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Alabama Theatre Offers Kids Free Admission

Looking for a fun evening of song and dance with your family? Look no further!

Myrtle Beach’s Alabama Theatre is currently offering free admission for kids 16 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket. The Alabama Theatre is a popular Myrtle Beach attraction. It is located next to Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach and was voted the #1 Live Entertainment Theatre by Myrtle Beach tourists and locals.

Currently showing to theatre-goers, the Alabama Theatre’s ONE Show is an extravagant show filled with a variety of music genres and plenty of laughs. The show combines popular hits from New York, Las Vegas, and Nashville. It will run from September 25th to October 25th so, be sure to reserve your tickets soon.

You can grab your tickets online or by calling the box office at (843) 272-1111.

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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.

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Santee Cooper VC Summer Anniversary Timeline

After Three Years There’s Still No Solution For Santee Cooper Customers

The largest financial disaster in South Carolina history didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it’s been going on for 16 years, since Santee Cooper and SCE&G announced they’d be partnering on a nuclear expansion project at the VC Summer plant in 2008.

After numerous delays and the project incurring billions of dollars of debt, the project was never finished and abandoned by both SCE&G and Santee Cooper.

It later came to light that executives fought to disclose a report highlighting serious problems with the project while continuing to pour money into it.

Three years later and with billions of dollars of debt that customers will have to pay, lawmakers are looking at selling the state-owned agency to alleviate customers of Santee Cooper’s debt. And while it looked like the financial disaster might come to an end earlier this year, a few lawmakers stalled. No decision was made, leaving Santee Cooper to continue to make poor decisions, such as extending a million-dollar contract for its CEO and sponsoring a golf tournament. Santee Cooper’s behavior was so bad it drew a harshly worded rebuke from the Speaker of the South Carolina legislature, who labeled Santee Cooper a “rogue entity” for providing “false and misleading” information.

So how did we get here? Here’s a timeline of how customers were left with billions of dollars of debt and increasing utility rates.

There are several key dates before the most recent decision to explore the sale, but we’re focusing on the monumental dates that reveal SCE&G and Santee Cooper’s poor leadership, lack of transparency, and what led customers to be responsible for Santee Cooper’s $8 billion debt.

May 2008 – The start of this fiasco. SCE&G and Santee Cooper announced a nuclear expansion project at the VC Summer plant. Since the announcement of the VC Summer Project eleven years ago, several delays and massive problems were hidden by the project’s leadership.

February 2009 – The nuclear expansion plan is approved and construction is set to begin in 2012 with the first reactor to begin operating in 2016 and the second in 2019.

November 2009 – Santee Cooper approves and implements a 3.4% rate increase to help pay for the project.

December 2011 – The project gets off to a rocky start with the first delay being reported by SCE&G for production issues, manpower issues, and the need to redesign nuclear modules.

December 2012 – Santee Cooper approves and implements another 1.8% increase to rates.

June 2013 – Another delay follows pushing the first reactor operation date to late 2017-early 2018.

December 2013 – Santee Cooper approves and implements yet another rate increase. This time a whopping 5.2% to help pay for the struggling project.

May 2014 – Obvious signs of trouble appear and Santee Cooper asks to hire an outside company to oversee the project.

October 2014 – Money trouble becomes more apparent when contractors say it will cost an additional one billion dollars to complete the reactors.

October 2015 – Westinghouse is brought on board and completion dates are rescheduled yet again. The project is now pushed back to late 2019-early 2020.

December 2015 – During this time, SCE&G asked the Public Service Commission of the Office of Regulatory Staff to increase rates to help fund the project. Santee Cooper has its own board of directors and doesn’t have to get rate hikes approved by anyone except its own board, so Santee Cooper increases rates to help fund the project.

April 2016 – Another rate increase is approved and implemented by Santee Cooper. Customers see their rates go up by 5.3% this time.

June 2016 – SCE&G asks for its ninth rate increase.

March 2017 – Westinghouse files for bankruptcy. The company cites $9 billion in losses from its two nuclear construction projects, one of which is the VC Summer project.

April 2017 – Santee Cooper increases rates another 2.1%.

July 2017 – Shortly after this, Santee Cooper and SCE&G announced they were abandoning the project even though customers have already paid up to $2 billion for the reactors.

At this point, much of the general public was still unaware of the financial effects it was having on them.

August 2017 – A special South Carolina Senate committee holds their first of MANY hearings and former Santee Cooper CEO Lonnie Carter announces his retirement.

September 2017 – A month later Santee Cooper turns over the Betchel report detailing their insufficient oversight of the project.

January 2018 – SCE&G customers hear good news when Dominion Energy announces it will purchase SCANA Corp.

June 2018 – A state audit reports that the final amount for the failed project could increase by over $400 million.

August 2018 – A 15 percent rate cut and refund for April-July charges begin appearing on SCE&G bills. Meanwhile, Santee Cooper customers are still continuing to pay for the failed nuclear disaster.

March 2019 – Santee Cooper executives are unable to answer important questions about the future of Santee Cooper and rates during a Senate hearing. Following this, South Carolina Senate President Harvey Peeler introduces legislation that calls for exploring options for a possible Santee Cooper sale.

April 2019 – Santee Cooper announces rate increases totaling about 7% between 2021-2024 with no PSC oversight.

May 2019 – Lawmakers adopt this resolution and will begin exploring options to sell Santee Cooper. Read more about what this resolution means, here.

July 2019 – The two-year anniversary of the abandonment of the failed V.C. Summer project that started back in 2008, over a decade ago, yet Santee Cooper direct serve and electric co-op customers are still paying for this massive financial disaster.

Santee Cooper brings on new CEO, Mark Bonsall, guaranteeing him an annual salary of $1.1 million for 18 months.

August 2019 – The South Carolina Department of Administration announces parties are now able to submit bids for Santee Cooper hoping to alleviate customers from the increasing debt.

September 2019 – Santee Cooper’s largest customer, the electrical cooperatives which buy its power from the state-owned utility, sue Santee Cooper for keeping them in the dark about the failing VC Summer project, trying to protect their customers from being held responsible for its debt.

Santee Cooper also releases their “new plan” which fails to recognize its debt or explain what will happen to utility rates.

November 2019 – Increasing its debt even more, Santee Cooper’s legal fees for current and former executives surpasses $1 million.

February 2020 – Santee Cooper files a motion to stop any reference to future rate hikes during the cooperative lawsuit trial, hoping to keep jury members in the dark after claiming a “rate freeze” would be put in place.

The Department of Administration hands over a report to lawmakers detailing its recommendations from the bids it received from Santee Cooper including a management proposal from Dominion, a purchase proposal from NextEra, and a reform proposal from Santee Cooper itself.

March 2020 – House members vote to further negotiate with NextEra and discuss extensive reforms to Santee Cooper, rejecting Dominion’s management proposal altogether. While Senate members voted to give more time to Santee Cooper to reform disregarding the years it had to reform up until this point.

April 2020 – Pro-Santee Cooper Senators hold up emergency COVID funding until they win concessions to put off a decision on the sale of Santee Cooper.

Speaker Jay Lucas issues a letter to the Santee Cooper Board of Directors stating that “representations made by Santee Cooper Board members, leadership and staff are not reliable” and states that, had he the authority, he would “seek the immediate and unqualified removal of each member of the Santee Cooper Board and the dismissal for cause, of the entire senior management.”

July 2020 – Santee Cooper extends contracts for its million-dollar a year CEO and sponsors the Heritage Golf Tournament despite it having no fans in attendance.

July 31, 2020 – Three years since the VC Summer Project was abandoned with no relief in sight for customers or South Carolina taxpayers.

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4th of July Fireworks

It’s back! The famous Myrtle Beach 4th of July fireworks show is in the works after new show sponsors stepped in. Thanks to Budweiser and McDonalds, Myrtle Beach-goers can expect a grand finale of rockets and sparklers come this Independence Day.

Join the city of Myrtle Beach at the Boardwalk on July 4th for a 10 p.m. firework show. Originally canceled due to budget cuts, this show’s expected to be as exciting as the last. You can count on crowds for roman candles and colorful firecrackers as we celebrate our nation’s independence. Face masks and social distancing are encouraged in an effort to maintain safety.

While news of the Cherry Grove Pier and Barefoot Landing fireworks being canceled has left many wondering how they’ll celebrate this year, there are still several ways to commemorate the day. Starting at Surfside beach, locals will be hosting a golf cart parade from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Deck out your ride for a chance to win the award for “the most patriotic cart.” Political decorations are discouraged.

Strap on your running shoes and hit the Market Common’s pavement for the annual Independence Day Race. Choose between a 5k or an 8k at this family-friendly event. You’ll want to get a good night’s sleep for this 7:30 am wakeup call. With a high of 85 degrees on Saturday the Fourth, it’s sure to be a lovely day filled with fun and fireworks.

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Best Spots to go Fishing in Myrtle Beach

Fishing has always been apart of the Myrtle Beach experience and this year is no exception. Here’s a roundup of the best spots to bait your hook in Myrtle Beach.

Murrells Inlet South Jetties

For a $5 admission, fishers can enjoy this jetties protected spot. Located just along the northward beach walk, Murrells Inlet offers a plethora of fish. Open from 6 a.m – 6 p.m., you’re sure to reel in a catch.

Garden City Pier

All-day and all night the Garden City Pier is open for business, that is, in the summer months. Cast a line under the stars at this local’s favorite pier. Reel in a Redfish, Sheepshead, or a sea Bass for just $10 a fish.

Cherry Grove Pier

Forget your rod? Cherry Grove has you covered. Rentals are available for purchase at this popular pier. For $3 only, the Cheery Grove Pier offers admission, followed by a $7.50 charge per each fishing rod. Enjoy this locale from 6 a.m. – 12 a.m during the workweek.

Vereen Park and Memorial Gardens

Keen to wet your line on the Intracoastal Waterway? This local’s favorite park is open for business from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Though, you’ll want to plan a lunch break as they close from 1 – 2 p.m.

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Bruce Munro’s Southern Light Exhibit

Not all activities remain closed this summer in Myrtle Beach. The Bruce Munro Southern Light exhibit at Brookgreen Garden is now open for visitors. While they practice social distancing, they continue to offer an immersive experience in art and light.

The installation consists of seven works of mixed media. Created by the artist Bruce Munro, each exhibit is geared toward a specific garden room. Using tens of thousands of components, Munro builds each sculpture from the ground up.

His previous work titled “Field of Light at Sensorio” was featured in Paso Robles, Calif. The New York Times highlighted this in what they refer to as a “mind-bending spectacle” in a recent article on art and design.

From May 15 to Sept. 12, Wednesdays through Saturdays 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., Myrtle Beach visitors can meander through the mesmerizing visual experience. For all those living on the East coast, you’ll want to take advantage of these dates. This is the only chance Munro’s work will be featured on this side of the country.

The team at Brookgreen Gardens urges visitors to uphold social distancing etiquette. This can be done by respecting one-way paths, keeping 6-feet apart, wearing a mask, and washing your “paws.”

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What You Need To Know Before Voting On June 9

The South Carolina primary election is on June 9, 2020, and it’s more important than ever that you use your voice and vote.

The June 9 primary election will determine the democrat or republican candidates that will then move on to the general election on November 3, 2020.

If you’re confused about what you’re voting for, who to vote for, or where to even start, we’re here to help.

First, make sure you’re registered to vote. Once you’re registered, there are three different ways to vote:

Request absentee ballot and mail it in. For the ballot to count, the voter registration office must receive it no later than 7:00 pm on June 9.
Request absentee ballot and drop it off in person. You can do this up until 5 pm on June 8.
Vote on June 9 in person. You can check your polling place at SC Votes.

What positions will you be voting for on June 9?

Depending on your county, you will be voting for:

State House of Representatives
U.S. House of Representatives
State Senate
U.S. Senate
County Council
Coroner
Sheriff

Your elected officials will be the people who represent your interests on issues such as education, law enforcement, medical marijuana, Santee Cooper, offshore drilling, and many others at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

To find out who you can vote for in your district, you can visit Ballotpedia for a sample ballot or find what district you’re in using the maps below and search the list below to see State House Representative candidates and State Senate candidates in your district.

South Carolina House of Representatives By District

District 57 – Serves part of Horry County

Candidates:

District 68 – Serves part of Horry County

Candidates:

District 105 – Serves part of Horry County

Candidates:

District 107 – Serves part of Horry County

Candidates:

South Carolina Senate By Districts

District 30 – Serves part of Horry County

Candidates:

District 32 – Serves parts of Georgetown and Horry County

Candidates:

District 33 – Serves part of Horry County

Candidates:

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National Running Day

Every year on the first Wednesday of June, runners across the United States put on their favorite pair of sneakers and hit the pavement. As a means of celebrating the sport of running, the now globally recognized holiday was originally created to draw attention to the health benefits of running while bringing people together.

Don’t be surprised if you see sprinters outside on June 3rd. All levels of athleticism are encouraged to participate. No matter the distance, the holiday is meant to excite people to get up and get moving! If you’re looking for a change of scenery while you celebrate National Running Day, check out this list of the best running spots in Myrtle Beach.

The Horry County Bike and Run Park

This challenging trail is referred to as the “Hulk” because of its twisty turns and rollercoaster hills. Those seeking something casual, be warned, this is a spot for passionate joggers. Bikers are also welcome in a sectioned off side.

The Market Common

Casual walkers love the loop around the Valor Memorial Garden, also known as the Market Common. The 1.1-mile path features ponds and fields. If you’re looking for a change in scenery, the Market Common is your best bet.

The Beach and Boardwalk

The wide stretch of sand makes running on the beach in Myrtle doable, so long as you stick close to the water. The boardwalk goes on for 1.2 miles. So when you’re sick of the sand, you’ve got plenty of boardwalks to get your steps in. Timing is important for beach runners. Peak sun hours could mean weaving through umbrellas and sandcastles. The early morning is ideal for avoiding crowds.

Murrells Inlet

Looking for something a little quieter? Murrells Inlet is an endurance runners paradise. The flat stretch of land offers calm residential views. Without much traffic, you can finish your run uninterrupted.

Huntington Beach State Park

This trail offers a more secluded spot while still having its scenic nature views. With almost two miles of trails, wetlands, and marsh, Huntington Beach is the perfect outdoor running spot.