Residents of the Isle of Palms are letting a divisive issue get the best of their manners and maturity, it seems. A recent city council ruling to move forward with a draft of an amendment to an ordinance that would limit rental occupancy on homes not yet built, has the two sides battling it out in council chambers, in the media and among city organizations. Those strongly in favor of the proposed ordinance are chomping at the bit to get their opinions heard, however they did not to speak before council at the public hearing. You can read some of those comments in today's Letters to the Editor.

Some residents against the limit did speak out and are being lambasted for inaccurate presumptions and accused of misrepresenting the truth about the benefits and disadvantages of such limitations.

By all appearances, the residents are just as split on this issue as city council is.

Every voice deserves the chance to be heard, but citizens have to actually use their voice if they feel it is important. And when those voices are used, whose place is it to say that another person's opinion is wrong. The citizens of the Isle of Palms would better serve themselves and their community by working together rather than against each other and ceasing the criticism of those who don't agree with their particular beliefs.

Are the winter blues getting the best of you? If so, hope is just a few weeks away. And typical of the Lowcountry, spring will be in full force, with bright blue skies, budding flowers and plenty of outdoor activities. Take for example the ever growing Charleston Race Week. Charleston Race Week is an annual premiere regatta for One-Design racing sailboats 20 - 70 feet in length, and PHRF and IRC racing sailboats 22-70 plus feet in length. This 15th annual race will be held April 8-11. Race headquarters will be located at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina in Mount Pleasant where some of the most beautiful racing boats will be docked and the popular Race Village will feature evening festivities that will occur beachside. Fleet action will include both harbor and offshore courses Friday through Sunday.

Also, the Lowcountry Cajun Festival will be held this month on Sunday, March 28 from 12 to 6 p.m. at James Island County Park.

Celebrate Louisiana living and Charleston charm during the Lowcountry Cajun Festival at James Island County Park. Enjoy a full-day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, children's activities and all around ragin' Cajun entertainment!

Full-bellied fun is what this festival is all about as local and regional chefs cook up a variety of mouth-watering foods. Savor the tastes of the South with authentic Cajun and Creole faire. Non-stop music throughout the day will keep your hips swingin' and your toes tappin'.

In Mount Pleasant, Boone Hall is gearing up for their annual Lowcountry Strawberry Festival Saturday April 17 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday April 18 from 12 - 6 p.m. Strawberries, strawberries and more strawberries are the centerpiece at Boone Hall Plantation for one of the most popular special events held in the Lowcountry every spring. The Lowcountry Strawberry Festival features a large variety of attractions and activities for all ages. A giant ferris wheel, a carousel, the unique Berry-Go-Round, jump castles, slides and a carriage ride around the plantation.