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Volume 21 • Issue 4
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July 25, 2025
CARTA Presents Budget and Transit Updates to Sullivan’s Island Town Council By Joshua Uys At the July 15 Sullivan’s Island Town Council meeting, Matthew Spath of the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments provided a comprehensive update on CARTA’s proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget, transit service enhancements, and progress on the Lowcountry Rapid Transit project. CARTA, the Charleston Area Regional Transit Authority, requires budget approval each year from all municipalities in its service area. Sullivan’s Island Town Council unanimously approved CARTA’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which totals $29 million—an increase of $2 million from the previous year. The growth is attributed largely to higher federal contributions. “This year we were excited that we launched Beach Reach with a new vehicle,” Spath said. “A brand-new trolley vehicle playing music as people go back and forth.” Beach Reach is CARTA’s free seasonal shuttle service, which offers weekend transportation from Mount Pleasant Towne Centre to Isle of Palms County Park. Operating from 9:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, the route saw a 30% increase in ridership compared to 2024, despite several rain-impacted weekends this summer. The Lowcountry Rapid Transit project remains on schedule and on (Continued on page 2) budget. The 21-mile route will connect Ladson,
Family-Friendly Pool Party and Book Signing Coming to Wild Dunes Swim Center Featuring Authors George Brewington and Angela May By Buxton Books Buxton Books and The Club at Wild Dunes invite families to make a splash at the “Girl Who Built a Spider Pool Party,” a vibrant summer event geared toward young and middle grade readers, happening Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Wild Dunes Swim Center. This special literary celebration—part of the Wild Dunes Literary Series—is packed with family fun and encourages a love of reading in a uniquely engaging setting. Guests will enjoy: • A reading and book signing with acclaimed middle grade author George Brewington, whose action-packed novel The Girl Who Built a Spider inspired the event. • A guest appearance by beloved local author Angela May, co-author of The Islanders series. • A bounce house, poolside games, and themed snacks designed to keep young readers entertained and inspired. • A pop-up bookstore hosted by Charleston’s own Buxton Books, offering a curated selection of children’s titles. • And more surprises—all happening poolside! • Each ticket includes a copy of The Girl Who Built a Spider. “It’s the perfect way to blend summertime fun with literacy,” said Buxton Books co-owner Polly Buxton. “We’re thrilled to partner with Wild Dunes to bring families a joyful, enriching morning that kids will never forget.” Tickets are available on citypapertickets.com.