Hardwood Flooring in Isle of Palms, SC

ISLE OF PALMS — Prepare to pay more to park for trips to the beach this summer.

The city of Isle of Palms approved a fee increase for the city's two lots and on-street parking, bringing the cost to park on a peak-season weekend up to $25.

Daily rates for the municipal parking lots on Pavilion Drive will remain at $10 for March and April.

Memorial Day through Labor Day, which is considered peak season, rates will increase to $15 during the week and $25 on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

After Labor Day, rates will drop back to $10 for the rest of September and October. Parking will remain free in the offseason from November through February.

On-street parking will be more costly, too. Paid parking spots along Ocean Boulevard between 10th and 14th Avenue will rise from $2.50 per hour to $3 per hour.

The $60 seasonal parking passes, which allowed beachgoers to park in the municipal lots without daily payment, will now only be available to island employees. In its place, visitors can purchase a weekly pass for $100.

No fees or permits are required to park in the public rights-of-way, including the marked spaces along Palm Boulevard.

The city brought in over $1,300,000 in parking revenue in 2024, a roughly $47,000 increase from funds collected from paid lots and meters in 2023.

The rise in parking fees is meant to bring the city's rate to where the city "should have been in the first place," Councilman Jimmy Ward said during the meeting.

The fee increase is the first since 2020. City leaders voted to increase parking to its current rates of $2 an hour on-street, $10 during the week and $15 on weekends and holidays.

Before that, the lots cost $1 an hour and on-street parking spaces were $1.50 per hour.

The city also raised the prices of fines for parking violations to its current rates, which will not be impacted by the council's Jan. 28 decision.

Officials at the time said the fee increase was done to control the "unbridled growth" across the tri-county area.

"Our residents want us to do something about trying to control what's been happening to our island," Jimmy Carroll, then-mayor of the island, said at the time.

Mayor Phillip Pounds said the new rates model those of the Isle of Palms County Park, a Charleston County operated park with a 445-car capacity parking lot. Parking can cost up to $25 on holidays and weekends during the summer.

Visitors can purchase a Gold Pass from the county for $80 for Charleston County residents and $95 for non-residents, which allows visitors to bypass admission fees for several parks, including the Isle of Palms.

Raising funds for beach preservation, maintenance

The decision to increase parking fees comes at a time when coastal communities are working to find funding for beach maintenance and renourishment projects.

Rising costs of mobilization and sand have pushed beach communities get creative in order to fund preservation measures, which leaders discussed during a South Carolina Beach Advocates conference on the Isle of Palms in January.

An estimated $60 million in locally funded beach management projects are slated for the Palmetto State's coastal communities this year, including roughly $3 million on the Isle of Palms.

More fee increases could be on the way for the Isle of Palms to help fund its next large-scale beach renourishment project, based on recommendations from the city's Beach Preservation Ad Hoc Committee.

"To be as proactive as the community would like to be has an enormous price tag," Interim City Administrator Douglas Kerr said on Jan. 16. "We have to raise revenues to fund all of these initiatives, and that's going to be a very tough part of this project."

Some gated communities, like Seabrook and Kiawah Island, pull from homeowners' and property owners' fees, while Pawley's Island relies on accommodations taxes to fund beach renourishment projects.

MOUNT PLEASANT — The free beach shuttle to the Isle of Palms that CARTA operates will return for a fifth year.

Parking fees on Isle of Palms are going up for the first time in five years — now costing up to $25 during peak beach season — but beachgoers will still have a free way to get to the beach. CARTA's Beach Reach route starts from the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre to Ocean Boulevard — right outside the entrance of Isle of Palms County Park. This year, the shuttle will be on a trolley bus the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments purchased in late 2024.

The shuttle route was first approved in 2021 after the state Department of Transportation told city officials to roll back plans eliminating free beach parking for nonresidents. CARTA's strategy to transport people from Towne Centre to Isle of Palms helps alleviate the parking issue.

The CARTA board unanimously voted at their March 19 meeting to continue the Beach Reach.

In 2024, Beach Reach carried 703 riders, a slight decrease from the 795 riders in 2023. CARTA board Chair Mike Seekings told The Post and Courier ridership can vary throughout the summer because of the weather.

He added he's glad to see the route return for "season five," and called it a natural choice for CARTA to implement the shuttle so people have free access to a beach.

"In today’s day and age, where parking is expensive the closer you get to the shoreline and getting to and from (the beach) can be a challenge, having someone drive you ... drop you right off at the entrance to the county park with the beach nothing but 100 yards away?" Seekings said. "It’s really a great resource for people."

CARTA board member Daniel Brownstein supports the Beach Reach, and has pushed for an additional stop to Sullivan’s Island for the past year.

"I think that’s the missing piece of the puzzle," Brownstein told The Post and Courier.

Brownstein said the route could be a circle, starting in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre to Isle of Palms then to Sullivan’s Island and back. He believes it would not only increase ridership but also solve parking challenges on Sullivan’s Island.

Seekings said he'd support a Sullivan's Island stop as long as the shuttle remains "as quick and easy as possible" for riders.

Isle of Palms wasn't always the only beach route for CARTA. According to Seekings, there was a route to Folly Beach several years ago but the ridership was lower than expected. Although it was a regular route and not just for summer months, the route was discontinued due to lack of success.

Seekings said the board will keep an eye on the situation and see if a shuttle to Folly Beach is viable in the future.

The Beach Reach will start on Memorial Day and run every weekend until Labor Day, running on both Memorial Day and Labor Day. The first trip on Saturdays is at 9:15 a.m. and last at 5:15 p.m., and the first trip on Sundays is at 9:40 a.m. and last at 5:40 p.m.

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - Isle of Palms had their annual Front Beach Fest on Saturday.

The popular annual event marks the unofficial start of tourist season.

Ocean Boulevard was alive with music and laughter as a large crowd of locals and visitors gathered for the festival.

Festivalgoers had the chance to enjoy food, shop from local vendors, and listen to live music.

Isle of Palms Recreation Supervisor Kelsey Marsh said the event takes around six months to plan. This year, he said they sifted through more than 200 vendor applications.

“We have 54 vendors. We fit as many local vendors as we can. We like to have restaurants all out here. They don’t have as much business in the offseason, so this is a great way for them to kick off their busy season,” Marsh said.

He said area businesses greatly benefit from the festival, especially during the slower off-season months, and the beach fest acts as a vibrant kickoff to the bustling tourist season.

City Councilman Rusty Streetman said the event festival greatly benefits local businesses and restaurants, especially during the slower off-season months.

He said the fest is like the unofficial kickoff for the busy and vibrant tourist season imminently approaching.

“It’s at a time of the year when we don’t have summer tourists. So, it’s here in our shoulder season so that people that typically would not be at Front Beach this time of the year have an opportunity to come out here and enjoy themselves,” Streetman said.

With a large crowd of attendees, Streetman said both residents and visitors are clearly eager for the upcoming hustle and bustle that the sunshine-filled season brings.

“Being able to be with our neighbors who live on the island, being able to greet people who do not live on the island and also welcome them. Just the whole crowd, the music, the food, the whole vibe is just very positive,” he said.

For others, the festival offers a valuable opportunity to raise awareness for their charity and showcase the pups they’re working hard to find loving homes.

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One organization that had a table set up at the festival is called Rosie Rescue, a Mount Pleasant-based non-profit dedicated to rescuing dogs from euthanasia lists at overcrowded shelters.

“I think a lot of times, some rescue dogs and shelter dogs get a bad rep,” Rose Rescue volunteer Lisa Cates said. “When they’re out mingling among everybody, you really get to see their personality, how friendly they are, how amazing they are. I mean, we’ve got dogs here that are just suckering everybody in. It really just shows their personality that you don’t get to see if you just go to a shelter and are walking through the kennels and everything. It’s really good exposure for them.”

Cates mentioned that there were numerous inquiries about the dogs available for adoption, highlighting the event’s success in connecting people with these lovable pups.

For resident Mark Behan, Front Beach Fest was his first outing since moving to Summerville from New York.

“I feel like I’m on vacation every day, and that’s why I love living here. I feel like I’m not miserable when I wake up and it’s not 10 degrees, and I can wear a T-shirt every day, and it’s great. Vacation vibes,” Behan said.

Front Beach Fest organizers said the event gets bigger and bigger every year.

While many are soaking up the vacation-like atmosphere, restaurant employees are also getting a taste of summer, as the festival signals the return of a busier work season for local staff.

With something for everyone, the festival not only brought the community together but also marked the perfect start to the busy season.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

South Carolina has a mystical, compelling charm like no other state in America. It is full of teeny towns with classic southern charm, whether it’s inland or coastal. There’s no shortage of things to do and see in and around these lovely little towns. From the historical downtown of Beaufort to the luxurious beach resorts of Isle of Palms and the gorgeous mountain scenery of Landrum, discover these South Carolina towns and unravel their secrets.

Beaufort

Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island and is the second oldest city in South Carolina. Its entire downtown is a designated historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, so it is a natural choice destination for history buffs! Visitors can stop by the Beaufort Visitor Center and pick up a guide for a self-guided tour around the homes of the historic district before venturing over to the Beaufort History Museum, originally an arsenal. Lunch at Bricks on Boundary or the cute corner café, Blacksheep, will keep travelers satiated for a walk around the nearby Hunting Island State Park. The park features 3 public beaches, a lighthouse, a fishing pier, and nature trails that the whole family can enjoy. Stay at the top-rated 607 Bay; a bed and breakfast that also organizes charters or kayaking adventures for guests.

Edisto Island

Known for being a gently developed beach along the South Carolina Coastline, Edisto Island is a perfect destination for anyone looking to be surrounded by beachy nature without all the hype and tourism. There are no hotels on Edisto Island, so visitors can choose to camp at Edisto Beach State Park or stay at a rental beach house advertised on Edisto Realty. Travelers love the easy flow of biking down the 5-mile Edisto Island Bike Path which winds around the back side of town. Rentals are available at Island Bikes and Outfitters. McConkey’s Jungle Shack is a local favorite for beachy drinks and classic sandwiches.

Hartsville

Home to Coker University, Hartsville is a small town in north central South Carolina that attracts visitors for its history, outdoor recreation, and charming downtown. A stay at the Mantissa Executive Suites & Spa is an intimate boutique hotel to spend evenings at with a rooftop bar and it is conveniently located across the street from The Blind Pig, serving up classic American fare and fabulous cocktails. In the mornings, travelers can grab a tasty coffee at Crema before heading to Kalmia Gardens, a public botanical garden with trails that wind through a variety of animal and plant life.

Isle of Palms

An hour north of Charleston, Isle of Palms is known for its world-class luxury for guests; from its top-notch golf courses to award-winning spas, Isle of Palms is for the lavish traveler. Wild Dunes Resort, the 1600-acre retreat, has two golf courses, a full-service spa, 1 clay tennis court, and 5 pickleball courts. The public Isle of Palms beach is great for sunbathing or catching a sunrise. The Islander is a rowdy way to end a day out in Isle of Palms with your friends and family; they have consistent live music, trivia nights, and delicious seafood sharables or main dishes like ahi tuna Bruschetta or local Oysters.

Walhalla

Walhalla or “Garden of the Gods” is a lovely mountain town in upstate South Carolina. Visitors can plan to book ahead for a one-of-a-kind stay in the Majestic Treehouse, a cozy cottage surrounded by 40 acres of forest, creeks, gardens, and trails to wander. In town, guests will find the Museum of Cherokee and Oconee History Museum or fun shops like Sunni Ann Mercantile Company. Nearby Sumter National Forest is a haven for hikers in the Southern Appalachians with waterfall views on trails like Big Bend Falls and Foothills Trail.

Lake City

A small town dedicated to art in action, Lake City is a visual experience. Visitors to Lake City will find painted murals and sculptures like “Geisel’s Garden” throughout town, along with accessible art centers featuring exhibitions at Acline Studios or Trax Visual Art Center. Piggyback’s BBQ & Catfish is a local hub for southern fare with delicious bbq platters and catfish baskets. Overnights at the artfully designed 'The Inn at Crossroads,' will put travelers in the middle of downtown with an in-house bar and restaurant, Lake City Bistro. At Riverrat’s, kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent to paddle along the Lynches River.

Laurens

In the piedmont of South Carolina, Laurens is a tight-knit, growing town of welcoming locals. Laurens has a rich history that can be tracked through the walls and exhibits of Laurens County Museum or sites like the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, the location of the Battle of Musgrove Mill, around half an hour away. Whiteford’s Giant Burger is a legendary spot to grab a hearty burger, serving customers since 1957 with quality being their highest priority. At Lake Greenwood State Park, anglers can rent equipment and catch a variety of fish: bass, crappie, bream, perch, catfish, or stripers.

Landrum

Founded in 1880 and situated against the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Landrum is a delightful little town and a breath of fresh air. Hikers base themselves in Landrum to trek the popular Palmetto Trail’s Blue Wall Passage, a 14-mile moderate trail featuring a 30-foot waterfall. Post-hike food fuels are best fulfilled at Southside Smokehouse, known for its variety of specials and Cajun-inspired recipes. The Landrum Farmers Market is not to be missed on Saturdays from April through December featuring live entertainment, homemade foods or crafts, and fresh produce.

The scattered small towns of South Carolina offer a variety of landscapes, the famous southern charm from welcoming locals, and a kind of mysticism in the air that’s unmistakable and alluring. From the upstate southern end of the Appalachia’s to the relaxed Atlantic coastline, South Carolina truly has a small town for all kinds of kinds. South Carolina’s small communities have a way of carving unforgettable memories into all who wander around them.

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ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD)–The Isle of Palms City Council made a decision on hiring a new executive administrator Wednesday in a special meeting.

This comes after controversy surrounding the circumstances under which the candidate was chosen.

The city voted to offer Douglas Kerr the position, after he had served previously as the administrative assistant, however many citizens are frustrated saying that proper procedure for selecting Kerr was not followed.

Isle of Palms has been searching for a new executive administrator since late 2024 when the previous administrator announced her resignation. They announced Tuesday afternoon that they had chosen the previous administrative assistant Douglas Kerr for the position in a 6 to 3 vote. Mayor Pounds says he believes they hired the best person for the job.

“We’ve had a significant amount of turnover in the last five years in our leadership team, between fire chief, police chief, rec director, finance director. We have a couple other key retirements coming up this year and from my view, institutional knowledge is really critical. There is a lot of projects going on and they are multiyear projects typically and to have some of that history stay with us is critical to keep the city running in a good way,” said Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds.

Last night at the city council meeting, many residents expressed frustration with the selection process. They say Kerr was not one of the five candidates narrowed down by the committee and was added to the list by the mayor without the city’s approval.

“No actions may be taken by the mayor independent of a council vote. So, the process itself, there has never been a public meeting whereby a decision to add Douglas Kerr into the mix of candidates has been made. That’s been researched and that’s a fact. The mayor acted outside his authority, void of process, void of integrity and inserted this candidate into a process where we all knew unfortunately, he had 5 votes to push through and that’s what we witnessed today,” said Randy Bell, a former Isle of Palms city councilmember.

News 2 reached out to the city to confirm the list of five finalists and have not heard back.

Another point of contention in the meeting was the salary increase for the role, which is expected to be between $150,000 and $180,000. During public comment at the February 25th meeting, residents said was an incentive for Kerr to apply for the position, that he had previously not expressed interest in.

Now that Kerr has been offered the position, Mayor Pounds hopes the public can move forward

“The only decision this council needed to make was who is the best person for this job, for this city. In my personal opinion, I feel like we did that. Hopefully we can get it negotiated quickly, and we can move forward,” said Pounds.

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