Irmo council honors youth teams, names Tide Law Firm business of month; appoints committee members

The Town of Irmo council opened the meeting by recognizing area youth sports teams and presenting awards to coaches and players who reached national and world-series tournaments.

Mayor Bill Danielson invited the crowd to the front to honor the girls' softball team that advanced to the World Series quarterfinals and the 12U boys baseball team that finished U.S. runner-up at the Seniors Baseball World Series. Coaches Casey Phipps and Eric Dreier and volunteering organizers described the scope of local volunteer work supporting Little League baseball and softball. Armadillo League president Bobby Johnson told council the league has grown and cited roughly 800 participants in spring, calling the volunteer effort a community asset.

The council named Tide Law Firm as the town's small business of the month for August 2025; Jason Brannum accepted a plaque and said the firm focuses on real-estate transactions and community service. The council also noted Tide Law Firm's sponsorship of the Fourth of July laser light show at Moore Park.

In a school showcase, Matt Boysen (co-chair of the District 5 Foundation for Educational Excellence) described four foundation pillars: snack packs, student grants, teacher grants and district unity, and said the foundation has raised funds to support meals and school projects within District 5.

Community Connections staff highlighted upcoming events including a community blood drive (Sept. 6), a mobile artisan market at Moore Park beginning in September, the Irmo Strut on Sept. 26'27 and Motown night at the amphitheater in October. Staff reminded residents about flood safety on heavy rain days.

Council approved several routine items and appointments: Olinda Brooker was appointed to the accommodations tax committee (term through 06/30/2028) and Eric Ho was appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals (term through March 2029). Both appointments passed by unanimous roll call votes. Council also approved the meeting agenda and the July 15, 2025 minutes.

Resident Lawrence Coleman announced a historical marker dedication for Judge Harold Bowell (civil-rights leader tied to Briggs v. Elliott-era work) at 101 Lake Murray Boulevard, with a ceremony and reception planned; he provided the council a formal invitation and logistics for parking and transportation.

Votes at a glance (selected): Appointment of Olinda Brooker to accommodations tax committee ' approved unanimously; Appointment of Eric Ho to Board of Zoning Appeals ' approved unanimously.

The meeting adjourned without executive session.