FAMILY EDITION 2026 THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES ON WWW.MOUNTPLEASANTPODCAST.COM HURRICANE PROTECTION | REAL ESTATE DIRECTORY | VETERINARIAN DIRECTORY Photo by Mark Staff Photography. Cruising the Lowcountry IN STYLE On the Waters of Charleston and Mount Pleasant A Lifetime of Summers How One Beach House Shaped Generations Motherhood The Strength Behind it all Stay Prepared Be Hurricane Aware
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3 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 600 Long Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC Belle Hall Shopping Center I-5126 at Long Point Road Exit Mon-Sat 9AM - 6PM, Sun 12PM - 5PM 843.800.4015 Goose Creek 217 Goose Creek Blvd. 3 Miles North of Northwoods Mall Rivers Ave. Turns into Goose Creek Blvd. 843.553.4663 Coastal Carolina’s Leading Furniture and Design Center for Over 26 Years. Memorial Day Furniture & Mattress Sale Save 30% to 50% Storewide Largest Brand Selection Plus We Will Pay Your Sales Tax Plus 0% Interest Up To 5 Years Custom Orders Produced In 30 Days SALE ENDS MONDAY, MAY 25 AT 6PM
4 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 1885 Rifle Range Rd. | Mt. Pleasant FrankeAtSeaside.org Thank You for Voting Us Best Join our Family Guided by Faith, Inspired by You. Retirement Community Independent Living Facility & Assisted Living Facility And ONE OF THE BEST Memory Care Facilities 843.216.2222 Marketing@FrankeAtSeaside.org Connect with us and discover your next chapter.
5 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Creating A Winning Team. Expect the extraordinary as Dogwood State Bank and TowneBank come together to provide exquisite banking service with a personal touch. We welcome David Lominack as our South Carolina President and Dogwood as a division of TowneBank. TowneBank.com/DogwoodTeam | Member FDIC David Lominack President, South Carolina 864-915-6942
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8 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contents FAMILY EDITION • VOL. 16, ISSUE 3 Publisher’s Note.............................................................11 From the Team..............................................................13 About the Cover............................................................14 Our Contributors..........................................................16 Social Buzz...................................................................17 On the Web...................................................................19 20 25 14 Calendar of Events..................................................20 Live Music Schedule...............................................22 Arts and Entertainment.............. 37 Sand Savant.............................................. 25 Sweetgrass Festival.................................... 28 Mayor's Message....................................... 31 Gary Santos Park...................................... 33 The Legacy of Bill Simmons...................... 35 Honoring Otto German............................ 37 A New Chapter for Oceanside Collegiate.......39 Our Town.................................... 44 57 Historic Feats of Feet..............................................40 Doubling Down at the Charleston Open.................41 New Mom Shelby Rogers........................................44 Lucky Win Leads to RBC Heritage Experience........47 Raising the Bar at Palmetto Liquor & Wine.............48 Sports............................................. Family Business......................................................51 What to Expect When You're Expecting..................57 The Gerety Family..................................................61 The Hartnett Family...............................................62 Gather MTP...........................................................65 Family.............................................
9 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contents FAMILY EDITION • VOL. 16, ISSUE 3 East Cooper Neighbors...................................... 96 Be Hurricane Aware.................................................66 Eye of Hugo.............................................................67 Calm Before the Storm.............................................71 Shutter to Think.......................................................73 Mulch Pleasant.........................................................75 Hurricane Prep.......................... Georgetown Business Expo.............................................78 Tanya Ackerman New Book Release...............................79 On the Coast................................. 71 East Cooper Real Estate Directory..................................81 Top 10 Homes: North Mt. Pleasant................................84 Top 10 Homes: McClellanville.......................................85 Top 10 Homes: Awendaw...............................................86 Awendaw: A Community Surrounded by Serenity..........87 Top 10 Homes: Dunes West...........................................88 Top 10 Homes: South Mt. Pleasant................................89 Edisto. ...........................................................................91 Coastal Dwellings......................... 78 87 Reggie's Report........................................................92 Rescue of the Month................................................93 Veterinary Directory.................................................94 Vets & Pets...............................................................95 Pets. ........................................... 91 95 93
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11 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Each time we publish an issue we feel we are creating a gift. I know you probably think that’s weird but it’s the way we feel at Mount Pleasant Magazine. We are not only creating a gift we can enjoy, but also a gift everyone who visits or calls Mount Pleasant home can enjoy. See, I knew you would think it’s weird. But maybe it’s not when you consider that each edition contains articles and photos that focus on Mount Pleasant, and the towns surrounding it east of the Cooper and up the coast, and highlights the people, places, events and history that make our hometown and coastal region the special place it is. Our reader surveys, conducted by a Citadel MBA class, show that many readers keep the magazine around for a long time, in some cases for years. The gifts included in the Family Edition are plentiful, starting with the front cover, which captures one of the best gifts we all can enjoy: the water surrounding Mount Pleasant in our magnificent Charleston Harbor and beyond. I had been talking to the captains of these watercrafts for months about capturing a photo like this. What I didn’t know was that Mayor Will Haynie was planning on giving the key to our city to Chip Deaton and Scott Connelly, co-owners of Charleston Water Taxi – a well-deserved honor. Charleston Water Taxi has been shuttling passengers back and forth from Mount Pleasant to Charleston for 20 years. The water taxi team couldn’t have said it better: “Being on the water brings people together in a way nothing else does.” The next time you want to journey to Charleston, skip the Ravenel and head over to Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina to take the Charleston Water Taxi. After all, Chip and Scott must be good at what they do, since they have two keys: one from our mayor, and another one for the water taxi. I hope Chip and Scott, along with the other boat captains, will think of this cover as their gift along with the 120,000 digital and print readers. For more about the cover, see Page 14. I must come clean, though. I started writing my publisher’s note on April 27 – my birthday. I began thinking about the different gifts I have received throughout my life. But make no mistake about it, regardless of when I write my publisher’s note, birthday or no birthday, our publishing family feels this magazine is our gift to our readers and the communities we serve. Before we leave each other, I wanted to wish our former editor Zach Giroux lots of encouragement on his new adventure. He once told me he had never worked for a publication where the enthusiasm and passion were so high. That meant a lot to me. Yes, my birthday is over, but to everyone reading this magazine, you’re giving me the best present I could receive, no matter what day of the year it is. Positively yours, Bill Macchio Publisher • Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine.com Mayor Will Haynie presents the key to the city to Scott Connelly and Chip Deaton. from the publisher VOL. 16, ISSUE 3 • Family Edition 2026 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER JAZZY JORDAN ASSISTANT@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS ART DIRECTOR DANA COLEMAN PRODUCTION MANAGER BETHANY LONG BRAND AMBASSADOR STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ELLEN KERR ELLEN@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM DIGITAL MANAGER ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM CONTENT PUBLISHER BELLA HARRAR CONTENT@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM DIGITAL/WEB EDITOR GEORGE CONKLIN AD DESIGNERS BETHANY LONG KIM HALL WRITERS MARY COY • LAURA FOGARTY • ALLYAH HARRAR BELLA HARRAR • WILL HAYNIE • WENDY HELMS ELLEN KERR • CARI LAWSON • L. C. LEACH III COLIN MCCANDLESS • SARAH ROSE • BROOKE WATSON PHOTOGRAPHER MARK STAFF INDEPENDENT MEDIA CONSULTANTS ELLEN KERR ELLEN@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM MARNIE BONN MARNIE @MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM BRIANNA ZAPPULLA BRIANNA@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE ALISON REED BOSS DOG REGGIE DISTRIBUTION/DIRECT MAIL U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • CVS Mount Pleasant Magazine is published locally by a team of independent contractors. Mount Pleasant Magazine is published locally six times per year by Media Services, Inc. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Media Services 2026. 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 The gift will keep on giving if you love what you do
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13 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Mount Pleasant Magazine has always been rooted in community, and behind every issue is a small team that operates more like a family than a traditional office. Our mission is to tell the stories of our community east of the Cooper, but for the team, it’s just as much about how those stories come together to form a quality product. “It brings together creativity, community and collaboration in such a meaningful way,” said Bella, content publisher, who finds it especially rewarding to watch ideas evolve from simple concepts into finished features in readers’ hands. That collaborative spirit is a common thread. “It genuinely feels like a team,” shared Jazzy, publisher’s assistant. “It makes the work feel meaningful and fun.” Allyah, digital director, agreed, adding that it’s not always quiet or polished behind the scenes. “The banter is everything – loud at times, a little chaotic, but always real. When everyone feels free to show up as their authentic selves, that’s when the magic happens.” Beyond the office, that energy extends into the community itself. “I love getting out and connecting with so many amazing local businesses,” says Marnie, marketing representative, while Stacey McLoughlin, brand ambassador, added that those connections often lead to something bigger. “New partnerships … relationships that might not have happened otherwise.” Flexibility and support round out what makes the team dynamic unique. “The flexibility to be myself as part of a team,” said Ellen Kerr, marketing representative, “is what makes it so special.” Together, our voices reflect what Mount Pleasant Magazine truly is: a close-knit publishing family, working collaboratively to celebrate the place they call home. Sincerely, Your team at Mount Pleasant Magazine from the team Bethany Long Ellen Kerr Marnie Bonn Brianna Zappulla Jazzy Jordan Bella Harrar Allyah Harrar Stacey McLoughlin
14 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com about the cover If you have lived in Charleston for any amount of time, you know the water is not just part of the scenery. It is part of life. It shows up in all kinds of places from the way we plan our days to where we choose to have dinner. It influences everything from how we spend our weekend to the stories we tell about home. The water around us is not something we simply admire from a distance, but something we live alongside. For this issue of Mount Pleasant Magazine, we wanted the cover to feel like that. Not just beautiful, but familiar. Something that instantly feels like Charleston. From the deck of the USS Yorktown, the view says it all. Boats cutting across the harbor, sunlight bouncing off the water and two familiar vessels in the frame: Charleston Water Taxi’s Palmetto Breeze and Captain Cocktail. For more than 20 years, Charleston Water Taxi has been part of that everyday magic. It is not just a ride from one place to another. It is part of the experience. If you are traveling from the Charleston Harbor resorts, you can trade traffic for open water. Going home is more fun than going out at that point! The team behind Charleston Water Taxi said it best: “The water is Charleston. Everything here from the history to daily life revolves around the harbor. It’s not just something you look at; it’s something you live with every day.” Water has always been at the center of Charleston’s story. Mayor Will Haynie reflected on that history in a way that feels both honest and important. “Early on, it was by water that most people came here, some willingly, some unwillingly in chains. All of that, the good and the bad, is part of our collective story. It must be told, and it shows that our journeys may have begun differently but through time and struggles, we have united and flow together into a better future.” The harbor carries all of it: the beauty, the history, the pain, the progress. It holds the story of Charleston in ways streets and buildings never could. And still, it keeps bringing people together. At Shem Creek, where Palmetto Breeze sits docked at Water’s Edge, you can see it every day. People gathering for dinner, families watching dolphins, friends laughing on the dock and visitors realizing for the first time why locals love this place so much. “Being on the water brings people together in a way nothing else does,” the water taxi team shared. There is something about being on the water that makes people soften a little. Maybe it is the breeze or the view, or perhaps it is just the reminder that life does not always have to move so fast. That is what we wanted this cover to celebrate. Not just boats. Not just water. But the feeling of Charleston itself. Because here, the water is not just where we are. It is who we are. BY CARI LAWSON The ‘Life Aquatic’ Water Shapes Charleston’s Identity Photos by Mark Staff Photography.
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16 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contributors Colin McCandless is a Charlestonbased 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. Mary Coy is a fifth-generation Charlestonian and city tour guide. She is also the author of a book on Charleston’s Revolutionary War history. As a freelance journalist, her articles have appeared in national and local publications. She has written for Mount Pleasant Magazine for more than a decade. 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. 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! Brooke Watson is a College of Charleston student born and raised in Mount Pleasant, where she studies both creative writing and classics. When not writing or studying, she does her best to collect an assortment of hobbies like watchmaking or resin crafting to fuel that spark of creativity. Sarah Rose brings a local and global perspective to her freelance writing, editing and independent research. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a decades-long career in interior design and has traveled and lived all over the world. 751950 2025 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Nurturing Minds & Hearts Join Our Legacy! Apply today at www.coksm.org 1183 Russell Drive Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 (843) 884-4721 Enroll your child and experience the difference of a Christ-centered education. For 75 years, Christ Our King - Stella Maris School has been dedicated to educating the whole child. We believe in nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth of our students.
17 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com social buzz “I love it!” -Local influencer and media personality @tristathebarista, on Mount Pleasant Magazine, via Instagram “Mount Pleasant Magazine has set the bar when it comes to advertising for our practice. We decided to discontinue our service with other advertisers and work only with Mount Pleasant Magazine, which allowed us to save money and put our focus where we are seeing the best results.” -Jessica Hecker, of Advanced Animal Care of Mount Pleasant, via Instagram “Mount Pleasant Magazine is a great resource for all things local! Great info on restaurants and events going on in the area. I love every new issue!” -Margaret Mann, via Google Reviews “Congratulations to a wonderful man! He always took the time when I was at Pitt Street Pharmacy to answer questions and make recommendations. Best wishes in your retirement!” -Eve Pezzello-Runnals, via Facebook, on the retirement celebration for Kim “Kimbo” Richardson of Pitt Street Pharmacy “Great news! I can’t wait to listen!” -Stephen C. Yaros on the Facebook announcement of radio personality Brian Cleary hosting the Mount Pleasant Podcast
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19 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com on the web Turn Event Traffic into Business Growth The Masters and Heritage drove thousands of visitors to the area, so we connected them with our local content using highly targeted digital ads Our strategies have already generated over 1 million impressions Imagine what we can do for your business!
20 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com ONGOING Mount Pleasant Farmers Market When: Tuesdays April-September from 3:30-7 p.m. Where: 645 Coleman Blvd. Features vendors selling local farm-fresh produce, meats, sauces, baked goods and other specialty foods in a festival atmosphere. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Charleston Farmers Market When: Saturdays April through November from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Marion Square Weekly farmers market in Marion Square with produce, prepared foods and other goods from local vendors, as well as arts and crafts and live performances. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Isle of Palms Farmers Market When: Every third Thursday June-October from 4-7 p.m. Where: Isle of Palms Recreation Department The market will feature fresh produce, food vendors, live music and more! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Party at the Point When: Friday evenings 4/17-7/17 at 5 p.m. Where: Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina This family-friendly event is hosted on the beachfront of Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina and features live music and plenty of food and drinks. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 55th Annual Charleston Greek Festival When: 5/8-5/10 Where: Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity Popular annual festival of Greek culture at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, with traditional foods and drinks, live music and dance performances, craft vendors and more. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dancing on the Cooper When: 5/15 from 7-10 p.m. Where: Mount Pleasant Pier The featured artist will be Vinyl Daze, which plays classic oldies, beach music and a variety of rock ‘n roll hits. --------------------------------------------------------------------- AtomaCon When: 5/16-17 Where: Conference Center at Trident Technical College AtomaCon is a multi-genre, family-friendly, sci-fi and fantasy, paranormal convention and film festival celebrating its 12th year. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Isle of Paws Music Fest When: 5/21 from 4-7 p.m. Where: Isle of Palms Recreation Department Annual pet-friendly festival at the Isle of Palms Recreation Department, with live music, pet-related vendors, rescues, food trucks and concessions. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Spoleto Festival USA When: 5/22-6/7 Where: Various venues throughout the Charleston area This annual 17-day event is a celebration of the arts. Hosting over 150 performances, Spoleto Festival USA showcases opera, dance, theater, classical music and jazz. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Piccolo Spoleto Festival When: 5/22-6/7 Where: Various venues throughout the Charleston area Popular annual arts festival featuring a variety of visual and performing arts events across the city. Calendar of MAY Events
21 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- Park Circle Pride When: 6/2-6/7 Where: Venues throughout the Park Circle neighborhood This inclusive, week-long celebration of the LGBTQ+ community features the South’s most diverse Pride festival lineup, spanning drag brunches, art walks, dance parties, workshops, panels and more. --------------------------------------------------------------------- High Tide Festival When: 6/5-6/6 Where: Riverfront Park High Tide brings top dance music acts to the Charleston waterfront for a sun-soaked weekend of good vibes, great food and nonstop energy. Enjoy craft cocktails, local bites, a curated vendor market and a full lineup of events. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dancing on the Cooper When: 6/12 from 7-10 p.m. Where: Mount Pleasant Pier The featured artist will be Shem Creek Boogie Band, which plays classic oldies and beach music. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Fest When: 6/18 from 6-8 p.m. Where: James Island County Park Celebrate the summer solstice at Yoga Fest, a family-friendly evening of movement, music and community. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dude Perfect Squad Games Tour 2026 When: 6/25 at 7 p.m. Where: North Charleston Coliseum By transforming the arena floor into a battle zone surrounded by fans on all sides, the Squad Games Tour delivers a fully immersive live experience that brings audiences closer to the action than ever before. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Carolina Days When: 6/27-7/5 Where: Various locations This year commemorates the 250th anniversary of two pivotal moments in American history: the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, an early Revolutionary War triumph that helped shift momentum in favor of the colonies. Learn more at southcarolina250.com/carolina-days. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 12th Annual Firecracker 4 Miler When: 7/4; adults race at 8:30 a.m. and kids’ race starts around 9:45 a.m. Where: Laurel Hill County Park Come on out and celebrate your independence by running down the shaded trails of Laurel Hill County Park. After the race enjoy music, hot dogs and cold beverages with all your friends and family. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Salute from the Shore When: 7/4 at 1 p.m. Where: Beaches across South Carolina’s coast Annual Independence Day military flyover viewable from beaches and coastal areas of South Carolina between North Myrtle Beach and Beaufort. calendar of events JUNE JULY FOURTH EVENTS
22 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Live Music MAY------------------ RISING APPALACHIA When: 5/11 at 7 p.m. Where: Music Farm Rising Appalachia is an internationally touring folk ensemble steeped in the soul of the South. ------------------------------------------------------------------ MILES AND COLTRANE AT 100: THE CHARLESTON JAZZ ORCHESTRA When: 5/16; first show 5 p.m., second show 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall The 18-member Charleston Jazz Orchestra, with its rich musical heritage of South Carolina, celebrates 100 years of Miles and Coltrane, continuing the journey set forth by these powerhouse architects of jazz. ------------------------------------------------------------------ PITBULL WITH SPECIAL GUEST LIL JON When: 5/17 at 7 p.m. Where: Credit One Stadium Pitbull is a Grammy-winning rapper, singer, songwriter, actor and entrepreneur. ------------------------------------------------------------------ JUICE When: 5/17 at 8:30 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House Pulling from pop and rock, hip-hop and R&B, ‘90s alternative, modern electronic, folk and more, Juice’s complexity is their strength. ------------------------------------------------------------------ IRATION WITH SPECIAL GUESTS TRIBAL SEEDS When: 5/21 at 6 p.m. Where: Firefly Distillery Known for their breezy melodies, feel-good rhythms and high-energy live shows, Iration has been a staple of the reggae-rock scene for nearly two decades. ------------------------------------------------------------------ NIKO MOON’S GOOD TIME FEST When: 5/23, 5/24 Where: The Refinery Back by popular demand, Niko Moon returns to The Refinery to kick off Memorial Day weekend right! Special guests are joining him, including Uncle Kracker, The Wailers, The 502s, Artikal Sound System and more. ------------------------------------------------------------------ TYLER BRADEN WITH BROOKE LEE When: 5/29 at 6 p.m. Where: The Windjammer The Gold-certified Alabama-born and Nashvillebased singer, songwriter and guitarist is a classic country troubadour whose storytelling strikes an intimate chord. ------------------------------------------------------------------ REGGAE NIGHTS SUMMER CONCERT When: 5/29 from 7:30-11 p.m. Where: James Island County Park The Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series features traditional old-school roots reggae with a new-school attitude in a beautiful outdoor setting. Bring your chairs or blanket.
23 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com ------------------------------------------------------------------ BLUE DOGS SUMMER SHINDIG When: 5/30 at 4 p.m. Where: The Refinery Charleston-based Blue Dogs are known for their American roots sound and interactive performances. Featuring special guests Uncle Mingo, Indecision, Tobacco Road and Finnegan Bell. ------------------------------------------------------------------ BUCKETHEAD When: 5/30 at 8 p.m. Where: Music Farm Buckethead is a virtuoso guitarist and multiinstrumentalist who performs many genres of music. ------------------------------------------------------------------ JUNE----------------- GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA When: 6/2 at 7 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall The most popular and sought after big band of all time returns to Charleston for an evening of swing music at the Charleston Music Hall. ------------------------------------------------------------------ DRIVIN N CRYIN WITH CRACKER When: 6/6 at 6 p.m. Where: The Windjammer Celebrating their 35th anniversary together, Atlanta-based folk-rock act Drivin N Cryin have spent most of their career on tour. ------------------------------------------------------------------ JELLY ROLL When: 6/7 at 7 p.m. Where: Credit One Stadium Jason Bradley DeFord, known professionally as Jelly Roll, is an American rapper, singer and songwriter. ------------------------------------------------------------------ “WEIRD AL”YANKOVIC When: 6/9 at 7:30 p.m. Where: North Charleston Coliseum Weird Al brings his legendary full-production multimedia comedy rock show back to the concert stage, playing his iconic hits as well as some neverperformed-live-before fan favorites. ------------------------------------------------------------------ MODEST MOUSE WITH SILVER TRIPLETS OF THE RIO HONDO When: 6/10 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall Modest Mouse, the long-running American indie rock group, blends off-kilter guitar lines, elastic rhythms and vividly observational lyrics into a sound that is both adventurous and accessible. ------------------------------------------------------------------ MT. JOY When: 6/13 at 7 p.m. Where: Credit One Stadium Mt. Joy is an American five-piece indie rock band based in Los Angeles with roots in Philadelphia. ------------------------------------------------------------------ LORD HURON When: 6/16 at 7 p.m. Where: Credit One Stadium Lord Huron is a Los Angeles-based American indie rock band. ------------------------------------------------------------------ ROGER CLYNE AND THE PEACEMAKERS WITH IKE REILLY AND SHANE REILLY When: 6/21 at 8:30 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers blend punk rock, Americana, indie-pop and mariachi influences. ------------------------------------------------------------------ CHRIS STAPLETON’S ALL-AMERICAN ROAD SHOW When: 6/26, 6/27 at 7:30 p.m. Where: North Charleston Coliseum Country music titan Chris Stapleton is extending his legendary trek into 2026. The highly anticipated run reinforces his status as a dominant force. ------------------------------------------------------------------ JOSIAH AND THE BONNEVILLES When: 6/28 at 6 p.m. Where: The Windjammer Josiah Leming, also known by his stage name Josiah and the Bonnevilles, is an American singer-songwriter originally from Morristown, Tennessee. live music
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25 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com BY LAURA FOGARTY Sand Savant Piccolo Spoleto artist sculpts whimsical wonders from beach’s bounty Sand sculptor Tommy Freeman has competed in the last 14 of the Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition’s 37 years. What began as a casual family activity has become a tradition for Freeman and a treasured summertime ritual. His team name has changed several times over the years as have its members, from including his wife and children to eventually encompassing friends, neighbors and colleagues. The one thing that remains a constant though, contest after contest, pickle bucket of sand after pickle bucket of sand, is Freeman’s love of and passion for creating temporary art in the sand. Freeman has won just about Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition Best in Show team Tommy Freeman, Charles McCutcheon and Doug Vogel.
26 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 280 WEST COLEMAN BLVD.,MT PLEASANT, SC | 843.936.6997 | INTERIORMOTIVESMP@GMAIL.COM
27 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com every category during his time spent competing at Piccolo Spoleto: Best in Family, Best in Architecture, Best in Creativity; in 2021 he took the top title, Best in Show. “Building in the sand is a stress reliever for me,” explained Freeman. “I don’t have to think about anything at all. I’m just focused on the sand, and the sculpting comes from muscle memory at this point.” Freeman continued, “I’ve always liked creating and working with my hands. I’ve loved woodworking and I’ve also always loved to draw. Sand sculpting is a way for me to bring illustrations to life.” “My only A’s in school were earned in wood shop,” Freeman laughed, “and as a matter of fact in the sixth grade I made a clock that my shop teacher wanted to enter in the Oklahoma State Fair. I wanted to give the clock to my grandparents for their 50th wedding anniversary. The timeline didn’t work for both to be possible, so I gave it to my grandparents.” Freeman is the owner-operator of JAC Services, a local HVAC company. When he’s not working, he likes to “relax” by not only sculpting in the sand but also with metal work. “I have several Broncos,” Freeman explained, “both newer and vintage. I enjoy creating roll cages, bumpers, utility racks, that type of thing.” As a young boy, Freeman spent his free time using his creativity for problem-solving. He recalled how he once built a trap to catch gophers in the backyard with a laundry basket, a stick and some string. The medium has changed over time, but the ingenuity and problem-solving remain. Freeman elaborated, “Building something from the sand relaxes me and brings me joy. It seems to make people happy too, so that’s a nice feeling, making people smile.” You can catch Freeman and other local and regional artists at the 2026 Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition, which will be held on Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Front Beach, Isle of Palms. Here’s to hoping for good weather and even better artwork from Freeman and his competitors. Best in Architecture 2018. Sand sculpture by Tommy Freeman at 42nd Avenue. Sand sculpture by Tommy Freeman at 42nd Avenue. Vitamin Sea 2014.
28 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com When enslaved Africans arrived on these shores in the 17th century, they carried ancestral knowledge about rice production and cultivation, a practice that required the use of sweetgrass baskets for harvesting, transporting and storing the crop. In the centuries that followed, their Gullah Geechee descendants wove that generational art form, along with food ways indigenous to the Lowcountry, their language and other ancient customs such as singing and drumming, deep into the tapestry of American history. Significantly, as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary this July, the 22nd annual Sweetgrass Festival highlights the substantial ways in which African heritage has contributed to its evolution. The concept of showcasing the sweetgrass culture in a festival format as a means for protecting, preserving and sustaining the Gullah Geechee culture was brought to life in 2004 by late town council member Thomasena StokesMarshall and a team of founding members. Michael Allen, who was part of that original group and is still involved from a PR and media perspective, works closely with Tracy Richter, events coordinator for the Town of Mount Pleasant, on promoting the event. Richter said, “The Sweetgrass Festival is the best gathering of local weavers who all have a story to tell.” Allen added that this year’s Sweetgrass Festival, which will be held on Saturday, July 25, at Memorial Waterfront Park and is free to the public, will include educational opportunities and demonstrations held by exhibitors, basket weavers, artisans and performers. Gullah-influenced food will be available for purchase on site. While parking will be quite limited at Memorial Waterfront Park on the day of the event, there is availability at the adjacent Ferry Wharf Garage. Alternatively, free shuttle buses will run continually from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Riders are welcome to bring chairs and festival gear on the buses. The last Sweetgrass Festival BY SARAH ROSE All photos courtesy of Town of Mount Pleasant Communications Office.
29 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com buses leave the park at 3 p.m. Further details can be found on facebook.com/MountPleasantRec. As another founding member of the festival, Freddie Jenkins is still involved as organizer of the Taste of Gullah gala that takes place at Omar Shrine Center the night before, on Friday, July 24, from 6-10 p.m. The seated dinner, catered by Buckshot’s Restaurant out of McClellanville, includes red rice, collard greens, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, black-eyed peas and bread pudding in the Gullah tradition. In addition to these culinary delights, the gala will also feature a silent auction, a keynote speaker, storytelling and music. The event raises funds for repairing the 1904 Long Point Schoolhouse, specifically to secure permits for replacing the structure’s roof and siding. Once the remodel is complete, the schoolhouse will be restored to an educational institution, teaching visitors about the transatlantic slave trade and its role in American history. “As an immersive experience that takes us back to our roots, the Taste of Gullah sells out every year,” Jenkins said. Tickets to the Taste of Gullah are $100 per person and can be purchased at aaschc.com. Donations to the Long Point Schoolhouse project can also be made on the site. PRESENTED BY Real conversations. Trusted experts. Topics that actually matter. From hormones to sleep, metabolism to skincare, we’re creating space for women to ask better questions and get real answers. Join us for our next event. Follow along on Instagram @tidewaterpharmacy to stay in the know.
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31 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town Father’s Day 2026 is the first Father’s Day since the passing of my father last August. I know they say there are multiple stages in the journey through grief, like climbing the steps of a staircase, and my emotions remind me daily that I am still going through the process, and that I still have a long way to go. My mother turns 90 this year and she is in memory care here in Mount Pleasant. Due to dementia, we lose a little more of her each day, so my family tries to make the most of every moment. This Mother’s Day will be significant for our family for obvious reasons, and I know many of you can relate. I begin this month's column by mentioning my parents because they created the best, and the most shaping, memories of my life which are tied to this community and the waters of Charleston Harbor. My parents were young by today's standards, and my father chose to come back to MUSC for yet a second medical specialty, so our family moved to Mount Pleasant in the mid-1960s. Medical residency is a time of financial strain, and my sister and I knew we were all in it together, so getting material things would be few and far between. But looking back now, because my parents chose to make that a time of outdoor recreation and discovery for us, my memories of it are one of the biggest blessings of my life. One memory that stands out is when Daddy bought me a Zebco rod and reel at the Eckerd drug store for about $10 and took me fishing on Pitt Street Bridge, long before it was the improved public park it is today. That fishing trip was my first experience of feeling a fish on the line and I reeled in what I think was the most significant flounder of my life. To hear Daddy's proud response meant the world to me then. It echoes in my mind and all the way to my soul. Money can't buy a memory like that for a boy with his father beside the waters of Charleston Harbor. This month's issue tells the stories of families whose life-shaping experiences led them to careers on the waters and waterfront of Charleston Harbor. The memories and family connections are part of what makes it such a special place, with lots of national and local history further enhancing it. "If those waters could talk, oh the stories they could tell," some have mused. The waters do talk – through our family stories, and my hope for you is that you not only enjoy these but make some of your own. BY WILL HAYNIE MAYOR OF MOUNT PLEASANT Mayor’s Message Waters That Hold Our Stories
32 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Offering dance classes, private lessons, workshops, wedding choreography, and social events for dancers of all levels. Our state-of-the-art studio is now open in Mount Pleasant—join us today! CalienteBallroom.com WHERE PASSION MEETS PRECISION Serving those with dementia and other related conditions. Mount Pleasant Gardens is committed to being the leader in providing quality personal services for our residents and their families while honoring the experience of aging. Call for a Tour, Today! 843.216.1001 GardensMemoryCare.com | 1025 Hungryneck Blvd., Mt. Pleasant A Stand-Alone Memory Care Community. Come see what makes us different! Anja Stief | 843-971-6701 office www.dishanddesign.com Voted By People Who Appreciate Great Service & Food 2026 ® Dish & Design has proudly been named among the best caterers year after year.
33 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com It took 15 years, a local referendum and $40 million just to get things started, but on March 17, officials with the Town of Mount Pleasant at last broke ground on Gary Santos Park. The facility not only honors a former town councilman but is expected to meet a growing demand for green space and recreational activities for generations to come. “This new park is a huge opportunity for us,” said Mount Pleasant Recreation Director T.J. Rostin. “Tens of thousands of people use all of our 34 parks and park facilities in a year, but this one will be our most versatile.” In addition to soccer/rectangular fields, tennis and pickleball courts, the 106-acre park is designed as a comprehensive recreation facility. It will utilize a two-court indoor gymnasium, replete with rooms for activities such as music, art, dance and camps, as well as playgrounds, picnic pavilions, walking and biking trails and support facilities. Even though many other area parks offer the same amenities and uses, Town Communications Manager Eric LaFontaine pointed out that most are already “heavily utilized,” with field and court space often at capacity. “Mount Pleasant continues to be one of the most active communities in the region,” LaFontaine said. “And with that comes increased demand for recreation space, programming and facilities.” Part of the park will also provide an additional 39 acres for amenities and tree-save areas. Because of its central town location, LaFontaine added that the new park will be “more accessible to a broader portion of residents.” “Rather than serving a single neighborhood, Gary Santos Park is positioned to support the town as a whole, helping balance usage across the system and provide additional space where it is needed most,” he said. While the park’s completion is expected by fall 2027, its groundbreaking was a long time in the making. The land was originally purchased in 2010 in partnership with the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission, but it wasn’t until 2016 that an initial masterplan was completed. The project then remained inactive until November 2022, when it was revived following inclusion in a voter-approved referendum. When the project’s design kickoff meeting took place in September 2023, the park was finally on its way. The name honors former Mount Pleasant Town Councilman Gary Santos, whose time in public service was defined by a deep commitment to youth athletics, recreation and creating opportunities for future generations. “Gary served the Town of Mount Pleasant as a member of town council for nearly 30 years,” said current Councilman Jake Rambo. “Throughout that time, he became known as a tireless champion for our recreation department. There is no one more deserving to have this park bear his name.” It will serve a growing number of people, as the town’s population has so far more than tripled since 1989 and is expected to surpass the 100,000 mark before 2030. Or to put it another way, as LaFontaine noted, the new park’s opening won’t come a moment too soon to support “everything from youth athletics to community programming and passive recreation.” “Ultimately, the goal is to ensure residents have convenient access to safe, modern and well-maintained spaces that support quality of life,” he said. BY L. C. LEACH III A Park Built for the Future Construction begins on long-delayed Gary Santos Park our town
34 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Listen Local, listen here Listen Local, listen here 105.5 fm 105.5 fm
35 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Born on Dec. 21, 1939, William Rice Simmons, more commonly referred to as Billy, was raised on Sullivan’s Island. Upon graduating from Murray Vocational School at 17, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve, where he served on a frequently moving ammunition ship, the USS Suribachi. After serving in destinations such as Cuba during the Bay of Pigs, as well as in the Mediterranean, Simmons received an honorable discharge from the Navy in February 1963 and returned to Charleston. Along the way, he fell in love and married Edith Teal. Together they raised two children, William “Bubba” Simmons Jr. and Marilyn Roakes. Billy’s career began by building houses with his father-in-law, Benjamin Gulledge Teal. After a few years, the time had come to take over Simmons Seafood, the wholesale shrimping operation founded by his parents, L. Hughes and Ella Simmons. He transformed the business from a seasonal shrimping operation into a full-time retail company, while also growing the market for oysters. Additionally, according to the Simmons family, “As managing partner of Snowwis Properties, Billy was instrumental in the expansion of public accessibility to Shem Creek through his involvement in the development of all three phases of Shem Creek Park.” They added that he was also a charter member of the Rotary Club of Mount Pleasant, a member of the Etiwan Masonic Lodge and the Optimist Club of James Island. Further, Billy was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-greatgrandfather. “His work ethic and love for his family passed on through generations of the family,” the Simmons said. “By setting the foundation for a successful business in Simmons Seafood, he became a role model, teaching important lessons to his grandchildren and to the young men that were hired to work for him over the years. He helped shape their development into the adults they are today.” On March 1, 2026, Billy passed away at home amongst family. He was 86 years old. He is preceded in death by his parents, L. Hughes and Ella Simmons and his brother, Lewis Hughes Simmons Jr. (Red). Billy is survived by his wife, Edith Teal Simmons; his two children William “Bubba” Simmons Jr. and Marilyn Roakes; his siblings Carolyn Webb and Francis Simmons (Mary Lou); his grandchildren Jennifer Ackerman, D. Parker Davidson, S. Douglas McGee Jr., William Simmons III and Katelin Simmons; his great-grandchildren, Blythe Ackerman and Carrie Ackerman; and his great-greatgrandchildren, Skyler and Bentley. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, March 10, at LifePark Church in Mount Pleasant. The venue, which holds 400 people, was packed with standing room only. For the slideshow that was projected onto giant screens, Billy’s son Bubba said he made sure to have one of Billy’s favorite photos, the cover shot of Mount Pleasant Magazine’s May/June 2025 issue, included in the rotation. Although Simmons is missed, his legacy lives on throughout this community that he helped build with service, work ethic and love. The Legacy of Billy Simmons BY SARAH ROSE FAMILY EDITION 2025 THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES AT WWW.MOUNTPLEASANTPODCAST.COM DENTAL DIRECTORY | VETERINARY DIRECTORY | WEDDING DIRECTORY Legendary Legacies Multi-Generational Family Businesses Simmons Seafood Photo by Mark Staff Photographer. Influential Moms Homemade Content Creators Superdads First Responder Fathers A young Billy with wife Edith. A tribute to Billy at his memorial service. Billy, seated, left, on the cover of MPM’s May/June 2025 issue. His son Bubba made sure this photo was in the slideshow at Billy’s memorial service. our town
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