
She felt that last year ’ s referendum was too strict, preferring a higher cap that would exempt condos and hopefully never be reached
Rusty Streetman, a longtime Isle of Palms resident and former city council member from 2020 to 2023, positioned himself as a pragmatic candidate focused on balancing residents’ quality of life with the economic interests of investors, businesses, and the tourism industry Streetman took a hard stance against a short-term rental reform, saying, “Attempts to instill any type of cap, when not needed, would violate individual property rights and adversely affect property values.”
He attributed the decline in real estate values on Folly (continued on page 6)
On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Isle of Palms Recreation Department held the Halloween Golf Cart Parade & Carnival. The winning golf carts were as follows (names were not available at the time of publishing): 1st Place – Hocus Pocus, 2nd Place – GI Joe, 3rd Place – Harry Potter
(L-R) Hooser, Smith, Streetman Credit: Joshua Uys
Credit: Isle of Palms Recreation Department
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Christian Senger
Joshua Uys
David Quick
Pamela Marsh
Rom Reddy
Katherine Berry
Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC
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Resident Concerns Continue Regarding Deterioration of Beach Property by Staff
The Island Eye News
At the recent Isle of Palms candidate forum held by The Island Eye News, beach erosion was one of the top issues being debated After hearing from the candidates, The Island Eye wanted to get a sense of how beachfront property owners felt about the issue, and staff was able to talk to several oceanfront owners.
Of the eight interviewed homeowners, only a few wanted to go on record, many expressing they didn’t want to seem critical of the people they needed help from
A recurring sentiment at the forum was residents’ fear of losing their homes
Barbara Bernstein commented, “I am afraid! Very afraid! Waves are so forceful that today’s 11 a m tide took away all the protection the city had put with sandbags and (scraped) sand ”
The Vanderham family, who own on the south beach, said, “We have had two fences fall into the ocean ”
The Vanderhams added that they appreciated the city’s efforts, but they felt the plan was not working, and their pool and home are vulnerable to the smallest storm
Residents expressed sadness not just for their property but for the beaches that could be disappearing. Dan Slotchiver, whose family has been on Beachwood East for over 40 years, expressed his concern for property and beach destruction and pointed out the “domino effect” this would have on island businesses as rentals lose their charm. A loss of value could result in lower revenue, lower taxes and ultimately lower property values – plus soaring insurance rates for all
While Slotchiver applauded the efforts of Town, he felt beach management practices are more reactive than proactive
“If we are not proactive, we will keep putting bandages on the problem We must evaluate the cost of these bandages and delays. Waiting too long for the proper solution can cause horrific losses that could have been avoided,” he said
The Beachfront Management Act prohibits erosion control devices seaward of the state setback lines, but the Act also requires replenishment, renourishment and maintenance of a dry sand beach at all tides Several residents commented that little new sand has been placed on the southern beaches in the last 25 years. The 2018 Wild Dunes beach
renourishment project permit required 600,000 cubic yards of sand be placed on the public beaches between the Connector and Breach; none of that came to fruition, perhaps exacerbating the current conditions
Currently, there are no documented proactive long-term beach renourishment plans The city is working with the Army Corps of Engineers on spreading sediment harvested over the years from the Intracoastal Waterway
This sediment is now being pumped onto Sullivan’s Island side of Breach Inlet. Project manager Jacob Kyzar estimates that just 35% of the 200,000 cubic yards have been deposited so far
Kyzar said, “Based on dredge production and material stockpiling in the borrow sites to date, we expect the placement on the Isle of Palms will not start until this winter ”
Once the project moves to the Isle of Palms, the plan is to dump 500,000 cubic yards of the sediment at low tide, where the tides and waves can clean the sediment. The Army Corps states the project does not seek to build a dry sand beach like a traditional beach renourishment This is for two reasons: To reduce project cost and to allow tidal cycles to “wash away ” the sediment of undesirable materials (silts, clay, vegetation, etc )
The city is relying on the remaining clean sand naturally migrating up and along the beach over time. In the interim, the city, working on an independent project with its consultant, Coastal Science & Engineering Inc , budgets funds to utilize a portion of this cleaned material to rebuild a dune structure from 2nd Avenue to 10th Avenue on Ocean. There are currently no plans to move sand from this project to the Beachwood area
The Vanderhams and others asked for a Plan B, adding, “We would like to have a second and third opinion on if we are doing everything we can to save our homes.”
With the continuing rising sea, most seemed to think some kind of hardscape was needed to protect against the waves, which have become more aggressive Some residents suggested rocks, others covered walls and others a hardened base to place sandbags on But it was clear to all that over a year of sand scraping and sandbags have only resulted in more dune and property loss and damage, as well as significantly more beach erosion
Dominion Energy to Remove Over 290 Palmettos on Isle of Palms
by Joshua Uys The Island Eye News
Dominion Energy has announced plans to remove 292 palmetto trees from the Isle of Palms as part of its ongoing effort to safeguard power lines The utility company presented the details to the Isle of Palms City Council on Oct 22, with work scheduled to begin on Nov. 11. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of power outages, particularly during hurricane season, which Dominion reports are often caused by overgrown trees interfering with power lines
The removal is part of phase two of a larger tree-clearing project. Dominion previously completed similar work on Sullivan’s Island and is now turning its attention to the Isle of Palms.
Elizabeth Jablonski, a local affairs manager from Dominion, informed the council that the company will notify affected residents on Oct 24 via mail and email if a tree marked for removal is located on or near their property. The trees designated for removal are marked with red spray paint at the base of their trunks.
Trees will be removed by an OSHA-qualified contractor for Dominion, focusing on Category 1 (CAT 1) trees defined as those located within five feet of primary power lines and posing an immediate risk. According to Dominion, these trees will be cut flush to the ground, with all debris removed. The project is expected to take several months to complete
In addition to the 292 CAT 1 trees, Dominion has identified 161 CAT 2 and 84 CAT 3 trees that are not at immediate risk but may require future removal as they grow closer to power lines. CAT 2 trees are within the designated safeguard zone 10 feet on either side of the power lines, 20 feet above but are located more than five feet from the primary wires CAT 3 trees are also within the
safeguard zone but are below the neutral line and not considered a concern at this time As these trees transition into CAT 1, they will be removed in the future, bringing the total to over 500
Dominion reported that about seven trees on 14th Street, where power lines are being relocated underground, may be spared depending on the project timeline
During the council meeting, Councilwoman Jan Anderson raised concerns about removing so many trees on the island She urged Dominion to consider a tree replacement program
“This is not very nice to our community,” Anderson remarked, advocating for some form of replanting initiative
However, Dominion currently has no plans to replace the trees being removed.
Residents can find more information and contact Dominion with any questions at DominionEnergySC com/TreeTrimming or by calling 800-251-7234
Engineering Firm Proposes $30 Million Stormwater Overhaul for Sullivan’s
by Joshua Uys
The Island Eye News
The Town of Sullivan’s Island is taking significant steps to address its aging stormwater infrastructure through a new islandwide stormwater master plan developed by engineering firm SeamonWhiteside (SW+). The plan aims to ensure long-term resilience and efficient drainage in anticipation of increasingly intense weather events
The existing drainage system was originally installed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) decades ago, before Sullivan’s Island was incorporated as a town. As a result, much of the infrastructure is clogged, collapsing, or simply not designed to handle the volume of rainfall and high tides the island has experienced in recent years SW+ has been tasked with developing a comprehensive improvement strategy to address these issues
Outside of the ongoing South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP) projects, the firm recommended 18 additional initiatives across three critical zones: Osceola Avenue, Station 22½, and Station 26½ These areas are not currently covered by existing projects or grant funding
One of the most substantial efforts will occur on Osceola Avenue, estimated to cost $9 5 million Engineers propose elevating the road between 12 and 18 inches in some of its lowest-lying areas to mitigate flooding Alongside this, an improved drainage system will be installed, using pumps to overcome the limitations of gravity-based systems in low-lying zones.
At Station 22, SW+ recommended entirely replacing the drainage infrastructure at an estimated cost of $3 7 million This will include larger pipes and new inlets stretching from the causeway to Atlantic Avenue and down adjacent Middle Street and Ion Avenue. The project will also involve dredging the marsh near the causeway outfall site and installing a tidal check valve to prevent seawater backflow during high tides
At Station 26, the plan suggests upsizing pipes and laterals to better manage stormwater runoff and prevent flooding, costing around $6.4 million.
Meanwhile, ongoing projects under SCIIP target other areas, including Stations 16, 25, 28, and 31 Bids for these projects are expected to be advertised in December 2024, with construction set to begin in March 2025 and conclude in May 2026, 15 months later.
Ryne Phillips, project manager with SW+, emphasized that the work will remain within roadways and public rights-of-way, avoiding impacts on private property However, he noted that temporary disruptions, such as inaccessible driveways and tree removal, will be necessary. Plans include replacements for
Island
removed trees, and residents can expect a landscaping allowance in the construction bids.
Phillips addressed the suggestion of coordinating with Dominion Energy to install underground power lines alongside the drainage construction He advised against delaying the current project, stating, “At this point, I think we need to get the project to bid, get a contractor, and check more boxes with the federal funding agencies so we don’t jeopardize $9 million.” He added, “Once we get a contractor and we get to bid, we can work through some ideas during construction ”
Mayor Patrick O’Neil acknowledged the upcoming disruptions “2025 and a good bit of 2026 is going to be a messy year, ” he said. “We just need to put a sign on the causeway that says ‘Entering construction zone ’ : it’s going to be muddy, messy, disruptive, and loud ”
With an estimated $20 million for potential improvements to Osceola Avenue, Station 22½, and Station 26½, alongside an additional $10 million in SCIIP funding for ongoing drainage projects, this initiative is a critical step in the island’s long-term strategy to safeguard homes, businesses, and natural resources from flooding
Credit Rob Byko provided
Op-Ed: Vote ‘No’ on the 526 Extension Sales Tax
By David Quick For Island Eye News
Ever since the Interstate 526 beltway connected Mount Pleasant and North Charleston in the early 1990s, suburban sprawl, more traffic and accidents, crowded schools, pollution, jam-packed beaches, and parking issues have been out of control
The 526-enabled overdevelopment was so rampant that Mount Pleasant had to cap building permits and "get into the road-building business." Since 526, the East Cooper area ’ s population has quintupled at a time when we should not be encouraging people to move to a coast increasingly vulnerable to powerful hurricanes like Helene and Milton
Interstate beltways aren’t the solution to traffic and safety headaches. Just try driving through Atlanta, Charlotte, or 526 itself a daily hub of jams and jolts that have led to the proliferation of accident attorneys in the Lowcountry
Because of the sprawl catalyzed by 526, local governments now have to build roads through areas previously set aside as green space, such as the former Hamlin property on Rifle Range Road and the proposed Laurel Hill Plantation. Mount Pleasant had to build a "flyover" at Bowman Road and roundabouts, both of which are actual solutions for improving traffic flow
Why bring this up now? Many people I’ve spoken to over the past few months don’t know about Charleston County Council’s referendum asking for a third sales tax approval in 20 years and an advance on those monies The council expects to raise $4 9 billion to $5 4 billion with the tax
They’re dangling carrots like improvements to local roads, mass transit, green space, and bike-pedestrian infrastructure. But
Beach to their recent cap on short-term rentals, warning of similar effects on the Isle of Palms
“Short-term rentals are part of the economic lifeblood of this community,” he said “Restrict them, and you risk higher property taxes.”
Instead, Streetman advocated stricter enforcement of existing nuisance ordinances to address livability issues Beach erosion emerged as a significant concern for all three candidates, who each presented distinct strategies for addressing this critical issue affecting the island’s future.
Smith opposed the use of sea walls and hardened structures, cautioning that these solutions often lead to unintended erosion elsewhere, disrupting the island’s coastal ecosystem She advocated for long-term strategies, focusing on rising sea levels and the need for proactive beach renourishment projects. She cited projections estimating a one-foot rise in sea levels by 2050, which could exacerbate erosion To combat this, Smith emphasized the importance of securing state and federal funding for renourishment initiatives She also proposed creating a fulltime city position dedicated to obtaining natural resources and resilience grants, suggesting that the role would pay for itself by securing funds to protect the shoreline
Smith further highlighted the success of Wild Dunes, a private resort on the island, which has established a beach renourishment fund through a transaction fee on real estate. This model has allowed Wild Dunes to accumulate millions of dollars for future beach projects She proposed that Isle of Palms explore a similar funding mechanism, though she acknowledged that the town would need state approval, as Wild Dunes, a private entity, has more flexibility in implementing such measures.
In contrast, Hooser strongly advocated for homeowners’ rights to build sea walls and take direct action to protect their
they have prioritized only one mega-project: a nine-plus-mile extension of 526 from West Ashley to James Island, through existing neighborhoods, over the nearly pristine Stono River (twice), and through 46 acres of James Island County Park, with three access points on Johns Island It’s a ludicrous plan one the feds don’t dare touch
Six of the nine members of Charleston County Council actually think they can pull this off, even though they have completed only one of 17 projects detailed in the 2016 sales tax referendum They estimate the project will cost $2 3 billion, but they rarely admit that with financing, it will likely reach $3 billion And that’s the current estimate. Mega-projects always cost more than projected.
This mega-project not only has the potential to hoover up all the sales tax revenue, but it could end up costing even more Where will that money come from? The potential damage goes beyond the taxpayer.
Not only would the 526 extension turn the rest of Johns Island into a sprawling development like north Mount Pleasant, but it would disturb existing residents, pollute the Stono River, threaten Charleston’s farms, the Gullah Geechee community, historic sites, and scenic highways, and ruin James Island County Park.
I urge readers of the Island Eye News to vote " no " on the county’s referendum questions for a tax that will do only harm, no good, and nothing for your communities
Quick serves as chairman of the Mount Pleasant GREEN Commission (speaking for himself), is a founding member of the Charleston Climate Coalition, volunteers for various community conservation endeavors, worked as a writer for The Post and Courier for 30 years, and regularly attends local government meetings properties.
He described the situation as urgent, claiming that some island homes are “literally falling into the water ” Hooser underscored the importance of the beaches not just for local tourism but also for the overall quality of life on the island He pushed for local funding solutions rather than relying on federal grants, which he argued come with time-consuming studies and bureaucratic hurdles
Hooser supported a public-private partnership similar to Wild Dunes’, where beachfront homeowners could contribute to a local fund to maintain and protect the shoreline. He warned that failing to act could increase home insurance premiums and damage the island’s reputation, particularly affecting short-term rentals and tourism
Streetman acknowledged the seriousness of beach erosion but maintained that any solutions must comply with state laws and coastal management guidelines, particularly the 1988 Beachfront Management Act He cautioned against illegal sea walls or other structures that could harm the natural shoreline
Streetman supported beach renourishment but emphasized the importance of adhering to existing regulations and securing state and federal funds where appropriate. He proposed allowing homeowners to bury sea walls landward of the critical line and cover them with vegetation, as long as they didn’t negatively impact neighboring properties
“I’m fine with someone protecting their foundation,” he said, “but I’m not in favor of putting up a wall that affects your neighbor’s property, causing erosion up and down ”
Forum
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Mex 1 Honoring Veterans with Free Meals and Fundraiser
By Christian Senger For Island Eye News
In honor of Veterans Day, Mex 1 Coastal Cantina invites all Veterans to enjoy a free meal on Monday, Nov 11, as a token of appreciation for their service. The restaurant says they are proud to support and give back to those who have served our country by providing a meal in gratitude
This year, Mex 1 is also collaborating with the Warrior Surf Foundation to raise funds for its annual wellness retreat, which offers transformative healing experiences for Veterans. The community is encouraged to join this effort by donating directly to the Warrior Surf Foundation at warriorsurf rallyup com/wellness-retreats
Warrior Surf’s week-long retreats provide a continuation of their 12-week program, offering Veterans a path toward mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Each retreat day begins with morning meditation, followed by surf sessions that help participants connect with the ocean Veterans share meals, build camaraderie, and participate in group processing sessions to share their experiences in a safe, supportive space The day wraps up with afternoon yoga sessions.
"Our Veterans mean so much to us, and offering a free meal is just one small way to say thank you for their service," said Morgan Hurley of Mex 1 Coastal Cantina "We are also proud to partner with the Warrior Surf Foundation to fund life-changing wellness retreats that provide Veterans with the support they need."
Veterans can visit any Mex 1 location on Nov 11 to enjoy their complimentary meal, and all members of the community are invited to contribute to the wellness retreat fundraiser
Isle of Palms WFW Post Hosts Coast Guard for a Day of Fun and Camaraderie
By Pamela Marsh
For Island Eye News
On Oct 18, the Isle of Palms Post hosted the U S Coast Guard Base in Charleston for a cornhole tournament The coordinators were George Page, former VFW Auxiliary president, and Bob Patterson, current patriotic instructor for the auxiliary. Patterson served in the Coast Guard from 1976 to 1982
Capt Eric Jones, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Base in Charleston; Matt Kempe, executive officer; Matt Valenti, command master chief; and 68 Coast Guard members attended the day of well-deserved rest and relaxation. Alexandria Brooks, gunner ' s mate 1st class and morale president, was the coordinator for this Coast Guard activity The Charleston Base and other local units were invited
Capt Jones stated the U S Coast Guard Base currently has a workforce of 260 members. The base supports 11 local tenant units, including seven major commands. The primary mission of the Charleston Base is to provide depot-level mission support functions to local operational partners Additionally, the base supports customers regionally in northern Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Charleston will eventually be the home to up to 10 major cutters and the future center of operational gravity on the East Coast The Coast Guard broke ground in January on the former naval complex on the Cooper River, where several key projects are currently under construction.
The "Coasties" enjoyed a sunny fall day for the cornhole tournament The Windjammer, managed by Jack Alspaugh and located at 1008 Ocean Blvd on the Isle of Palms, provided the beautiful sandy beach The city of Isle of Palms provided free parking.
A new cornhole set featuring the U.S. Coast Guard emblem was presented to the winners of the tournament Bragging rights among the participants were part of the friendly competition Following the awards ceremony, members of the VFW Auxiliary provided a luncheon of hot dogs and hamburgers.
The Coast Guard coordinator, Petty Officer Alexandria Brooks, expressed gratitude to the VFW and the Isle of Palms community for their support of the Coast Guard She presented a plaque of appreciation to the VFW "Post on the Coast," stating, "The Coast Guard and our families are so blessed to be part of this great 'official' Coast Guard community."
For more information on the VFW and Auxiliary at Post 3137, visit vfw3137 org
Credit Pamela Marsh
Tides of Change: How George Greene III and Waterway Mission Tackle the Global Water Crisis
By Laura Strecker For Island Eye News
On a November evening at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club, local residents will have the rare opportunity to hear from one of the most impactful voices in the global environmental and humanitarian space George Greene III, PE, Ph D , co-founder of Water Mission. If ever there was a time to think about the world’s most essential resource water it’s now. Greene, a chemical engineer turned humanitarian, brings an unparalleled wealth of knowledge on the topic, having spent more than two decades leading Water Mission, a nonprofit that has changed millions of lives by providing sustainable, safe water solutions worldwide.
Greene’s accomplishments are the stuff of legend. Not only did he and his wife, Molly, establish Water Mission in 2001, but under his leadership, the organization has reached more than 8 million people in over 60 countries many in places you ’ ve only read about in the wake of crises: refugee camps, disaster zones, and remote villages. With a mission rooted in engineering expertise and a deep commitment to social justice, Water Mission has become a beacon of hope for communities struggling with unsafe water a problem that claims millions of lives each year
This event isn’t just for those well-versed in global affairs or water sanitation projects, it’s also for anyone who has ever turned on a tap and marveled at how easy it is to take that simple act for granted And it’s an event that speaks to the values of Isle of Palms itself where water isn’t just a resource, but a way of life
In a world where we are often disconnected from larger issues, Greene is bringing the global water crisis to our shores figuratively, of course His background is fascinating; he spent years as a chemical process design engineer in Germany, worked
for Exxon, and even founded one of the largest environmental laboratories in the U S
On Nov 12, he’ll be at the Exchange Club sharing his journey, his mission, and his vision for how we, even as a small island community, can be part of a global movement toward water equity. You’ll hear about his work with the Global Water Center, an extension of Water Mission that collaborates with nonprofits, governments, and tech innovators to solve water-related problems on a much larger scale
And yes, Greene’s accolades are impressive he holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, has received the Order of the Palmetto, Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award, and was inducted into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame
As part of the Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation's Isle of Leadership Series, this event is designed to be a gathering not just for environmental experts or nonprofit leaders, but for anyone curious about how we, as a community, can engage with global issues
Mark your calendars for Nov 12 at 6 p m at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club. This is more than just a chance to listen to an accomplished professional it’s an invitation to rethink how we engage with the world’s most precious resource Register soon, as space is limited You won’t want to miss the wisdom, wit, and insight of George Greene as he takes us on a journey through the waves of change in global water access one that starts with a single drop and ripples across the world.
Register at LENSIOP org
Op Ed: “Reddy or Not: Our Republic”
By Rom Reddy For Island Eye News
Major elections are upon us, and divisive rhetoric is rampant As we head to the polls, it’s worth rewinding to consider the founding principles of our republic. The Revolutionary War was fought over these principles, and a new country was born a collection of people from all over the world who made America one of the greatest nations ever So, what did our founding fathers envision for this government? Their guiding principles might serve us well as we step into the voting booth:
1. Our republic was built on the premise that individuals acting freely within the framework of strong but limited laws and a Bill of Rights are best suited to govern themselves, with rights derived from God, not government The Declaration of Independence specifically states that we are “endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights.” Our founders created the first selfgoverning nation in history, drawing inspiration from the Gospels, with the individual at the center of existence Liberty, or freedom, is the legal right not to be enslaved by government, and we must fight for that right as our forefathers did. The voting booth is our weapon.
2. The Constitution divided government power among three branches legislative, executive, and judicial to limit authority and keep the citizen sovereign Beware of governments seeking to consolidate these powers by combining all three branches into unelected agencies and bureaucrats who create laws in the form of regulations, administer the laws they write, and adjudicate these laws by assessing fines or sometimes prison terms This is what our founding fathers feared The more powerful a government becomes, the more liberties it takes from citizens Thomas Jefferson said, “All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent ” If you feel that you ust bow and “kiss the ring” of those who represent you, or if
they control you by assigning unlimited power to bureaucrats you can’t vote out, then use your power and vote them out. If left unchecked, the government will not protect citizens but suppress them
3 Finally, as a constitutional republic, the Constitution is the supreme law All other laws and regulations must flow from the Constitution. Elected officials take an oath to uphold it, yet often make decisions based on personal biases. Today in South Carolina, a seven- or eight-page constitution has been turned into 36,000 pages of state regulations, followed by countless local laws and ordinances While rule of law is what our founders supported, they feared a rule by law that stifles the individual and empowers the government. Local governments, like city or county governments, were intended to be close to citizens, protecting them from federal or state intrusion Instead, local government now often acts as an arm of the state, harshly enforcing innumerable laws and regulations that conflict with the Constitution. Always oppose this government overreach and vote accordingly
I’ll end with what Albert Einstein said: “The strength of the Constitution lies entirely in the determination of each citizen to defend it.” Our most powerful weapon is our vote. Let’s vote for those who support the founding beliefs of this country a constitution that limits government and allows citizens to selfgovern with rights endowed by our Creator Let’s vote out the power-hungry politicians who believe they control us through expanded government and unlimited powers assigned to unelected bureaucrats, who think the Constitution is no longer relevant, and who assume they know what’s best for us God bless this great republic
Reddy or Not represents the opinion of Lucky Dog Publishing owner Rom Reddy but not necessarily the opinion of the newspaper. In keeping with our philosophy of publishing all opinions, we welcome responses, which must be limited to 400 words and will be published on a space-available basis
How the Friends of Charleston National Parks Shape Our Heritage
By Laura Strecker For Island Eye News
On a sunny fall day, the historic grounds of Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island transformed into a scene of joyous barking and wagging tails as the Friends of Charleston National Parks (FCNP) celebrated the launch of the B.A.R.K. Rangers program with a Halloween dog costume contest This event, symbolizing FCNP's mission to preserve, enhance, and educate about Charleston's national treasures, also marked their partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), which manages these programs.
Over a dozen dogs strutted in their Halloween best, while many others were sworn in as official B A R K Rangers, complete with collar tags The Charleston Animal Society brought three adoptable dogs, and the heartwarming highlight was a deaf dog finding a new home
FCNP's work extends far beyond a single successful event. The organization supports a variety of programs underscoring the importance of conservation, education, and accessibility Here’s a brief look at some of these transformative initiatives:
Cannon Restoration: This program focuses on restoring and preserving the aging coastal defense artillery of Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter, helping educate visitors on the forts' military significance
providing opportunities to interpret the cultural, historical, and natural resources of the park
Special Needs Initiative: This program is raising funds to provide sensory kits for visitors with special needs, promoting inclusivity and ensuring the parks' beauty and educational
q y p , day, offering a comprehensive narrative of our nation’s evolution
Kids to the Parks: Aimed at fostering a connection between young people and the outdoors, this initiative sponsors field trips and educational programs that bring classroom learning to life within national parks.
Jazz in the Fort: Merging cultural enrichment with historical appreciation, this annual live jazz concert program invites visitors to enjoy music within the forts Artist in the Park: This new program supports local artists by
The Critical Role of Nonprofits Like FCNP: In an era where government funding often falls short of conservation needs, nonprofits like FCNP are indispensable They not only fill the financial gaps necessary for park upkeep and enhancement but also ensure these pivotal places remain vibrant and educational for future generations. FCNP maximizes the impact of its work by leveraging private funds to unlock federal resources, rallying community support for the preservation of Charleston’s natural and cultural heritage To learn more or help fund any of these programs, please visit FriendsCNP org
Credit Laura Strecker
One Lucky Dog: Sunshine
By Katherine Berry For Island Eye News
Bonjour I’m Sunshine, but I’m called Sunny on most days; that’s what my family mostly calls me. True to my name, I love the sunshine Plus, I like to think I brought more sunshine to my big sister She and I bonded early because my snuggles helped her sleep at night She’s my hero!
I must have my human touch at all times Even during my beauty sleep, don’t even think about moving when we snuggle because I will growl. I have a standard for looking good, and the groomers know this too After a good spa day of nails, hair, and teeth, my fetching good looks are on display
I’m very fierce and protective when others approach, big dogs included. I’m a tiger deep down though. My Clemson jersey matches the rest of my family on game days, and this year, I get to visit them at school!
Life on the island is the Sunny Show My days include walks while barking at the big dogs to let them know who’s in charge Then it’s time to nap in the comfort of pillows stacked throughout the house after I hide my treasures. Then, time for "BRAVO!" What are those housewives getting into today? Hey, I like what I like! I’m so confident that I can even rock a diaper I get a little excited sometimes, but we won’t focus on that
I’m a pawsitive dog, and I live life like it’s a lap of sunshine. In my world, there are no rainy days when you have such a great family as I do They make me sparkle and allow me to run the house on my terms I am such a lucky dog a little sassy and salty, but as long as I have my family next to me, I will forever live life as their bundle of sunshine
