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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."

READ MORE | "Folly Beach NYE drone show halted after drones fall from sky, 1 person struck: reports."

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, 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.

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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, S.C. (WCBD) — New beachfront lighting rules intended to help better protect sea turtle hatchlings are set to go into effect on Folly Beach next spring.

City council members unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance on Dec. 10 that amends the rules for artificial lighting on oceanfront property during turtle nesting season.

The new regulations prohibit any lighting that illuminates the beach during nighttime hours from May 1 to October 31. Nighttime hours are defined as the period between sunrise and sunset as determined by the National Weather Service.

Officials told News 2 that changing the lights-out period — dusk to dawn previously — will account for varying hours of darkness as the seasons change.

It marks a notable change as house lighting requirements had not been updated in several decades despite changes to landscape and beach walkover lighting requirements over the years.

Motion-detection security and safety lighting will permitted during the restricted time but “low-profile luminaries” must be used and shielded so that the light does not illuminate the beach, per the ordinance.

Hatchlings instinctually rely on moonlight to find their way to sea and artificial lighting can cause them to become disoriented and wander inland. It can also deter females from coming onshore to nest.

Sea turtles already face daunting survival odds, with an estimated one in 1,000 — or as few as one in 10,000 — making it to adulthood, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association. Coupled with natural predatory threats, disorientation can push those odds even lower.

“Folly Beach Turtle Watch (FBTW) is very appreciative of our turtle-friendly city council,” said program coordinator Dave Miller, who initially requested the law be modified.

“This season, they approved money to have our streetlights converted to turtle-friendly lights, and they proactively modified the ordinance so it will be in effect for the 2025 season,” he continued. “Both of these actions unquestionably will save the lives of a lot of hatchlings.”

There are seven species of sea turtles — all of which are considered endangered — but only loggerheads, Kemp’s ridleys, greens, and leatherbacks are found on South Carolina beaches.

FBTW recorded 44 nests on Folly Beach during the 2024 nesting season with an average emergence success rate of 72.7%.

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - A plan to improve safety on one Folly Beach road is moving forward to the next phase of the project.

Council members approved a $360,695 contract with AMT Engineering to move forward with completing 30 percent of the designs for Arctic Avenue.

Arctic Avenue is about two miles long and runs parallel to the beach.

Officials say the plan for Arctic Avenue will enhance safety and accessibility for beachgoers whether they walk, bike, or drive.

Richard Turner, the South Carolina Programs Services Lead for AMT Engineering, says the plan will feature better parking, a 10-foot-wide shared-use path along the entire road, and improved crosswalks at intersections and beach access points.

“If you go to Folly, you’re parking on the shoulder of the road, you’re parking on the dirt road, and you don’t have anywhere to walk. You have families that get out of their vehicles with their kids and they maybe have a buggy, a wagon, all the beach stuff, and you have nowhere to walk,” Turner says.”This is an opportunity to allow, you know, have that space for improved parking and then having actual space, a safe space, for them to walk.”

Turner says in 2023 during the first phase of this plan they spent time studying the area, how people were using it, and then came up with ideas of what this project could look like.

Now, he says they will be taking those ideas and turning them into real designs on paper. Turner says a significant part of this phase of the design process is surveying the area.

He says their survey team will be on-site to collect data points for the entire length of the road, including location, utilities, driveways, houses, and other important features. From there Turner says they will base their designs on those conditions.

“Arctic being the closest to the kind of central business district of Folly Beach it has the most foot traffic, so you know it’s really important to have safe places for folks on like I said bikes, cars, golf carts, and auto. They all need to be able to operate in a safe space,” Turner says.

One Folly Beach resident, Gabi Zeman, says that it would be helpful to have these safety measures when going to the beach.

“I’ve lived on Folly Beach for the last three years now and the summer months are super busy. So, it would be great to have more sidewalks and just I guess a safer city for a lot of residents coming in and then obviously all the visitors that come in in the summer months as well,” Zeman says.

Turner says that it will take nine to 12 months to complete 30 percent before progressing to the next phase of the design process.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

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