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 MoreElton Culpepper has recently attempted to soften his stance on the Short-Term Rental Cap, but voters deserve clarity on this issue. In today’s Post and Courier, he made his position plain. Culpepper explicitly states that “lifting the cap may be an option… It’s certainly not off the table.” No matter how it’s packaged now, eliminating…
Read MoreThere’s been some misleading posts regarding the $15,000 transition line item in the city budget, so here are the facts. This was not something added quietly or pushed through for any political purpose. The transition allocation was: • Included as “up to $15,000, as needed.”• Discussed in at least one publicly advertised budget work session.•…
Read MoreAs we head into Tuesday’s runoff vote, our community deserves more than single-issue politics. Folly Beach is facing real challenges and real opportunities, and the next mayor must be ready to lead on all of them. And unlike flashy ads or one-note messaging, I’ve chosen to spend my time directly with the people of Folly…
Read MoreSome claim that the STR Cap will hurt city revenue or will force a property-tax increase. City staff have made it clear that is not the case. Since creating our Rental and Ordinance Compliance Department, the city is bringing in more rental registration and business license revenue even after overhead. Property values just rose in…
Read MoreRecently, questions have come up in the community about what happens if a property is inherited. To help clear things up, here’s a simple breakdown of the rules currently in place, based on the latest ordinance language. Key Takeaways 1. Who Can Inherit an ISTR License A property may qualify for an ISTR license if…
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 MoreThis election is about more than choosing a Mayor — it’s about choosing the kind of future we want for Folly. People often ask if the way I run my campaign is a preview of how I will serve as Mayor. The answer is simple: yes. From day one, I approached this campaign with preparation…
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…
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