Thursday, a senate committee drafting a flood insurance bill will meet in Washington.
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce officials were hoping U.S. Senator Jim DeMint from South Carolina, who sits on the committee, would add an amendment to that bill which would allow glass pool enclosures at hotels along the Grand Strand.
So far, DeMint has not added the amendment and Wednesday chamber officials said DeMint's staff indicated the senator may not support the flood insurance bill at all.
We have made calls to DeMint's office and are waiting for more information from them about where the senator stands on the bill and possibly adding the amendment.
So far we haven't heard back, but will post the information once we do.
For years, oceanfront hotels in Myrtle Beach have used glass enclosures to turn their outdoor pools into indoor pools during winter months. In 2007, FEMA found out about it and decided the glass enclosures could be hazardous in a hurricane. Myrtle Beach chamber officials contend the glass enclosures are used in the winter, when hurricanes are not an issue.
Last year, the City of Myrtle Beach filed a federal lawsuit against 11 hotels that city officials say are violating the rule. The hotels named in the suit are the Atlantica Resort, Dunes Village I, Dunes Village II, Captain's Quarters, The Patricia Grand, Meridian Plaza, Monterey Bay, Sea Crest Resort, Coral Beach Resort, The Palace Resort and the Windsurfer. That lawsuit is still active.
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce President Brad Dean says if the ban is not lifted, it will make a big impact on Winter tourism. Dean says, "This would have a devastating effect on a number of businesses. It would also have a negative impact on the real estate values. It won't cost the federal government anything. It's simply a little does of common sense. And unfortunately it could directly impact our winter tourism this year."
We will post more details as we get them.
