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Myrtle Beach Expected to Be At 100 Percent Occupancy By May

As businesses begin to reopen and more people get vaccinated, it seems as though a return to “normal” is getting closer. Myrtle Beach officials are hoping to get businesses back to 100 percent occupancy by May. 

Starting on April 1st, gyms, recreation centers and pools in Myrtle Beach can open to 75 percent occupancy. In addition, many government buildings throughout the city including City Hall and the City Services Building will also reopen on April 1st.

However, many of the buildings set to reopen will have their own protocols that visitors must abide by such as mask mandates and temperature checks. 

Mark Kruea, Public Information Director for the City of Myrtle Beach, said that even though things are beginning to open up, everyone should still be vigilant. Kruea said “We need to be mindful that COVID still exists. There are still cases being reported, that you can still spread it to your friends and family or they can give it to you for that matter. The masks are still a good idea. They are still required in indoor facilities, including in restaurants through March.” 

If cases continue to decline, Kruea hopes to open up to 100 percent occupancy by May.

News

20-Year Plan Will Significantly Expand Myrtle Beach International Airport

If the current rate of passengers coming through Myrtle Beach International Airport continues at the same pace, the airport will not be able to sustain the influx. A 20-year plan is being created to try to keep up with the growing number of passengers. 

Scott Van Moppes, Horry County Director of Airports, said that “two years from now, according to the forecast, we’re going to be undersized for the number of people traveling through the airport.” 

Two proposals have been enacted to increase the size of the airport – one would increase the number of gates to 23 and one would increase the number of gates to 25. In addition to gate space, the proposals also call for more parking and an increase in the number of international flights.

Officials are also discussing the possibility of adding space for a shipping distribution center for companies like FedEx and Amazon.

It is expected that a finalized plan will be presented to the Federal Aviation Administration by the end of 2021.

News

New Attractions Coming to the Myrtle Beach Area

Myrtle Beach is expanding their long list of attractions this year. From amusement parks to breweries to shows, here’s what’s coming to Myrtle Beach in 2021!

Crooked Hammock Brewery

Oh hoppy day! A new brewery is set to open at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach in 2021. Crooked Hammock Brewery will provide both indoor and outdoor seating, a playground, a restaurant and a pet-friendly beer garden for patrons to enjoy.

Funplex Amusement Park

A new beach-themed amusement park is set to open in the Spring of 2021. Funplex Amusement Park currently has two other locations – both of which are located in New Jersey. The new park will be located on Ocean Boulevard and will feature a variety of rides, a restaurant and bar.

Hotworx Infrared Workouts

Looking for a new workout to help meet your New Year’s Resolutions? Check out Hotworx Infrared workouts. Their infrared workout heats the body through infrared energy to speed up your metabolism and burn more calories. 

Le Grand Cirque 2.0

Come down to Broadway at the Beach this summer for a new Cirque du Soleil experience. This mesmerizing spectacle will feature thrilling acrobatics and stunts and is something the whole family will enjoy. The show is expected to begin in the summer of 2021.

News

This Travel Park Received “Park of the Year”

Myrtle Beach Travel Park has been named the “Park of the Year” by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC). 

The ARVC hosted a virtual event, the 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo, earlier this month to announce the award. The Myrtle Beach Travel Park was awarded the Park of the Year Award, recognizing exceptional parks and outdoor hospitality, in the “Mega Park” category of awards.

The Myrtle Beach Travel Park was recognized for its beauty, amenities, activities, and industry-leading marketing.

Paul Bambei, president and CEO of ARVC, addressed the announcement saying, “The parks that receive the Park of the Year honor are at the pinnacle of the industry. These parks are not only wonderful destinations with fantastic amenities but more importantly, the owners and staff at these parks continually provide over-the-top customer service. Even in a difficult year, these parks still found a way to go above and beyond in efforts, by providing world-class amenities, experiences, and customer service!”

Plan a visit to the Myrtle Beach Travel Park and see for yourself why this stunning park was awarded such a prestigious award.  

News

City of Myrtle Beach Loses 53 Employees

Due to the ongoing economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 53 employees of the city of Myrtle Beach have decided to leave their jobs.

Most of the employees are a part of a voluntary severance program that began in June. The voluntary severance package will provide employees their salaries for a quarter of a year as well as medical coverage through the end of the year.

In addition to those individuals voluntarily leaving the city, 10 employees were laid off by the city – all of whom will receive the same severance package.

This decision follows a season of significant decline in tourism to the city of Myrtle Beach. The subsequent decrease in revenue has caused salary cuts to city employees – a move that is expected to save the city around $1.3 million. 

City Manager John Pedersen cited the ongoing financial impact of the pandemic saying, “Every employer in the Grand Strand has faced this as a result of the pandemic,” he said. “It’s not any easier for us than it is for them.”

News

Horry County Census Response Rate is Disturbingly Low

As of today, less than 40% of Myrtle Beach residents have responded to the 2020 Census.

Across Horry County, the response is under 57%. Response rates in Horry County towns and cities include:

  • Atlantic Beach 15.7%
  • Aynor 56.6%
  • Briarcliff Acres: 71%
  • Conway 55.6%
  • Loris 56.3%
  • North Myrtle Beach 24.8%
  • Myrtle Beach 38.9%
  • Surfside Beach 34.7%

Billions of dollars in federal, state, county and local government are allocated based on census results. Congressional and legislative seats are also drawn using census data. As a result of the last census in 2010, the coastal area and Pee Dee gained a congressional seat.

It’s not too late to respond. You can still complete the questionnaire yourself  online at 2020census.gov, by calling  844-330-2020, or by returning the paper form you received in the mail.  Respond using the address where you were living on April 1, 2020 and include anyone who was living with you at the time. 

 

Featured

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Myrtle Beach

Planning a trip to Myrtle Beach? Here are a few fun Myrtle Beach facts you might not know!

1. Myrtle Beach is an island! It was man made and has been separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway since 1936.

 

2. The area has more than 100 golf courses, claiming to be the “golf capital of the world.”

3. Myrtle Beach is also the “mini-golf capital of the world” with more mini-golf courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world.

4. Sports Illustrated was founded in Myrtle Beach in 1954.

5. Myrtle Beach State Park was the first state park in South Carolina.

6. Myrtle Beach is home to one of the tallest ferris wheels in the country, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel.

 


 

7. The popular swing dance known as the “Shag” was born along these beaches in the 1940s.

8. Myrtle Beach is one of America’s top vacation destinations.

 

 

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Nothing finer than a beach day in January! #myrtlebeach #beachday #amazingweather #paradise

A post shared by MyrtleBeach.com (@officialmyrtlebeach) on Jan 3, 2020 at 11:50am PST


 

9. The beach town is named after the Sweet Myrtle Tree, a native tree to the area.

10. The Waccamaw and Winyah American Indian tribes were the first people to live in the area.