grand strand

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.

Featured

A Day to Celebrate One Year of Hurricane Florence Recovery

Featured Image: SC Picture Project

In September of 2018, Hurricane Florence hit Conway, South Carolina, pummeling the town of 23,000 with rain. Yet it was after the storm had passed that the damage truly began. The Waccamaw River usually floods at 11 ft., and in the days after the storm, the city was nearly washed away when river levels reached a record 21.7 ft. Somehow, Conway stood strong. Both its people and its spirit shows resiliency last year, and it’s that strength that the city is looking to honor.

To commemorate the strength shown by its people, the City of Conway is planning a “Conway Strong” day on Oct. 5, 2019, to celebrate the community’s effort to restore the city over the past year. During the event, residents of Conway can enjoy food vendors, a kid zone and information on how to get involved with nonprofits in the area. There will be trees both planted and given out to the public to benefit the area in which they are planted. Though not specified yet, Mayor Barbara Blain-Bellamy stated that the trees selected will be chosen for their ability to hold water.

While Conway and its parks have not been completely restored since the storm, the city’s event will be a celebration of the progress which has been made in the nearly twelve months since Hurricane Florence hit. “Not everything will be 100 percent… but we think the public will be thrilled to see a return to access of our parks,” Mayor Blain-Bellamy said. “Let’s be a part of doing things that celebrate our survival.”

For more information on “Conway Strong” day and how you can take a tree home, Mayor Blain-Bellamy is urging residents to check social media in the near future and to stay up to date on the latest in Conway.

Eat & Drink

Our Favorite Grand Strand IPAs

Featured Image Credit: Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant

It’s been super rainy in the Lowcountry lately. What better way to spend a rainy day than with a delicious craft beer in a cozy brewery/restaurant? It’s the perfect place to kick back and relax and try to find a new favorite brew.

Gordon Biersch of Myrtle Beach: 3060 Howard Ave Myrtle Beach, SC

Mosaic IPA

Atlas Tap House: 1004 Chester Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Tall Guy IPA, Triforce, & Battlewagon

New South Brewing: 1109 Campbell’s Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

IPA

Liberty Brewery & Grill: 1321 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC

Honest I.P.Abe

Eat & Drink

The Best Breakfast In Town? We’ve Got You Covered

Featured Image Credit: Blueberry’s Grill Facebook

Johnny D’s Waffles and Bakery

3301 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Committed to quality, value, and complete satisfaction, Johnny D’s is the perfect spot for breakfast (or even lunch). With fresh, daily-made bread and desserts, along with made-from-scratch waffles and french toast, Johnny D’s will satisfy your taste buds and your tummy.

Blueberry’s Grill

7932 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Blueberry’s Grill is the ultimate breakfast experience. Their unique menu will have your mouth watering before you even take your first bite. The vast variety of menu options will have you trying something new every time you dine.

Donald’s Pancake House

2600 Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Donald’s Pancake House strives to offer fresh, delicious food at affordable prices. They offer great breakfast options (and don’t forget about their lunch too!). Their menu offers anything from traditional breakfast items to low-calorie lunches.

Crepe Creation Cafe

4012 Deville St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Looking for a unique, breakfast experience in Myrtle Beach? Visit the Crepe Creation Cafe! The offer a unique, fresh taste paired with healthy ingredients to create their savory flavors. Their in-house crepe recipe is incredible.

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The Best Places In The Grand Strand To Catch Fourth Of July Fireworks

Featured Image Credit: Unsplash

Fourth of July is right around the corner, and there is no better place to celebrate than Myrtle Beach. With fireworks lighting up the sky all over the area, we wanted to give you the inside scoop on the very best places to view them.

Broadway at the Beach
When it comes to fireworks displays, you really can’t beat Broadway at the Beach. Hosting fireworks displays each Tuesday and Friday night throughout the summer, it’s no surprise that this Fourth of July they will be hosting a special Independence Day celebration. The show will begin at 10 PM and fireworks will be shot off over Lake Broadway. The bright display can be viewed from many areas around the complex, but the most popular viewing locations will be near each of the bridges crossing the lakes.

Barefoot Landing
If you’re visiting the north end of the Grand Strand, Barefoot Landing also has a special Independence Day display beginning at 10 PM. Like Broadway at the Beach, the complex also hosts fireworks regularly throughout the summer, firing them off each Monday.

Murrells Inlet Marshwalk
If you find yourself visiting the south end of the Grand Strand and Litchfield Beach area, you’ll love spending the fourth at Murrells Inlet! Find yourself a comfortable spot on the waterfront while you wait for the 10 PM firework display. The fireworks will be launched from near the end of Veterans Pier and you’ll be able to view them from any spot along the Marsh Walk.

Cherry Grove Pier
This Fourth of July, Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach will host its annual fireworks display. Get set up early as fireworks will be shot off around 9:30 PM. Visitors can watch the display from the beach or their hotel balconies near the pier.

2nd Avenue Pier Fireworks
Head to 2nd Avenue Pier located in the center of Myrtle Beach. Grab some dinner at the pier restaurant and then get set up on the beach to celebrate Independence Day with a great display starting at 10 PM. There will also be firework displays every Wednesday night throughout the summer!

Myrtle Beach Pelicans Stadium
Last but not least, show your support for Myrtle Beach baseball and celebrate your patriotism early with a fireworks display happening right after the Pelicans vs. Potomac game on Tuesday, July 3rd at the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Stadium.