Elisia Alonso
WBTW News 13
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Past articles by Elisia:
Data: South Carolina women hit harder with pandemic layoffs than men
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — More women have left the workforce than men during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to information from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. Data shows that women experienced a historically low unemployment rate in 2019. However, the pandemic more than doubled that number. “There’s a fresh batch of research […] → Read More
Myrtle Beach area population nears 70% COVID-19 immunity, but not to herd immunity yet
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — COVID-19 immunity rates along the Grand Strand are nearing 70%, according to data from MUSC, but other health officials said we aren’t there yet. Recent MUSC reports show Horry County at 66% and Georgetown County at 69%. “We don’t know an exact number to reach the level of herd immunity. […] → Read More
‘The city will never forget him’: Friends remember Murphy’s Law owner found dead in Market Common home
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Friends of a Grand Strand bar owner found dead in Myrtle Beach say the community is feeling a great loss. Martin “Marty” Mullin owned several bars in Horry and Georgetown counties, including Murphy’s Law in Surfside Beach and Carolina Forest. “I was always impressed that he had as much free […] → Read More
‘We have a dire issue’: Coastal Carolina University launches program to address flooding
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Flooding events in Horry and Georgetown counties are being measured in a new way. Coastal Carolina University launched its Smart River Research Program on Monday at Osprey Marina in Socastee. The program is being funded by the Duke Energy Foundation through a private-public partnership. “When you have people flooded out […] → Read More
More than 50 Myrtle Beach area officers need re-certification to carry weapons
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Dozens of police officers in the Grand Strand will need re-certification to carry weapons. The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy made changes to Class 3 certifications in April that will take effect July 1. “What prompted these changes is that we learned there were a lot of agencies who were […] → Read More
‘How will we get home?’: Bike Week visitors concerned about gas
MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WBTW) — Businesses along the Grand Strand say Wednesday was their slowest day during Bike Week. Some visitors say they’re concerned about having enough fuel to make it through the weekend. Bars along US-17 Business are seeing a fraction of customers than in years passed. Bikers say a limited amount of gas […] → Read More
‘We need to raise these taxes’: Horry County proposes property tax, stormwater fee increases
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Horry County is proposing a property tax and stormwater fee increase to help solve staffing shortages in every public safety department. “We need to fix our broken system. Our public safety is not where it needs to be,” said councilman Bill Howard in Tuesday’s Public Safety Committee meeting. The committee […] → Read More
South Carolina DEW asking employers to submit refusal to work claims
CAROLINA FOREST, S.C. (WBTW) — The state is dedicating a “recall taskforce” to help with the hiring shortage in the Grand Strand. The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce said it can’t do that without refusal claims from employers. The department said it will focus on people who have received extended benefits for the […] → Read More
Exclusive: Daughters of murdered Murrells Inlet man want justice for their dad
Police said Hubert "Lee" Clodfelter was murdered between 2017 and 2018. His body was found in June 2019 underneath his mobile home at the Myrtle Beach Travel Park. His wife is charged in connection with his death, but police have not yet charged anyone with murder. → Read More
Myrtle Beach area hospitals ordering less doses of vaccine with declining appointments
Vaccine appointments are on the decline statewide and some Grand Strand hospitals are ordering less doses. → Read More
Plexiglass a deal breaker for some parents as deadline nears for Horry County Schools registration
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Horry County Schools wants to know whether students will attend classes in-personal or virtually next school year, however, some parents say plexiglass is a deal breaker. Some parents spoke to News13 and said their biggest concern is safety protocols and they still have many questions. The district said it plans […] → Read More
Horry County sees near 100% call increase for utility assistance programs
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Thousands of South Carolinians are struggling to pay rent and utility bills during the pandemic. Many are still working to pay off overdue bills after losing their jobs last year, according to United Way Horry County. The organization said it’s been a resource hub during the pandemic — working to […] → Read More
Pre-owned vehicle prices surge by nearly 14% during pandemic
SOCASTEE, S.C. (WBTW) — Those shopping around for a used vehicle might notice a higher price tag. New data reported by Edmunds.com shows the average price of a used vehicle surged nearly 14% over the last year. Bill Garofalo said most of his days are spent finding inventory for his lot at Competition Cars off Highway […] → Read More
South Carolina bill could restrict medical transitions; transgender people say it’s a family decision
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTW) — Transgender children in South Carolina could face more restrictions under a new bill. The “Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act” would ban hormonal treatments and gender reassignment surgeries for minors. Several local lawmakers have signed on as sponsors, including Horry County representatives Heather Ammons-Crawford and Russell Fry. Some in the transgender […] → Read More
North Myrtle Beach landlord out thousands, fears foreclosure under eviction ban
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — A North Myrtle Beach landlord says he’s out thousands of dollars after a tenant stopped paying rent last year. Eric Michaels lives in Burlington, North Carolina, but has owned his property at Grand Strand Resorts III since 2006. Michaels says he’s been leasing the home since 2010. “If you’re […] → Read More
Few patients with cosmetic fillers experience vaccine side effects, experts say not to worry
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Before getting a COVID-19 vaccine, South Carolina DHEC is asking if you’ve recently had cosmetic work done. Dermal fillers are a substance injected into the skin to smooth wrinkles. A noninvasive cosmetic procedure that people of all age groups participate in. A Moderna vaccine clinical trial with more than 15,000 […] → Read More
Myrtle Beach area sees seasonal hiring shortage as tourism increases
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — For the last two weeks, tourism in Myrtle Beach has been steadily increasing. Weekends in the city are getting busier and local businesses are working to keep up with customer demand. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce says many were not expecting an uptick in visits until after Easter […] → Read More
Basketball tournament, spring tourism boost business at Surfside Beach bars
SURFSIDE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — This week local sports bars are getting busier with the hype of the basketball tournament and start of spring tourism. Many say the uptick in business is welcomed after the majority of the country was shut down during the 2020 tournament. Statewide restrictions in restaurants have been lifted, but local […] → Read More
Horry County ditches cleared to prevent flooding, property owners sought for easement approval
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — The Horry County Stormwater Department is working to clear ditches to prevent flooding along county roads. On Thursday a portion of a drainage ditch near Highway 777 and Highway 554 was cleared. “We’ve been trying to get easements for about 10 years,” said Thomas Roth, stormwater department manager. Roth says […] → Read More
Horry County Schools virtual students exposed to COVID-19 during in-person testing
CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) — Ten students are in quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19 at Black Water Middle School during in-person testing. Horry County Schools says the incident happened on Wednesday. One student was positive for the virus while testing in-person for a course that “blends high school and college into a coherent educational program.” […] → Read More