Seasons Greetings Island Residents,

I hope you are enjoying time with family and friends during this holiday season. The weather certainly is appropriate for the holidays during this time of year.  Given that many of you will be away from the Island during the coming weeks, I wanted to pass along a little information that may be helpful:

Town Observed Holidays
The Town observes Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the day after Christmas as holidays. Because the holidays occur on the weekend this year, the Town Hall will close on Thursday afternoon and reopen Wednesday 12-28-22 at 8:00 am. As always Police and Fire Departments will be fully staffed and standing by at the ready to respond. For an emergency always dial 9-1-1.  For Police, Fire or Water and Sewer Department non-emergency contact Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch at 843-743-7200.

Household Garbage, Yard Debris and Recycle Collections

• Household garbage and yard debris collection is a service provided by the Town to its residents. Household garbage is collected on Tuesday beginning at 7:00 am. Yard debris is collected on Wednesday also beginning at 7:00 am.  There will be no collection schedule change because of the holidays.
• Curbside recycle collection is a service provided by Charleston County collected every Wednesday on a bi-monthly basis with the next collection on Wednesday 12-28-22. Carts should be street-side by 7:00 am.  Charleston County reports there will be no collection schedule change because of the holidays.  You can always visit www.charlestoncounty.org to verify the recycle schedule, report a missed collection, request a new cart or review the rules and guidelines for the recycle program.

Anticipated Freezing Temperatures – Protect Your Pipes, Pets and Plants
The National Weather Service anticipates freezing temperatures beginning Friday night 12-23-22 with a forecasted low of 19’F (or 7.2’C if you are on the metric system); low of 24’F Saturday 12-24-22; low of 26’F on Sunday 12-25-22 and low of 31’F Monday 12-26-22. It is prudent to take precautions now to protect any exposed water pipes from the freezing conditions. When temperatures are forecasted to be below 32’F for more than four (4) hours, the Sullivan’s Island Water and Sewer Department recommends, only if you are home, letting a few cold-water faucets run slightly.  Generally speaking, a stream about the size of a pencil tip will suffice.  If your hot water heating source is located outside or in a non-heated area, then let a hot water faucet run as well.   Keeping water moving inside exposed pipes will prevent freezing. If you are out of town, it is advisable to turn off the water supply by closing the customer shut off valve near the water meter.

If you encounter a water issue over the holiday weekend Town staff will monitor telephone messages or email messages over the weekend. Mary Poole can be reached by telephone at 843-883-5733 or email mpoole@sullivansisland.sc.gov. Andy Benke by telephone 843-883-5726 or email abenke@sullivansisland.sc.gov. Note that the Town only services its water mains. Broken pipes, faucets and the like are located on private property and owners should contact their plumber.

It is suggested that you monitor the local media outlets or National Weather Service Charleston as conditions are subject to change.

Special Events on Sullivan’s Island 
Two events that tend to draw large crowds are held in January on Sullivan’s Island. Moving about the Island could take a little more time with the large number of pedestrians or runners

• Polar Bear Swim – January 01, 2023: An annual event held every year in an effort to raise funds for the Special Olympics. Participating restaurants (Dunleavy’s Pub, Longboard, Home Team, Mex 1 and Poe’s Tavern) will offer outdoor service with food and libations beginning at 9am. Swimmers will enter the water at 1pm. The only road closure will be on Station 22.5 between Middle Street and I’On Avenue from 8am to 5pm. Please use caution when driving due to the anticipated large number of participants.
• Charlie Post 5K and 15K Classic – January 28, 2023: The annual road race will begin at 8am Saturday morning at the Sullivan’s Island Elementary School and conclude by 11am.  The race is expected to draw approximately 900 runners. More details regarding exact route to follow.

Miscellaneous Town News

• This year the Town will be issuing new access passes to be used by residents during exigent circumstances. Passes are available now at Town Hall. 
• During the first quarter of 2023 the Town offer a new platform to communicate with residents called Citibot. Stay tuned for subscriber information to follow in January.
• January 2023 meetings of Council include Council Workshop 1-9-2023 at 6pm and Council meeting 1-17-2023 at 6pm.  Meetings are always open to the public who is encouraged to attend.

Sullivan’s Island Police Department Toys for Tots Bicycle Drive
For the second consecutive year the Police Department participated in the US Marines Toys for Tots program. This year the Department was able to turn over 264 new bicycles and helmets to the program.  Their effort is sure to bring smiles to many lowcountry children who would otherwise not receive any gift on Christmas morning.

A special shout out of thanks to all of the Island residents who generously donated bicycles, Mr. Tim Hayes of Hayes Moving for donating two trucks with labor to transport the bicycles and Town staff for making the program successful again this year. A special word of appreciation for the leadership of Chief Griffin and Officer Glen Meadows who coordinated the program and Tom McClellan who assembled or safety checked each and every bicycle for Santa Claus.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah Happy New Year!!!

Regards,

Andy Benke
Town Administrator
Town of Sullivan's Island
Post Office Box 427
Sullivan's Island, SC  29482
Direct Telephone: 843-883-5726
Facsimile: 843-883-3009
Emergency: 9-1-1
Police and Fire Dispatcher: 843-743-7200
Email address: abenke@sullivansisland.sc.gov
Web address: www.sullivansisland.sc.gov