May 2025 Newsletter

Wed, 05/21/2025

Mayor's Message

Mayor Pat O'Neil Dear Island Neighbors,

I’m proud to inform you that Phase 2 of our nature trail in the protected land is now open! It runs through the land from the Station 16 beach path to the Station 18 ½ (lighthouse) path. It offers some views of that Town land that you may not have caught before. Check it out!

Thanks to Town Administrator Joe Henderson, Director of Resilience and Natural Resources Rebecca Fanning and former Town Administrator Andy Benke for their leadership on this project through all its twists and turns, and thanks to the SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism for their financial support.

At the same time we cut the ribbon on this new trail, we dedicated the first nature trail to Islanders Susan Middaugh and her late husband Larry. Over many years, both have contributed greatly to the protection and appreciation of the wonderful natural resources we enjoy here. The trail starts and ends on the Station 16 path, running a circuitous loop that takes you through a variety of habitats.

If you’ve only seen the protected land from the beach or while heading to the beach, these two trails may give you a new appreciation of this rare resource.

Beyond that, this month’s theme is WATER!

WATER: THE BILL
I always find it a charming Island note that we still have, and people use, a drop box in front of Town Hall where you can deposit your check to pay your water bill. Please keep it up!

However, I know that this system doesn’t work for everyone...for example, people like me who can’t be counted on to reliably open their postal mail or email, write checks and take them down to the drop box (or put them in the mail)... on time.

For folks such as me...and maybe you, there is a solution: Autodraft payments, where your monthly bill’s amount due is automatically withdrawn from your checking account, with no need to open your bill, write a check, find an envelope, and find a stamp or take it to the drop box. (Oh, the horror!)

You will still get a bill in the medium of your choosing, paper or electronic, so you stay on top of your usage and costs.

To set up your autodraft payment, contact Mary Poole, our Administrative Specialist who handles water and sewer billing. You can call her at 843 883 5733 or email her at mpoole@sullivansisland.sc.gov.

WATER: THE PAST
You know that your water bill (paper or online) compares your monthly usage with the same month of the prior year. But suppose you want to go farther back?

Mary advises that you can access your water usage information going back as many as 15 years! Just go to https://bit.ly/SIWDHistory. You’ll need your account number (upper right hand of your bill). Enter it in the appropriate box and hit Search. Then click “View Additional Account Information”, and when you get to that page scroll way down to get the record of your monthly usage amounts, in a table or (farther down) a line graph showing your entire usage history at a glance.

WATER: THE FUTURE
As we are all aware, because of numerous factors, the waters that surround us (AKA Sea Level) are rising. You may recall that we have had a long-standing project, funded largely by a federal grant program, to guide us in developing a master plan to halp us become more resilient to sea level rise. The presentation of the final draft of our consultants on this project unfortunately had to be rescheduled previously. It is now scheduled for the meeting of our Planning Commission at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, May 14, with an open house immediately after the meeting. Please come out to learn more! Note:This is different from the stormwater management plan that was presented recently.

In the same vein, we know that parts of the Island, especially the back beach side, will continue to be affected by more frequent and more severe episodes of salt water tidal flooding. (Remember December 17, 2023??)

As a demonstration project for landscaping plans that can survive such events, Rebecca Fanning has established a model garden of salt-tolerant plants in our conservation-protected “Old Dump” site on the marsh at Station 19. Check it out when you can.

See you around the Island!

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

Administrator's Message

Greetings Sullivan’s Island Residents,

As we approach another Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 through November 30), it is critically important that Island residents and our business partners begin preparing for tropical weather far in advance of a storm’s potential impact.

May 1st kicks off Hurricane Preparedness Week which is a great time to not only assess your level of readiness for the impending season, but also to check your property’s vulnerability to storm surge, heavy rainfall and strong winds. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) provides a number of resources through their website to encourage residents to Know Your Zone, Prepare Your Home and Remember Your Route. Also, please take the time to search the Town’s Emergency Preparedness page for storm prep tips, local resources and emergency contact information.

Stay informed of all Town activities and information by checking the Town’s homepage and event calendar which is updated regularly by our staff. Another excellent way to stay up-to-date on special events, performances, community meetings, etc. is by registering for the Town’s monthly newsletter and TOSI Talks.

Please take note of the various special events, capital projects and general information from Town Hall:

Capital Project Updates:

Major Stormwater Projects:
Beginning this June, and continuing over the next year and a half, Island residents should expect to see a dramatic increase in stormwater utility work across the Island. Contractors will be focused on making these critical drainage improvements in the following neighborhoods as part of the SCIIP grant project: Station 30 to 31, Station 28 ½ , Station 25, and Station 16 to 16 ½ . For all progress updates, maps and project descriptions please see the Town’s Stormwater project page.

Cove Inlet Bridge Renovation:
Town Council and staff are happy to announce the May 1st opening of the newly restored Cove Inlet Bridge property. This historic property was once the only access onto the Island and now serves as a scenic overlook of Cove Creek.
The Town’s stabilization project included repairing the dangerously eroded bridge platform and reconstructing the marsh bank with an innovative Envirolok vegetated wall system. Handrails have also been added along the trail’s entrance and along the overlook to keep visitors safe while taking in the views.

Stith Park Drainage Improvements and Renovations:
Town Council has initiated a park-wide drainage study that will address existing and future drainage needs for subsequent phases of the park’s development. Town Council is currently considering a strategy for engineering and permitting these much-needed renovations.

General information:
Dog Permits and Rules
Please remember to renew your dog permit for 2025. Contact Riley in Town Hall at 843-883-5743 or by email at rdippert@sullivansisland.sc.gov for information.

Effective May 01 the beach hours for dogs will change as follows:

5am to 10am – dogs may be on the beach and off leash but under voice command
10am to 6pm – dogs are not permitted on the beach
6pm to 5am – dogs are permitted on the beach and must be leashed

At all times, dogs must have an up-to-date Town dog permit and badge on hand; owners are responsible for cleaning up dog waste; and, dogs should not be permitted to chase shorebirds or disturb shorebird or turtle nests.

Summer Household Garbage Collection
It is anticipated that the Town will shift to twice per week household collection during the first week of June. Please follow the Garbage and Recycling webpage for further details.

Family Vacation
If you plan to leave the Island for your summer vacation, be sure to contact the Police Department to place your property on “House Watch”. Chief Glenn Meadows can be reached by email at (843) 883-5736 or Deputy Chief Monty Anders at (843) 996-8927 for further details.

Town Council Meetings
We encourage Town residents and other members of the public to attend Town Council workshops and regular Council meetings to stay informed of all Town issues, projects and programs. Town Council holds its workshop meetings on the first Monday of each month at 6pm and it Council Meetings on the third Tuesday at 6pm. Major topics in May and June revolve around implementation of the Town’s first inaugural Five-year Capital Improvement Plan and putting the final touches of the annual FY 2026 operating budget. Our next meeting dates are as follows:

Workshop
May 5th at 6pm
June 2nd at 6pm

Council meeting
May 20th at 6pm
June 17th at 6pm

Please feel free to email or call me anytime should you have questions or concerns...my door is always open!
Best regards,
Joe Henderson
Town Administrator
(843) 883-5731

Members of the Sullivan’s Island Police Department want to remind residents and visitors that:

All residents and visitors enter the ocean at their own risk. No lifeguards are on duty at any time.
All beach activity is prohibited after 11 PM.
All dogs must have a license from Town Hall.
All trash and dog droppings must be taken with you when you leave the beach. Dog poo bags, recycle bins and trash cans are at the end of each beach path.
No plastic, polystyrene or glass containers are allowed on the beach at any time.
All alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all streets, boardwalks and beaches.
No activity, inclusive of loose dogs, is allowed in the dunes or near turtle nesting areas.

For your safety and the protection of our local environment, we kindly remind all residents and visitors to stay out of the beach dunes.

These areas are sensitive natural habitats and can be unstable underfoot. Additionally, as part of ongoing wildlife management efforts, humane coyote traps have been placed in the dunes. These traps are not designed to harm animals but are intended to assist in safely managing coyote activity in the area.

To ensure everyone's safety, especially that of your pets, please keep dogs and other animals out of the dunes at all times.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us preserve the environment and maintain community safety.

Thank you for your understanding.

We’re excited to welcome our newest firefighter, Tyler Yates, who recently graduated from the fire academy. Tyler brings fresh knowledge, strong training, and a passion for service to our department. We look forward to seeing his growth and contributions as he begins his career with us.

Maritime Marginalia
by Town Naturalist Rebecca Fanning on odds and ends of interest regarding the lively world out of doors on the Island.

Perhaps you can recall, as it wasn’t a very long time ago, that there were no leaves on most of the trees and the saltmarsh was a blanket of brown. Even the evergreen Wax Myrtles and Eastern Baccharis were nothing but sticks left from heavy pruning in much of the maritime forest. Winter’s drab palette remained the case until all that dreariness was gloriously interrupted by the first sight of lime green lighting up the woods. Did you happen to take notice of what that was? Well, if you haven’t yet made their acquaintance, I’ll be glad to introduce you to our very own Carolina Willows (Salix caroliniana).

Similar but different from her cousins in Europe that drove all the Abstract Impressionist painters wild with inspiration, Carolina Willow is one of those landscape-defining creatures known as a keystone species that many other community members depend upon for forage and shelter. Chief amongst them are bees and wasps of all kinds who have synchronized their clocks with the emergence of willow blooms, pictured above. Not only does the Carolina Willow pack its dense spikelets of flowers with so many sips of nectar to provide energy for adult bees at a time when nectar comes scarce, but those same flowers also provide pollen that is critical for rearing the next generation of native bees. Within the genus Andrena, for example, there are several specialist native bees that can only eat one thing when they’re babies, and that’s Willow pollen. There are a number of other generalist species that also depend on that source of early baby food, apparently, because our Carolina Willows were so well cross-pollinated that parts of the maritime forest have turned into an absolute Willow Wonderland, with a forest floor positively blanketed in the billowing seeds.

The Carolina Willow is one of our all-star pollinator supporters in a completely different regard, as well! Of all the many tree species living on Island, Carolina Willow comes in third place behind oaks and cherries as a host plant for caterpillars, supporting well over 200 species! And how many caterpillars does it take to raise one nest of Carolina Chickadees? For those of you who have walked with me in the woods already or have perhaps caught previous issues of Maritime Marginalia, you may recall the startling statistic that bears repeating: That’s six to nine thousand caterpillars! To raise one nest of chickadees. And they do that twice a season.

The Carolina Willow thrives in the wet soils found in the interdune ponds and serves as a tremendous stormwater pump! One little willow sapling two inches around will divert some 250 gallons of rainwater in just one year, and that number grows bigger as the tree matures. In our sandy soils on Sullivan’s Island, stormwater easily flows across the landscape underground, following a path of least resistance to fill in low areas when the water table is high and there’s no way for that water to drain down. I say all that because these interdune ponds are practically siphoning floodwater from across the Island after storms and putting that water back up into the sky for us, drying out the ground between rains. And that’s not all! When you factor in other services provided by a willow – its capacity to scrub the air of pollution, for example, these trees prove invaluable contributions. Mankind can’t engineer technology as effective and efficient as a living tree, let alone a forest.

I think it’s important to note that willows would be much more common in the Lowcountry historically if it weren’t for human intervention over the last few centuries. Not only has extensive hydromodification – the manipulation of waterways through ditching, straightening, damming, and other contortions – narrowed the former floodplains where willows would thrive, but efforts have been made to systematically extirpate one creature that works closely with willows: the Carolina Beaver (Castor canadensis ssp. carolinensis). I’ll save that story for another day, as it’s a long and fascinating one, but suffice it to say that every plant that beavers love has, over many generations, developed the capacity to thrive in disturbance. Elderberry, Ninebark, Willows, and Cottonwoods all have the ability to ‘live-stake,’ meaning if you break off a small twig of them and stick it in the ground, you’ll grow a new tree! This becomes very clear in areas of the woods where illegal clear cutting has occurred, as willows revegetate so densely they are sometimes mistaken as invasive bamboo! This capacity to recover quickly is a real blessing, since these wet areas are sadly prone to becoming quickly colonized by the invasive Popcorn Tree, which grows so fast its tree rings can be a full inch apart. Willows shading out the ground can prevent those ecological terrors from taking root.

Consider planting a Carolina Willow in a wet spot in your yard. It will be beloved by wildlife, dry out the ground in between rains, and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Next month, I’ll be leading a few walks in the woods across the Island, and you can register to join me at this link.

TOSI Alerts

The Town of Sullivan's Island uses several different methods to contact residents in case of emergencies, to notify of town news and meetings and for general announcements.

TOSI Talks is a text based system that is used to notify people of town meetings and news like office closures and garbage and recycling schedule information. To sign up for TOSI talk alerts, text "Hello" to (855)675-8674.

Everbridge is the Town’s Emergency Notification System that sends email alerts from the Town Administrator, Fire or Police Chief or Water and Sewer Department that can include information concerning road closures, severe weather, emergency water main break, public works projects and other pertinent information. You can sign up for Everbridge here.

Both systems require the client to set up an account and both have different options for the types of notifications you will receive. Please sign up for all possible alerts to ensure you receive all of the news and messages.

Dorchester Paws- Mutts for Miles

A walk on the beach and a step toward home.

Mutts for Miles began in the spring of 2022 with a simple idea: give shelter dogs a break from the stress of kennel life and let them experience the joy of a walk by the ocean. Since then, Dorchester Paws has brought 8+ dogs at a time to Sullivan’s Island for an hour-long evening stroll with community volunteers—and the results have been incredible.

For many of our dogs, it’s their very first time seeing the beach. They dig in the sand, sniff the salty air, and light up with happiness. These outings help lower their stress, build confidence, and show potential adopters just how special they are outside of the shelter. Even better, several dogs have found fosters or forever homes thanks to connections made during these walks.

Anyone 18 or older is welcome to join us. Volunteers must sign up in advance so we can match each pup with the perfect walking buddy. Sign-up links are posted regularly on our social media and shown below, and you can also email Lanea Wilson at lwilson@dorchesterpaws.org to be added to our contact list and notified when new dates open.

A walk might seem like a small thing-but for a shelter dog, it can mean the world. Join us, and help give our pups the gift of fresh air, companionship, and a glimpse of what life in a loving home can be.

Sullivan's Island Elementary School Field Trip

The 1st graders at SIES recently wrapped up an exciting unit in Social Studies focused on Civics and Government. They explored how governments function at the national, state, and local levels, and were given the chance to learn firsthand about their local community leaders.

As part of their study, the students visited us here at Town Hall, where they had the opportunity to learn about the important roles of the mayor, police force, fire department, and other local helpers. They also heard from individuals who work to protect the island’s natural resources through conservation efforts.

The highlight of the experience was sitting in the very room where local laws are made, which gave the students a tangible connection to the legislative process. It was an incredible experience, and the kids were engaged and excited to see how their local government works up close!

2025 Dog Licenses Now Available!
2056 Middle St
8:00am - 5:00pm

It's time to renew your dog's license for 2025. Stop by Town Hall to get yours today and keep your pup legal and safe!

Floppin' Flounder 5K
June 7th at 8:00am
Sullivans Island Fire Department Fish Fry Shack
1424 Hennessy Street
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
Sign up here:
https://www.floppinflounder.com/

Hurricane Season is Coming Up!
June 1st- November 30th
Make sure you have a family emergency plan that maps out what to do before, during and after a disaster. Visit our Emergency Evacuation webpage to learn how to effectively leave town should you need to evacuate.

Town Notification Sign-Ups
The Town of Sullivan's Island uses several different methods to contact residents in case of emergencies, to notify of town news and meetings and for general announcements.

If you would like to receive notifications, please go to our website, and then Home / Residents / Town Notification Sign Ups

Town of Sullivan's Island Resident Passes

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. These tags are for residents and property owners only, not visitors, guests, extended family or contractors.

Stay current with the latest updates of Town projects on our website or follow the links below.

Stormwater Projects

Historic Preservation Projects

Recreation Projects

Resilience and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan

Join Council in congratulating those employees who celebrated employment milestones with the Town during the month of May! Thank you for all of your hard work keeping our Sullivan's Island awesome!

Planning and Zoning Department

Charles Drayton

Charles Drayton- Planning and Zoning Director- 3 Years on 05/10/2025
Charles joined the Town in 2022 as the Director of Planning and Zoning. In this role, he oversees and staffs the Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, Tree Commission and the issuance of zoning compliance for all Building Permits and Business Licenses. Charles can be reached at 843-883-5752 or cdrayton@sullivansisland.sc.gov.

Police Department

Carlos Hernandez- Patrol Officer- 7 Years on 05/19/2025
Carlos started with the Town in May of 2017 as a Beach Service Officer. Since then, he has served in many roles including Parking Enforcement and Town Code Enforcement. He was sworn in as a Patrol Officer and Graduated the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in February 2019. Officer Hernandez can be reached at 843-883-9636 or chernandez@sullivansisland.sc.gov.

Elias Shaffer

Elias Shaffer - Sergeant- 3 Years on 05/12/2025
Elias started with the Town in 2022. Elias has been in law enforcement since 2017, he also previously served as a 9-1-1 Emergency Supervisor, and a City Firefighter in Pennsylvania. Elias has received prior commendations for his acts of bravery, and pro-activity in all aspects of emergency services. Elias is also a certified Field Training Officer. Elias can be reached at 843-883-9636 or eshaffer@sullivansisland.sc.gov.

farmer

Gracynn Famer- Beach Services- 1 Year on 05/21/25
Gracynn began working with the Sullivan's Island Police Department as a Beach Service officer in May of 2024. She also graduated in May of 2024 with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Trident Technical College. Gracynn loves being able to work with such an amazing group of people in the Police Department and enjoy driving down the beach and meeting new people every day. You can contact me at (843) 789-0427 or gfarmer@sullivansisland.sc.gov.

Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 20th from 6:00- 7:00pm

Design Review Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 21st from 4:00- 5:00pm

Town Hall Closed
Town Hall is Closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 26th

Tree Commission Meeting
Tuesday, May 27th from 4:00- 5:00pm

Council Meeting
Monday, June 2nd from 6:00- 7:00pm

Planning Commission Meeting
Wednesday, June 11th from 4:00- 5:00pm

Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting
Thursday, June 12th from 4:00- 5:00pm

Council Meeting
Tuesday, June 17th from 6:00- 7:00pm

Design Review Board Meeting
Wednesday, June 18th from 4:00- 5:00pm

South Carolina Town of Sullivan’s Island