Humble. Kind. Unassuming. Delightful. Not the words one might typically associate with an Air Force colonel, chief of police, attorney, sheriff, special agent and Russian translator with a master’s degree in criminal justice. Former Sheriff Al Cannon is all of these things and more – devoted husband to wife Wallis, loving father of two and adoring grandfather of … [Read more...] about Meet Your Island Neighbors: Al and Wallis Cannon
People
A Family Legacy of Serving the Community
A true native son, Stephen Sottile grew up exploring the marshes of Mount Pleasant and playing on the beaches of the Isle of Palms. Always one to enjoy the outdoors, he loved fishing, surfing, fencing, swim team and participated in all of the other sports the area recreation departments offered. As an adult, his hobbies include playing guitar, singing karaoke, cooking and … [Read more...] about A Family Legacy of Serving the Community
Battalion Chief Giddens retiring after two decades of fire service
His last official duty will come on July 29, but IOP firefighter James Giddens hasn’t been counting down the days. Having served the island’s fire department and all island residents for 23 years, Giddens knows it is time to leave, but at the same time kind of wants to stay. “I have called IOP my second home since 2003 when I was hired,” said Giddens, who was honored with … [Read more...] about Battalion Chief Giddens retiring after two decades of fire service
Day in the Life of a Lifeguard: The sentries keeping you safe
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
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
Dynamic Duo: Grace and Ricky Myatt – Beloved father-daughter combo, island icons
“Watching her in action is something to behold. She is a force to be reckoned with,” declared Ricky Myatt of his daughter, Grace. Ricky continued, “Grace has always been a ‘daddy’s girl,’ and ever since my wife Maggie, Grace’s mother, passed away seven years ago, she has become even more so. We laugh together and have an easy banter. She brings me a joy I cannot adequately … [Read more...] about Dynamic Duo: Grace and Ricky Myatt – Beloved father-daughter combo, island icons
Staying close to home: Panthers draft IOP resident Becomes first OCA alum drafted into NFL
An island resident will be donning a Carolina Panthers jersey and representing the Lowcountry when the team takes the field next season. Recently drafted University of Georgia offensive tackle and Oceanside Collegiate Academy alum Monroe Freeling moved to Isle of Palms with his family during his sophomore year of high school. Freeling, who the Panthers selected with the No. … [Read more...] about Staying close to home: Panthers draft IOP resident Becomes first OCA alum drafted into NFL
Behind the Bar: Sierra Hyman – Poised and personable
Some people work behind a bar. Sierra Hyman somehow turns it into a whole personality. Walk into The Dinghy during the afternoon and you’ll probably find her right in the middle of three conversations at once. One regular is telling her about their weekend plans, somebody else is getting teased for ordering the same drink again and Hyman is moving through it all like she’s … [Read more...] about Behind the Bar: Sierra Hyman – Poised and personable
Flags for Heroes: IOP Exchange Club Americanism Program of Service
The Isle of Palms Exchange Club’s Americanism Program of Service Committee invites everyone from Mount Pleasant, Charleston and the islands to come and view the “Flags for Heroes” display at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club (201 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms) “flying high” and become a sponsor of a flag(s) to honor your hero or heroes. The club has been erecting the flags since … [Read more...] about Flags for Heroes: IOP Exchange Club Americanism Program of Service
Sand Savant: Piccolo Spoleto artist sculpts whimsical wonders from beach’s bounty
Sand sculptor Tommy Freeman has competed in the last 14 of the Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition’s 37 years. What began as a casual family activity has become a tradition for Freeman and a treasured summertime ritual. His team name has changed several times over the years as have its members, from including his wife and children to eventually encompassing friends, … [Read more...] about Sand Savant: Piccolo Spoleto artist sculpts whimsical wonders from beach’s bounty