Mayor's Message - August 18, 2023

It’s hard to believe it’s time for back-to-school sales! Summer has flown by. I hope you and your family and friends have enjoyed another beautiful season on IOP or wherever you were able to spend it.

I have received positive comments from many residents about the improved traffic flow on the island this tourist season – I’m glad you’ve felt a difference. As you might guess, this has been a collaborative effort involving IOP staff, SCDOT, County Park staff, Mt. Pleasant, Sullivans Island, CARTA and ABC News 4. Last year we held pre and post season meetings with all parties to plan and debrief. We had a planning meeting this past Spring and will schedule a debrief meeting this Fall after the season to identify ways we can improve and continue to collaborate to improve traffic conditions in our community during the busiest season. We will continue to keep our focus on this important initiative.

This Fall is shaping up to be a busy one. We have many projects ready to be started over the next few months. Many of our projects require permits from multiple agencies which can create long lead times. Our construction window for our major projects is also limited as most projects are scheduled between September and May to avoid our large crowds and minimize disruption. Some will involve road detours or noise or dust, but they will be worth it in the end. Here are a few of the projects we will be starting soon:

• Outdoor Fitness Center at Rec Center
• Dog Park Improvements at Rec Center
• Drainage Outfalls Improvements at 36th and 41st Avenues
• Beach Access Path Improvements –footbridges at 23rd, 26th and 30A beach access paths
• City Hall Renovation
• IOP Marina Public Dock expansion/enhancements
• Underground power lines on 14th Avenue
• Dredging at the IOP Marina
• Design/permitting for Waterway Boulevard Multi-use Path between 21st and 41st Avenue

Our Fall event calendar is busy as well:

• August 25 Coffee with the Mayor 9:00-10:00 at IOP Marina Outpost
• September 21 Farmers Market 4:00-7:00 at Rec Center
• September 29 Coffee with the Mayor 9:00-10:00 at TBD
• October 3 IOP Police Department National Night Out 4:00-7:00 at Rec Center
• October 6 Community Wellness Fair 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Rec Center
• October 7 IOP Connector Run
• October 19 Farmers Market 4:00-7:00 at Rec Center
• October 20 Ghostly Tide Tales 5:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. Front Beach
• October 27 Coffee with the Mayor 9:00-10:00 at TBD
• October 27 Halloween Festival and Golf Cart Parade 4:00 – 6:00 at Rec Center

Any changes, updates or additions to our calendar can be found on the City’s website - iop.net. Also, please follow the City, Rec Department, Police and Fire Departments on social media for the latest.

My wife and I were recently in Highlands, NC - a beautiful part of our country. However, it’s always nice to come home. I hope we never take for granted where we live or lose that magical feeling when you top the Connector and look out over the ocean and feel like you’ve just been transported to paradise – because you have been!

Thank you for the opportunity to serve! See you around the island.

Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP
843-252-5359
ppounds@iop.net