Do you have a last will and testament set up? Though most people know they need their affairs in order, most procrastinate about estate planning. We get it - thinking about your death and what happens to your assets when you pass is uncomfortable. The truth is, though, that working with an estate planning attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC, doesn't just protect your assets.
Having a will in place protects you and your loved ones, too, both while you're living and after you're gone. And while there's no perfect time to plan your estate, doing so sooner than later will provide security and peace of mind down the line.
At Lauren Taylor Law, we know that one-size-fits-all plans aren't suitable for your needs. That's why our team of estate planning attorneys sits down to speak with you one-on-one so that we can help create an estate plan tailored to your wishes. That way, your family and loved ones are protected when it's time for you to go.
When it's all said and done, our goal is to provide all of our estate planning clients with more information and options so that they feel less stressed about the process. After all, peace of mind is priceless these days. Why spend time worrying about the future of your family when you can do your part to provide for them now?
GET HELP NOWIf you're feeling over-stressed and uninformed about estate planning, don't worry. You're not alone! Most of our estate planning clients are filled with doubt and worry when they walk into our office. They're concerned about their kids, their spouses, their loved ones, or all of the above. They have serious questions that need truthful answers, such as:
If you find yourself asking these or other pertinent questions, our experienced team is here to help answer them. We've worked with hundreds of individuals and families trying to plan their estates, many of whom are forced to act quickly. In such situations, it's crucial to work with an estate planning firm with your best interests at heart.
Estate planning in South Carolina is like second nature for our team of seasoned attorneys. We've done it all, from setting up healthcare power of attorneys and will packages to full estate planning that involves millions of dollars in assets. When you choose Lauren Taylor Law as your estate planning team, you can rest easy knowing you'll work directly with an experienced lawyer.
Because when it involves your estate and your family's future, passing your case off to a junior associate or paralegal isn't an option. Instead, you'll be working with a dedicated attorney with the time, resources, and knowledge to exceed your needs. At the end of the day, we're passionate about the outcome of our client's estate planning cases because the future of their family is at stake.
To get a better sense of your estate plans and needs, your attorney will consult with you, so that they can answer your questions and educate you on the nuances of estate law in South Carolina. That way, you can leave our office feeling a little wiser and a lot more informed about what options lie ahead.
At Lauren Taylor Law, our practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services in South Carolina Estate Law, encompassing the following areas:
When you hear the word "estate," what comes to mind? Many people think of a sprawling, multi-story mansion on the water. However, you don't have to be uber-wealthy to have an estate. Chances are you already have one. An estate is comprised of all the assets a person owns, such as:
And that, in a nutshell, is what estate planning is all about - working with an estate planning attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC, to create a framework that recognizes the people or organizations who should benefit from your assets. Though it may require some work and introspection up front, planning your estate now will make life easier for you and your loved ones down the line.
However, great estate plans usually cover more than fiscal assets. Your estate plan should also include:
Contrary to what others may tell you, estate planning isn't just reserved for older people approaching retirement. Estate planning is a savvy and responsible way to plan ahead because we never know when it could be our time to go.
At Lauren Taylor Law, our estate attorneys craft personalized wills while providing guidance on many estate planning topics. Some of the most common estate planning services we offer include:
Wills are a crucial legal document and the primary building block of professional estate planning. They are legal declarations that you use to name one or more people to administer your estate. Wills also dictate provisions for how your wealth is distributed after death. Hiring an estate planning attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC, ensures you get the outcomes both you and your loved ones prefer.
Sometimes, you need authorized representation to help with your affairs. Having a power of attorney lets you choose a person to act on your behalf or represent you in private or legal matters. It should be noted that while you have access to standard power of attorneys, they can only fulfill basic planning needs. Our team can help you draft a more comprehensive document addressing all your administrative needs.
Also referred to as an advanced directive, your living will states your medical end-of-life wishes if you cannot communicate. This sensitive document guides your family members and doctors through difficult situations, like whether you should be resuscitated after a car crash.
In addition to the estate planning services above, we also specialize in:
Estate planning can be a complex process, but drafting a well-rounded plan now will make a big difference to your beneficiaries in the future. To give you a better understanding of estate law in South Carolina, keep these basic concepts and strategies in mind.
If there were one strategy that every estate attorney agrees about, it would be maximizing what you plan to leave behind. Taking time to think through what you'll be leaving and to whom you'll be leaving it to is crucial in estate planning. It's important to note, however, that your plans may change depending on what type of asset you're leaving behind, its worth, your age, and many other factors. With an estate planning lawyer in Myrtle Beach, SC, by your side, you'll learn about the pros and cons of your choices while minimizing court fees and taxes.
The person you choose as the executor of your will plays a big part in your affairs. Your executor is responsible for finalizing estate settlements while upholding the terms of your will. Such a demanding role requires a unique person, and choosing that person is a decision you should take seriously. Your executor should be adept at managing money and should be patient in stressful times because they're responsible for the following:
To ensure your executor upholds your instructions and wishes, ask that they use an estate planning attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC, for help. Having a trustworthy, experienced lawyer on your side will help ensure your estate is distributed accurately and according to South Carolina law.
As one of the most trusted estate planning law offices in South Carolina, we encounter clients all the time who question whether having a will is really necessary. They think that because their will is small or modest, having one is a waste of money. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.
Why? Think about what would happen if you didn't have a will. When you pass away without a will, you're dying "intestate." In this scenario, intestate succession laws in South Carolina determine where your assets go. You do not get to choose.
If you have a cherished family heirloom that you want to pass to your niece or a valuable car you want your brother to have, you may be out of luck without a will in place. Intestate succession laws in South Carolina dictate who gets what in your family. If you don't want the State to decide who will inherit your assets, forming a will with the help of an estate planning lawyer in Myrtle Beach, SC, is necessary.
Another reason to have a will is to help care for and protect your family if you pass away suddenly. This is true even if you consider yourself to be "too young" to have a will. If you're the parent of a minor and you die intestate, they will inherit your estate according to South Carolina law. However, this often means your child owns an interest in your home. That opens them up to intrusion from probate court. It also means a Guardian Ad Litem will be involved in your affairs to question the choices of your surviving family members, whether you like it or not.
By having a last will and testament in place, you have the chance to nominate a guardian for your child in the event that you pass.
You've probably seen ads for easy or "fill-in-the-blank" legal forms across the internet, promising low costs and easy will creation. Unfortunately, using these boilerplate forms is highly risky and may end up hurting your loved ones more than helping them. That's because when an estate planning attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC, is not present to prepare your will, you may receive a document that is inadequate, ambiguous, or even invalid by law.
At Lauren Taylor Law, we have found many issues with "DIY" wills, including the following:
Conflicting Verbiage: When using a "DIY" will, you've got to make choices on the form that often conflict, which can lead to ambiguity in your will.
Ambiguous Language: The language found within "fill-in-the-blank" wills typically includes less-than-clear verbiage. When a judge is unable to decipher the instructions in your will, it can lead to long, costly probate problems.
Outdated Info: South Carolina laws change often. Changes in the law can have a dramatic effect on the terms of your will, especially because online forms are often outdated from the very beginning.
Not Specific to South Carolina: As is the case with any state, local laws must be taken into account when creating your will, because state law governs several facets of estate planning. Many "DIY" wills are thrown out in probate court because they are generic and not specific to South Carolina estate laws.
Insufficient Instructions: Many people using boilerplate legal documents are uninformed about estate and probate laws. When it comes to preparing legal documents like wills, there is no substitute for the guidance you receive from a lawyer. Only a certified lawyer has the knowledge and experience to provide you with reliable advice and instructions. The instructions included with "DIY" wills lack true advice from a lawyer, rendering them nearly useless.
In life, there are no guarantees as to how long we'll be around to enjoy time with our families. That's why planning your estate is so important: to provide for those who mean the most to you. As your estate planning attorneys, our job is to ensure your family and assets are protected under South Carolina law. We take that job very seriously.
If you're looking for experienced, professional help drafting your last will and testament - one that truly reflects your wishes - look no further than Lauren Taylor Law. Our team is dedicated to the best interests of you and your family and is committed to providing sound legal advice, no matter the value of your estate.
MYRTLE BEACH, SC / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / Due to changes in retirement planning, the trend is shifting towards more and more Americans shifting towards more than just traditional forms of investments but also towards a kind of investment that offers them both financial and lifestyle flexibility. Real estate along the coast is now becoming the subject of this discussion, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has become among the most appealing destinations being considered by retirees to get long-term value. Under t...
MYRTLE BEACH, SC / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / Due to changes in retirement planning, the trend is shifting towards more and more Americans shifting towards more than just traditional forms of investments but also towards a kind of investment that offers them both financial and lifestyle flexibility. Real estate along the coast is now becoming the subject of this discussion, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has become among the most appealing destinations being considered by retirees to get long-term value. Under the advice of the professionals that they have come to trust, like Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts, retirees are finding that Myrtle Beach real estate can be an effective and adaptable retirement investment plan.
The city of Myrtle Beach is a unique place because it is not only affordable but also has high demand in the rental sector and an environment that suits the retirees and thus is the best place to consider when planning your next chapter.
The Retirement Planning Is Transforming To Tangible Assets
Retirement strategies have over decades focused on pensions, Social Security and stock portfolios. These tools continue to play a significant role, but most retirees have become very cautious with the market fluctuation, inflation and unpredictability of long-term returns.
Another alternative that would be in line with retirement objectives is real estate:
What makes Myrtle Beach real estate unique is that it enables them to strike a balance between making income and enjoying themselves, as few investment vehicles can offer to retirees.
The Reason Why Myrtle Beach Continues To Gain the Attention of Retirees
Myrtle Beach has gradually developed from a seasonal resort into a year-round community serving the retirees and permanent residents.
Affordable Coastal Living
Affordability is one of the greatest benefits Myrtle Beach has. Home prices are still affordable compared to the other Florida, California or Northeast coastal markets. Taxes and property are lower, and the living cost in Indonesia is comfortable within the retirement pockets.
The state of South Carolina also has tax incentives that retirees love, such as preferential treatment of specific retiree incomes; hence, the state becomes more appealing to people moving out of high tax bracket areas.
Climate That Promotes an Active Lifestyle
Delicate winters and hot summers enable the retirees to be active throughout the year. Outdoor recreation like walking, golfing, fishing and beach recreation helps in making a healthier life and reduce long term healthcare expenditures.
For those who have been retired in colder climates, the fact that one can go there during the cold seasons and be able to enjoy the coastal views is one of the most crucial attractions.
Expanding Infrastructure and Healthcare
The population of Myrtle Beach is expanding, thus enhancing its infrastructure. The region has remained underinvested in healthcare facilities, transport, shopping centres and development of the community. This development is a reassurance to the retirees that they are investing in an area that is geared towards the long run and convenience.
Potential of Myrtle Beach Real Estate as Income-Producing
The income-generating potential is one of the strongest reasons why retirees are resorting to Myrtle Beach real estate.
Strong Rental Demand
Myrtle Beach enjoys the advantages of steady rental activity promoted by tourism, seasonal residents and long-term tenants. Retirees can receive income by:
Such flexibility enables the retiree to modify the investment in accordance with his or her needs today, both as a supplement to income or as the property as a new residence in the future.
Hedge against Inflation
The rental income is also capable of rising with changes in market conditions, unlike the fixed-income investment. Increased rents keep the property owners at purchasing power, which is a great hedge against inflation, a factor that is also highly valued by the retirees with fixed earnings.
Non-financial yet Valuable Lifestyle
Myrtle Beach real estate is not just all about balance sheet figures. This market is preferred by many retirees since they get a lifestyle that improves their well-being in addition to sustaining financial stability.
The frontline communities, golf course residential developments, and planned retirement communities have residents who can experience resort-like living on a daily basis. These features of hosting visiting family, enjoying scenic environments and being socially active provide emotional and lifestyle returns that are not provided by traditional investment.
Stability and Prospective in the market
Myrtle Beach has demonstrated sustainable growth and not a fast speculative price movement. The sustained migration out of high-cost states, as well as the constant demand by retirees and investors, provides the stability of property values in the long term.
This gradual increase mitigates the risks and is consistent with the retirement-orientated investment plans which focus on stability and preservation rather than the speculative aspects in the short run.
The collaboration with experienced local professionals is also beneficial, as retirees can overcome the barriers of choosing the right neighbourhood, prices, and rental opportunities so that the investments made by the person correspond to the lifestyle objectives and financial priorities.
Real Estate: An Element of a Balanced Retirement Strategy
Balanced retirement planning can no longer be based on one asset class. The retirees today are more concerned with diversification not only to multiply wealth but also to minimise risk, stabilise the income and have control throughout the years in their retirement. The real estate, especially in Myrtle Beach, has a significant role to play in terms of ensuring that balance.
Together with the traditional investments, the Myrtle Beach real estate is not merely a property acquisition but an anchoring line in an otherwise diversified retirement package.
The modern understanding of retirement is more financial survival than freedom, stability and living according to one's own terms. Myrtle Beach property presents retirees with one of the rare deals of affordability, income potential, lifestyle benefits and long-term security. Myrtle Beach remains a good strategy that is intelligent and smart as more Americans reconsider their future retirement locations. Developed with the proper direction and strategy, the real estate in this seaside market can be both a good investment and a source of a good retirement.
Media Info:
Organization: Home Guide Myrtle BeachEmail: info@homeguidemyrtlebeach.comWebsite: https://www.homeguidemyrtlebeach.com
SOURCE: Home Guide Myrtle Beach
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.On Saturday at 1:28 p.m. the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC issued a flood advisory in effect until 4:30 p.m. The advisory is for Greenville, Oconee and Pickens counties.The NWS says, "Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.""Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas," says the NWS. "Flooding is occurring or ...
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
On Saturday at 1:28 p.m. the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC issued a flood advisory in effect until 4:30 p.m. The advisory is for Greenville, Oconee and Pickens counties.
The NWS says, "Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected."
"Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas," says the NWS. "Flooding is occurring or is imminent. It is important to know where you are relative to streams, rivers, or creeks which can become killers in heavy rains. Campers and hikers should avoid streams or creeks."
This advisory is in effect until 4:30 p.m.
If you reside in a flood-prone area or you are camping in a low-lying area, move to higher ground. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home before departing. If time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances. Avoid basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity and do not attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet. If you become trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is imperative to avoid driving through any water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the NWS, most cars can be swept away by just 12 inches of rushing water.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. The top three contributors to hydroplaning are:
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
Source: The National Weather Service
United Robots South Carolina
As Myrtle Beach enters the new year, the city officially implemented 5% pay raises for two top-earning city officials.Myrtle Beach’s city manager and city attorney are paid more than other top-ranking city officials, as well as others in the same positions for some larger South Carolina cities.Last fiscal year, before the salary increases, city manager Jonathan “Fox” Simons’ annual salary was $278,262 and city attorney William Bryan Jr.’s annual salary was $203,320. By comparison, Police Chief Amy ...
As Myrtle Beach enters the new year, the city officially implemented 5% pay raises for two top-earning city officials.
Myrtle Beach’s city manager and city attorney are paid more than other top-ranking city officials, as well as others in the same positions for some larger South Carolina cities.
Last fiscal year, before the salary increases, city manager Jonathan “Fox” Simons’ annual salary was $278,262 and city attorney William Bryan Jr.’s annual salary was $203,320. By comparison, Police Chief Amy Prock’s annual salary was $188,032 and Fire Chief Paramedic Thomas Gwyer’s salary was $187,512 in the same time period. On the state level, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster makes $106,078 annually.
On Jan. 1, cost of living pay increases went into effect for Bryan Jr. and Simons. With a 5% raise, Simons’ new salary amounts to about $292,175 yearly, and Bryan’s new salary amounts to $213,486 yearly.
However, because of the unusual implementation timeline, Simons and Bryan won’t receive the full increase for the fiscal year. With six months already passed, Simons will receive roughly a $6,957 increase over the next six months, and Bryan will receive about $5,083 more in the same period.
Although other city employees started receiving 5% raises after Myrtle Beach passed its roughly $360 million spending plan in June, City Council didn’t vote on Bryan and Simons’ raises until Dec. 9 – even though the increases were included in the spending plan.
Mayor Brenda Bethune, whose term ends this month, told The Sun News the raises should have been approved when Simons and Bryan’s contracts were reinstated. According to both Bethune and Councilman Mike Chestnut, the raises “fell through the cracks.”
“Perhaps we assumed that it was automatically done for them, as it was for the other employees and management personnel, but it was not, so when that was realized, we wanted to take care of it and get it done before the end of the year,” Bethune said.
Chestnut told The Sun News more bluntly of the vote to approve the raises, “I thought we did, and we didn’t.”
This fiscal year the city manager won’t collect the full $292,175 and the city attorney won’t receive the $213,486 total compensation, the salaries stand out among the top payouts for city officials.
But salary records for other South Carolina municipalities that use the same council-manager system as Myrtle Beach show that the positions are highly compensated across the state.
The Sun News submitted Freedom of Information Act requests for other council-manager cities to compare city manager and city attorney salaries. Here’s what they revealed.
With an official population count of around 136,630 in the last census, Columbia is one of the largest cities in South Carolina. The capital city’s attorney is less compensated than Simons, with an annual salary of roughly $254,329, according to publicly available records. The city attorney also receives a lower salary than Bryan, making about $184,501 this year.
The city of Rock Hill, which had a population of approximately 74,370 in 2020, had the highest city manager salary of the municipalities examined by The Sun News. While the city manager is paid $323,669, the city attorney isn’t paid a salary because they aren’t a city employee, the city said.
The city of Greenville outspends Myrtle Beach on salaries for both the city manager and city attorney, according to the city. With a population of 70,720 at the last official count, Greenville pays the city manager $304,762 and the city attorney about $235,061 annually, the city revealed.
According to a city representative, Sumter’s general counsel is compensated on an hourly basis, and the hours worked vary month to month. The city manager, however, receives an annual salary lower than Myrtle Beach’s, according to the city. The city of Sumter, which has a census population around 43,460, compensates its city manager with $273,095 a year.
With an official population of roughly 39,900 in 2020, Florence’s year-round population was close to Myrtle Beach’s census population of approximately 35,680. According to the city, Florence pays its city manager less than Myrtle Beach, about $234,000 annually, and doesn’t have a city attorney on staff.
It’s a Southern tradition that if you eat certain foods on New Year’s Day, you’ll have good luck for the entire year.In the South, those foods include greens (such as collard or mustard), cornbread, pork and Hoppin’ John, usually made with black-eyed peas, rice and smoked pork.Restaurants along the Grand Strand have embraced this tradition, offering dishes that are made with the items or a straight traditional meal of pork chops, greens and cornbread.Here are eight restaurants where you can eat we...
It’s a Southern tradition that if you eat certain foods on New Year’s Day, you’ll have good luck for the entire year.
In the South, those foods include greens (such as collard or mustard), cornbread, pork and Hoppin’ John, usually made with black-eyed peas, rice and smoked pork.
Restaurants along the Grand Strand have embraced this tradition, offering dishes that are made with the items or a straight traditional meal of pork chops, greens and cornbread.
Here are eight restaurants where you can eat well — and perhaps get lucky.
Avista Resort, 300 N. Ocean Blvd. in North Myrtle Beach, will offer a New Year’s Day brunch that includes a buffet station with collard greens and black-eyed peas, as well as a carving station with maple glazed ham.
There will also be live music.
The buffet is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the price is $29.95 per person. Reservations are suggested.
The Murrells Inlet restaurant, 3993 U.S. 17 Business, will have a New Year’s Day buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The buffet will have ham, slow braised collards, Hoppin’ Johns and hushpuppies. Cost is $26 adults and $15 for ages 6 to 11.
Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.
The all-you-can-eat buffet in Little River is welcoming diners to come and get lucky with its offerings that usually include collard greens, ham, black-eyed peas and cornbread.
The restaurant, 210 Highway 90 E, will serve its breakfast and lunch buffet on New Year’s Day from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Joe’s is serving up a New Year’s Day lunch with pork chops or roast pork and sauerkraut, collards and black-eyed peas.
The restaurant at 2491 Highway 17 Bypass in Myrtle Beach is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 1.
The Myrtle Beach restaurant’s New Year’s Day special has been dubbed the “north meets the south” with pork and brown sugar sauerkraut, black-eyed peas with bacon and sausage, collard greens with ham hock and jalapeño honey cornbread.
Dine-in is $10.99 per person and to-go is $14.99. It’s located at 2905 N. Kings Highway.
Known for its choice of one meat and three sides, The Shack, 1128 Sea Mountain Highway in North Myrtle Beach, said on its Facebook post that it’s “helping everyone start 2026 with the blessings of prosperity” by serving up pork medallions, collards, black-eyed peas and cornbread on Thursday.
Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the New Year’s Day special is $12.99.
Coming off of its big New Year’s Eve party, the waterfront restaurant, 2200 Little River Neck Road in North Myrtle Beach, will also serve up a New Year’s Day traditional meal of pork chops, which can include a side of collard greens.
The meal will be served from 11 a.m. until closing, or while it lasts, the restaurant’s Facebook post said.
Lucky diners coming to this North Myrtle Beach restaurant at 2302 N. Ocean Blvd. can order black-eyed peas, collard green, fatback and cornbread starting at noon New Year’s Day.
There will also be a limited menu.
Beachgoers in North Myrtle Beach have noticed an unusual phenomenon on their oceanfront strolls.Recently, dead sea creatures such as horseshoe crabs and stingrays have been spotted washed up along area beaches. The sightings have led to speculation that offshore activity related to beach renourishment could be to blame.The beach renourishment in North Myrtle Beach is part of a $72 million project entirely funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which will continue south for 26 miles. The project will add two million cubic y...
Beachgoers in North Myrtle Beach have noticed an unusual phenomenon on their oceanfront strolls.
Recently, dead sea creatures such as horseshoe crabs and stingrays have been spotted washed up along area beaches. The sightings have led to speculation that offshore activity related to beach renourishment could be to blame.
The beach renourishment in North Myrtle Beach is part of a $72 million project entirely funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which will continue south for 26 miles. The project will add two million cubic yards of sand to the Grand Strand shoreline. The project is projected to move through North Myrtle Beach by early 2026, and continue down to Garden City by April 2026.
The renourishment project is aimed at protecting the area’s beaches by helping them recover from erosion caused by major weather events such as Hurricane Ian in September 2022 and Hurricane Debby in August 2024.
This process involves offshore dredging in pre-determined areas, where sand from the seabed is pumped through a submerged pipeline and onto the beach. Bulldozers later spread that sand on the beaches to shape and widen them.
While beach renourishment is a way of preserving the natural landscape of Grand Strand beaches, it can come at a cost to sea life.
Nourishing beaches can kill and scare away wildlife both on the shore and in the water, according to the University of California, Santa Barbara’s Explore Beaches project. The construction on beaches can impact shore birds, and the movement of sand can muddy waters, smothering some marine creatures.
However, beach renourishment is still considered more environmentally friendly than seawalls, which are a common alternative.
North Myrtle Beach spokesperson Gianna Forbis shared a statement from the Army Corps of Engineers explaining that environmental disruptions from renourishment can cause some sea life to wash up on shore, but it isn’t necessarily the sole explanation for what beachgoers have been seeing.
“Some marine animals washing up can happen during beach renourishment, but it also occurs naturally,” the statement reads. “The project can temporarily disturb nearshore habitats, which may contribute in a very small number of cases; however, these effects are short-term, not widespread and closely monitored.”
The statement says that the Army Corps requires strict environmental protections during projects like this one, including daily monitoring by trained environmental observers, the use of turtle exclusion devices on dredging equipment and screening systems designed to prevent marine life from entering dredge intakes.
“If any protected species or unexpected biological material is observed, operations can be adjusted or paused. These measures are designed to reduce impacts, and the vast majority of marine life returns once the project is completed,” the statement reads.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the dead sea life, and what could be causing them to wash ashore.