South Carolina

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.

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.

News

Coastal Carolina University’s Mandatory Furlough Plan Approved

Recently approved by the Division of State Human Resources, Coastal Carolina University is set to enforce a mandatory furlough plan. This comes as a response to COVID-19 affecting all businesses, including the education sphere.

What this means for the CCU is that staff and faculty members making over $35,751 or more a year are required to take 20 unpaid workdays off during the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Those making below are exempt from the furlough plan. The DSHR mandates that in this case, furlough days can be spread out over the year or taken consecutively for the month of July only.

As of May 2020, Gov. Henry McMaster signed a resolution that qualified state-institutions to seek furloughs but capped the number of maximum working days to 20. There won’t be any unexpected changes regarding this furlough plan in the near future.

CCU plans to continue finding ways to efficiently fulfill budget cuts while evaluating saving measures. This “includes the possibility of not hiring new positions and not retiring vacant positions.”

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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.

Featured

Ways to Support the Black Lives Matter Movement in Myrtle Beach

Across the globe, peaceful protests have taken place in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Myrtle Beach is no exception. Hundreds of locals gathered in Grand Park at The Market Common to speak out against injustice for the death of George Floyd. Officials, including Mayor Brenda Bethune and Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock, joined organizers at the Sunday afternoon event.

If you were unable to safely join protesters, there are still many options for how to get involved. You can directly donate to the cause using the Black Lives Matter online forum. In order to directly support the Myrtle Beach Black community, Travel Noire has adopted a list of Black-owned restaurants you can directly support.

Alongside the Food and Bev industry, there are many ways to support the movement. By sharing content from Black creators and educating yourself using online resources, you can help fight racial injustice. The easiest being signing petitions that call against systematic racism.

There are many ways to get involved globally and locally. We urge you to join as we fight to dismantle the injustice instilled against the Black community.

Featured

Local Residents Voice Concern Over Santee Cooper’s Spending Problem

Featured Image: The Post and Courier

In July, the Department of Administration announced they’d selected four firms, costing $20 million, to advise lawmakers on the Santee Cooper bidding process. Just weeks before this announcement, Santee Cooper dropped the bombshell they’d hired a new CEO with a $1.1 million per year contract, almost doubling previous CEO, Lonnie Carter’s salary, and a new deputy CEO with a $560,000 contract. The pair is set to make over $2 million when including their hefty bonuses.

Both announcements have South Carolina residents and Santee Cooper customers even more worried about the future of their utility rates.

One resident wrote to the Post and Courier discussing the systematic problems Santee Cooper has had throughout recent years stating, “While Santee Cooper is state-owned, it’s highly unlikely there will ever be a direct bailout courtesy of state taxpayers. The debt will continue to be paid by its customers on monthly bills that keep climbing higher when the average person in its service area lives on just $27,065 a year.”

Because while privately-owned utility companies’ rates are monitored by South Carolina’s Public Service Commission, Santee Cooper’s are not. As a state-owned agency, one vote between the utility’s board of directors can simply raise rates. And as Santee Cooper’s debt continues to increase, so will customer’s rates.

A second resident addressed his concerns with the positive sentiment some have shown for the utility’s new CEO stating, “Where else in the world would it make sense for a public utility to lost billions of dollars and have state invite offers for a sale, but then allow its board to hire administrators for hundreds of thousands of dollars to convince those same elected officials not to sell” in a letter to the Post and Courier.

It is clear South Carolina residents are fed up with the missteps Santee Cooper continues to make, costing Santee Cooper direct serve and co-op customers money. With the average customer making just over $27,000 per year, higher rates are not a cost which they should have to worry about. Customers deserve a solution to the debt where those who are responsible pay, not hard-working customers.

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Celebrate Your Skin with these Skin Treatments in South Carolina

Image Source: Unsplash

December is save my skin month, so if you’re in need of a a little rejuvenation, check out these incredible treatments at spas and clinics across the state. Keep in mind that most require a consultation, more than one treatment and are available at all of these locations.

Microneedling, Sweetgrass Plastic Surgery, Charleston

This one has been all the rage lately. Basically, a bunch of tiny needles are going to punch you in the face, but in a good way! These punctures on the very first layer of your skin boosts collagen production, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and elevates the overall texture of your skin. That means a reduction in scars, pore size, and stretch marks. Worth it. Plus, it’s chemical-free.

Micro-dermabrasion, River Falls Spa, Greenville

Or, dermabrasion lite. This is a mild version of the treatment that removes imperfections with a hand-held device to apply tiny crystals that sand the skin. So it’s basically the Tiffany’s of facials. It only takes 30 minutes and there is no recovery time. It does take a few treatments, but you’ll see improvements with age spots, enlarged pores, acne, minor facial lines or scars, and discolored skin.

Hydrafacial, Columbia Laser and Aesthetics, Columbia

As the name suggests, this one is a hydrating facial. Think about it like your usual skin care routine, amplified. It’ll start with cleansing and exfoliation, then onto extractions and hydration using a fusion of antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. It’s non-invasive, non-surgical and non-missable. The best part? It’s immediately effective. My skin is watering just thinking about it.

Chemical Peels, The Facial Aesthetic Center, Myrtle Beach

A chemical peel is actually more like a really intense face mask that removes damaged skin to treat wrinkles, acne scars, rough skin and age spots. Ranging from mild to deep, a professional will help determine which is best for you based on the severity of your skin problems. Either way, the results last up to 10 years.

Celluma LED Light Therapy, Mylkbar, Charleston

If you’re all about convenience, this one will get you that healthy, youthful glow in minutes. An LED therapy device with three different treatment modes is used to improve wrinkles & fine lines, treat acne, and provide pain management. It’s the least invasive option and NASA originally developed this technology to help astronauts recover after long-term space flights. Need we say more?

Oxygen Facial, Stacey O Studio, Columbia

Apparently Jennifer Aniston gets these. You probably already stopped reading and schedule an appointment. Just in case you didn’t, here’s a little more info. This treatment, which has a cult following, uses hyperbaric, pure oxygen to push hyaluronic acid deep into the skin’s cells. The goal is to create a plumper surface with tons of glow. Only two spas in South Carolina provide this highly-coveted service.