Jewelry stores in Myrtle Beach, SC

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — South Carolina leaders are responding to a rise in suicides among active military members.

The Army’s active-duty forces saw a 46% increase in suicides last quarter compared to the same time frame last year, according to the latest Pentagon report. Leaders tell News13, there are many contributing factors outside of the Covid-19 pandemic, but there are even more resources to help.

“Once we come into a soldier’s life, we don’t go away,” Chuck Hooks said. Hooks, who is from Conway, enlisted in the U.S. Army out of high school.

Hooks who was medically retired in 1996, still spends his days and nights on the battlefield of surviving mental health. “My main goal is to make sure on the next day that that veteran or that service member is still alive,” Hooks said.

Over the last four years, Hooks has served with the American Military Family Got Your Six, a non-profit organization working to prevent deaths by suicide.

“It’s alarming whether it’s an active duty or Veteran – especially if it’s active-duty because it’s showing a breakdown in the system,” Hooks said.

The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA) and The South Carolina Department of Mental Health (DMH) are working with Governor Henry McMaster to combat the issue. The initiative, called South Carolina Governor’s Challenge, was announced in September to offer more resources to Veterans and active-duty members across the state.

An effort the SCDVA says will start with better screening methods.

“The implementation has started already in DMH and [clinics] across the state. We will expand that over the next year into private health care,” secretary William Grimsley said.

Jennifer Butler who Grimsley said spearheaded the joint effort said there are multiple factors behind the increase, including the pandemic.

“Economic insecurity, racial justice issues, societal discord, and natural disasters. And when you think about our service members they’re deployed to handle a lot of these things,” Butler said.

And when the load gets too heavy Hooks travels from state to state to save a life.

“Just because I don’t wear a uniform anymore – you know I still protect my brothers and sisters,” Hooks said.

Butler said knowing the signs is critical in preventing suicides. Those signs include a change in behavior, anxiousness, and even anger.

Below are resources for anyone who is struggling:

Veterans Crisis Line: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/. People can dial 1-800-273-8255 and if you are an active military member or veteran, press 1.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for the Latinx community: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/en-espanol/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for the LGBTQ+ community: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/lgbtq/

If you’d like to learn more about American Military Family click here: https://americanmilitaryfamily.org/

For the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs click here: https://scdva.sc.gov/

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - With the constantly changing landscape and new developments, Myrtle Beach leaders want to make sure they’re doing everything possible to keep up with flooding and water quality.

The city is putting together a new watershed master plan to see which areas need the most work.

Residents got a rundown from a consulting firm on how they plan to address flooding and quality issues during a community meeting on the city’s watershed master plan Monday night. The residents had the opportunity to tell the consultants where they live and what they’ve experienced.

The consultants wrote down the issues on a sticky note, then stuck it to where that person lives so it could find its way into the master plan.

Janet Zehner, who lives in the Longleaf Place neighborhood, is hoping her sticky note moves her issue a little higher on the priority list.

“When it rains, not hurricane rain, just when it rains heavy, the water in the street comes up to my garage door and into my garage,” said Zehner.

Zehner says she can tell if it’s just sprinkled on her street, because there’s always a puddle around the drain in the center of the road. That blocked drain makes her worry whenever a hurricane or heavy storm approaches.

“We have the water bags you fill up with water to put along the garage because the water just pours in,” said Zehner.

It’s exactly the kind of feedback project leaders are looking for as they start putting together a list of possible projects to improve flooding and water quality in the city.

“City staff has a lot of information they record on a frequent basis for these events, but we want to hear from the residents as well because that’s who lives and deals with these stormwater issues,” said project manager Tom Murray.

The city is looking at some traditional ways to solve flooding issues, like installing larger pipes and culverts in some areas to handle more water flow. But they’re also looking at an approach that puts the environment first for some problem areas.

“Could be looking at different ways to infiltrate stormwater at its source, whether that’s infiltration or residential rain gardens, just a way to help soak in that rainfall before it becomes a problem in the system,” said Murray.

That could also include creating new wetlands or expanding ponds to retain more water.

Zehner says if it means keeping water out of her driveway and garage, she’s all for it.

“I’m sure it’ll be at the bottom of the list, but if they take care of some of the bigger stuff, it might ease our problem to some extent,” said Zehner.

There’s one more community meeting Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Mary C. Canty Recreation Center.

After that, project managers will take all that input, do a field analysis of some of the issues, then publish a plan with a list of prioritized projects sometime early next year.

You can find an online survey to submit concerns with flooding and/or water quality here.

Copyright 2021 WMBF. All rights reserved.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., Oct. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Summore Season has arrived at the Beach with an array of arts and culture experiences across the Myrtle Beach area's 60 miles of coastline and 14 communities. The Grand Strand is home to historical museums, art galleries, beautifully landscaped gardens, tours, and live theaters all combined to make for a unique and memorable trip.

"Summer lasts a bit longer in the Myrtle Beach area which makes it one of the best times for a visit to experience arts and cultural activities," said Karen Riordan, president and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach. "The Grand Strand is rich in history, creating a strong cultural landscape with endless stories to share with our visitors and residents alike."

Visit Myrtle Beach encourages visitors to start planning their vacation beyond the Beach this season with a collection of 10 arts and culture experiences.

Visit Myrtle Beach continues to ask visitors to pack their patience and visit the destination responsibly. The latest updates on COVID-19 can be found at the Healthy Travel section on VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

About Myrtle Beach, S.C.Myrtle beach isn't just a beach. It's The Beach. Popularly known as the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is one destination made up of 14 unique communities that stretch 60 miles along the northeast coast of South Carolina. Families, couples, and those in search of a warm welcome will find more than just a day at The Beach when they come together to connect and enjoy vibrant entertainment and family attractions, including world-class golf, shopping and fresh coastal Carolina cuisine. From the moment you arrive, you'll find you belong at The Beach – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For additional information on tourism offerings in the Myrtle Beach area, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.

SOURCE Visit Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Smell that? You’re about to.

Nothing makes a morning better than eating something buttery and flaky. And whether it’s a scone, croissant, french toast or bagel, we’ve assembled a list of the best places in Myrtle Beach to get a fresh dessert.

In order to qualify, businesses needed at least 50 reviews. Review information is accurate as of the time of publication.

Here are some of the best bakeries in Myrtle Beach, according to Yelp:

Location: 550 Farrow Pkwy.

Four and a half stars out of 311 reviews

Stop by Toffino’s for a pizza, sub or hoagie, or for baked goods like lobster tails, cannolis, rum cakes and elephant ears. The authentic Italian bakery also offers more traditional baked treats like strawberry cake and cinnamon rolls. “Get the chocolate cannoli,” one reviewer wrote. “The filling is perfect…so is the rest of it.”

Location: 8014 N. Kings Hwy.

Four and a half stars out of 187 reviews

“The bakery was a treat for the eyes and [palate]!” a Yelp user said. Visitors loved the bakery so much that its other location, at 3751 Robert M. Grissom Pkwy., was also on the list. The business offers coffee, eclairs, raspberry danishes and croissants, among other options.

Location: 104 9th Ave. N.

Four and a half stars out of 116 reviews

Grab a coffee and something hand-dipped in chocolate, and then retreat to the seating on the second floor. Reviewers called it a “little coffee paradise,” and one said, “This is the kind of place where the staff chats with the regulars, eclectic art adorns the walls, and handmade knick knacks are sold in support of local businesses.”

Location: 3020 Nevers St.

Four and a half stars out of 83 reviews

Customers love the small doughnuts that come in adventurous flavors like blueberry pancake, lemon blueberry, creamsicle, maple bacon and creme brulee. The bakery, located in the Market Common, also has plain doughnuts without toppings. “I love how cakey the donuts tasted,” a customer said in their online comment. “There’s so many different combinations to choose from.”

Location: 106 Sayebrook Pkwy. Ste. 2

Four stars out of 101 reviews

The bakery does custom orders, but also offers a large variety for people who stop in. Cupcake flavors include bourbon caramel, peanut butter cup and strawberry milkshake. “The main problem is WHAT TO CHOOSE!” one reviewer said. “They all look so good and are so beautifully decorated.”

Location: 2012 N. Kings Hwy.

Three and a half stars out of 187 reviews

Customers recommend calling the bagel business before showing up to assure they haven’t sold out. Lots of locals can be seen there, according to Yelp, with a user commenting, “Highly recommend you swing by for a quick breakfast.”

801 3rd Ave. S.

Four and a half stars out of 204 reviews

The Surfside Beach business sells options like cinnamon rolls, sugar cookies, red velvet doughnut holes and croissants. “The bagel was sooooo fresh it blew me away,” one review reads.

Location: 9616 N. Kings Hwy.

Four and a half stars out of 118 reviews

Want some baklava? Stop into Le Bon, which prides itself as a “little taste of Paris” in Myrtle Beach. A market inside the business also sells authentic, imported French products. “Amazing espresso and one of the best baklava I’ve ever had,” one customer wrote. “The decor is super cute and the service is great!”

Location: 1434 Hwy. 17 S.

Four stars out of 149 reviews

The North Myrtle Beach bistro sells french toast, bagels, paninis, smoothies and cheesesteaks. Priding itself on hand rolling, boiling and baking its own bagels, it claims to be an area “ritual.” “The bagels are so fresh, soft, and flavorful,” a review reads. “The dough is fluffy and amazing.”

Location: 308 Main St.

Three and a half stars out of 75 reviews

Located in Conway, The Trestle has built up a steady fanbase. Visitors said it has lots of personality, in addition to sandwiches, Italian creme cake, french toast, cakes and pies. “We love the service, we love the food, we love the good company and friendly faces!” a customer wrote on Yelp.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) – The Myrtle Beach Planning Commission Tuesday denied a request by a property owner in the city’s Cabana District to allow curb cuts and parking on properties in the district.

George Andrew Wilson was among about a dozen people who own cabanas in the district between 5400 and 5732 North Ocean Blvd. who attended Tuesday afternoon’s meeting. He said his mother is 80 years old and has health problems that prevent her from getting to his cabana.

Property owners said installing curb cuts would allow golf carts and other vehicles to cross the sidewalk without having to drive over curbing, which is prohibited. Currently, parking is limited nearby, and cabana owners have to walk to their properties.

“All we want is reasonable access to our private property,” Wilson said. ‘Currently, there is no access along Ocean Boulevard. All we want is a reasonable compromise.”

There are currently 37 cabana lots on the property, and Kelly Mezzapelle, the city’s senior planner, said adding the cuts would create a variety of safety issues, among them having vehicles in close proximity to a park and path that has multiple workout stations.

“The area is used morning to night,” Commissioner Joyce Karetas said. “There’s always someone there. It’s a very special place.”

The area is also part of a coastal regulation zone and is included in a section of the city’s comprehensive development plan dealing with preserving land sites and structures that have historical significance, Mezzapelle said.

Commissioner Sally Howard opposed the request, saying “we’ve got to look at the big picture. Overall, this creates a bigger problem.”

Commissioner Zeb Thomas said he was sympathetic with the property owners but voted against the request because the request as presented would lead to unrestricted parking.

Bill Pritchard, the commission’s chairman, said he doesn’t expect the issue to go away. He told those at the meeting the commission is willing to work with them “to do something different than what we have today.”

“I would propose we turn it down now because it’s not the right thing to do and then make a commitment as a committee to take it up again after the adoption of the comprehensive plan as part of our normal work schedule,” he said.

City Council will consider the commission’s final draft of a new comprehensive development plan in the near future. The planning commission unanimously approved a final draft of the 2021 plan on Tuesday, after several months of working on it with the city’s planning department.

Thomas called the plan a “vision statement” for how the commission hopes to see things done in the future. It addresses issues of economic development, natural resources, housing and land use, among other things.