Golf cart rentals in North Charleston, SC

The performance is on Friday, May 19.

Acclaimed comedian, actor, and entrepreneur Druski announced today his first-ever, headlining comedy tour titled, Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda, presented by Happy Dad Hard Seltzer includes a stop at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on May 19. Tickets go on sale Friday, march 17 at 10AM at Ticketmaster.com or 4LIFERSWORLD.COM

The 34-city tour will feature a combination of traditional comedic stand-up, as well as a live element of Druski's renowned record label, "Coulda Been Records," with segments that rose to prominence on Instagram Live. In the "Coulda Been Records" social media sessions, Druski facetiously offers aspiring performers an opportunity to showcase their skills online in front of millions. Now, as part of the tour, these prospective entertainers will have the chance to perform for a live audience for the first time ever.

"It's a dream come true to headline my own comedy tour," Druski said. "I've been fortunate to tour alongside several of the biggest musicians in the world and get valuable experience, but now I'm ready to take the next step in my career. I'm coming off my most successful year in comedy and it's time to show the world my growth as an entertainer."

Most recently, Druski served as the opener for Chris Brown and Lil Baby's joint "One of Them Ones" tour, during the Summer of 2022. He was also the official host of J. Cole's "The Off-Season" arena tour in 2021 that also included appearances by 21 Savage and Morray.

Since his breakthrough, Druski has evolved into a multi-hyphenate force, having been tapped to appear in music videos for the likes of Drake, Jack Harlow, Chloe Bailey, Lil Yachty and more. Additionally, he's starred in a wide array of commercials for brands such as Bud Light Seltzer, Beats By Dre, AT&T, Call of Duty, Mountain Dew, KFC, Happy Dad Hard Seltzer, and Google Pixel.

Druski also has several TV and film productions in the works and, most notably, will appear alongside Chloe Bailey & Quavo in the comedy, "Praise This," produced by Will Packer.

Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Tour (Leg 1)

March 2, 2023 - Richmond, VA - Altria Theatre

March 3, 2023 - Washington, DC - DAR Constitution Hall

March 4, 2023 - Baltimore, MD - The Lyric

March 9, 2023 - Cleveland, OH - KeyBank State Theater

March 10, 2023 - Detroit, MI - Fox Theatre

March 11, 2023 - Toronto, ON - Meridian Hall

March 17, 2023 - San Antonio, TX - Majestic Theatre

March 18, 2023 - Sugarland, TX - Smart Financial Centre

March 24, 2023 - Austin, TX - ACL Live at The Moody Theatre

March 25, 2023 - Dallas, TX - Texas Trust CU Theatre

March 30, 2023 - Memphis, TN - Orpheum Theatre

March 31, 2023 - Birmingham, AL - BJCC

April 1, 2023 - New Orleans, LA - Mahalia Jackson Theatre

April 13, 2023 - Albany, NY - Palace Theatre

April 14, 2023 - Boston, MA - Boch Center Wang Theatre

April 15, 2023 - New York, NY - Beacon Theatre

April 17, 2023 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium

April 20, 2023 - Columbia SC - Township Auditorium

April 21, 2023 - Charlotte, NC - Ovens Auditorium

April 22, 2023 - Durham, NC - Durham Performing Arts Center

April 27, 2023 - Tampa, FL - Carol Morsani Hall

April 28, 2023 - Orlando, FL - Walt Disney Theater

April 29, 2023 - Miami, FL - Knight Center

May 4, 2023 - Cincinnati, OH - Taft Theatre

May 5, 2023 - Columbus, OH - Palace Theater

May 6, 2023 - Pittsburgh, PA - Heinz Hall

May 11, 2023 - Minneapolis, MN - Orpheum Theatre

May 12, 2023 - Milwaukee, WI - Riverside Theater

May 13, 2023 - Chicago, IL - The Chicago Theater

May 19, 2023 - N. Charleston, SC - North Charleston Performing Arts Center

May 20, 2023 - Atlanta, GA - Cobb Energy Centre

July 7, 2023 - Seattle, WA - Paramount Theatre

July 8, 2023 - Portland, OR - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

July 13, 2023 - San Jose, CA - San Jose Civic

July 14, 2023 - Los Angeles, CA - Microsoft Theater

July 15, 2023 - San Diego, CA - San Diego Civic Theater

Saudi Arabian carriers today announced plans to buy up to 121 of North Charleston’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

The two airlines account for at least 78 aircraft with options that could mean as many as 43 additional Dreamliners, according to a Boeing news release. In total, the carriers today announced their intent to purchase up to 121 Dreamliners in what will be the fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing's history, according to a news release.

Riyadh Air revealed that the new Saudi Arabian carrier has chosen the 787 Dreamliner to power its global launch and support its goal of “operating one of the most efficient and sustainable fleets in the world,” the company said in the news release.

Riyadh Air said it will purchase 39 of the 787-9s, with options for an additional 33. Based in the capital city, Riyadh Air is owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the news release said.

This agreement is part of Saudi Arabia's wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub, the release said, with a goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030.

"The new airline reflects the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air travel and be a true disrupter in terms of customer experience," Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said in the release.

"Riyadh Air's commitment to its customers will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience,” Douglas said in the release. “By positioning the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia, our new 787-9 airplanes will serve as a foundation for our worldwide operations, as we build the wider network and connect our guests to Saudi Arabia and many destinations around the world.”

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian Airlines, known as Saudia, announced the national flag-carrier will grow its long-haul fleet with the selection of up to 49 787 Dreamliners. Saudia has agreed to purchase 39 787s, with options for 10 more. The news release said the airline is looking for planes with outstanding efficiency, range and flexibility to sustainably grow its global operation. The agreement will include both 787-9 and 787-10 models.

Related article: United Airlines orders 100 Dreamliners with option for 100 more

Related article: Hong Kong airline’s growth plan includes new order for North Charleston Boeing

Related article: Overseas airline orders 20 Charleston-based Boeing 787-9s, with option for more

"Saudia continues its expansion efforts in all aspects of the airline; whether it's introducing new destinations or increasing the aircraft fleet," His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group, said in the release. "The agreement with Boeing delivers on this commitment and the newly added aircraft will further enable Saudia to fulfill its strategic objective of bringing the world to the kingdom.”

Saudia currently operates more than 50 Boeing airplanes on its long-haul network, including the 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliner.

"Adding to its 787 Dreamliner fleet will enable Saudia to expand its long-haul service with outstanding range, capacity and efficiency," Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in the release. "After more than 75 years of partnership, we are honored by Saudia’s confidence in Boeing products and will continue to support Saudi Arabia's goal to expand sustainable air travel."

Although assembly takes part in stages at various sites, the Boeing Dreamliner program is based in North Charleston. The site is home to the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 programs.

A state lawmaker is proposing a bill that would remove North Charleston from the Charleston County School District and create a new district.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A state lawmaker is proposing a bill that would remove North Charleston from the Charleston County School District and create a new district.

District 113 Rep. Marvin Pendarvis filed the bill Wednesday afternoon, saying that needs are not being met in the city of North Charleston.

“We’re here because we care about the quality of education in our schools,” Pendarvis said. “We’re here because the city of North Charleston, there’s a number of underperforming schools that lie within the City of North Charleston. We’re here for good reason, and I hope through collaboration and continuing the conversation we’ll be able to get something done.”

State law lays out how school districts can be formed and broken up.

According to 59-17-20, only an act from the state legislature or by authorization of the county boards of education can break up a district. Even then, the boards of education still need to meet certain conditions.

In a statement from the office of Attorney General Alan Wilson those conditions are as follows:

In (b), both districts involved would have to have a petition signed by at least four-fifths of the registered voters in the district. In (c), the districts would need only one-third of the voters to sign a petition but would then also have to have a vote on it called by the county board of education.

Earlier in the day, North Charleston’s mayor confirmed the city is exploring what would be required to withdraw schools in the city from the Charleston County School District.

Mayor Keith Summey said on Wednesday morning North Charleston City Council will explore breaking away from the school district to create their own.

“I think council is concerned about the number of failing schools that we have and what we can do generate more opportunity for the kids coming up in North Charleston,” he said. “It’s not anything that’s in concrete. It’s something that we’re looking at the possibility of.”

The effort, he says, is in a research phase to determine if the idea of pulling schools from the Charleston County School District is feasible, adding it would not be a “fast-paced” project.

Summey said he believes the city contributes more than what they are getting from the school district. He said the majority of failing schools in the district are in North Charleston.

“A community, at the end of the day, is only as strong as the education we can provide for our children, and we just want to make sure that our kids are getting the top chance that they can to get that education,” he said.

Summey said his vision would be for the schools to become a department within the city. He says he believes it would ultimately take a voter referendum, likely in 2024, for the change to happen.

North Charleston Mayor Pro Tem Jerome Heyward said he does not see one member on council not standing behind mayor in support of this.

“The city of North Charleston has been left out of the equation,” Heyward said. “Academic wise, we suffered over here because 30 of our schools are failing. It’s time for us to fix our schools.”

Summey said he has not yet heard from the school district, adding he would like to sit down with them.

“We’re just interested in making sure that children in North Charleston have the same opportunities as children in the entire county to get the best possible education that they can, and that’s not to say that the school district is not making effort,” Summey said. “It’s saying we don’t believe that effort to date has been successful.”

Charleston County School Board Chair Pam McKinney says she has not heard a single word from Summey or the city since she took office. She claims she learned of the mayor’s plan from news coverage.

“CCSD is proud to serve students from every corner of Charleston County,” McKinney said. “It is a priority for the board to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education. North Charleston students deserve a great education and that is exactly what we are working to deliver.”

The Charleston County School District provided a response to the city’s plans, saying the proposal to withdraw would duplicate administrative costs and result in less funding per pupil.

Mayor Keith Summey’s proposal to withdraw North Charleston schools from the Charleston County School District (CCSD) and instead house them in a department within the City of North Charleston would fail students. Such would duplicate administrative costs and result in less funding per pupil for both academic support and capital improvement.

Mayor Summey’s assertion that the City contributes more than what it receives from CCSD is untrue. In fact, North Charleston has historically received well above the CCSD average funding for construction and facilities maintenance.

North Charleston’s schools currently account for 30.32% of the District’s total student population yet receive approximately 35.6% of funds allocated for schools. In addition, the average budgeted per-pupil allocation in FY2023 for North Charleston schools was $16,645.18 compared to that for all other CCSD schools at $14,171.06; isolating North Charleston’s schools served through Acceleration Schools boasts a $19,532.61 per pupil allocation.

Claims that academic efforts in North Charleston schools have not been successful are also misleading. Most recently, for example, three North Charleston schools were removed from the state improvement designation list while others made significant gains.

Rather than benefiting students, withdrawing schools from CCSD would exacerbate educational disparities between geographic areas that CCSD has worked to address. Likewise, the assertion that creating a smaller district would ensure children in North Charleston have greater opportunities is simply misguided. Smaller schools and smaller districts have historically been less-able to offer such access and opportunity.

The District calls on Mayor Summey to address his concerns directly with CCSD leadership so that adults can avoid negative outcomes for students, parents, and educators. The Mayor has not reached out to the District directly since February 2022, after which he and Superintendent Kennedy met with other District and City officials.

The city refutes this, claiming the mayor reached out in May 2022 about an educational program.

Summey reaffirmed Wednesday morning he has not yet decided if he will seek re-election but expects to do so within the next 30 days.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston-based manufacturing company Bintelli is expanding its operation with a new 174,000-square-foot facility in North Charleston.

The facility, off Palmetto Commerce Parkway, opened last week and will focus on building golf carts and low-speed electric vehicles.

This marks the third expansion for Bintelli in the last three years.

“This new facility is a testament to the amazing work our dealer family has done over the last few years,” Bintelli Founder and President Justin Jackrel says. “As we are now operational in what I believe is the largest LSV (low-speed vehicles) manufacturing facility in America, we’re going to be able to even better support our dealer family with the additional vehicles, parts and support they need to continue their rapid growth nationwide.”

Another focus for the move was to have more space for employees so the building is a more comfortable workspace without limiting tight boundaries, says Kevin Marques, Bintelli Production Facility Manager.

“It keeps growing and the biggest thing is keeping the culture the same; we pride our employees and making sure everyone is happy,” Marques says. “We actually know each employee by name and I want to keep that feel here because I think that’s very important for us; that’s the biggest thing, as we grow, I just want to maintain the culture within the company.”

Bintelli assembled 7,000 vehicles last year and is on track to produce 12,000 this year, making the move to a larger facility necessary.

Bintelli says with this new facility, they will be able to keep up with the demand for low-speed electric vehicles and golf carts.

“This expansion is another step in solidifying ourselves at the forefront of the industry,” Bintelli Vice President Jason Perske said. “While faster order fulfillment and greater inventory availability is going to be an incredible asset for our dealer family, I’m far more excited about what this means for the additional levels of support we can offer. I’m excited for all of our dealerships to share in this huge announcement and incredibly thankful for all the support they show us every day.”

In addition to the recent facility expansions, Bintelli says they are also focused on expanding its support and production staff.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Patten Seed Company, one of the largest turfgrass producers in the Southeast, today announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters to Charleston County. The company’s $2.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs.

Expanding its South Carolina footprint, Patten Seed Company will relocate its corporate headquarters from Lakeland, Georgia to an existing facility at 22 Westedge Street in Charleston. The new headquarters will centralize the company’s senior management team and create a marketing and technology hub. Additionally, the relocation, which is central to Patten Seed Company’s current Southeast operations, positions the company to take advantage of the area’s robust talent pool as it transitions from an agriculture-centered company to a vertically integrated, industry leader.

Patten Seed Company is a 100-year-old company deploying the same forward-thinking initiatives today that took a small seed store in southern Georgia to the largest turfgrass producer in the Southeast. The company operates one of its largest farming operations in Orangeburg, working with farms and facilities across the southeastern United States to ensure its products are fresh and readily available to landscapers and homeowners. Patten Seed Company also has a new retail location in North Charleston that offers its Super-Sodâ turfgrass brand and its extensive portfolio of innovative farm products, including two of the company’s fastest growing products, OMRI Listed Soil3 organic compost and Soil3 Veggie Mix.

Operations are expected to be online by the first quarter of 2023. Individuals interested in joining the Patten Seed Company team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $200,000 Set-Aside grant to Charleston County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

QUOTES

“Charleston County is central to our current footprint throughout the southeastern United States. As we continue to grow, it was important to centralize the senior management team and take advantage of a more robust hiring market and Charleston County fits that need well. Vibrant companies need vibrant cities.” -Patten Seed Company Chief Executive Officer Ben Copeland Jr.

“We are pleased that Patten Seed Company will relocate its headquarters to Charleston County. South Carolina continues to attract innovative companies that expand our agribusiness industry, and Patten Seed Company will add to that roster. We look forward to their continued success in South Carolina.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“It’s great when an agribusiness such as Patten Seed Company decides to plant more roots in South Carolina. We welcome Patten Seed Company to Charleston County’s vibrant business environment and look forward to the company’s success.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Patten Seed Company’s new headquarters operation is a fantastic addition to South Carolina’s thriving agribusiness community. With its rich history and regional reach, Patten Seed Company will contribute jobs, support existing farmers and strengthen our economy.” -South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers

“With a $2.2 million investment and the creation of 40 new jobs, Patten Seed Company remains a leading player in the turfgrass industry. Patten Seed Company's forward-thinking initiatives continue to pave the way for success and prosperity, and we welcome them to their new home in Charleston County.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III

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