Good afternoon Island residents,

Closing out this short holiday week, there are a few bits of information to pass along for your guidance.

Hurricane Season 2023
June 01 marks the beginning of the 2023 hurricane season.  In fact, there is a bit of weather action in the gulf today as the system was reclassified as Tropical Storm Arlene. At this time there is no indication the system will impact Sullivan’s Island. Town staff has begun initial preparation for the storm season. Now is the time to be preparing your personal hurricane plan. 

NOAA forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center predict near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5; with winds 111 mph or higher). Currently, NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.

Police Department Blood Drive
The Sullivan’s Island Police Department and the BLOOD CONNECTION will host a community blood drive on June 3, 2023, from 11:00am to 4:00pm at Sunrise Presbyterial Church. Please consider donating blood for this most worthy cause. Click here to sign up!

Summer Crowds and Beach Traffic
As the weather continues to improve weekend beach traffic is expected to dramatically increase. Residents should use caution when moving about the Island as visitors are often more focused on find a parking space than safely driving in the presence of other vehicles, bicyclist, or pedestrians. Likewise, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is still experiencing snowbirds returning to the north and it is quite active with recreational watercraft. The Ben Sawyer opens on the hour during the weekend for recreational vessels. For military, commercial,  and distressed vessels the bridge opens on demand. During the weekdays, the Ben Sawyer Bridge is restricted from 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm except for military, commercial and distressed vessels.  Remember that the hours to open are set by the United States Congress upon recommendation of the US Coast Guard 7th District Miami and codified under 33CFR117 Subpart B.

Household Garbage and Yard Debris Collection
The Island is now on summer schedule for household garbage.  Household collections will be every Tuesday and Friday except those weeks with a national holiday (Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day) when collections fall to Wednesday and Saturday. Yard debris is on Wednesday (except holiday weeks). Remember there are size, volume and bagging requirements. Visit the Town website for details www.sullivansisland.sc.gov.  Likewise, contractors and landscapers must remove their debris. Charleston County Recycle Program collection remains bi-weekly on Wednesday with adjustments for holiday weeks. The recycle schedule can be reviewed at www.charlestoncounty.org.  

Golf Carts, Low Speed Vehicles and Electric Bikes
Just a reminder that these vehicles are all regulated by Title 56 of the State statute. Each means of transportation has certain requirements under the law. Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the requirements. Motor vehicle violations under the state law may impact your points and insurance rating.

South Carolina Infrastructure Improvement Program
The Town of Sullivan’s Island recently received a $10.4 million grant for stormwater improvement. Staff is currently working through the grant acceptance and accounting documentation but expects to release a Request for Qualifications to select an engineering firm by early fall and a Request for Proposals for a contractor by late 2023/early 2024.  More details to follow.     

Carolina Day Celebration
The historical event commemorated each year on Carolina Day, June 28th, is the battle of Sullivan’s Island that took place on that date in 1776. This year Carolina Day on the Island will be celebrated on Saturday, June 24th, at 9 am. The event will take place on the plaza in front of Town Hall. Activities will include raising of the Moultrie flag, a proclamation by Mayor O’Neil, participation by the Daughters of the American Revolution, and a remembrance of the incredible story of a most unlikely Patriot, Robert Smith.  Members of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment will be present to fire a musket salute in honor of the day. Refreshments will be served.   Traffic will be rerouted around Middle Street between Station 20 and 21 Streets for approximately 30 minutes during the ceremony. Click here to view the flyer. 

Sullivan’s Island Fire & Rescue Fish Fry
COVID and construction interrupted this Island tradition for a few years, but the Fish Fry returns this year on June 24 from 5 to 8 pm under the big tin on Hennessey Street. Be sure to join the Fire Department and Volunteer Fire Fighters for an evening of fish, music and fun. Tickets are available at the Fire Department and Town Hall for only $5.00. Click here to view the flyer.

Town Council Meetings
While a full schedule of meetings can be found on the website, Town Council will meet in its workshop format on Monday 6-5-23 at 6pm and regular Council meeting on 6-20-23 at 6pm. The meetings are open to the public and you are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Wishing you all the best for a great Island weekend

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