Since May 2005 PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC PERMIT NO. 137 POSTAL PATRON
Volume 20 • Issue 21
Pretty Poe
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March 21, 2025
Leaving Lasting Impressions
R E N O VAT E D P O E LIBRARY TO OPEN MARCH 25
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BY DOUG REYNOLDS
harleston County Public Library (CCPL) will open the renovated Edgar Allan Poe/Sullivan’s Island Library (Poe Library), located at 1921 Ion Ave., on Tuesday, March 25. The public is invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. at the branch. The Poe Library closed in August 2024 to undergo renovations as part of the ongoing $108.5 million referendum-funded project passed by Charleston County voters in 2014 to build five new libraries and renovate all existing branches. Updates included new paint and furniture, refreshed restrooms with new flooring, upgraded IT systems, and infrastructure improvements to HVAC and electrical. Designs for the renovations were created by Liollio Architecture. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will include speakers from the library and Charleston County government, as well as elected officials. In (continued on page 2)
Fort Moultrie Dock Closing BY BRETT SPAULDING
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ort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park has announced the temporary closure of the Fort Moultrie Dock, effective Wednesday, March 5. The Fort Moultrie Dock serves as the primary location for maintenance, preservation, and law enforcement activities within the park. The dock has deteriorated to a point where it requires replacement. This marks the first phase of a project to replace the Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter docks and enhance the Liberty Square Dock in downtown Charleston. The Fort Moultrie Dock will be closed for approximately one year, with the Fort Sumter Dock replacement set to begin later this year. The Fort Moultrie Dock, nearly 50 years old, has deteriorated to (continued on page 3)
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IOPPD Officer Kevin Barattini (center) beside Sergeant Chad King with a participant at a LENS Bicycle Safety Event. PHOTO BY LAURA STRECKER
IOP SELECTS WINNERS FOR PRESTIGIOUS LENS PUBLIC SAFETY AWARDS
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BY LAURA STRECKER
he Isle of Palms community is coming together once again to honor individuals who go above and beyond in their service to public safety. The LENS Community Public Safety Awards, presented by the Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation, recognize outstanding members of the Isle of Palms Fire and Police departments for their exceptional dedication to community engagement and public safety. This year’s honorees include Officer Kevin Barattini of the Isle of Palms Police Department and Firefighter Braxton Comer of the Isle of Palms Fire Department. Both have been recognized for their commitment to community public safety outreach—an approach that fosters strong relationships between public safety officials and the people they protect. The LENS Community Public Safety Awards were established to honor public safety personnel who exceed their duties,
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not just in emergencies but in everyday interactions that make a lasting impact. “These awards are about more than just recognizing outstanding service,” Mayor Phillip Pounds said. “They highlight the importance of collaboration, trust, and strong partnerships between public safety officials and the people they protect. Officer Barattini and Firefighter Comer exemplify what it means to serve with dedication, leadership, and heart.” The LENS Foundation introduced a new nomination process this year, allowing Isle of Palms citizens and city staff to directly submit recommendations for outstanding public safety personnel. The awardees were selected based on criteria including: • Positive impact on colleagues, citizens, and the broader community • Implementation of innovative safety programs or initiatives (continued on page 2)
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