Month: December 2025

Filmmakers From Around the World Get Ready to Gather for BIFF 2026 in February

BEAUFORT, SC, UNITED STATES, December 30, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Beaufort Film Society announced today the Official Selections for the 20th anniversary edition of the Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF), which takes place February 17 – 22, 2026 in Beaufort, SC. Judges selected 54 films and 5 Screenplays from over 500 submissions from 56 countries. The Official Selections span the genres of feature films, documentaries, short films, student films, animation and screenplays. 

BIFF 2026 OFFICIAL SELECTIONS

FEATURES

Bob’s Best Friends
Directed by Randy Kent, Los Angeles, CA

Goody
Directed by Zoe Lubeck, Columbia, SC

Imbalance
Directed by Dale Griffiths Stamos, Santa Barbara, CA

Magic Hour
Directed by Jacqueline Christy, New York, NY

Mr. Wonderful
Directed by: Mark David, St. Louis, MO

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

Stronger Than You Think
Directed by: Janice Molinari and Melissa Forman, Santa Monica, CA

The Slave In Your Backyard
Directed by: Daniel Fisher and T. Scott Reeves, Lexington, SC

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS

Swine Heart
Directed by: Brad Bennett, Lynchburg, VA

The Battle of Honey Hill
Directed by: Will Weinstein, Mount Pleasant, SC

The Sounds of New York
Directed by: Daniel Stanislawski, Wroclaw, POLAND

ANIMATION

Croaked
Directed by: Rohan Gnaniah, Pooler, GA

Jurassic Joyride
Directed by: Patrick Daniel Sandoval, Charleston, SC

The Crawfish Dance
Directed by: David Donar, Ontario, CANADA

The Goblins of Sycamore Street
Directed by: Jay Lorenz, Alpharetta, GA

STUDENT FILM

Collision Theory
Directed by: Vanessa Lavoie, North Hollywood, CA (New York Film Academy)

Goodbye Stranger
Directed by: Neil Zafar Haeems, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (University of Southern California)

Hell In A Climate Haven
Directed by: Thomas Comick and Amelia Waldeck, Winston-Salem, NC (University of North Carolina School of the Arts)

The Lights Above
Directed by: Luke Salewski, Valley Village, CA (University of Southern California)

Yer Smackin
Directed by: John Field Brown, Austin, TX (Texas State University)

DUTY & HONOR

Forward
Directed by: Alex Luchsinger, Elon, NC

Miles, Morale, and Memories: Bob Hope and World War II
Directed by: Tim Gray, South Kingstown, RI

The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11: From Tragedy to Triumph
Directed by: Michael Gier, Los Angeles, CA

SHORT FILMS

8 AM
Directed by: Thomas Mendolia, Greensboro, NC

Bark
Directed by: Searit Kahsay Huluf, Los Angeles, CA

Headbang
Directed by: Anna Khaja, Los Angeles, CA

Line Dance
Directed by: Timothy McCracken and Robert Kelly McAllister, Denver, CO

Lonely
Directed by; Bobby Bosko Grubic, CROATIA

Magan’s Fare
Directed by: Dana White and Chris Knoblock, Willoughby Hills, OH

Never Too Late
Directed by: Colleen Davie Janes, New York, NY

Obit
Directed by: Ben Tedesco, Santa Monica, CA

O & O
Directed by: Jack Lafferty and Griffin Davis, Winston-Salem, NC

Postman
Directed by: Faizan Anees Bazmee, Mumbai, INDIA

Saverio
Directed by: Ellen Anhui, Pasadena, CA

Sienna and the Sit
Directed by: Scottie Thompson, Manhattan, NY

Shoot Shovel and Shutup
Directed by: Trans Hoang Calvin, New York, NY

Snipped
Directed by: Alexander Saul, Charlottenlund, DENMARK

Summerville 70
Directed by: David Boatwright, Charleston, SC

The Drive
Directed by: David Arrow, New York, NY

The Dumbletons
Directed by: Wendell Laurent, Larchmont, NY

The Long-Reigning King of Rollercastle Skateland
Directed by: David Hull, Brooklyn, NY

The Artis Residence
Directed by: Sarah Dresser, Charlotte, NC

The Spanish Lesson
Directed by: Simone Stadler, New York, NY

The Liars of Black Mountain
Directed by: Parker Croft, Los Angeles, CA

Together Forever
Directed by: Lauren Butterfield, Gulfport, FL

Walter
Directed by: Julie Restivo, Claremont, CA

Watching Walter
Directed by: Mitch Yapko, Panorama City, CA

Wanna Be A Star
Directed by: Brian Russell, Fairfield, CT

SCREENPLAYS

Freedom Clan
Written by: Richard Levine, Lady Lake, FL 

Panopticon
Written by: Sophia Peaslee, Santa Fe, NM

The Trail
Written by: Yvonne Paulin, Stamford, CT

Two Fingers
Written by: Shelley Reid, Abbeville, SC

Wings
Written by: Maja Pavic, Zagreb, CROATIA

BEST COMEDY NOMINATIONS

Bark (Short)

Bob’s Best Friends (Feature)

Collision Theory (Student)

Magic Hour (Feature)

Saverio (Short)

Sienna and the Sit (Short)

The Artis Residence (Short)

The Dumbletons (Short)

The Long-Reigning King of Rollercastle Skateland (Short)

Together Forever (Short)

Walter (Short)

Wanna Be A Star (Short)

Yer Smackin (Student) 

BEST ACTOR NOMINATIONS

Barkhad Abdi, Magan’s Fare (Short)

Jack Lafferty, O & O (Short)

Michael Madsen, Mr. Wonderful (Feature)

Xavier Mills, O & O (Short) 

James Naughton, Sit With Me While I Die (Short)

Michael Toureck, 8 AM (Short)

BEST ACTRESS NOMINATIONS

Piper Collins, Goody (Feature)

Quincy Cho, Saverio (Short)

Sarah Dresser, The Artis Residence (Short)

Sharon Lawrence, Imbalance (Feature)

Julie Restivo, Walter (Short)

Miriam Shor, Magic Hour (Feature)

BEST DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS

Faizan Anees Bazmee, Postman (Short)

Jacqueline Christy, Magic Hour (Feature)

Michael Gier, The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11: From Tragedy to Triumph (Doc Feature)

Randy Kent, Bob’s Best Friends (Feature)

Jack Lafferty and Griffin Davis, O & O (Short)

Brian Russell, Sit With Me While I Die (Short)

BEST ENSEMBLE NOMINATIONS

Magic Hour (Feature)

O & O (Short)

Sienna and the Sit (Short)

Sit With Me While I Die (Short)

The Artis Residence (Short)

Walter (Short) 

BEST SCORE NOMINATIONS

Goody, Michael Hilger, Maci Stewart, Quinn Tsan (Feature)

Imbalance, David Arkenstone (Feature)

Postman, Parth Saraf (Short)

The Artis Residence, Seth Dresser (Short)

The Slave In Your Backyard, Gray Haven (Doc Feature)

Together Forever, Lauren Butterfield (Short)

For more information about the 20th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival, visit beaufortfilmfestival.com. 

The Beaufort Film Society is a nonprofit, 501 (c) 3 member-supported organization dedicated to providing the highest levels of entertainment and education to the public from all areas of the film industry.

Ron Tucker
Beaufort Film Society
+1 843-986-4770
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Instagram
Facebook

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Charleston County Government has earned national recognition for its management and reporting of public funds, receiving the Government Finance Officers Association’s Triple Crown distinction. The award recognizes excellence in three categories: financial reporting, budget presentation, and public-facing financial transparency.

The Triple Crown is one of the highest honors in government finance and reflects Charleston County’s commitment to clear reporting, responsible budgeting, and accountability to residents and taxpayers.

“This recognition is a testament to the skill and dedication of our finance team,” said Charleston County Administrator Bill Tuten. “Their work reflects a steady commitment to high standards in financial management, from thoughtful planning to clear and accurate reporting. Maintaining that level of excellence takes care and consistency, and our team brings that commitment every day on behalf of Charleston County residents.”

The Triple Crown awards recognize governments that present financial and budget information in ways that are both technically sound and clearly communicated to the public.

Charleston County has won the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting 37 years in a row, the

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award 36 years in a row, and the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award 6 years in a row.

Additionally, Charleston County has maintained its AAA bond rating, the highest possible rating, as affirmed by three of the world’s leading bond ratings agencies, Moody’s Ratings, S&P Global Ratings, and Fitch Ratings.

———–

In keeping with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), those needing assistance should contact Charleston County at

(843) 202-6917 during regular business hours.

Source: Charleston County

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Who is excited for the 20th Annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival!!! We certainly are. This year’s tagline is “Celebrating Charleston’s Flavor. Fueling its Future.” How beautifully appropriate.

Here are the key things you need to know to prepare for a week of celebrating culinary delight and community gathering:

• Click HERE for the 2026 Charleston Wine + Food Schedule and Ticket Sales
• Where to stay – Click HERE for lounging recommendations
• What to get involved as an exhibitor, participant or volunteer? Click HERE
• Official Event Website
• Donate and invest in future culinary dreamers
• Follow the journey on Instagram.

We are looking forward to another stellar event filled with joy and love!

Related: The Culinary Scholars and their role in the 2025 Charleston Wine + Food Festival

Photo Credit: Charleston Wine + Food

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SUPER CHIX announced the opening of its fourth South Carolina restaurant, located in West Ashley; a vibrant and growing neighborhood just outside historic Charleston! The official open date was December 9, 2025.

The new SUPER CHIX restaurant is at 1137 Savannah Hwy, Suite 630, Charleston, SC 29407 – phone number (843) 640-3318. “Following nearly twenty new Super Chix openings over the past year, we’re excited to expand again in South Carolina and bring our Brand to the Charleston area,” said Darryl Neider, CEO of SUPER CHIX.

“West Ashley is the perfect spot for SUPER CHIX with its convenient access, strong community, and close-knit local businesses. Residents, students, and travelers alike now have a great new choice for a fresh, superior-quality fast-casual lunch or dinner experience; one they can enjoy with family and friends. It’s truly an honor for us to open here. Congratulations to SUPER CHIX franchisees Todd Justice, Scott Coffman, and their operating team headed up by Jeremy Tuberville for their third SUPER CHIX® opening,” said Darryl Neider, CEO of SUPER CHIX.

“We are pleased with our growth in 2025 and prospects for 2026 in various markets across the country, and the enthusiasm with which new guests are embracing SUPER CHIX in all locations. The West Ashley, SC restaurant is the 13th SUPER CHIX restaurant to open in 2025 and we look forward to many more in 2026. Next to open will be: Seattle – Maritime, WA; Gastonia, NC; Conyers, GA; and Battleground, WA. The West Ashley, SC SUPER CHIX is our 46th location system wide,” he said.

SUPER CHIX is the premium counter-casual dining experience bringing together superior, fresh ingredients with first-class preparation methods and recipes. SUPER CHIX® is known for its fun fresh vibe with a hip and welcoming dining environment. We’re not a fast-food joint: we serve cooked-to-order hand breaded, never-frozen, crispy and grilled chicken sandwiches, big juicy tenders, and fresh hand-cut seasoned French fried Idaho potatoes — all within reach of our custom sauce bar, offering limitless flavor combinations that keep our guests coming back. Additionally, we’ve mastered six unique hand tossed salads and perfected our premium frozen custard that is churned in-house throughout the day.

Source: QSR Magazine

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2026 Special Event Calendar for Charleston County Parks

*As of 12/18/2025. All dates are tentative and subject to change.

• January 10 • Off-Road Duathlon  Laurel Hill County Park 
• January 16 • Silent Dance Party  Schroder Recreation Center
• January 24 • Fairy House Day  Palmetto Islands County Park 
• January 31 • Inclusive Silent Disco   Wannamaker County Park
• February 7 • Save the Light Half Marathon and 5K  Folly Beach Pier
• February 21 • Senior Sneaker Dance  Lincoln Recreation Center
• February 28 • Senior Sneaker Dance  Schroder Recreation Center
• March 7 • Where the Wild Things Run 5K and Kids Dash Caw Caw Interpretive Center
• March 8 • Palmetto Park Jam  Palmetto Islands County Park
• March 12 • Toast Under the Oaks  Johns Island County Park
• March 14 • Family Camp Jam  Johns Island County Park 
• March 21 • Birds of a Feather Toast Together Caw Caw Interpretive Center
• April 2 • Toast Under the Oaks  Johns Island County Park 
• April 2 • Starlight Yoga  Mount Pleasant Pier
• April 11 • Sunrise Yoga  Caw Caw Interpretive Center
• April 13 • Charleston County Parks Foundation Golf Tournament  Charleston National Golf Club
• April 18 • Lowcountry Cajun Festival  James Island County Park
• April 24 • Dancing on the Cooper  Mount Pleasant Pier  
• April 25 • Sunrise Yoga  Folly Beach County Park
• April 25 • The Boardr Series  SK8 Charleston
• April 29 • Yappy Hour  North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
• May 1 • Moonlight Mixer Folly Beach Pier
• May 6 • Inclusive Superhero Dance Party   Cooper River Room at Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park  
• May 7 • Starlight Yoga  Johns Island County Park
• May 9 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Mount Pleasant Pier
• May 15 • Dancing on the Cooper  Mount Pleasant Pier  
• May 16 • Wheel to Surf Adaptive Surfing  Folly Beach County Park
• May 16 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Folly Beach Pier
• May 16 • The Luau and Bowl Jam  SK8 Charleston
• May 29 • Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series  James Island County Park
• May 31 • Inclusive Swim Night  James Island County Park- Splash Zone
• June 5 • Moonlight Mixer Folly Beach Pier
• June 6 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Mount Pleasant Pier
• June 7 • Inclusive Swim Night  James Island County Park- Splash Zone
• June 12 • Dancing on the Cooper  Mount Pleasant Pier
• June 18 • Yoga Fest  James Island County Park
• June 20 • Inclusive Swim Night  West County Aquatic Center
• June 20 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Folly Beach Pier
• June 21 • Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series Race 1 James Island County Park
• June 26 • Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series  James Island County Park
• June 28 • Inclusive Swim Night  Palmetto Islands County Park – Splash Island
• June 21 • Go Skate Day  SK8 Charleston
• July 9 • Starlight Yoga  Folly Beach County Park
• July 11 • Summer Splash Bash West County Aquatic Center
• July 12 • Inclusive Swim Night  Palmetto Islands County Park- Splash Island 
• July 12 • Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series Race 2 James Island County Park
• July 16 • Inclusive Swim Night North Charleston Wannamaker County Park- Whirlin’ Waters
• July 17 • Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series  James Island County Park
• July 20 • Youth Triathlon Swim Clinic  James Island County Park
• July 24 • Dancing on the Cooper  Mount Pleasant Pier
• July 25 • Inclusive Swim Night North Charleston Wannamaker County Park- Whirlin’ Waters
• July 25 • Youth Triathlon  James Island County Park
• July 26 • Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series Race 3  James Island County Park
• July 31 • Moonlight Mixer Folly Beach Pier
• August 1 • Back to School Kickoff  Lincoln Recreation Center
• August 7 • Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series  James Island County Park
• August 9 • Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series Championship Race  James Island County Park
• August 15 • Inclusive Prom  Gym at Mount Pleasant Town Hall 
• August 15 • Dog Day Afternoon  Splash Zone Waterpark at James Island County Park
• August 15 • Dog Day Afternoon  Splash Island Waterpark at Palmetto Islands County Park
• August 21 • Moonlight Mixer Folly Beach Pier
• August 22 • Sunrise Yoga  Mount Pleasant Pier
• September 3 • Yappy Hour  James Island County Park
• August 19 • Wildcard Event  SK8 Charleston
• September 5 • Sunrise Yoga  Kiawah Beachwalker Park
• September 10 • Starlight Yoga  Mount Pleasant Pier
• September 11 • Dancing on the Cooper  Mount Pleasant Pier 
• September 12 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Folly Beach Pier 
• September 13 • Dog Day Afternoon  Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark at Wannamaker County Park
• September 18 • Moonlight Mixer Folly Beach Pier
• September 19 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Mount Pleasant Pier
• September 26 • Birds of a Feather Toast Together Caw Caw Interpretive Center
• October 3 • Holy City Hustle Marathon Relay, Half Marathon and 5K, Kids Dash Johns Island County Park
• October 3 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Folly Beach Pier
• October 4 • Latin American Festival North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
• October 11 • Palmetto Park Jam  Palmetto Islands County Park
• October 15 • Starlight Yoga  Wannamaker County Park
• October 17 • Fall Family Festival West County Aquatic Center
• October 17 • Cast Off Fishing Tournament  Mount Pleasant Pier
• October 31 • Trick, Treat and Trail Family Fun Run, Walk and Stroll  Wannamaker County Park
• October 28 • Ghouls & Groms  SK8 Charleston
• November 7 • Harvest Festival  Johns Island County Park
• November 7 • Shake Your Trail Feathers 5K/10K/Kids Dash Laurel Hill County Park 
• November 9 • Starlight Yoga  James Island County Park
• November 11 & 12 • Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run & Walk  James Island County Park 
• November 13 • Holiday Festival of Lights Opening Night  James Island County Park 
• December 2 • Holiday Hoedown Park Circle Community Building
• December 6 • Inclusive Santa  James Island County Park
• December 9 • Ugly Sweater Party  SK8 Charleston
• December 13 • Inclusive Santa  James Island County Park
• December 18 • Silent Dance Party  Lincoln Recreation Center
• December 31 • Holiday Festival of Lights Fireworks Show  James Island County Park

Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission / 861 Riverland Dr. / Charleston, SC 29412 / (843) 795-4386 / CharlestonCountyParks.com

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By Mark A Leon

How often has the phrase, “it’s a small world” come into your personal narrative?   Perhaps never more poignant than the 23rd Annual Dickens Dinner at Circa 1886 this past Thursday.

After spending a charming evening of eloquent storytelling of Tim Lowry which fell nothing short of a Broadwayesque one-person narration of Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol” the room, unassisted, found their way to the corner of the upstairs dining room of Circa 1886 in a community group photo.  Yet, behind all the smiles and the common shared experience, new individual friendships arose.

Friendships inspired from Dickens

Let me share one.  Using the phrase “middle man” is an understatement.   After spending much of the evening conversating with a wonderful couple from North Myrtle Beach to my left, I uncovered a true love story.  After meeting and courting in college and then moving on to separate lives and families, this couple re-united 25 years later to discover a love that still remained.   

Now 25 years removed from their second encounter, they are about to celebrate their fourth grandchild this coming April.   If she is named Ashley, I won’t take full responsibility, but may have helped.

That isn’t the complete story…

At the end of the night, it was discovered, over a discussion about Christmas prime rib with the couple to my right (told you I was the middle man), that these two couples have residences less than one mile from one another in North Myrtle Beach. 

After exchanging numbers (pen and paper) they have a started to formulate a future steak dinner couples date.

That delightful couple to my right, whose primary residence is Mount Pleasant had their own 2025 miracle story.   The gentleman survived a stroke which MUSC Health doctors gave a 5% – 10% chance of survival.  Not only survived but a full recovery and let me tell you, he looked great.  After telling the story and recalling reading the notes of the surgery from MUSC, he described the event and his life as humbling and fortunate.

An amazing night of unexpected relationship building centered around one of the most important literary storytellers in history under the roof of a heralded culinary institutes.  

Now that is a Charleston story! 

A Night of Memorable Dining and Storytelling

Tim Lowry, author, storyteller, historical ambassador and now honored to be partnering with Circa 1886 for his 23rd year, is a gift.  

A true storyteller whose timing, charm, eloquent demeanor and passion to bring life to words was engrossing.  To see his smiling face slide in and out of the dining room between each of the four courses filled the heart with a sense of childhood wonder.   Tim brought to life Dickens and Scrooge in a way I have never witnessed.  

Channeling the characters both living and spirited with zest, determination and raw emotional power was brilliantly choreographed.  

With carefully placed banter and ad lib sensibility, Tim dictated the flow of the narrative while connecting with each of us in his own way.  An entertainer, through and through.

The 23rd Annual Dickens Dinner was one of the most authentic and beautifully traditional Christmas themed events I have been fortunate enough to attend this season in Charleston.

Thank you Tim, Circa 1886 and Charming Inns.

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By Mark A Leon

This past Tuesday, December 16, at Joint Base Charleston, Blue Angels Lieutenant Ronny “Downy” Hafeza and Lieutenant Commander Lily “Lunchbox” Montana stood proudly beside their gleaming F/A-18F Super Hornets, ready to share the extraordinary story behind America’s premier flight demonstration squadron. 

Several members of the Lowcountry journalistic community spent a few minutes learning more about this honored group of indivuals, the history of the Blue Angels, the selection process, their peronal inspirations and the mission behind the annual national tour.  

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary and the Blue Angels celebrate their 80th year, the upcoming May 2-3, 2026 air show at Joint Base Charleston promises to be more than just a spectacular aerial display – it’s a tribute to service, precision, and inspiration.

For Lieutenant Hafeza, who joined the team just three months ago, the experience is deeply humbling. “Every time I’m up in the jet and look over my shoulder, I see the blue and yellow, and I’m constantly reminded that this team has trusted me to carry on their mission,” he shared. His journey to the Blue Angels began decades ago, sparked by a pivotal moment in 1996 when he watched the diamond formation in San Francisco and knew instantly that this was his calling.

Lieutenant Commander Montana’s path was equally inspiring. Stationed in Pensacola, she was drawn to the Blue Angels while serving in another command, fascinated by the team’s mission and the possibilities for naval flight officers. Now, she’s living that dream, bringing her passion to every performance.

The team’s upcoming Charleston air show is more than just an aerial demonstration. It’s part of a larger celebration of American service and achievement. With the nation marking its 250th anniversary, the Blue Angels have planned a series of special commemorative events, including an international aerial review over New York City on July 4th and flyovers in Boston, Maryland, and Baltimore.

What makes the Blue Angels truly special is their commitment to more than just aerial acrobatics. As Lieutenant Hafeza eloquently explained, “We don’t only showcase teamwork and professionalism. We hope to inspire service to country.” This mission is reflected in every precisely executed maneuver, from their iconic opposing MRT (Minimum Radius Turn) to their meticulously practiced formation flying.

The team comprises 160 dedicated members, including 17 officers, enlisted sailors, marines, and civilian support staff. Each member understands the profound responsibility of representing the 800,000 service men and women who serve the United States.

Their selection process is rigorous. Potential team members are invited to attend shows, essentially participating in a year-long job interview. Applicants will be notified in May, with finalists spending a week in Pensacola before the final selection on the morning of the Pensacola Beach Air Show.

For Lieutenant Commander Montana, the most impressive moments come during solo maneuvers that demonstrate the F-18’s maximum performance capabilities. Imagine a solo pilot approaching at 400 miles per hour, executing a 270-degree turn to cross paths with another jet, all while maintaining breathtaking precision that leaves crowds in awe.

As the Blue Angels prepare for the Charleston air show, they carry with them a legacy of inspiration. “We hope to inspire children to dream big,” Lieutenant Hafeza said, his eyes reflecting the weight of that mission. “When we see little kids with big, open eyes, wanting to do what we do – that means everything.”

For those planning to attend, the Blue Angels invite you to bring your families, your curiosity, and your sense of wonder. The May 2-3, 2026 air show at Joint Base Charleston promises to be more than a performance – it’s a celebration of American aviation, service, and the enduring spirit of those who dare to reach for the sky.

Stay connected and learn more about the upcoming Charleston Air Show at https://bit.ly/4s6HgjD. 

Follow Charleston Daily at www.charlestondaily.net

Photo Credit: Jenny Hurd and Mark A Leon

Donzelle’s Restaurant has been serving the Conway community since 1962, and for the first time, it will not be open in the new year. Regular customers expressed shock at the news of the closure.

“You know you feel at home when you’re here,” said Branden Bessant, a regular at Donzelle’s Restaurant.

The closure has been devastating for regulars who learned their go-to spot will be no more next week. Customers said they will miss more than just the food.

“I wanna cry right now, we miss this place,” said Andrea Larson. “We’re gonna miss this place. These people put out the most incredible pork you’ve ever had. Roast pork, and their country vegetables, and they have all good food here.”

Larson said she and her family have driven over from Myrtle Beach every week to eat at Donzelle’s for about 10 years. She said she is distraught over what they will do going forward.

“Nowadays things are getting so impersonal in the area, and to be honest with you, there’s nowhere around here that’ll be as comfortable as this has been over the last 50 years,” said regular Darrell Langston.

The sense of family at the restaurant is what is hitting regulars the hardest. Donzelle’s Restaurant owner Marley Crotts said there are multiple reasons for closing, such as relocation and retirements, but she will certainly miss everyone.

“When you walk through these doors, you’re family, you’re part of the Dickerson family, and that’s the way it’s been since 1962, and to think about the lack of social interaction that I’m gonna face on a daily basis is kinda unfathomable to be honest,” said Donzelle’s Restaurant owner Marley Crotts. “It’s unreal, it’s like a dream I wanna wake up from.”

Crotts said this is not the end of Donzelle’s story.

She fully intends to bring the restaurant back in some capacity in the future, but for now, a break is needed.

Source: WMBF News

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By Mark A. Leon

In the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, a culinary renaissance is brewing at Eli’s Table, where Executive Chef Michael Reiley is reimagining Southern cuisine through a lens of diverse cultural experiences. Reiley’s journey is a testament to the power of travel, technique, and passion in creating memorable dining experiences.

A nomadic chef with roots spanning multiple states and territories, Reiley brings a unique perspective to Charleston’s vibrant food scene. “I’m a traveling chef,” he explains. “I’ve cooked in Oregon, California, my home state of Pennsylvania, and even spent time in Puerto Rico.” This geographical diversity isn’t just a professional footnote—it’s the secret ingredient in Reiley’s innovative menu.

At Eli’s Table, Reiley isn’t just serving food; he’s telling stories through carefully crafted dishes that blend regional traditions with personal memories. Take, for instance, his signature shrimp and grits—a Southern staple transformed by a Caribbean twist. “I’m trying to bring a little influence to these Southern classics,” Reiley shares. “Our shrimp and grits has a Creole coconut flavor that I learned when I was cooking in Puerto Rico.”

The menu is a carefully curated journey, where each dish represents a chapter of Reiley’s culinary narrative. The Southern crab cake with Creole bourbon butter pays homage to his time in the Baltimore area, while the duck and waffles—featuring a butternut squash waffle and meticulously brined duck—showcases his commitment to reinventing classic combinations.

One standout dish, which Reiley admits started as an experimental “soup of the day,” has become a menu mainstay: the roasted bone marrow French onion soup. “It’s very rich,” he notes with evident pride. “It comes with crostinis, a smear of bone marrow, and fried onions, with a really rich bone marrow broth that’s really come out.”

Reiley envisions Eli’s Table as more than just a restaurant—it’s an intimate culinary sanctuary. “I think we’ve created a really cozy atmosphere,” he explains. While welcoming to tourists, the restaurant is particularly aimed at locals seeking a unique dining experience. The expanded bar, now triple its original size, serves as a social hub where industry professionals and food enthusiasts can connect.

The restaurant’s concept balances sophistication with accessibility. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a business meeting, or a casual evening at the bar, Eli’s Table offers something special. “It’s not loud,” Reiley emphasizes, “and it provides a unique experience for locals who might have seen similar dishes in Charleston before.”

His recommendations reveal the depth of his culinary philosophy: the Southern crab cake as an appetizer, the bone marrow French onion soup for those seeking something extraordinary, and the creole shrimp and grits as a must-try main course. Each dish is a carefully constructed narrative of flavor, technique, and cultural fusion.

With the re-opening of Eli’s Table, Charleston gains more than just a restaurant—it welcomes a culinary storyteller who transforms local ingredients into global conversations. Michael Reiley isn’t just cooking; he’s creating edible memoirs that capture the essence of his remarkable journey.

In the words of the chef himself, “I’m trying to take these dishes I’ve seen around and put a little spin on them from the different places I’ve been, while keeping it Southern fine dining.” And that, perhaps, is the most exciting ingredient of all.

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