A few minutes with Joel Flores
January 2013 was a very sad month for the island of Folly, because it was when long-time resident Joel Flores moved back to his hometown of Austin, Texas to pursue a degree in computer science at the University of Texas. It hasn’t been the same without his smiling face and witty conversations.
Despite his great distance, Joel is still very much involved with all things Folly, and is happy to announce he will be returning in a year or so once he finishes with school. He came back to visit for the holidays, so we sat down at Woody’s to catch up.
Miranda Jordan: How did you find your way to Folly Beach?
Joel Flores: I moved to the area around 2000 to be closer to my daughter who lived in Wando, and at first I was staying in a motel in Mt. Pleasant. I didn’t feel comfortable there or any place else in the surrounding area. I was feeling pretty frustrated when my daughter, who was about 13 at the time, suggested I check out Folly Beach. We rode out here together, walked on the beach, and then stopped at the Chill n’ Grill to see if they served food. Mike Kirages and his wife were there and talked to us and fed us. They were so hospitable to us, I knew then that this was where I wanted to live. My daughter said she knew it would be a perfect fit for me, and it was!
MJ: What is your favorite thing about the island?
JF: The people. There is such a good balance of conservatives, liberals, surfers, musicians, real estate people, etc., and everyone gets along. The level of respect between people is unique, you don’t really find that anywhere else. All that, and the marinara sauce here at Woody’s.
MJ: I feel like I’ve seen you behind about every counter here on the island at one time or another. Where all have you worked on the beach?
JF: Bert’s Market, Lost Dog, Surf Bar, Snapper Jacks, Planet Follywood, Beachwear and Gifts, Folly Trading Company, and Folly Discounts. Being a part of all of these businesses has been a great way to keep my finger on the pulse of not only the people that live here, but those that visit here and what they expect, as well.
MJ: You are a pretty politically passionate person, whether it’s on the national or local level. What are some things you would like to see happen with the governing of Folly Beach?
JF: Whoever is sitting on City Council or is involved in City Hall needs to keep that important balance of making sure all interests are heard and represented. At the meetings I’ve attended, it sometimes felt like the obvious was being overlooked, and the obvious is “what keeps people coming back here.” I don’t want to see Folly selling out. If I ever come back and see a corporate name on Center Street, I’m going to flip out.
MJ: What is one thing your friends here would be surprised to know about you?
JF: A lot of people are surprised to find out that I was a Marine when I was younger and thinner. Oh, and that I’m not Hawaiian or Samoan. I’m just an everyday, average Hispanic, who prefers Guinness over Corona any day.
Miranda Jordan is a guidance counselor, musician, and freelance writer. To reach her, you can email her at mirandaalicejordan@gmail.com.
