Dear Island Neighbors,

I hope you are enjoying our version of fall, with the marsh Spartina grass going golden, the goldenrod providing added yellow glow (and meals for our monarch butterflies), and amazing technicolor sunsets. (And a reminder: It’s ragweed, not goldenrod, that may be triggering your allergies.)

Speaking of monarchs (butterflies, not Brits), here is some useful info to help tell them from our similarly colored and more numerous fall butterflies, the Gulf Fritillary:  https://bit.ly/TOSIButterfly

HELENE RELIEF
A big thank-you to our Fire and Rescue professionals and volunteers, who recently collected and transported 504 cases of water and another three truckloads of supplies for Upstate residents devestated by Hurricane Helene. Thanks also to Simmons Seafood for helping with the transportation.

Monetary donations are still greatly needed in the affected areas of SC and NC. As just one example, here is one site for donations for the Hendersonville area: https://bit.ly/47KUBEF

OPEN HOUSES AT YOUR HOUSE...TOWN HALL
This fall, several Open House sessions have been scheduled to allow residents to review plans regarding an array of different projects on the Island, all at Town Hall at 5:00 PM before our Council meetings. The topics include desperately needed stormwater infrastructure improvements, historic design guidelines, the Stith Park masterplan, and the Resilience Plan, which is in its initial stages of data collection and stakeholder engagement.

Tuesday October 15th
Stormwater Master Plan & Imminent Drainage Improvements with Seamon Whiteside
OK, this one has already happened, but you can go to https://bit.ly/SITCWStormwater and scroll to the 47 minute mark to view their presentation at the October workshop meeting.

Tuesday, November 19th
Historic Design Guidelines with Thomason & Associates and Stith Park Masterplan with Thomas & Hutton

Monday, December 2nd
Resilience Plan with Weston & Sampson, McCormick Taylor, & Elko Coastal Consulting

OCTOBER IS FIRE SAFETY MONTH!
Fire Chief Anthony Stith reminds us of the importance of October as Fire Safety Month. Check those smoke detectors, and your fire extinguishers!

Here are some other tips from SI Fire Department Training Officer Adam Ivan: https://bit.ly/SIFallFireSafety

HALLOWEEN!
Don’t forget that on Thursday, October 31, there’ll be lots of little ghosts and goblins out and about. Please exercise caution when driving, and make sure your candy extortionists are wearing reflective gear and reminded that the streets are still streets.

TRASHY REMINDERS
Please be aware that landscapers are responsible for removing all the yard waste they generate; they should not leave it by the street. Also, we are all requested to leave the beach path trash cans for use by beachgoers.

BREACH INLET SAND PLACEMENT PROJECT
Work continues on the Army Corps of Engineers project to bring nearly 700,000 cubic yards of sand and related material to the Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms shores around Breach Inlet. For more information on this innovative effort, go to https://bit.ly/TOSISandPlacement

STAY UP-TO-DATE ON TOWN MATTERS!
We continue to encourage folks to sign up for “TOSI Talks”, our public outreach platform for non-emergency messages. Just text “Hello” to (855) 675-8674. You  can stay up-to-date on Town news, meeting dates and emergency preparedness tips.

See you around the Island!

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