Well, the COVID situation constantly evolves and changes, as does the response at the local level… so it’s time for an Isle of Palms update or two. The Isle of Palms City Council has been holding emergency meetings left and right. There was one this past Saturday, then another one yesterday. You can watch all the action on their YouTube channel. Also, you can access all of their COVID-19 updates on the official city website. Believe it or not, they are now on Isle of Palms update #23.
The Latest Isle of Palms Update
The latest emergency meeting Monday, May 4th netted some big changes. The security checkpoint on the IOP Connector, limiting those who can come onto the IOP, will be coming down. Wednesday, May 6th will be the first day with open access to the island. Interestingly, both Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach are keeping checkpoints in place. Folly is restricting access between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Sullivan’s is restricting access between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. In accordance with Governor McMaster’s order to allow open air dining, City Council also made changes regarding restaurants. For the next 15 days, they are allowing restaurants along Front Beach to set up outdoor tables and chairs outside of their establishment, in order to serve customers. Regarding vacation rentals, this is what they decided: “Short term rentals, hotel and overnight accommodations of 29 days or less are prohibited until May 12th. However, City Council created the Short-Term Rental and Hotel Phased Re-Opening Task Force to discuss a plan for opening Short Term Rentals and Hotels prior to May 12th, 2020.” That task force meeting is going on this afternoon, so stay tuned to find out just what that means.
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market update
During the COVID crisis, most farmers’ markets have delayed their spring openings. This includes the “biggie,” the downtown Charleston Farmers Market at Marion Square, which has been named one of the top ten in the nation. Mount Pleasant, however, has adapted to the COVID situation and has rechristened itself the “Mount Pleasant Essential Farm Goods Market.” It’s open on Tuesdays, with expanded hours of 1:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Instead of the typical 100 or so vendors, they have trimmed it down to six - farm stands selling fresh produce. For the first time ever, you can prepay and order online. They will be adhering to social distancing guidelines, advising people to stay six feet apart, with no more than two customers in a booth at one time. It will function this way until further notice. Read more from Live 5 News or on their Facebook page. The COVID situation is fluid, indeed, as is the reopening of the island and beyond. If you are interested in staying in Isle of Palms vacation rentals, just give us a call and we’ll help however we can. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger