(Myrtle Beach)—Governor David M. Beasley today toured areas of
Horry County affected by Hurricane Bonnie, thanking local officials and
residents for their cooperation and proclaiming South Carolina’s Grand
Strand “Open for Business.”
“While there was significant damage in some areas, we’re thankful
we escaped the severe impact we could have suffered,” Governor Beasley
said. “The Grand Strand area will be virtually back to normal by tomorrow
morning.”
The Governor said he was surprised at how light the damage was.
Much of the heaviest damage was contained in the Cherry Grove and North
Myrtle Beach sections, and there was still limited to a few downed power
lines, destroyed billboards and signs and damaged roofs.
To help the Grand Strand get back on its feet, the Governor today
directed the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism to work with
the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce on a television ad campaign to invite
tourists to the area. The state will match the local money for dollar for
dollar on the $500,000 campaign, dubbed “Get The Real Story, Real Fast.”
The campaign includes a toll-free number for visitors to call:
1-800-205-9119.
“Now that Bonnie is gone, I invite all our great tourists to
come on back and enjoy our wonderful hospitality and the great attractions
and beaches along the Grand Strand,” the Governor said.
Governor Beasley left Columbia this morning to see the damage
first hand, and to meet with and thank local officials for all their hard
work during the threat of Hurricane Bonnie. The Governor especially
thanked Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride, Surfside Beach Mayor Dick Johnson,
Representative Mark Kelley, Representative Liston Barfield, Representative
Tracey Edge, Councilman Ray Brown, and Horry County Sheriff John Henry.
“I’d also like to thank the law enforcement officials, the National
Guard and most importantly, the people of South Carolina, for their great
response to this hurricane,” the Governor said.