Newly retired state deputy Mike Sottile was awarded the Order of Palmetto by Governor Henry McMaster at a ceremony in the governor’s office in Columbia.
Sottile, a former mayor and councilor on the Isle of Palms, said he “would always cherish the fact that I spent many years in the public service”. He added that the most rewarding aspect of his more than 30 years in office “was working for my constituents here and also for the state of South Carolina”.
The Order of Palmetto is considered the largest civilian tribute in South Carolina. It recognizes lifelong achievements and contributions to the state. The award comes in the form of a certificate that says, in part: “In gratitude for your contributions and friendship to the State of South Carolina and its people, I grant you the Order of Palmetto with all the rights and privileges that belong to you . “
“It is a great honor,” said Sottile. “It was a total surprise for me because I had no idea. I wasn’t even thinking about it. “
Sottile was invited to the governor’s office to witness another ceremony, however, when it was completed, McMaster announced that there was an additional business order and that an individual needed to be recognized. McMaster detailed Sottile’s many accomplishments throughout his career, joking that the Charleston Insurance Women Award of the Year in 1987 was Sottile’s greatest achievement.
As good as becoming the Chief of the Year was for Sottile, his proudest moment was helping to rebuild the city after Hurricane Hugo in 1989. “It was very gratifying to be able to work side by side with other members of the city to help the city get up. That’s what really put me in the public service, ”he said.
His life of service began at the local level, starting as a councilor and ending at the South Carolina House of Representatives. He said it is an honor to be one of 124 state representatives in South Carolina.
After Hurricane Hugo, Sottile was elected to the Palms Island City Council in 1990 and served as a councilor until he was elected mayor in 2000.
“During my tenure as mayor, we built two new firefighters, we made many improvements to the recreation center, as well as the marina. During my time on the city council it was when we bought the marina and it became the crown jewel of Palms Island, ”he said.
Sottile was elected to represent District 112 of the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2008 and served until his retirement before the 2020 election. He served on many committees, including the Agriculture and Environment Affairs Committee; the Judiciary Committee; the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry as the 2nd Vice-President; and the Ways and Means Committee. By Modes and Means, he was a member of the Higher Education Commission and Chairman of the subcommittee on Licenses, Fees and Other Taxes.
Sottile is also a former member of the Joint Owners Associations Committee, Joint Annexation Committee and Joint Military Affairs Committee. He received the business attorney award from the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
He also served as vice president and president of the house delegation for the Charleston County Legislative Delegation.
As a lifelong resident of the Isle of Palms, Sottile has witnessed many changes and growth in the area. However, he said the island’s character has not changed.
“I have lived here all my life on the Isle of Palms and it is very rewarding. I appreciate the fact that I was able to give back to the community, ”he said.
He graduated from Bishop England High School, where he played football, basketball and athletics. He served in the U.S. Air Force for two years at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia and another two years at Bitburg Air Force Base in Germany. He was awarded The Air Force Commendation Metal for Meritorious Service.
Sottile returned home to the Isle of Palms and attended classes at Baptist College of Charleston (now Charleston Southern University) while working at the family company Worth Agency. He worked in real estate, insurance and property management, becoming manager of the agency and responsible broker.
Sottile became active at the Independent Insurance Agents of Charleston, serving as treasurer for four terms, secretary, vice president and president in 1986. He received the Outstanding Service Award, the President’s Award and was named Chief of the Year by the Charleston Association of Insurance Women. He also served on the Board of Directors of South Carolina Independent Insurance Agents from 1986 to 1989.
Sottile married Loraine Johnson in 1977. They have a daughter, Amy, and a grandson, Anthony.
“I had the opportunity to grow up on the Isle of Palms, but I also appreciate the fact that I have a daughter and she was allowed to grow up here on the island like me,” said Sottile. “It is very gratifying to be able to raise a family here. That’s what the Isle of Palms is all about. “