Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, long known as one of the premier vacation spots in the United States, covers almost 17 square miles of land between the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. With 120 golf courses, Myrtle Beach is known as the “Golf Capital of the World.” According to the Census 2000, 22,759 people make Myrtle Beach their home year-round. Estimates in 2006 showed the population increased to almost 29,000, while nearly 14 million visit each year.

The court system in South Carolina is a diverse mix of trial and appellate courts:

• The Supreme Court is composed of a Chief Justice and four Associate Justices who are elected to a term of ten years by the General Assembly.
• The Court of Appeals, SC's newest court, hears most types of appeals from the Circuit Court and the Family Court.
• The Circuit Court has jurisdiction on all civil matters, which includes most personal injury claims.
• The Municipal Court and Magistrate Court systems handle small claims, traffic violations, preliminary hearings, and misdemeanors.
• The Family Court system handles domestic cases, juvenile offences and juvenile traffic violations.
• Probate Court handles estate and mental health matters. The Circuit Court and Magistrate Court generally determine cases involving credit and collections.
• The prosecutorial system is made up of the circuit solicitors and the Attorney General's Office.

Myrtle Beach is part of SC's elegant Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of white sand beaches, which extends into neighboring North Carolina. Located in Horry County, Myrtle is the vital core city in the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach Metro Area, the 13th fastest growing region in the nation, with an estimated population of almost 300,000.

The Myrtle Beach economy relies mostly on tourism, although there is some farming, a few lumber companies, and factories. Area students of higher learning enjoy Carolina Coastal University and the Horry-Georgetown Technical College, both found in historic Conway. Horry County has one school district for the K-12 students, but Myrtle Beach contains a number of fine private schools.

Myrtle Beach hosts a number of fun-filled festivals throughout the year. The Myrtle Beach Bike Week is the largest motorcycle rally in the Carolinas and draw as many as 300,000 bikers each year. The Myrtle Beach Sun Fun Festival holds beauty pageants and sand castle competitions, and has been in existence for more than 50 years. Residents celebrate Labor Day with the Beach, Boogie and BBQ Festival, enjoying the finest in live music and traditional Southern cooking. The South Carolina Bluegrass Festival is another Myrtle Beach musical tradition.

Myrtle Beach has much to offer in the way of year-round attractions. The Nascar Speed Park awaits racing fans and the Myrtle Waves Water Park, the largest water park in South Carolina, delights children of all ages. Found here are the interactive Children's Museum, Ripley's Aquarium, and the Waccatee Zoological Farm, a 500-acre site with over 100 exotic species of animals. Other Myrtle Beach museums include Indoor Shooting Range and Civil War Museum and the Burroughs - Chapin Art Museum. If one still has energy after dark, the nightlife scene offers a number of fine clubs and theaters.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a must-see city. Whether one comes for the attractions, the golf, the festivals or simply the sun and the water, Myrtle Beach can accommodate all tastes.

Local News

MB restaurant owner’s felony DUI case moves forward, charge added (Florence Morning News)- Tue, 14 Oct 2008

Myrtle Beach woman charged in felony DUI case (Florence Morning News)- Mon, 06 Oct 2008