While Tropical Storm Arthur recently brought a temporary respite of cooler weather to the Southeast, its heavy rain provided an early reminder of the flooding and other tidal intrusions that South Carolina coastal communities face during each hurricane season. On Isle of Palms, between 21st Avenue and 41st Avenue, work is underway on Phase 2 of the Waterway Boulevard Flood … [Read more...] about Phase II of Waterway Boulevard progressing: Project anticipated to significantly check island flooding
Environment
Beach renourishment effort gearing up: Nearly all IOP homeowner easements secured
As Isle of Palms inches closer to another crowded summer season, residents and visitors, and even sea turtles, will have to share some of the beaches with trucks, heavy equipment and a lot more sand. Work crews are mobilizing to undertake the island’s biggest beach renourishment project to date: placing 2.5 million cubic yards of beach-quality sediment along up to 19,200 … [Read more...] about Beach renourishment effort gearing up: Nearly all IOP homeowner easements secured
Major beach renourishment effort slated for June Anticipation building for city’s biggest project to date
Ask any IOP resident about local beach preservation, and you will likely hear an earful both supporting and questioning current methods to combat erosion. But as IOP City leaders and consultants prepare for the island’s biggest sand renourishment project to date, hopes are running high not only for a successful outcome, but to implement other long-term measures that are … [Read more...] about Major beach renourishment effort slated for June Anticipation building for city’s biggest project to date
A Turtle Tutorial: Sea Turtle Nesting Season Underway
It’s that time of year again – sea turtle nesting season is upon us. In South Carolina, sea turtle season runs from May 1 to Oct. 31. The following is a brief reminder (or tutorial for all our island newcomers) on the basics of sea turtle rules, laws and advocacy. Turn off or shield all beachfront lights after 10 p.m. and close blinds on ocean-facing windows. Limit the use … [Read more...] about A Turtle Tutorial: Sea Turtle Nesting Season Underway
State funding buys more time for long-term beach erosion solutions
Efforts to battle beach erosion on Isle of Palms are expected to get two major boosts – one immediate and one by late spring. On the table is a $1.52 million grant from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT). The grant money will go toward the city’s major beach renourishment project this summer to place sand in three critical areas: … [Read more...] about State funding buys more time for long-term beach erosion solutions
Water quality study proves dog waste is main source of contamination
Concerns about water quality on Isle of Palms first emerged in the late 1990s, when elevated fecal coliform levels were detected in drainage ditches. In 2000, city council paused a proposed septic tank ordinance after residents and officials questioned whether the contamination came from human waste or from animals. Without clear evidence, council chose to pursue scientific … [Read more...] about Water quality study proves dog waste is main source of contamination
Hurricane Expo to help residents prepare, give away free gear
The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department, IOP Fire Department and LENS Foundation IOP will team up to host a Hurricane & Resilience Expo on Thursday, May 7, from 4-7 p.m. The event will be held at the IOP Recreation Center outside under the oaks and will feature: Hurricane prep tips and evacuation route updates City services displays and information Safety … [Read more...] about Hurricane Expo to help residents prepare, give away free gear
Judge sets deadline for deconstruction of illegal seawall
The case of the illegally constructed seawall built by Isle of Palms resident Rom Reddy has at last reached a point of no return. On Dec. 30, 2025, two months after ruling that the seawall had to be removed, but without specifying a time frame, Court Judge Ralph Anderson handed down an order requiring Reddy to deconstruct the seawall, with removal potentially beginning as early … [Read more...] about Judge sets deadline for deconstruction of illegal seawall
Palm tree initiative receives donation to plant 22 more
Last year, Isle of Palms residents started talking about planting more palmettos on the island, especially since Dominion Energy removed about 300 trees. Now there’s a community-wide effort underway, Plant-a-Palm 2.0, and it has gained momentum! Plant-a-Palm 2.0 is a community-driven initiative to plant palm trees throughout the island. This group was inspired by … [Read more...] about Palm tree initiative receives donation to plant 22 more
Coyote activity ramps up as breeding season nears
While every Isle of Palms holiday season brings more festive food, more table scraps for pets and a lot more trash in the bins, it also comes with a greater chance of neighborhood varmints and scroungers – especially coyotes. So when you put out trash this Christmas or go walking your dog on the beach or near the dunes, be aware that both the litter and the dogs could easily … [Read more...] about Coyote activity ramps up as breeding season nears