Dining with friends: Crosby, an opossum, joined Mike Smith and Pipsqueak, a marmoset, was with Jessica Barrett as they sampled offerings at the Chilympics benefit for the Surfrider Foundation in Murrells Inlet.
Tanya Ackerman/Coastal Observer

THE WEEK’S TOP STORIES

Economy: Goldfinch tells Congress region needs oil industry jobs

Offshore oil and gas would be a “golden egg” to coastal residents who have not benefited from the tourism economy, state Sen. Stephen Goldfinch told a congressional committee this week. But the oil industry must coexist with tourism in order to win support in the state, he said. Read more…

Beaches: New lines expand state jurisdiction along coast

State lawmakers are seeking a delay in implementing changes that will place over 120 homes on Pawleys Island within the jurisdiction of state coastal regulations. Those include homes that aren’t on the beachfront. Read more …

Trees: Apartment developer faults county and engineer for cutting

An error by Georgetown County led to the cutting of 70 trees that were supposed to be protected as part of a buffer at a Murrells Inlet apartment complex, according to a partner in the project. The company is ready to go to court if the county tries to enforce a $13,500 fine by withholding certificates of occupancy, said Paul Aiesi, a partner in Graycliff Capital of Greenville. Read more...

Pawleys Island: Beach erosion from Irma equalled two previous storms

Hurricane Irma last month swept as much sand off the beach on Pawleys Island as the two storms in the previous two years that came even closer to the island, according to an engineer’s report. Read more...

Garden City: Officials hear complaints that drove annexation talk

The possible annexation of the unincorporated Garden City Beach area of Georgetown County to Horry County was considered to be the hot topic of discussion at the community association’s semiannual public meeting. But other matters on the agenda became frontrunners as the meeting progressed. Read more...

THE WEEK’S FEATURED STORIES

Staff and volunteers assemble the new exhibit at Brookgreen Gardens.

Jurassic Gardens: Dinosaurs will walk the earth at Brookgreen

The Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods will collide at Brookgreen Gardens next week. The dinosaurs have arrived. Read more ...

BUSINESS NEWS

Business: Ambassador chef captures Atlanta

Keep your farms close and your seafood even closer. Buy local. That’s the way of chef Adam Kirby. Read more...