Senior Medicare Advantage plan insurance in Folly Beach, SC

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Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions

Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.

Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).

At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.

We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Folly Beach or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.

Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
What is Medicare?
The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Folly Beach
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Folly Beach, SC
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment

Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Folly Beach, SC

Guiding You Through The Confusion of Medicare!

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What is Medicare?

If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.

There are four parts of Medicare:

This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.

This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.

This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.

Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).

The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:

What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service

At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.

Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Folly Beach

Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.

Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.

Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.

Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:

Deductibles

Copayments

Coinsurance

Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance

To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:

As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:

To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.

Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.

For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Folly Beach is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.

Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Folly Beach, SC

A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:

Preferred Provider Organizations
Special Needs Plans
Private Fee-for-Service
Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
Health Maintenance Organizations

In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.

How Medicare Advantage Plans Work

Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).

Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.

When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.

Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules

Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer senior Medicare Advantage Plan insurance in Folly Beach. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.

Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:

If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor

Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.

Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance

How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.

We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.

The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment

Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:

Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.
Listening to your specific needs.
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude.
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.

Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 82 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

13 Things To Do In Folly Beach, South Carolina

It's only 12 miles south of Charleston's historic homes and manicured window boxes, but the salty little town of Folly Beach ditches the Holy City's refinement in favor of an easygoing, barefoot sensibility that feels a bit more California than Carolina. Known to locals as the Edge of America, Folly is everything a beach town should be. Surf shops line the main drag; cover-ups count as appropriate lunch attire; and nobody takes themselves too seriously (they drop a pair of LED-lit flip-flops to celebrate New Year's Eve). Here's where to stay, eat, relax, and play in South Carolina's super chill surf town.

Where To Stay

For a feels-like-home experience coupled with the charm and convenience of a boutique hotel, book The Regatta Inn. Complimentary breakfast and happy hour are provided daily, plus a free shuttle to the beach. Its best amenity of all, though, is the view: a spectacular vantage of Folly River and the surrounding marshland.

regattainn.com, 64 West 9th Street Extension, Folly Beach, SC 29439

Every single room at Tides Folly Beach comes with an ocean view. Perched at the end of Center Street, the town's main thoroughfare, the hotel is steps from both the beach and an array of local shops and eateries. There's plenty on-site for a relaxing getaway, including a heated oceanfront pool, tiki bar and lounge, and a beach bar and grill.

tidesfollybeach.com, 1 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439

Looking for a stay with a kitchen and living space that feels like a home away from home? For families looking to stretch out a bit more, there are a boatload of rentals to choose from: Opt for oceanfront properties that will sleep a crowd or cozy cottages with marsh and Folly River views. And for people who wouldn't dream of traveling without their four-legged companions, there are plenty of pet-friendly rentals too.

visitfolly.com/stay-directory

Where To Eat

You won't go hungry on this island. Fuel up for the day at Lost Dog Café, a local staple that serves coffee and all-day breakfast (so you can sleep in as long as you'd like). Don't miss their eggs Benedict, which they top with fried green tomatoes.

lostdogfollybeach.com, 106 West Huron Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439

Fish tacos, Vietnamese-inspired lettuce wraps, and Cuban sandwiches all have a place on the colorful menu at Chico Feo, where the vibe is equally colorful. Its menu focuses on food from local farmers and fishermen. If you're in town for the wave riding, be sure to check out their website's Surf Report, complete with a live video stream.

chicofeos.com, 122 East Ashley Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439

Don't let the easygoing atmosphere fool you: Rita's Seaside Grille is serious about its food and its cocktails. Order casual beach fare like burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and nachos, or opt for splurge-worthy entrees like steak, salmon, and seafood. Try one of the Signature Crushes, fruity sippers with flavored liquors that pack a punch.

ritasseasidegrille.com, 2 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439

End the night at Sand Dollar Social Club, a dive bar where you're invited to come as you are, so long as you're a member; membership costs $1, so bring your cash (you won't find a credit card machine here). Order from the bar, play pool or Ping-Pong, and take in the live music.

7 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29412

Though technically not on Folly (it's about two miles away), you'd be remiss to make a trip all this way without carving out time for a meal at Bowens Island Restaurant, a family-owned joint where the walls are graffitied and the oysters are locally harvested. Start your meal with Southern favorites like pimiento cheese, fried green tomatoes, and boiled peanuts. Seafood platters are served with fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw.

bowensisland.com, 1870 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412

Where To Relax

The island's six miles of beachfront are its main attraction, and it'd be easy to while away a week with no plans beyond putting your toes in the sand. Spend a day shelling, sunning, surfing, or searching for shark teeth. The Folly Beach County Park has everything you need for a day at the beach: parking, restrooms, changing areas, a boardwalk, accessible ramps, a picnic area, and a snack bar.

ccprc.com/61/Folly-Beach-County-Park, 1100 West Ashley Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439

At the northern end of Folly Beach, the Morris Island Lighthouse provides a stunning backdrop from the shore. Get a closer look from the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve or via kayak. Several guided tours leave from Folly Beach to visit Morris Island for shelling, photography, and lighthouse history. The historic lighthouse is not open for viewing. How close you can get to the lighthouse depends on the tides.

savethelight.org

ccprc.com/3149/Lighthouse-Inlet-Heritage-Preserve, 1750 East Ashley Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439

Where To Play

Pack your fishing poles (or rent one) to test your fishing luck off the beloved Folly Beach Pier, which reopened in December 2022 after extensive renovations. If you're visiting in the summer, put on your dancing shoes—flip-flops count—and head back to the pier for one of the Moonlight Mixers, a music-filled family event held once monthly May through September.

ccprc.com/1753/Folly-Beach-Pier, 101 East Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439

ccprc.com/1618/Moonlight-Mixers, 101 East Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439

For those looking to build an action-packed itinerary, there are plenty of activities that highlight the destination's natural beauty: Book a guided kayak tour with Charleston Outdoor Adventures, rent a stand-up paddleboard to explore the tidal creeks, or hop on a boat to discover uninhabited beachfront, where you can look for sharks' teeth and other fossils. You can also book a fishing charter or tour a Charleston oyster farm.

charlestonoutdooradventures.com, 1871 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412

Stop by McKevlin's Surf Shop, South Carolina's oldest surfing outfitter, to peruse their selection of gear. You can also rent a surf or body board from the shop if you don't have one of your own; first-timers should consult their recommended list of surf instructors for lessons before heading out. Once you've got it down, catch some of the area's best waves at The Washout, a favorite local surf spot, or take a seat on the beach and see how the local pros do it.

mckevlins.com, 8 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439

Organizers promise investigation after drones fall during Folly Beach New Year's Eve show

(Provided)FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — Event organizers with Folly Beach's New Year's Eve drone show apologized to patrons who witnessed the machines fall from the sky Tuesday night while promising to investigate the malfunction.On New Year's Eve, around 7 p.m., patrons at Center Street in Folly Beach tuned in to watch a drone show that was to replace the annual firework tradition. Three minutes into the show, spectators shouted at local authorities that drones were falling from the sky. During the roughly 30 seconds of cha...

(Provided)

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — Event organizers with Folly Beach's New Year's Eve drone show apologized to patrons who witnessed the machines fall from the sky Tuesday night while promising to investigate the malfunction.

On New Year's Eve, around 7 p.m., patrons at Center Street in Folly Beach tuned in to watch a drone show that was to replace the annual firework tradition. Three minutes into the show, spectators shouted at local authorities that drones were falling from the sky. During the roughly 30 seconds of chaos, one man was struck by a drone and needed on-site treatment for what public safety officials described as "non-life-threatening" injuries.

The drone show was supposed to offer a "unique alternative to our annual New Year's Eve firework display" while lessening the ecological impact on local beaches, The Folly Association of Business said in a statement Wednesday morning. The show didn't continue after the drone debacle.

"FAB would like to sincerely apologize for any harm and inconvenience our residents and visitors experienced at last night’s drone show," the statement continued. "FAB’s commitment to Folly Beach and the surrounding community is steadfast, and we will move forward to continue to serve you in 2025."

The Folly Association of Business is working with local authorities and the drone operation company, Lightyear Drones, to provide information on what caused the malfunction, organizers said.

“The team at Lightyear Drones wants to express our sincere disappointment for not being able to complete tonight’s drone show," Lightyear Drones said in a statement. "The wellbeing of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused.”

The Federal Aviation Administration was notified of the malfunction and will head the investigation, a public safety official said Tuesday night.

A drone show in Orlando, Florida, was canceled on Dec. 22 when several drones reportedly fell during a holiday show, injuring one and prompting an investigation by the Federal Aviation Authority.

This was the City of Folly Beach's first year hosting a drone show to celebrate New Year's Eve.

Folly Beach officials gave thousands of taxpayer dollars to charities. Now, residents want answers.

FOLLY BEACH — This bustling barrier island has held tight over the years to its laid-back vibe and funky charm. It’s a tourism mecca with a small-town feel, full of tight-knit locals who pride themselves on looking out for their neighbors.But some are growing increasingly uncomfortable with what they see as the city’s easy-going approach to doling out taxpayer money to charities linked to island leaders.Public attention has focused in recent months on four-term Councilman D.J. Rich, who over the past 14 years ...

But some are growing increasingly uncomfortable with what they see as the city’s easy-going approach to doling out taxpayer money to charities linked to island leaders.

Public attention has focused in recent months on four-term Councilman D.J. Rich, who over the past 14 years has voted on at least a dozen resolutions sending public dollars to three groups to which he has ties.

Two of those accepted thousands of dollars in donations without registering as charities in South Carolina, as required by state law.

Charities must file annual financial reports so regulators and the public can see how much money they take in and how it is spent. The reason is simple: Donors deserve to know whether their money is helping those in need, S.C. Secretary of State Mark Hammond said.

"South Carolina is a small state, but we have a big heart," he said. "But there has to be regulation, and someone has to hold these organizations accountable."

Controversy over these groups illustrates the challenges the state faces in policing more than 17,000 charities that operate in South Carolina. It also shines a light on the cozy relationship between Folly Beach City Council and some members’ pet causes.

Council members have voted on multiple occasions in recent years to provide taxpayer money to groups with which they are aligned. And Rich was front and center in several of those votes, records show.

He's president of the Folly Beach Exchange Club, a nonprofit that has received at least $11,000 from City Council since 2009. But the charity failed to comply with state regulations for decades, according to the Secretary of State's Office. Councilman Billy Grooms serves as an officer with the club.

The Exchange Club, which hosts fundraising events on the island, has in turn provided at least $6,500 to Folly Angels, according to newspaper reports and the groups’ social media posts. That group was headed by Rich’s grandmother and business partner, Florence O’Donnell.

O’Donnell started Folly Angels in the 1990s to assist cancer patients and other residents in need. But the organization never obtained its tax-exempt status from the IRS to operate as a nonprofit, nor did it register with the Secretary of State — despite fines and threats of legal action.

Rich voted to send public dollars to the now-defunct Follypalooza festival, a cancer benefit he co-founded to pay locals’ medical bills. It gave money to Folly Angels and the Exchange Club, according to tax filings.

Folly Angels quietly shuttered in October amid letters from the Secretary of State accusing it of improperly operating as a charity and running a raffle. The office suspended the group that same month, documents show.

O’Donnell said she couldn't understand residents’ concerns.

"All we do is help people that need help," she said.

Nick Thomas, her lawyer, said the complaints amounted to "a witch hunt." He described O’Donnell as a wonderful steward of the Folly Beach community who never profited a dime from the group.

The Exchange Club, meanwhile, registered Dec. 11 as a state charity after The Post and Courier began asking questions about its activities. The Secretary of State’s Office had threatened the group with suspension if it failed to do so. Rich did not know the club was out of compliance until it received a letter from state officials, he said.

Some Folly Beach residents have been frustrated with city officials for sending taxpayer money to these organizations despite mounting questions about their operations.

An anonymous letter sent to the city's finance director in April implored officials to adopt an ordinance stipulating that taxpayer support be limited to registered charities in South Carolina. The city — which reported a roughly $850,000 surplus in last year’s general fund budget — needs to protect its coffers, they wrote. No such measure has been introduced.

Several islanders contacted The Post and Courier urging reporters to investigate the groups’ activity. None was willing to be quoted for this article, saying they feared being ostracized.

But they echoed the same question: Where is all the money going?

News

Regulating charities

The IRS has struggled to keep tabs on the country’s rapidly expanding nonprofit sector, making state oversight all the more critical. Nonprofit employment has grown by a third over the past 15 years, and charitable donations have surged.

South Carolina is one of 39 states that requires fundraising nonprofits to register, and it’s up to the Secretary of State’s Office to chase down the ones that don’t follow the rules.

Hammond said his staff try to work with groups before resorting to fines and suspensions. But sometimes they’re left with no choice.

Fines vary depending on the violation. Failure to register, for instance, comes with a $2,000 penalty. Hammond’s office collected more than $1 million in fines this year, up from roughly $650,000 in 2023. Most of that money winds up in South Carolina’s general fund.

"We would much rather that go to help those in need," Hammond said.

Last year, his office issued about 1,000 violations to nonprofit groups for failing to register with the state. Hammond believes the actual number of scofflaws could be higher.

Folly Beach group investigating NYE drone show malfunction that injured man

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) – Organizers behind a New Year’s Eve drone show that ended with at least one person injured on Folly Beach are investigating what caused the malfunction.The Folly Association of Business said in a statement Wednesday that it was excited to offer a unique alternative to its annual fireworks display and offer a drone show for celebrators.The show...

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) – Organizers behind a New Year’s Eve drone show that ended with at least one person injured on Folly Beach are investigating what caused the malfunction.

The Folly Association of Business said in a statement Wednesday that it was excited to offer a unique alternative to its annual fireworks display and offer a drone show for celebrators.

The show, scheduled to start at 7 p.m., ended after only two displays when some of the drones began falling from the sky. An adult male was struck by one of the drones and suffered non-life-threatening injuries to his face.

Drone operators almost immediately began a controlled descent so that the drones could return to their designated landing zone.

“New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate, and for reasons beyond our control, we were not able to deliver the spectacular drone show we had planned for the community,” the organization said. “At this time, we do not have details on what went wrong with the display. We do know that [one person] sustained light injuries as the drones dropped to the ground, but they were treated and released on-site.”

“FAB would like to sincerely apologize for any harm and inconvenience our residents and visitors experienced at last night’s drone show. FAB’s commitment to Folly Beach and the surrounding community is steadfast, and we will move forward to continue to serve you in 2025,” the organization added.

The Folly Association of Business said they are working with authorities and the drone operation company, Lightyear Drones, to provide information on what caused the malfunction and how they will address these kinds of challenges in the future.

“The team at Lightyear Drones wants to express our sincere disappointment for not being able to complete tonight’s drone show. The wellbeing of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused,” said Lightyear Dones in a statement about the incident.

Folly Beach’s public safety officials said the incident was reported to the Federal Aviation Administration for investigation.

News 2 spoke Stuart white who is a certified FAA drone operator and was watching the drone show. He said he immediately knew something was wrong when he says he began to hear drones colliding with each other and falling. He estimates he heard at least 15 drones fall, and told us he doesn’t think they should’ve gone up under yesterday’s weather conditions.

“As a responsible drone pilot, you have to assess the risks involved. Doing something like this is a very complicated system and we have a cold front coming in right now and so it’s been very windy, and it was very windy all day yesterday. These systems are not necessarily designed to work well in the wind, that’s in my opinion where the failure happened and honestly, I think it should’ve been canceled before they attempted to do it at all, but there’s immense pressure on the people who are providing that service to make it happen,” said White.

The beach community’s annual Flip Flop Drop continued without incident.

—

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story mentioned two people were injured; however, the Little Dog Agency, which issued the Folly Association of Business statement, corrected their release to include only one person injured.

Folly Beach community to hold third annual Hanukkah celebration Saturday

Published: Dec. 27, 2024 at 2:08 AM PST|FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC/AP) - A celebration scheduled for Saturday night on Folly Beach will gather people in a celebration of the Festival of Lights.On eight consecutive nightfalls, Jewish people gather with family and friends to light one additional candle in the menorah, a multibranched candelabra.In Hebrew, Hanukkah means “dedication,” and the holiday marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC, after a small group of Jewish fighters libe...

Published: Dec. 27, 2024 at 2:08 AM PST|

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC/AP) - A celebration scheduled for Saturday night on Folly Beach will gather people in a celebration of the Festival of Lights.

On eight consecutive nightfalls, Jewish people gather with family and friends to light one additional candle in the menorah, a multibranched candelabra.

In Hebrew, Hanukkah means “dedication,” and the holiday marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC, after a small group of Jewish fighters liberated it from occupying foreign forces.

With the tiny supply of ritually pure oil they found in the temple, which they expected to last only a day, they lit the menorah and it stayed lit for eight days. The ritual of lighting a nightly candle, as well as the emphasis on cooking foods in oil such as potato pancakes called latkes, memorialize this miraculously long-lasting oil.

Residents and guests of Folly Beach are celebrating Hanukkah for the third year in a row with prayers from a Rabbi at Folly River Park. Visitors will see the lighting of the Menorah and participate in songs with multilingual song sheets. Organizers say the most important aspect of the event is incorporating everyone into the festivities.

Folly Beach resident and event founder Nadine Vogel says she started the holiday event two years ago. Vogel says many Christmas events were happening in the area for the holiday season but no mentions of the Jewish holiday.

She says the help of the city mayor, residents and local businesses helped bring the Festival of Lights to Folly Beach with donations and contributions. The event gets larger each year as visitors outside of the area also attend.

“Although we did it for the Folly residents,” Vogel says. “We have found that year after year we have people coming from West Ashley, from John’s Island or from Mount Pleasant. Year one we had 75 people here, last year we counted over 80.”

The celebration continues in the Folly Beach Community Center with music, traditional holiday food and games like playing the dreidel, a four-sided spinning top. Vogel says everyone from all religious backgrounds are welcome to celebrate. She says she hears positive feedback from the community as the event is an opportunity to learn about other cultures and religions.

“All the way to, ‘I’m so glad my children learned how to play dreidel, they have friends who are Jewish and they felt left out, they didn’t know how to play,’ or ‘This is so much like our religion,’” Vogel says. “You know, I think we live in a time that we need more understanding about each other’s practices and just each other as people and I think that’s what this does.”

Guests are receiving gifts for the first time in this event. A lottery drawing will take place to receive a prize for all ages that was donated by the community. Vogel hopes each family will leave with a present for the holiday.

The event begins at 5 p.m. in Folly River Park, located on Center Street.

Hanukkah began this year at sundown on Christmas Day for the first time since 2005. It continues through New Year’s Day.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the event was scheduled to take place Friday night. It begins Saturday at 5 p.m. We regret the error.

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