Chiropractic Care in Folly Beach, SC

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — It’s no secret that Folly Beach is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to move to in the Lowcountry. But town officials are worried that overdevelopment will soon take over the identity of the town.

In an effort to stop this overdevelopment, City Council will look Tuesday night to change those zoning requirements to “keep the character” of Center Street, and the surrounding community, intact.

The first set of changes to zoning requirements fall under what city officials call the “Center Street Overlay Zone.”

The changes include having new developments start at ground level instead of elevated, as well as a two-story maximum or 34-foot height cap on new buildings. This requirement includes rooftop bars or seating areas as one of the two levels.

If approved, the rezoning will also prevent any private residential properties from being built on Center Street, something officials say is important to keeping the Center Street area accessible for residents.

“We want to make sure that whatever goes up on those lines, here on our Main Street, kind of fit the character of what is already here. We've seen in the commercial district in general, we've seen some pretty massive, relatively speaking, massive buildings go up around Center Street and we want to make sure that on Center Street, that scale and massing is kept down to match what's here,” City Administrator Aaron Pope said.

In addition to those restrictions, new developments will be encouraged to put public outdoor seating near the sidewalk on Center Street.

But Center Street isn’t the only area Folly officials are looking to rezone. Another rezoning change involves the surrounding residential area of Center Street and downtown commercial district.

The changes could affect some residents' ability to make improvements to their existing properties.

The biggest change involves how much of the landowners can build out to. The new zoning changes in the area will require all properties to have at least 10 feet of space between their building and the street.

Residents and Business owners in the area expressed concern about their ability to develop their homes in a public hearing last week, but overall, many people say it’s a step that needs to be taken.

“From a residential standpoint, I think it's more pleasing and more pleasant to have more room around the properties, more green space and less of the shoulder or to show or canyon effect of the tall buildings,” Folly Beach resident Joe Vandiver said.

In addition to the land space restrictions, the rezoning changes would restrict multi-family complexes from being built in the downtown area.

Pope cites the building of the big complexes near the post office off of Center Street as a prime example of what could turn into overdevelopment, which could run out local businesses.

“With property values going the way they are, it's only a matter of time before the land becomes valuable enough or the land becomes so valuable that in order to get things out of it, you have to build the biggest thing you can or another Hurricane Hugo is going to come through and destroy half the buildings in the commercial district. And when people rebuild, they max out the zoning. We want to make sure the max zoning results in smaller more compatible buildings,” Pope said.

The zoning changes will take place in the surrounding area of center street down to around Bert's Market.

If approved, officials did say any property owners who have concerns of these changes can request a hearing with the board of zoning appeals as some exceptions can be made.

City Council will have the first reading of these rezoning changes at the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

A final decision will not be voted on until the second reading in June.

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - High tides at Folly Beach that led to flooding and erosion this past weekend reached eight and a half feet, Folly Beach Officials said.

Photos taken on Wednesday show the waterline up against the dunes. The dunes along the beach were put in place to protect the seawater from rushing further inland, Folly Beach Coastal Consultant Dr. Nicole Elko said.

Rising sea levels and climate change are to blame for the tidal flooding, Elko said.

“We are experiencing bigger spring tides – that’s what they used to be known as,” Elko said. “Nowadays, people call them king tides, so these are our larger tides that occur during the new moon, particularly during this time of year.”

For every dollar spent on beach restoration, six dollars get put back into South Carolina’s economy because of increased visits to the state’s beaches and parks, officials said.

South Carolina’s accommodation taxes help fund beach restoration efforts, officials said.

“The past weekend’s flooding event was very impactful to the beach and dune system,” Elko said. “The higher waters drove large waves over and flooded the entire beach system, and the dunes were also overtopped.”

Elko added that the dunes helped retain the encroaching water that threatened the nearby marshland and inland communities.

“Previous dune and beach restoration projects have increased the elevation of the beaches and dunes on places like Folly Beach,” Elko said. “So while the dunes are eroded and while the beach went underwater during the storm, we didn’t have those waves and flooding impacting the infrastructure, so these natural projects actually are protecting and serving as flood mitigation.”

As the sun started to set and the tide receded, the extent of the erosion on Folly Beach came into view.

The roots of trees, previously battling waves, were visible, and the wounds created by Mother Nature have scarred the shoreline.

Cale Shipman calls West Ashley home during the winter.

“I feel lucky to be able to spend my winters here, and [flooding] is a big issue for all of these coastal areas, whether it be Charleston or anywhere along the coast,” Shipman said.

Shipman and his wife Marcia spent Wednesday on Folly Beach admiring the waves and discovering what was left behind after the tides rolled in.

“I think these king tides that we’re experiencing this week are unusual in the fact that they’ve had so many of them in a row,” Shipman said.

While the systems in place on the beach held up, those who ventured out on Wednesday witnessed Mother Nature’s power.

Copyright 2021 WCSC. All rights reserved.

South Carolina is a stunning place to visit not just for its rich history and mesmerizing landscapes but also for its magnificent beaches. The state's coastline, which stretches for 187 miles along the Atlantic, is home to some of the most splendid and pristine beaches in the United States. The Grand Strand includes some of the most dazzling and popular beaches for summer tourists. In addition to all this clear blue wealth, South Carolina also possesses enchanting islands. Here are the 10 most popular beaches in the state.

Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is characterized by its 10 miles (16 kilometers) of wonderful beaches harmonized by splendid lush marshes, breathtaking white sand, and exceptional maritime forestry. Tourists will enjoy the beautiful water beaches of South Carolina by visiting Kiawah Island, which offers them exciting aquatic activities such as kayaks and SUP rentals. They can also play golf at the resort and satisfy their food cravings at the Bohicket Marina Market.

Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head Island

The enchanting sea breeze in Coligny Beach will carry all tourists' worries and allow them to explore one of the most popular and astonishing beaches in South Carolina. Visitors can spend time in the spectacular public garden equipped with amazing amenities. It is important to note that the location is the safest beach for children due to the presence of active lifeguards. Around Coligny Plaza, visitors can enjoy tasty food and buy beach accessories and clothing as well as unique souvenirs.

Seabrook Island

Tourists will explore the quiet beaches and spectacular wetlands of Seabrook Island, known for its marvelous and greatest swimming beach in South Carolina. Incredible coastline and beautiful trail rides, a health center with aquatics and fitness, mesmerizing beachfront pools, and a hypnotic deep-water marina are all available on the lovely island. Vacationers do not want to miss the most wonderful sunset seen from Pelican Beach. Moreover, friends and families can gather around mouth-drooling food in award-winning eateries.

Myrtle Beach

In terms of the number of visitors, Myrtle Beach is, without a doubt, the most popular aquatic destination in South Carolina. People from all over the world and the country are attracted by this dazzling beach due to its amazing tourist attractions, various exciting entertainment activities, fancy beachfront resorts, and family-friendliness. Moreover, the emerald blue beach's superb white sand keeps tourists coming back. Those looking for a calmer destination should head toward the North Myrtle Beach coast.

Folly Beach, Charleston

Folly Beach is another beautiful sun location that is easily accessible from Charleston. It has a great fishing pier (fishers shall bring their rod), serving as the ideal scenery for a romantic selfie. The beach is also popular for thrilling outdoor activities such as paddle boarding, surfing, sea kayaking, and dolphin spotting excursions. It's also a wonderful beach to simply wander along while admiring the sights of the splendid ocean.

Front Beach, Isle of Palms

A nice 40-minute journey east of Charleston will take tourists to the Isle of Palms, a lovely coastal spot popular with both locals and visitors of the area. The majority of visitors flock to Front Beach, which is known for its ample public parking and quick beach access. Aside from kayaking, surfing, fishing, paddle boarding, and other aquatic activities, the beach serves as a vital stopover for sea turtles. Therefore, visitors shall watch the warning signs because turtles nest and lay their eggs in the dunes.

Pawleys Island

Travelers looking for the finest place with magnificent sculptures, splendid local plant gardens, and astonishing zoos should visit Pawleys Island's white powdery sand beach. This beach has the most pristine shoreline and is well-known for its calm waves, which are ideal for bicycling, shelling, kayaking, and canoeing with family, friends, and loved ones. Pawleys Island offers a gorgeous view of the area's famed waterway, so tourists shall not miss it!

Huntington Beach State Park — Murrells Inlet

The impressive Huntington Beach State Park is one of South Carolina's most well-known sites. With over 2500 acres of outstanding open area to explore, tourists will enjoy the delightful sea-breeze camping with magical sea waves, charming exotic birds, and bewitching sunsets on the East Coast. Art and environment enthusiasts may see endangered creatures such as loggerhead turtles and flora, as well as visit the neighboring Atalaya Arts and Crafts.

Litchfield Beach

The distinctive Litchfield Beach is another excellent option south of Myrtle Beach. The beach is known to be a quiet destination and is full of charming cottages and a nice 1.5-mile stretch to enjoy. Aside from excellent sunbathing and swimming, people looking for water sports can choose various activities from Jet Skis to sea kayaking, as well as fishing. While parking is limited and it is recommended to arrive early, the fact that only two beach access points are available almost assures a peaceful experience.

Family Beach, Surfside

On Family beach, tourists can stroll with their families down the famed 1.2-mile boardwalk that runs along the magnificent coastline of Surfside Beach and immerse themselves in the awesome landscape while dining, shopping, and participating in exciting festivals. The town provides a variety of coastal activities for people of all ages, including music performances and a water park, as well as excellent dining and shopping. Surfboard rentals and lessons are also available for thrill-seekers. Next:

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - Folly Beach leaders plan to provide an electronic payment option for drivers using the city’s existing paid parking spaces.

The City of Folly Beach says it made nearly $1.7 million in parking fees in 2021, an increase of almost 56% over 2020′s $1.1 million, before expenses.

Starting in January, the city will extend its “TapToPay” option so that every paid parking spot will have an electronic option. The city started rolling out the ParkWhiz program in some areas this summer as another option for payment.

City administrator Aaron Pope says they want to make it clear that through this program, they are not adding any additional paid parking, just adding an electronic option to existing pay-to-park spaces.

Pope says currently there are 2,881 right-of-way parking spaces on Folly Beach and 9% of those are paid spots. He says they plan to keep it that way for now.

All of the pay-to-park areas include public beach access, some areas of Arctic Avenue and the Washout on Ashley Avenue.

Folly Beach City Council will give a summary of their parking payment collection and traffic enforcement plan Tuesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

After expenses, Folly Beach says it made nearly $1.3 million in parking fees in 2021. That figure is more than they expected to make, after budgeting for $833,376.02 this year.

Pope says after the companies running the paid parking and parking enforcement programs are paid, the city uses the remaining funds to pay for road shoulder improvements, beach access improvements and repairs, public safety calls, beach and litter patrol, and extra sanitation runs at the beach accesses during the summer.

Folly Beach also reports that over 11,000 parking citations were issued this year and 79% of those have been collected.

The city’s parking contractor, Jared Glass, says they collect unpaid citations by sending late notices to folks who have a citation that is 30 days delinquent. If not paid, they send a follow-up late notice at 60 days informing them of the fine and the intention to release the owed fine to a collection agency. At 90 days, the citation is eligible to be sent to a collections agency to attempt to collect the fine.

Glass says they also have a vehicle immobilization device for violators that they encounter.

Pope says all paid access spots on Folly except for three will still offer a physical pay station option. Those are the 10E access, 1587E access, and the 1670E access.

Copyright 2021 WCSC. All rights reserved.

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Charleston’s bustling downtown area is a major attraction in this historic coastal town; the King Street shops are the top of mind. But, the gorgeous beaches should be an integral part of your Charleston itinerary. The coastal islands offer some of the best beaches in South Carolina.

With a short drive or wind-in-your-hair boat ride, you can be exploring a serene beach, frolicking at a family-friendly sandy locale, or enjoying a lively oceanside recreation zone. The beach towns and island playgrounds will add a relaxing vibe to your Charleston getaway.

Best For Lively Entertainment

When you want to be in the middle of all the action, Folly Beach is the best entertainment beach in the Charleston area.

Folly Beach, known to locals as “The Edge of America,” is a barrier island between the Folly River and the Atlantic Ocean. By day, Folly Beach is a fun, family-friendly beach frequented by Charlestonians and vacationers in search of some fun in the sun. By night, the lively main drag is a hot spot for sun-tanned revelers looking for the perfect beach day ending with great seafood, fun libations, and rockin’ music.

Of course, Folly Beach is blessed with a beautiful sandy beach to lounge away the day. The Folly Beach Pier is under reconstruction and is scheduled to open again in the spring of 2023. However, the deck and restrooms are open for public use and offer a great view.

Grab a nosh at The Crab Shack where you will be perfectly comfortable in casual beach togs and flip flops. Another fun Folly Beach joint is Rita’s Seaside Grill where you can kick back and enjoy a relaxing meal. When the sun goes down, the lights come up and Center Street’s rooftop venues turn up the music and party atmosphere.

Street parking with the Passport Parking app is plentiful for early beach goers. Using the app is easy and you can add time with your phone without ever leaving your blanket if you choose to stay longer.

Pro Tip: The Folly Beach County Park offers clean restrooms, picnic facilities, and dressing rooms. It is a good spot for families or groups with youngsters.

Best For Quiet Beach Walks

Some beach adventures require quiet and solitude, which can be challenging to find in popular vacation spots. Three island beaches near Charleston offer guests a place to soak up the southern coastal sunshine while maintaining their own personal, zen vibe.

Sullivan’s Island is a charming island accessible by a bridge. A smaller beach by barrier island standards at just over 3 miles long, the beach, at low tide, is exceptionally wide and welcoming.

In bygone days, visitors were shuttled around Sullivan’s Island on an electric trolley, stopping at public beach access points called stations. The station reference remains today, and you will notice each beach stop referred to by its station number. Plan a romantic sunset on the beach. Secure a blanket spot at station 18 by the lighthouse to watch the sun fade to orange over the horizon.

After the gorgeous sunset, head over to the Obstinate Daughter for exceptional lowcountry favorites served with a European flare. Consider their Miss Cina Pizza with red and green tomatoes topped with mozzarella and basil for a relaxing dinner.

Pro Tip: Explore Fort Moultrie while visiting Sullivan’s Island. This fort has been reinvented many times over the years and you can see a timeline that begins in 1776 highlighting the Fort’s evolution through World War II.

When you are longing for a slice of nature, the rough, uninhabited Bulls Island will soothe your soul with its rugged beauty.

The famous Boneyard Beach is home to fallen, sun-bleached trees. The expansive eerie sight is reminiscent of an abandoned burial ground strewn with gigantic bones. A slow and peaceful walk through the cemetery of trees is the perfect spot for personal reflection. Created by intense hurricane damage, the beach is a reminder of the ferocity of Mother Nature’s power.

Bulls Island is a naturalist’s escape and intriguing laboratory. It is an important stop on the migratory bird path and is home to a wonderful array of birds. The Carolina Bird Club has an extensive list of sited migratory and native birds. Rare bird sightings on Bulls Island include the masked bobby, magnificent frigatebird, common eider, western kingbird, fork-tailed flycatcher, and snow bunting.

Pro Tip: The Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge runs ferries to Bulls Island. The schedule varies by season and days of the week; refer to the website for the most up-to-the-minute schedule information.

Isolated and uninhabited, Capers Island is easily accessible by kayak or boat. You will find another boneyard beach on Capers Island reflecting the island’s weather-beaten history.

Rent a kayak from Charleston Kayak for a glorious on-the-water workout and a fairly secluded island to explore as your reward. For visitors who would prefer not to paddle, Barrier Island Eco Tours offers a half-day trip out to Capers Island with a focus on the local marine life and ecology.

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Pro Tip: The coastline is heavily vegetative, so sunbathing is not the best reason to visit. Capers Island is the perfect island for adventurous explorers.

Best For Family Enjoyment

Bring the kids, grandkids, and best friends to these three Charleston beaches for a family fun beach vacation getaway.

Isle of Palms Beach is a vacation destination that invites families and friends to relax and enjoy oceanfront rentals, charming beachy establishments, and ample parking for day-trippers.

The 7-mile stretch of soft white sand is a playground for beach lovers along with a seemingly endless soft, wave-dodging walking path. Apply copious amounts of sunblock and build giant sandcastles. Isle of Palms is the prescription for bringing joy and laughter into your getaway.

During sea turtles’ nursery season (May–October), Isle of Palms is popular with loggerhead turtles nesting and caring for their eggs and hatchlings. These amazing creatures are making a comeback from severely dwindling numbers. You may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of a nest in a cordoned-off dune.

Pro Tip: Public beach access paths are plentiful; narrow lanes sit between residential and getaway structures along Ocean Boulevard.

The beautiful island of Kiawah is one of Charleston’s worst kept secrets — everyone wants to be there when the sun is shining and the temperature is rising.

The public beach, Kiawah Beachwalker Park, is a long and lovely white sand beach. Access to the beach is provided by a wooden boardwalk that slowly meanders through the dunes from a small parking lot. If you want a parking space during prime season, plan to arrive early.

A large section of Kiawah Island is a gated community with no public beach access. Gorgeous rentals like this five-star ocean view property are the key to your private island getaway stay. Alternatively, the luxurious five-star oceanfront hotel, The Sanctuary, is an oasis of casual elegance and indulgence.

Enjoy a lovely lunch or relaxing dinner at The Sanctuary’s Jasmine Porch restaurant. Serving elegant dishes in classic southern style, the staff tends to guests like Carolina royalty. Another gorgeous setting to enjoy a light lunch or libation is the Ryder Cup Bar at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

Pro Tip: You need a plan when visiting Kiawah Island. Early arrival for a day at the beach or reservations at Jasmine porch and you will thoroughly enjoy your visit. Check out our Kiawah Island destination guide to get you started on the right path.

South of Kiawah Island and a little over an hour from Charleston sits Edisto Beach State Park. It features toes-in-the-sand fun for the entire family along with hiking, biking, an educational center, and lots of trails to explore.

Overnight campsites are available through the South Carolina State Park reservation system. You can enjoy the park with rustic tent and camper sites that allow you to immerse yourself in this wooded refuge.

If you need something a little less camping focused, this ocean view cottage sleeps 12 — perfect for a family reunion gathering at the beach. Spacious and family friendly, it comes with a five-star review from happy guests. What better way to enjoy your family getaway; everyone gathered together for a long weekend of beachy fun.

Charleston’s South Carolina Coast

You will be delighted when you visit these gorgeous white sand beaches in Charleston and the nearby area. Whether you are looking for a peaceful spot to rejuvenate, a romantic getaway, or a family reunion, you will find just the right vibe on these soft sand, sunshine kissed beaches.

While you are visiting Charleston, make sure you experience the amazing restaurants in the area. Our Best Restaurants in Charleston recommendations will point you in the right dining direction. When you are ready to plan your getaway to this delightful southern coastal city, Explore Charleston has all the up-to-date information about the city’s beaches.

For more South Carolina inspiration, check out these premier destinations: