Junk Removal in Sullivan's Island, SC

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) — From the shops to the sand, leaders across the Lowcountry’s beaches said this is the first Labor Day weekend “back to normal” since before the pandemic.

Sullivan’s Island mayor Patrick O’Neil said although the threat of rain resulted in a slightly quieter weekend than anticipated, local leaders are happy to see the Labor Day crowds return.

“We continue, everyday, just to see exponential growth of the foot traffic that’s coming through,” said Kathleen Arnold, fine art consultant at Sandpiper Gallery on Sullivan’s Island. “The traffic is constant, back and forth. People walking to the restaurants, people heading to the beach.”

Arnold said in her experience, the tourism season on Sullivan’s Island typically lasts from May until Labor Day weekend every year. However, after seeing tourist travel ebb and flow “practically year-round” in recent years, she expects the season to last through October or November.

“People want to escape the hustle and bustle of life, so they come here,” Arnold said, attributing the steady growth of tourism to Charleston’s “small-town charm.”

Leaders at Folly Beach agree. Mayor Tim Goodwin said stores there are struggling to keep up with an increase of both foot traffic — and car traffic — from tourists and locals this summer.

“Sunday was a pile of people out here,” Goodwin said. “The first time this year we’ve seen traffic backed up as far as it was.”

Goodwin encouraged anyone heading to the water to use the free Beach Reach app. Created by the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments, the app provides live traffic cameras, maps and beach policies for three of Charleston’s most popular beaches.

The mayor said the biggest challenges facing store owners at Folly Beach are a lack of workers and employee burnout. As a result, some stores are struggling to keep their normal hours.

Click here to learn more about the town of Sullivan’s Island.

Veteran PatchMaster franchisee opens second location, expanding specialty drywall services to Charleston, SC.

Mitch is a great example of a determined franchise owner who continually seeks to serve his community. We cannot wait to see him continue to grow and expand in his territory.”

CHARLESTON, SC, UNITED STATES, September 7, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- PatchMaster — a specialty drywall repair company — continues its expansion in South Carolina with the opening of owner Mitch Baker's second franchise location.

"We are thrilled to have Mitch open his second location and bring PatchMaster to a new region of South Carolina," said Paul Ferrara, CEO of PatchMaster. "Our organization is based on a franchise-first model that empowers franchisees with the tools and support they need to scale their business quickly. Mitch is a great example of a determined franchise owner who continually seeks to serve his community. We cannot wait to see him continue to grow and expand in his territory."

Baker, a retired school principal and combat veteran, brings decades' worth of sales and management experience to the PatchMaster family. Over a dozen military veterans and former first responders are part of PatchMaster's system, which is committed to those who serve. Baker believes PatchMaster offers service members an excellent opportunity to take charge of their future.

PatchMaster's business model also offers customers a fast, professional solution for drywall (sheetrock) repairs. In most cases, handypersons, large drywall companies, or contractors do not want to perform small drywall repairs, and skilled tradespeople, such as plumbers and electricians, often lack the resources necessary to repair holes in drywall.

Based in Charleston, PatchMaster Serving Charleston offers a fast, professional solution for drywall and plaster repairs in Charleston, Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant, Sullivans Island, and others. Baker also owns and operates PatchMaster Serving Lexington and Irmo, SC.

The initial franchise fee for a PatchMaster franchise territory, which comprises a population between 300,000 to 350,000, is $49,500 USD. Royalties start at nine percent, and a technology fee is included in ongoing expenses. In addition to strong margins, the ability to scale, and proven business development tools, franchisees complete training at the company's New Jersey headquarters, where industry experts teach them technical and operational skills to assist in their success.

About PatchMaster

Headquartered in Chester, NJ, PatchMaster is a home services franchise brand offering customers a fast and professional solution for drywall repairs. The company provides high-quality drywall services for small holes, dings, and dents, typically finishing jobs in one visit. Launched in 2016 and offering franchises since September 2017, PatchMaster has sold 113 territories to franchisees across the United States and Canada. PatchMaster is positioned as a pioneering drywall franchise to revolutionize the home services industry.

Visit patchmasteropportunity.com or call (973) 944-4900 to learn more.

Samantha Goddard PatchMaster Franchise, LLC +1 973-944-4900 ext. 406 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Why PatchMaster - The Drywall Repair Specialists

Mount Pleasant is one of South Carolina's top five agglomerations. The town's atmosphere is less focused on tourists and more on the communities, particularly the adjacent beaches at Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms. The city is considered one of the best locations to live in by various social and economic indicators. Mount Pleasant embraces the Holy City's laid-back low country way of life.

Geography And Climate Of Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is a big suburban town situated in Charleston County in the US State of South Carolina. The town is well positioned on the east and northeast sides of Charleston Harbor and the tidal Wando River. The distance between the town and Charlotte, North Carolina, is 177 miles south and 4 miles east of Charleston, South Carolina. The town is situated in the Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan region. Mount Pleasant covers a total area of 151.87 sq.km, of which 128.27 sq.km is occupied by land and 23.60 sq.km is covered by water.

The year-round weather of Mount Pleasant is rainy and partially gloomy, with hot, stifling summers and chilly, windy winters. The average yearly temperature ranges between 43°F and 88°F, rarely falling below 30°F or rising above 93°F. The year's hottest month is July, having an average daily high temperature exceeding 83°F. With an average daily maximum temperature below 65°F, January is the year's coldest month. The average annual rainfall is 48 inches, while the average annual snowfall is 0 inches in Mount Pleasant.

Brief History Of Mount Pleasant

The Sewee Indians had previously inhabited Mount Pleasant when the first European settlers under Captain Florentia O'Sullivan left England on July 6, 1680. The 2,340 acres that Captain O'Sullivan received contained both the island bearing his name and the land that would eventually become Mount Pleasant. This region was labeled "North Point" on the earliest maps available at the time. Mount Pleasant was essential in the Revolutionary War's first significant military victory. The area was formally constituted as the town of Mount Pleasant in 1837. After the Civil War, numerous freed slaves moved to the region. Robert Scanlon, one of them, went on to develop and lead Charleston Land Company. As a result of the division of Charleston County in 1882, Mount Pleasant became the first county seat in Berkeley County. After fifteen years, it was decided that Moncks Corner would serve as the county seat, and Mount Pleasant returned to its original boundaries in 1897, once more being under the jurisdiction of Charleston County.

The Population And Economy Of Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant has 95,393 residents, making it the fourth most populous city in South Carolina out of 472 communities, despite being considered a suburban town in concept. The population of Mount Pleasant has declined since the most recent census, which showed a population of 90,801 in 2020, and is currently rising at a pace of 2.47% annually. White (non-Hispanic) (89.6%), Black or African American (non-Hispanic) (3.98%), Two+ (non-Hispanic) (1.93%), Asian (non-Hispanic) (1.83%), and White (Hispanic) (1.78%) make up Mount Pleasant's top five ethnic groups. Mount Pleasant has a 5.11% poverty rate and a $138,416 average household income. The median cost of rent is $1,702 per month, and the median value of a home is $472,900. In Mount Pleasant, the median age is 40.9 years, with men being, on average, 38.7 years old and women 42.7 years old.

The service sector and port shipping are the two main economic drivers in Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant is becoming a popular location for technology and office-related businesses to locate their operations. Of the nearby cities, Mount Pleasant's average annual job growth from 2010 to 2019 was 5.2%. Great long-term plans are in place for Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant was recently ranked among the best 75 American cities to live in by Money Magazine.

Top Attractions In Mount Pleasant

One of the country's oldest active plantations, Boone Hall Plantation, dates back at least three centuries to the 1680s. Since 1956, the plantation has been operating as a living history facility and has continuously raised crops for over 320 years. The plantation welcomes visitors for special occasions like the Boone Hall Farms Market and the yearly Lowcountry Strawberry Festival, in addition to guided home tours.

The majority of the town's neighborhoods, including Coleman Boulevard, are traversed by this small creek before it empties into Cooper River. Even though the creek isn't very long, the banks make for one of the ideal locations for some peaceful outdoor activities. You can locate dining establishments and sites along the creek. At the end of it, there is a boardwalk and a covered area where you may relax and go fishing.

The first bridge connecting Sullivan's Island and Mount Pleasant was constructed in 1898. When the Ben Sawyer Bridge, the present access point to the island, was built, the old bridge was closed.

The 2.3-acre Patriots Point Cold War Submarine Memorial is close to Mount Pleasant's Charleston Harbor. A full-sized replica of a Benjamin Franklin Class Fleet Ballistic Missile submarine, which was instrumental in South Carolina's participation in the Cold War in the middle of the 20th century, sits atop the memorial. It preserves pieces of the USS Lewis and Clark SSBN 664 submarines. The memorial also serves as a homage to those who operated submarine ballistic missiles and served in submarines throughout the battle.

This 945-acre nature-focused park was designed with families and groups in mind above everything else. It has a tropical setting with boardwalks and bike trails. You can cook great meals while relaxing here in the picnic area, which features a grill. A water park is another option for you and your friends to cool off during the summer.

In addition to being close to Charleston, Mount Pleasant also exudes a vibrant charm. This wonderful town has a lot to offer, from its historical significance to its scenic beauty. If you're planning a trip, think about visiting Mount Pleasant.

By Brian Sherman for The Island Eye News

Members of the Sullivan’s Island Town Council quickly and unanimously agreed that, despite any differences they might have, they should always maintain “the highest standards of civility, honesty and mutual respect” in both spoken and written communication with one another. They were not nearly as quick to ask town employees and those who volunteer their time to sit on various boards to do the same. With little discussion at its regularly scheduled meeting Aug. 16, the Council passed a resolution noting that “The elected officials of the Council enact this civility pledge to build a stronger and more prosperous community by advocating for civil engagement, respecting others and their viewpoints and finding solutions for the betterment of the town of Sullivan’s Island.” Mayor Pat O’Neil explained that the resolution emerged from a recent meeting of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, “recognizing what seems to be an epidemic of basically bad behavior in a lot of town governments in a lot of places across the country.” The resolution passed by a 7-0 vote, but a similar resolution aimed at town employees and board members faced tougher sledding. “If somebody is found to have violated this pledge because they had a bad day or something, are they not up for promotion?”

Council Member Greg Hammond asked. “I just don’t want to go into something so quickly that impacts many, many town employees and possibly their livelihood without being a little more clear in terms of if this has teeth or not. I’m not opposed to this, but I’d like to kind of put it out for some public comment and hear what people think about it rather than being, in my opinion, a little hasty.”

Council Member Scott Millimet disagreed, pointing out that the resolution isn’t binding and that it’s simply “a pledge to be civil.” “I’m having trouble understanding where you’re coming from in terms of ‘I really think we need to take a pause and determine whether we want to behave in a civil manner or not,’” Millimet asked Hammond. “It does ask new employees to commit to behaving in a civil manner, and I don’t think anybody should object to that. If so, I’d like to know why.” “We’re not passing a law, rule or anything of the sort,” Council Member Bachman Smith added. “There’s no penalty. In my mind, we are trying to promote a more civil discourse and civil decorum. It would be hard to argue against the idea that at the national level we are seeing something less than civil, and it’s growing increasingly concerning on all sides.”

“I’m happy to lead by example, but the libertarian in me is not in favor of requiring everybody else to take a pledge without having a more thorough discussion over it,” Hammond responded. Council Member Justin Novak suggested that since one of his colleagues had “a significant issue” with the resolution, the Council should consider tabling the resolution, but Hammond insisted on a vote. The resolution passed 5-2, with Hammond and Novak voting no and Gary Visser, Kaye Smith, Millimet, Bachman Smith and O’Neil voting yes.

The resolution pointed out that a national survey found that 93% of Americans think incivility is a problem, while 68% consider it to be a major issue and 74% believe incivility is increasing in the United States. It also stated that “the Town Council recognizes that the town would create an improved, more friendly and efficient workplace if all Town Council members, town employees and town-appointed board members made a commitment to civility by taking the civility pledge.”

SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — Monarch butterflies are now on the endangered species list. One college student is trying to raise awareness about the insect through a class project.

"I see the monarch butterflies as a tool to understand a bigger system at work here," says Avery McMurtry, "Migration" project creator.

McMurtry is a senior at Northeastern University in Boston. She was sent home to Sullivan's Island during COVID. That is when inspiration hit.

"I started walking the beach paths and the path through the Maritime Forest and I was very inspired by that landscape and all the little critters and different plant life that would come seasonally."

A class project turned that into a reality.

"I was actually assigned, for one of my design classes, a project to do a site specific installation. I came up with this idea and for a while I just sat on the idea. I was like, oh, this is actually a cool concept. People seem to respond well to it.”

Her project, which includes an enclosure for the insect, has been a year in the making. She has raised and released about 70 monarch butterflies already, and is raising another 40 right now.

"Then they'll be in their chrysalis for a week and you can find them inside here. Then when they hatch, I release them at the end of the day, so they can go out and continue to live in nature and hopefully repopulate the area."

Her ultimate goals are to show people the natural beauty on the Island and get people intrigued.

"I want people to be more supportive of pollinators and of monarch butterflies and I hope that people see the monarchs and find a sense of wonder and a sense of awe in this weird life cycle they have."

She says the best thing people can do to aid pollinators is plant native flowers or milkweed, the only plant monarch caterpillars can feed on.

"Go ask your garden center, they'll tell you what's native. They'll tell you what bees and butterflies like, then plant as much as you can to increase that biodiversity. When you can find local milkweed, definitely buy it because you will see caterpillars and butterflies on your plants. I promise you they'll find it. They will find it."

The enclosure is open until September 3rd, but McMurtry is looking to extend it further since she is still raising so many caterpillars.

You can visit the enclosure for free. It is located along the tree line of the community garden at the Gadsden Battery Cultural Center.