2024 ® BEST OF THE BEST – BRIDAL – YEAR IN REVIEW *Voted by Readers, Earned by Experts ANNUAL BEST OF EDITION DANIEL ISLAND | ISLE OF PALMS | SULLIVAN’S ISLAND
First-class Businesses, Year in Review Town achievements in 2023
First-rate Services New Year, New Health Reign in fitness routines Guide for Brides I-Do checklist and more
2 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com HISTORIC CHARLESTON ISLE OF PALMS WILD DUNES FOLLY BEACH SULLIVANS ISLAND MT. PLEASANT KIAWAH / SEABROOK Real Estate 800.476.8444 • Vacation Rentals 888.250.8730 • dunesproperties.com Since 1989, Nobody knows the Charleston Coast better® 26 SATURDAY ROAD IN I'ON Listed by Laurie Minges 843.270.7633 541 CHIMNEY BLUFF DRIVE IN HOBCAW CREEK PLANTATION Listed by Dolly Droze 843.452.9922 1678 OMNI BOULEVARD IN RAVEN'S RUN Listed by Mark & Lisa Mitchell 843.847.7980
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8 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Publisher's Note/Staff Box.....................................11 Editor's Note.......................................................13 About the Cover..................................................15 Contributors. ...................................................... 17 On the Web.........................................................19 Social Buzz.........................................................20 Lowcountry Home Showcase.................................21 29 31 21 36 contents ANNUAL BEST OF EDITION • VOL. 14, ISSUE 1 Year in Review.........................................................22 Mount Pleasant Election Recap...............................26 Vaughn Ed Kee Parkway.........................................29 Remembering Ronnie Boals....................................31 Our Town.................................. 22 New Year, New Self..................................................33 Calendar of Events...................................................36 Entertainment.............................. What’s Cookin'........................................................40 New Year Recipes.....................................................43 Condado Tacos........................................................46 Food.......................................... Wedding Planner.....................................................47 Southern Bear Catering...........................................51 Wedding Trends.......................................................52 Wedding Venues......................................................54 Salty Oak Farm........................................................56 Bridal...................................... 40 43 47 54
9 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contents Best Of Mount Pleasant 2024 Sweetgrass Plastic Surgery......62 Charleston Allergy & Asthma...64 Compass Vision Care.................66 Carolina Foot & Ankle..............66 Metabolic Medical Center........67 O’Neill Plastic Surgery..............68 Joey Bag a Donuts....................74 Viva Tacos & Tequila..................76 Cachita's Kitchen......................78 Izzy's Scoops & Sweets............80 Southern Belles........................86 BloomTown Flower Market......88 Ragamuffin Children's Boutique .90 Vanity Salon.............................92 Salt Marsh Contracting............98 Movement Mortgage.............100 Children’s Discovery Center....102 Blue Haven Pools....................104 South Carolina Federal...........106 Rad Rydz................................108 Lowcountry Yoga....................112 Michael’s Barkery...................116 In the Black............................120 Haven’s Furniture....................121 Wando Family Dentistry.........123 Franke at Seaside...................125 Zip's Kar Kare..........................126 Pitt Street Pharmacy..............127 Pleasant Family Dentistry......129 Heritage Pools........................131 Baby Bloomers.......................133 GrandScapes. .........................135 The Grove at Carolina Park......136 Happy Hearts Therapy............137 Atlantic Plumbing..................137 Stephanie Selby Photography.139 Palmetto Christian Academy....140 Bubbles Gift Shoppe..............141 Paws in Paradise.....................141 Automotive Excellence...........142 Mount Pleasant Gardens........143 Senior Resource Specialist......144 Beachpups..............................145 Pulse Nails and Spa................145 High Tide Orthodontics..........146 School of Rock........................147 Sewee Dental.........................148 Home Insurance Agency........149 Mastering Milestones............149 Flyway Logistics.....................151 Jennifer Williams....................152 Gloudeman Electric................152 5 Stars Roofing.......................153 The Marsh at Carolina Park.....154 Restore at Carolina Park..........155 East Cooper Lock & Safe.........156 Trey Harrell.............................157 Your Happy Nest.....................158 2024 WWW.BESTOFMP.COM ANNUAL BEST OF EDITION • VOL. 14, ISSUE 1 Intro..................................................... 163 Top 10 Homes Sold–South Mount Pleasant...165 Top 10 Homes Sold–North Mount Pleasant..166 Meet The Broker...................................167 Top 10 Homes Sold–Old Village..............168 Ask an Agent........................................169 Dwellings........................ Intro....................................................... 171 Lana the Hollywood dog........................172 Pet on the Street......................................175 Pets. .............................. East Cooper Neighbors...........................176 East Cooper Neighbors..... MORE ON WINNERS AND FINALISTS Winners. ...............................................59 Health & Wellness................................60 Food & Drink.......................................71 Shopping & Goods...............................85 Personalities & Services........................93 Entertainment & Leisure....................107 Pets......................................................115 Winner’s Circle...................................119
10 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Follow us @shopmptc for up-to-date shopping, restaurant and event information With shops, restaurants, experiences, and events year round, there are endless ways to spend a day out on the Towne. mtpleasanttownecentre.com THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SPEND A DAY on the Towne 8:00PM SAVI CUCINA + WINE BAR A moment of CHEERS was the cherry on top to finish the day. 10:45AM HUSTLE SMOOTHIE BAR After a quick sweat sesh, I popped into Hustle to refuel. 5:30PM COPPER PENNY The accessories absolutely MAKE this outfit. #DateNight 4:15PM PALMETTO MOON Picked up all my favorite southern brands in one fabulous place! 11:30AM HAIRY WINSTON PET BOUTIQUE Colorful collars make for perfectly polished pups on our fall walks.
11 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com One of the joys of publishing the Best Of issue is our community’s involvement. With 76,007 votes cast this year, the highest number of votes ever, we have reached a total of 570,401 votes since 2013. That's a lot of votes! Here at Mount Pleasant Magazine, our excitement for Best Of runs deep, because we know how impactful it is for our local economy. For example, residents of Mount Pleasant tend to frequent businesses and services that were voted the best or a finalist as one of the best. Further, new residents who move to Mount Pleasant, or any of the towns that make up East Cooper, will use the Best Of edition as their guide for where to go and what to do. I couldn’t tell you how many times new residents have gone out of their way to tell me how helpful Mount Pleasant Magazine has been to them after moving to our community. Rewind 34 years to 1990 when we were publishing East Cooper Magazine, the predecessor of the magazine you’re holding, and we launched Charleston’s very first Best Of voting. It was quite a different time: Mark Zuckerberg was only 6 years old and neither Amazon nor Google were part of our conversations because they didn't yet exist. That year, the Best Of paper ballots that we collected around Mount Pleasant totaled a whopping 1,200 votes. You can see the results for yourself at www.BestofMP.com/BestofCharleston1990. With this exponential growth in annual votes, we at Mount Pleasant Magazine hope that our Best Of edition will connect you to all the wonderful people and places to visit in Mount Pleasant. Positively yours, Bill Macchio Publisher • Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine.com publisher’s note Annual Best Of Edition • Vol. 14, Issue 1 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER JENNIFER BURKE JENNIFER@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM MANAGING EDITOR ZACH GIROUX EDITOR@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ART DIRECTOR DANA COLEMAN PRODUCTION MANAGER BETHANY LONG COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ANTHONY MACCHIO MORGAN WINNINGHAM BRAND AMBASSADOR STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM AD DESIGNERS BETHANY LONG KIM HALL REBECCA SOTTILE TECHNOLOGY GEORGE CONKLIN BRIAN SMITH GENE PHAN WRITERS ISABEL ALVARZ ARATA • HEATHER ROSE ARTUSHIN MARY COY • KATIE FINCH • MAURICE FRAZIER KATIE JAMES • CARI LAWSON • CLARK LEACH COLIN MCCANDLESS • SARAH ROSE • SHERRY WHITING PHOTOGRAPHER MARK STAFF INDEPENDENT MEDIA CONSULTANTS ANDY BIMONTE ANDY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM MAURICE FRAZIER MAURICE@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM SARAH ROSE SARAH@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE BOSS DOG REGGIE SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS ANTHONY MACCHIO KAREN LISZEWSKI MORGAN WINNINGHAM DISTRIBUTION U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • PUBLIX • CVS Mount Pleasant Magazine is published locally by a team of independent contractors. Mount Pleasant Magazine is published six times per year by Media Services, Inc. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Media Services 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction electronically or in print format without the expressed written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited and a violation of U.S. copyright laws. Inquiries to: Mount Pleasant Magazine P.O. Box 22617, Charleston, SC 29413 843-881-1481 Info@MountPleasantMagazine.com
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13 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Deep sigh! The most wonderful and busiest time of year has passed and if you’re reading this then that means you too have survived and perhaps thrived through the gauntlet of the holidays. Let’s pause, catch our breath and reflect on this issue before journeying into the new year! Speaking of the unknown, I could have never fathomed what it takes to orchestrate and execute such a dauntingly comprehensive issue as our annual Best of Mount Pleasant edition. I’ve personally never published anything quite like this in my life as an editor. This issue is a true unicorn and that’s what makes it unique, incomparable and therefore truly special. First off, congratulations to all the respective businesses, services and individuals who received praise and accolades within these pages and rightfully so. It’s plain and simple: the people voted, and your expertise spoke for itself. Each of our winners are the best in their profession and that is not something to be taken lightly. Our Best Of awards are a badge of honor, wear it with pride! In retrospect, after the ink dried on this issue, my takeaway is that no matter the task it takes a village. There’s no ‘I’ in team and there certainly isn’t in Best Of. I want to personally thank our writers, copyeditors and graphic designers who painstakingly produced this beast of an issue. This issue exemplifies the teamwork, camaraderie and sweat equity it takes to be the best of the best. Last but certainly not least, Happy New Year to all of our family, friends, readers, advertisers and subscribers! We can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2024. Here’s to a new calendar of goals and a clean slate. Cheers! Positively Yours, Zach Giroux Managing Editor from the editor A dining haven located in the heart of Mount Pleasant, Cantina 76 offers a delightful experience for all. Enjoy their creative dishes with convenient takeout options or savor the moment in their charming outdoor dining area. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly atmosphere and dedicated kids menu, while pet owners can bring their furry friends along. 819 Coleman Blvd Mt Pleasant, SC | 843-388-7717 Cantina76.com Sun-Tue 11:00AM– 9:00PM Wed- Sat– 11:00AM– 10:00 PM Come see us today! With easy parking, lunch and dinner service, a full bar, and the convenience of accepting all major credit cards!
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15 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com With stunning views of the water coursing beneath the Ravenel Bridge and sailboats drifting along the downtown Charleston skyline set against a cobalt sky, we thought that the USS Yorktown provided the best backdrop for the location of this year’s Best of Mount Pleasant photoshoot. For us, the aircraft carrier symbolizes the effort that it takes to become the best of the best: weathering every storm to stay afloat even when it feels like you’re sinking. And like our Best Of Mount Pleasant finalists, the ship has advanced despite the challenges it has faced along the way. For example, when the USS Yorktown was built in 1943, women couldn’t be in the Navy, and thus were not allowed to set foot on the ship. Yet coincidentally, because so many men were conscripted overseas in World War II, 40 percent of the ship’s builders were women. Fast forward 81 years later, and the roles most certainly have reversed. Today, Allsion Hunt is the executive director in charge of running the vessel turned museum and we greatly admire the unabashed fearlessness with which she navigates this traditionally male vocation in style. Welcomed by a crisp wind and a blazing sun hung in a cloudless sky, our guests, dressed in classic ivory, cream or camel, were buzzing with excitement as our photographer Mark Staff styled the shoot in front of the World War II fighter planes lined up on the deck as if ready for takeoff. After the formal shoot, we enjoyed meeting, conversing and taking selfies with local celebrities like Mayor Will Haynie and meteorologist Rob Fowler, while gathering around the table where coffee, hot chocolate and an artful array of donuts provided by Joey Bag a Donuts kept us warm. Both the USS Yorktown and our Best Of Mount Pleasant finalists continue to inspire us with their courage to forge ahead, as in the words of the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow from Disney’s "Pirates of the Caribbean," “The seas may be rough, but I am the captain! No matter how difficult, I will always prevail.” Photo by Mark Staff. BY SARAH ROSE about the cover Photo by Morgan Winningham Photo by Morgan Winningham Left to Right; Rob Fowler, WCBD News 2; Dr. Cason Hund, Wando Family Dentistry; Dr. Jessica Hund, MUSC Primary Care; Nurse Kate Byrne, Christ Our King-Stella Maris School; Will Haynie, Mayor of Mount Pleasant; Ethan Lane, Movement Mortgage; Bryan Coleman, Principal at Cario Middle School; Stephanie Selby, Stephanie Selby Photography; Denise Kish, Mount Pleasant Gardens; Anja Stief, Dish and Design Catering; Dr. Craig Blum, Sweetgrass Plastic Surgery; Yesenia Leon, VIVA Tacos & Tequila.
16 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com SIGHT LOVE ATFIRST BEST JEWELER find the perfect gift for your valentine
17 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contributors Mary Coy is a fifth-generation Charlestonian and expert on Charleston history. She has written for Mount Pleasant Magazine for over a decade. Mary can be found giving tours of the Holy City in her free time. Katie Finch joined the Charleston Women family as a media consultant in 2022. An Alabama native (War Eagle, anyone?) and a former small business owner, Katie loves connecting with local Lowcountry business owners while putting her marketing degree to good use. Colin McCandless is a Charleston-based freelance writer and copy editor who enjoys writing about nature and wildlife, travel, history and outdoor recreation. He has more than 15 years of writing experience working for magazines and newspapers and developing blog and website content. Maurice J. Frazier is a freelance writer living on Daniel Island. Born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in the North Charleston/ Summerville area, he has been working in the TV and film industry for the last eight years. Sherry Whiting is a freelance writer and full-time project analyst. She has over 15 years of experience developing and editing marketing materials, newsletters, policies and technical documents. Heather Rose Artushin is a local writer, poet and therapist. When she’s not talking to our town’s most interesting people for an article, she’s working alongside a local nonprofit or playing around with a poem. Cari Lawson is a school counselor by day and writer by night. Writing provides an outlet to connect further to the community. She loves to spend time with her husband, toddler and puppy at Disney World! Clark Leach is a business and health writer with more than 20 years of experience. He has written for universities, magazines, businesses, newspapers, nonprofits and niche publications. Since 2015, his work has appeared in Greenville Business, Charleston Business, Charleston Women, HealthLinks and The Tennessean. Sarah Rose has a passion for the written word, she spends most of her time writing, hoarding and reading oldfashioned books, and curating stories about all things lifestyle. Interested in contributing to Mount Pleasant Magazine? Email your contact information (name, phone, mailing address) and one sample of work you have created (or a link to your work online) with the subject “Aspiring MPM Contributor” to Editor@ MountPleasantMagazine.com. Katie James is married to her high school sweetheart, a full-time mom to four and a freelance writer in her spare time. She’s always had a passion for writing and enjoys using it to help showcase Lowcountry businesses and what they bring to their surrounding communities. Isabel Alvarez Arata is a freelance writer and content creator with a focus on business, marketing and lifestyle. She has her own pet-related podcast and blog, “Covered in Pet Hair.”
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19 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com atch Mount Pleasant Magazine online at MountPleasantMagazine.com, and flip through the digital magazine at ReadMPM.com. For up-to-date, relevant content for all of Mount Pleasant and East Cooper, follow us on Instagram @MountPleasantMagazine and on Facebook at Facebook.com/ MountPleasantMagazine. Don’t forget to comment on our posts with your thoughts on the events, businesses or personalities featured. We want to connect with you. Your voice could become featured in our “Social Buzz” section. We have so much to offer the community beyond these pages. We invite all of our readers to enjoy our podcasts, in addition to our online publications. Both MountPleasantPodcast.com and BestOfMPpodcast.com offer amazing insights into our community through the first-person stories of our leaders, business owners and beloved residents. This is a chance to watch, listen and learn from your neighbors. Want to get involved with the content chosen for Mount Pleasant Magazine? Give us your ideas for a feature story. Email Editor@MountPleasantMagazine.com with your ideas, supporting photos and contact information. We’d love to hear from you! on the web C 2024 ® For more information visit www.BestOfMpParty.com Save the Date 2024 Best Of Party on the deck of the USS Yorktown Thursday, September 19
20 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com social buzz Social media in today’s age of print and digital marketing is the portal to boosting your company’s brand and taking business to the next level. Whether it’s editorial or marketing stories, our social media platforms at Mount Pleasant Magazine have the bandwidth to reach customers and future clients you never expected to reach. The numbers don’t lie and these analytics are living proof that the reach of our product is limitless. If you’re interested in broadening your horizons, contact Publisher@ MountPleasantMagazine or 843530-0403. COASTAL COVERAGE SPECIALISTS HOMEOWNERS • CONDO • WIND & HAIL • COMMERCIAL • FLOOD 843.881-4707 insureme@sigsc.com Family Owned & Operated Thank you for your valued business. We value your trust and confidence in us and sincerely appreciate you as we celebrate 40 years of business in the community.
21 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Since our town has grown exponentially over the past decade, the staff at Mount Pleasant Magazine feels that Mount Pleasant should have its own event just for homes. An event that showcases Mount Pleasant’s designers, home builders, remodelers, furniture stores and more. The timing couldn’t be better for the Lowcountry Home Showcase, scheduled for March 9-10 at the Omar Shrine Convention Center off Patriots Point Road. It will feature anything and everything you want or need to help maintain and enhance your home, regardless of where you live. Each home specialist will have specific offerings exclusive to attendees. There will be a series of presentations designed to help homeowners save money, protect and enhance their home and learn about the latest trends in design. One of those presentations, led by WCBD News 2 meteorologist Rob Fowler, will focus on hurricane awareness. There will be more information to come as we approach the date of the Lowcountry Home Showcase, Mount Pleasant’s very own home show. To reserve your booth or to learn more, call Jennifer Burke at (843) 3649852 or email Jennifer@MountPleasantMagazine.com. Lowcountry Home Showcase slated for March 9-10 Mount Pleasant’s very own home show coming to town our town LCHomeShowcase.com
22 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com BY ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA From gaining national recognition to expanding environmental, recreational and economic opportunities, the Town of Mount Pleasant heads into the new year a stronger and more prosperous community. In this Year in Review, with the help of Town Administrator Eric DeMoura, we’re highlighting the Town of Mount Pleasant’s most noteworthy accomplishments of 2023. GREENING UP THE ENVIRONMENT In March 2023, the town council established the Mount Pleasant Green Space, Environment, Ecology and Natural Resources (GREEN) Commission to address conservation, natural resources, flood resilience and green space. The Town of Mount Pleasant also adopted Low-Impact Development regulations for commercial developments. The LID rating is based on a points system calculated our town Year in Review Mount Pleasant achievements, accolades in 2023
23 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town over four categories: conserving natural water resources, protecting ecosystem biodiversity, improving community livability and promoting energy efficiency. The Take Root Program, which began in May 2021 as a community-wide tree planting initiative to encourage residents to actively participate in beautifying the community, expanded in 2023 with a mission to preserve existing canopy and promote new tree canopies. Mount Pleasant Composts, a new initiative to encourage residents to compost, kicked off in May 2023. After registering through the City of Charleston, the town’s partner for this initiative, residents can bring food scraps to compost at three locations around town. ACCOMMODATING CITIZEN NEEDS From September 2022 through April 2023, the town held a series of “Public Input Matters” meetings to encourage dialogue and define the unique challenges and character of the different parts of the town. The information gleaned during this process will help inform the next update to the Town of Mount Pleasant’s 20192029 Comprehensive Plan, slated for 2024. Also in April 2023, the Town of Mount Pleasant was designated the Lowcountry’s first certified Autism Friendly Town by Just Bee, a local nonprofit created to connect neurodivergent families with their communities. In partnership with Just Bee, the town committed to further educating citizens on the signs, symptoms and best practices for accommodating individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through Just Bee’s educational programs, Mount Pleasant businesses can become autism friendly designated businesses. Once recognized as such, a seal depicting the Just Bee logo is placed in the window to alert neurodivergent community members and families that it is considered a “safe space.” Over the past several years, the town has partnered with WakeUp Carolina, a recovery community organization serving the greater Charleston area. Together with WakeUp Carolina and the local police department, the Town of Mount Pleasant proclaimed Aug. 31 Overdose Awareness Day. The “Light the Way for Hope” event commemorated and honored those who have lost their lives to overdose. In addition, WakeUp Carolina, the Charleston Center and the Mount Pleasant Police Department began holding monthly community overdose prevention and Narcan training at town hall. IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION After years of strategic planning, preparation and construction, Vaughn Ed Kee Parkway opened to the public on Nov. 1, 2023. The new parkway, connecting Rifle Range Road and N. Highway 17, was named in honor of Mount Pleasant police officer Vaughn Ed Kee, who lost his life in the line of duty in 1985. The completion of Vaughn Ed Kee Parkway and the groundbreaking on Mount Pleasant Way in 2023 represent a significant milestone in the town’s commitment to improving local infrastructure and enhancing transportation networks. Speaking of networks, fire agencies from Mount Pleasant, Charleston, North Charleston, Isle of Palms, St. Andrews Public Service District, James Island Public Service District and St. John’s Fire District are now part of an automatic aid agreement that aims to expand emergency fire services in the area. Launched in 2022 and expanded in 2023 to include the Isle of Palms, the agreement states that the closest appropriate fire unit will respond to an emergency regardless of the municipality or service district. As 2023 comes to a close, construction is almost complete on Carolina Park Recreation Complex Phase III. The project includes four additional fields, two outdoor multipurpose courts and more amenities including additional parking. Moreover, the planned expansion of
24 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town CHARLESTON'S LARGEST SELECTION FOR EVERYTHING TENNIS! Northcutt Plaza 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Suite M., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 TennisShopMountPleasant.com | 843.284.8977 M-TH 10am-6pm FRI 10am-5pm SAT 9am-3pm SUN Closed thedollyllamaus.com open Monday-Sunday 1483 US Hwy 17 North, Suite I, Mt Pleasant, SC llamamammalowcountry There’s comfort in being anchored! anchorheatingandair.com 843-564-7777 female owned & operated
25 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Memorial Waterfront Park, expected to be completed in July 2024, will include several new features such as a splash pad with a water tower feature, a quarter-mile walking and biking trail, multipurpose sports courts, a restroom facility, dog parks, overflow parking, a calisthenics area and more. Another new, centrally-located recreation complex, Rifle Range Road Park, is currently in design. FINANCIAL STABILITY The Town of Mount Pleasant maintained its AAA (S&P) and Aaa (Moody’s) bond ratings in 2023, a testament to the town’s strong financial position and steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility. Additionally, the town’s finance staff received recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 34th consecutive year for their Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The budget office was also recognized with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the GFOA for the 10th year. KEEPING BUSINESS BOOMING The town became home to many new businesses in 2023. Of those, 23 celebrated their opening with ribboncutting ceremonies, which bring together local business owners, the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce and Mount Pleasant Town Council members to promote growth in our business sector. Mount Pleasant also welcomed an innovative business center in 2023, the Harbor Entrepreneur Center. The center creates an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Charleston region. With support from the Town of Mount Pleasant, the 38,000-square-foot facility provides a collaborative space and houses over 50 high-growth companies. A MODEL OF EXCELLENCE For the third time, the Town of Mount Pleasant was named an All-America City by the National Civic League in 2023. The town’s motto for this year’s presentation was “Together We Weave,” incorporating the local art of sweetgrass basket making. The delegation, represented by community members, illustrated how Mount Pleasant weaves diversity into the community by promoting programs that accommodate neurodivergent people and their families. The group also highlighted how Mount Pleasant prioritizes youth mental health and weaves bonds of trust with its residents by investing in programs designed to foster relationships between police officers and young people. Of all the important accomplishments the Town of Mount Pleasant celebrated in 2023, DeMoura is most excited about the 2023 All-America City Award because it is the most prestigious award a local government can receive and serves as validation that the efforts the town is making today will positively impact generations to come. “In Mount Pleasant, we work hard to protect and improve this wonderful community,” explained DeMoura. “To me, winning the All-America City Award is an acknowledgment that, while our work is not perfect, we are on the right track.” our town
26 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town The November 2023 elections for the Town of Mount Pleasant weren’t as close as other parts of Charleston County, or even high in voter turnout, but they could eventually prove to be the most significant for area residents and leaders. On the table is a long-standing issue: whether to limit future growth and development in a drastic fashion, or to let the market continue to decide. And in the next year or two, the four newly-elected members of the Mount Pleasant Town Council — and the five who are finishing their terms — are not only readying to continue the battle for managing growth, but to make decisions that will likely signify a major turning point in the area’s long-term direction. “Mt. Pleasant growth is part of a three-pronged issue: traffic, attainable housing and growth management,” said Town Councilman Howard Chapman, who was decisively re-elected to a second term with 7,090 votes. “And in the coming year, all the members of council are going to play a major role in solving this issue.” Councilwoman Laura Hyatt, also re-elected to a second term having received the second-highest tally of 7,842 votes, added that in the past four years, the council has helped slow area growth from “about 4.5 percent to under 2 percent.” But first-time elected Councilman Daniel Brownstein, with 6,643 votes, pointed out that the area has grown so much and so fast in the last 20 years that “now we are trying to play catch-up with our roads, parks and first responders.” And Jake Rambo, who polled more votes than any other candidate with 7,980 to easily win a second term, said that planning the future of Mount Pleasant growth is going to Election Recap Growth management a major concern in Mount Pleasant election BY L. C. LEACH III Howard Chapman. Laura Hyatt
27 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town be an ongoing challenge.“All three incumbents that ran for re-election finished in the top three spots in the voting,” Rambo said. “To me, that is validation from residents that council has been on the right track doing what we were originally elected to do: manage growth.” Such growth has been more than three decades in the making. For example, in the not-so-distant past of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Mount Pleasant was simply another Lowcountry area — attractive for its mild weather, marsh fishing, kayaking, summer beaches, history and food. Residents numbered around 30,000. Since then, the population has more than tripled to around 95,000 and counting—with annual 2022 overnight visitors topping 1.42 million — both of which Chapman said could threaten the area’s basic quality of life if left unchecked. “So if we manage our growth by selecting areas in our hubs to place attainable housing, we will reduce our traffic congestion, which our residents have stated is our number one issue,” Chapman said. Of course, the growth issue in Mount Pleasant involves many other facets, such as affordable housing, different types of commercial and residential construction, adequate emergency protection personnel such as police and firefighters and enough infrastructure such as water, sewer and roads, to handle the numbers. Brownstein said that over the past two decades, too many developments were approved “without improving our infrastructure.” “Our rapid growth has led to a loss of greenspace,” he said, “and has placed stress on our parks and recreational amenities.” To help hold the growth in check to some degree, as well as avoid the possibility of either raising taxes or reducing services, the 2016 Mount Pleasant Council adopted an ordinance to limit the height of new buildings in all applicable areas to 45 feet — 10-30 feet lower than previously allowed. In 2017, another action allowed for an increase in the area’s Development Impact Fees, which affected new development and redevelopment for both residential and commercial projects. Rents for Class C properties (older properties relied on for affordable housing) now cost almost $6,000 more per year than in 2010. “We have taken other measures as well — such as an apartment moratorium, permit allocation system and reducing residential units in commercial corridors,” Hyatt said. “And I hope that going into 2024, the public will voice opinions to council so that we might be encouraged to continue these programs.” It is all related to the town’s comprehensive plan, which originated in 2009, in part to address economic development, transportation, schools and land use — especially since more people are expected to keep coming to Mount Pleasant. And as they do, an additional growth concern will soon take center stage: water. Jake Rambo. Daniel Brownstein.
28 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com RETIRED MOUNT PLEASANT WATERWORKS GM ELECTED TO WATER COMMISSIONER In Mount Pleasant, newly-elected Water Commissioner Clay Duffie sees water not only as a resource to maintain the area’s high standard of living, but as a critical factor in sustaining the area’s growing population. “It’s really important to conserve water and to use water wisely,” said Duffie, who won election in a landslide with 6,065 votes, more than the other four ballot candidates combined. “We have a lot of people and a lot of businesses compacted into a small area, and having a sustainable, long-term source of water is really, really important.” Since 2021, Duffie and leaders with the Department of Natural Resources have been developing a longterm state water plan, which Duffie sees as “the future of our water resources for the next 50 years.” “I’ve been an advisory member of the plan for the last threeplus years,” said Duffie, who served 32 years as the general manager for Mount Pleasant Waterworks before coming out of a two-year retirement to run for water commissioner. “And it’s important that our state General Assembly adopts that plan.” The plan is expected to be ready by 2027. And Duffie wants to see the plan through to full adoption. “We’ve had explosive growth over the last three decades, and nobody ever wants to run out of water, or pay too much for water,” expressed Duffie in a Mount Pleasant podcast prior to the election. “And having a plan that will help sustain that resource and be sure that it’s allocated properly to all the different users will help us protect our water environment and make sure our water utilities are available when more growth occurs.” And going forward, both water and growth are issues that are expected to influence Mount Pleasant voters in future elections. “A total of 13,974 ballots were cast by eligible voters in the Town of Mount Pleasant’s 2023 municipal elections,” said Matt Dillane, marketing and communications coordinator with the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections. “This represents a turnout rate of about 17.46 percent, while voter turnout for all of Charleston County was slightly higher at 22.91 percent. And because the future of Mount Pleasant depends on the choices of its community members, we urge all eligible voters to keep exercising their democratic rights in every election they can.” our town Clay Duffie
29 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com It was almost 40 years in the making — from a tragedy to some long-awaited recognition. But on Nov. 1, 2023, leaders with the Town of Mount Pleasant gathered to mark the opening of the new Vaughn Ed Kee Parkway, which will not only improve the flow of area traffic but will also serve as a constant reminder of the life and service of a dedicated Mount Pleasant police officer cut down in the line of duty. “Every day that a police officer goes to work, he is in the line of duty where he may not come home,” said Mount Pleasant Town Councilman Howard Chapman, who attended the parkway’s dedication. “The naming of this road after Vaughn Ed Kee was initiated by former Police Chief Carl Ritchie, recognizing that fact.” The new $10.66 million two-lane parkway, which stretches for 1-mile through forested area owned by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission, connects U.S. 17 to Rifle Range Road, and serves to disperse traffic to more intersections, versus concentrating it at fewer. It is the first of a two-phase project intended to provide better connectivity to the roadway network in the northern portion of Mount Pleasant. “The new roadway incorporates a 10-foot concrete multi-use path that is part of the Mount Pleasant Way spine route,” said project engineer Daniel Williamson. It will also integrate bike and pedestrian facilities and programs into the town’s road network, linking various destinations within the planning area. The design scope of work followed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. Williamson added that while actual construction took only about 16 months to complete over 2022-23, its planning took many years to finish and get approved. “It was discussed for many years and was initially reflected in the 2011 CHATS Long-Range Transportation Plan,” he said. “The design, rights-of-way and construction funding was identified in the town’s fiscal year 2017 Capital Improvement Plan. It was authorized for design in fiscal year 2018 and renamed Vaughn Ed Kee Parkway by the planning commission in 2020.” Chapman added that he suggested a north-south road in this area more than 20 years ago while acting as the town’s traffic engineer and “developing an official map for the town for planning purposes.” After Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT) were selected as design engineers and Banks Construction Company contracted for actual building, construction of the new parkway began June 2022 and was completed in October 2023. Paving a Legacy Vaughn Ed Kee Parkway commemorates fallen MPPD officer BY L. C. LEACH III our town
30 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com It was originally to be called Long Point Road Extension and the U.S. 17 to Rifle Range Connector road. But it was renamed in honor of officer Kee, who was tragically killed in 1985. On Dec. 13 of that year, at 2:35 a.m., officer Kee stopped an intoxicated driver on Ben Sawyer Boulevard. After placing the driver in the back of his patrol vehicle, Kee was walking around the car when a second drunk driver approached from the rear, sideswiped the police car and hit Kee. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries approximately four hours later. He was only 25 years old. “I was a rookie working the morning (he) died,” said Robin Flores, a former North Charleston officer, in 2008 on the Mount Pleasant Officer Down Memorial Page. “My fellow third shift officers and I were just leaving shift change and headed to MUSC to give blood when we were told in the N. Chas. PD parking lot (he) died. I am so sorry I was unable to help. I still think about that day.” A historical marker was erected in 2003 near the location of the accident at 1233 Ben Sawyer Blvd., and a monument was unveiled in 2023 at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park near the First Responders Monument. And Mount Pleasant Town Councilman Jake Rambo said that while the new parkway will greatly benefit area drivers and Mount Pleasant traffic flow, its main importance will be in remembering officer Kee. “Our officers wake up every day and go to work knowing that it could very well be their last day,” Rambo said. “That was what officer Kee did to keep us safe, and it is our duty to remember the sacrifices our officers make, and the one officer Kee made. And I think this road dedication in his honor will help us do just that.” our town Get the Best Solution for Your Home and Budget. Reliable, upfront service for your home’s A/C, heating, plumbing & gas. Make Us Your 1st Choice! BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT 843-518-1479 1stChoiceforAC.com Get the My Choice Service Plan for $158 a Year! 20% off when you mention this add
31 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Mount Pleasant’s self-made man who helped build Shem Creek up and gave back to the community will be remembered fondly in the hearts of many. Ronnie “RB” Boals came from humble beginnings and built his businesses from the ground up. Always working, RB started with odd jobs as a child and worked his way up to become extremely successful. As a boy, he did everything from delivering papers and holding rummage sales to selling peanuts. Even when he moved into the restaurant industry, he always had a sideline business. RB’s son recounts the times when his dad told him stories about growing up and having to have a cobbler replace the soles of his shoes. He would wear the shoes until there was no life left in them. Growing up not having much taught RB the importance of hard work and giving back to those in need. Ronnie Boals: The businessman, the myth, the legend In 1962, RB began working at Piggy Park in Mount Pleasant. He eventually toiled his way up to leasing the restaurant while simultaneously working on building Trawler, his most well-known establishment. He was 23 years old when he opened the restaurant in 1967. Trawler began as a one dining room restaurant and gradually grew to include 14 dining rooms. From there, he continued to expand Shem Creek. In 1979, he built the eponymous RB’s. In 1985, he opened Water’s Edge, then in 1989, he launched Vickery’s, and so on. RB also constructed the lighthouse on Shem Creek. His footprint is all over the popular area today. He was the driving force that made Shem Creek a destination location for restaurants. Among his restaurant accolades are the Lorelei, RB’s, Cappy’s, Ronnie’s, Johnny’s Seafood Market, Josie Joe’s and the Noisy Oyster. His love of food and the restaurant business is evident in his legacy and continued success in the Lowcountry. Boals was recognized as the longest continuously serving independent restaurant owner in the community. He was the most consistently open operator over the last 50 years. In 2016, with the help of then-Mayor Linda Page, Church Street along Shem Creek was renamed Ronnie Boals Boulevard. This was something that made RB immensely proud, and he spoke about how honored he was to receive the recognition. Next time you drive over, be sure to note this memorial to his legacy. RB’s business success came from his unwavering perseverance and unmatched work ethic, but his compassion came from within. Always willing to help, Boals gave to others often under the shroud of anonymity. He never wanted anyone to know that he was the one giving and did it without seeking praise or acknowledgement. Wade Boals, son of RB, remembers shopping for Remembering RB Shem Creek restaurant pioneer bids farewell BY CARI LAWSON our town Ronnie “RB” Boals..
32 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com families and dropping gifts off every Christmas with his dad. A philanthropist at heart, he was always looking to help families in need no matter the cost. RB often paid for hotel stays for families that were struggling with housing and fulfilled any need requests that were presented to him. He took care of his employees like they were family even if it meant inconveniencing himself. Employees speak highly of him and can share accounts of times in which he helped them and extended kindness when they needed it most. Always a connoisseur of fancy and shiny things, RB never forgot where he came from. He loved to buy items that he could only dream of owning as a child and that included shoes. With a closet stocked full of shoes, he could rest assured that he would never need them again, which was not something he could claim as a child. Although RB enjoyed material things, it was his family and friends that brought him the most joy. His wife, children, grandchildren and Yorkies remember him fondly and know that they have big shoes to fill. Ronnie Boal’s impact and legacy on the Lowcountry is unlike any other. His commitment to his business and growing Mount Pleasant is something that will remain unchanged. We can all learn something from his work ethic and service to others. A major figure in our community, he will forever be remembered as someone who could fill us up with great food while modeling how to live a life with meaning. our town www.shemcreekrestaurants.com To be included on these sites Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine More Charleston Area Cuisine www.Charleston.Recipes DISCOVER THE BEST OF SHEM CREEK CUISINE
33 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com BY MAURICE J. FRAZIER New Year, New Self Fitness routines to jumpstart 2024 Happy New Year, it’s officially 2024! New year — new you. Let’s focus on you and your health and overall wellness. Make 2024 the year that you look good and feel amazing. Working out is a great way to reduce stress, manage a healthy weight and build muscle. Mount Pleasant Magazine is highlighting a few workout trends and three different levels of fitness, from a ‘big box gym’ to personal training. Read on to learn more about what might be the best fit for your personal fitness goals. Gold’s Gym on Coleman Boulevard offers cardio equipment, group exercise, functional training, circuit training, resistance machines and free weights. Before COVID, cardio was king; from cardio machines to jogging/running, cardio was the focus. Recently, there has been a shift. “Everyone is in the weight room. Both men and women are in the room working out. Everyone wants functional training,” explained Jamie Smith, owner of Gold’s Gym. “We added another turf area in our gym to accommodate the increase. We added 8 feet of additional space and flooring to our free weights area as well. You can go back Gold’s Gym in Mount Pleasant. entertainment
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