843-991-2695Quick Quote
Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.
Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.
We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Folly Beach or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.
Service Areas
What is Medicare?
If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.
There are four parts of Medicare:
This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.
This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.
This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.
Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).
The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:
- What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
- The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
- Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
- Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Folly Beach
Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.
Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.
Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:
Deductibles
Copayments
Coinsurance
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
- To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
- Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
- If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
- If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.
- Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
- You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
- In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.
For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Folly Beach is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Folly Beach, SC
A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:
- Preferred Provider Organizations
- Special Needs Plans
- Private Fee-for-Service
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
- Health Maintenance Organizations
In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.
When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer senior Medicare Advantage Plan insurance in Folly Beach. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.
Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:
If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.-
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor
Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.
Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:
Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.-
Listening to your specific needs. -
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude. -
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.
Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.
Latest News in Folly Beach, SC
Folly Beach Pier Surf Guide
Surflinehttps://www.surfline.com/surf-report/folly-beach-pier/5842041f4e65fad6a7708a7a
Current ConditionsThigh to waist2-3FT4.5FT5sSW221ºOnshore wind1330kts gust, SWLocal Time:4:26:27pm16-Day ForecastTodayTomorrowThigh to waist2-3FT4.5FT5sSW221ºNow2112121010ft2.5ft1236912369Onshore wind1330kts gust, SWNow1525926...
Current Conditions
Thigh to waist
2-3
FT
4.5FT5sSW221º
Onshore wind
13
30kts gust, SW
Local Time:4:26:27pm
16-Day Forecast
Today
Tomorrow
Thigh to waist
2-3
FT
4.5FT
5s
SW
221º
Now
211
212
101
0ft
2.5ft
12
3
6
9
12
3
6
9
Onshore wind
13
30kts gust, SW
Now
15
25
9
26
9
25
8
17
11
23
13
30
14
28
10
22
Rising tide
3.3
5.0FT HIGH at 5:56pm
3:00pm
Folly Island (outer coast), South Carolina
4.8ft0.7ft5.0ft0.7ft4.9ft0.5ft5.3ft0.4ft4.9ft0.3ft5.6ft
12
3
6
9
12
3
6
9
| high | 5:19am | 4.8ft | |
| low | 11:33am | 0.7ft | |
| high | 5:56pm | 5.0ft |
4.8ft0.7ft5.0ft0.7ft4.9ft0.5ft5.3ft0.4ft4.9ft0.3ft5.6ft
12
3
6
9
12
3
6
9
| low | 12:00am | 0.7ft | |
| high | 6:06am | 4.9ft | |
| low | 12:17pm | 0.5ft | |
| high | 6:40pm | 5.3ft |
4.8ft0.7ft5.0ft0.7ft4.9ft0.5ft5.3ft0.4ft4.9ft0.3ft5.6ft
12
3
6
9
12
3
6
9
| low | 12:48am | 0.4ft | |
| high | 6:50am | 4.9ft | |
| low | 12:58pm | 0.3ft | |
| high | 7:22pm | 5.6ft |
| First Light | 6:08am | |
| Sunrise | 6:34am | |
| Sunset | 8:01pm | |
| Last Light | 8:28pm |
12pm
67º
6pm
73º
9pm
69º
| First Light | 6:07am | |
| Sunrise | 6:33am | |
| Sunset | 8:02pm | |
| Last Light | 8:28pm |
12am
65º
3am
62º
6am
59º
9am
62º
12pm
65º
3pm
69º
6pm
68º
9pm
60º
| First Light | 6:06am | |
| Sunrise | 6:32am | |
| Sunset | 8:03pm | |
| Last Light | 8:29pm |
Model run: May 1 8am EDT (May 1 12 UTC)
View Buoy DataSwell Direction
E, SE, S
Wind
NW, N
Surf Height
Knee-high to overhead.
Tide
Mid-tides are the deal here, offering steeper, more shapely peaks — too high and the waves mush out, too low and they close out.
On average, the waves at Folly Beach Pier are considerably less powerful than whatever’s on tap at the Washout, but probably a bit more powerful than most other South Carolina beachbreaks. Big (but not too big) NE swells will often produce long, occasionally barreling lefts off the south side of the pier. Folly Beach Pier won’t really hold much more than a foot overhead.
Beginner - Intermediate
The more naive you are, the more fun you will have.
Doable
WelcomingIntimidating
The line between southern hospitality and local entitlement gets thinner the closer you get to the pier.
Moderate
Accommodates shredders and cruisers alike — just not all at once.
Fun
Even the worst spot in Folly Beach is still better than the best spot anywhere else in South Carolina.
Light
Exhausting
Too easy — hug the pier for a dry-hair paddle-out.
Fair
Between stormwater runoff, jet-ski traffic and pier goop, it can get pretty nasty. However, this spot historically passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time.
The 10 Best Beaches in South Carolina
Niccoy Walkerhttps://a-z-animals.com/blog/the-best-beaches-in-south-carolina/
South Carolina is a southeastern state featuring miles of subtropical coastline. The area is a perfect getaway for families wanting fun in the sun or history buffs who love a good pastel-colored house. And the state has so much to offer when it comes to beaches, whether you are looking for luxury resorts on the water or a laid-back beach-bum vibe. Find your perfect summer spot with these t...
South Carolina is a southeastern state featuring miles of subtropical coastline. The area is a perfect getaway for families wanting fun in the sun or history buffs who love a good pastel-colored house. And the state has so much to offer when it comes to beaches, whether you are looking for luxury resorts on the water or a laid-back beach-bum vibe. Find your perfect summer spot with these top ten best beaches in South Carolina. Find out where they’re located, what they offer, and the activities nearby.
1. Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island offers some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Plus, it’s a recreator’s paradise, from hiking, biking, boating, horseback riding, golfing, paddling, and more. But, most importantly, Hilton Head offers a year-round paradise for beachgoers. The Hilton Head Island Beach offers swimming, fishing, and water sports. And there are lifeguards on duty from April through September. If you’re looking for a more secluded spot with fewer tourists, check out Driessen Beach. When you’re not sunning in the sand or splashing in the water, you can schedule a sunset dolphin cruise, visit a coastal museum, or eat delicious seafood on the docks.
2. Folly Beach
Located south of Charleston on Folly Island, this beach offers miles of sandy beaches, charming shops and restaurants, picnic areas, plentiful wildlife, and historic places. Folly Beach is also known for its pier that stretches over 1,000 feet into the ocean, giving you an excellent view. Swimming is allowed at the beach, with access down every block. There are multiple beaches on the island, but Folly Beach County Park is a favorite. You will find many amenities for your vacation, such as boogie boards, umbrella rentals, and places to ride your bike along the beach. There are also boardwalks, shopping pavilions, eateries, and hotels.
3. Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island is a golf resort and beach destination near Charleston. The area is known for its luxury resorts and beach homes for Hollywood celebrities, such as George Clooney and Reese Witherspoon. The beaches on Kiawah Island aren’t as open and accessible as Folly Beach, but they are definitely worth the visit. The public access beach is at Beachwalker County Park on the island’s west end. And if you stay at one of the resorts or rental properties, you will have access to the private beaches. The area is a natural paradise, featuring many parks for recreation and wildlife viewing. And, of course, a plethora of golf courses.
4. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is easily one of the most popular and well-known beaches in South Carolina. But after one visit, you’ll see why. There is nothing quite like a summer vacation to Myrtle Beach. You can chill near the ocean, hang out at the resorts, dine at delicious restaurants, attend an annual event, or play at an amusement park. While summers are crowded, it is still an excellent time of year to visit if you want the full experience. All of the beach access areas are perfect for swimming, sunning, and water sports. However, the city has strict rules about swimming too far out. If you visit during the summer, you will experience fireworks on the water, fair rides, and plenty of fun events.
5. Sullivan’s Island
At the entrance of Charleston Harbor lies a long barrier island called Sullivan’s Island. While the beaches at Sullivan’s Island are smaller than Folly Beach, there are also less crowded and feature more natural unspoiled beauty. It is home to over two thousand residents who enjoy the area with fewer tourists than other South Carolina beaches. Stay at one of the nearby hotels and take a sunrise stroll along the beach. Or visit the Spoleto Festival and eat delicious food. If you’re looking for a popular swimming spot, check out the Cove behind the island. There are also plentiful public beach access points throughout the island.
6. Huntington Beach State Park
Located in Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach State Park is the perfect destination for nature and wildlife lovers. Along with the beach, the area has numerous wetlands housing birds, turtles, and alligators. You can hike along trails that feature boardwalks over a lagoon or hang out at one of the many beaches. It offers preserved beaches, where you can really take in the beauty and rich wildlife of the area. But the state park also offers the usual vacation activities, such as swimming, fishing, surfing, boating, and camping. You can swim at your own risk throughout the park. But there is also a designated swimming area at South Beach with lifeguards on duty.
7. Isle of Palms
The Isle of Palms is a quaint yet lively resort community. There are miles of beaches, parks, trails, restaurants, and live music venues. The area has an upscale vibe, perfect for families or couples looking for a relaxing and quiet getaway without all of the partying teenagers. It offers world-class resorts and spas and clean, pristine beaches. You can spend the day shopping, dining, and enjoying the wildlife. Or lay in the sand and splash in the water. It’s a place where you can golf, visit a farmer’s market, and listen to live music near the water, all on the same day.
8. Edisto Beach
Edisto Beach is in Coleston County and is known for its gently-developed beaches. The area is also very family-oriented, so it’s an excellent spot for those who prefer a more quiet, laid-back setting. However, swimming is at your own risk, as there are no lifeguards on duty. But the beaches are famous for their sea shells, which you can collect as you stroll along the sand. There are also plenty of areas for hiking and biking, with some trails crossing over boardwalks in the marshes. These trails are perfect for viewing wildlife, such as herons and egrets.
9. Pawleys Island
25 miles south of Myrtle Beach is a barrier island known as Pawleys Island. The island is four miles long and known for its pristine beaches, sand dunes, wetlands, historical areas, and gardens. This is another area that has a very laid-back vibe. You will find people walking barefoot, lounging in hammocks, and catching crabs in the creeks. There are also casual eaters with twinkling outdoor lights, featuring cuisines like shrimp creole, fried seafood, and oysters on the half shell. Pawleys Island is great for families, couples, and singles who want a fun, casual beach experience.
10. Surfside Beach
Nicknamed “the family beach,” Surfside offers two miles of coastline, hotels, restaurants, and a popular fishing pier. The area features family fun events all year, and their beach hotels have swimming pools and water parks right by the ocean. Ocean swimming is allowed in designated areas, and you can participate in water sports. It’s a short drive from Myrtle Beach but offers a more quiet, family-oriented vibe. The beaches are also less crowded, giving you more space for your family to enjoy.
Share this post on:
About the Author
Niccoy is a professional writer and content creator focusing on nature, wildlife, food, and travel. She graduated Kappa Beta Delta from Florida State College with a business degree before realizing writing was her true passion. She lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and enjoys hiking, reading, and cooking!
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
This Is The Most Hippie Town In South Carolina
Catherine Lanehttps://v1019.com/2023/04/28/this-is-the-most-hippie-town-in-south-carolina/
I remember back in the day when my big sisters would wear bell bottoms. Now they are coming back in style thanks to Lainey Wilson;) It used to be the jeans of choice for hippies when my sisters wore them. According to the website, Thrillist, this is the most hippie town in South Carolina.Thrillist found the most hippie towns in all fifty states. So what do we mean by hippie? It used to be all about VW buses, flower power, free love and the smell of patchouli. But now all things hippie are coming back in style. Ashevi...
I remember back in the day when my big sisters would wear bell bottoms. Now they are coming back in style thanks to Lainey Wilson;) It used to be the jeans of choice for hippies when my sisters wore them. According to the website, Thrillist, this is the most hippie town in South Carolina.
Thrillist found the most hippie towns in all fifty states. So what do we mean by hippie? It used to be all about VW buses, flower power, free love and the smell of patchouli. But now all things hippie are coming back in style. Asheville of course was named the most hippie city in North Carolina. Where can we find it in the Palmetto State? According to Thrillist the honors go to Folly Beach!
I can believe it! Our former sales manager, our beloved Billy Grooms, retired there a few years ago and he went from suits to board shorts, growing his hair to his shoulders and generally feeling a little more “free” to be himself. Folly Beach is just a few miles from nearby Charleston and is home to “Bert’s Market”. It is a 24 hours store where their motto is “We may doze but we never close”. Love it. To learn more about the most hippie towns in all fifty states, get all the details from Thrillist right here.
Folly Beach is also one of the most beautiful beaches in South Carolina. Picture compliments of my friend Billy.
This South Carolina Beach Is One Of The "Greatest Beach Towns In America"
If you grew up in the Carolinas chances are you have a favorite beach town you grew up going to. Or one you take your family to now. We have no shortage of fantastic seaside escapes. Even growing up in North Carolina I have to admit I’m typically a South Carolina beach person. While I tend to go to the general vicinity of the Myrtle Beach area (thanks to friends who have houses and free is for me). I’ve already read quite a lot of these types of articles and now have several other SC beaches on my must-visit list. Just need to find the time to get to them! Recently I came across yet another publication naming some of the best beach vacation spots. And my interest peaked like always. And of course, somewhere in South Carolina was included when Thrillist created a list of “The 20 Greatest Beach Towns In America”. But with so many fantastic destinations, which made the cut to be recognized?
The list compiled by writers at Thrillist details 20 of the nation’s beach towns in a variety of states. In addition to a general summary of the destination, they also make sure to let you know the must-eat spots and what you can’t leave without. You can read their full article here. Or keep reading to see which South Carolina town was named one of the 20 Greatest Beach Towns In America! And a couple of others that stuck out to me as personal favorites of mine or bucket list destinations!
Folly Beach votes to cap short-term rentals at 800 in closely watched election
Caitlin Byrdhttps://www.postandcourier.com/news/folly-beach-votes-to-cap-short-term-rentals-at-800-in-closely-watched-election/article_91575d5a-a638-11ed-a317-236a721e7779.html
FOLLY BEACH — In a referendum locals viewed as a battle for the future of this barrier island, Folly Beach residents narrowly voted to limit the number of short-term rentals that can operate on one of Charleston’s most popular beach communities.The vote for tighter restrictions is expected to slowly shrink the number of short-term rentals that can operate here.“It looks like the citizens want to have a year-round community, not just a weekly community,” Mayor Tim Goodwin said after the results were in....
FOLLY BEACH — In a referendum locals viewed as a battle for the future of this barrier island, Folly Beach residents narrowly voted to limit the number of short-term rentals that can operate on one of Charleston’s most popular beach communities.
The vote for tighter restrictions is expected to slowly shrink the number of short-term rentals that can operate here.
“It looks like the citizens want to have a year-round community, not just a weekly community,” Mayor Tim Goodwin said after the results were in.
A narrow majority of voters, 53 percent, said “yes” to the only question posed by the Feb. 7 referendum. The results will be certified on Feb. 9.
Island residents were asked to decide whether short-term rental licenses on Folly Beach should be capped at 800.
According to unofficial returns from the Charleston County Board of Elections, just 77 votes separated the results.
Some 655 of the island’s registered voters agreed with the restrictions, compared to 578 who did not want to see the limit imposed.
At the heart of the one-question issue was a central concern shared by many Charleston-area beach communities: How do communities balance all that comes with being a tourist destination while still preserving what makes a place special?
Tuesday’s vote adds a fresh layer of local oversight but the impact of the decision could take years to materialize. Goodwin and city staff estimate it could take about three years for Folly Beach to drop down to that 800-mark.
Property owners have had to apply for short-term rental licenses since 2018. Currently, there are more than 1,100 active licenses on the barrier island, which accounts for some 40 percent of the island’s properties.
Under the proposed ordinance, owners with short-term rental licenses may continue to operate and keep their licenses until there’s a transfer to a new owner or family member. No new short-term licenses would be granted until the number of active permits falls below 800 — a figure based on the number of pre-pandemic licenses in 2020.
A waiting list would be established for future permits, but there are a lot of unanswered questions about further specifics or effects the limit would have.
Katherine Meader, who is one of those owners, voted “no” to the cap. As a mother of five, she said her vote was about protecting the future of her five children.
“They’re the ones who are going to carry it on. I just want them to be able to do the same thing that their mom has done without having to get in line behind someone who may have moved here a year ago,” she said. “I don’t want my kids to have to get back in line to apply for a license that might already be at its cap.”
Others saw short-term rentals and the flow of transient guests staying in them as a threat to the established community and its longtime residents who don’t want new neighbors every week.
Two advocate groups were especially vocal about the vote: Save Folly’s Future, which was pushing for the cap; and Folly United, which opposed the cap proposal.
Neither leader of the rival vote efforts could cast a ballot because they do not live on Folly Beach, but pro-cap John McFarland sat outside the polling place from 11 a.m. until polls closed at 7 p.m.
For Colleen Lamar, the vote “yes” was about preserving a place she loves.
“This will be my home until they carry me out in a box,” she said.
The referendum, at times, pitted neighbor against neighbor, with dueling yard signs along residential streets.
Folly is the latest beach community to make a decision about how to handle short-term rentals. Sullivan’s Island banned short-term rentals more than two decades ago. Isle of Palms could be next. On Feb. 6, the eve of the Folly Beach vote, a roomful of people attended a special workshop hosted by Isle of Palms City Council on short-term rentals.
Folly Beach receives millions for emergency beach renourishment
Meredith Blairhttps://www.live5news.com/2023/03/02/folly-beach-receives-millions-emergency-beach-renourishment/
Folly Beach received a significant amount of federal funding for emergency renourishment following beach damage from Hurricane Ian.Published: Thu Mar 02 2023|Updated: Fri Mar 03 2023FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - Folly Beach received a significant amount of federal funding for emergency renourishment following beach damage from Hurricane Ian.The September storm washed away sand dunes and caused erosion to take away parts of the beach.The $27 million of funding will work to get the beach back to normal with sand replac...
Folly Beach received a significant amount of federal funding for emergency renourishment following beach damage from Hurricane Ian.
Published: Thu Mar 02 2023|Updated: Fri Mar 03 2023
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - Folly Beach received a significant amount of federal funding for emergency renourishment following beach damage from Hurricane Ian.
The September storm washed away sand dunes and caused erosion to take away parts of the beach.
The $27 million of funding will work to get the beach back to normal with sand replacement.
“This is not a full renourishment, but it does allow us to get a little more beach back in place for the protection of infrastructure and recreation,” Folly Beach Mayor Tim Goodwin said.
Around 900,000 cubic yards or 90,000 dump trucks of sand, will be replaced, and the city plans to use sand from the Folly River.
“That kind of does two things,” Goodwin said. “It helps us refurbish the beach with beach sand that just kind of washes around in the river, and it kind of opens up the river for the boaters, gets rid of some sand bars.”
The mayor believes beachgoers will be excited about the project, but they are not the only ones who will benefit.
Safety is a concern when the beach is in its current state.
“A lot of people don’t understand but especially in medical emergencies, we have a lot of equipment to carry, so it’s helpful when we can bring that one a cart or a four-wheeler, and with a small beach that’s impacted by the storm, it makes it pretty difficult or impossible to do, so getting this sand is a huge help for us,” the City of Folly Beach Director of Public Safety Andrew Gilreath said.
The sand is also crucial for those who rely on the beach for business.
“Just makes the beach so much deeper, so much more room for everybody, everybody’s not shoulder to shoulder stuffed on the beach, so once we get that new beach it’ll be glory days for us,” Sun & Ski Beach Service Owner Andy Pracht said.
The project most likely will not get underway till after the busy season.
“Everybody just has to work together to get through the summer,” Pracht said. “It’s going to be crowded. It kind of is what it is. Hopefully, we could have a new beach by this summer but we’re not going to. So, if we have one by next summer that would be awesome.”
City officials say this will be the first emergency renourishment Folly has needed since 2018.
They say It will be a few months before a timeline is laid out for the project.
A contract should be awarded in late summer/early fall and construction will start shortly after.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer:
