Since May 2005 PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC PERMIT NO. 137 POSTAL PATRON
Volume 22 • Issue 3
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February 6, 2026
SC250 Seeks Approval to Build Replica Palmetto Log Fort on Sullivan’s Island By Joshua Uys The South Carolina Semiquincentennial Commission is seeking permission from the Town of Sullivan’s Island to construct a temporary replica of the historic palmetto log fort as part of the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. SC250, chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2018, was created to recognize and promote South Carolina’s role in the Revolutionary War through public education, engagement and historical interpretation. Brett Bennett, president of the Charleston County SC250 committee, presented the proposal to Sullivan’s Island Town Council on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The plan calls for a historically accurate reproduction of the original palmetto log fort that defended the island during the 1776 Battle of Fort Sullivan. SC250 is requesting permission to use Battery Butler/Capron, commonly known as “the Mound,” as the site for the structure. During the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, a similar exhibit was constructed on National Park Service property adjacent to Fort Moultrie. Bennett said that option was explored extensively, but the National Park Service is unable to accommodate the project due to ground-disturbance restrictions and limited resources. The Mound offers several logistical advantages, including available field space, nearby parking, public restrooms, and proximity to law enforcement and emergency services. The original fort measured approximately 500 feet on each side. The
proposed structure would represent only a fraction of that size but would be built to scale in terms of design, materials and height. The replica would feature 20-foot-tall walls constructed from palmetto logs salvaged after Dominion Energy removed trees near power lines on the island. The walls are expected to be filled with sand to reflect historical construction methods that helped absorb cannon fire. The structure would also be ADA-accessible. All construction costs would be covered by SC250 through sponsorships, grants or private donations. Sullivan’s Island would not be responsible for any construction expenses associated with the project. The structure would be temporary and remain in place through September 2027. Bennett said the extended timeline would give residents and visitors ample opportunity to experience the exhibit. “Anybody who has interest in this structure or the exhibit itself will have ample opportunity over about a 15-month period to see it,” Bennett said. SC250 would also assume responsibility for maintenance, dismantling and removal of the structure at the conclusion of the exhibit. Mayor Patrick O’Neil voiced support for the educational potential of the project. “I think there’s a lot of opportunity for education with this,” O’Neil said. “I think we owe it to our very unique history on this island and the Battle of Fort Sullivan.”
Isle of Palms City Council Advances $32M Beach Renourishment Project, Approves Use of New Company for Beach Study with 7–2 Vote By Hanalei Potempa The Isle of Palms City Council focused on upcoming beach renourishment efforts, major budget considerations and a restructuring of its finance oversight process at its Jan. 29 meeting, as leaders prepare for an expensive year — particularly in coastal protection work. Council members voted 7–2 to hire Foth/Olsen of Jacksonville to study the city’s sand renourishment strategy. Coastal Sciences & Engineering, which has a long history with the city, will continue to manage IOP’s current renourishment project. Foth will provide a detailed 10- to 20-year plan introducing new strategies, including regulatory, financial and environmental considerations. “Hiring Foth/Olsen to provide detailed future beach management strategies to preserve a healthy beach is the first significant tangible step toward proactive, long-range beach planning — positioning Isle of Palms to manage future challenges the way leading coastal communities like Hilton Head have done,” Council Member Scott Pierce said. While some council members said the current approach has been effective, a majority agreed that bringing in a new contractor could introduce more innovative methods aimed at extending the lifespan of future sand placements. “It’s nothing against what we’ve done, but look at the condition of the beach. We’re in a situation now that I think would be a disservice if we didn’t look at other alternatives and techniques on how to long-term manage our beach,” Council Member
John Bogosian said. Other council members echoed those concerns, including Katie Miars, who said, “I think we need to look at other alternatives. … We cannot fiscally keep going in the way we are going.” She added that the cost of sand has roughly doubled in recent years, creating a financial challenge if projects continue at their current pace. Mayor Phillip Pounds said “hard structures are to retain sand to extend the life of our renourishment project,” citing groins or breakwater structures. Current beach restoration remains a central priority for the city and is part of IOP’s long-term Comprehensive Beach Management Plan. Officials say erosion continues to threaten oceanfront properties, beach access and the local tourism economy, and that full-scale renourishment is necessary for lasting protection. City leaders argue that a full renourishment is needed to protect both the community and the local economy. The beach renourishment project will be put out to bid next month, with construction expected to begin early in the summer season. Although the project will take place during peak tourism months, officials say the timing is optimal to slow erosion and is more favorable from a pricing standpoint. The project is budgeted at approximately $32 million. Current projections show about $10 million coming from the city’s beach renourishment fund and roughly $12 million from Wild Dunes, with the source of the remaining $10 million
still to be finalized. Options under consideration include drawing down existing state and municipal accommodations tax funds, debt financing or a combination of the two. Facing record expenditures, council members also agreed to replace the council workshop by re-establishing the currently defunct Finance/ Ways and Means Committee. All council members would serve on the committee, which would oversee funding for large-scale infrastructure and beach protection projects. “The city workshop felt cumbersome to me, and I felt it was time to change back to a Ways and Means,” Council Member Jimmy Ward said. “With roughly $60 million being invested this year in beach restoration, infrastructure, first responder equipment and our workforce, restoring the council finance committee ensures transparency and forward planning that match the scale of that investment,” Pierce said. In other business, the council approved moving forward with a redesign of parking, improvements to the public dock area and redevelopment of the remaining lot at the IOP Marina, with up to $500,000 allocated for the project. Council returned from executive session after obtaining legal advice on placing a requirement for easements from beachside homeowners before renourishment can take place. A motion was made not to require easements that failed to advance. The city will revisit easements at the Feb 10 meeting.