The Top Choice for Hardwood, Carpet, and Tile Flooring in Myrtle Beach

Karaoke is beloved for good reason. Whether you’re a trained vocalist or a shower singer, anyone can cut loose in front of a crowd at karaoke. If you’re looking for a karaoke spot around Myrtle Beach, check out these six local favorites.

Murphy’s Law in Carolina Forest

4204 Carolina Exchange Dr, Myrtle Beach

The Carolina Forest sports bar has hosted karaoke for years. You can take a turn in front of the crowd Wednesday and Saturday nights. Besides karaoke, the bar offers drinks, pub food and a sporty atmosphere.

Pop’s Place Bar & Grill

511 S Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach

Pop’s Place off of Kings Highway has karaoke every night of the week from 8 pm to 1 am. The restaurant offers pub food, drinks and live music, but is closed to those under the age of 21 after 8 pm, so karaoke is limited to patrons of drinking age.

810 Billiards and Bowling in Market Common

1220 Moser Dr., Myrtle Beach

The 810 Billiards and Bowling in Market Common has more than just pool tables and lanes — it hosts karaoke every Sunday night from 7-11 pm. Once Sunday night football takes over, karaoke will move to every other Saturday night.

The Pier at Garden City

110 S Waccamaw Dr., Garden City

If you’re not a night owl, this is the perfect karaoke destination for you. During the summer season, the pier hosts karaoke everyday from 2-6 pm. If you want to make a day of it, the pier also features fishing, a cafe, an arcade, two bars and some live music events.

Borgata Surfside

813 Surfside Dr., Surfside Beach

The neighborhood bar and grill in Surfside Beach has karaoke Thursdays and Sundays from 7:30 to 11:30. Borgata also sometimes hosts live music and other events.

Neal and Pam’s Grill

20 South Ocean Boulevard, Surfside Beach

Neal and Pam’s usually hosts “All Star Karaoke” several nights a week. To find out which nights are coming up, check the events calendar. The oceanside restaurant also offers beach views, trivia contests and live music on weekends

COLUMBIA, S.C.

When Freddie Owens is brought into the death chamber in the early evening of Sept. 20 at South Carolina Department of Corrections Broad River Correctional Institution to be executed, Gov. Henry McMaster and Attorney General Alan Wilson will be on the phone listening in.

That phone call will start 15 minutes before Owens’ execution.

It will be the first time McMaster, who previously served as attorney general, will have the ability to commute a death sentence. But the decision, or the announcement of his decision, won’t come until shortly before the lethal injection is scheduled to begin.

“If the law has been followed, and I believe, in this case that it has been, but until we get to the last moments, on September, the 20th, no statement should be made as to what will happen at that moment,” McMaster said.

During the process of an execution, the governor and attorney general are on the phone with the prison warden. The phone call, which is required to be on landlines, will commence about 5:45 p.m. Sept. 20. SCDC Director Bryan Stirling also is scheduled to be on the phone call.

The warden will ask the attorney general if there are any pending legal issues that will prevent the execution from being carried out. Presuming the attorney general says no, the warden asks the governor if he will exercise clemency. If the governor says no, the execution goes forward.

The attorney general and governor stay on the phone during the execution, listening to a narration as the sentence is carried out. For lethal injections, for instance, the governor and attorney general are told when drugs are being administered, when the prison officials are checking for a pulse and when a doctor comes in to pronounce the prisoner deceased.

The warden then tells the governor and attorney general the sentence has been carried out and they end the call.

McMaster has not said publicly what he will do with Owens’ sentence and whether he will exercise his clemency power. It’s a tradition governors have followed. Instead, he will make his statement when the warden calls upon the governor.

McMaster, who is slated to be accompanied by lawyers from his counsel’s office, hasn’t witnessed an execution, but he has listened to narrations by warden when he was attorney general.

Owens is scheduled to be the first execution carried out since 2011. Executions have been on hold because the state had difficulty obtaining lethal injection drugs.

Lawmakers eventually passed a shield law and expanded options for prisoners to be executed.

“Justice has been delayed for too long in South Carolina,” McMaster said when the S.C. Department of Corrections notified the state Supreme Court that the agency obtained the drugs necessary to carry out a lethal injection execution. “This filing brings our state one step closer to being able to once again carry out the rule of law and bring grieving families and loved ones the closure they are rightfully owed.”

Staffers in the governors office say McMaster is acutely familiar with the details in the case of Owens, who was convicted of convicted of killing Speedway gas station clerk Irene Graves during an armed robbery in the early morning hours of Nov. 1, 1997.

Still McMaster would not say whether he will grant clemency in Owens’ case until moments before the scheduled execution. But it’s one decision that only he can make.

“It’s just part of the job. It’s an important event for a lot of people for a lot of very good reasons. But it’s simply one of these things that the governor of this state has to do,” McMaster told reporters when asked how much the decision on whether grant clemency weighs on him.

This story was originally published September 11, 2024, 5:00 AM.

Follow more of our reporting on In the Spotlight

Politics & Government

September 08, 2024 11:11 AM

See all stories

CHARLESTON, S.C. — September 10, 2024 — The South Carolina Aquarium admitted the smallest sea turtle patient in aquarium history. Sometimes, big surprises come in really small packages.

A fisherman spotted a juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtle — now named Chia — entangled and floating atop a pile of marine debris just a few miles offshore. Chia was swiftly admitted to the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center™. Upon arrival, Chia earned a record-holding title: the smallest sea turtle patient ever admitted in Aquarium history. Weighing less than 1.5 pounds upon admit, Chia was the equivalent of 1.5 loaves of bread, a small pumpkin or a mere 48 tablespoons of chia seeds.

Smallest Sea Turtle Patient

Chia is the smallest sea turtle patient in aquarium history

Despite Chia’s size, the injuries to this smallest sea turtle were substantial. Chia’s right front flipper was severely constricted by plastic thread, causing necrotic tissue and exposed bone. There was also significant damage visible on the right side of Chia’s head and eye.

Chia soon underwent an eye exam and surgery to amputate the right front flipper and prevent further complications from the entanglement. Estimated to be only one year old, Chia’s certainly had a slew of hurdles to overcome in a short lifespan so far, but this turtle has already shown resilience in the face of trauma and is on the road to recovery. And for being a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle — the most endangered sea turtle species in the world — this progression is all the Aquarium could hope for.

“Though this was a critical case, we recognized that what Chia lacked in size, s/he made up for in resilience,” says Melissa Ranly, Sea Turtle Care Center manager. “This little sea turtle is going to be in our care for a while, and we’re looking forward to comparing Chia’s measurement milestones to random objects throughout the rehabilitation process. There’s no doubt that Chia, though only slightly bigger than my hand, is going to leave quite a large impact on many hearts. Our hope is that when guests connect with patients like Chia during their Aquarium visit, they leave feeling a sense of purpose to protect the water, wildlife and wild places these sea turtles call home.“

The South Carolina Aquarium is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on ticket revenue from guests to continue caring for sick and injured sea turtles, among other critical mission-related work like saving this smallest sea turtle patient. Every guest who walks through the Aquarium’s doors can witness the lifesaving work happening in the Sea Turtle Care Center™, connect with biologists and educators through exhibits and daily programs and learn stories of patients currently undergoing rehabilitation.

Learn more at scaquarium.org/STCC

GREENVILLE, S.C.— The Riley Institute at Furman University has appointed Bryan Boroughs ’02 its executive director. Boroughs will assume leadership on Oct. 1, taking the reins from the institute’s founding Executive Director Don Gordon, who is stepping into an advisory role, and Deputy Director Jacki Martin, who is retiring.

Bryan Boroughs

Brian Burroughs named new head at Riley Institute

Bryan Boroughs brings a wealth of policy and leadership experience in critical areas of The Riley Institute’s work. He spent the last decade at the Institute for Child Success, most recently serving as chief operating officer and general counsel. He previously served as an investigative counsel on the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

Bryan Boroughs received his bachelor’s degree from Furman University and his law degree and a master’s in public policy from Georgetown University. He is a 2015 graduate of The Riley Institute’s Diversity Leaders Initiative.

“The chance to contribute to the impact of this incredible team—and to do so on the campus that played such a significant role in my life—is the kind of opportunity most people can only dream of,” Bryan Boroughs said. “I am so honored and excited to lead The Riley Institute into its next quarter century and am so very grateful to Don and Jacki for the remarkable institute they have built.”

“We are delighted to welcome Bryan Boroughs home to Furman and very excited for him to be the next leader of The Riley Institute,” said Richard W. Riley ’54, namesake of the Institute, Furman alumnus, two-term Democratic governor of South Carolina and U.S. Secretary of Education under President Bill Clinton. In 2008, Riley was named one of the “Top 10 Cabinet Members of the 20th Century” by TIME magazine.

“We all are very fortunate that Don and Jacki have dedicated their time and talents toward building The Riley Institute into a nationally respected resource for public education research and improvement, as well as for diversity expertise,” Riley said. “What Don created, and Jacki elevated, is unprecedented in South Carolina. Thousands of people from all walks of life in South Carolina and beyond have benefited from their effective leadership in developing high-quality initiatives to advance our society, and an excellent internal team to implement those progressive programs.”

“The Riley Institute is synonymous with excellence and represents Furman University’s ability to reach beyond campus to help communities everywhere, while providing leadership opportunities for our students,” said Furman President Elizabeth Davis. “The scope of its outreach is equaled by its principled methods and unflinching integrity. We can’t thank Don and Jacki and everyone at the institute enough. I’m looking forward to welcoming Bryan and supporting his vision.”

Gordon served as The Riley Institute’s executive director from its beginning in the fall of 1999 until July 2024. He will continue to work with the institute as special counsel.

Working with Riley, Gordon strategically designed The Riley Institute to advance social and economic progress in South Carolina and beyond, to benefit Furman students through high-quality programs and experiences and to create better educational outcomes for public school students across South Carolina and the country. Following the former Secretary of Education’s example, the institute was founded on the principles of nonpartisanship and evidence-informed approaches to change.

Under Gordon’s direction, The Riley Institute grew from a part-time, one-person initiative into three centers focusing on diversity leadership, public education and critical issues confronting the state and the nation. The Riley Institute grew to 18 staff and more than 40 programs.

Martin joined as deputy director in 2009 to help manage and expand the programs.

Martin quickly grew the institute’s statewide footprint by developing its signature OneSouthCarolina awards and events; conceptualizing the annual StraightTalk series carried out in partnership with OLLI@Furman; and securing a federal Investing in Innovation (i3) grant. Awarded in 2011 to KnowledgeWorks, The Riley Institute, and two South Carolina school districts, the i3 grant was designed to pilot and expand the New Tech Network project-based learning approach.

Martin’s retirement was celebrated with campus and community partners on August 20.

“The Riley Institute simply would not be what it is today without the leadership and vision Jacki brought to her role,” Gordon said. “The institute owes its sterling reputation to her dedication to excellence and carrying out our mission.”

Reality Check is a new Sun News series holding those in power accountable, shining a light on local issues, and answering readers’ essential questions. Have a question or concern we can answer? Email online@thesunnews.com.

Myrtle Beach area residents have long desired a Trader Joe’s open in the Myrtle Beach area.

Social media posts regarding rumored Trader Joe’s opening garner much attention. While South Carolina has three Trade Joe’s locations in Columbia, Greenville and Mt. Pleasant —with a fourth scheduled to open in Mt. Pleasant— Myrtle Beach does not.

However, this doesn’t stop residents from carpooling to Wilmington, N.C., to buy Trader Joe’s groceries and Sun News readers voting the national chain as the store they want the most in August 2023.

Once more, Myrtle Beach residents are speculating on social media, claiming that Trader Joe’s will open in Myrtle Beach. One Facebook user claimed the grocery store will be in the SayeBrook Town Center near Ulta Beauty at 120 SayeBrook Parkway.

In an email to The Sun News, according to Trader Joe’s Public Relations Manager Nakia Rohde, Myrtle Beach’s status has not changed.

“We are actively looking at hundreds of neighborhoods across the country as we hope to open more new neighborhood stores each year,” Rohde wrote in an email. “At this time, we do not have a location confirmed in Myrtle Beach. We list all of the stores that are opening soon on our website.”

Despite this, a new grocery store could open at the SayeBrook Town Center. According to leasing material provided by Colliers, the investment management firm that oversees leasing at SayeBrook, a “National Grocer” is scheduled to open a new building at the town center near Ulta Beauty in 2025. It’s unclear when the SayeBrook brochure was made and if it’s up to date.

According to Horry County Land Records, the parcel in question, located at 222 Brookton Circle, applied for a commercial permit for the tract July 19, 2024. The permit is under review for a 13,505-square-foot ‘New Retail Shell Building” valued at about $1.7 million.

According to CSP Daily News, a business publication focused on retailers and suppliers, Trader Joe’s stores are typically 15,000 square feet.

Rox Pollard, vice president & director of retail services team for Colliers in Columbia, declined to comment and directed The Sun News to Steve Alger. Alger, a vice president at The Jackson Companies in Myrtle Beach — which owns SayeBrook and Prestwick Country Club— did not return a request for comment before publication.

Jackson Companies President & CEO Dennis Wade also did not return a request for comment before publication.

As Sonya Martin walked around the store, her dog Andy followed.

One of Martin’s four four-legged companions, which includes two black Labradors named Tex and Jet, the 11-year-old dog clung to her as she showed off the yet-to-open storeroom floor of Myrtle Beach’s newest women’s fashion boutique, Scout & Molly’s.

When she sat down for an interview at one of the desks in the store’s backroom, he jumped into the chair next to her before settling in a dog bed next to Martin and snoozing. His presence paid homage to the national boutique brand; its logo features a woman walking her two dogs.

While customers won’t experience it until the grand opening, there’s already an ambiance set for the women who will look to select a new outfit or peruse through dresses, floral blouses, leather and pleather jackets and pants, jewelry, bags, and other accessories and items. Jazz music quietly plays in the background.

The walls have a warm pink hue. Rugs seemingly pulled from the comfort of someone’s living room sit next to lounge chairs that allow shoppers to rest while their companions try out outfits in one of three changing rooms, possibly with a glass of prosecco or other wine in their hand.

The goal is to give women a space to shop, relax, and socialize in one space.

“I’ve always been a people person, servicing people, being around people,” Martin added. “I love spending time with my girlfriends, and I’ve always loved fashion.”

Martin added that personalizing the experience is also essential, adding that while some women shoppers know what they want, others don’t know what look they’re going for.

“Sometimes they would say they would never try this on. You could say, ‘Just try it,’” Martin said. “Then they put it on and go, ‘Oh my gosh, I wouldn’t, didn’t think I could ever wear something like this.’”

Part of that process includes customers receiving assistance from a one-on-one personal shopper that either captures the current cultural zeitgeist— one denim jacket on sale features artwork from Taylor Swift’s “Reputation”— or more classic looks. Indeed, the store also has clothes and accessories for college sports enthusiasts, including attire for Clemson and University of South Carolina partisans.

Mary Antonuccio is a stylist at Scout & Molly’s who previously worked for Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. She said that her objective is to give women shopping at the boutique fashion choices that they feel comfortable in and also expand their wardrobe when necessary.

“I always say this to women: we all have something. Whether they think their behind is too big, their legs are too big, or their arms or their shoulders, we all have something,” Antonuccio said. “It’s incorporating using your body shape and getting you the look you want.”

While a personalized experience, the national franchise isn’t Martin’s first venture into operating a clothing store. Martin previously worked at a locally owned boutique in North Myrtle Beach in the 1980s and used to operate Monkee’s of Myrtle Beach with her niece, who still runs the location. Martin, who grew up in the area, also served as a former South Carolina state parole agent who also worked on a state commission on drug and alcohol abuse.

The ribbon cutting for Scout & Molly’s takes place at 10:30 a.m. October 2, 2024, at 4377 North Kings Highway in Magnolia Row, Myrtle Beach, SC. The store’s hours will be Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12-5 p.m. The plaza is dog-friendly.

The Sun News

Ben Morse is the Retail and Leisure Reporter for The Sun News. Morse covers local business and Coastal Carolina University football and was awarded third place in the 2023 South Carolina Press Association News Contest for sports beat reporting and second place for sports video in the all-daily division. Morse previously worked for The Island Packet, covering local government. Morse graduated from American University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism and economics and is originally from Prospect, Kentucky.

Rivers across much of the state were receding Monday, days after they spilled their banks amid heavy rains associated with Hurricane Helene.

But the rivers left a trail of soggy, water-logged communities, and the state was anxiously waiting for all of the flood water to be gone.

While the Columbia area remained on watch for signs of trouble, statistics show that the highest water levels connected to the storm have passed in many areas. Barring any more heavy rain — which isn’t forecast this week — river levels should continue to drop, said riverkeepers and officials with the National Weather Service.

“We don’t anticipate any additional significant flooding to occur,’’ the weather service’s John Quagliariello said during a news conference Monday with Gov. Henry McMaster.

That’s good news for some communities and metropolitan areas, including those in parts of the Upstate and the North Augusta-Aiken area along the Georgia border. Those areas felt much of Helene’s fury in South Carolina.

Tonya Bonitatibus, the Savannah Riverkeeper, said wind damage appeared to be a bigger issue in her area, where she estimated thousands of trees had fallen. The area also had been in the midst of a drought, so lakes upstream from Augusta and North Augusta had more storage space to hold the torrent of water..

“We were really lucky because we were in a drought stage,’’ she said. Lakes “Strom Thurmond and Hartwell are massive. So they were able to hold back a lot of the flow.’’

Still, Bonitatibus said that in some spots, flooding from Helene was dramatic.

During the storm, some tributaries of the Savannah rose quickly to catastrophic heights.

One was in the Modoc community, where Stevens Creek reached a record flood stage of more than 43 feet in a matter of hours. The creek, not far from the Augusta-Aiken area, is normally two to three feet, according to the National Weather Service.

River levels are still rising in a few places in the lower part of the state. One of those is the Santee River near the Jamestown community of Berkeley County, not far from Charleston. The river there is not expected to reach a major flood stage until later this week.

Part of the Savannah River above the city of Savannah also is expected to continue rising until late week, but flood levels are expected to be moderate, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s water prediction service.

Part of the Great Pee Dee River in eastern South Carolina won’t crest until late week, but that also is not expected to produce major flooding.

Debra Buffkin, who heads the Winyah Rivers Alliance in eastern South Carolina, said people across the state will be glad when things dry out. Going through a flood is painful, said Buffkin, who has experienced multiple floods from hurricanes that have brushed Myrtle Beach and communities to the west.

“People can hear about it, but if you don’t actually know someone in your family or have a friend who has experienced it, you may not understand that devastation,’’ she said.

This story was originally published September 30, 2024, 4:26 PM.

The State

803-771-8537

Sammy Fretwell has covered the environment beat for The State since 1995. He writes about an array of issues, including wildlife, climate change, energy, state environmental policy, nuclear waste and coastal development. He has won numerous awards, including Journalist of the Year by the S.C. Press Association in 2017. Fretwell is a University of South Carolina graduate who grew up in Anderson County. Reach him at 803 771 8537.

After Hurricane Helene battered much of the Carolinas, federal recovery assistance is available for some people, governments and nonprofits in South Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Monday. The move comes after President Joseph Biden approved Gov. Henry McMaster’s disaster declaration request for the state.

Eligibility for assistance varies based on the location and type of recipient.

The Individual Assistance program, which provides financial assistance through temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other services, is available to residents and business owners who sustained uninsured property damage from the storm in:

Individuals and business owners in these counties who sustained losses can apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone at 1-800-621-3362 or through the FEMA App. Applicants using a relay service can give FEMA the number for the service to get assistance.

According to FEMA, assistance is determined by comparing applicants’ losses and needs to the available programs and services. After applying, you can review your application and get information about next steps on the FEMA website.

If you’re approved for assistance, an inspector may schedule an inspection. While inspectors don’t generally need pictures of damage sustained or receipts for repairs, it’s a good idea to document your losses with photographs and lists and save receipts for disaster-related expenses if you plan to start cleaning up before the inspection.

Read Next

South Carolina

September 30, 2024 9:16 AM

Federal funding for emergency work is available through the Public Assistance program to the state government, tribal and eligible local governments, as well as some private nonprofits in all of the aforementioned counties, except Lexington. Those counties include:

These entities can apply for federal funding to pay 75% of approved costs, with the division of the remaining 25% determined at a later date.

FEMA also approved the Hazard Mitigation Grant program, another cost-shared funding program for projects to mitigate future disaster-related risks. State agencies, local governments and some nonprofits are eligible to apply.

Read Next

Weather News

September 28, 2024 11:42 AM

This story was originally published September 30, 2024, 1:34 PM.

READ MORE

Hurricane Helene is gaining strength and is forecast to track north toward SC where it will bring heavy rain & strong winds to the Midlands.

Expand All

Did Helene cause flood damage to your home?

Or maybe the storm has you thinking about what you’d do if your South Carolina home was suddenly flooded.

Approximately 740,000 people in South Carolina are still without power after Helene. Also, many homes are struggling with flooding in multiple counties. On Sunday, residents in the low-lying Riverland Park neighborhood in Cayce were urged to evacuate because of continued flooding threats from the powerful storm.

While it’s a little late to pick up flood insurance for Helene, there are steps homeowners can take to mitigate damage, repair costs and smooth out any claims filing process.

Here are some good tips to take when dealing with and working on a flooded home, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Progressive, Jenkins Restorations and Five Star Claims Adjusting.

Be sure the home is safe

Your first thought after a flood likely will be to get in your home and start cleaning immediately. However, you really should wait and make sure the house is safe first. Damage from a major storm can be dangerous, so in most cases, let officials give you the all clear to head home.

To be on the extra safe side, you should turn off your utilities before entering your home. And get a profession inspection if you’re unsure that the home is safe.

Before doing any cleaning, document the flood damage with photos and video for your insurance claim. Contact your insurance company immediately to start your claim. Just be aware that homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover water damage from a flood. For that, you’d need a private flood insurance policy or a policy with the National Flood Insurance Program.

Ask for help

If you and your family are unable to tackle the early parts of cleaning out your flooded home, such as removing water-soaked furniture, appliances and carpets, try reaching out to volunteer organizations, religious groups, neighbors and friends.

FEMA aid

If the federal government declares a disaster for the flooding in your area, you can apply for FEMA disaster assistance along with any flood insurance claim for your house.

Tips for house cleaning

It’s important to start cleaning your flooded house as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the more likely that water damage will cause mold and mildew growth, which would require a professional to remove.

Buy safety equipment

Don’t just start trying to clean with your bare hands and in your street clothes. Flood water can usually contain hazardous chemicals and raw sewage. Mold spores and dust in the air can also be dangerous. Buy rubber boots, gloves and clothing you can discard later. Also, wearing an N95 mask can help prevent inhaling harmful particles.

Remove everything

Don’t wait for an insurance adjuster to visit. Just start removing everything water touched to prevent molding. Set any solid wood furniture, family photos or other potentially salvageable items out to dry. Rip out the carpets.

Flooring

Flood Damage can cause major structural damage within the foundation of your home if left untreated. Remove as much water as possible quickly after the flooding has stopped.

A sump pump is recommended to handle the water in most cases. However, if the flooding was particularly severe and there was more than one floor underwater, you’ll likely need professional help.

This story was originally published September 30, 2024, 9:16 AM.

The State

803-771-8353

Patrick McCreless is the service journalism editor for The State, where he and a team of reporters write about trending news of the day and topics that help readers in their daily lives and better informs them about their communities. He attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama and grew up in Tuscaloosa, AL.

The best time of the year for fans of oyster and clam lovers in the Grand Strand is almost here.

The 2024-2025 recreational shellfish harvesting season will officially kick off on Tuesday, Oct. 1, a half hour before sunrise, and is expected to remain open until Thursday, May 15.

SCDES determines when you can harvest...

The Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) monitors shellfish for human consumption health concerns and shortens or extends the harvesting season accordingly. For example, cooler water temperatures limited bacteria last year, allowing South Carolina to extend the season through the end of May.

Within the shellfish harvesting season, there are sometimes also temporary closures. SCDES will close shellfish beds after conditions like heavy rainfall or pollutant spills if the oysters or clams pose a health risk. Harvesters can check the latest SCDES closures on an interactive map on the department’s website or by calling 1-800-285-1618.

...and where you can harvest

Shellfish lovers in Myrtle Beach may be disappointed by the map because harvesting in the few oyster beds in the city has long been prohibited due to health concerns and aren’t expected to open this season. Likewise, north of the city, beds in the area around the Little River Inlet aren’t open to harvesting.

Those looking to harvest fresh shellfish can, however, check out SCDES-approved areas in nearby Murrells Inlet, near Huntington Beach State Park, or further south in Georgetown County, near Winyah Bay. At the location just north of Huntington Beach, visitors can even access the shellfish without a boat — though there’s some wading involved.

You’ll need a license

While commercial shellfish harvesting requires mandatory training and a variety of permits and licenses, recreational oyster and clam harvesters in South Carolina only need a SCDNR Saltwater Recreational Fishing License. These licenses are easy to obtain, available online and at many fishing supply stores.

There are limits

Before getting started shellfishing, it’s important to be aware of SCDNR restrictions on how often and how much shellfish oystermen and clammers recreationally harvest.

In a seven day period, a person is limited to two days of shellfish harvesting. On those days, a person can only harvest 2 bushels–or 16 gallons — of oysters and a half bushel — or 4 gallons — of clams per day. Additionally, only three personal limits are allowed per boat or vehicle.

SCDNR also requires that clams must be at least an inch thick to be harvested. While there isn’t an official size minimum for harvested oysters, a SCDNR representative recommends only harvesting oysters that are at least 3 inches.

Recommendations and courtesies

SCDNR encourages harvesters to cull-in-place. This entails breaking apart clusters to leave smaller oysters to grow, and breaking off and leaving dead shells to provide habitats for other oysters.

Recycling shells is another way to help grow oysters and restore salt marshes. SCDNR operates several shell-recycling receptacles around the Grand Strand, including in North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Conway, Murrells Inlet and Georgetown. The department emphasizes that, while drop offs are appreciated, taking oyster shells is not only discouraged but illegal under state law.

The Sun News

703-944-4132

Maria Elena Scott writes about trending topics and what you need to know in the Grand Strand. She studied journalism at the University of Houston and covered Cleveland news before coming to the Palmetto State.