Mayor Hellyer’s Weekly Update
October 7, 202
Well, Thank God the storm is over and our Town did very well, considering the strength and impact of Hurricane Ian. Most of the damage was from the ocean surge. The flooding from the waves overtook the dunes all along the coastline. Our dunes were reduced by about 80 percent. We are currently working with Horry County and the Army Corp of Engineers to assess our damages. While other jurisdictions around us did not fair as well, we owe much gratitude to our Police, Fire, and Public Works employees who proactively prepared the Town for what was to happen.
Our lakes were lowered, our hanging baskets were removed, the trash cans picked up, and loose property items secured before the storm. Employees were out and about afterward helping folks. Public Works has been working overtime to remove all the fallen trees, branches, and debris to Scipio Lane for faster, more efficient cleanup efforts. Be sure to thank our Town employees working around town. They have put in a lot of hours this week. God bless.
This Saturday, the Surfside Beach Fire Department is hosting an Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature, hands-only CPR training, live fire demonstrations and a Children’s firefighter agility course. Stop by and meet these guys, have some food, and check out the department's new patch. We have a great fire station. They are located at 810 1st Ave N, in Surfside Beach.
Also, on Saturday, is the Beach Sweep from 9 to 10 a.m. at 3rd Ave N Beach Access. After the hurricane, our beaches can use a little TLC. KSBB will be there to get us organized.
The Fall Citizens’ Quarterly Workshop is on Wednesday, October 26th from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Civic Center. The public is invited. The focus is on what direction the town should take over the next 5 to 10 years. With the help of our citizens, we will conduct a SWOT analysis, identifying our town’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Please let us know if you are interested in attending. The RSVP form is at: www.surfsidebeach.org/citizensworkshop
There will be three events on October 29th! The Halloween Rod Run Car Show is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Champion Autism Network's “Best of the Beach Balls” Meatball Challenge from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and finally the Halloween Golf Cart Parade starts at 3 p.m. Sign-up for the golf cart parade on our website at www.surfsidebeach.org/golfcartparade.
As you already know, we moved our Fall Festival to Saturday, November 5th. I am told that there is no shortage of vendors that are anxiously waiting for this event. I’m especially glad to hear that!
As always, a lot is going on around town… Stay safe and God Bless!
Mayor Bob Hellyer