Myrtle Beach Tourists Down
Myrtle Beach Tourists down as a result of ongoing political corruption, High Crime, a non “family friendly” atmosphere, dated and condemned properties, and ongoing elevated levels of unsafe beach water bacteria.
In his comments (ON VIDEO BELOW) concerning fewer tourists, Brad Dean [Myrtle Beach Area Chamber] can be heard telling the public, “Misinformation has already had an impact.” Dean goes on to say, “We are just trying to curb the impact of the misinformation.” In a bizarre statement Dean adds, “they {The Department of Health and Environmental Control} have never recommended not swimming along our oceanfront.“…AND YET 14 signs at 14 swash areas up and down the city beaches in Myrtle Beach read, “SWIMMING IS NOT ADVISED” within 200 feet in each direction of this swash/stormwater outfall. The signs have been permanently in place since 2007.
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Advance projections compiled from a core group of just over 1,200 rental owners (who rent their condos through property management firms) indicate that the city of Myrtle Beach can expect Myrtle Beach tourists down by up to 2 million fewer visitors in 2016. Data shows the city of Myrtle Beach can expect fewer visitors in 2016 unless last minute reservations come in heavy over the next 60 day reservation cycle.
Political corruption associated with a Chinese Ponzi Scheme and members of the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, High Crime Rates (Myrtle Beach Ranked 17th Most Dangerous City in USA), a non-family friendly atmosphere downtown, dated properties, and high levels of beach water bacteria have caused national tourists to prefer the neighboring beaches of North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and Garden City beach now for the past 4 years.
In late February and early March, MyrtleBeachSC.com released results from its 6 month investigation of the high bacteria levels associated with poor water quality from 14 area drainage locations inside the city of Myrtle Beach. Department of Health and Environmental Control results show that these areas, which make up a combined one mile stretch of city beach, are unsafe for swimming for up to 3 days after any rain event. Recent testing confirmed toxic and unsafe spikes do occur ongoing at different locations. Permanent signs are posted at each location. These areas make up more than 10% of the entire 9.9 mile city long beach in total.
In an attempt to salvage Chamber of Commerce tax revenues, of which the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce receives up to $40 from each family who stays or eats inside the city limits, Brad Dean, Myrtle Beach Chamber C.E.O., can be seen below making a desperate and misleading plea that the area’s beaches are completely safe.
In his comments here, Brad Dean can be heard telling the public, “Misinformation has already had an impact.” Dean goes on to say, “We are just trying to curb the impact of the misinformation.” In a bizarre statement Dean adds, “they {The Department of Health and Environmental Control} have never recommended not swimming along our oceanfront.”
AND YET 14 signs just like this one are posted at 14 swash areas up and down the city beaches in Myrtle Beach. These signs read, and we quote, “SWIMMING IS NOT ADVISED” within 200 feet in each direction of this swash/stormwater outfall. The signs have been permanently in place since 2007.
In fact, the Health Department Advisory to those who swim in waters with elevated bacteria levels in most states reads: The most common recreational water illnesses are gastrointestinal and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain or fever. These illnesses result from swallowing water contaminated by disease-causing organisms. Contact with contaminated water can also cause upper respiratory (ear, nose and throat), and wound infections. Young children, the elderly, and those with a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable to recreational water illnesses.
As a result of the ongoing misinformation, DHEC [SC Department of Health and Environmental Control] updated its graphical map with ongoing test results that show the high volatility in water quality changes dynamically at the 14 infected areas that drain from the ocean to the land. Depending upon rainfall, the areas can run from highly safe or immediately become highly unsafe and infected.
Below are results of just another elevated bacteria area taken recently. The April reading shows bacteria levels almost double the safe swimming limit:
As you can see from the test results taken March 28th and April 18th at Station WAC-020 inside the city limits of Myrtle Beach, the bacteria levels are unsafe and unacceptable. They run from over 20% above what is considered safe to almost twice the acceptable swimming recommended level.
