Coastal Observer

Beaches: Officials push for decision on inlet dredging project

Local officials plan to seek help from the state’s two senators to get approval for a project that will dredge silt from over 16 miles of creeks and channels in Murrells Inlet. Georgetown County...
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THE WEEK’S TOP STORIES

Planning: Without rezoning request, site plan for 40-lot development approved

It’s a tale as old as time on the Waccamaw Neck. A developer buys land in a neighborhood that has barely changed in generations with the intent of putting up a bunch of houses...
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Georgetown: City Council pauses rezoning requests

Georgetown City Council approved first reading of a temporary moratorium last week on zoning changes, variances and subdivisions greater than three lots as it reviews how its new unified development ordinance meshes with its...
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Georgetown County: $1.9 million granted for safety, mowing and festivals

Of the 31 entities that requested accommodations tax grants from the county, 19 got less money than they asked for and eight got exactly what they asked for. Three entities – Myrtle Beach Hospitality...
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Incorporation: Weaver: ‘I ain’t for sale, folks’

The group leading an effort to create a town in the Pawleys Island-Litchfield area offered the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office $600,000 to provide law enforcement for the proposed town, Sheriff Carter Weaver said at...
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Brookgreen Gardens: Weather provides chilly reminder of need for long-sought facility

A crowd of stakeholders, representatives and supporters showed up to Brookgreen Gardens on a chilly January morning in long winter coats and woolly hats to be the first ones to step inside the Purdy...
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Arts: Musicians put positive spin on vinyl record

In a digital era, the release of an original album recorded in Pawleys Island will truly test the resurgence of vinyl records. Karl Bingle, owner and executive producer of Mission Control Studios, said “Sounds...
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Economic development: Cleanup contract points to buyer, and challenges, of steel mill site

A New Jersey firm emerged last week as the prospective buyer for the Liberty Steel mill in Georgetown, and a possible contender for the nearby International Paper mill, which is also closed. Warren Waters,...
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Pawleys Island: Town braces for rush of buyers as golf cart fee remains at $25

The Pawleys Island Town Hall was bracing this week for an after-Christmas rush reminiscent of the bygone days of department stores. The only item on sale though is the town’s annual golf cart permit....
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Waccamaw High: School’s first cadet class ready to suit up

Nearly 20 students at Waccamaw High School will be the first in the school’s history to sport Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps uniforms. The Army JROTC program will kick off this spring semester at...
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Land use: Developer plans to withdraw zoning request for ‘high end’ gas station

A proposed zoning change that would allow development of a convenience store and gas station at the entrance to North Litchfield is due to be withdraw after attracting opposition from area residents. The 6.7...
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Pawleys Island: $4M legal settlement will relocate Pawleys Inlet

A settlement in lawsuits over Pawleys Island’s 2020 beach renourishment project will provide $4 million to relocate Pawleys Inlet and restore the eroded beachfront across the inlet at Prince George. A 13-page agreement is...
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THE WEEK’S FEATURED STORIES

Murrells Inlet: Church’s purchase of historic restaurant serves up memories

Susan Shirley Duerk of Murrells Inlet recalled a day she spent with Maxine Oliver Hawkins and Roosevelt “Rooster” Pickett as they roasted, shucked and ate oysters by the campfire in the backyard of Oliver’s...
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BUSINESS NEWS

Observer staff earns top honors in news contest

Coastal Observer staff won 20 awards for writing, photography and design – including the President’s Cup for excellence among mid-sized weeklies – in the S.C. Press Associatioin’s annual news contest. It was the 10th...
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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