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Mayor's Message - June 2026

What does a community look like to you? A technical definition is:

A community is a social unit (a group of people) with a shared socially-significant characteristic(s), being place, set of norms, culture, religion, values, customs, or identity. Communities may share a sense of place situated in a given geographical area (e.g. a country, village, city, town, or neighborhood) or in virtual space through communication platforms.

Recently, there have been a few events around our island that have really punctuated to me the definition of community and made me proud to be able to represent IOP. 

  • First, there was the 3rd Annual Wild Child Triathlon where over 100 children ages 6-12 participated in a swim/bike/run event.  Numerous volunteers helped guide the athletes around the courses on an early Sunday morning. 
  • Next, Cars in the Park at our Rec Center. 20+ cars from around the area showcasing residents and nonresidents alike displaying their pride and joy. It was a beautiful day, and our Rec Center team lined up numerous vendors and food trucks to provide our community with a great event.
  • Lastly, on the sad side but wow what a show of support for the family by our community was the Celebration of Life event for Naish Kaloupek – our young resident that recently passed away after a battle with cancer.  Over 400 attendees witnessed the lifelong effect this young man had on our city. Numerous speakers detailed their relationships with Naish and shared what he meant to them. You have undoubtedly noticed maroon ribbons on trees all over the island.  This was a coordinated effort to show the family how much they mean to the community. 

For those that attended one of these recent events thank you for coming together for the fun stuff and the support of loved ones.  There will be other upcoming opportunities to come together as a community if you missed these.  Stay plugged in to the city’s communication efforts via our website and social media avenues along with the social media efforts of the Police, Fire and Rec Departments. 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve! 

Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP
843-252-5359
ppounds@isleofpalms.gov