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Beach Advisory Committee Sends Its Recommendations to IOP Council By Brian Sherman The city of Isle of Palms has taken another step toward establishing a long-term plan aimed at preserving its beach and protecting the homes and other properties that have been ravaged in recent years by the mercurial machinations of the unpredictable and sometimes unforgiving Atlantic Ocean. At an Oct. 1 meeting, the IOP Beach Advisory Committee, a group appointed by the City Council, put its stamp of approval, for the most part, on four of six options offered in a report compiled by Foth Olsen, a professional coastal engineering consultant headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Senior Coastal Engineer Chris Creed presented the plan to the Committee on Sept. 2 and to the City Council, with updates, on Sept. 22. “For the first time, Isle of Palms has a comprehensive analysis with specific options and next steps to protect our beach,” IOP City Council Member Scott Pierce commented. “It gives us an opportunity to move from reacting to one beach crisis after another to proactively managing our beach, like other coastal communities do. We need to protect the significant investments our community is making in our most important natural asset and avoid another multiyear crisis cycle.” The five-member Beach Advisory Committee, consisting of Chair Dieter Ostermann, Vice Chair Wendi Pasterik, Alice Bova, Dan Slotchiver and John Shilling, voted unanimously to eliminate two options: to do nothing and to rely on beach renourishment only. They agreed that sand pumped by the Army Corps of Engineers from the Intracoastal Waterway to the beach at the south end of IOP – possibly 150,000 cubic yards every three years – can be a good thing, as long as the sand is beach-compatible. Pasterik raised the question of whether the Corps could place the sand further from the water. “They are restricted as to where they can put the sand,” City Administrator Douglas Kerr explained. “They would have to get permanent easements.
The Army Corps can’t place it on high land without a permanent easement.” During the discussion concerning the longrunning Army Corps project, Pasterik pointed out that some residents along Hamlin Creek believe the sand-pumping plan has damaged their property. “Residents think the sand placed on the ocean side came around the edge of the island, and now their docks are on mud at low tide. The city is monitoring the material to see if there are any dots that can be connected,” Kerr said. Committee members agreed with Foth Olsen’s shoal management approach on the north end of the island, where erosion has been an issue for the beach and homeowners in the Wild Dunes community. They suggested two separate studies – one to find out how the installation of groins would affect efforts to protect the beach and homes and another to determine whether to allow sand to drift naturally down to the area from the north or to fortify the beach by bringing in new sand from the ocean. Members of the Beach Preservation Committee voiced their support to move as quickly as possible to construct a terminal groin at the south end of the island. Creed told Council members at their Sept. 22 meeting that the 1,200-foot-long structure should be built with 15,000 tons of rock. He said the groin would cut sand loss in half near Breach Inlet, anchor the position of the shoreline, extend the time between beach renourishments and reduce the demand for sand from offshore areas. He said it would not be “some massive structure.” Councilman Rusty Streetman asked if the groin would be buried, and Creed responded that “We actually have to dig a hole.” “Examples are on the south end of Amelia Island and Bald Head Island,” he pointed out. “We rarely see them. We make them low. They still allow some sand transport to occur through and over them, but they anchor the shoreline – and are
very effective at doing it. We would have to study it in more detail to see what the benefit would be, but we do know it would have a net benefit. This is a pretty significant engineering intervention into the problem here to try to make it work.” “There’s always going to be a need for some offshore sand,” he added. “Ideally, we would like to reduce the use of offshore sand. It’s the most expensive sand source, and it’s a finite sand source.” Ostermann said at the Oct. 1 Committee meeting that he was not convinced that the terminal groin would save as much sand as the Foth Olsen report predicted. “As an engineer, I am lacking the engineering evidence for some of the recommendations. For instance, the terminal groin at the south end. You know they recommend 1,200 feet that will likely reduce erosion by 50%. It’s an estimate. There’s no mathematical evidence of any of this,” he commented. The estimated cost of the groin would be between $4.5 million and $5.5 million, Creed told Beach Preservation Advisory Committee members when he presented the plan at their Sept. 2 meeting. He said the rock would come from quarries in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. Parts of the IOP beach are currently being renourished with a total of around 2.5 million cubic yards of sand – 800,000 cubic yards at the south end of the island and another 1.7 million cubic yards at the north end. The project is being paid for with $10,269,256 from the Beach Preservation Fee Fund; $802,073 from the State Accommodations Tax Fee Fund; $8,069,179 from the Wild Dunes Community Association; and three grants totaling $3.24 million from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The final decision concerning exactly what the city of IOP will do long-term to deal with the beach erosion problem will be made by the City Council. Creed told Council members Sept. 22 that “We have a process. We prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”
City of Isle of Palms Invites Residents to Community Town Hall on Nov. 5 By Joshua Uys The City of Isle of Palms invites residents and community members to participate in a town hall meeting on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 5-7 p.m. at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center. The town hall will provide an opportunity for residents to engage directly with Mayor Phillip Pounds and City Council members, ask questions, share concerns and participate in an open conversation about issues affecting the Isle of Palms community. The city encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make their voices heard, learn more about local govern-
ment and contribute to discussions about the island’s future. Can’t Attend in Person? Residents who are unable to attend can still participate remotely. The town hall will be livestreamed on the city’s official YouTube channel (youtube. com/@CityofIsleofPalmsLivestream), where viewers can submit questions for City Council through the live chat. Residents may also submit public comments and questions in advance through the city’s online public comment form (cognitoforms.com/CityOfIsleOfPalms/PublicCommentForCityMeetings).
Page 2 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 30, 2026
Message From The Sullivan’s Island Mayor Dear Island Neighbors,
PUBLISHERS OF: The Island Eye News The Island Connection SiP Magazine In Memory of Swan Richards EDITOR ieneditor@luckydognews.com ADVERTISING advertising@mylonews.com ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Christian Senger GRAPHIC DESIGNER Stacey Nichols CONSULTANT Lynn Pierotti CONTRIBUTORS Geoff Bennett • Katherine Berry Amber Doskos • Pamela Marsh Mary Pringle • Aaron Sweet Joshua Uys • Chris Zoeller Campbell Sullivan PUBLISHED BY Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482 843-886-NEWS Submit your letters to the editor to: ieneditor@luckydognews.com DEADLINE November 4 for our November 13 issue For more information and for digital flip-throughs of current and past issues, please visit LuckyDogNews.com Op-eds and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lucky Dog Publishing or its staff.
Welcome to my favorite time of year on the Island. Comfortable temps and humidity, beautiful light, the Spartina marsh grass going gold and the goldenrod’s added yellow glow providing our version of Fall colors! And it’s butterfly season, with our fall visitors the Monarchs and the more numerous and similarly colored Gulf Fritillaries. I hope you are able to get outside and enjoy it! BEN SAWYER BRIDGE As we all know, on October 19, the Ben Sawyer Bridge began having some new problems. Our SC Department of Transportation, which owns the bridge, responded very quickly to the situation, communicating with the public and local governments and expeditiously getting their engineers on the scene. They were able to effect temporary measures to ensure the bridge could be traversed safely by vehicles. Because of the temporary fix, SCDOT has enacted load limits prohibiting very heavy trucks from using the bridge at this time. However, I’m assured by senior SCDOT folks that the new problem was NOT caused by heavy loads. Of course, the bridge still needs to open periodically for boat traffic on the federally maintained Intracoastal Waterway, but the temporary measures make that a more complicated process, requiring 25 minutes or more. Because of that, until a permanent fix is completed, SCDOT is routinely opening the bridge for boat traffic only at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, seven days a week. Please keep this in mind when planning your trips on and off the Island, as the longer the bridge is not open to vehicles, the longer it takes the traffic to clear. As of October 23, when this was written, SCDOT leaders projected the permanent fix to be completed by the end of November, hopefully a little sooner. At that time, the usual opening schedule (set by Federal law) will likely return. STAY ON TOP OF ISLAND INFO AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS Speaking of the recent traffic issues with the Ben Sawyer, this is a good time to remind you to get plugged in to the info you need in such situations. We have three valuable sources of Town info: Everbridge: Emergency notifications via text and/ or email TOSI Talks: Information about schedule changes, services, upcoming Town meetings and the like Monthly newsletter Please sign up for all of these to stay abreast of Island happenings, events and emergencies. You can do so by going to https://bit. ly/4yHIVOT. Don’t forget that you have real-time infor-
mation on road and bridge conditions available if you use the SCDOT 511 app. It includes cameras showing conditions on the Ben Sawyer and causeway, not to mention the Ravenel and 526 bridges, and highways all over the area and state. You can access the cameras at 511sc.org, and get the app for your phone (“511 South Carolina Traffic”), wherever you get your apps, as they say. Please avail yourself of all these free resources so you’ll have them when you need them. HALLOWEEN In case you haven’t noticed, it’s Halloween time! In addition to the year’s best opportunities for sugar madness, it’s also a time of great fun for the young’uns. Our Chief of Police Glenn Meadows reminds us that it’s also a time to pay extra attention to keeping them safe. Among his suggestions: Keep them visible: Avoid dark clothing and use reflective items or flashlights when possible. Stay together: Keep children in groups and supervise younger trick-or-treaters. Check before you treat: Parents should inspect Halloween candy and treats before children eat them. Discard any items that are unwrapped, damaged, or appear to have been tampered with. Please exercise caution when driving, and remind the little ghosts and goblins that the streets are still streets...with one traditional exception: Officers’ Row (I’on between Stations 17 and 18). As always, starting at 4:30 on Halloween, our police will be stationed at the entry points to this block to keep vehicles out (including golf carts). Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at this familyfriendly event. Chief Meadows adds: “The Sullivan’s Island Police Department is honored to provide officers for this annual event. We enjoy seeing the children and their parents come together to enjoy Halloween, and we look forward to another safe and enjoyable event this year.” Here’s to a safe, enjoyable, and memorable Halloween for everyone! BOATS AND TRAILERS Over the last year or two we have heard some concerns from citizens about two issues related to boats and boat trailers: The growing numbers of boat trailers (with or without boats) parked on Town properties; and Safety and other concerns about such trailers (again, avec or sans boats) parked in the rights of ways abutting Town streets. The latter issue involves several aspects, perhaps the most important of which is the safety hazard of a boat/trailer protruding into or near the vehicular pathway. In response to that, the Public Facilities Committee of Town Council, headed by Councilmember Carl Hubbard, previously held several public meetings to get citizen and staff input about these matters. That process led to a proposed ordinance which was approved for first (of the required three) reading at our September Council meeting. The ordinance would have prohibited parking of any boats and/or trailers in any rights of way abutting streets on the Island, except within a two-hour period. Subsequently, at and after our October meeting, we received input from several citizens voicing concerns about a number of impacts of the proposed restrictions. (Continued on page 3)
Page 3 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 30, 2026
Message From The Isle of Palms Mayor October brings cooler days, beautiful fall colors (ok for us it’s more like November) and many opportunities for our community to come together. Some of my favorite community events happen in the coming months. Stay up to date on what’s happening at isleofpalms.gov. I encourage everyone to take part in our upcoming events, support our local businesses now that our large crowds are gone for the season and enjoy our beautiful island. If you drive an electric vehicle, until recently you may have had a hard time finding a charging station. EV drivers now have a new charging option on the Isle of Palms. Construction was recently completed on a new Tesla Supercharger station at the Island Center shopping center, near the Harris Teeter. The new charging station will provide a convenient amenity for both residents and visitors traveling to the island in electric vehicles while supporting a wider range of transportation options. Hopefully you have seen our new tennis courts at the Rec Center. The project replaced the aging courts with modern playing surfaces designed to provide improved durability, a better playing experience, and reduced long-term maintenance. Did you see the recent “Sullivan’s Island and IOP Living” issue? It had a good article on the role IOP played in the Revolutionary War and then brought our history forward. A few specific lines caught my eye. The article described our island from the late 1800s detailing ownership and name changes to current day. The part that caught my eye was the paragraph about the 1970s: There was another wave of growth in the 1970s, when Wild Dunes helped shape the island’s modern identity. Golf, resort life, and more tourism brought in a different kind of attention, but the island still kept its easygoing character. That balance is part of why people love it. It has the feel of a destination, but it is still very much a place where people live their lives. The last two sentences are what struck me. That’s us! WE get to live in this beautiful slice of paradise that some only get to visit. I hope you take full advantage of what our island and community have to offer.
Mayor
Continued from page 2
We were reminded that we are indeed an island, surrounded by water and connected to it, which is one of the many blessings of our place that has drawn us here. One major way to enjoy water is to have a boat...which usually requires a trailer. Enjoyment of the water around us requires accommodation of that fact. Ordinances that make it difficult to have and use a boat may seem contrary to our sense of place. At that meeting, we recognized these concerns and voted to defer action on the proposed restrictions, to provide more time for us to get more information about current conditions, citizen sentiment and available options for managing whatever conflicts exist. Chair Hubbard and the Public Facilities Committee will hold another public meeting on Monday, November 16 at 10:00 AM, at which time this matter will be taken up again. Whether or not you can attend, if you have thoughts, concerns or suggestions about this, please share them with the Town via this email: frontdesk@sullivansisland.sc.gov . See you around the Island! Pat O’Neil Mayor 843 670 9266 oneilp@sullivansisland.sc.gov
Thank you for the opportunity to serve! Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP 843-252-5359 ppounds@isleofpalms.gov
2201 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island (843) 883-3708
Page 4 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 30, 2026
Isle of Palms Completes Major Waterway Boulevard Flood Mitigation and Mobility Improvements By Joshua Uys The City of Isle of Palms invites the community to celebrate the completion of Phase 2 of the Waterway Boulevard Flood Barrier Project and the official opening of the new multiuse path with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. The ceremony will be held at the intersection of Waterway Boulevard and Forest Trail on Isle of Palms. Residents, project partners and community members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the improvements and the city’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the island’s flood resilience and mobility along Waterway Boulevard. About the Project Following a nor’easter in December 2023 that caused significant tidal flooding across portions of Isle of Palms, the city began evaluating ways to strengthen flood resilience in vulnerable areas. Homes and public infrastructure along the marsh side of the island near Waterway Boulevard were among the areas particularly affected by tidal
flooding from the Intracoastal Waterway. The Waterway Boulevard Multiuse Path Elevation Project is a strategic infrastructure investment designed to address tidal flooding while improving pedestrian and bicycle mobility along one of the island’s key corridors. Phase 1 – Complete During Phase 1, new berms were constructed along the Harbor Golf Course to create an additional barrier against extreme tides, storm surge and rising water levels. Though the work is largely invisible, blending into the surrounding golf course and grassy areas, it significantly strengthens flood protection for homes in the neighborhood and the new multiuse path. Phase 2 – Complete Phase 2 creates a dual-purpose community asset. The new multiuse path improves safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists while also functioning as part of the city’s flood protection system.
Improvements include raising portions of the path, widening the sidewalk to approximately 8 feet in most areas and installing check valves designed to help prevent tidal backflow through the drainage system. Together, these improvements help reduce tidal water reaching surrounding neighborhoods while creating a safer and more accessible route for people walking, running and biking along Waterway Boulevard. Phase 3 – Up Next The third and final phase of the project will address two remaining gaps in the flood barrier near 3607-3615 Waterway Boulevard and Fire Station No. 2. The city is currently evaluating alternatives for these locations, including a potential elevated section of golf cart path or construction of a retaining wall behind the five remaining homes. Additional information on Phase 3 will be shared as engineering and design work progresses.
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Page 5 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 30, 2026
The Family Vacation Rental Group Thanks First Responders With Hearty BBQ and Free Vacation Getaway (L-R) Hugh Swingle, Patrick Moses, Mel and Shelly Miles, and Alex Stone. Moses won a free vacation rental offered by the IOP Vacation Rental Group.
By Mel Miles The Family Vacation Rental Group hosted its third annual FVR/First Responders Appreciation BBQ on Oct. 14 and donated a three-night vacation to one lucky first responder, firefighter Patrick Moses. The Stein family and Palm Blvd Vacation Rental Company donated a beautiful four-bedroom home, and hearty meals were donated by Acme Cantina, Heavy’s and IOPizza. Lighting Bugz and IOP Beach Chair Company donated golf carts and beach bikes. Fire Chief Craig Oliverius stated, “This is so generous and our firefighters enjoyed it. We are lucky to serve such a supportive and caring community.” Police Chief Kevin Cornett responded, “This is awesome! Thank you for thinking of us and sharing your support. Thank you all so much for putting this on and for supporting our public safety teams.” The Family Vacation Rental Group (FVR), comprising 17 locally and professionally managed vacation rental companies, was recently organized to improve communication and livability for our residents. Representing approximately 90% of all professionally managed properties, we are committed to being a responsible and caring member of the Isle of Palms community. We believe that by working together, we can create a harmonious environment that benefits residents and vacationers who all love and cherish Isle of Palms. We are committed to working closely with Isle of Palms 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.
Members of the IOP Police and Fire Department Enjoy Free Lunch from Jim N Nick’s
The annual Witches ride on IOP finished at Islander 71 Photos by Ashley Sheppard
Page 6 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 30, 2026
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Battery Gadsden Cultural Center Welcomes Bill Fitzpatrick for “The Road to Taveau Church” By Linda Perkis & Kelly Murphy Battery Gadsden Cultural Center invites the public to an evening with Bill Fitzpatrick, preservation advocate, author and photographer, on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m. at Sunrise Presbyterian Church on Sullivan’s Island. His presentation, titled The Road to Taveau Church, will explore the story of a forgotten South Carolina church and the efforts that brought it back from the brink of collapse. In 2014, Fitzpatrick photographed Taveau Church, a deteriorating wooden church located along the west branch of the Cooper River. At the time, the building was largely forgotten, and the church’s National Register nomination offered only limited information about its history, noting that it was built in the 1830s and had a long association with Black Methodist worship. Years later, when Fitzpatrick became board chair of Preservation South Carolina in 2021, he remembered the little-known church and recognized that it deserved a chance at preservation. What followed was a remarkable journey: A structure that had nearly collapsed is now nearly restored, and the story of Taveau Church has emerged as one of national significance. Through photographs, research and storytelling, Fitzpatrick will take attendees along the road that led from documenting a forgotten landmark to recognizing its historical importance and helping bring renewed attention to its preservation. His presentation will highlight not only the church itself but also the broader importance of protecting the places that hold the stories of South Carolina’s past. Fitzpatrick’s interest in historic places grew from years of travel and exploration. Despite spending more than 40 years in business, he made time to seek out less-traveled destinations, eventually photographing more than 1,000 of South Carolina’s National Register landmarks. This experience fostered a deep appreciation for the state’s architectural heritage, particularly its rural churches and sacred spaces. He is the author of South Carolina’s Sacred Spaces (2019), a coffee-table book celebrating the state’s historic religious landmarks, as well as Destination India, Destiny Unknown: A Three Week Journey Beyond the Taj and Behind the Symbols (2009) and Bottoms Up, America! (1996). Fitzpatrick has contributed extensively to historic preservation through his writing and leadership. He wrote monthly columns about South Carolina’s sacred spaces for the National Trust for Historic Preservation and contributed stories about forgotten landmarks for South Carolina’s National Heritage Corridor. In addition to serving as a past board chair and current board member of Preservation South Carolina, Fitzpatrick is the current board chair of the Upcountry History Museum. Battery Gadsden Cultural Center is pleased to welcome Fitzpatrick for a presentation that brings together history, photography and the power of preservation. The story of Taveau Church serves as a reminder that even places that have been overlooked for generations can hold extraordinary historical significance and deserve to be remembered and protected. For more information, e-mail batterygadsden@gmail.com.
Page 7 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 30, 2026
Battery Gadsden Holds Successful Members’ Dinner Despite the Weather By Mike Walsh To paraphrase the postal service motto, “Neither rain, nor wind, nor threat of tornadoes shall keep Battery Gadsden Cultural Center from hosting its annual members’ dinner.” On Saturday, Oct. 10, BGCC found itself in a real dilemma. The first four years of annual members’ dinners had been held outdoors on beautiful fall nights at the Battery. For the fifth edition of that annual affair, our luck ran out. The peripheral effects of Hurricane Isaias were predicted to hit the area with as much as 5 to 8 inches of rain, gale-force winds and possible isolated tornadoes. Our “rescue” came from an appropriate source: Sullivan’s Island Fire and Rescue. Thanks to the cooperation and kindness of Chief Anthony Stith, we were able to make a last-minute shift to the “Big Tin,” the fire department’s fish fry shack. The event was extremely successful. As it turned out, the weather that evening was not quite as bad as predicted, certainly not bad enough to deter more than 100 members, all happy to experience an evening of community and great food. We were fortunate to again have famed local caterer Jamie Westendorf provide us with an abundance of Lowcountry favorites, including pulled pork, a shrimp boil and, of course, banana pudding. No one went away hungry. This year, an added treat was the musical backdrop to the evening provided by local performer and former BGCC Volunteer of the
Year Chris Cordaro. Every year, we have honored one or more individuals for their outstanding support of BGCC. This year was no different. The board of directors chose to award certificates of appreciation to three people who have chosen to be sustainers of Battery Gadsden through their generous financial support. Those honorees were Patricia Votava and husband and wife Kathy Murphy and Norm Rickeman. Our sincere thanks go to these wonderful people. They have truly made a difference in our ability to carry on the mission and programs of Battery Gadsden Cultural Center. So the rain came down and the winds blew, but more than 100 BGCC members were dry and cozy under the Big Tin, enjoying an evening of true community fellowship, thanks in part to a cordial relationship that has existed for longer than most realize. As Chief Stith said to me, “We’ve been working with you since Ms. Macmurphy was there,” a reference to our founder, Mayme Aiken “Make” Macmurphy, who started BGCC in 1992 following the devastation of Hurricane Hugo. Her purpose at that point was to bring back together a shattered community. That seems strangely relevant at this time in our island’s history. According to the chief, “We do this in memory of Make Macmurphy.” And as honoree Pat Votava put it, “This is Sullivan’s Island.”
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Page 8 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 30, 2026
Isle of Palms Announces Winners of First Native Landscaping Contest Mimi Wood - co-1st place - Magnolia flower
By Susan Hill Smith, City of Isle of Palms Environmental Advisory Committee member The winners of the City of Isle of Palms’ new Native Landscaping Contest submitted entries that showed their commitment to promoting native plants and trees on their properties for the sake of beauty, wildlife and sustainability. Contest winners include: First place (tie): Mimi Wood First place (tie): Melissa Trace Third place: Dr. Jonathan Knoche and Dr. Susan Knoche
Fourth place: Sandy Pusey Cameron Honorable mention: Anne-Marie Katz Tony Bertauski, director of Trident Technical College’s horticulture program, judged the contest based on descriptions and photos submitted by mid-September. Winners received gift cards from contest sponsors, including Roots & Shoots Nursery in West Ashley, Acme Lowcountry Kitchen and Native Plants to the People. The city’s Environmental Advisory Committee launched the contest with support from city staff as part of ongoing efforts to promote native plants and trees. Landscaping and gardening with native plants and trees has become a national trend, though most properties, including those of the winners, also feature nonnative plants. Here’s a closer look at what they’ve created. Melissa Trace — First Place (Tie) Judging: Excellent native plant diversity, exceptional use of water features that benefit
wildlife and numerous sustainable practices. Details: Trace is a certified master gardener who has planted a whimsical mix of native and hardy plants in her garden, including orange trumpet vine, swamp sunflowers, coral honeysuckle, milkweed, coneflower, palmetto trees and many varieties of grasses. “My garden has grown into a small ecosystem of its own, because I’ve been intentional at every step.” Stepping stones lead visitors under a jasminecovered trellis to a lush backyard space that supports squirrels, hummingbirds, bluebirds, countless finch families, butterflies and other pollinators. “My favorite feature is how it all works together – and sharing my little piece of paradise with family and friends and wildlife.” Eco-practices: Trace composts, propagates native plants in her small greenhouse, uses rain barrels and electric gardening equipment powered by solar panels. She does not use any chemicals or pesticides. Mimi Wood — First Place (Tie) Judging: Outstanding native diversity, with notable support for wildlife and exceptional commitment overall. Details: With a landmark purple bike at the corner, Wood’s Waterway Boulevard home features swamp sunflower, coral honeysuckle, milkweed, purple and red coneflowers, two varieties of purple aster, black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, (Continued on page 13)
Page 9 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 30, 2026
ISLE OF PALMS RECREATION DEPARTMENT YOUTH SOCCER UPDATE By Jeff Lovins The IOP Youth Soccer program kick-started in late September, providing excitement and competition for approximately 135 boys and girls from age 3 to 12, with tournament play for the older kids scheduled for early November. The “Fast Start” program for 3–4-year-olds and the next level for 5–6-year-olds introduces kids to the game, where they learn basic movements, kicking, and dribbling on our multi-purpose fields, along with good sportsmanship. A total of eight teams, eight dedicated parent coaches and their kids participate thanks to sponsor support from DeepWater Church, Heavy’s Barburger, Denise Runza/Carolina One, Younger You Aesthetics, and Signe Spine & Rehab. The 7–8-year-olds learn to improve upon those skills with both-foot dribbling, passing to moving targets, shooting and rules of the game. The teams sponsors include Heavy’s Barburger, IOP Chamber of Commerce, Signe Spine & Rehab, and Carroll Realty coached by Eric Mims, Brent Jones, Adam Young and Carrie Riddle, respectively. The 9–12-year-old teams compete with certified referees. It’s an excellent early experience for kids who may have an interest in playing in high school
or college. Scores are recorded along with wins & losses, leading up to tournament play during the first week in November. Here’s the season recap for the first three weeks of the season: 9-12 Year Olds Box Scores through October 9th: ----------- Regular Season -------- Team Wins Losses Ties Heavy’s Barburgers 3 0 0 Island Realty 0 2 0 IOP Exchange Club 0 1 0 Heavy’s Barburger 9–12-year-olds are coached by Rob and Boden Hamill, IOP Exchange Club coached by Winslow and Grace Carroll, and Island Realty by Steve Beck. Games are scheduled Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30p on the main soccer field, under lights. All parents, friends and fans are encouraged to cheer their team! In addition to youth sports, the Fall season welcomes Men’s 6 vs. 6 Soccer and Men’s 3 on 3 Basketball on Tuesday evenings, with four and six teams, respectively. Please go to isleofpalms.gov/recreation for more details.
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Page 10 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 30, 2026
AROUND THE ISLANDS MULTIPLE DAYS WHAT: The Fall Tours WHERE: Various WHEN: Oct. 1 - 31 MORE INFO: Now in its 50th year, the Preservation Society of Charleston’s signature Fall Tours are specially designed to showcase Charleston’s unique cultural and architectural heritage. Enjoy walking tours, house and garden tours, or in-depth tours of neighborhoods and residences all throughout the city. WHAT: XscapeWorks Halloween WHERE: XscapeWorks, 2430 Air Park Rd., North Charleston WHEN: Select dates from Sept. 25 - Oct. 31 MORE INFO: The Original Creator of Boone Hall Fright Nights transforms XscapeWorks Into “XscapeWorks Halloween,” a Live-Actor Haunted Experience Unlike Anything Else in Charleston. XscapeWorks, known as Charleston’s largest and most extreme escape room facility, is going even more extreme this fall with the launch of XscapeWorks Halloween, a frightfilled horror experience featuring live actors. WHAT: Southern Screams Haunted House 2026 WHERE: Holy City Brewing, 1021 Aragon Ave., North Charleston WHEN: Select dates from Sept. 25 – Nov. 7 MORE INFO: Southern Screams presents MACABRE, Charleston’s most immersive and terrifying haunted house experience. Open for 25 horrifying nights beginning September 25, MACABRE plunges guests into a world of darkness, dread, and pure fear. Do you dare enter?
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.
WHEN: 7 p.m. MORE INFO: Based in Charleston, The Reckoning offers a fresh new approach to the seemingly infinite library of songs and soundscapes that can only be defined as Grateful Dead. WHAT: Hokus Pokus Live! WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St., Charleston WHEN: 8 p.m. MORE INFO: Get ready to run amok, amok, amok! The witches are back and confused about what is happening in this new world of 2026! Hokus Pokus Live! is a hilarious, high-camp parody of everyone’s favorite Halloween cult classic, brought to life by drag royalty. Tickets available on charlestonmusichall.com. SUNDAY, NOV. 1 WHAT: Sullivan’s Fish Camp’s Dia de los Muertos Event WHERE: Sullivan’s Fish Camp, 2019 Middle St., Unit A, Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. MORE INFO: Día de los Muertos returns to Fish Camp. Join them all weekend long for a room filled with marigolds and coastal Mexican specials, including pescado a la talla, tostadas, and clam shooters. On Sunday, Nov. 1, Don Gato Tequila takes over the porch for a tasting from 3–6 p.m. Make your reservation today. No tickets needed. MONDAY, NOV. 2
WHAT: Drive for ALS Golf Classic WHERE: Snee Farm Country Club, 1200 Club FRIDAY, OCT. 30 Dr, Mt. Pleasant, SC WHEN: 8 a.m. WHAT: The Midnight City: Nightmare BeMORE INFO: The Drive for ALS Golf Classic fore Midnight on the NÜTRL Beach Stage was founded by family and friends determined WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., to turn heartbreak into action. Inspired by the Isle of Palms life and legacy of Russ Robinson, whose love of WHEN: 7 p.m. golf brought people together and created lasting MORE INFO: The Midnight City’s “Nightfriendships, this event honors those we have lost mare Before Midnight Halloweekend” show. Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes. to ALS while supporting individuals and families currently facing the disease. Through fellowship, awareness, and fundraising, we raise critical funds SATURDAY, OCT. 31 for research, care, and advocacy through the ALS Association, ensuring that every swing, sponsorWHAT: Halloween Golf Cart Parade & Carnival with a Drive-Thru Haunted House ship, and act of support helps bring hope to famWHERE: Isle of Palms ilies today and moves us closer to a future withWHEN: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. out ALS. Learn more at als.org/DriveforALS. MORE INFO: Halloween Costume Golf Cart Parade, Drive through Haunted House, InflatWEDNESDAY, NOV. 4 ables, Food Vendors and trick or treat bags. All Golf Carts must be registered to participate. WHAT: American Mah Jongg Basics for Beginners Parade line up starts at 3:30 p.m. on 27th Ave. WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Library WHEN: 1 p.m. WHAT: The Reckoning: Grateful Dead TribMORE INFO: This two-hour session will give ute on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., you a basic overview of the tiles and rules of play, plus some hands-on experience. Limited to Isle of Palms
8 participants and registration is required. FRIDAY, NOV. 6 WHAT: The Nashville Nights Band: 90s Country Experience on the inside stage WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms WHEN: Doors at 9 p.m. MORE INFO: Get ready to relive the greatest decade in country music with The Nashville Nights Band — the nation’s premier tribute to 90s country. SATURDAY, NOV. 7 WHAT: 4th Annual Shuck Fest WHERE: Isle of Palms Exchange Club WHEN: 1 p.m. MORE INFO: Spend an afternoon enjoying fresh oysters, live music, great food, and the company of friends—all while making a meaningful difference for local families facing cancer. Visit https://go.rallyup.com/shuckfest2026/ for more info. THURSDAY, NOV. 19 WHAT: Understanding Teen Substance Use Fads and Trends WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Library WHEN: 6 p.m. MORE INFO: Join the Charleston Center and the Sullivan’s Island Police Department for a conversation about current nicotine, cannabis, and other drug trends among middle school and high school students. For caregivers and community members ages 21+. Co-sponsored by LENS SI.
Page 11 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 30, 2026
Dock Owners: The S.C. Bureaucrats Are Coming for You! By Rom Reddy During the gubernatorial race, I took a lot of flak for protecting my private property based on a simple constitutional principle-- if land is deeded to you and you pay taxes on it, government cannot step on to your land and claim they have authority over it without buying it. A large American flag flies proudly on my property in honor of that principle. Now, the bureaucrats at the Department of Environmental services (DES) are coming for you dock owners. I do not own a dock and have no skin in this game, but I recognize the playbook. Unelected bureaucrats are coming for your rights as dock owners with the same talking points. For all of you dock owners, read this post and act. This is the DES playbook used on beaches. They plan to rinse and repeat with dock owners. It starts by the bureaucrats at DES (who run their own evil empire with zero oversight) quoting the same noble objective that goes something like this: DES claims they have been “ tasked to pro-
mote the economic and social welfare of the citizens while protecting the fragile areas of the coast “ (this is similar language used by their masters - the far left, radical Coastal Conservation League, a 501 C3 taxpayer subsidized organization). All this means is that in the name of the environment, private property rights will be shredded by a bunch of bureaucrats we never elected. DES says they are not changing the law (which they are not authorized to do) but merely “ clarifying” existing law, so it makes life easier for them and the citizens they enforce these laws on. These “clarifications” are done in the form of regulations (the state has almost 90k of them) which have the force of law. As they did on beach regulations and as they are proposing to do with docks, these are not “clarifications” but wholesale changes that give them more power and take away the rights of private citizens. How did they come up with these “clarifications”? The same way as beaches- a “blue ribbon workgroup” that is a cover for their pals at
Jennifer O'Brien, REALTOR® 610.283.0867 jobrien@dunesproperties.com
Where Coastal Life Begins.
the Coastal Conservation league and a bunch of other left leaning environmentalists. For all you dock owners, pay close attention to the changes in regulations they are proposing especially for R. 30-1.D(50) and R.30-12 A(2). They claim these changes are to “streamline standards applicable for construction of private and joint use docks” throughout the state. They plan an “ information session” on October 13th in N. Charleston and a formal hearing at the Administrative Law court in Columbia on October 27th. They will then (Continued on page 12)
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Page 12 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 30, 2026
Dock Owners
clarification but a change in the law. Joint use docks changed from 2 times square Continued from page 11 footage to 1.5 times square footage. Removed language in some cases that “boat submit it to the House and Senate Committees storage structures will not count against total with the lie that these changes merely clarify dock square footage”. So, presumably they will existing law, and these committees will rubber now count toward the square footage limitastamp these changes that become the new law. tion. Boat lifts and drive-ons also appear to Get involved now and lawyer up ASAP. Maybe count toward allowable square footage. too late, but that is what they count on. Being Changed requirements for roofs on docks a surprise to you is part of the plan. and now appears to be largely at the discretion The pre-amble to the changes that are reof DES staff. peated about a dozen times in the amendments Department staff now has discretion to say “the SC coast has experienced a significant determine allowable channel ward dock extenpopulation growth including a proliferation sions with vague new requirements (that will of private docks leading to navigation, access always be interpreted against you judging by and natural resource impacts.” The bureaucrats their approach on beaches). at DES are therefore going to fix this not by Maintenance and repair definitions appear changing the law and going through a formal to be at discretion of staff- words like “major process like they should but by “clarifying exist- engine repair” is prohibited. Presumably a desk ing regulation.” You decide whether a handful bound bureaucrat will determine major vs. not of items I have listed below (not the full list by so major .Requirements on whether normal the way) qualifies as a clarification. maintenance to piers and walkways will be The new regulations change allowable dock allowed is vague. square footage and the width of the creeks. The It is not clear to me how grandfathering calculation of width appears to be at staff disworks after a storm or after a sale. If not quescretion. Some changes are blatant. for example, tioned, it will be left to discretion of staff or docks will not be permitted in creeks less than will require compliance with the new regula21 feet wide up from 10 feet wide. This is no tions.
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There are numerous other restrictive changes couched as clarifications to fool these committees that approve them. Not that it takes much to fool them. When I ran for Governor, I ran on the principle that our rights come from God. Government’s job is to protect or secure these rights. So, even though I don’t own a dock, I can see how wrong this is and how the role of Government in our lives needs to be reset or we will lose the dream our founders had of a self-governing citizen. For all of you who may have an interest in this, please read up on yet another power grab in what is supposedly a red state and fight this before you give these folks more firepower to victimize you. As Einstein said “The strength of our Constitution depends entirely on the determination of every citizen to defend it.” God bless this great Republic. The Reddy Room (reddyroom.com) 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.
CONTACT TIM REESE
Your Island Expert and Neighbor 843.906.1861 treese@dunesproperties.com
Page 13 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 30, 2026
Beach Project
Continued from page 8
Sunrise Manor 601 OCEAN BLVD, ISLE OF PALMS 5 BEDROOMS • 5.5 BATHS • SLEEPS 14
muhly grass and wax myrtle. Native trees include palmettos, live oaks, longleaf pine and magnolia. “When originally planted, some non-native species were installed in my garden,” Wood explained. “In tweaking it over the past three-ish years, I add only native species.” While the basket of her decorative bike may be filled with nonnative annuals, she is trying to surround the bike with drought-tolerant natives. “I’ve found natives to require much less maintenance, and little to no fertilizer.” Eco-practices: Wood added three birdbaths, a small recirculating pond for birds and beneficial insect houses. “I let things go to seed for the birds,” she noted. “That practice results in less work for me, as the plants self-seed.” Dr. Jonathan and Dr. Susan Knoche — Third Place Judging: Excellent emphasis on pollinator plants. Details: The Knoches’ yard and gardens showcase an abundance of plants, including favorites of bees and butterflies. Featured natives include a live oak with a resurrection fern, two redbud trees, muhly grass, wild coreopsis, goldenrod, milkweed, aster plants and black-eyed Susan. The Knoches purchase from native plant nurseries and gardening events to keep it local. “We try to find plants that will support the native pollinator population and provide year-round flowering or color interest,” they shared. Sandy Pusey Cameron — Fourth Place Judging: Strong use of characteristic Lowcountry natives. Details: “Our property has a mix of native and non-native plants and trees, but by far the natives are my favorite,” Cameron said. That includes live oak and magnolia trees. Her family recently installed a pool along with 16 sabal palmettos and several sweetgrass plants. “Not only is it beautiful, it has become a bird and butterfly paradise.” Out front, thriving blanket flowers “make me smile every time I pull into the driveway,” she said. Anne-Marie Katz — Honorable Mention Judging: A useful example of a garden transitioning from a conventional residential landscape to a pollinator-friendly approach. Details: “Non-native plants have struggled in our sandy soil,” Katz reported. “After the last six years of spending thousands of dollars and hiring three different landscape companies who did not recommend using native plants, we decided to only plant native plants going forward. What a great decision!” she said. “After removing struggling plants and adding new ones in consultation with the specialists at Roots and Shoots, everything has flourished.” Learn more through the City of Isle of Palms’ Native Plants webpage.
Melissa Trace - co-1st place featuring Carolina lily in foreground
Luxury Vacation Home Management
Knoche - 3rd place - foreground native blackeyed Susan with non-native giant leopard plant in background & native oak tree with native resurrection fern
Page 14 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 30, 2026
Model Container Home for Veterans Thank You By Robbie Berg and Vicki Johnson On Sept. 28, 2026, the Isle of Palms Exchange Club hosted the Tri-County Veterans Support Network’s “Container Project Model Home” for the community to tour and learn more about the project for homeless veterans. The Exchange Club’s Americanism Program of Service has provided $14,000 in 2026 for this project and also works with the Tri-County Veterans Support Network on other projects throughout the year. A total of 125 people toured the model home and contributed $1,000 in donations. Vicki Johnson with the Tri-County Veterans Support Network (TVSN) stated that the $1,000 has helped meet the daily needs of 10 homeless veterans. To further support the project, a benefit concert will be held Friday, Nov. 13, at Striped Pig Distillery. The event begins at 6 p.m., with the concert starting at 7 p.m. Tickets can be
purchased at givebutter.com/boots-bourbonandbravery-8ljcs5. Johnson wrote to the Isle of Palms Exchange Club to thank its members and the community for supporting the homeless veterans housing project model home open house. “Thank You to everyone who came out to tour the Patriot Housing Project Model Home. We enjoyed meeting our neighbors sharing our mission and showing how repurposed shipping containers can become permanent supportive housing for Veterans experiencing homelessness. “Your interest, encouragement, and generosity helps us move this mission forward. We are especially grateful to the volunteers, supporters, and community members whose ongoing commitment makes this work possible. “A special Thank You to the 35 volunteers from the IOP Exchange Club and community who also helped assemble 500 care packages for
local Veterans experiencing homelessness. Your time and care provided essential items and a meaningful reminder that our Veterans are valued and supported. “There are many ways to get involved. Make a donation, volunteer your time and talents, host a fundraiser, or introduce us to others who would like to help. Every contribution helps us support struggling Veterans in our community. “If you missed the Open House, we would love to see you at the Coastal Carolina Fair! Stop by to tour the model home, meet our team from Tri-County Veteran Support Network and learn how you can make a difference.” “Together, we can help local Veterans find a place to call home.” For more information about donating, volunteering or partnering with the Patriot Housing Project, contact Vicki Johnson at vicki@ patriothousingproject.org.
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The annual Taste of Sullivan’s Island fundraiser was held on Oct. 17 at The Island Club. Photos By Sterling Pickett
ANNUAL TREATS FOR TROOPS! Donate Your Leftover Halloween Candy! Local Drop-Off Locations:
The Suzy Kopp Team Keller Williams Realty 1304 Palm Blvd- 2nd Floor Monday-Friday Between 9am-5pm
Suzy’s Carport 2504 Waterway Blvd. Isle of Palms
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Our Featured Listings November 2026:
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15 Waterway Island Drive, Isle of Palms MLS: 26025069 Price: $12,500,000
11 Tabby Lane, Isle of Palms MLS: 25012193 Price: $11,575,000
3013 Marshall Boulevard, Sullivans Island MLS: 26024639 Price: $7,495,000
3802 Cameron Boulevard, Isle of Palms MLS: 26013497 Price: $3,995,000
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401 Seabreeze Lane, Sullivans Island MLS: 26016820 Price: $3,450,000
54 Morgan Place Drive, Isle of Palms MLS: 26024170 Price: $2,975,000
10 Waterway Island Drive, Isle of Palms MLS: 26000200 Price: $2,890,000
2201 Palm Boulevard, Isle of Palms MLS: 26010373 Price: $2,690,000
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4005 Cameron Boulevard, Isle of Palms MLS: 26008948 Price: $1,985,000
6 Sandwedge Lane, Isle of Palms MLS: 26025181 Price: $1,795,000
29 Twin Oaks Lane, Isle of Palms MLS: 26028074 Price: $1,650,000
1004 Ocean Boulevard 206, Isle of Palms MLS: 26026903 Price: $240,000
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