JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –

Joint Base Charleston and North Auxiliary Field in South Carolina became the arena for the third annual Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) Rodeo April 2-5. This event is a pivotal training ground where Air Force professionals from across the United States converge to sharpen their skills in FARP operations, utilizing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

Throughout the week, loadmasters, pilots, and fuels personnel from installations around the United States came together to train in FARP operations on the C-17. The essence of FARP operations is to execute 'hot refueling' procedures, where a tanker aircraft, such as a C-17, refuels another while both maintain their engines running. This capability is critical for the teams, allowing them to refuel any aircraft required by their mission.

The rodeo included academics and hands-on training in both day and night-time operations, focusing on building upon the training each day. The climax of the event was a final exercise at North Auxiliary Field. Here, participants were challenged to apply their FARP operations training under the veil of night, using only night vision goggles and minimal red light for visibility.

Their task was to successfully refuel a UH-60 Black Hawk, simulating conditions that could be encountered in real-world austere environments.

“Participating in the FARP Rodeo is a great training experience, not only for us as individuals, but to allow us to share our skills and function as a force multiplier throughout the Air Force,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jordan Soltis, 167th Airlift Wing noncommissioned officer in-charge of aircrew training.

The team’s capability to refuel aircraft in remote locations helps support global access worldwide. The C-17 not only has the capability to fly long distances and land in remote airfields in rough, land-locked regions, but it can also carry large equipment, supplies and troops directly to small airfields in harsh terrain anywhere in the world, day or night.

Participating units included the 167th Operations Group from West Virginia, 164th OG from Tennessee, 305th OG from New Jersey, and the 15th Airlift Squadron here at Charleston.

After completing the training, the participants became certified in FARP operations, allowing them to take the skills they learned and train others at their home units.

“By training in this exercise now, we posture ourselves to support a future fight,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Katherine Stanton, 437th Operations Support Squadron wing training superintendent. “No matter where or when we are needed to support the mission, we will be ready.”

North Charleston, South Carolina, United States--The $20 million redevelopment project, Park Circle Re-imagined, features a 55,000 sq. ft playground featuring elements that will ensure inclusion for all children of different abilities to interact; nearly 85% of the playground is covered in shade and features canopy shades and a section with water misters; the Park Circle Playground sets the world record for being the World's Largest Inclusive Playground, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"The entirety of the inner circle has been redeveloped and includes the largest inclusive playground in the world, a new community building with art/rehearsal studio, flexible event space, a history and archives repository, an artist in residence studio and meeting room, an inclusive baseball field, a farmers market pavilion, nature garden, open green space, and walking trails.

"Play that challenges and inspires them physically, supports and stimulates them cognitively and facilitates an emotional and social connection," the official website says.

"A well-designed inclusive playground welcomes children and adults of all abilities to a play experience where everyone can interact and play together."

CHS Today says.

"Park Circle Reimagined includes:

"The project’s centerpiece is a 55,000 sqft playground featuring elements that will ensure inclusion for all children of different abilities to interact. The Post and Courier reports that nearly 85% of the playground is covered in shade and features canopy shades and a section with water misters."

"We’re so proud that South Carolina is now home to one of the world’s largest attractions – the Park Circle Playground, the world’s largest inclusive playground! Having a place where children of all abilities and gifts can gather and play and interact together is important to their healthy learning, growing, and developing," the Only In Your State says.

"A diverse selection of elements have been incorporated into the playground, providing plenty of options that meet a variety of needs, skills, and abilities, each carefully chosen with the goal of creating an environment where the highest level of inclusion is possible!

"Covers positioned over the playground provide shade to reduce the heat from the South Carolina sun, and some areas of the ground have been covered with rubber material to create a softer place to land in those areas."

WCBO News 2 says.

"The playground isn’t just meeting the needs of the neighborhood, but also children with disabilities. “It accommodates anyone and everyone,” said North Charleston Recreation Director, TJ Rostin. It’s designed to be an inclusive haven for people of all ages and abilities.

"City leaders in North Charleston say their hope is when families step on these grounds, they have the best possible experience.It doesn’t stop with just the playground. The project also included a new baseball field and community building."

WCBD News 2 says.

"That means children of all abilities will be able to play on the equipment. There are even swings with wheelchair ramps. The beautiful ballfield is also fully accessible. Kids of any ability will be able to play. But since it has artificial turf, traditional ball games can be played here as well.

"There are even many exercise stations so that parents can work out while their kids play. In total, the city is spending about $20 million on its renovation of Park Circle. Hundreds of people have been working on the 18-month project."

North Charleston, S.C. (WCBD) – The North Charleston City Council is discussing rezoning plans for the old Baker Hospital site along the Ashley River Thursday evening.

The land currently has a 90-year lease signed by the Sea Fox Boats company, which is looking to create a park and a boat manufacturing plant in the space.

Plans for this land have created conflict not only between the community but also with local leaders.

North Charleston mayor Reggie Burgess released a statement earlier this year opposing Sea Fox’s use of the area. Meanwhile, others like State Senator Deon Tedder, have shown their support.

On Thursday that conversation will continue among council members at a North Charleston City Council meeting.

The land was given to Charleston County Parks back in 2015. The parks have partnered with the Sea Fox Boat company which has agreed to fund the costs of constructing a county park alongside their own boat manufacturing plant.

In February Sea Fox held a community event and shared proposed plans for the 46-acre park located near the Union Heights neighborhood.

The plans include green space and water access to the Ashely River, as well as 11 acres of the area to be set aside for Sea Fox Boat manufacturing.

Currently, the land is not zoned for industrial use and must be if Sea Fox wants to build a manufacturing plant on the land, which is why the company submitted the request.

In March the North Charleston planning commission voted 5 to 1 against a possible rezoning.

News 2 talked with Sea Fox Boat company representative, Tory Fields, who said the changes to the land could benefit the area.

“This isn’t going to be something we’re throwing up, this is a $40 million investment to that area, that’s not only going to bring jobs to people who work at Sea Fox. But also food truck vendors, security companies, cleaning companies, and restaurants in that area. As that area grows back up it needs an economic base, and hopefully Sea Fox will be that base,” said Fields.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Union Heights Community Council, Skip Mikell, said he doesn’t see the benefits of building a plant near his neighborhood.

“The most audacious thing, in my mind, is to consider building an industrial facility next door to a nursing facility that has 160 patients. There’s no other place in Charleston County where there’s a park or recreation facility that shares its existence with an industrial facility,” said Mikell.

Thursday’s city council meeting is set for 7 p.m.; the next public discussion surrounding this rezoning will be a public hearing set for April 18th at the public safety meeting.

Can't start the morning/afternoon/life without a large cup of caffeine? Try one of these local coffee purveyors for a fix. Whether it's free wifi or a cozy atmosphere, there's a place for each need.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

A savior for the citizens of Park Circle, The Orange Spot Coffeehouse supplies caffeine to North Charleston. The setting recently expanded with a new address but maintains the same cozy atmosphere. Try the cha yen, a traditional Thai iced tea.

Not only does Owlbear make an excellent cold brew or a iced caramel macchiato (if you’re into that), but this cafe puts out filling bagel sandwiches, waffles, and fancy grilled cheeses.

The Harbinger is a whimsical space full of plants, Instagram-worthy shelves full of treasures, and cozy seating. The coffee drinks are creative, like the maple latte or the Jack Rudy espresso tonic, but do not miss the baked goods — customers are instantly hooked on creations like a take on Rice Krispy Treats with puffed brown rice, tahini, and chocolate. Check out the sister cafe Harken when visiting the heart of downtown.

In addition to expertly prepared espresso drinks, Mercantile offers free wifi, plentiful seating, and a full breakfast and lunch menu — what’s not to love. Oh, and parking. Sold.

The Daily is the place to go for a morning coffee, breakfast sandwich, or an afternoon lunch. Try the golden latte with turmeric-agave syrup and the spring-ish vegetable hash.

Sightsee is a fun, hip shop with a side of coffee bar. Tucked back on Line Street, the space offers coffee to go for those exploring the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood. Try the unique iced cascara tea, which is brewed from the coffee cherry.

Vintage Coffee Cafe offers caffeine, eats, and wifi to the Mount Pleasant set. The kitchen puts out sophisticated breakfast items, like seasonal quiches, oven-roasted tomato tarts, acai bowls, and lox plates, among others.

The pick-up window at Brown Fox Coffee makes it a quick and easy stop to grab a morning latte or a cold brew on the way to the beach on Sullivan’s Island.

Kudu not only has a handsome outdoor patio, but an extensive coffee and craft beer program as well. It doesn't offer wifi, so this shop is for relaxation, not work.

Highfalutin Coffee Roasters really cares about its beans. Roasted in-house, the coffee at this Avondale shop is routinely touted as some of the best by local aficionados — don’t ask for a pumpkin spice latte here.

Petite shop the Rise attracts those in search of a perfect cortado or a honey lavender latte. The space is small, so most customers get their coffee to-go.

Since its located on the Market in the Emeline hotel, Clerks Coffee Company is always buzzing with visitors, but this shouldn’t deter locals. The seating area at Clerks makes for a handsome background to sip a latte and get some work done. After the laptops close, the coffee bar offers beer and wine in addition to slices of Detroit-style pizza and salads.

Sunlight-filled caffeine emporium Second State Coffee (formerly Black Tap Coffee) is the spot to get creative lattes (try the brown sugar or lavender) and kick-ass pour-over brew. It is also the meeting spot for creatives and neighborhood friends to chat about the day or upcoming projects. Check out the Second State in Mount Pleasant for a full menu of hearty breakfast and lunch options.

Entrepreneur Amy Wright has four children, and two, Bitty & Beau, were born with Down syndrome. Wright saw an opportunity to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in finding steady jobs. Her coffee shops Betty & Beau are staffed with a very enthusiastic crew that live with issues like autism and cerebral palsy. Stop in for a cup of joy in the morning.

Muddy Waters is an old-school coffee shop on James Island. Around since 2001, it’s a reliable spot for a latte, a macaron, and a quiet place to sit and read a book.

A savior for the citizens of Park Circle, The Orange Spot Coffeehouse supplies caffeine to North Charleston. The setting recently expanded with a new address but maintains the same cozy atmosphere. Try the cha yen, a traditional Thai iced tea.

Not only does Owlbear make an excellent cold brew or a iced caramel macchiato (if you’re into that), but this cafe puts out filling bagel sandwiches, waffles, and fancy grilled cheeses.

The Harbinger is a whimsical space full of plants, Instagram-worthy shelves full of treasures, and cozy seating. The coffee drinks are creative, like the maple latte or the Jack Rudy espresso tonic, but do not miss the baked goods — customers are instantly hooked on creations like a take on Rice Krispy Treats with puffed brown rice, tahini, and chocolate. Check out the sister cafe Harken when visiting the heart of downtown.

In addition to expertly prepared espresso drinks, Mercantile offers free wifi, plentiful seating, and a full breakfast and lunch menu — what’s not to love. Oh, and parking. Sold.

The Daily is the place to go for a morning coffee, breakfast sandwich, or an afternoon lunch. Try the golden latte with turmeric-agave syrup and the spring-ish vegetable hash.

Sightsee is a fun, hip shop with a side of coffee bar. Tucked back on Line Street, the space offers coffee to go for those exploring the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood. Try the unique iced cascara tea, which is brewed from the coffee cherry.

Vintage Coffee Cafe offers caffeine, eats, and wifi to the Mount Pleasant set. The kitchen puts out sophisticated breakfast items, like seasonal quiches, oven-roasted tomato tarts, acai bowls, and lox plates, among others.

The pick-up window at Brown Fox Coffee makes it a quick and easy stop to grab a morning latte or a cold brew on the way to the beach on Sullivan’s Island.

Kudu not only has a handsome outdoor patio, but an extensive coffee and craft beer program as well. It doesn't offer wifi, so this shop is for relaxation, not work.

Highfalutin Coffee Roasters really cares about its beans. Roasted in-house, the coffee at this Avondale shop is routinely touted as some of the best by local aficionados — don’t ask for a pumpkin spice latte here.

Petite shop the Rise attracts those in search of a perfect cortado or a honey lavender latte. The space is small, so most customers get their coffee to-go.

Since its located on the Market in the Emeline hotel, Clerks Coffee Company is always buzzing with visitors, but this shouldn’t deter locals. The seating area at Clerks makes for a handsome background to sip a latte and get some work done. After the laptops close, the coffee bar offers beer and wine in addition to slices of Detroit-style pizza and salads.

Sunlight-filled caffeine emporium Second State Coffee (formerly Black Tap Coffee) is the spot to get creative lattes (try the brown sugar or lavender) and kick-ass pour-over brew. It is also the meeting spot for creatives and neighborhood friends to chat about the day or upcoming projects. Check out the Second State in Mount Pleasant for a full menu of hearty breakfast and lunch options.

Entrepreneur Amy Wright has four children, and two, Bitty & Beau, were born with Down syndrome. Wright saw an opportunity to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in finding steady jobs. Her coffee shops Betty & Beau are staffed with a very enthusiastic crew that live with issues like autism and cerebral palsy. Stop in for a cup of joy in the morning.

Muddy Waters is an old-school coffee shop on James Island. Around since 2001, it’s a reliable spot for a latte, a macaron, and a quiet place to sit and read a book.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Charleston is working on updating and modernizing its zoning code which can impact residents in many different ways.

The city’s Zoning Ordinance has not been updated since 1966. The code guides how the city develops and grows, so a more modern update is necessary.

The theme for this code update is “Setting New Standards.” The city is looking at making several changes to the code including making it more user-friendly and organized. The city recognizes that the current code is not easy for the average person to search through and find what they are looking for.

Through this update, they also want to make the city of Charleston more resilient to the rising water environment and encourage a diverse array of housing types with a special focus on affordable housing. Affordable housing is a major issue in Charleston and currently, the zoning code does not necessarily encourage housing in the form of townhomes and duplexes in certain areas. They are looking at filling that “missing middle” of this issue.

Another area the code update will focus on is multi-mobility. They want to encourage more safe, connected and active transit options. How the code will impact things like bicycle parking and bus shelters will be considered.

Katie Zimmerman, the executive director of Charleston Moves, a nonprofit focusing on mobility, says this zoning code impacts everyone more than they may realize.

“The zoning code impacts every single citizen of the city of Charleston, and also anybody who chooses to do business in the city of Charleston. And frankly, it impacts a lot of our visitors as well,” she says.

The city of Charleston will be hosting a public meeting Wednesday to discuss the zoning code rewrite. Zimmerman encourages people to attend this and provide their input.

“It does not sound exciting, but it - because it is one of those things that it seems a little mundane, or sort of ‘policy-worky’ but it’s something that absolutely affects all of us on a daily basis and so, it’s a policy issue that as many people who can participate in the process and weigh in with their suggestions, it’s more beneficial,” Zimmerman says. “Get involved.”

The public meeting will take place at the International Longshoremen’s Association Community Hall building at 5 p.m. The address is 1142 Morrison Drive. The city also has a survey open now until April 25 for anyone to provide their feedback.

For the entire updated code, you can click here. To see the specific changes the city is looking at making and to learn more, you can click here.

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