Coastal Observer

Environment: State enlists citizen scientists to collect data from crab tags

The work of citizen scientists will help biologists with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources study local blue crab movement. “We’re kind of killing two birds with one stone,” said Pamela Corwin, the saltwater...
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THE WEEK’S TOP STORIES

Pawleys Island: With historic preservation ordinance drafted, town ready to pause

Two words that have long defined Pawleys Island are about to be enshrined in local law. It’s part of an effort to preserve the island’s historic homes. A historic preservation ordinance approved by a...
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Education: As district prepares to cut teachers, tax increase stays in budget

Board Member Jarrod Ownbey said the price is right as the Georgetown County School Board discussed the second draft of a proposed operating budget for the district’s next fiscal year that begins July 1....
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Environment: Threatened least terns expand colony at state park

The least tern colony at Huntington Beach State Park grew from 30 nests to 137 in a single year, surpassing Litchfield Beach as the second-largest colony in South Carolina. The southern tip of Litchfield...
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Elections: District 6 candidates head to the finish line door by door

In the digital age, candidates for Georgetown County Council District 6 are relying on the most analog of campaign tools. “I’ve been going door to door with members of my team. That’s basically what...
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Economic development: Consortium starts work on master plan for former port

Planning for the redevelopment of the former port of Georgetown was due to get underway this week, nearly three years after Georgetown County took ownership of the 46 acres on the Sampit River. “A...
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Education: Proposed tax increase prompts board debate

Eileen Johnson said she and her fellow Georgetown County School Board members are stewards of the tax dollars. She is leery of a 3-mill increase proposed in the district’s draft budget and the impact...
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Land use: Litchfield group raising money to buy property to head off development

Property owners at North Litchfield are raising money to buy property at the entrance to the community that was proposed for a convenience store and gas station. “The issue has not gone away,” said...
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Environment: Wetlands rules find state support at council workshop

Georgetown County’s proposed wetlands protection ordinance drew praise at a workshop from state officials even as County Council members pressed them to raise concerns. The council is due to take up the ordinance for...
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Education: Child development center board says closing is temporary

Patricia Rutledge saw the moving trucks outside the Pawleys Island Child Development Center and had to pull over. She said she hoped a miracle had happened. “I knew what was going on with the...
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Environment: Volunteers start morning walks as sea turtles start their crawls

Heather Walker wondered about the people in white T-shirts and walking up and down the south end of Pawleys Island. “Who are these people? They all wear the same turtle shirt,” she said. But...
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Roads: Changes likely to Lichfield project after large turnout

Comments received this week from 400 people who met with traffic planners about a proposal to eliminate left turns from a section of Highway 17 in Litchfield are expected to have an impact on...
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THE WEEK’S FEATURED STORIES

Land use: Appeals Court overturns dismissals of zoning suits

Three challenges to Georgetown County land use decisions were sent back to the Circuit Court this week in three separate opinions for three-judge panels of the state Court of Appeals. The suits by neighbors...
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BUSINESS NEWS

Observer staff wins top awards in news contest

The Coastal Observer staff won 19 awards for writing, photography in design in the S.C. Press Association’s annual news contest, including the President’s Cup for excellence and Weekly Journalist of the Year for its...
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LOCAL EVENTS

Meetings

Georgetown County Board of Education: First and third Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., Beck Education Center. For details, go to gcsd.k12.sc.us . Georgetown County Council: Second and fourth Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers, 129 Screven St., Georgetown. For details, go to georgetowncountysc.org. Pawleys Island Town Council: Second Mondays, 5 p.m. Town Hall, 323 Myrtle Ave. For details, go to townofpawleysisland.com. , .

COASTAL OBSERVER