Chiropractic Care near Folly Beach, SC

Few local referendums have stirred as much passion, especially on a per-voter basis, as has Folly Beach’s upcoming vote in which city residents will decide whether short-term rental licenses should be capped at 800. We urge them to vote “yes,” because we believe every community should seek a responsible balance in its neighborhoods between full-time residents and commercial use.

While visitors from near and far have always made up a large part of Folly’s identity, many residents fear the balance is tipping permanently away from those wanting to live there full time. The island has about 2,600 properties, of which more than 1,000 — or about 40% — are now licensed and registered short-term rentals. More ominously, the city’s population has dropped sharply, from 2,617 in 2010 to only 2,071 a decade later, a 20% decline during a decade when our region saw a surge of new people moving in.

Folly residents took their concerns to City Council last summer, specifically asking it to consider this cap, and they were shut down within minutes. They then turned to a little-known and even less-used state law allowing them to put a proposed ordinance up for a binding public vote, provided they collect enough voters’ signatures. They did, and election day is Feb. 7.

Folly is far from the only municipality that has been seeking a proper balance between the economic vitality of short-term rentals and the relative stability and quietude of neighborhoods with mostly full-time, year-round residents. We have consistently urged local leaders to heed residents’ reasonable concerns about commercial encroachments along their residential streets and the problems with noise, parking and litter that some rentals bring.

Most cities allow short-term rentals, but with restrictions. Some have capped such rentals at a far lower number than Folly, while others have allowed homeowners to rent out only a room or two, provided they continue to live in their home. It’s an ongoing balancing act. Meanwhile, Folly has seen an increase in whole-house rentals that are altering the feel of its residential neighborhoods and creating mini-hotels in what once were single-family homes. If the trend continues unchecked, it’s reasonable to wonder if Folly will become so popular a place to go for a week that no one will want to live there year-round.

It’s important to note what this ordinance will and will not do. Those with short-term rental licenses may continue to operate, but it could be difficult or impossible to pass their license on to a new owner unless the city’s overall number of rentals dips below 800, which may take years. It’s unclear what effect it might have on homes currently under construction with the anticipation of getting such a license. In essence, investor-owned short-term rentals will remain a huge chunk of Folly’s housing stock in the years to come; the question voters will answer is whether those rentals gradually decline or continue to climb toward 50%, 60% or 70%.

But Folly voters should understand the Feb. 7 vote is by no means the final say. Even if voters put the ordinance on the books, Folly Beach City Council could amend it or repeal it down the road. And there certainly will be legal challenges.

While very few South Carolina municipalities have used this state law to set a binding vote on a proposed ordinance, the Folly Island Residents’ Association petitioned in 1984 for referendums on setting a height limitation of 40 feet in the commercial district and on rezoning a 57-acre tract for single-family homes, although no public vote was held until the balance of power on City Council shifted a year later.

Commercial interests and some individuals who own a beach house they rent out part time to help pay its expenses are urging residents to vote “no” on Feb. 7, arguing that a new cap of 800 short-term rentals could limit how fast Folly’s home prices climb. Voters ultimately must decide what they value most: their potential financial gain or their desire to ensure that most Folly homes remain places where people live for more than 30 days at a time.

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Folly Beach has contracted a team of engineers to design a plan for more accessibility on Arctic Avenue, the beachfront road that Center Street runs into.

Published: Fri May 12 2023|Updated: 10 minutes ago

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Folly Beach has contracted a team of engineers to design a plan for more accessibility on Arctic Avenue, the beachfront road that Center Street runs into.

The engineers who were hired by the city are in the initial planning period to find ways to better accommodate all users of what the city says is a busy road.

Officials say that includes pedestrians, bicyclists, golf carts and cars.

A. Morton Thomas and Associates INC., the contracted firm, is looking to find solutions to what they have identified as a crowded area.

South Carolina Program Services Lead and Project Manager Richard Turner says the goal is to find a way to better utilize the space available so that everyone can enjoy it and do so safely.

“You think about Arctic Avenue, and you’ve got parking for the most part up and down both sides of the road, so pedestrians during the summer tend to walk in the road where your automobiles are, or your golf carts, or your bikes are, so they’re all trying to use the same space,” Turner says.

They want more separation between motor vehicles and other forms of transportation, striving to make things flow smoother on the one-way road and decrease traffic incidents.

“We do have a lot of close calls on a daily basis,” Director of Public Works for the city of Folly Beach Eric Lutz said. “We have reports very recently from residents on Arctic that said people are going the wrong way down the street.”

Lutz says it’s a project that is long overdue.

“It is actually something we’ve been talking about for probably 20 years, and it feels good to see that we’re getting close to make something happen,” he said. “It won’t happen overnight; we hope this year we get the plans figured out and get a concept that we can work toward.”

Walking inspections on Arctic Avenue with several experts will start next week to collaborate on ideas for this plan to come.

Turner says they expect to have a public meeting at the end of June to present the community with the different options for this project.

He expects there to be an additional meeting in October or November to nail down a final plan with the public.

“That’s where we will provide a number of options for the citizens to come in and look at and kind of give us feedback on what they like and what they dislike,” Turner said. “That will really help us understand what their desires, needs, or concerns are and how we can best move forward to find the best fit for Folly.”

From there, official plans will be presented to the city at the beginning of 2024.

For more information, click here.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

While some travelers head to beach to party, others prefer quiet and peaceful beach destinations. There is something special about choosing a spot where beaches are less crowded and the atmosphere is relaxing. Fortunately, South Carolina boasts numerous laid-back beaches to have this kind of vacation, and they wouldn't disappoint.

As much as some vacationers love South Carolina's bustling beaches like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, sometimes a more secluded spot in the sand to relax and unwind is what one needs. Here are 14 of the least-crowded beaches you should add to your South Carolina vacation bucket list.

Visit these quiet beaches in South Carolina for a relaxing vacation

In case 10 of the least crowded beaches in South Carolina wasn't enough, this list has now been updated with four more delightfully peaceful destinations for those looking to unwind.

Isle Of Palms Beach

Isle of Palms is reachable from Charleston via a 17-mile drive. Believed to have been originally inhabited by Sewee Indians, this beach has existed for at least 25,000 years. Isle of Palm Beach is an amazing tourist destination, suitable for families with pets and every other traveler looking for a peaceful spot to have a good time. Travelers will experience fun-filled activities, such as parasailing, jet-skiing, swimming, and sunbathing. This place is packed with beautiful hotels, golf courses, and parks.

RELATED: These Are The Best Times To Visit Charleston (& What To Do There)

13 Garden City Beach

Garden City is one of the best least-crowded beaches near Myrtle Beach that vacationers should add to their South Carolina bucket lists. Praised for its incredible family-friendly atmosphere, the beach offers breathtaking ocean views along the southern coast. Nestled to the south of Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach is a hot spot for watersports, crabbing, and fishing. The beach boasts a pier, a perfect fishing spot during the day, which turns into an entertainment and live music paradise by night.

12 Edisto Beach State Park

Dirt road to Botany Bay on Edisto Island

Situated on Edisto Island, this beach is in one of South Carolina’s four oceanfront state parks, offering an array of fun activities, including hiking, camping, biking, and more. After a long day of exploring the mind-blowing unspoiled environment, the wide-open beach at the park welcomes travelers to have a relaxing, where they may pick some shells here and there.

There are no lifeguards at Edisto Beach. While the sea is generally calm, be cautious when swimming and be sure to supervise small children at all times.

11 Fripp Island Beach

Sunrise over the ocean

Fripp Island beaches are some of the most pristine in South Carolina. They are also the perfect spots to go golfing and experience southern hospitality. The island has been a top destination for romantic getaways, weddings, and family vacations. The beaches are some of the least crowded in the state, and offer endless kayaking opportunities. There is a kiddie pool at the seaside waterpark on the island, with slides for children to enjoy. Travelers will find several bikes and golf carts, as most vacationers prefer them as modes of transportation.

10 Folly Beach

Located between Folly River and the Atlantic Ocean, Folly Beach is one of the best parts of the history and charm of South Carolina's coast. The beach is reachable in about a 15-minute drive from downtown Charleston. Also referred to as ‘’The Edge of America’’, Folly Beach is a dream come true for tourists looking for an impressively relaxing beach destination. Sunrises and sunsets spent here are some of the most unforgettable! On the eastern side, a spectacular view of the Morris Island Lighthouse awaits.

RELATED: Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, And Folly Beach: Get To Know Charleston's Beaches

9 Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park is an excellent getaway for vacationers looking to experience the wild side of South Carolina on a less-crowded beach. Boasting over 300 species of birds, Huntington Beach is one of the best birdwatching spots in the state. Travelers will also spot alligators, pelicans, sea turtles, spoonbill, and more. There is a wildlife education center at the park, as well as several land animals to explore.

8 Burkes Beach

Shell in the sand on a secluded beach

Located on Hilton Head Island, right next to Chaplin Community Park, travelers can easily get to the beach on bikes thanks to the sandy pathway. There are other paved pathways vacationers can use to reach the beach. Burkes is not always crowded, and vacationers will be pleased at the relaxing atmosphere. There are numerous basketball and tennis courts as well as large fields to explore within the park.

7 Kiawah Island

Located just off Charleston's coast, Kiawah Island is a favorite among golf enthusiasts and known for having hosted multiple PGA Championships. The luxury island boasts five of the most impressive golf courses in South Carolina and some of the quietest yet most exciting beaches in the state. There is over 10 miles stretch of beaches, along with magnificent forests, sand dunes, and incredible wildlife, including bobcats, sea turtles, alligators, and whitetail deer.

Kiawah Island is gated and not all areas have public access. A guest or owner's pass is required for accessing restricted areas.

6 Mitchelville Beach

natural souvenirs from the sea

Even during peak travel periods, Mitchelville is still one of the least crowded beaches in South Carolina to add to the bucket list. Mitchelville Beach is lined with beautiful trees and some grass in the water that make the place look incredibly magnificent in the mornings and evenings. This is the best place to search for seashells and track some animal steps in the sand. The beach has picnic tables, an outdoor sand shower, and a bathroom.

5 Litchfield Beach

outstreched hand with a sea shell in the palm on a beach

Litchfield beach is recognized for boasting an incredibly quiet charm with beautiful golf and tennis courses. Travelers will also find some private clubs along the beach, giving them a range of options for entertainment. Surrounded by Huntington Beach to the north, Litchfield features lavish resorts with fantastic amenities and public access areas families can use for picnicking. This is the best spot to have a stylish beach vacation in a quiet environment.

4 Sullivan's Island

Small catamaran on the beach with Sullivan's Island lighthouse in the background

Out of Charleston's three nearest and most popular beaches, Sullivan's Island is the most tranquil. This quaint barrier island is only 3.3 square miles, and has intentionally worked to retain its reputation as one of the most quiet beach towns in South Carolina through restricting short-term rentals. Sullivan's Island is a great option for a relaxing day at the beach while visiting Charleston thanks to its proximity to downtown.

Stroll or bike along the wide, flat shores, or visit historic Fort Moultrie. Dating back to the 1700s, it of the oldest forts on the East Coast and fabled author Edgar Allan Poe was based there. Grab a bite to eat on Middle Street and take advantage of al fresco dining at one of the charming restaurants.

3 Seabrook Island

Oceanfront vacation rentals on Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island is another one of the barrier islands that are situated off the coast of Charleston. Anyone looking for low-key beaches in South Carolina should consider heading here for their next vacation. This charming island offers a serene beach environment, lots of upscale accommodation options, and a stunning natural environment of ocean, marsh, and maritime forest.

This quiet South Carolina beach is enticing to birders, having won recognition as Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community. It is also a favorite of equine enthusiasts thanks to its full-service equestrian center offering beach and trail rides.

2 Bulls Island

Sun and Salt bleached trees on Boneyard Beach

Anyone looking for a unique beach experience should be sure to check out Bulls Island. Situated within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, the uninhabited island remains pristine and virtually untouched. Bulls Island boasts some of the most secluded beaches in South Carolina, and is home to tons of wildlife. It is world-renowned for bird life, with close to 300 different species found on or near the island.

Be sure to visit Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island for an other-worldly experience. The bleached oak, pine, and cedar trees on the northern end of the island, surrounded by miles of empty shores, give an almost haunting feel.

1 Morris Island

Aerial view of Morris Island lighthouse

A tiny sand island in the Charleston Harbor, Morris Island is most famous for its iconic lighthouse. It is a popular beach for boating, kayaking, fishing, and photography, or simply an undisturbed stroll along the shoreline.

While it is located just a stone's throw away from the very Fido-friendly Folly Beach, dogs are not allowed on Morris Island. While it can appear to be within walking distance from Folly at low-tide, the currents are strong and dangerous so don't attempt to wade across.

FOLLY BEACH — Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022 took such a toll on the shore that the federal government has allocated funds for the emergency replacement of 90,000 dump truck loads of sand here.

The Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District announced the $97 million award this week from the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act to repair damages to South Carolina beaches after recent coastal storm events.

In addition to Folly Beach, the money will help rehabilitate beaches along the Grand Strand and Pawleys Island to their pre-storm conditions.

Each project will reduce coastal storm risk and protect the beaches that “provide far-reaching economic and recreational opportunities for the entire state of South Carolina,” Lt. Col. Drew Johannes, the district’s commanding officer, said.

Sand renourishment was needed for quite a while in Folly Beach. Broadly speaking, the entire beach is erosional at this point, City Administrator Aaron Pope said.

Spots on the east end of the beach were hit pretty hard last hurricane season, “but the whole island is eroding,” Pope said.

A $27 million allocation to Folly Beach will support the removal of 900,000 cubic yards of sand from the Folly River and replace it on shore.

Pope said the emergency funding is good for a number of reasons, including creating an elevated timeline to get the work done.

Typically, the city will do beach renourishments on a 12-year cycle and be responsible for a local cost share. The beach was due for more sand in 2024 but the next dump of sand will depend on how well the emergency work holds up, Pope said.

Pawleys Island will receive $14 million in emergency rehabilitation to include repair and replacement of damaged sand fencing and vegetation as well as about 200,000 cubic yards of sand — enough to fill 20,000 dump trucks — on a 1.2-mile portion of the island’s southern end.

The barrier island on the eastern edge of Georgetown County took a nearly direct hit when Ian made landfall south of Georgetown on the afternoon of Sept. 30 last year. Sand washed into the island’s streets and under stilted houses, docks over Pawleys Creek were destroyed and a private pier collapsed into the ocean.

An October 2022 assessment by Columbia-based engineering consultant Coastal Science and Engineering found that dunes near the island’s south end “completely eroded” during the storm. The assessment also suggested that beach renourishment undertaken on the island in 2020 limited the damage to area homes from Ian.

“Some of the property owners were able to do some rehabilitation work on their own nickel, but this will allow us to do a more comprehensive repair on the south end,” Mayor Brian Henry said. “It’s a huge help to us. We don’t have the funds in our operating budget to do that type of repair.”

Town Administrator Dan Newquist said the town will find out more details about the Corps’ rehabilitation project in the following weeks. He added that he doesn’t know of a timeline for the project just yet.

“Hearing that number, that’s more than just replacing the dune vegetation and sand fencing,” Newquist said. “That’s adding volume of sand to the dune line, and that figure, that seems like a pretty robust emergency repair package, for sure.”

Extensive beach and dune erosion along the Grand Strand will be addressed, too, with the help of $57 million.

North Myrtle Beach is estimated to receive 350,000 cubic yards of sand. Myrtle Beach could get about 650,000 cubic yards of sand, and Surfside/Garden City is estimated to have 500,000 cubic yards of sand dumped on the beach.

Funding for the projects at Myrtle Beach, Folly Beach and Pawleys Island will also allow for design, permitting and other work.

Constructions contracts should be awarded in late-summer or early-fall for Myrtle Beach and Folly Beach, and in early-winter for Pawleys Island, the Army Corps said.

Mike Woodel contributed to this report from Georgetown.

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD)- The City of Folly Beach says they’re preparing now for a one-foot rise in sea levels by 2050.

For people who have been around the island for a while, they’ve watched the sea level rise slowly.

“I’ve been on folly about 10 years. I know we will be impacted by it, some properties more than others,” Folly Beach Relator, Kain Slowikowski said.

However, the speed at which it’s predicted to rise years down the road is a concern.

“Where does that extra water go if we have a storm surge, that sort of thing is something the city needs to look at,” Slowikowski said.

Reports from NASA and NOA, led Folly officials to predict a foot by 2050.

Those reports suggest there are several factors, like climate change and melting glaciers across the globe, adding to the ocean’s volume.

“The rates of sea level rise that we had been planning may be accelerating at a rate faster than we had been anticipating,” President of Coastal Consulting Inc., Dr. Nicole Elko said.

However, the City of Folly is jumping on the issue now, since high sea levels affect the drainage system, marsh areas, roads, and degree of storm damage.

“When we think about all of the impacts we see today with hurricanes and king tides, you can just imagine what that would be like if it was occurring with water levels a foot higher than they are today,” Dr. Elko said.

The city is now revising their sea level plan.

The plan focuses on things like water infrastructure, land management, building codes, and roadways.

The consulting director for plan, Dr. Elko, says its vital they take action on this now.

“While 2050 is a long way away, it’s an actionable time period and it’s something that residents and visitors and officials can all sort of wrap their heads around,” she said.

Residents say they’re relieved that Folly leaders are looking to the future.

“I’m not a scientist, I don’t have the solutions, but the conversation being started is definitely the right thing to be doing right now,” Slowikowski said.

Folly has released a survey where residents and business owners on the island can talk about how the sea level rising could impact them. The survey is closed right now but will reopen in several days.