Opinions

Rules of engagement for short-term rentals on DI

In 2022, the popularity of websites and apps easily allow Daniel Island property owners to rent out rooms and frogs to strangers from around the world for periods of time as short as one night. Rather than learning how to tax such transactions or ensure that permanent residents do not suffer,...

Battle for democracy begins at ballot box

Just five days and counting until the 2022 midterm General Election concludes. Will you be counted? Historically, midterm elections attract fewer voters than when a presidential race is on the ballot. In 2014, the Berkeley County turnout was just 42%, while in 2018 the number rose only slightly to...

Fishing in Brody's shadow

The other day, Brody and I were fishing in Beresford Creek and several boats stopped to say hello. To Brody. It was like I was invisible. As the boats pulled away, I could hear people say, “who is the guy in the boat with Brody.” Life with a fish-finding and stock-trading dog can be humbling....

City still cleaning, collecting storm debris from Hurricane Ian

Greetings friends and neighbors, As we move into fall, I wanted to provide a few updates on some of the items we are working on at the City. First, I’m thankful that Hurricane Ian missed us. I am also thankful for the modern infrastructure on Daniel Island that minimized any impacts...

The Shoebox

My mother handed me a shoebox wrapped in colorful paper. It was my sixth birthday and my parents had invited some neighborhood kids over for a party. As I took the box, one kid remarked, “Is that all?” To this day, I remember my change of emotion. Should there be more? I wasn’t expecting...

Imagining an expat life in Mexico

Adrian Otto had recently moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico when she was awakened by a loud noise: Bang, bang, bang. “I dived under my bed. I thought it was a drive-by shooting,” she said. No. Just some of the town’s frequent fireworks. After being there a few years she told me, “I...

5 Healthy Habits to Help Reduce Stress

Between work, family obligations and a constantly changing world, people in the United States are stressed. In fact, U.S. workers are among the most stressed in the world, according to a State of the Global Workplace study. While some stress is unavoidable and can be good for you, constant or...

MADD South Carolina releases ‘Deadly Results’ report, urges reform

A new report issued by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) South Carolina, titled “Deadly Results,” shares what percentage of misdemeanor DUI arrests in several large counties actually end as convictions with most having an under 50% conviction rate. MADD suggests that these concerning findings...

October books to open and digest

Book clubs are gearing up for another year. It is an enormous compliment to hear from so many of you that your club has chosen books from this column. Thank you for sharing that with me. Did you see The New York Times article by Margaret Renkl about the joy of finding people who love the same...

DI News celebrates National Newspaper Week with growth mindset

In 2023, The Daniel Island News will be celebrating its 20th anniversary of delivering the news to the community! Our motto has always been, “Promoting the Power of Community.” Thanks to our strong advertiser and reader support, we’ve been able to work week by week toward that mission. And...