APRIL 10–16, 2025
WWW.YOURISLANDNEWS.COM
COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
SC Supreme Court won’t hear hotel, parking structure cases
Image of the proposed hotel that has been approved to be built in Downtown Beaufort. The project, along with the construction of a parking garage have been put on hold indefinitely. Artist’s rendering courtesy of 303 Associates
By Delayna Earley and Mike McCombs The Island News A decision from the South Carolina Supreme Court has ended a years-long legal battle over development in downtown Beaufort. The state Supreme Court sided with the City of Beaufort and denied petitions for a writ of certiorari that were filed by the plaintiffs West Street Farms, LLC and Mix Farms, LLC, both owned by developer Graham Trask, and the Historic Beaufort Foundation. A writ of certiorari is a legal request to the Supreme Court to
have them review a lower court’s decisions and is a common way for the Supreme Court to decide which cases to hear. The court’s decision, issued on Wednesday, April 2, leaves in place the decisions of the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the Circuit court in two cases involving the City of Beaufort: Historic Beaufort Foundation v. City of Beaufort, et al. and West Street Farms, LLC and Mix Farms, LLC v. City of Beaufort, et al. “We are just relieved that it has come to a conclusion,” said Scott Marshall, City Manager for Beau-
fort. “We are looking forward to not having to deal with the cases anymore.” The lawsuits were filed by the plaintiffs asserting that the proper processes were not followed while approving the construction of a hotel and parking structure and that the original approval by the Historic District Review Board is invalid. “It’s unfortunately very disappointing,” said Trask. “I think it’s not good for historic Beaufort. There was no rationale given by
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Look, up there in the sky! MCAS Beaufort Air Show returns for 2025 edition
Staff reports The two-year wait has ended. If you think the Sound of Freedom is loud, this weekend, it’s going to ramp up a bit. Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort welcomes the public aboard for the 2025 MCAS Beaufort Air Show this weekend, Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13. According to MCAS Beaufort’s news release, the public is invited to come and witness the “unmatched power and precision of Marine Corps aviation during an unforgettable two-day event honoring 250 years of Marine Corps legacy.” “With thrilling aerial demonstrations, including a B-25 bomber flyover, explosive ordnance displays, and the roar of fighter jets in action, the skies over Beaufort will come alive in a way only the Marine Corps can deliver.” “This weekend, we’re opening our gates to celebrate not just the legacy of Marine aviation, but the strength
of the community that supports us every day,” MCAS Beaufort Commanding Officer Col. Mark D. Bortnem said in a news release. “We’re honored to share this milestone year with our neighbors and look forward to giving them a front-row seat to the sound of freedom.” Admission, tickets, etc. • Free tickets are required for general admission. They can be acquired at https://bit.ly/4j4jOia. • Base access begins at 8:30 a.m., and event gates open at 9 a.m. • Handicap access: Available through the main gate (DoD parking area, placard • required). • Security protocols: Attendees should be prepared for ID checks and bag inspections. • Foreign nationals must bring a valid passport. • Weapons, including pocket knives, are not permitted.
• Be advised: Some air show elements may be loud or visually intense. Ear protection is • encouraged for children. • A full list of approved and non-approved items is available at www.beaufortairshow.com. A local Angel Beaufort is the hometown of Maj. Brandon Wilkins, Blue Angel No. 3, in his his first year in the Blue Angel Squadron. Wilkins is the son of Lt. Col. R. Alex Wilkins, USMC (Retired) and was born in 1985 at Naval Hospital Beaufort. Lineup The lineup for the 2025 MCAS Beaufort Air Show consists of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron; the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the U.S. Army’s Parachute Team; Bob Schmidle; the Devil Dog Squadron; the F-35B; Full Throttle; MAGTF, the
Spectators watch as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform their demonstration during the Beaufort Air Show on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort. Delayna Earley/The Island News Marine Air-Ground Task Force; Mike Goulian; Red Thunder; R.J. Gritter; Undaunted Airshows; Vampire Airshows; the Viper Demo Team; and Warbird Thunder. To learn more about any of this year’s participants, visit www.beaufortairshow.com.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform one of their signature maneuvers during their demonstration on Sunday, April 23, 2023, during the Beaufort Air Show at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort. Delayna Earley/The Island News
NEWS
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INSIDE
Police handling of case of ‘runaway’ Beaufort girl prompts parents to propose new law.
High School Baseball Notebook: BA baseball blasts Battery Creek.
SOBA announces winners of 31st annual Judged Show.
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