Jack Bilyeu
WBTW News 13
Florence, SC, United States
Contact Jack
Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.
| Recent: |
|
| Past: |
|
Past articles by Jack:
Carloads of Francis Marion University students return to campus for fall classes
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Students returned to Francis Marion University this weekend ahead of the new school year as car after car pulled up to drop off students and their belongings. “I’m sweating,” McKenzie McCrorey said. “We’ve been gathering up all my stuff, and I feel like I’m moving a house.” McCrorey, a junior, […] → Read More
Florence family searches for missing daughter
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)– A Florence family is searching for answers after reporting their daughter missing this week. Ashlyn Adams Wyatt is believed to be in the Myrtle Beach area based on her last known phone call. Shane Gibson said she last heard from her daughter nearly a month ago. She usually doesn’t go more than […] → Read More
Florence County Council rescinds vote to put Confederate statue on public property
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — The Florence County Council on Thursday unanimously rescinded its vote to put a Confederate statue on public property. Council received outrage from the public and the Florence Branch of the NAACP after its decision last month to put a statue of William W. Harllee and his daughter, Florence, in front […] → Read More
Flags at South Carolina statehouse to be lowered in honor of Florence County paramedic killed in crash
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — A 71-year-old woman was arrested Friday on two charges of reckless homicide after authorities said she drove through the scene of an accident Tuesday night, killing paramedic Sara Weaver and the injured motorcyclist she was treating, Cedric Gregg. The charges could carry up to 10 years each. South Carolina Gov. Henry […] → Read More
Funeral arrangements announced for paramedic killed in Florence County crash
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Funeral arrangements have been announced for a paramedic that was killed Tuesday after a 71-year-old woman drove through a crash scene and hit her along with at least three other people. The visitation for Sara Weaver will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Carolina Funeral Home […] → Read More
Florence County Sheriff says driver will be charged for crash that killed paramedic, motorcyclist
EFFINGHAM, S.C. (WBTW) — The Florence County Sheriff’s Office has called in the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s crash reconstruction team to help sift through security, body and dash cam footage of Tuesday’s deadly crash on Pamplico Highway in Florence County. Sheriff TJ Joye said the footage will be released once it has been shown to […] → Read More
Guns and roses? Florence flower shop now selling firearms
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — You might have heard of “Guns ‘n’ Roses,” but not like this. Consider the Lilies, a popular florist in downtown Florence, is now selling firearms in a new venture called A&J Firearms and Training. At the store, shoppers can find floral arrangements, home décor and a glass case full of pistols. […] → Read More
More than 100 walk to raise awareness for human trafficking in Florence
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — More than 100 people participated in the Pee Dee’s first “freedom walk” for World Day Against Human Trafficking Saturday morning. Attendees carried signs and marched around Magnolia Mall. Glenda Skipper, founder and CEO of One Child at a Time, said the nonprofit conducted a survey of more than 2,000 Florence 1 […] → Read More
Florence 1 students return to school Monday
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — For Florence 1 students, there is only one more weekend until summer break is over. Florence 1 Superintendent Richard O’Malley said he hopes parents will feel safe sending their kids to school thanks to multiple new security protocols. He said the district’s zero-tolerance policy, which started last fall, reduced violent incidents […] → Read More
Florence businesses head to West Palmetto Street
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — West Palmetto Street in Florence is proving to be a big draw for local businesses. Buddy’s, a new burger restaurant, held its grand opening there Thursday. Owner Jeremy Yurek said he initially eyed opening the restaurant in downtown Florence, but jumped on the space in West Florence when a friend pointed […] → Read More
Florence gas station owner stresses safety after employee shot in attempted robbery
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — The owner of the “On The Go” gas station, where a gunshot during a botched robbery attempt sent an employee to the hospital, said he is offering a $5,000 reward to help bring those involved to justice and bring peace of mind to his employees. Johnny Rishmawi said he has about […] → Read More
Antle co-defendant pleads not guilty to wildlife trafficking charges
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — One of four people charged alongside Myrtle Beach Safari owner and “Tiger King” star Doc Antle was arraigned in federal court Thursday on charges related to wildlife trafficking. Meredith “Moksha” Bybee pleaded not guilty to a felony and a misdemeanor for the trafficking of two juvenile cheetahs. She faces up to […] → Read More
Florence City Council approves violent crime task force
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — A new violent crimes task force in Florence aims to increase collaboration between city and county law enforcement officers. The city council unanimously approved a resolution to create the task force Monday. Chief Allen Heidler of the Florence Police Department said one of the key issues it will help solve is […] → Read More
Clean Eatz health food restaurant holds grand reopening in Florence
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)– The Clean Eatz health food restaurant in Florence held a grand reopening Saturday. “We use no oil, not fats and no butters, so it really is clean, healthy eating,” Ryan Devlin, the store’s owner said. Devlin said he was pleased with the turnout for the event. Customers can dine in, or buy […] → Read More
Florence County father relieved after arrest of son’s alleged killer two years after murder
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — An arrest in a two-year-old murder case is finally bringing a Pee Dee family the closure they have been seeking. Semori McKnight turned himself in to authorities over the weekend after being charged in the murder of Shawn Gibson in Timmonsville in March of 2020. According to his father, Jay […] → Read More
No bond decision made at Myrtle Beach Safari’s ‘Doc’ Antle hearing on money laundering charges
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — No decision was made Thursday at a detention hearing in Florence County for Tiger King’s “Doc” Antle on federal money laundering charges. The hearing in Florence County was supposed to take place June 9 but was rescheduled for Thursday at the request of Antle’s defense counsel. Antle’s attorney is hopeful […] → Read More
Florence City Council adopts budget, moves forward on crime prevention plan
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — The Florence City Council adopted its budget for the upcoming fiscal year at its meeting Monday afternoon. The new budget is about $45 million. The council unanimously voted to adopt it with one last-minute amendment. Councilwoman Lethonia Barnes proposed reallocating $25,000 from the $775,000 community development fund towards Helping Florence Flourish. […] → Read More
Drift car competition celebrates new Buc-ee’s in SC
The first-ever “Buc-ee’s 200” at Florence Motor Speedway on Sunday sent drivers from the track to the recently opened travel center. → Read More
Grateful Dog Festival returns to Timmonsville this weekend
TIMMONSVILLE, S.C. (WBTW) — If you’re a dog lover or a music lover, you’re in luck. The annual Grateful Dog Music Festival returns to the Pee Dee this weekend. The event raises money for three of the region’s Humane Societies. The festival raised more than $30,000 last year to help animals in need. Organizers hope […] → Read More
Public Memorial Day ceremony returns to Florence National Cemetery
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — For the first time since the pandemic began, a public Memorial Day ceremony was held at Florence National Cemetery. Over the weekend, volunteers placed flags on each of the 12,000 tombstones, and a crowd gathered Monday to pay their respects to those who died in service to the United States. The […] → Read More