Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that modern Americans are much fatter than they were just a few decades ago. Take one look around a shopping center or strip mall and it seems that half the people present are struggling with obesity. Recent data from the CDC supports those observations - more than 39% of adults in the United States were considered obese from 2015-2016. That number is up from 33.7 percent in 2007-2008.
Perhaps more alarming is the fact that severe obesity is on the rise as well. The same report from the CDC tells us that nearly 8% of Americans were severely obese from 2015-2016, which is up from 5.7% in 2007-2008. When you read between the lines, those statistics mean that almost 4 in 10 adults are obese in the U.S., and almost 1 in 13 are severely obese.
Unfortunately, "fixing" obesity isn't something that can be done overnight. There is no quick fix that is also safe and non-surgical. The obesity problem in the U.S. is only getting worse as more adults and children choose the ease and convenience of fast food sugar-packed products over healthy eating, exercise, and positive lifestyle choices.
Besides the challenges of being overweight, like clothes that don't fit and hurtful comments, the health risks are much more serious. Obesity can endanger your life, and those who rely on you may lose you earlier than expected. Over time, the likelihood of developing severe and life-altering health problems grows.
The good news is that a new medication called semaglutide in Isle of Palms, SC, is available for people struggling with obesity. This game-changing treatment approaches obesity as a chronic metabolic disease rather than a problem that can be solved through willpower alone.
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we now ioffer semaglutide as part of our custom weight loss program. If you've been struggling with obesity and have tried other diets with little to no success, don't lose hope. With the help of our medical and nutritional providers, you can lose weight, keep it off, and take meaningful steps toward better health.
Our weight loss program with semaglutide starts with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation process. During this phase, we will determine the ideal semaglutide dosage for you and provide personalized nutrition and exercise guidelines. Once we have a better understanding of your body and your weight loss goals, you'll begin receiving regular injections of semaglutide in Isle of Palms, SC.
It's your responsibility to incorporate lifestyle changes, specifically in your diet and exercise, to reach your weight loss goals. However, we'll be there every step of the way and conduct regular check-ins to help you stay on course. We'll also closely monitor your progress and overall health to ensure that your weight loss is safe and sustainable. The purpose of our semaglutide weight loss program is to offer a comprehensive weight loss treatment that helps you achieve natural, long-lasting results. That's the VIP Cosmetic Surgery difference.
Patients who sign up for our semaglutide weight loss program benefit from the following:
For semaglutide to have the biggest impact on your weight, you've got to make changes to your diet. When you eat nutrient-dense, whole foods that support weight loss and healthy living, you're setting yourself up for long-term weight loss. Our nutrition plans are comprehensive and customized to your needs and lifestyle. That way, when you're ready to make real changes in your life, we'll be there with a nutrition plan you can follow to make the journey easier and more sustainable.
One of the biggest reasons why people fail to achieve their weight loss goals is because they try to do it all on their own. When you sign up for VIP Cosmetic Surgery's semaglutide program, you benefit from monthly check-ins with Dr. Farr to see how your progress is going. During this meeting, you can talk to the doctor about your progress and what hurdles you're still trying to overcome. The doctor will give you advice and guidance based on his experience and - perhaps most importantly - help keep you on track so that you can lose weight and keep it off for good.
Our practitioners will provide tests to ensure that your body is healthy, hydrated, and well-fed. By checking your hydration and nutrition levels, we can help ensure you're losing weight in a healthy manner and not starving yourself. By maintaining optimal health throughout your weight loss journey, you're giving yourself the best shot at long-term weight loss.
For individuals working to lose weight and stay healthy, sticking to a consistent diet and exercise routine can be tough. Between work obligations and important tasks like picking your kids up from school, there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to eat healthy foods. After all, McDonald's is on the way home, and your little ones are screaming for food.
Fortunately, many busy people find semaglutide to be a valuable tool in their weight loss journey. This FDA-approved injection, used for treating both diabetes and obesity, functions by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain to aid in weight loss and promote long-term health.
In more simple terms, semaglutide imitates glucagon in the body, signaling to the brain that you're full and don't need to eat more. When you take semaglutide and try to overeat, your body sends a message that says, "That's enough." In essence, it makes you feel full, so you're less likely to binge eat, especially at night when food tends to sit in your stomach.
Semaglutide also slows down digestion, reducing unnecessary snacking throughout the day. By minimizing glucose spikes after meals, it lowers inflammation, which is a crucial step in optimizing your overall health. Moreover, Semaglutide assists in insulin secretion by the pancreas regulates glucose levels in the body and even possesses anti-aging and longevity properties. If you're struggling with weight loss, treatments such as semaglutide can make a substantial difference for you.
In summary, semaglutide helps you lose weight in a few different ways, including:
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, one of the most frequently asked questions our providers receive from curious weight loss patients is whether or not semaglutide is supported by clinical trials. As it turns out, many trials have been conducted measuring the efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss, and the results are very promising.
Semaglutide is designed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher who are attempting to shed at least 10% of their total body weight without success with other methods. Clinical trials involving over 1,900 obese adults who were unable to lose five percent of their body weight after a year of treatment with other medications demonstrated that semaglutide increased average weight loss from 2% to 20% over a treatment period of just over one year compared to a placebo.
In a different trial involving 1,387 patients with obesity (but not type 2 diabetes), participants were randomly assigned to different doses of semaglutide: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or placebo for 104 weeks. The group that took the higher dose of semaglutide lost an average of 31 pounds, while those on the lower dose lost an average of 11 pounds.
According to the NCBI, the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People With Obesity (STEP) trials have shown the efficacy of semaglutide, as well. In large randomized controlled trials, patients who received 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide lost a mean of 6% of their weight after 12 weeks and 12% of their weight after 28 weeks.
So, what do all these statistics mean for you? If you're looking to shed some pounds, it's worth giving semaglutide injections a shot. This type of treatment isn't a miracle drug, but it can significantly boost your chances of weight loss success. That's why, at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we have incorporated semaglutide as a fresh treatment option for individuals grappling with obesity, especially those who have exhausted other remedies and are seeking something new.
As is the case with promising therapies like semaglutide, people considering the drug have a lot of questions about whether it's right for them. Keep reading to get answers to some of the most common questions relating to semaglutide.
If you're an adult dealing with obesity, excessive weight, or weight-related medical conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, semaglutide injections could be a suitable option for you. To qualify for semaglutide weight loss services at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you must meet the BMI range criteria established by the FDA. If you're unsure whether semaglutide injections are the right choice for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our weight loss practitioners today.
Our doctors and practitioners often hear from patients asking whether semaglutide is safe for long-term use. It's natural to have concerns about a medication that impacts your body. Simply put, as long as you meet the criteria, it is safe to take this weight-loss medication. Even patients with endocrine, kidney, heart, and liver conditions can safely use semaglutide. As of June 4, 2021, the Food & Drug Administration has given the green light for semaglutide injections (2.4mg once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity and at least one weight-related condition.
Weight loss medications such as semaglutide may cause people to regain weight once the treatment is stopped. According to a clinical trial featured in Practice Update, participants regained 11.6% of their lost body weight within a year of discontinuing semaglutide medication and lifestyle intervention. Researchers suggest that this weight gain could be linked to the reversal of the cardiovascular benefits associated with semaglutide treatment, including stable blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
This data underscores the importance of continued medication and ongoing treatment for obesity as a chronic health condition to effectively manage its impact on quality of life and heart health. The key takeaway here is that due to its nature as a weight loss treatment, it's best to take regularly over time for the best results.
That length of time will vary depending on factors such as:
There's no question about it - semaglutide is making waves in the medical community. Thousands of obese men and women in the U.S. are using the treatment to get a handle on their weight and live healthy lives. With its ability to reduce blood sugar levels and facilitate weight loss, it makes sense that patients are looking for ways to get the most out of their regimen.
Keep reading to learn a few of the best tips to maximize your journey with semaglutide.
Before you start taking semaglutide or make any changes to your treatment plan, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider who prescribes semaglutide. They will evaluate your specific needs, determine the right dosage for you, and give you important instructions on how to use the medication properly. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, our weight loss practitioners work one-on-one with every patient who takes semaglutide to ensure they're staying healthy, hydrated, and committed to our semaglutide program.
Make sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels as recommended by your semaglutide provider. While semaglutide can assist in reducing blood sugar levels, it's important to regularly monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. When you begin a weight loss program at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you can rest easy knowing we check your blood sugar levels periodically.
Regular physical activity can boost the effects of semaglutide. It's best to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-4 times a week to support weight loss and overall health improvements.
It's important to understand that results may not happen right away and could take some time to become noticeable. Try to be patient as you follow your treatment plan, maintain consistency with lifestyle changes, and have confidence that positive results will come gradually.
To maximize the effectiveness of semaglutide, it's very beneficial to eat a well-rounded diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Always try to choose nutrient-rich options over high-calorie, high-fat foods. That way, you can achieve your weight loss objectives quicker. When you work with weight loss experts like the doctors at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you'll have access to customized nutrition plans that will help expedite your weight loss and keep off the pounds once you reach your goals.
Make sure to set up regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to track your progress, make any necessary changes to your treatment plan, and talk about any concerns or questions you might have. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, follow-ups and check-ins are built into our semaglutide program, giving you one less thing to worry about as you lose weight.
Are you striving to reach a healthy weight and live a more fulfilling life? Are you eager to have a positive impact on yourself and your loved ones? Take the first step toward better health by contacting VIP Cosmetic Surgery. Our experienced, compassionate practitioners will collaborate with you to identify your weight-loss goals. Once we know more about you and your body, we'll create a custom plan and provide the cutting-edge strategies and treatments you need to see real results. If you're ready to make a meaningful change, we're ready to guide you on the path to success.
Old recipes, extra carbs, complex sauces, and cheese — it’s no shocker why Italian cuisine is adored. The temperature is dropping in the Lowcountry, so there’s no better time to cozy up to a bowl of handmade pasta. Restaurants choose the traditional approach or a fresh take on the classics, but one thing remains constant — dishes are always full of house-made components. Read MoreEater maps are curated by editors ...
Old recipes, extra carbs, complex sauces, and cheese — it’s no shocker why Italian cuisine is adored. The temperature is dropping in the Lowcountry, so there’s no better time to cozy up to a bowl of handmade pasta. Restaurants choose the traditional approach or a fresh take on the classics, but one thing remains constant — dishes are always full of house-made components.
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.
Take in the ocean views at this Isle of Palms destination while exploring an Italian menu with no shortage of seafood. Seasonal dishes like a marsala wreckfish with a potato crust offer a distinct take on Italian favorites.
This Sullivan’s Island stunner offers a menu full of seafood, handmade pastas, and wood-fired pizzas. Melt-in-your-mouth short rib gnocchi and strozzapreti with sausage ragu are among the diverse pasta options. Pizzas are topped with any and everything — the Five Fathom Hole 3.0 features Clammer Dave’s clams and rapini. Note: Following a fire, the Obstinate Daughter closed temporarily in January, so check to see if it has reopened.
Old-school Italian spot Cuoco Pazzo Trattoria offers all the hits: lasagna alla Napoletana, fettuccini alfredo, spaghetti alla carbonara, veal marsala, shrimp scampi, and more.
Located in the handsome Emeline hotel, Frannie & the Fox offers Italian bites near the Market. Hits include the wood-fired pizzas, blue crab fritters, chicken Milanese, meatballs with whipped ricotta and a white Negroni on tap.
Charleston-based Beemok Hospitality Collection and chef Michael Mina’s Mina Group opened the gorgeous Italian restaurant Sorelle in 2023, and it’s since been a go-to for swanky dates and luxurious meals. Serving brunch and dinner, Sorelle excels in southern Italian cooking, which means grilled octopus, picatta-style swordfish, and mafaldine with
barolo-braised beef cheeks.
Le Farfalle’s modern take on Italian cuisine makes the dimly lit eatery a go-to spot for a a family gathering, date night, or comforting meal alone with a plate full of perfectly cooked pasta. Memorable dishes include the duck-confit-stuffed agnolotti and the jumbo lump crab with linguine.
Indaco is a cozy nook of a restaurant on Upper King. The wood-fired oven glows as pizzas and Italian entrees are prepared. The burrata is always a hit to share, and the seasonal pastas always have comforting combinations like the tagliatelle with pork tesa and a Storey Farms egg.
Chef Vinson Petrillo pulls inspiration from his own Italian family’s traditions for the menu at Costa. Popular starters include the scallop crudo with passionfruit or burrata with a seasonal setup. Try the beef cheek tortellini and then move on to the eggplant Parmigiana, pork Milanese, or grilled swordfish. The dining room and bar are seductive, with some of the best lighting in town — perfect for date nights.
Classic Italian dishes are revamped with bright, unexpected ingredients at Melfi’s. Slices of doughy bread topped with combinations like avocado and pistachio invigorate the bruschetta, and handmade pastas are packed with intense flavors. Diners also can’t go wrong with the crisp Melfi’s Roman-style pizzas — the kitchen’s take on the margherita is a standout thanks to a creamy, housemade stracciatella cheese.
Hip Huger Street stop Renzo might be better known for wood-fired pizza and funky wines, but this restaurant also packs in some great versions of Italian staples in the “Not Pizza” section of the menu. The pillowy ricotta gnudi with bagna cauda and the gargati Bolognese are in heavy rotation this winter, but always try the special, whatever it is.
Make the short drive off the peninsula to Johns Island for authentic Italian cuisine using local ingredients. Look for handmade ravioli, pappardelle, and lasagna with added flare from a venison, elk, and ribeye combination. Customers can get the best of both worlds by adding a $7 side of gnocchi to any meat or seafood entree.
Take in the ocean views at this Isle of Palms destination while exploring an Italian menu with no shortage of seafood. Seasonal dishes like a marsala wreckfish with a potato crust offer a distinct take on Italian favorites.
This Sullivan’s Island stunner offers a menu full of seafood, handmade pastas, and wood-fired pizzas. Melt-in-your-mouth short rib gnocchi and strozzapreti with sausage ragu are among the diverse pasta options. Pizzas are topped with any and everything — the Five Fathom Hole 3.0 features Clammer Dave’s clams and rapini. Note: Following a fire, the Obstinate Daughter closed temporarily in January, so check to see if it has reopened.
Old-school Italian spot Cuoco Pazzo Trattoria offers all the hits: lasagna alla Napoletana, fettuccini alfredo, spaghetti alla carbonara, veal marsala, shrimp scampi, and more.
Located in the handsome Emeline hotel, Frannie & the Fox offers Italian bites near the Market. Hits include the wood-fired pizzas, blue crab fritters, chicken Milanese, meatballs with whipped ricotta and a white Negroni on tap.
Charleston-based Beemok Hospitality Collection and chef Michael Mina’s Mina Group opened the gorgeous Italian restaurant Sorelle in 2023, and it’s since been a go-to for swanky dates and luxurious meals. Serving brunch and dinner, Sorelle excels in southern Italian cooking, which means grilled octopus, picatta-style swordfish, and mafaldine with
barolo-braised beef cheeks.
Le Farfalle’s modern take on Italian cuisine makes the dimly lit eatery a go-to spot for a a family gathering, date night, or comforting meal alone with a plate full of perfectly cooked pasta. Memorable dishes include the duck-confit-stuffed agnolotti and the jumbo lump crab with linguine.
Indaco is a cozy nook of a restaurant on Upper King. The wood-fired oven glows as pizzas and Italian entrees are prepared. The burrata is always a hit to share, and the seasonal pastas always have comforting combinations like the tagliatelle with pork tesa and a Storey Farms egg.
Chef Vinson Petrillo pulls inspiration from his own Italian family’s traditions for the menu at Costa. Popular starters include the scallop crudo with passionfruit or burrata with a seasonal setup. Try the beef cheek tortellini and then move on to the eggplant Parmigiana, pork Milanese, or grilled swordfish. The dining room and bar are seductive, with some of the best lighting in town — perfect for date nights.
Classic Italian dishes are revamped with bright, unexpected ingredients at Melfi’s. Slices of doughy bread topped with combinations like avocado and pistachio invigorate the bruschetta, and handmade pastas are packed with intense flavors. Diners also can’t go wrong with the crisp Melfi’s Roman-style pizzas — the kitchen’s take on the margherita is a standout thanks to a creamy, housemade stracciatella cheese.
Hip Huger Street stop Renzo might be better known for wood-fired pizza and funky wines, but this restaurant also packs in some great versions of Italian staples in the “Not Pizza” section of the menu. The pillowy ricotta gnudi with bagna cauda and the gargati Bolognese are in heavy rotation this winter, but always try the special, whatever it is.
Make the short drive off the peninsula to Johns Island for authentic Italian cuisine using local ingredients. Look for handmade ravioli, pappardelle, and lasagna with added flare from a venison, elk, and ribeye combination. Customers can get the best of both worlds by adding a $7 side of gnocchi to any meat or seafood entree.
Published: Feb. 7, 2025 at 1:50 AM PST|ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - A brand-new city dock is set to open on the Isle of Palms marina, just in time to prepare for the warmer months ahead.The City of Isle of Palms is cutting the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the first-ever city-owned dock along the Marina.Leaders, locals and visitors alike can attend the official opening at 50 41st Avenue from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.City leaders say they hope to see the amenity promote community engagement with more recreational ...
Published: Feb. 7, 2025 at 1:50 AM PST|
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - A brand-new city dock is set to open on the Isle of Palms marina, just in time to prepare for the warmer months ahead.
The City of Isle of Palms is cutting the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the first-ever city-owned dock along the Marina.
Leaders, locals and visitors alike can attend the official opening at 50 41st Avenue from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
City leaders say they hope to see the amenity promote community engagement with more recreational activities. The 16-foot-wide pier has swings and benches along with a disability friendly walkway to a kayak and stand-up paddle board launch access. A new greenspace is expected to add on to the dock area in the near future.
Funds from a federal COVID-19 relief program called the American Rescue Plan brought the idea to reality. City leaders are using $1.7 million from the program’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery effort for the project. The recovery effort put billions of dollars to work nationally to allow state, local, territorial and Tribal governments to replace lost sector revenue while providing government services.
Plans for the newest addition began in 2020 with city council public workshops. Leaders say the surrounding community put the dock at the top of the priority list.
Nearby businesses say they are excited to see the new dock come to life after watching the construction over the years.
The general manager at the Outpost store says he sees the dock being a good amenity for the area, islanders and businesses.
One person living on Isle of Palms says she believes other issues such as home sewage flow should have been highlighted instead when asked about the dock.
Local real estate agent Lin Nelson says the amenity adds to the community value for residents. She says the addition is good for the public and residents to bring more people to the area with tourism.
“If I’m a resident here, I want that to use something that could be benefit family, residents, children and public. So that it could bring business to the area…for the small-business owner too.”
The dock will be open every day from sunrise to sunset.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
|Updated: Feb. 7, 2025 at 6:31 PM ESTISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - Isle of Palms leaders have applied for permits to dredge parts of the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway and the city marina to deepen the water access.The permits, filed in January, note that parts of the marina measure only eight feet deep and the plans are to make the intercoastal entrance 12 feet deep and the Morgan Creek inlet where the marina is located ten feet deep.The project is part of regular upkeep and the last time the marina was dredged was in 20...
|Updated: Feb. 7, 2025 at 6:31 PM EST
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - Isle of Palms leaders have applied for permits to dredge parts of the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway and the city marina to deepen the water access.
The permits, filed in January, note that parts of the marina measure only eight feet deep and the plans are to make the intercoastal entrance 12 feet deep and the Morgan Creek inlet where the marina is located ten feet deep.
The project is part of regular upkeep and the last time the marina was dredged was in 2011. Mayor Phillip Pounds says it’s an important way to preserve waterway access.
“We spend so much time and effort on the beach side of our island. This marina, this dock, the dredging, you know, it’s the focus on the intercoastal side or the creek area that sometimes doesn’t get as much attention as you like, but again, the purpose of the marina was to provide access to the water for those that didn’t have it,” Pounds says.
In 2023, the State Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism earmarked $1.5 million for the city to spend on dredging. That source will be the main fund for the work, which does not have a final price tag as it is in the early application stage.
“It just naturally silts back in. So it’s time to do that again. So hopefully we’ll get the permit this year, and at some point, line up a contractor and get the project done, maybe late this year, more likely first half of next year,” Pounds says.
The project plans to remove up to 20,000 cubic yards of soil, sand and silt material from the bottom of the channel. There are a few proposals for what to do with those materials.
Ideas include putting the materials under the Isle of Palms connector, onto Goat Island, at Inlet Creek or Swinton Creek on the opposite side of the intercoastal waterway. Another proposal is to put the sediment material on parts of the Wild Dunes Harbor Course, building up the land.
The routine dredging applications come around the same time the city celebrated the opening of its first public dock on the intercoastal waterway.
The mayor and city leaders hope to continue improving the plot of land at 40 51st Avenue making it an asset for visitors and residents alike.
“They’ve added a boat club with our new tenant over here at the marina. So it’s just been a lot of amenities added to this area and improvements made. We’ve invested a lot of time and energy and money, obviously, out here,” Pounds says.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Charleston and Isle of Palms agreed to settle a lawsuit against a number of short-term rental companies, including Airbnb and VRBO, in an attempt to recoup some taxes and fees that the business owes.Both city and town councils approved a settlement agreement at their respective meetings on Jan. 28. But ne...
Charleston and Isle of Palms agreed to settle a lawsuit against a number of short-term rental companies, including Airbnb and VRBO, in an attempt to recoup some taxes and fees that the business owes.
Both city and town councils approved a settlement agreement at their respective meetings on Jan. 28. But neither government publicly disclosed how money they'll receive from the businesses that have been operating for years without paying local accommodation taxes or business license fees, according to the complaint.
Attorney Jesse Kirchner, who along with two other lawyers, represents 14 South Carolina cities, towns and counties that joined the suit. He told The Post and Courier after Charleston's vote that the deal isn't final until all municipalities sign off. Once all agree, Kirchner said details of the settlement will be released.
Earlier this month, Mount Pleasant Town Council accepted a payout of nearly $500,000 in the same suit. Mayor Will Haynie, the lone vote against the settlement, disclosed the figure that Mount Pleasant would get saying it was not enough to "make up for what it's going to do to this town."
Haynie said he's worried about state legislation that could remove the town's cap on short-term rental permits and essentially open the floodgates to these companies that collect from tourists taxes and fees that never make it to the localities they're visiting.
The municipalities that initiated the lawsuit are some of South Carolina's biggest tourism destinations, including Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, North Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island. Mount Pleasant later joined the suit, as did Beaufort County, Edisto Beach, Port Royal and Greenville.
The complaint alleges the companies failed to pay municipalities' local accommodations taxes, and in some cases, business licenses, despite collecting the fees from rental operators and vacationers who use their sites.
Annual license fees are based on a businesses' gross income, according to the city of Charleston's website. This year, the city expects to collect $52 million from the licenses — the city's second highest revenue generator behind only property taxes, according to figures from a November budget workshop. The money flows into the city's general fund paying for its day-to-day operation.
Municipalities across the state levy accommodations taxes of up to 3 percent on hotels and other rented lodgings within their jurisdictions. In Charleston, the tax is set at 2 percent. The fee is paid by the renter, collected by the hotel or business renting the space, and paid to the municipality.
This year, the city expects nearly $12 million in local "a-tax," as its commonly called, which helps pay for upkeep of popular tourism spots. At Charleston’s historic battery, the tax funded a 6-year and nearly $75 million restoration of the crumbling 100-year-old sea wall.
Short-term rentals, and how to manage them, have been a sticking point for many communities. Charleston and Folly Beach are among a handful of municipalities that have instituted regulations or caps on short-term rentals. North Charleston, another plaintiff in the case, recently considered the same.