If you’ve ever spent time at the beach, you’ve probably noticed the lifeguards before anything else. Up in the stand. Watching the water. Not saying much. From a distance, it can look like the kind of job where not a lot is happening. Gary Boone hears that assumption often. Boone, a member of The Citadel’s Class of 2027, has been working ocean rescue for six seasons now … [Read more...] about Day in the Life of a Lifeguard: The sentries keeping you safe
Island Vibes Story
Isle of Palms Summer Fun Guide 2026
Summer on Isle of Palms offers countless opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty, recreation and unique character of the island. From watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean and searching for seashells along the shore to kayaking through the marshes and spotting local wildlife, there is something for visitors and residents of all ages to enjoy. As a companion to our … [Read more...] about Isle of Palms Summer Fun Guide 2026
New crosswalks to increase safety for pedestrians along Palm Boulevard
The motion and second couldn’t come fast enough in their April 28 meeting, and the subsequent work came almost as quickly, after IOP City Council unanimously approved a measure to install two new simulated brick crosswalks on Palm Boulevard. The crosswalks were installed on May 26 at 43rd and 46th avenues by Asphalt Concepts LLC of Mount Pleasant as additional measures for … [Read more...] about New crosswalks to increase safety for pedestrians along Palm Boulevard
IOP leaders approve largest budget in island history – tax increase likely: Major expenses include drainage, boulevard improvements, beach renourishment
The vote wasn’t unanimous, but the IOP City Council is set to adopt the largest budget in island history for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with an increase to the annual operating millage. It will include $37.49 million for projected revenues and $44.91 million for projected expenses – 49% more than in 2025. The two amounts not only dwarf all previous island budgets but will … [Read more...] about IOP leaders approve largest budget in island history – tax increase likely: Major expenses include drainage, boulevard improvements, beach renourishment
Phase II of Waterway Boulevard progressing: Project anticipated to significantly check island flooding
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
Who’s Coming to Charleston – besides everybody?
While the Charleston area is never short for day trippers and week-long vacationers, the majority of people who visit from out of state, dating back to 2018, have come almost exclusively from five East Coast locations: North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Virginia and New York. “Within that timeframe, the top five states have remained largely consistent,” said Dan Guttentag, … [Read more...] about Who’s Coming to Charleston – besides everybody?
Meet the Meier’s: Finding your happy place
I’m not someone who necessarily sits for hours on the beach, but it is my happy place, my grounding place,” declared Andrea Meier, on her preference for walking on the beach rather than relaxing on it. Growing up in the Northeast, Andrea vacationed frequently on the Isle of Palms. She recalled, “My stepmother’s parents lived on the Isle of Palms, so we would visit every summer. … [Read more...] about Meet the Meier’s: Finding your happy place
Class of 2026 IOP: Graduates Ready to Change the World
As another graduation season wraps up, we are celebrating an exceptional group of young leaders, athletes and entrepreneurs hailing from the Isle of Palms who are ready to make their mark on the world. Here are three standout local graduates from the Class of 2026: Quin Scanlon - Lucy Beckham High School Quin Scanlon leaves Lucy Beckham High School with a legacy defined by … [Read more...] about Class of 2026 IOP: Graduates Ready to Change the World
From the Archive: The Battle of Sullivan’s Island
Imagine, for a moment, a very different Lowcountry than the one we know. It’s the dead of summer during the Revolutionary War, and the royal assembly and royal representatives were run off last fall. There is a tense state of bitter “peace” while things are run by a group of patriots. On June 28, 1776, the world’s most powerful military made its move to capture Charleston, … [Read more...] about From the Archive: The Battle of Sullivan’s Island
To Be Frank: A canine call to action – Help protect my fellow pups
To be frank, dear reader, I find myself in need of your help. Well, to be perfectly frank, not me specifically. My life is practically perfect in every way, and I can scant remember a time before this was the case. It has recently come to my attention that not every South Carolinian pooch is as fortunate as I. Our beautiful state is among the worst in the nation for legislation … [Read more...] about To Be Frank: A canine call to action – Help protect my fellow pups