Greetings Island Residents,

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the first signs of spring. As the weather warms and we begin welcoming droves of spring breakers to our beaches, it is important to keep in mind that due to ongoing drainage improvements, spring and summer 2026 will look very different on Sullivan’s Island.

Residents will continue to see road and lane closures throughout the eastern side of the Island, along with drainage cleaning crews working at isolated flooding hotspots in the central and western ends of the Island. These activities may reduce the availability of public parking and pose driving challenges throughout the summer beach season. While this construction will be messy and inconvenient at times, it will ultimately be well worth it!

A sincere thank you to all Island residents for your patience and cooperation as we complete these generational infrastructure improvements.

Spring 2026 Special Events:

We have many exciting community events happening this spring as we prepare for the grand celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary and Carolina Day on June 28. March and April will be especially busy as we hold various informal gatherings at Town Hall and celebrate environmental stewardship and recognize Sullivan’s Island’s commitment to preserving our natural environment and urban forest.

Outlined below are some of the main events however, please continue checking the Town’s homepage, event calendar and by registering for the Town’s monthly newsletter.

Coffee with a Council Member
Friday, March 20 | 8:00–9:00 a.m. | Town Hall
Join us at Town Hall for coffee, refreshments, and informal conversation with one or two members. Select staff members will also be available to discuss what’s happening around Town and answer questions. All are welcome.

 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Saturday, March 14 | 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | SI Commercial District
Traffic detours will be in place for eastbound traffic on Middle Street, along with a road closure on Station 22 between I’On Avenue and Middle Street. As part of a new Public Safety Plan, we encourage everyone to use caution when navigating the commercial district during the event.

Battle of Sullivan’s Island Short Film Viewing
Thursday, March 19 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | SI Town Hall

Tuesday, April 7 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | SI Town Hall

The Battery Gadsden Cultural Center & Friends of Charleston National Parks will be cohosting a viewing of the film followed by a brief panel discussion.

Arbor Day 2026
Friday, April 24 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Stith Park

Celebrate Sullivan’s Island’s 10-year anniversary as a Tree City with our Tree Commissioners and Town planning staff, Charles Drayton and Rebecca Fanning. Activities include:

• Live local bands
• Food trucks
• Tree sapling giveaway
• T-shirts and other cool tree swag
• Tours of SI Maritime Forest

Construction Projects

Islandwide Stormwater Maintenance Strategy
Staff continues restoration work on the stormwater pump station at the corner of Station 18 and Atlantic Avenue. Crews mobilized in February to remove and replace nonfunctional valves and equipment and plan on reestablishing functionality of the forcemain running toward the marsh. This should provide much needed relief for the neighborhood just in time for the rainy season.

State-Issued SCIIP Grant ($10 Million)
This project is well underway and includes construction of stormwater infrastructure for basins surrounding Station 28.5 and Station 31. Recent work includes reconstructing both outfalls with check valves and large-capacity pipes. Major trunk lines will be installed from Marshall Boulevard to the marsh. Upcoming work includes pipe installation along Middle Street between Station 30 and 31. Road closure at Station 28.5 and Middle will begin around March 9th. Access will be maintained for local traffic. Detour maps will be sent to residents and made available on the Town’s stormwater project webpage.

FEMA Grant 4492
Involves reconstructing outfalls at Station 18.5 and Station 25, along with surrounding drainage infrastructure. Final design will be considered by Town Council on March 17, 2026, followed by permit submittal and construction.

Osceola Outfall at Station 9.5
Work will include rebuilding the stormwater outfall and maintain the surrounding drainage pipes, installing check valves, and re-establishing the drainage ditch to deep water. These improvements will enhance drainage for neighborhoods between Station 9.5 and Station 11. Contractor biding is underway.

Social Media & Other Information from Town Hall

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the Town’s homepage and event calendar, which are updated regularly. You may also sign up for the Town’s monthly newsletter, TOSI Talks, as well as Everbridge notifications, and follow the Town on Instagram and Facebook for updates on events, meetings, performances, and emergencies.

Town Council Meetings

We encourage the public to attend Council workshops and regular Council meeting to stay abreast of all issues involving the Town. Town Council holds its Workshop meetings on the first Monday of each month at 6pm and its Council Meeting on the third Tuesday at 6pm. Major upcoming topics in April, May and June revolve around development of the Town’s capital and operating budgets. Our next meeting dates are as follows:

Please feel free to email or call anytime, my door is always open. 

Warmest regards,

____________________

Joe Henderson, AICP
Town Administrator
Town of Sullivan’s Island

(843) 883-5731

Island History in a Photo

Island residents periodically share fascinating historic photographs with Town staff from family collections, archives, and newspaper clippings. We believe these images provide a wonderful educational opportunity and a meaningful way to connect with friends and neighbors. This month’s image was submitted by Gary Visser, current Planning Commissioner and former Town Council member.

The photograph captures the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse (also known as the Charleston Light) under construction circa 1960. Notice the distinctive steel-frame structure that creates its triangular design—an innovative engineering approach built to withstand hurricane-force winds. The lighthouse was also modern for its time, featuring both an elevator and air conditioning. In recent years, Town staff, Mayor O’Neil, and the National Park Service have explored funding opportunities for a full restoration of this iconic Island landmark.

 Feel free to share your historic photos by emailing them to Joe Henderson at jhenderson@sullivansisland.sc.gov. Please include a brief caption describing your photo, your full name, and whether you are a Sullivan’s Island resident.