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Dog Bite Injury Attorney Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC
There's something inherently heart-warming about dogs. When trained and cared for properly by a family or an individual, they can bring endless amounts of joy and happiness into your life. They can make you feel better when you're sad and love you without judgment - something that's hard to say for many humans in today's world.
While dogs are called "man's best friend" for their loyalty and companionship, they're still animals that can react aggressively or instinctively in certain situations. Unfortunately, dog bites can result in serious injuries that can be traumatic for victims in South Carolina. From disfigurement and disability to scarring and infection, dog bites can cause devastating harm, including broken bones, lacerations, and even death. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in South Carolina, it's important to explore your legal options.
Under South Carolina law, dog owners are accountable for their pets' actions, regardless of the animal's history. Unless the owner can prove the dog was provoked, they must take responsibility for any injuries their pet causes. The financial costs of a dog bite can be overwhelming, including medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Dog bites are serious and life-changing on many levels. As such, those responsible should be held accountable according to South Carolina law. That's when retaining a seasoned dog bite attorney Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC, starts to make a lot of sense.
Fortunately, every dog bite attorney at Lauren Taylor Law is experienced in handling dog bite cases in the Palmetto State and is ready to help guide you through the legal process of obtaining compensation.
Understanding Dog Bite Law in South Carolina
Did you know that, on any given day, almost 1,000 victims in America are taken to the ER and treated for dog bites? Perhaps more frightening than that statistic is that South Carolina ranks in the top 10 states for dog attacks resulting in death. In fact, in 2021 alone, 1/3 of all homeowner liability claim payouts were from dog-related injuries. Given those startling numbers, you may be wondering what the State of South Carolina does for victims of dog bites.
In South Carolina, if you are the victim of a dog attack, the owner or handler may be held responsible for your injuries. However, this liability only applies if three specific conditions exist:
1. The injuries you sustained were caused by the dog in question.
2. When the dog attacked you, you weren't trespassing on someone's land.
3. You didn't do anything to provoke the dog into attacking you.
To successfully navigate a dog bite liability case, it's important to be aware of how insurance companies may try to avoid responsibility by focusing on certain conditions of the law. For instance, if you trespassed on the dog owner's property or provoked the dog into attacking you, the owner may not be held liable. However, with the guidance of an experienced dog bite attorney Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC, who understands the tactics of insurance companies, you can confidently fight for your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.
Strict Liability for Dog Bites in South Carolina
South Carolina has a dog bite statute that follows a strict liability rule, which applies when someone is attacked or bitten and injured for the first time by a dog. In South Carolina, the strict liability rule holds dog owners accountable for injuries caused by their pets, even if the owners were not directly at fault. This means that victims of dog attacks can seek compensation for their injuries without having to prove the dog's history of aggression or the owner's failure to control the animal.
South Carolina Requires Dangerous Animals to Be Registered
One aspect of the law that many dog bite victims are unaware of is that dangerous animals must be registered. As per South Carolina law (Section 47-3-760), any dog that is deemed a "dangerous animal" due to its history of attacks or tendency to attack must be registered and kept confined by its owner. If the owner fails to register their animal or keep them confined, they can be held accountable.
Speaking of dangerous animals, there is legislation in South Carolina that relates specifically to certain dog breeds. In order to prevent dog attacks, breed-specific legislation has been implemented in certain areas of South Carolina. This legislation limits the public's exposure to and regulates ownership of breeds identified as dangerous. Currently, pit bulls are presumed to be dangerous in several municipalities, while Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, and chow chows are considered vicious in one municipality.
Dog Bite Settlements 101: How Victims are Compensated in South Carolina
Now that you know a little more about dog bite laws in South Carolina, you're probably wondering what types of compensation are available for victims. Determining the average settlement amount for dog bite cases can be challenging due to the confidential nature of legal settlements.
However, there are some statistics that can provide insight into potential values. For instance, in 2019, State Farm's Insurance Information Institute reported over 300 dog-bite-related insurance claims in South Carolina. The cost per claim ranged between just under $32,000 and just under $56,000. While this information can serve as a starting point, it's important to remember that each dog bite case is unique, and as such, these averages won't be accurate for your dog bite claim. That's why it's so crucial to contact a dog bite attorney in Charleston, SC, soon after you're injured.
Types of Dog Bite Compensation in South Carolina
In South Carolina, a few categories of damage have been recognized in personal injury cases, and those include dog bites. Typically, damages relating to dog bites focus either on deterring dog owners or helping victims and are classified as Compensatory or Punitive, respectively.
1. Compensatory Dog Bite Damages in South Carolina
Compensatory damages, also known as actual damages, are used to help the injured party return to their original state. In essence, the purpose of compensatory damages is to return the injured party to the position they were in before the dog bite incident took place. In South Carolina, dog bite victims are entitled to recover two types of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Dog Bite Damages Explained
When seeking compensation for dog bite injuries, it is important to consider economic damages, which provide objective monetary losses for victims. Often, these damages can cover expenses such as medical bills, prescription medications, physical therapy, counseling sessions, and lost income. With lost income damages, victims can recover the amount of money they would have earned had they not missed work due to their injury.
Non-Economic Dog Bite Damages Explained
Getting damages for a measurable dollar amount is great, but what about losses that can't be measured objectively? We're talking about subjective losses like pain and suffering, mental distress, and diminished quality of life. Although these losses can't be accurately measured, they can still be awarded by the court. However, proving non-economic damages can be challenging in South Carolina. That's why having a dog bite attorney Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC, is so valuable for dog bite victims and their families.
2. Punitive Dog Bite Damages in South Carolina
When seeking damages for a dog bite injury or attack, compensatory damages aim to restore the plaintiff's losses, while punitive damages aim to hold the defendant accountable for their misconduct. Punitive damages serve as a deterrent to both the defendant and others, punishing them for their actions and discouraging similar behavior in the future. However, punitive damages are not viable in cases where the defendant's actions were merely negligent.
Instead, South Carolina law mandates proof of willful, wanton, or reckless behavior. Essentially, the defendant must have intentionally caused harm or acted without regard for the consequences of the dog bite or attack. Proving this type of intent can be very difficult, especially in South Carolina, which is why you should consult with a dog bite lawyer. Your attorney from Lauren Taylor Law will help determine which types of damages are viable in your case and fight relentlessly to get you the compensation you're owed.
What Factors Affect the Value of Dog Bite Cases in South Carolina?
At Lauren Taylor Law, our dog bite lawyers are often asked to give an approximate value of an average dog bite case in South Carolina. That's easier said than done, as the circumstances of each dog bite case are different. However, there are components that can affect the amount of compensation you or your loved one receives after being injured.
Lost Wages
Dog bites are no laughing matter, especially when they're serious and result in injuries. As such, many dog bite victims have no choice but to take time off of work to heal, both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, doing so often means missing out on raises, bonuses, promotions, and more. In such an event, victims can often claim both past wages lost as well as the value of the lost raise or promotion.
Cost of Medical Treatment
In dog bite cases, medical treatment costs can be a significant factor. While a bite from a small dog like a chihuahua may require minimal care, larger dogs can cause serious injuries that result in debilitating physical and psychological effects. The severity of the injuries can lead to higher medical bills and, ultimately, a higher settlement value.
Damage to Property
While property damage may not occur frequently in South Carolina dog bite cases, it can still pose a significant concern. In some instances, victims' phones, glasses, or clothing may sustain damage from an attack. Additionally, wild dogs may cause harm to jewelry, furniture, and even vehicles that you use for work.
Hire a Dog Bite Attorney Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC
To receive proper compensation for what you've had to endure, it's essential that you work with a skilled dog bite lawyer. At Lauren Taylor Law, our legal team fully understands what it takes to win your dog bite case and will work tirelessly to gather favorable evidence on your behalf. Our attorneys are also highly skilled negotiators who will aggressively defend your rights to help ensure you receive the maximum settlement amount possible.
Unlike some dog bite law firms, we take a personalized approach to each case we handle, diving deep into the unique details of your situation so you receive the best possible outcome, allowing you to move forward in life with your head held high.
Is It WorthHiring a Dog Bite Attorney Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC?
Dog attacks in South Carolina can be extremely frightening, and the aftermath can be even worse. The scars and emotional trauma that victims can experience can last a lifetime, particularly when the victim is a child. Fortunately, South Carolina law provides the opportunity for dog bite settlements to be paid by the dog's owners or keepers.
However, the process can be difficult, with the first challenge being determining if there is insurance coverage available. While the owner's homeowner's insurance policy is often the source of coverage, securing a fair settlement is not always straightforward. That's where hiring a dog bite lawyer as your advocate can be a life-changing choice. Here are just a few of the biggest reasons why you should consult with a dog bite law firm in South Carolina
Insurance Companies Don't Care About You
It's important to realize that insurance companies, despite their friendly commercials, are ultimately focused on minimizing their own costs. Their claim adjusters are skilled professionals who are trained to resolve claims in the company's favor, and they also have access to a long list of legal resources. Having a dog bite lawyer on your side helps even the playing field. That's especially true at Lauren Taylor Law, where our dog bite attorneys fight fearlessly against insurance corporations on behalf of our clients.
Settlement Amounts
Determining the value of a dog attack case is a multifaceted process that takes into consideration numerous factors. Key variables that can substantially impact the value of a case include the possibility of future plastic surgery to address scarring, emotional distress, and the potential for punitive damages.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
When it comes to negotiating a settlement with an insurance company, it can be a confusing and overwhelming experience for most individuals. Even seasoned negotiators can feel out of their element when it comes to dog bite cases. In the face of low settlement offers and unfounded reasoning, it's important to remain level-headed and not let emotions cloud your judgment.
As the victim, keeping calm in the face of an outrageous settlement offer is easier said than done. It's natural to feel emotionally invested, but it's crucial to maintain objectivity when making decisions that could have lifelong implications. Fortunately, an experienced dog bite attorney Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC, can take the lead in these intense negotiations. In doing so, you have a better chance of getting a fair settlement while you focus on recovering and spending time with your family.
Handling Medical Evidence
In order to secure a favorable settlement for your dog bite case, medical evidence must be handled and presented correctly. The truth is that medical evidence can have a significant impact on the amount of compensation you receive. As such, investigating and presenting future medical requirements in the correct manner is crucial. Many dog bite victims undergo future surgeries and ongoing counseling for the rest of their lives. A skilled dog bite lawyer from Lauren Taylor Law can help you secure a settlement that adequately covers these expenses and more.
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A Dog Bite Attorney Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC, You Can Trust
If you are looking for a knowledgeable yet fearless dog bite attorney in South Carolina, Lauren Taylor Law is the firm you can trust. Our team of dog bite injury lawyers can help with every aspect of your dog bite case, from evidence gathering and witness interviews to negotiations and everything in between. Put simply, our dog bite attorneys aren't afraid to fight for the compensation you deserve, no matter how much pushback the insurance company gives you.
The damage a dog bite causes can result in a horrific experience no person should go through alone. We can make the recovery process easier for you and give you the attention and support you need to pick up the pieces. If you're ready to reclaim a normal life, we're here to help. It all begins with your initial consultation at our law offices in South Carolina. Contact Lauren Taylor Law today to get started today.
Latest News Near Me Myrtle Beach, SC
Isaias likely to become a hurricane. How much rain to expect for Myrtle Beach area
Nicole Blevinshttps://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/weather-news/article317523588.html
Tropical Storm Isaias formed in the Gulf early Wednesday, and it is expected to keep strengthening to a hurricane before making landfall in the northern Gulf coast.Isaias is currently located in the Gulf near Mexico, moving northeastward toward the northern Gulf.The National Hurricane Center is predicting the system to strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane (74 mph winds) in the early hours on Thursday, and into a Category 2 hurricane (95 mph winds) by Friday.The cone of the system is tracking westward of the Carolinas, bu...
Tropical Storm Isaias formed in the Gulf early Wednesday, and it is expected to keep strengthening to a hurricane before making landfall in the northern Gulf coast.
Isaias is currently located in the Gulf near Mexico, moving northeastward toward the northern Gulf.
The National Hurricane Center is predicting the system to strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane (74 mph winds) in the early hours on Thursday, and into a Category 2 hurricane (95 mph winds) by Friday.
The cone of the system is tracking westward of the Carolinas, but it could bring a couple inches of rain to the Myrtle Beach area, according to Stephen Keebler, National Weather Service meteorologist in Wilmington, North Carolina.
The National Hurricane Center predicted a slight risk of flash flooding over the next five days, and between 2 and 4 inches of rain for the area.
Isaias would be the first hurricane to form during the historically quiet 2026 Atlantic season.
Atlantic hurricane season has been relatively quiet
Before Isaias, there have been eight tropical storms in the Atlantic, with only three making landfall in the U.S. This year breaks the record for the latest forming hurricane, which is expected to be Oct. 8. The previous record was held by Hurricane Gustav in 2002 and Hurricane Humberto in 2013, both forming on Sept. 11.
South Carolina has largely been spared from impacts from tropical storms this year. A tropical storm hits Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas every two to three years on average, The Sun News previously reported.
Emergency management officials have continuously warned to stay vigilant even during a historically quiet season.
Horry County’s Hurricane Guide
Horry County’s Hurricane Guide lists important information to know during an emergency, including essential items, evacuation zones and traffic routes.
Before a storm hits, emergency managers urge residents to create an emergency kit, including items such as water, non-perishable food, batteries, electronic chargers, a radio, a first aid kit, flashlights, identification, important documents, cash, medications, pet items, toiletries, blankets and extra clothes.
Hurricane evacuations are issued by the governor when deemed necessary and are considered mandatory. Evacuation zones (A, B and C) are determined by potential storm surge and not by category of storm. Residents outside an evacuation zone can still evacuate, and those leaving do not have to wait until the designated time begins, Hodge said.
Public shelters are available, and Coast RTA provides free transportation to shelters when evacuations are ordered. Residents should look for temporary blue and white hurricane evacuation bus stop signs to find pickup locations. All rides end at officially designated emergency shelters, and return trips only stop at the designated pickup points.
Officials say residents should be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours after a storm as it can be difficult for emergency assistance to reach certain areas of the county depending on flooding or other hazards blocking a route.
Tap ensemble in Myrtle Beach brings adults back to dance after decades
LeAnne Gendreauhttps://www.kbtx.com/2026/10/05/tap-ensemble-myrtle-beach-brings-adults-back-dance-after-decades/
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Aging Untold) — A tap ensemble in South Carolina is made up of adults who are returning to tap dancing after stepping away for careers and family responsibilities.Michele Selvanto-Kowalski spent more than 45 years teaching tap in New Jersey before moving to Myrtle Beach in 2014. She teaches all ages at Coastal Dance Center.“I get chills when I teach it, I get chills when I talk about it,” Selvanto-Kowalski said.Selvanto-Kowalski said the adults in her classes impress and inspire her ...
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Aging Untold) — A tap ensemble in South Carolina is made up of adults who are returning to tap dancing after stepping away for careers and family responsibilities.
Michele Selvanto-Kowalski spent more than 45 years teaching tap in New Jersey before moving to Myrtle Beach in 2014. She teaches all ages at Coastal Dance Center.
“I get chills when I teach it, I get chills when I talk about it,” Selvanto-Kowalski said.
Selvanto-Kowalski said the adults in her classes impress and inspire her the most.
“Their passion in the tap class, they just kept going and going… and that’s when I said, ‘You know what?’ Something clicked and said, ‘Let’s do this,’” Selvanto-Kowalski said.
Selvanto-Kowalski created a group for adults called the Carolina Rhythm Tap Ensemble.
“It gives them an opportunity to get out there and maybe pursue a dream that they always had but couldn’t do,” Selvanto-Kowalski said.
Aging Untold expert Katherine Ambrose said the ensemble is proof it’s not too late to return to a passion.
“When you pause a dream for work and family, it’s so great to be able to come back to it, and doing it with a group adds connection and belonging, which is important at every stage,” Ambrose said.
Some of the dancers in the ensemble grew up tap dancing but stopped to focus on careers, family and children.
The women practice choreography once a week and take tap classes to perfect their technique before performing in the community.
Ambrose said tap dancing also provides brain-and-body fitness.
“Tap is brain-and-body fitness at the same time. We’re talking balance, coordination, rhythm and memory all working together, and it can boost stability and confidence in everyday life,” Ambrose said.
The Cloak and Wand in Myrtle Beach, SC: An Immersive Fantasy Shop for All Ages
Sarah Burnetthttps://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/the-cloak-and-wand-myrtle-beach
Myrtle Beach has a new destination for families to turn an ordinary shopping trip into a magical adventure! The Cloak and Wand opened at Broadway at the Beach in June 2026, offering an immersive fantasy experience for all ages. Adopt a dragon, order a potion to drink, purchase a wand with hidden powers, and browse licensed merchandise from popular franchises such as Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and How to Train Your Dragon.Highlights at The Cloak and Wand???? Magical...
Myrtle Beach has a new destination for families to turn an ordinary shopping trip into a magical adventure! The Cloak and Wand opened at Broadway at the Beach in June 2026, offering an immersive fantasy experience for all ages. Adopt a dragon, order a potion to drink, purchase a wand with hidden powers, and browse licensed merchandise from popular franchises such as Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and How to Train Your Dragon.
Highlights at The Cloak and Wand
???? Magical Creature Adoptions: Choose a plush dragon, owl, housecat, or another animal, complete with an adoption certificate.???? Wand Emporium: Choose a wand and let the staff reveal its hidden power!???? Potion Bar: Build your own drink or try combinations like Wizard Beer, Liquid Gold, Mermaid Tears, and Purple People Eater. All beverages are nonalcoholic, with caffeine-free and sugar-free options available.????️ Fantasy Gifts: Browse books, notebooks, home décor, toys, figures, candy, and merchandise from popular fandoms.⏰ Hours: 10 am to 10 pm daily (may vary seasonally)???? Address: Broadway at the Beach at 1315 Celebrity Circle, Suite 109, Myrtle Beach, SC
Explore a Shop Full of Storybook Magic
The Cloak and Wand is a gift and beverage shop inspired by popular fantasies from literature and film. From floating candles to life-size creatures in the windows, you can expect floor-to-ceiling décor that puts you right into the pages of a storybook.
The owner, Ellie Greenberg, is the mom and entrepreneur behind Wonderlosity, a company committed to curating immersive shopping experiences for families. She opened the first of The Cloak and Wand stores in Mystic, Connecticut, in 2021, followed by a second location in Lahaska, Pennsylvania, just over a year later.
The store at Broadway at the Beach marks the first location in the southeastern United States. Broadway at the Beach has long been a popular hub for shopping, dining, and recreation in the area, making it an easy place to work this stop into your next Myrtle Beach vacation.
Adults and kids alike will delight in the walls of books and notebooks, home décor, toys and figures, candy, and so much more. But the fun doesn’t end there: Two special in-store experiences await those who purchase a creature companion or magic wand on their visit!
Adopt a Magical Creature
A cute, animatronic dragon oversees the corner for Magical Creature Adoptions. We found a colorful selection of plushies here, including dragons, fluffy housecats, owls, and other animals.
Each of my kids had a different favorite, and they were all so soft and huggable! If your kids have different ideas about what makes a good magical companion, they’ll have several kinds of creatures to consider. A dragon might be the obvious choice in a shop like this, but the fluffy housecats and owls deserve a look, too.
Each one comes with a special adoption certificate, making your new magical pet feel oh-so-official. That little detail gives kids something to keep alongside their animal and makes choosing a vacation souvenir feel like adopting a new companion!
Find Out Which Wand Chooses You
The Wand Emporium is a major highlight, with a moving portrait watching from the wall as you evaluate your options. Wands are available to preview inside a glass case, with designs like curled dragons, vibrant gems, and spooky ravens.
After you choose your wand, the staff will check whether the wand chooses you, too! Upon activation, a hidden power will also be revealed… Your wand will light up to reveal the red power of a phoenix aflame, the green of a dragon soaring over the earth, or the blue of a kraken deep in the sea!
Order a Drink at the Potion Bar
If you love to shop and sip, then don’t miss the Potion Bar, where you get to decide the perfect blend for your own magical drink! Drawing upon more than 60 unique flavors, you can either build your own drink or choose from popular mixes like Wizard Beer, Liquid Gold, Mermaid Tears, Hot Chocula, Rhyme and Coconut, and Purple People Eater.
All beverages are nonalcoholic, and there are hot, cold, and even carbonated options. The brew crew can give you many caffeine-free recommendations for kids, too, and there’s even a special Skinny Witch menu with a few tried-and-true sugar-free recipes!
More Storybook Shops at Broadway at the Beach
If you love the sound of immersive fantasy, then get excited for more in store. The Cloak and Wand is actually one of three immersive shopping experiences by Wonderlosity coming to Broadway at the Beach!
The Cloak and Wand was preceded in the summer by Alice’s Little Haunted Bookshop, where you’ll find nothing but the spooky, strange, and downright deranged. To take the magic even further, Wonderlosity has announced that Alice in the Village is coming to join them in 2027, offering tea and macarons inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
Together, these three shops will bring unique storybook worlds to life all in one place at Broadway at the Beach. Find the one that suits you best or explore them all to experience the full range of enchantment in store.
Good to Know Before You Go
Before you stop in for a potion or pick out a magical companion, here are a few details to help you plan your visit. From spooky décor to custom cloaks, these are the things families should know before exploring The Cloak and Wand.
This store goes all-in on the fantasy world of magic, encompassing both the lighthearted and the dark. The space feels designed to engage adults and children alike, but sensitive kids may find some of the decorations unsettling or scary. Alongside all the fantasy fun, we also noticed items like tarot cards, palm-reading guides, spell candles, and Ouija boards. Consider your family’s values and sensitivities when deciding whether The Cloak and Wand is right for you.
No. All beverages are nonalcoholic, with hot, cold, and carbonated options. Ask the brew crew for caffeine-free recommendations or sugar-free recipes from the Skinny Witch menu.
Although some online listings for the store mention custom cloak designs, the Myrtle Beach location does not offer custom cloaks at this time. Kids’ cloaks are sold here, but customization is not currently an option at this location.
We visited on a weekday morning and were the only people in the store, but I’d be willing to bet this place gets busy on evenings and weekends! Keep it in mind for spooky-season shopping or holiday gifts for a fantasy fan. Hours are 10 am to 10 pm daily, but may vary seasonally, so call 843-213-1617 to confirm before visiting.
The shop is located in the shopping complex at Broadway at the Beach. The store address is 1315 Celebrity Circle, Suite 109, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
1315 Celebrity Circle, Suite 109 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 843.213.1617
North Myrtle Beach drone delivery program draws concerns
Katherine Schreinerhttps://www.wmbfnews.com/2026/10/07/north-myrtle-beach-drone-delivery-program-draws-concerns/
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - North Myrtle Beach and Barefoot Landing area community raised safety and privacy concerns about a proposed Amazon drone delivery program during a planning commission meeting.An Amazon representative, Tareq Wafaie, attended the meeting to answer questions about the proposal.Residents said they are concerned that cameras on the delivery drones could be used for purposes other than picking up and dropping off packages. Residents also raised concerns about noise and the number of deliveries that coul...
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - North Myrtle Beach and Barefoot Landing area community raised safety and privacy concerns about a proposed Amazon drone delivery program during a planning commission meeting.
An Amazon representative, Tareq Wafaie, attended the meeting to answer questions about the proposal.
Residents said they are concerned that cameras on the delivery drones could be used for purposes other than picking up and dropping off packages. Residents also raised concerns about noise and the number of deliveries that could be made. Amazon is limited to 1,000 deliveries a day.
Many residents said their main concern is their families’ safety, since packages are dropped from about 13 feet in the air, which they said could cause damage.
“They are indiscriminate of where they drop packages based on maybe some type of GPS, which, as you and I both know, GPS messes up all the time, so I don’t want any packages landing on my pets or my children or my windshield on my car,” resident Lisa Watts said.
Amazon said safety is a priority. The plan calls for 12 drones that could carry packages weighing up to five pounds, about the size of a shoebox, and release them from about 13 feet above the delivery area.
Amazon said cameras help pilots check that the area is clear, similar to a backup camera, and that the video is not saved or shown to anyone.
The drones could fly up to seven-and-a-half miles from the launch pad at a minimum altitude of 100 feet, while avoiding no-fly zones.
“So we’re completely controlled by the FAA. So, if an HOA said you can’t, in our subdivision, great, you could do that, but you could not say we can’t fly within that HOA region, because that is solely the responsibility of landing,” Wafaie said.
North Myrtle Beach Planning Commission members raised questions about how well suited North Myrtle Beach is for the program.
Red areas on a map presented at the meeting show no-fly zones. Residents living in those areas would not be eligible for drone delivery.
“Not only would you not be eligible for drone delivery, but we’re not even gonna fly through that area,” Wafaie said.
Each drone also needs an 18-foot clear diameter to drop packages.
“Even though you might say I’m interested in drone delivery, if you’ve got a stand of mature trees that just would not allow us to do it, you’re not gonna be eligible as a customer,” Wafaie said.
Weather is another concern. Amazon operates drone programs in other beach towns, and some at the meeting questioned whether breezy conditions in the North Myrtle Beach area could halt deliveries.
“Anything other than very light wind, we’re not able to fly, so we have to wait for conditions to calm before we continue flights for the day,” Wafaie said.
The North Myrtle Beach Planning Commission is scheduled to vote on the proposed drone launch pad on Oct. 20.
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Amazon drone delivery proposal raises safety, noise concerns in North Myrtle Beach
Sydney Watsonhttps://wpde.com/news/local/amazon-drone-delivery-proposal-raises-safety-noise-concerns-in-north-myrtle-beach-warehouse-launchpad-public-input-planning-commission-noise-complaints
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — The North Myrtle Beach Planning Commission is considering a proposal to add a drone launchpad at the Amazon warehouse off Watertower Road, prompting questions from residents about safety, noise and potential impacts on wildlife.Amazon has been using delivery drones nationally for nearly 10 years. Now, the service could be coming to North Myrtle Beach.The North Myrtle Beach Planning Commission held a public input meeting Wednesday to discuss the proposed drone launchpad.Commission C...
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — The North Myrtle Beach Planning Commission is considering a proposal to add a drone launchpad at the Amazon warehouse off Watertower Road, prompting questions from residents about safety, noise and potential impacts on wildlife.
Amazon has been using delivery drones nationally for nearly 10 years. Now, the service could be coming to North Myrtle Beach.
The North Myrtle Beach Planning Commission held a public input meeting Wednesday to discuss the proposed drone launchpad.
Commission Chairman Silvio Cutuli said the city needed more information about how to regulate drone operations because it did not have existing ordinances or regulations addressing the technology.
During the meeting, an Amazon representative presented a slideshow explaining how the drones operate and their proposed flight plans.
According to the representative, the drones stand 5 1/2 feet tall, can fly as high as 400 feet and can carry packages weighing up to 5 pounds.
The representative said the drones produce approximately 68 decibels of noise, comparable to a household dishwasher.
Drone delivery would be an opt-in service, meaning customers would have to request the option to receive packages by drone.
However, the warehouse would need a launchpad to support the service.
Cutuli said the Planning Commission has the authority to decide whether to approve the proposed launchpad.
"If...the...zoning administrator had determined that this was a major amendment to the PD, it would have had to do before the council...As far as the rules are written right now, it stays with the Planning Commission," Cutuli said.
Cutuli explained that the proposed launchpad is considered a minor amendment, placing the decision under the Planning Commission's authority.
During public comment, some residents asked general questions, while others raised concerns about the number of drones that could operate in the same area and whether Amazon has received noise complaints.
"Please don't open this can of worms...please don't," one resident said.
Other concerns included the potential impact on birds and what would happen if a drone fell from the sky.
One resident questioned why a representative from the Federal Aviation Administration was not present at the meeting.
"Do you feel disrespected that the FAA isn't here to ask questions? I do, and y'all should too," the resident said.
When asked whether Amazon had received approval to operate drones in the area, the commission said its understanding was that the company was still seeking FAA approval.
ABC 15 reached out to Amazon and the FAA for additional information about the approval process.
In a statement, the FAA said:
"Amazon Prime Air operates under an FAA exemption with specific conditions and limitations.
As new drone operations expand, operators and local community leaders have primary responsibility for raising awareness and addressing community concerns regarding those operations.
The FAA’s role is to ensure these operations are safely integrated into the national airspace system and comply with applicable FAA regulations."
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