Groove to the Music with Dance Classes Near Isle of Palms, SC

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - The Isle of Palms City Council in 2020 voted to make additions to the marina area of the island and that project is officially slated to be completed this year.

The project included the addition of a public dock, a boardwalk and a waterfront park and greenspace. The boardwalk and public dock have been completed, and, as of Jan. 11, the construction contract for the waterfront park and greenspace was officially confirmed.

The waterfront park will cover the 300 by 25 foot wide area along the marina facing the Intracoastal Waterway. There will be a 6-foot wide concrete walkway. The park will include a large lawn area with lush planting.

They plan to include a series of benches along the waterfront walkway so residents can enjoy views of the water and boating activities. There are plans for a circular seat wall near the public dock that would create an entrance to the dock area.

They plan to include a kayak storage area and a kayak launch area. There will be golf cart parking available as well as bicycle parking areas.

All of these plans did require collaboration and participation from the marina manager and restaurant tenants. Scott Toole, the general manager of the Outpost, a nearby restaurant, says he is very excited for this addition to the area.

“I think that it’s an added benefit to the island, to the residents, everybody, to have a space and to use the dock. Kayak launching is a big thing that I think people will take advantage of.” he says. “It’s really going to help make this area kind of a place of interest for people, sort of a destination so to speak, for people to be able to get some food, get some drink, watch the water and use the dock that’s right there.”

Toole says they very recently renovated the Outpost and he’s excited to see this new project bring more people to the area. He says he feels like this area of Isle of Palms is often overlooked as it is a little ways away from the main beach.

“We’ve kind of joked that it’s a small corner of the island and so, anything that’s bringing people down this direction is good for everybody. We’re excited to see this project take place,” he says.

The project is currently slated to be completed by May of this year. To provide City Council your input on this project you can click here.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

ISLE OF PALMS — Record tides from an unexpected nor'easter in December ripped away several feet of sand on this barrier island, exposing an unauthorized, clandestine wall in front of a beachfront home near Breach Inlet.

The wall's unveiling also spawned a power struggle between the state Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Ocean Boulevard homeowner, with the two at odds over property rights and protecting the diminishing shoreline.

SC Climate and Environment News

This is all playing out on a sandy beach where waves are clawing closer to multi-million dollar homes amid heavy erosion caused by storms and high tides.

The home at the center of the dispute belongs to Rom Reddy, owner of the multimedia local news outlet MyLo News. After taking a beating from Hurricane Idalia last year, Reddy said he installed the wall as a erosion control barrier and covered it with 30 feet of sand.

The December nor'easter washed away the sand, uncovering the bulwark.

While performing post-storm damage assessments, DHEC became aware of the structure.

Some call it a sea wall, which the state defines as a retaining wall designed to withstand wave forces. Reddy maintains his wall isn't a sea wall, as it was never meant to be exposed to the ocean. It was meant to be buried beneath the sand to protect his home's foundation and yard, he said.

"This keeps my yard stable and keeps it from moving around, which is what a retaining wall does. If we have a catastrophic event, it gives my property some protection, although a very nominal level, because it's not meant to be ocean facing," Reddy said.

Reddy said the nor'easter left the wall tilting and unstable, prompting him to have it rebuilt. In response, DHEC sent a cease-and-desist letter in January to halt the construction.

Cease he did not. Construction on the wall continues to move full steam ahead and shows no sign of slowing down.

News

Reddy said it is his right as a property owner to protect his home. The area landward of the setback line is his to do with as he pleases, he said, citing South Carolina's Coastal Tidelands and Wetlands Act.

Not so, according to DHEC's division of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.

The sand in front of Reddy's property is considered a critical area, the agency said, and any alteration of a critical area requires permits from OCRM, even critical areas that are landward of the jurisdictional setback.

DHEC spokesperson Laura Renwick said the agency regularly issues permits for work in these areas, though it is unlikely Reddy's wall would have been approved.

"Since erosion control structures and devices such as the one identified at this property have been banned per state law since 1988, this structure would not have been permitted," Renwick said.

Today's Top Headlines

Isle of Palms officials said they are aware of the structure, which violates a city ordinance prohibiting hard erosion control measures like sea walls, bulkheads and revetments. But in the case of Reddy's unauthorized structure, the city said its hands are tied. Jurisdiction of that area, and much of the island's critical areas, fall under DHEC, said Mayor Phillip Pounds.

"In this particular case, the OCRM has claimed jurisdiction, so that takes the city out of the mix, and it is up to them to enforce the state-level rules. We are relying on the state to enforce their rules that prevent structures like this being built per their cease-and-desist orders," Pounds said.

Judges in two cases in recent years have sided with homeowners who built walls or placed sandbags along eroding sections of the South Carolina coast.

While Reddy is facing pushback from DHEC, some of his neighbors are behind him. Paul Jorgensen, who owns the property adjacent to Reddy, said he doesn't love what is being erected next door, but he understands his neighbor's mindset. Working with the city and the state to get approval for protective measures has left him feeling frustrated.

"The city and the state have been utterly horrible at handling the situation. Not only have they been utterly horrible at managing, they won't even let us help ourselves," Jorgensen said.

Jorgensen said the preventative measures the city does take on aren't enough.

Ongoing restoration and protection efforts on the island include continuing sand scraping and sandbag placements on the island that began under an emergency order following Hurricane Idalia in September. City Council gave the efforts a boost in October, allotting $1.25 million to continue sand scraping along the beaches to rebuild the dunes. Council also budgeted $250,000 for installing sandbags on properties within 20 feet of erosion areas.

"The city and the state are not doing nearly enough, and, in fact, are preventing homeowners from protecting our own property," Jorgensen said.

South Carolina hasn't allowed structures like Reddy is building since enacting the Beachfront Management Act in 1988, citing a "false sense of security" the measures give to beachfront property owners while simultaneously aiding in further erosion.

Structures like sea walls block the ability of a wave to break naturally, pushing its force onto adjacent properties. The energy bounces back off of the wall, pulling the sand and eroding the beach on the seaward side. Emily Cedzo, director of conservation programs and policy for the Coastal Conservation League, said softer measures for preventing erosion, like sand fencing and larger restoration projects, are ideal for protecting beaches.

"Those are really the ideal ways to manage a beach responsibly so that it can provide good protection for private properties, but also public access and wildlife habitat," Cedzo said.

With multiple cease-and-desist directives, DHEC could begin to dole out fines or penalties.

"When DHEC identifies violations of applicable state laws or regulations, the agency has the authority to initiate an enforcement process that may result in the issuing of a civil penalty to the responsible party, among other actions," Renwick said.

Some think it's time for DHEC to take action.

"I think DHEC is going to have to move forward with enforcement. I don't know what their process or timeline looks like, but I think it's clear that they've already tried to communicate with the property owner," Cedzo said. "I know that several residents on the Isle of Palms are really concerned about it and continue sending reports."

Reddy said the cease-and-desist directives from DHEC won't deter him.

"They have to go in front of a judge and prove to the judge that we're, in fact, breaking the law. And we're ready for that," Reddy said.

Reach Anna Sharpe at 843-806-6790.

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCIV) — There’s a controversial fight raging over an unauthorized structure's future. The dispute is between an Isle of Palms homeowner and city and state leaders over a retaining wall he's installing on what he claims is his property.

“What was happening, is the waters were coming in so severely that my soils in my yard were unstable,” said homeowner Rom Reddy. “We put in a retaining wall. It is not erosion control.”

Reddy said he's just trying to protect his land from heavy weather conditions.

“We wanted to put sand back in front of it, at our expense if need be. They say we can't. Why would you not want to put sand back on a beach? Now, we are faced with having to reinforce this structure because it's ocean-facing,” Reddy said.

City and state officials said this is an unauthorized project happening within city lines. The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) issued a cease and desist to Reddy on Feb. 1- instructing him to stop work immediately.

City leaders said they're in the process of possibly changing a city ordinance.

READ MORE: Unauthorized seawall on Isle of Palms sparks DHEC intervention

“There's one ordinance on the city books that doesn't allow any type of structure within 250 feet of an OCRM line,” Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds said. “Right now that's all the way up to Ocean Boulevard given the change of the shoreline. We're just kind of in the middle of an erosion cycle that's painful to be involved with.”

According to DHEC, erosion control structures have been banned on beachfronts in the state since the 1980s, and only the agency's Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) is authorized to alter beaches.

“That's why the OCRM has rules, and that's why the state has rules around what you can and can't do on an active beach,” Pounds said. The mayor added that the OCRM has claimed jurisdiction on this specific wall.

However, homeowner Rom Reddy stands strong in his argument he's doing no wrong.

“The state claims that whatever we are doing to reinforce what we have inside my yard, now it is inside my property. It's not on the active beach. How is it active beach inside my yard? An active beach is not a term used in the law. The beach critical areas are very clearly defined in the law.” Rom Reddy said, “I want to keep re-emphasizing that it is in my property outside of the state jurisdictional lines passed by the law.”

READ MORE: Sullivan's Island group urges protection of Maritime Forest

Since receiving the cease and desist, Reddy said his crews have continued to build.

According to DHEC regulations, if a person refuses to follow department directions, the department may file a lawsuit.

The Army Corp of Engineers is preparing to begin their erosion project in the area next month.

If you are planning a family vacation to the SC coast, a stellar beach to visit is Isle of Palms. Things to do at IOP near Charleston are endless. Isle of Palms is convenient, family-friendly, and fun. You can even make a fun day trip out of it! She shares all the information that you need, including things to do, where to eat, and how much parking costs if you’re just planning a quick day trip at this local South Carolina beach.

About Isle of Palms

Recently my family traveled to Charleston to spend the day at Isle of Palms. Yes, you read that right – we went for the day. Isle of Palms is completely doable as a day trip. It’s perfect if you’re like me and live on a budget but long to breathe in the salt air.

Let me tell you, I was so impressed. There’s a quaint beachfront road lined with restaurants and shops. The shops are your typical beach shops filled with t-shirts, trinkets, and every size/shape boogie board to hit the market. You know, the kind of shops full of souvenirs found only on the coast.

There are also plenty of unique places to eat, a wonderful and clean beach, and fun shops to explore!

Isle of Palms: Things to Do With Your Family

One of the best things to do while in town is to head to the beach. The beach at IOP is flat, and there is plenty of room, even during high tide. The boys had a great time with boogie and skimboards. You can also spend the day looking for seashells, building sandcastles, or just enjoying the sounds of the Atlantic Ocean. You can occasionally catch live music right by the dunes!

South Carolina’s crazy weather pattern has created a more hazardous environment for swimmers, so always be cautious of rip tides. In the midst of your family fun, make sure to keep an eye on the colored flag at the lifeguard stand.

Big Family Day Trip Tip: Isle of Palms County Park

If you park at Isle of Palms County Park, you’ll have restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing rooms available to you. This is a big deal when you’ll have 3 hour plus ride back home!

The beach can get pretty crowded, especially on Saturday, so plan to get there early in the day if you want a large space on the beach to set up camp. If you are in need of chair and umbrella rentals, there is a company for that! You can rent surfboards, bikes, chairs, and umbrellas from IOP Beach Chair Co. They even rent accessible beach wheelchairs.

You’ll also find rentals for chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards available at a cart by the restrooms at Isle of Palms County Park.

Bonus tip: There is a Harris Teeter across the street from Isle of Palms park. It’s a good place to stop before the beach to load up on snacks, fruit, or even some pre-made sandwiches. You’ll save some money here over restaurants and beach carts!

There’s certainly no shortage of food choices. Whether you enjoy live music and seafood, or you’re looking for some good ol’ American burgers and fries, you will find a delicious meal at Isle of Palms. One of the most popular places is Acme Lowcountry Kitchen. They have mostly seafood options and use fresh and local ingredients, which would make for a great dinner after a long day on the beach. They also have a pretty decent kids’ menu, which is always a plus.

If you are looking for something delicious right off Ocean Boulevard, then Smugglers Island Eats and Raw Bar will hit the spot. They pride themselves on a family-friendly atmosphere with a casual vibe. Smugglers, of course, offers seafood like fried shrimp baskets but also has smash burgers and vegetarian options if you want something else. Their frozen daiquiris are delicious by the way!

One of the most popular beach restaurants in IOP is Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill. They have lots of seafood dishes like crabcakes and shrimp and grits that are delicious, but they also have burgers and sandwiches. The restaurant is located by the ocean on Ocean Boulevard and offers a rooftop bar for patrons to enjoy a delicious cocktail while taking in the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

If you are a nature lover, then going on an ecology tour of the waterways and marshes near IOP would be a perfect addition to your trip. Barrier Island Eco Tours has public tours that are guided by a naturalist and include boat excursions, dolphin tours, an exploration of Capers Island, and more. You are certain to see lots of sealife on your excursion, and it is a wonderful way to learn more about the SC coast while also having a blast. The company offers public trips, private charters, school trips, and special events throughout the year.

Isle of Palms Beach Parking

The beachfront Isle of Palms County Park offers great parking, snack bars, restrooms, and beach access. Admission prices vary depending on the season but car prices do not exceed $15 during the week, and $20 on Saturday. If Saturday is your only option for travel, you’ll want to get an early start. The County Park lot will fill up, I promise. I’m speaking from experience.

Parking on the street is an option, but the spaces are limited on the weekends. There are electronic pay-boxes along the sidewalk, so make sure to have a card handy (it’s inexpensive). We lucked out with a spot on the street directly in front of beach access with a clean bathhouse.

Between the County Park and plenty of public beach access, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Isle of Palms. Whether you are renting a home, having a day trip, staying at Wild Dunes Resort, or vacationing at one of the few hotels in town, you are certain to find your Isle of Palms vacation worthwhile.

Visit the Isle of Palms website for more information on where to eat, what to do, and where to stay if you need more than a day trip.

Find a Place to Stay in Isle of Palms

Use the map below to find the perfect place to stay in Isle of Palms. Kidding Around earns when you book through these links through an affiliate relationship with Stay 22.

What’s your favorite thing to do when visiting the Isle of Palms?

Are you a beach lover?

Check out our list of the 20 Best Beaches in the Southeast!

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - The Isle of Palms City Council approved an emergency ordinance on erosion control Tuesday evening.

The ordinance passed with a 7-2 vote that will allow homeowners to build seawalls or revetments along their personal property lines. This would apply to 100-914 Ocean Boulevard, a 1.3-mile-long stretch of road and Breach Inlet.

The council discussed two options. Option one creates a setback where homeowners must build their structure within a selected 35-foot window. The second option leaves it up to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to decide where they can or cannot be built.

The council voted on option one, with an amendment to where the seawalls can be built. Instead of a 35-foot window, the council changed it to 20-feet.

“Sometimes it’s two readings, sometimes it’s three, but tonight it’s an emergency one,” Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds says. “It’s been one thing after the other for the last six or seven months so the city has been in an emergency basis. This is kind of the next step.”

Many beachfront properties are still feeling the impacts of Hurricane Idalia, which tore away much of the beach access and caused severe erosion damage. The storm surges and coastal flooding that followed added to the problem.

If the council votes yes on the ordinance, homeowners would be able to build a revetment, which is a sloping structure, or a seawall, a vertical structure, to battle erosion damage. These entities would be the sole responsibility for property owners and must comply with material or construction requirements.

Seawalls would need to be a maximum height of 10 feet and cannot be made visible. The structures cannot be made of recycled concrete or materials and must be designed by engineers who can confirm it would not have a negative impact.

Coastal Conservation League Director of Land, Water and Wildlife Riley Egger called the ordinance a “misstep.” She asked the city to consider alternatives like renourishment instead.

“Restore dune systems that provide for wildlife habitat, protect private property owners and provide for public access,” Egger says. “Seawalls provide a false sense of security.”

Pounds says the Army Corp of Engineers is set to begin a project within the next month that would rebuild the dune back.

“The sandbags and scraping has really just been a band-aid,” Pounds says. “It was really just to get over the hump of this large project that’s coming.”

The ordinance also requires neighbors and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Ocean and Coastal Resource Management be notified before construction begins. The department is currently the only entity that can authorize the changing of critical areas.

The department prohibits the use of heavy machinery, equipment or materials within the critical area for installing a seawall or revetment. Sand must be from an upland source.

If a seawall or revetment is not taken care of properly, the city or its coastal engineer can remove it.

City ordinances allow emergency action for issues believed to affect life, health, safety and property. If the ordinance passes, it will be effective immediately and be active for 60 days.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.