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JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — The Lowcountry Cajun Festival will return at James Island County Park on April 22 from noon to 6 p.m.

New for 2023, festival admission will be charged per vehicle, and tickets are available for advance purchase, according to a Feb. 23 press release. A limited number of vehicles will be admitted. Tickets will be $35 per standard vehicle of up to 15 people in advance. If available, tickets at the gate will be $40 per vehicle. For additional details and to purchase tickets, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.

Gold Passes will be valid for vehicle admission; the pass must be presented at the gate for entry. Gold Passes will not be sold on site the day of the festival, but may be purchased in advance online. Receipt of purchase will not be accepted, according to the press release.

Read more: Lowcountry Cajun Festival returns to James Island County Park on Saturday

According to the press release, the 2023 Lowcountry Cajun Festival entertainment lineup is Shrimp City Slim Swamp All-Stars from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Les Freres Michot from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Corey Arceneaux & The Zydeco Hot Peppers from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The festival's small stage will host Friends of Coastal South Carolina for a program called “Who Calls the Swamp Home?” at 1 p.m. and the annual Crawfish Eating Contest will take place at 2:30 p.m., according to the press release. Other festivities include a crafters' market, souvenirs for sale and a kids' area.

Read more: Lowcountry Cajun Festival

Children can enjoy access to the inflatables and climbing wall in the kids' area all day with the purchase of a $10 hand stamp. Credit cards will be accepted at select locations, but attendees are encouraged to bring cash for convenience purposes, according to the press release.

No coolers or outside food or alcohol permitted, according to the press release. Carpooling is highly encouraged. Pets are not permitted to this event. James Island County Park will be closed to regular park guests on April 22 in order to host the festival.

The press release says Lowcountry Cajun Festival is presented by Charleston Animal Society, Coca-Cola and Charleston County Parks. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com or call 843-795-4386.

CHARLESTON, S.C., March 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toll Brothers, Inc (NYSE:TOL), the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes, today announced its newest community of luxury homes, Toll Brothers at Verdier Pointe, is coming soon to the desirable West Ashley area of Charleston, South Carolina. Located just minutes from the heart of West Ashley and Downtown Charleston, Toll Brothers at Verdier Pointe will include 101 home sites. The community will offer six attached single-family home designs ranging from 1,516 to over 1,987 square feet, each built with outstanding quality, craftsmanship, and value for which Toll Brothers is known. Construction of the sales center and model home will be underway soon, and sales will begin in the late summer of 2023.

“With floor plans designed for today’s home buyers and unrivaled personalization options available, Toll Brothers at Verdier Pointe will offer residents the best in luxury low-maintenance living in one of Charleston’s most desirable areas,” said Jason Simpson, Division President of Toll Brothers in South Carolina. “We are excited to bring our stunning collection of attached home designs to this very special community.”

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0847e5f7-65cc-4781-86ca-cb2d410849d1

Home buyers will enjoy proximity to nearby shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, and recreational destinations, including West Ashley Circle, Westwood Plaza, Folly Beach, West Ashley Greenway, several waterways, as well as a plethora of nearby golf courses, and more. Children will attend schools in the highly acclaimed Charleston County School District.

Major highways including 7, 17, 61, US 526, and Bees Ferry Road are easily accessible from Toll Brothers at Verdier Pointe, offering homeowners convenient access to Charleston, James Island, beaches, and more.

Additional Toll Brothers new home communities in the Charleston area include Carnes Crossroads, Forest Edge by Toll Brothers, Hawthorne Landing, Laurel Oaks, and Point Hope.

For more information and to register for the Toll Brothers at Verdier Pointe VIP list, call (866) 232-1717 or visit TollBrothers.com/SC.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d627ea16-9773-4ea6-a311-9a6fc2201329

About Toll BrothersToll Brothers, Inc., a Fortune 500 Company, is the nation's leading builder of luxury homes. The Company was founded 56 years ago in 1967 and became a public company in 1986. Its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TOL.” The Company serves first-time, move-up, empty-nester, active-adult, and second-home buyers, as well as urban and suburban renters. Toll Brothers builds in over 60 markets in 24 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington, as well as in the District of Columbia. The Company operates its own architectural, engineering, mortgage, title, land development, golf course development, smart home technology, and landscape subsidiaries. The Company also operates its own lumber distribution, house component assembly, and manufacturing operations.

Toll Brothers was named the #1 Home Builder in Fortune magazine’s 2023 survey of the World’s Most Admired Companies®, the eighth year it has been so honored. Toll Brothers has also been named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and is the first two-time recipient of Builder of the Year from Professional Builder magazine. For more information visit TollBrothers.com.

©2023 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse the products or services of, Toll Brothers.

Sent by Toll Brothers via Regional Globe Newswire (TOLL-REG)

Sitting at his desk overlooking the green grass of Founders Park, Mark Kingston was loose and jovial Thursday afternoon — a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

Through the first month of action, the South Carolina baseball coach has steered his No. 16 Gamecocks to a 17-1 record, sparking a renewed enthusiasm around the program. But Kingston knows as much as anyone that the season’s true test comes in SEC play, set to begin for the Gamecocks this weekend at Georgia.

As players boarded the bus for Athens on Thursday, Kingston talked about the important opportunity that lies ahead for the Gamecocks — a chance to truly test their mettle.

“I think we’re all in the phase of, ‘Let’s see what this looks like against other SEC teams,’ ” Kingston said, “because most of the SEC teams have had good nonconference seasons — all the coaches in the league. I talked to (coach Scott) Stricklin this morning from Georgia, and he’s waiting to see how his team looks against us and we’re waiting to see how our team looks against them.”

In some respects, the Bulldogs and Gamecocks might feel like they’re looking in the mirror when they match up 6 p.m. Friday — barring a possible rain postponement. Though UGA (13-6) comes into the game unranked, the Bulldogs boast a veteran, power-heavy lineup that stacks up with the kind of numbers USC has put up this season.

USC (48 home runs) and UGA (41 home runs) rank first and third, respectively, in the country in homers, and both teams rank in the top 10 in scoring and slugging percentage. UGA’s veteran sluggers Charlie Condon and Connor Tate are both hitting above .500 and have 15 combined homers, while newcomers like powerful freshman Ethan Petry and Vanderbilt transfer Gavin Casas have added juice to USC’s lineup.

Despite their near perfect start, the Gamecocks rank 69th in RPI due to a pedestrian non-conference strength of schedule. It’s more than likely, if not expected, that USC’s offensive numbers will come back down to earth against some of the premium arms in league play.

The Gamecocks will see two such pitchers with UGA’s weekend one-two punch of lefties Jaden Woods and Liam Sullivan. Both have racked up strikeouts during non-conference play, and Woods can touch the mid-90s with his fastball, presenting a challenge for USC’s bats.

“He’s got good stuff,” third baseman Talmadge LeCroy said of Woods. “He’s got a good fastball. He’s gonna come right after us, and that’s the big thing. We’re gonna have to go in there thinking that they’re gonna throw those fastballs like people have thrown in the past, and we’re gonna be ready to hit it.”

Of course, UGA will need to contend with a deep USC pitching staff, which ranks fifth in the country with a 2.55 ERA. After trying to juggle multiple injuries last season, pitching coach Justin Parker has had much more to work with, thanks to the return of a healthy Jack Mahoney and James Hicks and the addition of hard-throwing freshman Eli Jerzembeck.

This weekend’s series is one that could provide some answers for Kingston and the Gamecocks about where they stand in the conference, and Kingston is optimistic his players will be up for the task.

“I think the manner in which we’ve won a great majority of our games — we haven’t squeaked by for the most of our wins,” Kingston said. “I think we’ve won pretty convincingly. I think when you look at the stat sheet, you see numbers that aren’t that dependent on who you’re playing. I think you’re seeing a good number of stolen bases, you’re seeing power, which when you square the ball up against somebody it doesn’t matter who you’re playing. I think the fact that we had good pitching; I think the fact that our defense has been trending in a really good direction the last 10 games.

“I just think your eye test tells you that you have the pieces there that you need to compete.”

When: Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.

Where: Athens, Georgia

USC probable pitchers: Will Sanders, Noah Hall, Jack Mahoney

UGA probable pitchers: Jaden Woods, Liam Sullivan, TBA

TV/Streaming: SEC Network Plus on Friday and Saturday, SEC Network on Sunday

Chefs, restaurateurs, and investors in North and South Carolina continue to open restaurants and bars at an increasing pace. As always, Eater is obsessively tracking the progression of all the premiers — from menu releases to newly installed signage, come here for the latest updates. This list encapsulates the places garnering excitement this spring.

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Location: 697 Haywood Road Key Players: Chef/restaurateur Meherwan IraniProjected Opening: JuneAfter successful stints in Atlanta and Charlotte, Indian restaurant Botiwalla expands to West Asheville in the former BimBeriBon space. Botiwalla comes from Chai Pani owner Meherwan Irani and focuses on late-night foods of India, like chicken tikka skewers, lamb burgers, chaat,

Location: 56 Patton Avenue in the S&W Market Key Players: Katie Grabach and Peyton Barrell Projected Opening: SoonThe newest addition to Asheville food hall the S&W Market, Gourmand will be a spot for cheese, charcuterie, wine, oysters, and baguette sandwiches from New Orleans couple Katie Grabach and Peyton Barrell. Look for plenty of rillettes, terrines, and pickled eggs too.

Location: 1400 Patton Avenue Key Players: Pitmaster Elliott Moss Projected Opening: Late springFollowing the surprise opening of Little Louie’s in March, former Buxton Hall Barbecue chef Elliott Moss will open another comfort food spot named Regina’s. The restaurant will be an homage to greasy spoon diners of the past with plenty of classics on the menu.

Also, keep an eye on:• Areta’s (Mission Hospital Area)• Good Hot Fish (Unknown)

CARY, NORTH CAROLINA

Location: Mixed-use development FentonKey Players: Chef/owner Scott CrawfordProjected Opening: SoonChef Scott Crawford (Crawford and Son, Jolie, and Crawford Cookshop) continues the expansion of his empire with the forthcoming opening of Crawford Brothers Steakhouse. The latest addition will be Crawford’s playground for American steakhouse classics, specializing in dry-aged beef.

Also, keep an eye on:• Doc B’s Restaurant (Fenton)• Saap (Downtown)

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Location: 128 Columbus StreetKey Players: David and Tina SchuttenbergProjected Opening: JuneThe owners of James Island Sichuan restaurant Kwei Fei, David and Tina Schuttenberg, will soon bring Cantonese cuisine to downtown development the Guild. Beautiful South will offer dishes from the couple’s popular Lady Xian pop-up, like golden fried rice, char sui lo mein, General Tso chicken, and more. The menu will evolve from there to offer a range of items from southern China (hence the name) and dim sum.

Location: 1640 Meeting Street RoadKey Players: Nick Dowling and Jeremiah SchenzelProjected Opening: SpringFrom the team behind popular breakfast spot Dap’s, Cleats will be a restaurant featuring sports and sandwiches, which sounds commonplace, but co-owners Nick Dowling and Jeremiah Schenzel don’t do boring. They’re calling it a “sporty sammy public house.”

Location: 15 Beaufain StreetKey Players: Chef Michael Toscano and partner Caitlin ToscanoProjected Opening: SpringLe Farfalle chef Michael Toscano will bring his cult-favorite porchetta sandwich to the West Side, along with other breakfast and lunch items, all on the shop’s housemade focaccia. “The whole place is based around our focaccia — there’s no other bread,” says Toscano, “Imagine having a crusty, warm piece of focaccia with ricotta and a seasonal marmellata for breakfast.”

Location: 251 Meeting StreetKey Players: Chef/owner Maryam Ghaznavi and husband Raheel GaubaProjected Opening: SoonPakistani restaurant Ma’am Saab started as a pop-up, went into a food stall at Workshop, and will now set up residence in the former Jestine’s Kitchen space on Meeting Street. Ma’am Saab serves comfort food from Pakistan, like kababs, pakoras, and more.

Location: 2366 Ashley River RoadKey Players: Pitmaster Hector GarateProjected Opening: March 2023Pitmaster Hector Garate wanted to join the new wave of smoked meat aficionados putting their unique cultural spin on what is typically considered American barbecue. What started as a hobby, smoking brisket for his family, became pop-up Palmira Barbecue and is now set to be a brick-and-mortar establishment. Garate pulls the best bits of flavors and techniques from Texas, North Carolina, and his native home Puerto Rico to create his menu of juicy beef cheeks, smoky pulled pork, and rich barbacoa.

Also, keep an eye on:• Chameleon Club (Downtown)• Clarence Foster’s Cookery & Saloon (Downtown)• Colectivo (Johns Island)• Costa (Downtown)• Da Toscano Porchetta Shop (Downtown)• King BBQ (North Charleston)• Matador (Downtown)• Mix (Mount Pleasant)• The Pickle Bar (Summerville)• Sugey’s (Downtown)

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Location: 1220 South Tryon StreetKey Players: Restaurateurs Greg and Subrina CollierProjected Opening: SpringBeloved breakfast eatery Uptown Yolk will reopen in a bigger space in South End. Look for chicken and waffles, cheesy grits, French toast, breakfast sandwiches, and more.

Also, keep an eye on:• Chapter 6 (South End)• Maíz, Agua, Sal (West Charlotte)• Pizza Baby (Wesley Heights)• Rosemont Market and Wine Bar (Elizabeth)• State of Confusion (LoSo)• The Club House Kitchen & Cocktails (Plaza Midwood)

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA

Location: 300 Blackwell Street, in the American Tobacco CampusKey Players: Restaurateurs Zweli and Leonardo WilliamsProjected Opening: SoonRestaurateurs Zweli and Leonardo Williams opened Zimbabwean restaurant Zweli’s in 2018, and now they will expand with a second establishment named Ekhaya. Located in Durham’s American Tobacco Campus, in the former Saladelia space, Ekhaya will focus on cuisine from Bantu communities from across Africa, served tapas-style, in a high-end setting.

Location: Boxyard RTPKey Players: Pitmaster Jake WoodProjected Opening: Early 2023Pitmaster Jake Wood (Lawrence BBQ and Lagoon) created a frenzy in Raleigh when he introduced a birria taco special utilizing his smoked brisket. This sparked the idea for Leroy’s Tacos n Beers, which will serve birria, Tajin wings, micheladas, and more — all with a side of ‘90s nostalgia in the vibes and decor.

Location: 810 North Mangum StreetKey Players: Chef Oscar DiazProjected Opening: Early AprilThe chef behind lauded Raleigh restaurant Cortez Seafood + Cocktail, Oscar Diaz, branches out to Durham with the opening of Little Bull this spring. Diaz wants to redefine American comfort food through his view as a first-generation Mexican-American who grew up in Chicago and ended up in the South. Look for items like dumplings stuffed with birria and served with giardiniera chimi churri and confit papas.

Location: 806 West Main StreetKey Players: Chef Matt KellyProjected Opening: SpringDurham darling Nana’s opened in 1992, under chef Scott Howell, as a fine dining restaurant and quickly rose to acclaim. The menu was seasonal new Southern cuisine with heavy French and Italian influences. After the restaurant closed, chef Matt Kelly (Mateo, Mother & Sons, and Vin Rouge) took an interest and decided he wanted to keep the tradition going. “Nana’s has always been a great neighborhood restaurant in the American South,” says Kelly, “and that’s what I want to do.”

Also, keep an eye on:• Emmy Squared (Downtown)• Max Jr.’s (Brightleaf District)

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA

Keep an eye on:• Brodeto (Raleigh Iron Works)• Sapo and Coqui (Unknown)• The Mill (Olde Raleigh Village Shopping Center)• The Preserve (Unknown)• Village Tavern (North Hills)

The City of Charleston’s Planning Commission on Wednesday will review plans for a new residential development on James Island.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Charleston’s Planning Commission on Wednesday will review plans for a new residential development on James Island.

The property has both low-lying wetlands and high ground, which appears to be causing concern for some James Island residents.

One James Island resident, Franny Henty, said she is concerned about the flooding problems that developments in low-lying areas may cause for surrounding neighbors.

Developers are proposing to build the ‘Harbor View Towns’ near the intersection of the James Island Expressway and Harbor View Road. According to the submitted plans, it will consist of six single-family and 10 multifamily units.

Henty lives off of Folly Road, right near Publix.

With the multiple jurisdictions interacting on James Island, she said she hopes the city is being careful with its stormwater retention plan, especially considering the low-lying areas and wetlands on the property.

“Adding so much development can flood out the neighbors, and that’s not apparent immediately, its apparent years later, Henty said.

City of Charleston Director of Planning, Preservation and Sustainability Robert Summerfield said the majority of the property is high land, but the portion of the property containing wetlands will be “pretty significantly” buffered away.

He said the developer’s plans include a stormwater retention plan, and even though the multiple jurisdictions can be confusing from a planning perspective, he is confident in the city’s stormwater requirements.

“This property is in the city, this property is not, and so on and so forth. But this one is in the city, has to meet all of our requirements. And again, our stormwater requirements, I would put those up against any in the state in terms of their stringent requirements to safeguard against future, and particularly downstream, flooding,” Summerfield said.

We are waiting to hear from the developer for comment.

Today’s planning commission meeting will take place at 5:00 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room on the first floor of 2 George Street.

The meeting will also be live streamed and recorded on the City of Charleston Public Meetings YouTube channel.

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