One of my opponents argues for reducing the seawall setback from 25 feet to 10 feet. That might sound simple, but the consequences are anything but. This isn’t just about property lines—it’s about protecting the very shoreline that defines Folly Beach. Elton Culpepper. He asked the council to consider a 10-foot setback for seawalls rather…
Read MoreAs a Folly condo owner & full time resident of Mariners Cay/Marshview Villas, I want to help protect Folly Beach. I support the STR cap, which currently includes all pockets of Folly, including mine. It allows condo associations to continue to qualify for affordable insurance rates and allows our tight knit resident communities to thrive. …
Read MoreFolly Beach stands at an inflection point where growth, tourism, climate pressures, and infrastructure challenges are all converging. This election isn’t about politics; it’s about vision — a vision that keeps Folly in balance, ensures sustainability for our environment and economy, and strengthens the community that makes this island unlike anywhere else. That vision has…
Read MoreAs we approach Election Day, I want to address what will be Folly’s biggest challenge: water. While some candidates focus narrowly on a single issue, the reality is that every challenge on Folly, from rising tides and marsh flooding to septic failures and storm damage, comes back to how we live with water. Meeting that…
Read MoreThe message from last week was unmistakable: water is Folly’s greatest challenge. As your mayor, I’ll meet that challenge head-on, with practical solutions, strong partnerships, and a commitment to keeping every resident informed and involved. Together, we can build a resilient Folly that stands strong for decades to come. Folly 2050 Plan As flooding becomes…
Read MoreFolly Beach has one road in and out, and it’s becoming more vulnerable every year. The causeway (Folly Road over the marsh) already floods during King Tides and heavy rains. In 2022 alone, flood levels triggered sensors on the Folly River bridge three times in just 90 days. By 2050, those same water levels are…
Read MoreThe Folly 2050 Plan shows our septic systems are becoming increasingly vulnerable as flooding and groundwater rise. By 2050, nearly 1 in 5 systems could fail during King Tide events, threatening our marshes, waterways, and storm drains. That means risks to public health, property values, and the clean water and beaches that drive our tourist…
Read MoreProtecting our shoreline isn’t just about sand; it’s about preserving our greatest asset. The health of our dunes and beaches safeguards our homes, our economy, and the very character of our island. Folly Beach’s shoreline protection program is managed through a 50-year Local Cooperation Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This partnership keeps…
Read MoreI want to address a question that came up in last night’s debate about why Folly Beach needs the Dune Management Plan, the Beachfront Management Plan, the Marshfront Management Plan, and the Safety Action Plan. These plans do more than guide daily decision-making; they provide a blueprint for the future. Each one lays out clear,…
Read MoreOn any given day, you’ll find me out on the beach, surfing, walking the shoreline with Stacy, or just enjoying the place that helped make us choose Folly as our home. Like many residents, I spend much of my time here because our beach is more than scenery; it’s the heart of our community. Our…
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