Greetings Sullivan’s Island Residents,

Well, it’s here again. June 1st marks the official start of hurricane season, and we’ve already seen our first low-pressure disturbance develop just south of the Charleston area. 

Island residents should see this as an opportunity to finalize preparations for tropical weather by reviewing your family emergency evacuation plans, securing resident re-entry tags and ensuring your property is storm ready! Please take the time to search the Town’s Emergency Preparedness page for storm prep tips, local resources and emergency contact information.

Summer 2025 Event Calendar

There are several exciting community events scheduled in June and July, many centered around Carolina Day (June 28th) and Independence Day celebrations: 

• Floppin Flounder 5K Race– Saturday, June 7th, 6:30am to noon
• Sullivan’s Island Volunteer Firefighters Fish Fry – Saturday, June 28th, 5pm-8pm Tickets may be purchased at Town Hall, or at the Fry Shack the day of the event (cash only).
• Carolina Day Celebration at Fort Moultrie – Saturday, June 28th, Food trucks, Revolutionary War re-enactments, and more, featured throughout the day.
• Town Hall Closure – Town Hall will close Friday, July 4th in observance of the Independence Day holiday. While all non-essential employees will enjoy the holiday, first responders will be on duty and standing by at the ready to assist residents and visitors.  Additional Fire and Police employees will be available given the large number of visitors on July 4th weekend.
• Golf Cart Parade – On Friday, July 4th, the golf cart parade will depart Sunrise Presbyterian Church at 9am, travel along Middle Street to Station 28.5 and then to Atlantic Avenue to arrive at the Sullivan’s Island Elementary School bus loop parking lot. You can register to participate in the golf cart decorating contest by registering at Town Hall through Thursday afternoon. Awards will be given to the top three best decorated carts. Upon arrival at the school, Kona Ice and ice cream will be offered to participants.
• Fireworks Display – Residents are invited to bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the evening at Stith Park. Music by Shem Creek Boogie Band will begin at 6pm and fireworks at dusk.

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 various capital projects and information from S.I. Town Hall:

Capital Project Updates

Major Stormwater Projects: Island residents should expect to see a dramatic increase in stormwater utility work across the Island through the Summer months. Contractors will be focused on making these critical drainage improvements in various neighborhoods as part of the SCIIP grant project, with work scheduled to begin in and around the Station 31 and Station 28 ½ neighborhoods. Gulfstream Construction, the Town’s chosen contractor, will be mobilizing in late June. 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 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 & Schedule Changes

Dog Permits and Rules
Please remember to renew your dog permit for 2025. Contact Riley, our new administrative specialist at 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 June revolve around approval 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

• June 2nd at 6pm
• July 7th at 6pm                                  

Council meeting

• June 17th at 6pm
• July 15th at 6pm 

As the beachgoer crowds increase over the summer, please plan your trips on and off the Island around peak periods of traffic and always exercise great care and caution when moving about the Island as visitors are often more focused on getting to the beach! 

Please feel free to call or email our staff anytime, should you have questions. 

Best regards,

Joe Henderson
Town Administrator
(843) 883-5731