Pressure washing in Folly Beach, SC

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FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) – Construction crews are set to begin underground work on the east side of Folly Beach.

The broke ground this spring and is still in the early stages. However, the city wants residents and visitors to know there will be temporary water and utility service impacts from July 21-25 on 8th Street E and the first block of East Cooper Avenue. Officials told News 2 the main roadway on the island has been prone to flooding for years.

“Center Street has been flooding on a regular basis for quite some time. It’s a pretty big impact for visitors and the businesses,” Eric Lutz, public works director of Folly Beach, said. “When it happens during the summertime, we’ll have a big rainstorm and high tide that will mess things up, especially near the traffic light.”

Officials said the project has been in the works for nearly 15 years, but this particular version started five years ago. The project will have larger stormwater pipes running down both sides of Center Street and on the east side of the island as well as new inlets. In line with the city’s green infrastructure plan, six rain gardens and 39 permeable parking spots will be added.

“That’ll be done with impervious material. It’s like the pavers that will let the water infiltrate into the ground, which actually takes away the amount of water that will go in the pipe,” Lutz said. “It increases the capacity of what we can handle out here. That will be up and down Center Street and a couple side streets as well.”

The project is funded by the South Carolina Infrastructure Improvement Program (SCIIP). Officials expect there to be some inconveniences such as different traffic patterns, pedestrian walkways, and business access. However, Lutz said it will be well worth it once complete.

“It should be huge. We should see a big difference because you won’t have that critical flooding down there at that intersection. That gets really bad right now sometimes, hopefully this will minimize to make it ankle deep instead of knee deep,” said Lutz.

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) — DJ Rich is projected to win the Folly Beach City Council special election.

“I’m excited to get back on and help share my knowledge and history with everybody and then make sure that you know we keep moving forward responsibly,” Rich said. “It was a great day. Saw a lot of people, a lot of positive comments. So yeah, we’re just we’re excited, ready to go to work.”

This special election brought in a total of 855 votes; residents making their voices heard on who they want to represent their community.

“Many people think that Folly Beach is just as, you know, it’s a one-issue town on the short-term rentals and so much more than that, too. It’s beach re-nourishment,” Folly Beach resident Nick Thomas said. “It’s our parks. It’s our infrastructure. And he’s so experienced. He brings that to the table. He wasn’t about one issue and that’s really what’s going to make the difference to help Folly grow.”

One resident explained why it’s important to come out and vote.

“Democracy is not a spectator sport. I mean, you can’t complain about your local government if you don’t participate,” Folly Beach resident Larry Powers said. “I am always making my policy to know who my elected officials are and help people with their campaigns here, go to council meetings. I mean, you’ve got to participate in the process because otherwise you don’t have a right to complain.”

With 499 votes, Rich is ahead of John McFarland, who received 355 votes, in a contest for the seat vacated by Chris Bizzell’s promotion to mayor.

Rich, a Folly Beach native, says his history and experience can help lead the way to make sure Folly Beach progresses responsibly. He is the owner of Planet Follywood and says he has a unique perspective to bring to the council in representing the community.

“He has just put so much faith and dedication into this community,” resident Jill Sneed said.

“Feel that the DJ will give us consideration and a voice in our concerns,” another resident, Jeannette Perna, said.

As Rich celebrated with the community, he shared his vision for what he hopes to see for Folly Beach.

“Addressing our parks, making sure they’re up to date, and they’re adequate for all the age range of children, increasing our community events. We have senior citizens’ yoga and things like that. Make sure we’re hitting all our demographics, so everybody feels represented and has something to do,” Rich said.

Below are the unofficial election results:

Residents say the fact that Rich is a small local business owner gives him a unique perspective on the council.

“Being a business owner on Center Street every day, we see things quicker if something’s a problem, we can address it faster. We’re right here, so we’re in direct contact with people all the time with residents. You know, they can get to me and talk to me about any problem they’re having,” Rich said.

Other key issues included improving pedestrian safety and sidewalks, beach renourishment, and flood mitigation. In this special election, the big-ticket item was indeed short-term rentals.

“We’ve been so divided with the short-term rentals. And I think we need a compromise and I think he’s a good person that can maybe help us get that,” Sneed said.

Overall, with Rich’s experience and community involvement, residents say they trust him to hold this council seat.

“He brings that Folly touch to it to help keep Folly funky. And it’s a very important part for us to continue to grow as that community that everyone knows,” Sneed added.

Rich will serve until November 2027. The county council is scheduled to officially certify the official results Thursday, with a swear-in ceremony planned for sometime next week.

“It’s important to be a community member. I think that was shown a lot tonight. You know, you have to be a part of the community and then the community’s been here for me for a long time,” Rich said. “I love this place, I love the people in it. It’s just a great place. We all come together. We can do great things.” Rich said.

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) — Folly Beach was transformed for its annual “Savory Saturday” event for Taste of Folly, bringing food and fun to the community.

“Get a nice sampling of what this town has to offer. You know, we’ve got a very collection of food all over every part of this town. So we would finally like to show off as well,” co-owner of Planet Follywood DJ Rich said.

Over 80 vendors and local restaurants turned the streets of downtown Folly into a food lover’s paradise.

“Food is another way of bringing people close, and when you’re eating good food and talking to good people, just makes for a good experience,” Marquise Bowens, chef and James Island resident, said.

There was plenty of seafood, different cuisines and even bacon on a stick.

“Places offer discounts to feature things, and you get to sample all kinds of different options from different restaurants you wouldn’t normally have. So you really find out what your town has to offer, and you get to go back and check it out more, you know, throughout the year,” Rich said.

“I’m passionate about cooking, and it makes me happy that they love it,” China King, owner of Sweet but Not So Sweet Gourmet Brownies, said.

And Taste of Folly didn’t just offer food; there were plenty of art and clothing vendors, too.

“We just wanted to find ways to kind of boost the economy and help all of our hard-working businesses out here,” Kelly Travers, Folly Association of Business Event Coordinator, said.

And local businesses say events like this help during the off-season.

“Business is down, you know, in January. It’s just really a kind of a boring month after the holidays. So it’s always nice to get a little boost with these street festivals,” Rich said.

While business was flowing, kids got to make pasta and play pots and pans percussion, and live music kept the energy high all day. There was even a hot dog-eating competition.

“There’s all kinds of small businesses out here, food to taste, talent to show, and it’s just a really fun environment,” Emma Amman, chef juggler of Good Clean Fun, said.

Taste of Folly showed how food can bring the community together, making a positive impact all around.

“This is our livelihood. We do this 24/7,” King said.

“My neighbor set up next to me here has been my neighbor for over 30 years, too, and she’s an artist as well. So, it makes for a great day,” Kelly Cane Wood, owner of UTH Art, said.

It's only 12 miles south of Charleston's historic homes and manicured window boxes, but the salty little town of Folly Beach ditches the Holy City's refinement in favor of an easygoing, barefoot sensibility that feels a bit more California than Carolina. Known to locals as the Edge of America, the super chill surf town is everything a beach town should be. Surf shops line the main drag; cover-ups count as appropriate lunch attire; and nobody takes themselves too seriously (they drop a pair of LED-lit flip-flops to celebrate New Year's Eve). Here's where to stay, eat, relax, and play in Folly Beach, South Carolina.

Where To Stay

For a feels-like-home experience coupled with the charm and convenience of a boutique hotel, book The Regatta Inn. Complimentary breakfast and happy hour are provided daily, plus a free shuttle to the beach. Its best amenity of all, though, is the view: a spectacular vantage of Folly River and the surrounding marshland.

, 64 West 9th Street Extension, Folly Beach, SC 29439

Every single room at Tides Folly Beach comes with an ocean view. Perched at the end of Center Street, the town's main thoroughfare, the hotel is steps from both the beach and an array of local shops and eateries. There's plenty on-site for a relaxing getaway, including a heated oceanfront pool, tiki bar and lounge, and a beach bar and grill.

, 1 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439

Looking for a stay with a kitchen and living space that feels like a home away from home? For families looking to stretch out a bit more, there are a boatload of rentals to choose from: Opt for oceanfront properties that will sleep a crowd or cozy cottages with marsh and Folly River views. And for people who wouldn't dream of traveling without their four-legged companions, there are plenty of pet-friendly rentals too.

Where To Eat

You won't go hungry on this island. Fuel up for the day at Lost Dog Café, a local staple that serves coffee and all-day breakfast (so you can sleep in as long as you'd like). Don't miss their eggs Benedict, which they top with fried green tomatoes.

, 106 West Huron Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439

Fish tacos, Vietnamese-inspired lettuce wraps, and Cuban sandwiches all have a place on the colorful menu at Chico Feo, where the vibe is equally colorful. Its menu focuses on food from local farmers and fishermen. If you're in town for the wave riding, be sure to check out their website's Surf Report, complete with a live video stream.

, 122 East Ashley Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439

Don't let the easygoing atmosphere fool you: Rita's Seaside Grille is serious about its food and its cocktails. Order casual beach fare like burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and nachos, or opt for splurge-worthy entrees like steak, salmon, and seafood. Try one of the Signature Crushes, fruity sippers with flavored liquors that pack a punch.

, 2 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439

End the night at Sand Dollar Social Club, a dive bar where you're invited to come as you are, so long as you're a member; membership costs $1, so bring your cash (you won't find a credit card machine here). Order from the bar, play pool or Ping-Pong, and take in the live music.

7 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29412

Though technically not on Folly (it's about two miles away), you'd be remiss to make a trip all this way without carving out time for a meal at Bowens Island Restaurant, a family-owned joint where the walls are graffitied, and the oysters are locally harvested. Start your meal with Southern favorites like pimiento cheese, fried green tomatoes, and boiled peanuts. Seafood platters are served with fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw.

, 1870 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412

Where To Relax

The island's six miles of beachfront are its main attraction, and it'd be easy to while away a week with no plans beyond putting your toes in the sand. Spend a day shelling, sunning, surfing, or searching for shark teeth. The Folly Beach County Park has everything you need for a day at the beach: parking, restrooms, changing areas, a boardwalk, accessible ramps, a picnic area, and a snack bar.

Note that Folly Beach County Park has 225 parking spots, and it usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. on the weekends and holidays. We advise getting there early, otherwise, you can park at the City of Folly Beach parking lots on West Ashley Avenue.

, 1100 West Ashley Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439

At the northern end of Folly Beach, the Morris Island Lighthouse provides a stunning backdrop from the shore. Get a closer look from the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve or via kayak. Several guided tours leave from Folly Beach to visit Morris Island for shelling, photography, and lighthouse history. The historic lighthouse is not open for viewing. How close you can get to the lighthouse depends on the tides.

, 1750 East Ashley Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439

Where To Play

Pack your fishing poles (or rent one) to test your fishing luck off the beloved Folly Beach Pier, which reopened in December 2022 after extensive renovations. If you're visiting in the summer, put on your dancing shoes—flip-flops count—and head back to the pier for one of the Moonlight Mixers, a music-filled family event held once monthly, May through September.

, 101 East Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439, 101 East Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439

For those looking to build an action-packed itinerary, there are plenty of activities that highlight the destination's natural beauty: Book a guided kayak tour with Charleston Outdoor Adventures, rent a stand-up paddleboard to explore the tidal creeks, or hop on a boat to discover uninhabited beachfront, where you can look for sharks' teeth and other fossils. You can also book a fishing charter or tour a Charleston oyster farm.

, 1871 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412

Stop by McKevlin's Surf Shop, South Carolina's oldest surfing outfitter, to peruse their selection of gear. You can also rent a surf or body board from the shop if you don't have one of your own; first-timers should consult their recommended list of surf instructors for lessons before heading out. Once you've got it down, catch some of the area's best waves at The Washout, a favorite local surf spot, or take a seat on the beach and see how the local pros do it.

, 8 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439

One of the best ways to explore the island is by bike, because most of the island is residential and has little to no traffic. Folly Beach Bike Rentals offers free bike delivery, as well as bikes and beach gear.