South Carolina is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Like many popular cities, however, our state has a major personal injury problem. Did you know that, in South Carolina, the rate of personal injury cases is 30.21 per 100,000 residents, which is 217% higher than the national average of 9.53?
In fact, personal injury cases account for 36% of the state's entire civil caseload, which is 210% more than the national average proportion. That's the third-highest proportion of personal injury cases in the country, with the average being 11.65% in the United States.
If you've suffered an injury due to someone else's fault, it's safe to say that you're not alone. Like others in your situation, you may be enduring a long, painful recovery process. Unfortunately, recovery is just one of the many concerns you've got to worry about. While you're healing, you're probably also thinking about questions like:
At Bostic Law Group, P.A., we understand the stress and frustration you may be experiencing. Our personal injury attorneys have been helping clients since 2000 by utilizing their extensive experience and knowledge of state and federal personal injury laws to provide much-needed guidance when you need it most. During this difficult time, however, it's critical that you contact a personal injury lawyer in Isle of Palms as soon as possible to start the process of pursuing compensation.
If you've been involved in an accident that left you injured or incapacitated, dealing with legal matters and lawyers is the last thing you want to do. However, having a personal injury lawyer to handle the legal process while you recover can alleviate some of the stress in your life. The legal system in South Carolina can be complicated - especially when it comes to personal injury cases. Fortunately, hiring a personal injury attorney from Bostic Law can relieve the burden of managing your own case. Perhaps more importantly, working with a seasoned personal injury firm can help you get the compensation you need to survive and provide.
As your Isle of Palms accident attorney, our firm will guide you through your rights, the compensation you may be entitled to, and how to pursue it through a customized legal strategy. As the process progresses, our team will keep in touch with you to answer your queries, provide helpful advice when you have concerns, or simply be a friendly professional when you need to talk about your case.
Our attorneys specialize in a wide range of personal injury accidents and cases, including the following:
We provide aggressive legal representation to help you win the compensation you deserve while also offering compassion as you deal with your injuries and other legal matters. Throughout the process, we will act as your advocates and remain committed to providing you with honest and responsive service. And that, in a nutshell, is the Bostic Law difference.
Personal injury cases in South Carolina can happen from a number of different accidents, from car wrecks and wrongful death situations to nursing home negligence and workers' compensation issues. The sheer number of different personal injury cases makes understanding this niche of law particularly exhaustive - especially in The Palmetto State. But that doesn't change the fact that you should be educated on the topic if you have been injured due to no fault of your own.
To help you establish a solid foundation of knowledge on the subject, keep reading this article, which covers some of the laws governing personal injury cases in South Carolina and the steps you can take to protect your rights.
If the other party in your case cannot be proven to have been negligent, careless, reckless, or willful in some way, South Carolina law does not allow you to receive compensation. Negligence can be easily demonstrated at times, such as when a doctor forgets to remove a surgical tool from your body or when a texting driver hits someone from behind.
Liability can be disputed in other cases, such as when the other driver claims that the person swerved into their lane during a crash, or when a product manufacturer argues that an injury occurred due to improper use. In such cases, a personal injury lawyer can assist in identifying independent witnesses and experts who can establish that someone else is responsible for your injuries
Once an attorney in your case shows that the other party is liable for your injuries, they must then prove that their negligence is behind those injuries. As an example, suppose you have a previous history of back pain, and a short time later, you get in a rear-end collision. In such a situation, an insurance company may contend that your preexisting condition - and not the collision - is the reason behind your current back pain.
To counter their argument, we may require your doctor's testimony to verify that the accident aggravated your back pain, leading to medical attention. Additionally, we may ask your friends and family to describe any changes in your physical activity after the crash to further establish the difference in your condition and prove that it was caused by the accident.
If you have been unable to work for a period of time due to an accident, or if your injuries will affect your future earning potential, you are entitled to compensation for lost income. This includes both the wages you have already lost and the amount you will lose over your lifetime as a result of someone else's negligence. It is important that insurance companies do not underestimate or ignore these damages when negotiating a settlement.
It's critically important that you understand every aspect of your personal injury case before you settle or accept an insurance company's offer. Once you sign on the dotted line and approve a release, you won't qualify for further payments, even if you need more medical attention. That's why it's so important to work with a personal injury law firm like Bostic Law.
We'll evaluate your case for free to help you better understand the challenges ahead. When the insurance companies try to squirm out of covering your injuries, we'll fight to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Now that you have the information above to help fortify your foundation of knowledge, let's take a look at some of our personal injury specialties at Bostic Law Group, P.A.
According to state records, out of the 3.9 million licensed motorists in South Carolina, close to 219 thousand were involved in auto accidents in 2019. If you were to account for those not licensed in the state, you would find that 1 in 20 drivers got in an auto wreck - about 5.6% of all motorists. Those statistics are staggering, and they seem to be getting worse.
Fortunately, in South Carolina, the law says that personal injury victims are entitled to compensation that covers the full extent of their injuries. Why? Because the purpose of auto injury compensation is to help the victim return to the life they had before their accident. Of course, in reality, that's easier said than done. Truly recovering from an auto accident - both physically and mentally - is quite rare.
The unfortunate truth is that it's not possible for personal injury laws in South Carolina to reverse or even account for the trials and tribulations you face due to auto accident injuries. But there's light at the end of the tunnel.
By hiring a personal injury lawyer in Isle of Palms, SC, you can receive financial compensation that equals those damages. How much money can you get? Every personal injury case is different. In general, however, personal injury victims are often compensated for needs and expenses such as:
Whether you or one of your loved ones is injured because of an auto accident, contact Bostic Law Group today to speak with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. The quicker you call, the faster we can dig into your case and begin fighting for your right to compensation.
At Bostic Law, one of the most common questions we receive is what auto accident victims should do on the scene after they've been in a South Carolina car wreck. Being involved in an auto accident is harrowing and stressful, but it's crucial for you to remain as calm as possible in the immediate aftermath. Once you collect yourself, it's time to focus on a few very important steps that can affect whether or not you obtain reasonable compensation for any injuries you sustain.
If possible, have every car involved in your car accident move to a safe space away from traffic. Common options include moving to the shoulder of the highway or road or to a safe parking lot.
Once you move out of traffic, turn on your hazard lights to make your vehicle more noticeable. This helps prevent you from being hit by other cars that are passing you.
If anyone has been injured in the car wreck, make sure you call medical services. If you aren't sure if you or anyone else is hurt, it's always best to err on the side of safety and call an ambulance anyway.
Regardless of how serious your car wreck is, you should contact the police. Calling law enforcement helps ensure that a police report is written and recorded. Make sure to take this step even if you believe that the officer on the scene attributed blame to the wrong motorist.
Once you have called the cops, it's time to collect information. Try to collect the following:
If you've been involved in a car accident in South Carolina and need help in seeking a fair recovery from your insurance company, The Bostic Law Group, P.A., is here for you. We specialize in personal injury and auto accident cases in South Carolina. When you hire a personal injury attorney in Isle of Palms, SC, from Bostic Law, you can rest easy knowing you're in seasoned, capable hands.
Contact our office immediately for a legal consultation if you have any questions about your case. We take pride in serving our community and want to ensure that you receive the assistance you need to obtain a full, fair recovery after your auto accident.
Getting injured on the job isn't just painful - it can be a source of stress, anxiety, and mental anguish too. Nobody wants to feel like they can't put food on the table because they can't go to work. Sadly, in South Carolina, 30,300 workplace injuries and illnesses were reported.
Employees who are injured at work are generally eligible for benefits under state and federal workers' compensation programs. South Carolina's workers' compensation program provides compensation for medical expenses related to the injury and disability benefits if necessary. Additionally, in the event that an employee is unable to return to work immediately after an accident, they can receive a portion of their regular wages as they recover.
But getting the workers' compensation you rightly deserve isn't always easy. That's why it's so important to have a personal injury lawyer by your side.
While South Carolina's workers' compensation program seems great when you're hurt at work, recovering those benefits can be difficult. That's especially true if you're trying to recover and heal from your injuries at the same time. A personal injury attorney can help accomplish that task for you, even when you're facing tough scenarios such as:
At Bostic Law Group, P.A., our workers' compensation lawyers in Isle of Palms understand the significance of workers' compensation benefits for you, your family, and your financial stability. We strive to provide you with the detailed guidance and assistance required to file a successful claim or appeal a denied one.
With more than 25 years of experience in handling worker's compensation cases, we're ready and willing to answer your questions and help you get the benefits you need.
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a human can endure. Their loss leaves what seems to be a giant hole that can never truly be filled. To make matters worse, grief is often compounded by confusion and anger when you learn that your loved one died because of an accident caused by negligence or carelessness. At Bostic Law Group, P.A., our attorneys understand the distress you feel after losing a loved one in an accident.
On both a human and professional level, we believe that you and your family shouldn't suffer alone. That's why, during this trying time, we're here to provide reliable help and healing when you need it most.
Losing a loved one can never be compensated for with money. However, it can be helpful to seek compensation through a wrongful death suit to avoid financial difficulties in the future. Pursuing compensation can enable your family to be in a better position to focus on healing emotionally.
According to laws in South Carolina and the United States, you might be eligible to pursue compensation for your family's losses. Some of the most common types of wrongful death compensation include:
By holding the negligent party accountable for their actions, you may also be able to prevent another family from enduring the same heartache yours has experienced. Whether you're the deceased's child, spouse, parent, or heir, contact our wrongful death law firm today. Together, we'll take the first steps toward a better tomorrow.
Getting injured in an accident caused by someone else's negligence can be a scary and painful experience. Dealing with legal matters during recovery can be overwhelming, but a great personal injury lawyer in Isle of Palms, SC, can help alleviate your worries and allow you to focus on healing. Our Isle of Palms lawyers are dedicated to helping injured individuals recover quickly by providing excellent legal representation and attentive client services as you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and suffering.
If you're looking for a law firm you can trust, contact our office today for a legal consultation.
ISLE OF PALMS — Prepare to pay more to park for trips to the beach this summer.The city of Isle of Palms approved a fee increase for the city's two lots and on-street parking, bringing the cost to park on a peak-season weekend up to $25.Daily rates for the municipal parking lots on Pavilion Drive will remain at $10 for March and April.Memorial Day through Labor Day, which is consi...
ISLE OF PALMS — Prepare to pay more to park for trips to the beach this summer.
The city of Isle of Palms approved a fee increase for the city's two lots and on-street parking, bringing the cost to park on a peak-season weekend up to $25.
Daily rates for the municipal parking lots on Pavilion Drive will remain at $10 for March and April.
Memorial Day through Labor Day, which is considered peak season, rates will increase to $15 during the week and $25 on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
After Labor Day, rates will drop back to $10 for the rest of September and October. Parking will remain free in the offseason from November through February.
On-street parking will be more costly, too. Paid parking spots along Ocean Boulevard between 10th and 14th Avenue will rise from $2.50 per hour to $3 per hour.
The $60 seasonal parking passes, which allowed beachgoers to park in the municipal lots without daily payment, will now only be available to island employees. In its place, visitors can purchase a weekly pass for $100.
No fees or permits are required to park in the public rights-of-way, including the marked spaces along Palm Boulevard.
The city brought in over $1,300,000 in parking revenue in 2024, a roughly $47,000 increase from funds collected from paid lots and meters in 2023.
The rise in parking fees is meant to bring the city's rate to where the city "should have been in the first place," Councilman Jimmy Ward said during the meeting.
The fee increase is the first since 2020. City leaders voted to increase parking to its current rates of $2 an hour on-street, $10 during the week and $15 on weekends and holidays.
Before that, the lots cost $1 an hour and on-street parking spaces were $1.50 per hour.
The city also raised the prices of fines for parking violations to its current rates, which will not be impacted by the council's Jan. 28 decision.
Officials at the time said the fee increase was done to control the "unbridled growth" across the tri-county area.
"Our residents want us to do something about trying to control what's been happening to our island," Jimmy Carroll, then-mayor of the island, said at the time.
Mayor Phillip Pounds said the new rates model those of the Isle of Palms County Park, a Charleston County operated park with a 445-car capacity parking lot. Parking can cost up to $25 on holidays and weekends during the summer.
Visitors can purchase a Gold Pass from the county for $80 for Charleston County residents and $95 for non-residents, which allows visitors to bypass admission fees for several parks, including the Isle of Palms.
The decision to increase parking fees comes at a time when coastal communities are working to find funding for beach maintenance and renourishment projects.
Rising costs of mobilization and sand have pushed beach communities get creative in order to fund preservation measures, which leaders discussed during a South Carolina Beach Advocates conference on the Isle of Palms in January.
An estimated $60 million in locally funded beach management projects are slated for the Palmetto State's coastal communities this year, including roughly $3 million on the Isle of Palms.
More fee increases could be on the way for the Isle of Palms to help fund its next large-scale beach renourishment project, based on recommendations from the city's Beach Preservation Ad Hoc Committee.
"To be as proactive as the community would like to be has an enormous price tag," Interim City Administrator Douglas Kerr said on Jan. 16. "We have to raise revenues to fund all of these initiatives, and that's going to be a very tough part of this project."
Some gated communities, like Seabrook and Kiawah Island, pull from homeowners' and property owners' fees, while Pawley's Island relies on accommodations taxes to fund beach renourishment projects.
MOUNT PLEASANT — The free beach shuttle to the Isle of Palms that CARTA operates will return for a fifth year.Parking fees on Isle of Palms are going up for the first time in five years — now costing up to $25 during peak beach season — but beachgoers will still have a free way to get to the beach. CARTA's Beach Reach route starts from the Mount Pleasant Towne Cen...
MOUNT PLEASANT — The free beach shuttle to the Isle of Palms that CARTA operates will return for a fifth year.
Parking fees on Isle of Palms are going up for the first time in five years — now costing up to $25 during peak beach season — but beachgoers will still have a free way to get to the beach. CARTA's Beach Reach route starts from the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre to Ocean Boulevard — right outside the entrance of Isle of Palms County Park. This year, the shuttle will be on a trolley bus the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments purchased in late 2024.
The shuttle route was first approved in 2021 after the state Department of Transportation told city officials to roll back plans eliminating free beach parking for nonresidents. CARTA's strategy to transport people from Towne Centre to Isle of Palms helps alleviate the parking issue.
The CARTA board unanimously voted at their March 19 meeting to continue the Beach Reach.
In 2024, Beach Reach carried 703 riders, a slight decrease from the 795 riders in 2023. CARTA board Chair Mike Seekings told The Post and Courier ridership can vary throughout the summer because of the weather.
He added he's glad to see the route return for "season five," and called it a natural choice for CARTA to implement the shuttle so people have free access to a beach.
"In today’s day and age, where parking is expensive the closer you get to the shoreline and getting to and from (the beach) can be a challenge, having someone drive you ... drop you right off at the entrance to the county park with the beach nothing but 100 yards away?" Seekings said. "It’s really a great resource for people."
CARTA board member Daniel Brownstein supports the Beach Reach, and has pushed for an additional stop to Sullivan’s Island for the past year.
"I think that’s the missing piece of the puzzle," Brownstein told The Post and Courier.
Brownstein said the route could be a circle, starting in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre to Isle of Palms then to Sullivan’s Island and back. He believes it would not only increase ridership but also solve parking challenges on Sullivan’s Island.
Seekings said he'd support a Sullivan's Island stop as long as the shuttle remains "as quick and easy as possible" for riders.
Isle of Palms wasn't always the only beach route for CARTA. According to Seekings, there was a route to Folly Beach several years ago but the ridership was lower than expected. Although it was a regular route and not just for summer months, the route was discontinued due to lack of success.
Seekings said the board will keep an eye on the situation and see if a shuttle to Folly Beach is viable in the future.
The Beach Reach will start on Memorial Day and run every weekend until Labor Day, running on both Memorial Day and Labor Day. The first trip on Saturdays is at 9:15 a.m. and last at 5:15 p.m., and the first trip on Sundays is at 9:40 a.m. and last at 5:40 p.m.
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - Isle of Palms had their annual Front Beach Fest on Saturday.The popular annual event marks the unofficial start of tourist season.Ocean Boulevard was alive with music and laughter as a large crowd of locals and visitors gathered for the festival.Festivalgoers had the chance to enjoy food, shop from local vendors, and listen to live music.Isle of Palms Recreation Supervisor Kelsey Marsh said the event takes around six months to plan. This year, he said they sifted through more than 200 ...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - Isle of Palms had their annual Front Beach Fest on Saturday.
The popular annual event marks the unofficial start of tourist season.
Ocean Boulevard was alive with music and laughter as a large crowd of locals and visitors gathered for the festival.
Festivalgoers had the chance to enjoy food, shop from local vendors, and listen to live music.
Isle of Palms Recreation Supervisor Kelsey Marsh said the event takes around six months to plan. This year, he said they sifted through more than 200 vendor applications.
“We have 54 vendors. We fit as many local vendors as we can. We like to have restaurants all out here. They don’t have as much business in the offseason, so this is a great way for them to kick off their busy season,” Marsh said.
He said area businesses greatly benefit from the festival, especially during the slower off-season months, and the beach fest acts as a vibrant kickoff to the bustling tourist season.
City Councilman Rusty Streetman said the event festival greatly benefits local businesses and restaurants, especially during the slower off-season months.
He said the fest is like the unofficial kickoff for the busy and vibrant tourist season imminently approaching.
“It’s at a time of the year when we don’t have summer tourists. So, it’s here in our shoulder season so that people that typically would not be at Front Beach this time of the year have an opportunity to come out here and enjoy themselves,” Streetman said.
With a large crowd of attendees, Streetman said both residents and visitors are clearly eager for the upcoming hustle and bustle that the sunshine-filled season brings.
“Being able to be with our neighbors who live on the island, being able to greet people who do not live on the island and also welcome them. Just the whole crowd, the music, the food, the whole vibe is just very positive,” he said.
For others, the festival offers a valuable opportunity to raise awareness for their charity and showcase the pups they’re working hard to find loving homes.
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One organization that had a table set up at the festival is called Rosie Rescue, a Mount Pleasant-based non-profit dedicated to rescuing dogs from euthanasia lists at overcrowded shelters.
“I think a lot of times, some rescue dogs and shelter dogs get a bad rep,” Rose Rescue volunteer Lisa Cates said. “When they’re out mingling among everybody, you really get to see their personality, how friendly they are, how amazing they are. I mean, we’ve got dogs here that are just suckering everybody in. It really just shows their personality that you don’t get to see if you just go to a shelter and are walking through the kennels and everything. It’s really good exposure for them.”
Cates mentioned that there were numerous inquiries about the dogs available for adoption, highlighting the event’s success in connecting people with these lovable pups.
For resident Mark Behan, Front Beach Fest was his first outing since moving to Summerville from New York.
“I feel like I’m on vacation every day, and that’s why I love living here. I feel like I’m not miserable when I wake up and it’s not 10 degrees, and I can wear a T-shirt every day, and it’s great. Vacation vibes,” Behan said.
Front Beach Fest organizers said the event gets bigger and bigger every year.
While many are soaking up the vacation-like atmosphere, restaurant employees are also getting a taste of summer, as the festival signals the return of a busier work season for local staff.
With something for everyone, the festival not only brought the community together but also marked the perfect start to the busy season.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
South Carolina has a mystical, compelling charm like no other state in America. It is full of teeny towns with classic southern charm, whether it’s inland or coastal. There’s no shortage of things to do and see in and around these lovely little towns. From the historical downtown of Beaufort to the luxurious beach resorts of Isle of Palms and the gorgeous mountain scenery of Landrum, discover these South Carolina towns and unravel their secrets.Beaufort ...
South Carolina has a mystical, compelling charm like no other state in America. It is full of teeny towns with classic southern charm, whether it’s inland or coastal. There’s no shortage of things to do and see in and around these lovely little towns. From the historical downtown of Beaufort to the luxurious beach resorts of Isle of Palms and the gorgeous mountain scenery of Landrum, discover these South Carolina towns and unravel their secrets.
Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island and is the second oldest city in South Carolina. Its entire downtown is a designated historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, so it is a natural choice destination for history buffs! Visitors can stop by the Beaufort Visitor Center and pick up a guide for a self-guided tour around the homes of the historic district before venturing over to the Beaufort History Museum, originally an arsenal. Lunch at Bricks on Boundary or the cute corner café, Blacksheep, will keep travelers satiated for a walk around the nearby Hunting Island State Park. The park features 3 public beaches, a lighthouse, a fishing pier, and nature trails that the whole family can enjoy. Stay at the top-rated 607 Bay; a bed and breakfast that also organizes charters or kayaking adventures for guests.
Known for being a gently developed beach along the South Carolina Coastline, Edisto Island is a perfect destination for anyone looking to be surrounded by beachy nature without all the hype and tourism. There are no hotels on Edisto Island, so visitors can choose to camp at Edisto Beach State Park or stay at a rental beach house advertised on Edisto Realty. Travelers love the easy flow of biking down the 5-mile Edisto Island Bike Path which winds around the back side of town. Rentals are available at Island Bikes and Outfitters. McConkey’s Jungle Shack is a local favorite for beachy drinks and classic sandwiches.
Home to Coker University, Hartsville is a small town in north central South Carolina that attracts visitors for its history, outdoor recreation, and charming downtown. A stay at the Mantissa Executive Suites & Spa is an intimate boutique hotel to spend evenings at with a rooftop bar and it is conveniently located across the street from The Blind Pig, serving up classic American fare and fabulous cocktails. In the mornings, travelers can grab a tasty coffee at Crema before heading to Kalmia Gardens, a public botanical garden with trails that wind through a variety of animal and plant life.
An hour north of Charleston, Isle of Palms is known for its world-class luxury for guests; from its top-notch golf courses to award-winning spas, Isle of Palms is for the lavish traveler. Wild Dunes Resort, the 1600-acre retreat, has two golf courses, a full-service spa, 1 clay tennis court, and 5 pickleball courts. The public Isle of Palms beach is great for sunbathing or catching a sunrise. The Islander is a rowdy way to end a day out in Isle of Palms with your friends and family; they have consistent live music, trivia nights, and delicious seafood sharables or main dishes like ahi tuna Bruschetta or local Oysters.
Walhalla or “Garden of the Gods” is a lovely mountain town in upstate South Carolina. Visitors can plan to book ahead for a one-of-a-kind stay in the Majestic Treehouse, a cozy cottage surrounded by 40 acres of forest, creeks, gardens, and trails to wander. In town, guests will find the Museum of Cherokee and Oconee History Museum or fun shops like Sunni Ann Mercantile Company. Nearby Sumter National Forest is a haven for hikers in the Southern Appalachians with waterfall views on trails like Big Bend Falls and Foothills Trail.
A small town dedicated to art in action, Lake City is a visual experience. Visitors to Lake City will find painted murals and sculptures like “Geisel’s Garden” throughout town, along with accessible art centers featuring exhibitions at Acline Studios or Trax Visual Art Center. Piggyback’s BBQ & Catfish is a local hub for southern fare with delicious bbq platters and catfish baskets. Overnights at the artfully designed 'The Inn at Crossroads,' will put travelers in the middle of downtown with an in-house bar and restaurant, Lake City Bistro. At Riverrat’s, kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent to paddle along the Lynches River.
In the piedmont of South Carolina, Laurens is a tight-knit, growing town of welcoming locals. Laurens has a rich history that can be tracked through the walls and exhibits of Laurens County Museum or sites like the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, the location of the Battle of Musgrove Mill, around half an hour away. Whiteford’s Giant Burger is a legendary spot to grab a hearty burger, serving customers since 1957 with quality being their highest priority. At Lake Greenwood State Park, anglers can rent equipment and catch a variety of fish: bass, crappie, bream, perch, catfish, or stripers.
Founded in 1880 and situated against the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Landrum is a delightful little town and a breath of fresh air. Hikers base themselves in Landrum to trek the popular Palmetto Trail’s Blue Wall Passage, a 14-mile moderate trail featuring a 30-foot waterfall. Post-hike food fuels are best fulfilled at Southside Smokehouse, known for its variety of specials and Cajun-inspired recipes. The Landrum Farmers Market is not to be missed on Saturdays from April through December featuring live entertainment, homemade foods or crafts, and fresh produce.
The scattered small towns of South Carolina offer a variety of landscapes, the famous southern charm from welcoming locals, and a kind of mysticism in the air that’s unmistakable and alluring. From the upstate southern end of the Appalachia’s to the relaxed Atlantic coastline, South Carolina truly has a small town for all kinds of kinds. South Carolina’s small communities have a way of carving unforgettable memories into all who wander around them.
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ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD)–The Isle of Palms City Council made a decision on hiring a new executive administrator Wednesday in a special meeting.This comes after controversy surrounding the circumstances under which the candidate was chosen.The city voted to offer Douglas Kerr the position, after he had served previously as the administrative assistant, however many citizens are frustrated saying that proper procedure for selecting Kerr was not followed.Isle of Palms has been searching for a new executive administr...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD)–The Isle of Palms City Council made a decision on hiring a new executive administrator Wednesday in a special meeting.
This comes after controversy surrounding the circumstances under which the candidate was chosen.
The city voted to offer Douglas Kerr the position, after he had served previously as the administrative assistant, however many citizens are frustrated saying that proper procedure for selecting Kerr was not followed.
Isle of Palms has been searching for a new executive administrator since late 2024 when the previous administrator announced her resignation. They announced Tuesday afternoon that they had chosen the previous administrative assistant Douglas Kerr for the position in a 6 to 3 vote. Mayor Pounds says he believes they hired the best person for the job.
“We’ve had a significant amount of turnover in the last five years in our leadership team, between fire chief, police chief, rec director, finance director. We have a couple other key retirements coming up this year and from my view, institutional knowledge is really critical. There is a lot of projects going on and they are multiyear projects typically and to have some of that history stay with us is critical to keep the city running in a good way,” said Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds.
Last night at the city council meeting, many residents expressed frustration with the selection process. They say Kerr was not one of the five candidates narrowed down by the committee and was added to the list by the mayor without the city’s approval.
“No actions may be taken by the mayor independent of a council vote. So, the process itself, there has never been a public meeting whereby a decision to add Douglas Kerr into the mix of candidates has been made. That’s been researched and that’s a fact. The mayor acted outside his authority, void of process, void of integrity and inserted this candidate into a process where we all knew unfortunately, he had 5 votes to push through and that’s what we witnessed today,” said Randy Bell, a former Isle of Palms city councilmember.
News 2 reached out to the city to confirm the list of five finalists and have not heard back.
Another point of contention in the meeting was the salary increase for the role, which is expected to be between $150,000 and $180,000. During public comment at the February 25th meeting, residents said was an incentive for Kerr to apply for the position, that he had previously not expressed interest in.
Now that Kerr has been offered the position, Mayor Pounds hopes the public can move forward
“The only decision this council needed to make was who is the best person for this job, for this city. In my personal opinion, I feel like we did that. Hopefully we can get it negotiated quickly, and we can move forward,” said Pounds.