Hurricane Matthew to Work Up Coast Tonight Closer to the Beach Than Expected

South Carolina Office of the Governor, October 7, 11:00 a.m.

The latest track update from the National Hurricane Center holds Hurricane Matthew closer to the beach

• Hurricane warning has been issued for our area in addition to the storm surge warning.
• Matthew is now a category 3 hurricane.
• The storm surge is expected to reach 8 feet and stretch far inland. Heavy rainfall will be an issue, with up to 14" in various places.
• Strong winds will pose a major threat to mobile homes, trees, homes and other structures.
• "This is the last time you see me before we're in storm mode," said Gov. Nikki Haley.
• Gov. Haley urges people to evacuate: " I thank people of South Carolina for being strong, but it is not worth taking the risk" said the Governor.

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Communication from the City of North Myrtle Beach, October 7, 9:30 a.m.

The following projected conditions for the city of North Myrtle Beach in reference to Hurricane Matthew are based on forecast modeling and are subject to change as we receive new information from the National Weather Service and the Hurricane Hunters Recon Missions:

• Easterly gale force winds should start affecting the area on Saturday, October 8 at 2 AM EDT. The highest wind speeds from Hurricane Matthew should occur near 1 PM EDT when top sustained winds, from the East, could reach 56 MPH with gusts near 68 MPH. Winds should decrease below gale force 17 hours later.
• Sustained winds will fall below gale force after 6 AM EDT on Sunday morning and generally be from the North during this period of decreasing winds. Expect gusts above gale force level for several more hours thereafter.
• The total rainfall forecast for our area for the duration of Hurricane Matthew is forecast to be 13.4 inches. This can vary significantly as tropical storm and hurricane rainfall is very difficult to predict.
• There is a chance that the storm surge could be as high as 5 feet in areas vulnerable to surge impacts.

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Helpline for Shelter Locations

 Evacuees seeking refuge from Hurricane Matthew should call 1-866-246-0133 to be directed to the nearest open emergency shelter anywhere in the state. The state’s public information phone system is operational 24 hours a day until South Carolina is no longer in danger.

The S.C. Emergency Management Division website, scemd.org, lists emergency shelter status statewide and is updated in real-time by the S.C. Department of Social Services.

Coastal evacuees currently traveling or without internet access are urged to call the PIPS line if they need assistance.

S.C. PUBLIC INFORMATION PHONE SYSTEM: 1-866-246-0133

Hurricane Related Information From the City of North Myrtle Beach

The following information provides answers to some key questions that City employees have received and responded to over the past 24 hours.

Is there an evacuation underway?

Governor Haley issued an evacuation order effective October 6 at 12:00 Noon for Zone “A” in Horry County. Zone “A” in North Myrtle Beach encompasses all areas east of U.S. 17 Business (Kings Highway), up to intersection with U.S. 17 (Kings Highway) and then all areas east of U.S. 17 (Kings Highway) to the northern county line.

What happens if I don’t evacuate?

If you are in Zone “A”, the Governor’s evacuation order affects you and we strongly urge you to follow it. While we will not go door to door forcing evacuations, by not evacuating you may place yourself in real danger. If the community experiences very high winds and/or severe flooding of roadways, it could be that we may not be able to get to you should you suddenly find yourself in an emergency situation.  

What if I need assistance evacuating?

City residents can contact our Emergency Operations Center Public Phone Line at 843-281-3705 and we will get you in contact with the appropriate agency to help you out.

Will I be able to still get into North Myrtle Beach with the evacuation in effect?

The evacuation route for North Myrtle Beach is Highway 17 North to SC Highway 9 to I-95. You will see law enforcement personnel along Highway 17 at certain points monitoring the traffic flow. There are no plans to restrict the direction of travel for anyone or restrict personnel from entering the city. Our law enforcement presence will be obvious and alert to persons entering the city. We are there to direct evacuees along the correct evacuation route, and to assist the public as a whole. We will also patrol all areas of the city prior to, during and following the storm.

What is the Post-Hurricane Re-Entry Procedure for North Myrtle Beach?

·       Before anyone is allowed to re-enter North Myrtle Beach, officials will first assess the community for damage. If areas are unsafe, re-entry to them will not be allowed until they have been made safe again. Whenever possible, the City will allow re-entry to areas of the City that are safe and have not been damaged. Our consistent goal is always to work to get property owners and business owners back into the community so that we can all contribute to recovery and a resumption of our normal way of life.

·       When reentering the city of North Myrtle Beach after a hurricane, property owners, renters and business owners should be prepared to show either their driver’s license, a copy of a recent water bill or property tax bill, a rental agreement, or other form of identity that proves residency or property ownership within the city.

·       Owners of businesses with employees who do not reside within the city limits but are essential to recovery of a business should provide those employees with a letter written on company letterhead identifying them as being essential to the recovery of the business. When identifying an employee, please use their name as it is shown on their driver’s license so that authorities can match the two for verification.

·       The City of North Myrtle Beach does not require filing residency or business information prior to a storm.

During the Storm

·       Police and Fire/Rescue personnel may have to come off the road temporarily when sustained high winds and/or severe flooding present a clear danger to them.

·       Moveable swing bridges in the coastal areas will be locked down for use by vehicle traffic only as soon as sustained winds reach 25 mph. No openings will be made for nautical traffic until the winds subside.

·       Drivers of motor vehicles are encouraged to use extreme caution when sustained winds reach speeds of 30 mph on high rise bridges. On some high rise bridges, sustained winds or wind gusts of 40 mph and more can be extremely unsafe for travel. It is always law enforcement’s prerogative to temporarily bar travel over bridges when conditions are considered to be too dangerous.

·       If it is indicated that a severe storm surge may accompany the hurricane, and it has the real capacity to damage water lines, the City retains the option to shut down water service to properties where that infrastructure is threatened. This would be done only as a last resort or preventive measure to preserve infrastructure and to ensure that adequate pressure can be maintained throughout the City’s water system. (To address a rumor that has made the rounds over the past 24 hours: The City would not shut off water supply as a punitive measure toward those who elect to ignore the Governor’s evacuation order.)

·       Santee Cooper could elect to shut off power in selected locations, depending on storm impact.

Is it okay for people to drive around town during the hurricane?

·       Don’t. Roads may be flooded, wind-driven debris may be flying through the air, trees may fall on to roads, live electrical wires may come down. You place yourself in real danger when you drive around during a hurricane, and you place an extra, completely unnecessary burden on law enforcement personnel, who have many other real issues and emergencies on which to focus.  

Does the City have sandbags available for the public to use?

·       The City does not have sandbags available for the public to use

What are a few of the easier things I can do around my house before the storm hits?

·       Secure your trash can in advance of the storm.

·       Secure outdoor furniture and other unsecured objects. If the wind is strong enough, these things can become “missiles” that can cause damage to property or people.

·       Make sure your pets are sheltered.

How will the City provide information to the public before, during and after the hurricane?

We post information using these resources:

www.NMB.us (See “Press Releases” on the home page)

 www.Facebook.com/cityofnmb

www.Twitter.com/cityofnmb

Nixle Alerts via Phone and Email

During the storm, what numbers should I call for Emergencies and Non-Emergencies?

§  Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

§  Call 843-281-3705 for non-emergencies.

Revised Schedule for NMB Recreation Facilities

The J. Bryan Floyd Community Center, and the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex will close at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6 and at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7. Both facilities will be closed on Saturday, October 8. The current plan is to reopen the NMB Park & Sports Complex at 12 Noon on Sunday, October 9, but that is dependent on Hurricane Matthew’s impact on the community.

The NMB Aquatic & Fitness Center (AFC) will close at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6 and at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7. The AFC will be closed on Saturday, October 8. The current plan is to reopen the AFC at 12 Noon on Sunday, October 9, but that is dependent on Hurricane Matthew’s impact on the community.

Evacuation Order in Place for Zone “A” in Horry County/North Myrtle Beach

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has issued an evacuation order for Zone “A” in Horry and Georgetown counties to officially begin at noon (12:00 p.m.) today, Thursday, October 6. 

Zone “A” includes all areas east of U.S. Business 17 (Kings Hwy), up to the intersection with U.S. 17 (Kings Hwy) and all areas east of US 17 (Kings Hwy) to the Northern county line.  In addition, evacuations include all low-lying areas, mobile homes, and campground sites.

Lane reversals are not anticipated on Highway 501, but law enforcement is prepared to implement reversals if needed.

To support the evacuation, American Red Cross shelters will open at 12:00 p.m. today for individuals who must evacuate.

Individuals are reminded to secure their property before they evacuate.  Shelters should be considered as a place of last resort to ride out the storm, shelters may be crowded, do not accept pets and are not designed for comfort.  When going to a shelter, citizens will need to take their own supplies such as batteries, bedding, identification, toiletries, clothing, and so forth. Shelters do not accept guns, alcohol or animals.

Be aware that, if you are located in Zone “A” and decide not to evacuate, there may come a point in the passing of this hurricane that Public Safety personnel cannot come to your rescue due to excessive wind speeds and/or major flooding of roadways. When you make the decision not to evacuate, you are then accepting the practical fact that you may be placing yourself in grave danger.

Once the Governor rescinds the evacuation order, North Myrtle Beach will activate its Re-Entry Plan. 

Re-Entry for Residents & Property Owners

Re-Entry will be allowed only after City personnel have determined that an area is safer for re-entry. If damage has occurred that is a threat to safety, re-entry will be delayed until the situation has been rectified. The City’s goal over all is to get people back in to North Myrtle Beach as soon as things are safe so that you can participate in recovery.

Re-entry for Property Owners

•        Property owners should have proper identification to gain admittance.  Identification may include a valid government issued photo ID card showing the location of the property. 

·         Out of state property owners with residential or commercial properties within the affected area(s) must show a valid government issued photo identification and current documentation to verify the need for re-entry such as a utility bill, deed, property tax notice, etc…

Re-Entry for Business Owners & Essential Employees

•        Business owners/operators will need proper identification to gain admittance to impacted areas, such as, a current business license, company photo ID card, lease documents or other official documents showing the location of the property and as a valid driver’s license.

•        Essential staff/employees will also need proper identification such as a valid driver’s license and an essential employee authorization letter on official company letterhead provided by the business.  This letter should include a request for admittance, the employees’ name and be signed by the business owner/operator.

Be very aware that the forecast for Hurricane Matthew may change as the storm gets closer to our coastline.

The City of North Myrtle Beach will continue to post information regarding Hurricane Matthew prior to, during and following the storm via these outlets:

• www.NMB.us (See “Press Releases” on the home page)
• www.Facebook.com/cityofnmb
• www.Twitter.com/cityofnmb

Those who experience medical and other emergencies during the storm may call 911.

For non-emergencies (trees down across a roadway, electrical wires down across a roadway, etc.), call 843-281-3705. That number is associated with the North Myrtle Beach Emergency Operations Center.

Update - Potential Evacuation of Zone "A" in Horry County

During a Wednesday, October 5, 6:00 p.m. press conference, Governor Nikki Haley said that a POTENTIAL evacuation of Zone "A" in Horry County might occur at "noon tomorrow" (October 6). She said that she would again address the potential for an evacuation at a morning press conference on October 6.

At this time, no evacuation is in effect for Horry County. However, the Governor did note that, although some forecasters identify Hurricane Matthew as tracking a bit more to the east, it is still a large, powerful storm and, if it adheres to today's forecaster tracks, could bring 5-10 inches of rain to our coast, high winds and, depending on when it interacts with our coast, potential high storm surge.

At its current pace, the storm is forecast to interact with our coast by degrees later on Friday through Sunday.

Hurricane Matthew Update: List of Shelters

At Governor Nikki Haley's direction, Horry County and North Myrtle Beach are preparing for a possible evacuation of Zone "A" beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 6.

According to Horry County Emergency Management, resources are moving into the County to support that evacuation. Lane reversals will NOT be used, unless there is a last minute reason to do so.

If there is an evacuation, all of the Red Cross hurricane evacuation shelters will open at the time the evacuation starts.

LIST OF SHELTERS

1. Aynor Elementary-516 Jordanville Road, Aynor
2. Aynor High-201 Jordanville Road, Aynor
3. Aynor Middle School, 400 Frye Road, Galivants Ferry
4. Blackwater Middle School, 900 East Cox Ferry Road, Conway
5. Conway High School, 2301 Church Street, Conway
6. Green Sea Floyds Elementary,5000 Tulip Road, Green Sea
7. Green Sea Floyds High,5265 Highway 9, Green Sea
8. Loris Elementary, 901 Highway 9 East, Loris
9. Loris High-301 Loris Lions Road, Loris
10. Loris Middle School, 5209 Highway 66, Loris
11. North Myrtle Beach High School, 3750 Sea Mountain Highway, Little River
12. Palmetto Bays Elementary, 8900 Highway 544, Myrtle Beach
13. Pee Dee Elementary, 6555 Highway 134, Conway
14. Whittemore Park Middle-1808 Rhue Street

Hurricane Matthew update: Residents in Georgetown and Horry counties asked to evacuate Thursday morning

Governor Nikki Haley has made a change to coastal evacuations ahead of the potential landfall of Hurricane Matthew this morning.

Instead of a blanket mandatory evacuation for the entire South Carolina coast beginning at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Governor Haley says Charleston and Beaufort counties are only under that evacuation order.
Residents in Georgetown and Horry counties are now being asked to evacuate Thursday morning.

Governor Haley said the state National Guard has already been activated to help residents evacuate along the coast. Over 300 buses are also on the way to the coast to take Lowcountry residents to Greenville. 

Hurricane Matthew Update: Horry County Moves to OPCON 3 Oct. 4, 12 p.m.

Horry County has moved to OPCON 3 (Level 3 Operating Condition) in preparation of Hurricane Matthew. OPCON 3 means the storm poses a significant threat to Horry County. 

County officials are in continual discussions with South Carolina Emergency Management, coastal communities including local municipalities, the Governor's office and will continue to monitor the situation closely. The Horry County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is NOT fully activated at this time however it is prepared to fully activate if the Governor issues a mandatory evacuation order.

Should mandatory evacuation order be issued, it is important that residents are familiar with the evacuation zones ... Click here to read entire news release.

Should the governor issue a state of emergency or an evacuation order, the chamber will keep members, visitors and prospective visitors informed by sending continuous updates via email or through the websites and corresponding social media channels.

Storm-related information will also be posted on the City of Myrtle Beach social media and website and Horry County Emergency Management website and social media channels.
Click here for storm recovery tips from Horry County Emergency Management. 

North Myrtle Beach Hurricane Reentry Procedures and Related Information

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH POST-HURRICANE REENTRY PROCEDURES

When reentering the city of North Myrtle Beach after a hurricane, property owners, renters and business owners should be prepared to show either their driver’s license, a copy of a recent water bill or property tax bill, a rental agreement, or other form of identity that proves residency or property ownership within the city.

Owners of businesses with employees who do not reside within the city limits but are essential to recovery of a business should provide those employees with a letter written on company letterhead identifying them as being essential to the recovery of the business. When identifying an employee, please use their name as it is shown on their driver’s license so that authorities can match the two for verification.
The City of North Myrtle Beach does not require filing residency or business information prior to a storm.

MANDATORY EVACUATION PROCEDURES

IF Hurricane Matthew threatens our area, and IF the Governor issues a mandatory evacuation order, this is the manner in which some evacuation routes will be managed:

• Once the Governor issues a mandatory evacuation, lane reversals will be instituted automatically for two sections of Highway 501—U.S. Highway 501 from SC 544 to SC 378, and U.S. Highway 501 from SC 22 to the U.S. Highway 501/SC 576 split in Marion. Once you enter a lane reversal pattern, you will not be able to get back out. Never enter a lane reversal pattern unless you are directed by law enforcement.
• The Horry County evacuation plan to which all in North Myrtle Beach are subject requires people located north of Briarcliffe Acres to evacuate via SC 9 North to 1-95 and beyond.
• These requirements are based on the results of the SC Hurricane Evacuation Study for the Northern Conglomerate that was released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2012.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR ZONE?

You may remember that different areas of Horry County, including North Myrtle Beach, have been assigned different “Zones” with respect to the potential impact of hurricane storm surge on a given land area.

IF it should occur that Hurricane Matthew is to strike our area with force, and IF the Governor called for a mandatory evacuation, she might do so by identifying ZONES that must evacuate. The zone locations in Horry County are as follows:

Zone A
All areas east of U.S. 17 Business (Kings Highway), up to intersection with U.S. 17 (Kings Highway) and then all areas east of U.S. 17 (Kings Highway) to the northern county line.

Zone B
All areas south of S.C. 707 and Longwood Drive, including all areas in Longwood Plantation (Blackmoor) to the Waccamaw River and all areas east of U.S. 17 Bypass (Mark Garner Highway) to U.S. 17 (North Kings Highway) and all areas east of U.S. 17 (North Kings Highway) to the northern county line.

Zone C
All areas between U.S. 701 and S.C. 544, south of Brown's Chapel Avenue and Hwy. 814, plus all areas east of S.C. 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) to S.C. 90 and all areas east of S.C. 90 to U.S. 17 to the northern county line.

To access Horry County Emergency Management’s interactive zone map, use this link: http://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=5eaa13ba491c4699a9730bf3f9e65a37

HOW WILL THE CITY OF NORTH MYRTLE BEACH STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOU?

In emergency situations, such as hurricanes, the City of North Myrtle Beach will post advisory and damage assessment information using these resources:

• www.NMB.us (See “Press Releases” on the home page)
• www.Facebook.com/cityofnmb
• www.Twitter.com/cityofnmb

The City will also forward the same information to local and regional news media outlets, Horry County Emergency Management, the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce shares City of North Myrtle Beach announcements with its members, and to its social media audiences. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the umbrella agency for the Area Recovery Council (ARC), which includes all governments and other agencies in Horry County, and which serves as a clearinghouse for information during hurricanes and other disasters that impact all of the Grand Strand or all of Horry County.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Pat Dowling at pcdowling@nmb.us

Hurricane Matthew Alert

It is too early to identify the final course Hurricane Matthew will take but, given its size, its current power and the various potential paths it could take. City of North Myrtle Beach residents and businesses should be alert to this storm, and should check its progress and location daily, particularly from Wednesday onward.

Review your hurricane preparedness and response plans, and check you hurricane disaster kit to make sure you have all the supplies you need should the hurricane impact our area.

The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center and the latest forecast models continue to keep Hurricane Matthew off the coast but to what degree is unknown. Uncertainty continues to be high as to how an upper level trough and a ridge of high pressure over the Atlantic Ocean will steer the hurricane. Confidence in the ultimate location and strength of these features is not great at this time.

Since Matthew is a large storm, there are a wide range of weather events that could impact our area. These include the potential for heavy rain and flash flooding, strong winds, coastal flooding, and significant erosion and over-wash from high surf. Again, the final direction this storm takes will determine the level of impacts we will experience.

Cherry Grove Property Owners have Second Opportunity to Prepay Cherry Grove Canals Dredging Assessment

Property owners who are part of the Cherry Grove Canals Dredging Project Assessment District who would like to make a partial or full assessment prepayment in order to avoid the remaining years of assessment fees for the first dredge or both dredges have until 5:00 p.m. on February 28, 2017 to do so.

STANDARD PARCEL PREPAYMENT OPTIONS

PREPAYMENT OPTION #1 – BOTH DREDGES – STANDARD PARCEL

An owner of a standard parcel (not a condo) may make a full assessment prepayment of $17,433.23 no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 28, 2017. That means the payment must be in the City’s possession by that time and date. Make check payable to: City of North Myrtle Beach. Mail check to: Attention: Pat Dowling, City of North Myrtle Beach, 1018 Second Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

This amount of $17,433.23 has been calculated in accordance with the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Assessment (RMA). With the exception of a $50 administrative expense fee that is included in the total, this amount reflects each parcel’s share of the outstanding City borrowing, as required by the RMA.

IMPORTANT - The $17,433.23 prepayment does NOT include the assessment fee of $2,400 that will be billed this fall on the Horry County real property tax bill and which comes due January 15, 2017. You must also pay this assessment fee. Do not remit this $2,400 assessment fee to the City of North Myrtle Beach. Pay the assessment amount to the Horry County Treasurer as part of your total real property tax bill.

PREPAYMENT OPTION #2 – FIRST DREDGE ONLY – STANDARD PARCEL

An owner of a standard parcel (not a condo) may make a partial payment of $9,139.93 no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 28, 2017. That means the payment must be in the City’s possession by that time and date. Make check payable to: City of North Myrtle Beach. Mail check to: Attention: Pat Dowling, City of North Myrtle Beach, 1018 Second Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.

This amount has been calculated in accordance with the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Assessment (RMA). With the exception of a $50 administrative expense fee that is included in the total, this amount reflects each parcel’s share of the outstanding City borrowing, as required by the RMA.

IMPORTANT - The $9,139.93 prepayment does NOT include the assessment fee of $2,400 that will be billed this fall on the Horry County real property tax bill and which comes due January 15, 2017. You must also pay this assessment fee. Do not remit this $2,400 assessment fee to the City of North Myrtle Beach. Pay the assessment amount to the Horry County Treasurer as part of your total real property tax bill.

CONDO PARCEL PREPAYMENT OPTIONS

PREPAYMENT OPTION #1 – BOTH DREDGES – CONDO PARCEL

An owner of a condo parcel may make a full assessment prepayment of $12,044.32 no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 28, 2017. That means the payment must be in the City’s possession by that time and date. Make check payable to: City of North Myrtle Beach. Mail check to: Attention: Pat Dowling, City of North Myrtle Beach, 1018 Second Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.

This amount has been calculated in accordance with the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Assessment (RMA). With the exception of a $50 administrative expense fee that is included in the total, this amount reflects each parcel’s share of the outstanding City borrowing, as required by the RMA.

IMPORTANT - The $12,044.32 prepayment does NOT include the assessment fee of $2,400 that will be billed this fall on the Horry County real property tax bill and which comes due January 15, 2017. You must also pay this assessment fee. Do not remit this $2,400 assessment fee to the City of North Myrtle Beach. Pay the assessment amount to the Horry County Treasurer as part of your total property tax bill.

PREPAYMENT OPTION #2 – FIRST DREDGE ONLY – CONDO PARCEL

An owner of a condo parcel may make a payment of $6,322.05 no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 28, 2017. That means the payment must be in the City’s possession by that time and date. Make check payable to: City of North Myrtle Beach. Mail check to: Attention: Pat Dowling, City of North Myrtle Beach, 1018 Second Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.

This amount has been calculated in accordance with the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Assessment (RMA). With the exception of a $50 administrative expense fee that is included in the total, this amount reflects each parcel’s share of the outstanding City borrowing, as required by the RMA.

IMPORTANT - The $6,322.05 prepayment does NOT include the assessment fee of $2,400 that will be billed this fall on the Horry County real property tax bill and which comes due January 15, 2017. You must also pay this assessment fee. Do not remit this $2,400 assessment fee to the City of North Myrtle Beach. Pay the assessment amount to the Horry County Treasurer as part of your total property tax bill.

NOTE: The prepayment amounts given for all of the above categories will remain the same between now and 5:00 p.m. on February 28, 2017.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Pat Dowling at (843) 280-5612 or pcdowling@nmb.us

Mayor Marilyn Hatley Joins Horry County Leaders on Visit to Washington, DC -- Urges Funding for 2018 Federal Beach Renourishment Project

On September 21, Mayor Marilyn Hatley joined with other Horry County leaders to visit with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator Tim Scott, U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn, U.S. Representative Tom Rice, the House Appropriations staff, and the Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, DC to discuss the need for beach renourishment along the Grand Strand.

Accompanying Mayor Hatley were Horry County Council Chairman Mark Lazarus, Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes, North Myrtle Beach City Manager Mike Mahaney, Horry County Administrator Chris Eldridge, Myrtle Beach City Manager John Pedersen, Horry County Assistant Administrator Justin Powell, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Brad Dean, Director of South Carolina Parks Recreation & Tourism Duane Parrish, Warwick Group Consultants President Howard Marlowe, and former U.S. Representative John Napier.

The group reviewed the history of 10-year federal beach renourishment projects along the Grand Strand; discussed the damage that continued beach erosion could do to the Grand Strand’s $7.4 billion tourism industry, which supports 81,000 jobs; and requested that the 2018 Federal Budget, now being developed, include the federal share of the scheduled 2018 Grand Strand beach renourishment project.

The group also stressed that property abutting the dune line along the Grand Strand, which is protected and enhanced through beach renourishment, is worth more than $3.5 billion. Over the past several years, the dune line has been severely compromised in some locations and areas behind the dune line have been flooded, such as in Cherry Grove.

Specifically, the group asked for funding for all sections of Grand Strand beaches for the scheduled but currently unfunded 2018 federal beach renourishment project. The State of South Carolina has already appropriated $30 million for its share of the project. The cities of North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, and Horry County, have committed to having their shares of project funding in place when the federal share of funding is made available.

SHOWN CLOCKWISE FROM CENTER IN PHOTO: Lindsey Graham, Mark Lazarus, John Rhodes, Marilyn Hatley, Mike Mahaney, Chris Eldridge, John Napier, Justin Powell, John Pedersen, Brad Dean, Duane Parrish.

Hip Pocket Band Performs in a FREE September 29 Concert at the Horseshoe on Main Street

You are invited to enjoy a free September 29, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., concert featuring the Hip Pocket Band at the Horseshoe on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. The Hip Pocket Band is a variety band from Greensboro, North Carolina.

The free concert is part of the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department’s Music on Main summer concert series sponsored by Anderson Brothers Bank (www.abbank.com).

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring beach chairs.

For day of event weather information call the “Rec Check” hotline at (843) 280-5594 ext. 3, follow on Facebook, or visit their website http://parks.nmb.us.