Estate Planning Attorney Near Me Loris, SC

LORIS, SC (WMBF) - Horry County may soon be losing one of its airports.

In a statement to WMBF. The Horry County Department of Airports said they have intentions of closing the Loris-Twin City Airport.

The decision follows an evaluation of “the airport’s activity levels, financial sustainability, future infrastructure needs, and long-term viability.”

Property owners adjacent to the runways and stakeholders were notified.

John Stephenson owns one of the hangars beside the runway and said he received a letter from the county, mentioning the airport runway’s condition and lack of use.

“Both things sort of concern me in terms of why they’re using those reasons, given the vital nature of the airport here in Horry County,” Stephenson said.

Several people are opposing the county’s decision to close the airport for numerous reasons, one being the runway itself.

Pilots say the runway is a vital resource for those learning to fly, allowing them to take off and land in an area with less air traffic compared to other airports.

“It gives you the opportunity to get into an uncontrolled airport and learn and practice the procedures required so they don’t have the mid-airs and near misses,” said Mike Smith, an aircraft mechanic.

Another said that without this training, it may impact the future of aviation as a whole.

“These small airports for training purposes are a pipeline to you know huge things in aviation,” said pilot David Allen.

The runway also allows pilots to briefly land before continuing their routes, something that can be helpful in the event of bad weather.

One aviation enthusiast, James Lovitt, said this airport is the only one he can fly his paramotor out of. He worries about not being able to fly anywhere else in the county if the airport closes.

“If I lose this airport, I have to sell my gear and give up on my dream that I’ve always dreamt of doing,” Lovitt said. “And I’m not able to move out of my home or the county, so this is my last hope.”

Sam Sarvis said his father helped establish the airport. Sarvis, who has an aviation business, worries about what the closure will mean to him and his family’s work.

“Not only the legacy of my father’s going away, I have a maintenance business on this airport, I have established it in 1989, my father had a business since 2001, but if the airport closes, my livelihood’s gone,” Sarvis said.

The HCDA said the decision to pursue the closure did not come lightly. Many argue that the decision will not be beneficial due to the future loss of resources and opportunities.

“It’s a disaster for the community,” Stephenson said.

The HCDA said the airport will remain operating for the time being, and there is no established timeline for the airport’s closure.

The HCDA’s full statement is below.

Horry County Department of Airports (HCDA) has notified adjacent property owners and other stakeholders of its intent to pursue the closure of Loris-Twin Cities Airport (5J9). This decision follows a lengthy evaluation of the airport’s activity levels, financial sustainability, future infrastructure needs, and long-term viability.

In 2021, the FAA removed Loris-Twin Cities Airport from federal funding eligibility because it no longer met the minimum operational criteria, including maintaining at least 10 based aircraft. Since then, Horry County has been solely responsible for funding the airport’s operation, maintenance, and future capital improvements.

While annual maintenance costs range from approximately $65,000 to $100,000, the airport’s runway, taxiway, and supporting infrastructure are nearing the end of their useful life. Rehabilitation costs are expected to total several million dollars to meet current federal standards. Given the airport’s limited activity and small number of based and transient aircraft, the County determined that this level of investment would not be a responsible use of taxpayer resources.

The airport generates no operating revenue, and all hangars and aviation buildings serving the airport are privately owned and located on adjacent property. Those facilities do not contribute toward the costs of maintaining or operating the County-owned airfield.

HCDA has notified the FAA of its intent to close the airport and will soon submit a formal closure request for review. No timeline for closure has been established, and the airport will remain open while the FAA review process moves forward.

HCDA and the County recognize this decision will affect the small number of individuals who currently use Loris-Twin Cities Airport, and it was not made lightly. Throughout this process, the County’s priority has been the responsible stewardship of public funds while continuing to provide safe and efficient aviation services. General aviation users will continue to have access to nearby facilities at Grand Strand Airport (CRE) and Conway-Horry County Airport (HYW), both of which are well-equipped to accommodate the operational needs currently served by Loris-Twin Cities Airport.

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LORIS, S.C. — Feeling a little stressed because your stomach is growling? If so, there's a new place in Loris to fight off that hangry irritability.

El Patron Mexican Restaurant opened last week at 4914 Broad St. The Grand Opening and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Loris Chamber of Commerce and Loris Mayor Michael Suggs was held Saturday, July 18.

"I've been pleased with the amount of people we have coming in to eat," Roger Abonzo, the owner said. "It's been good. We have been blessed."

Chamber Executive Director Samantha Norris was at the ribbon-cutting Saturday to wish the owners well.

"We’re excited to welcome El Patrón to Downtown Loris," she said. "It’s always great to see a new business invest in our community, and we’re especially happy to add another dining experience for our residents and visitors to enjoy. We wish the owners much success and we are proud to celebrate this milestone with them."

Abonzo thanked the chamber and everyone who has come in to eat at El Patron and he said the day of the Grand Opening resulted in a steady stream of diners. Abonzo also said he expected a good evening crowd to come out to listen to the live Mariachi band that was scheduled to start playing at 6 p.m.

The restaurant includes an El Patron-themed backdrop, where customers are invited to snap a picture of themselves and tag it to El Patron's Facebook page.

"We love seeing our customers having a great time," Abonzo said.

El Patron offers authentic Mexican food and ice cold drinks in a family and friendly atmosphere, Abonzo said.

Also, in an effort to take advantage of the interest of the World Cup soccer tournament, El Patron invited customers to come in and watch the World Cup semifinals last week.

The El Patron menu includes: fajitas, nachos, burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, tacos, and a seafood menu featuring crab legs, shrimp, tilapia, and clam dishes. There are also vegetarian plates.