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Decisions made because of threat of wintry weather

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - School districts in South Carolina are preparing for potential impacts from a winter storm that is forecast to bring rare wintry weather to the south.

Below is a list of school districts that have announced early dismissal ahead of the storm.

The Williamsburg County School District became the first Lowcountry district Wednesday afternoon to announce schedule changes ahead of a winter storm’s possible effects on the Lowcountry.

District officials announced on Facebook the district would operate on an early dismissal day Friday, citing the safety of students, faculty and staff led to the decision. The announcement did not specify the time the school is expected to dismiss on Friday.

All extracurricular activities and after-school activities will be canceled for Friday. The district’s job fair will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Elementary schools will be dismissed at 11:15 a.m., middle schools at 11:30 a.m. and high schools at 12:30 p.m.

Williamsburg County will be under a cold weather advisory from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday, a day ahead of the winter storm’s anticipated arrival, because of wind chills as low as 15 degrees.

The Orangeburg County School District opted Thursday afternoon for an early dismissal Friday ahead of forecast winter weather.

“This proactive decision prioritizes the safety of our buses, faculty, staff, and novice student drivers,” the district said in a release.

Elementary schools will dismiss students at 11:30 a.m. with the exception of Dover Elementary School, which will dismiss at 12:30 p.m.

Middle Schools, K-12 schools and middle-high schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m.

High Schools are set to dismiss at 1:00 p.m. with the exception of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, which will dismiss at 1:30 p.m.

All afterschool activities, including athletics, are canceled or postponed.

The Live 5 Weather team declared Friday a First Alert Weather Day because of the possibility of wintry weather for portions of South Carolina.

Click here to download the free Live 5 First Alert Weather app.

The winter storm is expected to bring the possibility of wintry weather Friday as it moves east from Georgia. Portions of the Lowcountry, particularly those near I-95 and north of I-26 have the best chance of seeing a brief period of light snow or sleet before the precipitation changes over to rain.

Live 5 First Alert Meteorologist Joey Sovine said the latest forecast models as of Wednesday do not show accumulation likely in the Lowcountry.

Further west, portions of the Midlands have a better chance of seeing snow, but the mountain areas of the Upstate have the best chance, he said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Cruisers who rang in the new year on Carnival Sunshine may not be the last to sail on a cruise ship departing from Charleston, S.C.

Although the South Carolina Ports Authority just ended its 14-year partnership with Carnival Cruise Line to homeport a ship in Charleston, discussions are already underway about a potential solution to bring cruises back to the area.

Carnival Cruise Line sails last trip from popular port

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Carnival Fantasy kicked off Charleston’s cruising era back in 2010. As 2025 begins, one final cruise on Carnival Sunshine marks the end of large cruise ships sailing from Charleston. At least for now.

Carnival Sunshine departed on its last cruise from Charleston on Dec. 30 after the Ports Authority decided not to extend its cruise homeport contract with Carnival. The Ports Authority is making way for redevelopment of the city’s downtown Union Pier Terminal.

As Carnival Sunshine leaves Charleston and prepares to sail new cruises to the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean from its new homeport of Norfolk, Va., cruisers from Charleston may get a new cruise option to look forward to soon.

Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.

North Charleston could become a cruise ship homeport

Charleston's local newspaper, The Post and Courier, reported that just before Carnival Sunshine set sail on its last cruise from Charleston, North Charleston’s mayor and city council members toured the downtown cruise terminal to get a better understanding of current cruise ship operations.

According to Charleston's WCSC-TV, preliminary talks are happening about potentially bringing a new cruise line to the former Navy port on the Cooper River in North Charleston, which would move traffic away from Charleston’s congested downtown.

Local leaders see it as a possible economic development opportunity. District 5 North Charleston City Council Member Jerome Heyward told WCSC that potential cruise line partners are already being considered.

Related: Popular Carnival cruise port on East Coast shutting down

“It’s being talked about right now, the mayor and his staff are vetting certain groups right now to make sure we have the right fit for the city,” Heyward told WCSC.

One of the criteria North Charleston leaders are likely considering in potential partners is the size of the cruise lines' ships. South Carolina Ports Authority limits the size of ships visiting Charleston to no more than 3,500 passengers.

It’s not clear yet when a new cruise line could sail from the Charleston area. Carnival fans will surely remain hopeful that North Charleston leaders will discuss a potential new partnership opportunity with Carnival too. In the meantime, Charleston area cruisers can consider Carnival Sunshine cruises from Norfolk or Carnival Elation sailings from Jacksonville, Fla.

Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

Cruise ships will continue to call to Charleston

Cruise passengers can also still visit Charleston on certain cruise itineraries, though the city limits cruise ship calls to a maximum of 104 visits per year. Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas will visit the port on a few upcoming itineraries. Celebrity Silhouette will call on Charleston in May and Virgin Voyages’ new ship Brilliant Lady will visit in October.

With the end of Carnival cruises from Charleston, small-ship cruise line American Cruise Line is the only cruise line with ships that homeport in the city. Its ships carry just 90 to 180 passengers and sail river and intracoastal waterway cruises.

As North Charleston leaders discuss potential cruise port plans, they should take note that an up-and-coming operator of smaller mainstream cruise ships, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Sea, has reportedly been eyeing a new homeport.

Related: Jimmy Buffett's cruise line in talks for a new homeport

Jimmy Buffett was known to have a strong connection to Charleston among other Southern coastal cities like Mobile, Alabama, a city that has been in talks with the cruise line about the possibility of bringing a cruise ship to its growing port.

One Carnival Cruise Line ship currently sails a seasonal schedule from Mobile, and the city is hoping to attract a second cruise line to sail from its port in the future.

Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A new cruise line could be coming to North Charleston.

North Charleston’s mayor and council members are in preliminary discussions about its potential.

It’s a mixed reaction to a possible cruise line coming to the old Navy port in North Charleston. For many the answer had pros and cons.

“I think for the economy, of course, and small businesses here that would be wonderful however, I think it is going to take a really special and quiet place and bring a lot more people, with more people usually comes more pollution and overcrowding and conflict,” Isabel Brown from Hanahan said.

“I do think we’re a little overcrowded. I don’t know what it’s going to look like having a cruise board here and it’s going to be a lot of traffic to bring a lot of people, but I think it could also be good for our city. I mean that’s going to bring a lot of money and I love a good cruise, I can’t help it,” Kimbrell Moorhouse from Charleston said.

Herbert Anderson from North Charleston agrees. He’s looking for convenience after no longer having the Carnival ship downtown as an option for his vacations.

“We’re looking for another cruise to go to now and we have to go to Miami or California and we don’t want that long trip. I don’t like to fly,” Anderson says.

District 5 North Charleston City Council Member Jerome Heyward said it would have a large impact on the economy.

The economic impact is outrageous. It’ll give the economy what we need," Heyward said.

“Of course, I would love the economic push it would give us,” Isabel Brown said.

“It’s a lot of revenue, but I can see why people are kind of objecting to it too. I don’t know it’s a tough one. We liked having the Carnival here. We went on it a couple of years ago and it was fun. Nice having it just right downtown,” Erik Wilsgard from Johns Island said.

Live 5 spoke with more than a dozen people on Wednesday. Those who spoke off camera who were against the new cruise line said one reason was because of traffic.

“I don’t mind the traffic. We have it anyway so why worry about that,” said Anderson.

Others weren’t a fan of the view. Heyward said this location could be different.

“It’s off the beaten path so really it’s where it needs to be,” said Heyward.

“It’s a pretty industrial view anyways so I get downtown and by the battery, it was kind of an ugly thing to see but it kind of fits here. I mean you’ve got cargo ships and industry,” Wilsgard said.

Wilsgard’s 9-year-old son Cooper, having been on the Carnival cruise from downtown Charleston, is a fan of having another ship to explore.

“Yeah, it’s really fun. I like the water slides and all the places,” Cooper said.

Heyward said it could be a while before we hear if the talk of the cruise line will become a reality.

“It’s being talked about right now, the mayor and his staff are vetting certain groups right now to make sure we have the right fit for the city,” said Heyward.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

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North Charleston restaurateur named a South Carolina Chef Ambassador

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Gov. Henry McMaster announced chefs from Greenville, Conway and North Charleston will represent South Carolina as 2025 Chef Ambassadors.

The chefs chosen include Jeanne Koenigsberg, executive chef and kitchen general manager of Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery in Greenville; Darren Smith, owner and executive chef of Rivertown Bistro and Bonfire in Conway; and Shuai Wang, chef and owner of Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ in North Charleston.

“Food is an important part of our state’s history, culture, and economy, and it’s where two of our largest industries – tourism and agriculture – overlap and excel,” McMaster said in a news release. “Our world-class culinary talent is highlighted and celebrated through the Chef Ambassador program, showcasing the best of South Carolina chefs, farmers, and locally grown products. I congratulate the 2025 class on this tremendous culinary honor.”

The Chef Ambassadors will represent South Carolina through food festivals and promotional activities, according to the release. Each chef is chosen to share the state’s culinary traditions, agricultural heritage and undiscovered places with the world through each event.

“Our Chef Ambassadors help people learn about the roots of their food – how it’s grown and who grows it,” Hugh Weathers, commissioner of agriculture, said in the release. “Food and agriculture are part of who we are in the Palmetto State. On behalf of South Carolina’s farmers, I’m pleased to welcome the 2025 class of Chef Ambassadors to showcase their talents and represent their communities throughout this year and beyond.”

Produce, meats, dairy, seafood and other foods Chef Ambassadors use will be from Certified South Carolina, the release said.

“Today’s travelers are looking for authentic experiences, and they see food as an essential pathway to getting a true taste of a destination. Countless vacation itineraries are planned around reservations at the destination’s top-rated restaurants, or in some cases, having a meal at the backroad barbecue joint you saw on social media is actually the inspiration for the entire weekend getaway,” Duane Parrish, director of South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, said in the release. “Chef Ambassadors are an essential ingredient in our state’s recipe for tourism success, helping fuel our tourism industry and boost our economy. The 2025 class will add their own flavors and perspectives to the rich culinary story we share with the world as we invite visitors to discover South Carolina.”

The 2025 Chef Ambassadors are the 11th group in the program, which launched in 2014, according to the release.

Related: 2 Charleston spirits companies partner to open James Island distillery

Related: Here’s the restaurant replacing Butcher & Bee in downtown Charleston

Comments from the 2025 Chef Ambassadors include:

“I’m humbled to accept this nomination in a non-traditional food service establishment,” Koenigsberg said in the release. “It reminds us that the work we are doing is important to our community and surrounding communities. I know that this will continue to give us a platform to show the importance of local agriculture here in South Carolina.”

“I have been cooking professionally for 36 years and have had the privilege of owning Rivertown Bistro for 30 of those years. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to showcasing the incredible bounty of South Carolina, from the rich harvests of local farms to the fresh seafood from our coastline just miles away,” Smith said in the release. “As someone born and raised in South Carolina, I’ve always believed our state is the most beautiful, with its diverse landscapes and world-class products. To be named a South Carolina Chef Ambassador is an honor beyond anything I ever dreamed of. This opportunity is more than a title.

“It’s a chance to learn from others, build relationships with fellow chefs and farmers, and share my culinary knowledge and passion for South Carolina’s vibrant food culture. I’m excited to represent our great state and look forward to an unforgettable year ahead.”

“This opportunity is a great way for me to showcase just how easy it is to support your local farmers and fishermen, and that any cuisine is able to utilize what is locally grown seasonally,” Wang said in the release. “I’m looking forward to all the fun events that I get to be a part of this year, representing Charleston and South Carolina. I grew up in New York, and I never thought I would live anywhere in the South when I was young. When I came down to Charleston to visit one year, I completely fell in love.

“I worked with some local farms in New York, but not nearly as many or with this amount of variety that is available in Charleston. Certain farmers I’ve been buying from since my wife and I’s first business back in 2015, they’ve become family. That’s one of my favorite parts about living in Charleston, it’s a community.”

The 2025 class of South Carolina Chef Ambassadors, revealed by Gov. Henry McMaster on Jan. 13, are far-flung and come close to covering the state corner to corner.

They are Jeanne Koenigsberg of Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery in Greenville, Darren Smith of Rivertown Bistro and Bonfire in Conway and Shuai Wang of Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ in North Charleston.

Wang combines the flavors of Beijing, where he was born, and New York City, where he was raised, with fresh South Carolina ingredients. One of his latest concepts, King BBQ, was named one of Southern Living’s Best New BBQ Joints of 2024 and Bon Appetit’s 20 Best New Restaurants of 2024.

Wang's anchor concept, Jackrabbit Filly, recently relocated to the heart of North Charleston's Park Circle neighborhood. What started as a food truck and pop-up blossomed into a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2019.

“This opportunity is a great way for me to showcase just how easy it is to support your local farmers and fishermen, and that any cuisine is able to utilize what is locally grown seasonally," said Wang in a press release.

"… Certain farmers I’ve been buying from since my wife and I’s first business back in 2015, they’ve become family. That’s one of my favorite parts about living in Charleston, it’s a community.”

Thirty years after opening his first restaurant, Smith is now the owner and executive chef of Rivertown Bistro and Bonfire Taqueria in Conway, just outside of Myrtle Beach.

“This opportunity is more than a title,” Smith said. "It’s a chance to learn from others, build relationships with fellow chefs and farmers, and share my culinary knowledge and passion for South Carolina’s vibrant food culture.”

Koenigsberge is known for crafting farm-to-table meals as the executive chef of Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery in Greenville. Moving forward, she’s helping expand Swamp Rabbit’s catering business and growth into a production kitchen.

"I'm humbled to accept this nomination in a non-traditional food service establishment. It reminds us that the work we are doing is important to our community and surrounding communities. I know that this will continue to give us a platform to show the importance of local agriculture here in South Carolina."

The Chef Ambassadors program is a partnership between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

Chefs can be nominated by the S.C. Department of Agriculture, state tourism partners and even past chef's who were awarded the title. The only requirement is chefs use South Carolina Certified Products in their restaurants. Beyond that, the governor chooses ambassadors for their unique and creative approaches to traditional Southern cuisine.

Food as a form of storytelling

The program was started in 2014 as a way to represent South Carolina’s culinary experience — from Southern food traditions like shrimp and grits to highlighting ingredients like peaches and okra.

Chef Brandon Velie is part of the original class of Chef Ambassadors, and is known as being the driving force for the creation of the program.

“The idea originally was to have a Chef Laureate position, someone who could talk about all the state has to offer food, culture and tourism wise,” said Velie.

He credits his wife and business partner for the idea to expand the program to include multiple chefs each year.

The ambassadors will travel around the state and across the country to demonstrate their culinary flair at events like the annual Charleston Food and Wine Festival or dinners at the esteemed James Beard House in New York City.

“It’s definitely a form of storytelling,” Velie said about participating in cooking demonstrations at the events. “Food is such a personal thing. You’re not only telling the story of the food, but of who you are and who your restaurant is.”

Some chefs are even tapped to travel internationally, like Columbia chef Chris Williams, a 2022 ambassador who was invited to cook in London.

Food is one of the largest pulls for tourists flocking to the Palmetto State. According to the latest economic impact report, tourists spent $27.9 billion to visit S.C. in 2022— a 475 percent increase from 2014, when the program started. Food and Beverage had the highest spending, accounting for over a quarter of all expenses.

The program doesn’t only highlight the chefs, it also brings attention to the farmers working to grow the certified South Carolina ingredients used in the chef’s signature dishes.

“Our Chef Ambassadors help people learn about the roots of their food — how it’s grown and who grows it,” Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers said. “Food and agriculture are part of who we are in the Palmetto State.”

Smith said he rented the space for his first restaurant from a farmer, and along the way he picked up some tricks of the trade.

"I even had my own garden for four years," said Smith.

Some of his favorite ingredients to use are white acre peas, turnips and South Carolina peaches — which he says are the best in the world.

Koenigsberg agreed, noting a particularly popular sandwich she created last year featuring peach-thyme jam, turkey and North Carolina cheese.

One of Wang's favorite ingredients brings a taste of his birthplace: Carolina-grown cauliflower, which he says has a long, skinny stem similar to those grown in China.

While many ambassadors are already local celebrities in their communities, some have gone on to become nationally recognized faces. Chef Ramone Dickerson, well-known for being part of the duo that created Columbia's 2 Fat 2 Fly, starred in his own docuseries on the OWN network.

No matter how far they go, though, they know where home is. Though ambassadors only serve one term, there’s a saying among their ranks: “Once a chef ambassador, always an ambassador.”

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Chloe Barlow is a multimedia reporter straight out of the Midlands. She trained in journalism at both the University of South Carolina and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She covers a wide breadth of South Carolina news, but she is especially interested in accountability and justice reporting.