Dear Island Neighbors,

Happy Summer!

Yeah, I know, it actually started a couple of months ago if you measure it by weekend beach traffic...

HURRICANE SEASON
In case you’ve been taking a news fast, we are likely facing an extremely busy hurricane season. The NOAA report is at https://bit.ly/NOAAH24. Our hurricane-dampening buddy El Niño has been kicked out of the Pacific by La Niña, which means more trouble in the Atlantic, which is already storing much more hurricane-fueling heat than usual for this time of year. If you are into crabbing, by August you may be able to catch them pre-boiled.

The point of this is: Get ready, now! This includes learning what to expect if things are so bad that we have to evacuate. This is always a decision made at the state level, not by local governments. This year the SC Emergency Management Division has revamped their evacuation plans and the zones which determine who goes when. You can see the new plan at https://bit.ly/SCEMDKYZ.

In the unfortunate event that we have to evacuate, and the Island is hit so hard we have to restrict entry immediately post-storm, you will need to have a resident re-entry tag. The red square windshield stickers are no longer accepted. (If you pay attention to older vehicles when driving anywhere around Charleston, you will see that those old stickers have spread everywhere.)

The current resident-only re-entry hanging tags may be obtained at Town Hall upon the presentation of your driver’s license with your Sullivan’s Island address on it, or a deed of ownership for Island property. These tags are for residents and property owners ONLY, not visitors, guests, extended family, contractors or employees.

If you have not already done so, please get your hanging tag NOW and make sure you keep it where you can use it when needed.

75TH ANNUAL FIRE AND RESCUE SQUAD FISH FRY, SATURDAY JUNE 29!
This venerable Island tradition is a great way to visit with friends and neighbors, support our great Fire and Rescue Squad, and enjoy a fish dinner at a ridiculous bargain (5 bucks each!).

This is an important fundraiser for the wonderful volunteers who provide critical well-trained manpower (and woman power) to bolster the safety capabilities of our professional Fire Department staff. Most of the equipment you see them using is paid for by their own fundraising, so please make a contribution even if you can’t attend the Fish Fry, or if you’re buying tickets, round up the check by a digit or two. You can buy tickets or drop off a contribution at the Fire Station.

It’s 5-8 on Saturday, June 29. Put it in your calendar now! https://bit.ly/SI-FIRE

SUMMER SAFETY REMINDERS FROM OUR POLICE CHIEF
Chief of Police Glenn Meadows offers these important safety reminders for the summer season. Please read, no matter how many Island summers you’ve enjoyed.

“With the nicer weather upon us, our Island is seeing an increase in vehicular traffic, bicyclists, and walkers and runners. Drivers are reminded to exercise extreme caution, particularly on busy weekends, and to pay close attention to directional road and stop signs. Pedestrians in a marked crosswalk have the right-of-way. When parking, please follow the parking signs and ensure all tires are off the pavement to allow our emergency response vehicles room to navigate. No motorized vehicles are permitted on our beaches our beach paths. 

“As a reminder, alcohol is not permitted on our beaches. Police Department personnel are actively patrolling our beaches and will enforce the ordinances prohibiting alcohol. 

“It takes all of us to keep our beaches safe and enjoyable. Citizens are urged to call our non-emergency line at 843-743-7200 [think of the school: SIES 200] to report suspicious activity of a non-emergency nature. Emergencies should immediately be reported by calling 911.”

PROGRESS ON THE TOWN’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
State law requires every municipality to adopt a comprehensive plan every 10 years and to review it at the 5-year point, after public meetings and plenty of opportunity for public input. The Planning Commission is now going through the 5-year review. You can see the current draft at https://bit.ly/SICP2024.

Before giving final approval to send the plan to Council, the Planning Commission will have another public hearing on June 12 at 4:00 PM. Come out to contribute your input.

THE SULLIVAN’S ISLAND CLUB
The re-energized group making the Island Club building (next to the Fish Fry Shack) a scene for more resident activities held a “Taste of Sullivan’s Island” fundraiser a couple of weeks ago. Despite unhelpful weather it was a good time and very well-attended by a broad cross-section of Islanders. (Thanks to Chief Stith and the Fire and Public Works Department for helping with barricades and assistance in accommodating the weather.)

If you weren’t there, you can learn more about the Sullivan’s Island Club by visiting https://thesullivansislandclub.com.

See you around the Island!

Pat O’Neil
Mayor
843 670 9266
Twitter: @oneilpm1
oneilp@sullivansisland.sc.gov