Tax Redesign To Be Launched in Horry County

Each year, tax-related confusion sets in on a number of Americans. Those owning property in Horry County can expect a new look to their bills in an attempt to reduce this perplexity. Plus, these changes have the possibility of saving Horry County thousands of dollars each year.

Amid an Administrative Committee meeting held by the Horry County Council, Treasurer Angie Jones claimed that the Assessor’s office and the County Auditor will work together to reduce muddled notices that weren’t specific enough. Taxpayers can expect more straightforward claims to be sent their way.

“Our tax notices have literally, what I call, turned into a monster coupon book,” Jones explains. “We’ve got so many inserts in them. Taxpayers are looking at the inserts and not looking at the tax notice or looking at the tax notice and not looking at the inserts.”

These efforts will go on to save what the county projects to be more than $50,000. Residents can expect personal property tax notices to see similar changes as well.

News

Forbes Names Horry County Schools Amongst Best Employers in SC

Annually, Forbes compiles a list of the best employers per each state. This year, after surveying 80,000 working Americans and over 500 employers, Horry County Schools was named the second-best employer in SC. Southeastern Freight Lines in Lexington took home the first place spot.

As a way of collecting data, the surveys are given through a rolling basis between October 2019 and May 2020. This year especially, it means so much to join the companies listed by Forbes. Within the questionnaire, employers are compared throughout the year “so as to account for any statistically significant variations in the results collected before and after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic,” explained Forbes.

While many companies have struggled to maintain over the course of 2020, Horry County Schools thrives as an employer. With over 5,101 working employees, the Horry County Schools seem to prioritize their staff. Superintendent Rick Maxey holds his seat throughout the Forbes award and calendar year.

In order to best collect the information for this market research study, Forbes partnered with Statista to hone in on the most well-liked organizations per each state. This is the second year such research has been conducted.

Uncategorized

Plan for $56 Million Hospital in Horry County Announced

As of Tuesday, Aug. 18, McLeod Health announced they will begin building a new $56 million hospital in Horry County. The infirmary will be four stories tall, equipped with 48 beds. The only thing standing in the way of breaking ground is a signature from the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

If all goes according to plan, the building could be fully functioning by the fall of 2023. Though no official renderings are available, McLeod Health administrator Monica Vehige has made comments on the new plans. “At a time when access to healthcare is at the top of everyone’s mind, McLeod Health remains committed to our mission.”

The new hospital will serve as a place for aiding acute illnesses such as congestive heart failure or pneumonia. There will also be a wing devoted to general surgical procedures. As for the location, residents living in Carolina Forest and Myrtle Beach communities now have a much quicker route for health care.

As Horry County becomes the most populated county in SC, it’s hospital development couldn’t have come at a better time. With 669 hospital beds already within the county, it was determined that 155 more will be needed by the year 2024.

Uncategorized

Grand Strand Golf Directors Association Disbands After 30 Years

As a hub for all things golf, the Grand Strand Golf Directors Association has been a part of Myrtle Beach since 1990. Now, 30 years later, it’s time the organization closed its doors. As a pinnacle part of the Myrtle Golf scene, the Grand Strand will be thoroughly missed.

At its peak, the organization had over 200 members, each partaking in monthly golf outings. Over the course of the last few years, the headcount has dwindled to about 50.

“The industry has changed,” said GSGDA member A.J. Gohil, who was also a former president and vice president of the group. “There’s so much happening online. It’s not like it was in the old days where you had 100 hotels and 100 golf directors, one at each hotel. Now you might have one golf director taking care of 10 hotels from their home or a satellite office. There aren’t as many hotel directors, and people are working from all different locations and it’s harder to get them out”

Throughout the years, the organization has established scholarship funds for local students. The amount reaches $2,500 per year with a maximum of four years per student. That isn’t the only charity work the group has participated in. The GSGDA has given 100 + college scholarships and raised over $350,000 throughout its time as an active organization.

While coronavirus has played a role in the ultimate closing of GSGDA, it was the prior years combined that made the decision final. Instead of coming together as a group, many of the Grand Strand golf courses have changed gears and allowed walking in order to practice social distancing. Walkers need only carry their bags or use a pull cart in order to enjoy the 18 holes.

News

CCU’s Plan to Return On-Campus

Instead of heading to campus like a typical year at Coastal Carolina University, students will begin their Fall 2020 semesters with online education until at least Sept. 8. After Thanksgiving break, classes will resume online. This decision came as a response to growing coronavirus case numbers in the South Carolina area.

Students have the option to forgo in-person learning for an entirely online semester. This academic plan was announced via a video on Tuesday, July 21. To follow, a 30-day video campaign launch fosters communication between staff and students. In the campaign, the campus safety measures are broken down for viewers.

According to CCU president, David DeCenzo, “the decision to delay in-person instruction for a few weeks provides us with the best scenario to safely resume on-campus operations. Upon our return to campus, it will be essential for all members of Teal Nation to wear face coverings inside buildings, practice physical distancing, and follow the protocols established in our Coastal Comeback Plan to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”

Those opting for the in-person plan will all be on campus by Sept. 4th at the latest. This optional second move-in allows residents to take their time in deciding what their next move is. Those that opt for a September move-in receive a two-week housing and dining credit incentive.

As of now, a plan for Spring 2021 is being crafted by DeCenzo and other CCU staff members. They will be gradually updating their reopening plans via the Coastal Comeback Plan website.

Uncategorized

Carolina Country Music Fest Postponed Until 2021

Organizers of the 2020 Carolina Country Music Fest made the decision to postpone as of Tuesday, August 11th. The festival is now to be held June 10th, 2021 to June 13th, 2021. While things are now a little less than a year out, CCMF-goers can still get excited about a similar line-up.

Headliners Jake Owen, Luke Combs, Darius Rucker, and Eric Church were originally expected to play in this year’s performances. Each artist is set to join the CCMF fest come 2021. As a response to COVID-19 and the ongoing pandemic restrictions, a festival, in the way we once knew, is unlikely to take place any time in 2020.

The Carolina Country Music Fest has been considering postponement since restrictions on concert venues were enforced early into the pandemic. The massive gatherings make social distancing nearly impossible.

For those holding a CCMF ticket, a refund can be applied regarding their tickets. If they wish to roll over into the next year, incentives are offered. 2020 ticket holders have access to lower pricing for the 2021 concert and early entry into the festival.

For more information regarding CCMF ticket changes and refunds, visit their website.

Uncategorized

Horry County Hospital Occupancy Reaches 72.1%

As Coronavirus case numbers climb across South Carolina, Horry County hospitals reach an occupancy of 72.1%. S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced 1,666 new confirmed cases throughout the state, 78 of them being in Horry County.

With 561 hospital beds in Horry County, over 400 of those remain to be occupied by patients infected by COVID-19. As case numbers climb, it’s projected they’ll continue to fill with those who have contracted the virus.

For now, elective surgeries have since been placed on hold as a means of saving bed space. “Our administrative team will continue to assess the situation to determine when we will resume elective surgeries,” said Conway Medical Center’s (CMC) Media Relations Strategist Allyson Floyd.

Visitors are still unallowed for patients in the CMC hospital with an exception for those in end-of-life circumstances. As of now, the hospital has yet to announce its future course of action regarding elective surgeries.

Eat & Drink

Best Spots For Oysters in Myrtle Beach

Seafood lovers of Myrtle Beach, are you excited for National Oyster Day? This year’s celebrations fall on August 5th, the perfect time of year to enjoy the delicacy that is bivalve mollusks. As a means of appreciating the holiday, there are plenty of local spots to shuck an array of oysters. Here’s a round-up of the best spots for celebrating this year’s National Oyster Day in Myrtle Beach.

Bimini’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Cafe

If you haven’t tried an oyster shooter, Bimini’s is the place to go. With platters of seafood and oysters of all sorts, you’re sure to find something you love at this local eatery. Located only five minutes from the Myrtle Beach Strip, you can visit Bimini’s for dining in or take-out between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Hook & Barrel

Bluepoint oysters are a staple for lovers of Hook & Barrel. Visit the epicurean establishment for excellent food and presentation. If you visit during happy hour between 4 and 6 p.m. indulge in some oysters for $1 a pop. For bloody mary fans, you won’t want to pass up a bloody mary oyster shooter. Pro tip: Top your shooter with shrimp for an all-around savory sip.

Dirty Don’s Oyster Bar & Grill

For a more laid back bar feel this National Oyster Day, visit Dirty Don’s for outdoor dining or take out from 11 a.m – 10 p.m. This family-friendly locale offers a delicious oyster roast and sweet specialty drinks. In case you’re craving some seafood alongside your oysters, Dirty Don’s has you covered from crab legs to shrimp and lobster.

Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant

This all American seafood restaurant is best known for its buffet and absolutely fresh seafood. Their raw oysters are salted to perfection, so you’re sure to savor each bite. Visitors are welcomed to practice social distancing inside from 2 p.m – 9:30 p.m. on this National Oyster Day.