Latest news with #MyrtleBeachAreaChamberof
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Grand Strand hotel occupancy sees 3-year high over Memorial Day weekend, Myrtle Beach chamber says
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Memorial Day weekend hotel occupancy along the Grand Strand was the highest it's been in three years, according to early data from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. The occupancy rate reached 81.2% on May 23, up 3.4% from the same day in 2024, according to STR, a CoStar Group company. The rate climbed to 92.8% on May 24, a 2.9% year-over-year increase. The rates also exceeded 2023 levels. 'This early data underscores the resilience of our destination and the momentum we're carrying into the summer,' said Stuart Butler, chief marketing officer at Visit Myrtle Beach. 'While we did see a slight dip in mid-week occupancy leading up to the Memorial Day weekend, Friday and Saturday were strong. These figures reflect overall market averages, and we recognize that individual property performance can vary. That said, we're encouraged by the results and by the continued interest in Myrtle Beach heading into peak season.' Below is the 2025 lodging occupancy data from STR, followed by 2024 data for the same day of the week: May 18: 48.9%, 48.5% May 19: 49.5%, 53.7% May 20: 50.5%, 55.5% May 21: 51.5, 56.9% May 22: 59.5%, 61.4% May 23: 81.2%, 78.6% May 24: 92.8%, 90.2% More details can be found on the chamber's website; full results for the Memorial Day Weekend, including the statistics for May 26-27, will be available on June 6, the chamber said. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
3 Myrtle Beach officers on paid leave after deadly Ocean Boulevard shooting; photos show chaotic scene
Editor's note: This story contains graphic photos that some readers might find disturbing. MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — As News13 obtained new photos showing the chaotic scene of Saturday night's deadly officer-involved shooting on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, a police spokesman said three officers had been placed on paid administrative leave, the department's standard protocol after such an incident. Eighteen-year-old Jerrius Davis of Bennettsville died in the shooting that also left 11 other people with injuries. The investigation has been turned over to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, which authorities said is also standard protocol. Authorities have yet to describe the other injuries. Myrtle Beach police require 'complex' investigation of all officer-involved shootings The shooting happened shortly before midnight at 913 N. Ocean Blvd., the Horry County Coroner's Office said. That's the address for Ripley's Mirror Maze. On Monday, News13 obtained graphic photos of the scene from a viewer, who asked to remain anonymous. The images show multiple officers and medical personnel treating two people near each other on the sidewalk, a man who is surrounded by three first responders and a woman who appears to have a leg injury. Police on Monday also addressed how the department handles its staff capacity on weekends throughout the year. Deadly officer-involved shooting at least 25th instance of gun violence on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach since 2020 'During anticipated busier weeks and weekends, we proactively address the increased demand on public safety personnel by up-staffing internally and coordinating with outside agencies in our area,' the spokesperson said. 'These partnerships allow us to enhance our presence and maintain quick response times.' The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau also released the following statement about the shooting late Monday afternoon. 'We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred late Saturday night on Ocean Boulevard,' Tracy Conner, the chamber's interim president and CEO, said in the statement. 'Our thoughts are with the individuals and families affected, and we are grateful for the swift response from law enforcement and emergency personnel. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB continues to coordinate closely with city leaders, public safety officials and our tourism partners. The safety and well-being of our visitors and residents is always our top priority. 'We understand that incidents like this are concerning. However, Myrtle Beach is a safe and welcoming place for all. Public safety and tourism go hand in hand, and we support ongoing collaboration to ensure both remain strong. While any act of violence is unsettling, we remain confident in the strength of our community and the resilience of the Myrtle Beach brand. Visitor sentiment remains strong, and although Easter shifted travel patterns slightly this year, overall spring visitation has been healthy and we are anticipating a strong summer season. 'Our visitor services teams are active in the market and available to assist guests with questions or concerns.' Count on News13 for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
