SULLIVAN'S ISLAND ISLE OF PALMS GOAT ISLAND DEWEES ISLAND
LOCAL NEWS
Opinion: Reddy or Not: Trainwreck on the Beach
Furry Friends and Historical Haunts: A Halloween Extravaganza at Fort Moultrie
Sea Turtle Conservation Leader to Speak at Battery Gadsden Event
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Major
Renovations at Stith
Park to Balance Modern Upgrades and Historic Preservation
By Joshua Uys For
Island Eye News
provided
The proposed Stith Park Master Plan aims to balance modern amenities with preserving the park’s nostalgic charm, as discussed in a recent Sullivan’s Island Recreation Committee meeting One of the most urgent issues is the park’s frequent flooding, which will be addressed by upgrading the drainage system at an estimated cost of $420,000. The park will remain mostly open during construction
The committee is also focused on creating an inclusive play area for all ages and abilities. Earthscape, a company known for its use of natural materials, has been recommended for the playground redesign In addition, active spaces like tennis and pickleball courts are planned, with many in the community advocating for more pickleball courts to meet growing demand. Passive spaces will also be included, providing peaceful areas for walking and relaxation
Community input has shaped the plan, but some proposed features, such as a community pool and a 20-foot lookout tower, have sparked debate While some residents welcome these additions, others argue they conflict with the island’s historic character. One resident at the Town Council meeting said, “These huge towers belong in a county park. They don’t seem to belong in a charming historic town ”
The park’s history, including its origins as an army ammunition storage facility, remains central to the plan. Preserving the mound, now a grassy hill with trails and remnants of military structures, is a priority for the community There are plans to open the area for events, such as outdoor movie nights.
The project will unfold over several years. The finalized master plan is expected early next year, with drainage work starting in 2026, followed by major construction in 2027 The construction will include landscaping and hardscaping ($1 million), a new playground ($870,000), and a community pavilion ($275,000) In 2028, additional amenities, such as an observation tower ($475,000) and a pool and community center ($2 million), are planned, though some residents have formally opposed these features
While the upgrades will enhance Stith Park, many locals are cautious about attracting too many tourists.
“I don’t want to block visitors, but I also don’t want to draw them here,” one resident said, expressing concern about overdevelopment
Public input will continue to shape the design, with discussions scheduled for Sept 21 and Oct 26, 2024 More details can be found at sullivansisland sc gov/master-plan-stith-park.
Meet the Candidates:
IOP Council election coming up November 5
By
Lynn
Pierotti
For Island Eye News
On Tuesday November 5, the Isle of Palms will hold an election for an open seat for the Isle of Palms City Council. The Island Eye asked all three candidates why they wanted to serve
(continued on page 5)
2024 SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
ISLE OF PALMS
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Assistant Publisher: Christian Senger
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CONTRIBUTORS: Joshua Uys
Laura Anderson Rom Reddy
Christian Senger
Lynn Pierotti
Carol Antman
Susan Hill Smith
Cynthia Ewing
Sarah Harper
Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837, Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482 843-886-NEWS
DEADLINE: October 9 for our October 18 issue
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*Op-eds and Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mylo News, Lucky Dog Publishing or its staff.*
Isle of Palms Votes 6-1 to Ban the Feeding of Wildlife
By Joshua Uys For Island Eye News
On Tuesday, the Isle of Palms City Council approved an ordinance banning the feeding of wildlife on the island, passing it with a vote of 6-1
Under the ordinance, residents must remove any food or feeding devices left on their property, with a few notable exceptions Feral dogs and cats may still be fed, provided it’s done in a way that minimizes the attraction of other wildlife Additionally, bird feeders are allowed if kept clean, with any spilled seed promptly removed to avoid drawing unwanted animals. Water for wildlife may also still be provided
Council members voiced concerns about potential ambiguity in the ordinance's definition of feeding, which includes both intentional and unintentional acts
“If someone has a bird feeder and it spills, could they be penalized for attracting squirrels?” asked Councilman Jimmy Ward Similarly, Councilwoman Carroll questioned enforcement, adding, “If someone continues feeding wildlife but claims they’re feeding a feral cat, how do you prove they’re violating the ordinance?”
Ward told The Island Eye that the catalyst for the ordinance stemmed from a dispute between two neighbors one of whom was feeding raccoons, causing property damage and raising safety concerns.
“This issue could have been dealt with using the already existing nuisance ordinance,” he explained, highlighting that the City Council could have instructed the police chief to issue a notice to the resident to stop feeding wildlife “None of this was done we went overboard and outlawed all feeding of wildlife ”
Ward also raised concerns about effectiveness, stating, “You can leave water out for wildlife but not food. Fresh water can be as much of a draw as animal food ” In response, Isle of Palms Police Chief Kevin Cornett assured that enforcement of the ordinance would prioritize common sense
“Our goal is compliance; it has never been the goal of the police department to issue fines to everybody.”
He cited Tega Cay as an example of a South Carolina city that has implemented similar measures. He reiterated that the police will focus on serious violations that pose a public safety threat Councilman Bogosian echoed Cornett, stating that the
ordinance targets serious threats to public safety rather than minor interactions
In a conversation with The Island Eye, Ward questioned this logic: “If we ’ re not going to fully enforce it, why pass the ordinance at all?” He also criticized the broader trend toward increased regulation
“I liked the Isle of Palms when I moved here in ’86 because it was laid-back, friendly, and had low taxes Over the years, it’s been transformed,” he said “There are more and more rules, regulations, and fines than we ’ ve ever had before ”
Councilwoman Miars strongly supported the ordinance, noting the harmful effects of feeding wild animals, which can lead to increased disease transmission, predator attacks, and dependency on humans
“This is a much-needed ordinance,” she said
The ordinance follows the council's directive for city staff to explore strategies for reducing raccoon and coyote sightings. Based on recommendations from a USDA director, the staff stressed that preventing wildlife feeding is critical in minimizing human-animal encounters, underscoring the importance of not leaving food out to discourage interactions
Councilman Jimmy Ward was the lone “ nay ” vote on this resolution
Opinion: Reddy or Not: Trainwreck on the Beach
By Rom Reddy For Island Eye News
It is my sincere hope that this community will speak up with one voice about the trainwreck unfolding on our beautiful southern beaches For a long time, our City Council, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Services (DES), has imposed nonsensical policies under the pretext of protecting our beaches These policies have included scraping the beach and digging holes for over a year, despite state law dictating that scraping is only for short-term emergencies. Every beach management expert agrees that scraping causes severe damage to beaches
Another strategy involves stacking sandbags, which litter the beach and serve little purpose The third strategy involves the mayor promoting falsehoods about an Army Corps of Engineers project, claiming that the waste sludge pumped from the Intercoastal Waterway is a $10 million beach renourishment, even though the Army Corps has denied this. Sadly, beyond prayer, there is no fourth strategy The result is a complete disaster: we are losing the beach, losing homes, and renters are furious, demanding rebates of up to 30% and vowing never to return a perfect lose-lose scenario
Meanwhile, our mayor and Councilmembers Blair Hahn and Katie Miars berate any efforts at erosion control and turn citizens against one another, accusing some of trying to destroy the beach and harm neighbors Unfortunately, every one of their policies has been a failure, and now they are exposing every every taxpayer on the island to liability as homes and beaches are destroyed Insurance companies are either raising rates for everyone or pulling out entirely. What about the “wall” that was so viciously attacked? There is actually more beach in front of the structure, with sand accreting
by seven feet, and both immediate neighbors have acknowledged that the structure has helped minimize erosion. So much for that argument
What is the solution? Here’s a simple guide to move in the right direction:
1) Initiate the permitting process to redirect the Breach Inlet channel to its original flow Massive sand deposits are creating a secondary channel, redirecting water onto these beaches Fixing the channel can also help prevent inland flooding. Other states are shocked that we don’t have a regular channel maintenance strategy Once the permit is applied for, we can work with state officials to expedite the process.
2) Immediately stop scraping the beach It’s illegal to use emergency scraping as a beach management strategy. Funds for this come from the Beach Renourishment Fund, which is funded by the Accommodation Tax (ATAX), and scraping is not an approved use of these funds, as stated in the 2014 legislation The city and state are violating state law
3) Replace the city engineer The current engineering firm has been advising the city for over a decade, and nearly everything they’ve recommended has been wrong, as evidenced by the disastrous results
4) Have the new engineer calculate the cost to bring in a minimum of 1 million cubic yards of new sand to the southern beaches Some new sand will naturally wash away, but that’s part of the process of rebuilding from erosion and scraping damage.
5) Use 50% of the $9 million in the beach fund to pay for this new sand Fund the rest by floating a bond or securing a loan Use 50-60% of future revenue from the Beach Renourishment Fund to make debt payments This provides an
immediate solution while keeping 50% of the fund and future ATAX revenue as a buffer. Endless meetings won’t fix anything action is needed now
6) Allow homeowners to build erosion structures landward of state setback lines and cover them with sand and vegetation Support them against any state interference, not oppose them This approach reduces the need for government spending on protecting private property and minimizes taxpayer liability, as government strategies are failing Homes and property are being damaged, beaches are destroyed, and renters are leaving Future funds can be used exclusively to maintain public beaches
Finally, the mayor should show leadership and ask his council to stop attacking citizens who voice disagreement. In America, the citizen is sovereign, recognizing only God above In a country built on self-governance, we do not appreciate our government intimidating and bullying us or violating our God-given constitutional rights One of those rights is the right to property, which no government has the authority to take away
For those who disagree with any part of this column, I am open to modifying my proposal to find a solution that protects our beautiful island while respecting private property rights.
Reddy or Not represents the opinion of Lucky Dog Publishing owner Rom Reddy but not necessarily the opinion of the newspaper In keeping with our philosophy of publishing all opinions, we welcome responses, which must be limited to 400 words and will be published on a spaceavailable basis
Candidates
(continued from page 1)
First, we spoke to Rusty Streetman, who previously served on Council from 2020 through 2023. He stated the city has multiple projects underway, and, in the last council, he served as Chair of the Real Property Committee, Chair of the Public Services/Facilities Committee and Vice Chair of the Public Works Committee. He also served as a committee member on the Personnel and Administration committees during his tenure
“We were able to get a lot accomplished, and several of the projects we worked on are still underway,” he said. “I wanted to finish the good work we started while I was on Council ” Some of that work includes the lease and rebuild of the Islander 71 restaurant, the assignment of the marina lease to a new tenant, adding the IOP Marina Public Dock, Phase 3 drainage completion of the Outfalls and the completion of the fully ADAcompliant Beach Access Path on 34A and Palm Blvd
Streetman pointed to other ongoing projects, such as Phase 4 drainage improvements that must be completed to better control storm water and the multi-use pathway on Waterway Blvd He also mentioned the erosion the island has on the east and west ends and the need to find ways to protect those areas from further damage to restore a healthy beach
“I appreciate the plans and efforts of the US Army Corps of Engineers to pump reclaimed sand on the west end of the island; it has been slow in coming to fruition,” he said He hopes that once the sand is placed on the beach, the city will be successful in rebuilding the dunes in that area
Streetman also wants to make sure that future decisions by Council regarding City Hall renovation or replacement are fully vetted by the citizens and residents of the Isle of Palms “We need to make sure we have citizen input and comments through community meetings and soliciting feedback through other media for a project that would cost upwards of $10 million For such a large, expensive project, there may be a need for a referendum to decide.”
Finally, Streetman believes there is a need for more collegiality and collaboration among Council members as they consider and deliberate important island issues.
“I could help with a collaborative approach on Council. I have always been an independent thinker, and I strongly seek and value feedback from our constituents before casting a vote,” he concluded.
Crew and serving on the city’s Community Enrichment Task Force
“I intended to run for city Council again with a focus on the 2025 election,” Smith noted. When the special 2024 election was called, several people encouraged her to run, including Elizabeth Campsen, who was leaving the open seat “That meant a lot to me I have always respected Elizabeth’s intelligence, knowledge and persistence in serving our community, even if we don’t always agree on all the issues 100% ”
“I also feel personally compelled to step up now because our community is facing critical issues that require forward thinking and innovation. With our island facing a projected one-foot increase in sea level rise by 2050, we must focus on resiliency That includes accelerating drainage projects and developing proactive beach preservation strategies. At the same time, we need to do more to resolve livability and traffic issues ”
The timing works out for Smith to dive back in “I left my fulltime work in software marketing for Blackbaud in June to focus on what I am most passionate about, which is community service a d i t l i Pl e just took our youngest to c
Josh Hooser was the final candidate to offer his thoughts and said he chose to join the race because this is a “swing seat on a divided council.” He emphasized that “it’s crucial to have an independent candidate who isn’t tied to other interests I am a fresh new voice for the island, ready to champion our community’s needs and guide us forward.”
Before deciding to run, he sat down with Smith and Streetman “After talking to them, I felt they were already beholden to certain interests Susan seems primarily focused on environmental issues, while Rusty appears to be focused on island businesses,” he shared. “I want to be the voice for the entire community, focused on residents first I want to make sure their voices are heard ”
Hooser believes that what sets him apart from his opponents is his firm stance against public parking in Wild Dunes He expressed concern that it could lead to further development by the new owners “Once you open the gates, you will never get them shut again. They are tying beach renourishment to expanded parking. It's essential to save our beaches while protecting our private property rights ”
The next discussion was with Susan Hill Smith, who served on Council from 2018 through 2021 Smith said she chose not to run for re-election in 2021 so she could fully enjoy her youngest child’s last years of high school, but she has stayed engaged by leading the volunteers of the Isle of Palms Cleanup
He went on to outline his platform: “I’m here to manage growth, save the beaches, balance the budget and see the island thrive ”
Additionally, Hooser also stressed the importance of bringing the island together for a common purpose. He urged residents to exercise their right to vote
"Every vote counts, and it's up to each of us to shape the future of our island Let's come together and make our voices heard!"
Candidate Rusty Streetman
Candidate Susan Hill Smith
Candidate Josh Hooser
Isle of Palms Resident Charlie Guss Wins Surfing Championship
By Joshua Uys For Island Eye News
Charlie Guss, a native of Isle of Palms, recently achieved a major milestone in his surfing career, claiming victory in the 2024 Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) Legends Championship Born and raised on the island, Guss's love for surfing began early,
“That year was huge for me, ” Guss said “It opened the door to living in Hawaii for about six and a half years in my 20s. Surfing there really shaped me as a surfer, getting comfortable with big waves and gaining experience in some of the best conditions in the world.”
championships, I was never able to win any of those until this year when I won the Legends Division,” he said. “I had almost accepted that it wasn’t going to happen, but it finally did ”
His victory follows another recent success, having won the South Carolina State Championships earlier in the year Despite being 41
years old, Guss feels he's surfing better than ever
“I’m healthier and surfing better now than I ever have, and I think a big part of that is because of my kids,” he said “My 7-year-old son and 9-yearold daughter love surfing. Watching them fall in love with it has made me see surfing in a new way; it’s about fun and sharing the experience with them, not just me anymore. ”
The Easterns, held annually in Nags Head, a small town on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, saw a threeriding the waves with his father when he was just 4 years old As his skills progressed, he earned a spot on the U.S. Surf Team in 2004, a turning point that led to extensive travel to renowned surf destinations like California and Hawaii.
This triumph marks a long-awaited achievement for Guss, who has been competing in surf contests since age 12 but had never secured a championship title until now, winning with a score of 12 90
“I’ve been surfing contests for years and always did well, but when it came to major events like state or East Coast
day delay due to stormy conditions, but when the contest resumed, the waves were exceptional.
“They had to postpone the event three days because the conditions were too rough, but when things cleared up on Wednesday, the waves were perfect (continued on page 7)
Guss competing in the 2024 ESA Legends Championship Credit: Dick "Mez" Meseroll, Eastern Surf Mag
Surfing
(continued
about as good as it gets for a contest,” Guss said
He also spoke highly of Marshall DePass, the director for ESA’s Southern South Carolina district. DePass and his family have played a key role in organizing local competitions, fostering a strong sense of community among the younger generation of surfers in the area. His son, Hartley DePass, made waves at the Easterns, winning the Longboard Division with a score of 9.20, beating his closest competitor by 4 33 points
“We’ve got such a great group of kids here who push each other to surf their best. It’s a great family scene spending weekends on the beach, being healthy, and having fun,” Guss added
The 2025 edition of the championships will return to Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, running from Sept. 14 to 20, offering yet another opportunity for East Coast surfers to continue chasing milestones
Guss with his daughter Credit: Dick "Mez" Meseroll, Eastern Surf Mag
Volunteers needed for monthly, off-season litter sweeps on IOP
By Susan Hill Smith, Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew Cofounder For Island Eye News
The Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew ended September with a pop-up, post-Hurricane Helene sweep About 75 volunteers gathered on a Saturday morning to collect litter and debris stirred up by the storm, including pieces of broken beach walkovers and other building materials loosened from properties at the eroding south end of the island.
The IOP Cleanup Crew has transitioned from a busy summer of litter sweeps held twice a week to an off-season schedule with one litter sweep a month.
For the IOP Cleanup Crew, keeping the island clean and beautiful is a year-round labor of love. So far in 2024, the crew ’ s volunteers have collected and documented more than 36,000 litter and debris items, with a lifetime tally of 217,000 litter items since 2018.
Similar to years past, the crew ’ s off-season litter sweeps will be held the second Monday of each month from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Front Beach. The earlier time allows volunteers to finish before dark during the fall and winter
. Volunteers check in for the monthly litter sweeps along the usual Front Beach access in the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard, next to Coconut Joe's and the city restroom building with the postcard mural The crew welcomes all ages and provides supplies
The IOP Cleanup Crew uses volunteer power to keep the coast clean, protect natural ecosystems and public health, and document litter to help solve the pollution crisis. In partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium and its Litter Journal, the crew has engaged thousands of volunteer “citizen scientists” with the support of the City of Isle of Palms and local businesses
Off-season dates for 2024-25 include:
Oct. 14
Nov 11
Dec. 9 (holiday party)
Jan. 13
Feb. 10 (Valentine’s party)
While no advance registration is required, groups of 15 or more are encouraged to email Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew cofounder: Susan Hill Smith at susanhillsmith@gmail.com.
Isle of Palms Firefighters, Police Aid Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene
By Christian Senger For Island Eye News
On Wednesday, Oct 2, a team of four Isle of Palms Fire Department firefighters and an engine traveled to the RoebuckSpartanburg area to assist with response and recovery operations after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The team was expected to remain there through Friday
“Our engine company, with four personnel, is being deployed through South Carolina Firefighter Mobilization to assist the South Spartanburg Fire Department,” said Fire Chief Craig Oliverius “Our personnel jumped at the chance to help out where we were needed We have an amazing group of servant leaders in our department ”
Chief Oliverius noted that earlier this year, the department received assistance from a FEMA Type III High Water Rescue Team from Pickens County.
“It is an honor to serve and give back when we can, ” he said “Our firefighters love to work and serve others, and this is a unique opportunity for our personnel to make a difference during this extremely difficult and challenging time for those affected by Hurricane Helene.”
Meanwhile, the Isle of Palms Police Department partnered with Operation Airdrop this past week and will deliver donated items to communities that have been left isolated by the storm. The team was expected to deliver supplies on Friday, Oct 4
“Furry Friends and Historical Haunts: A Halloween Extravaganza at Fort Moultrie”
By Laura Anderson For Island Eye News
Imagine a scene where history meets hilarity: the stoic ramparts of Fort Moultrie, usually echoing tales of valor, will soon resound with the joyful barks and wagging tails of costumed canines. On Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon, the Friends of Charleston National Parks and the Charleston Animal Society are teaming up to support the park rangers at Fort Moultrie by presenting a Halloween costume contest that is set to be as heartwarming as it is humorous This isn’t just about dogs in delightful disguises; it’s about creating a community around our shared history and love for our four-legged friends
Bark Rangers to the Rescue: Fort Moultrie, a site brimming with America’s rich past, becomes the backdrop for an event that celebrates not only the spirit of Halloween but also the spirit of responsible pet ownership. Enter the B.A.R.K. Rangers program, a thoughtful initiative under the Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative, designed to ensure that pets and their owners enjoy a safe and fun experience in national parks The B A R K guidelines bag your pet’s waste, always leash your pet, respect wildlife, and know where you can go are simple yet profound ways to harmonize nature, history, and our furry companions
The Friends of Charleston National Parks (FCNP) amplifies this mission by providing in-kind support that helps cover costs and fosters partnerships to sustain and expand the B A R K Rangers program An enchanting aspect of the program is the opportunity for pets to be officially sworn in as B.A.R.K. Rangers. Pet owners can bring their dogs to Fort Moultrie’s visitor center, where the pets are sworn in and awarded a special B A R K Ranger tag for their collars, at no cost
For those looking to further support the program or fetch a souvenir, exclusive B A R K Ranger bandanas are available for purchase at the gift shop While participation is free, donations are heartily welcomed and play a crucial role in sustaining and enriching programs like this, ensuring the parks can continue offering exceptional experiences for all visitors
A Howling Good Time: The event kicks off at 9 a m with registration for the costume contest. By 10:45 a.m., sign-up closes, leading to thrilling anticipation as judges tally the votes At 11:15 a m , the most creatively attired pup will be crowned the winner, but the festivities continue (continued on page 12)
Page 12 • October 4, 202
Bark Ranger
(continued from page 11)
Throughout the morning, attendees are encouraged to explore the grounds of Fort Moultrie, partake in educational talks about the park, and most importantly, give a forever home to one of the adoptable pets provided by the Charleston Animal Society
Why You Should Attend: This event offers more than just a chance to dress up your dog It’s an opportunity to support crucial programs that keep Charleston's parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone It’s a chance to learn how to be an exemplary park visitor, ensuring these spaces remain pristine for future generations. And of course, it’s a chance to meet likeminded individuals who care about pets, preservation, and parks. Mark your calendars for Oct 19 at Fort Moultrie Bring your pet, pick a costume, and prepare for a day of festivities and philanthropy. After all, where else can you see a dachshund dressed as a diminutive general or a poodle masquerading as a pirate, all with the solemn stones of Fort Moultrie as a backdrop? This Halloween, it’s all happening at the heart of Charleston’s history.
Guardians of History and Nature: The Friends of Charleston National Parks is a philanthropic partner that plays a vital role in preserving the historical integrity and natural beauty of iconic sites like Fort Moultrie, Fort Sumter, the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, and the Charleston Light Their mission is to enhance and educate the public about Charleston’s national treasures beyond what government funding can offer. This event is a perfect example of how they blend educational initiatives with community fun, ensuring that these historical sites remain relevant and vibrant.
Sullivan’s Island Club Seeks Best Halloween House
By Carol Antman For Island Eye News
One of the best things about fall is the spooky Halloween decorations that creative families on Sullivan’s Island display In appreciation of their efforts and to raise the bar higher, the Sullivan’s Island Club has formed a committee to judge nominations and award one lucky house the honor of Best Halloween Décor
To nominate your own or a neighbor’s house, send the address to thesullivansislandclub@gmail com with “Halloween House” in the subject line before Oct 30
The winner will receive a yard sign in recognition and be featured in the Island Eye News.
Sea Turtle Conservation Leader to Speak at Battery Gadsden Event
By Cynthia Ewing For Island Eye News
Battery Gadsden Cultural Center’s (BGCC) October speaker is Abbie King, who leads a large volunteer team at South Carolina's most prolific sea turtle nesting area on Cape Romain Last year, King known as AK and her team managed over 3,000 turtle nests, representing 40% of the loggerhead turtle nests in South Carolina Cape Romain is the most important nesting site north of Florida.
This family event celebrates the wonder, excitement, and challenges of protecting loggerhead turtles, as shared by a young biological technician and her team who commute to work by boat and ride an ATV to check the nests. King’s work is supported by the Coastal Expeditions Foundation under the guidance of the U S Fish and Wildlife Service Her images will take you to a world rarely seen We think it’s magical
Battery Gadsden Cultural Center is a nonprofit that promotes the arts, culture, historic preservation, history, and natural environment of Sullivan’s Island and the Lowcountry The more we know about our community, the more we can enjoy its rich heritage Our programs are made possible through annual membership contributions and dedicated volunteers Join BGCC on Thursday, Oct 17, at 6 p m at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 3222 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
The talk is free and open to everyone For more information, visit batterygadsden com
Sullivan’s Island Bird Banding Station Records 20 Species in Peak Migration Month
By Sarah Harper For Island Eye News
We had a busy September at the Sullivan’s Island Bird Banding Station (SIBBS)! We have banded more than 150 birds from 20 different species. Frequent flyers this week include the white-eyed vireo, red-eyed vireo, yellow warbler, and American redstart
We heard a summer tanager making its “pitick” call from the bushes, and, not long after, the tanager flew into one of our mist nets! The summer tanager in the photo is a young male Adult males are about the same bright red color as the northern cardinals you see at your bird feeders.
Although we are technically within the summer tanager’s breeding range, this species prefers oak/pine woodland edges on the mainland for its breeding habitat. Patches of maritime forest and open scrubland habitat, such as the protected land on Sullivan’s Island, provide excellent stopover locations for migrating tanagers and other songbirds This tanager had ample fat stores, showing that he is almost ready to depart for his wintering grounds in the tropics They overwinter as far south as Peru and Bolivia
Mid-September to mid-October is peak migration season for most of our songbirds. Early winter residents are starting to trickle in already, including the house wren and western palm warbler
If you are interested in volunteering or visiting SIBBS this fall, contact Sarah at sullivansislandbirds@gmail com
Sand Dollar Real Estate Group Joins Forces with ERA Wilder Realty, Expanding Services in Sullivans Island, Isle of Palms, and Coastal South Carolina
By Elza Hayen For Island Eye News
ERA Wilder Realty has announced its newest merger with Sand Dollar Real Estate Group, a highly respected real estate agency serving Sullivans Island and surrounding coastal areas. This partnership strengthens ERA Wilder’s presence in the region, offering enhanced services and resources for buyers and sellers in this sought-after market. (continued on page 16)
Summer Tanager provided
Sand Dollar
(continued
Sand Dollar Group, led by owner Lynn Pierotti, brings a wealth of experience and deep-rooted community connections With a dedicated team of six agents, Sand Dollar Group has built a reputation for exceptional service and local expertise, making it a perfect cultural fit with ERA Wilder Realty Together, the two firms share a commitment to serving clients with integrity, passion, and a focus on community
“We are looking forward to supporting the Sullivans Island community and coastal area even further,” said Lynn Pierotti, owner of Sand Dollar Group “Joining ERA Wilder Realty allows us to expand our capabilities and deliver an even higher level of service to our clients. Their core values align perfectly with ours, and we are excited about the future ”
With the backing of ERA Wilder Realty’s resources and support, Sand Dollar Group will now have access to cutting-edge technology, training, and a network that spans across South Carolina and beyond This merger enables Sand Dollar’s agents to offer a more comprehensive real estate experience while staying deeply connected to the coastal communities they serve.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Sand Dollar Group to the ERA Wilder family,” said Eddie Wilder, President and CEO of ERA Wilder Realty “Lynn and his team embody the values that are at the heart of our company, and their commitment to excellence and the local community makes them an ideal addition to our team ”
This merger represents a new chapter for both companies as they collaborate to address the evolving real estate market while upholding their core values
For more information about ERA Wilder Realty, visit erawilderrealty.com.
AROUNDTHEISLANDS
Our community calendar keeps you updated on local events, from festivals to workshops and family-friendly gatherings. Stay connected and never miss out on the excitement!
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
05
Isle of Palms Connector
10
Sea Stroll & Learn
10
Join the fight against child abuse in the Lowcountry at the Isle of Palms Connector Run This race offers 10K and 5K options for all ages and experience levels
Run Palm Boulevard, Isle of Palms | 8 a m
Hosted by the City of Isle of Palms Recreational Center, participants will gather at the 25th Avenue beach access at 7:30 am and embark on a wellness and educational journey All residents and visitors are welcome
25th Ave, Isle of Palms | 7:30 a m
Firefighter Appreciation Night
Celebrate National Firefighter’s Week at Islander 71 with guest bartender Mayor Phillip Pounds, live music, and family fun, while supporting the Isle of Palms Fire Department
Islander 71, Isle of Palms | 6 p m
(continued on page 19)
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14 Sullivan's Island Run Club
Get ready to lace up and hit the scenic coastline with the Sullivan's Island Run Club, hosted by Mex 1 Coastal Cantina Every Monday at 6 pm, runners of all paces can enjoy a 1-to-3 mile route through historic and scenic paths
Mex 1, Sullivan’s Island | 6 p.m.
17
10th annual Whiskey After Dark
The Local Palate, in partnership with Breakthru Beverage, welcomes the world’s top whiskey and bourbon ambassadors to Charleston for the 10th annual Whiskey After Dark
