NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — If you are cutting through 11th Avenue North, you'd probably miss it after you pass Ocean Drive Elementary School and round the curve from the golf course. However, nestled behind several homes sits a lake and one homeowner said its days are numbered.

"This lake's drying up," said David Serrell, who owns three parcels of land that include portions of what locals call Heart Lake.

It's been a dry year no doubt, but Serrell said that's not the problem. He's pointing the finger at city hall.

"It's a man-made problem that can be fixed," Serrell said. "They should have never put this storm drainage project in."

He's referring to a stormwater drainage project that takes runoff from Jordan Road down to Tillson and into another nearby lake. However, for the decades before that project was in place, he said Heart Lake was a natural retention site for rainwater.

"It's slowly going down down down and now it's at a point whereby the first of June, but no later than the first of September that will be a mud hole," he said.

He blames the city engineer's office and DOT engineers. He claims they wrongfully put in a drainage pipe above another that in the end takes most of the rainwater down the road, only in large storm events will Heart Lake see any of the runoff. The city claims it was all an effort to reduce flooding concerns in the area, specifically at the golf course.

ABC 15 News also spoke off-camera with neighbors on the other side of the lake. They disputed Mr. Serrell's claims. They said the lake has been the same height for years and has not really been impacted by the drainage system.

"The project was installed to alleviate flooding in the road and on the church/school properties across the street," wrote city spokesperson Donald Graham. "The new drainage system discharges to Mallard Pond (between 8th and 11th) because the City has public drainage easements and downstream outlet capacity at that pond."

Serrell said Hurricane Matthew inundated the area and cause Heart Lake to rise but not flood the golf course. He said the lake is only a couple of acres and in no way stopped the golf course from operating after the storm.

He said he's gone to the city several times as well as the state to ask for a do-over or adjustment to the drainage showing us along 11th Avenue how the piping allows hardly any runoff into his properties.

"There's no way water that's been going across the street to Heart Lake, can go to Heart Lake anymore," Serrell said. "This is a catastrophe."

Graham with the city said it comes down to the fact that the lake, which Serrell and several others have parceled within their lots, is private property.

"Heart Lake is on private property and does not have a natural outlet beyond overflow/flooding onto the golf course. The City does not plan to make any changes to the public drainage in the area."

Serrell doesn't see it that way. He says the city's project has led to the lake level depleting.

"It's down at least five feet," Serrell said. "It's slowly going down down down and now it's at a point where by the first of June, but no later than the first of September that will be a mud hole."

He said his efforts to find an attorney to get involved are slow-moving, so he plans to mobilize neighbors. This weekend he will hold his second rally to get those in the area to sign a petition to help restore runoff flows into the lake before it becomes a hazard more than a habitat.

"I'm really more concerned about the aquatic animals than the loss of property value," Serrell said.

That goes back to the beginning of this story. You may miss the lake, but what you won't miss are the multiple signs in his front yard. There are crosses as well, symbolizing the fish and wildlife that could die if the lake dries up. He also has a sign calling out the governor and the city's mayor. We gave Mayor Marilyn Hatley a phone call, and we're waiting to hear back.

"If this dries up, the state of South Carolina and the City of North Myrtle Beach are going to have to cough up and it's not the public officials it's the taxpayers, because I'm going to have damages for this nice home and those lots that I can't do much with if they're on a mud hole," Serrell said.

Those interested in this issue can attend his meeting Saturday around noon at his home on 11th Avenue North.

Like most people, when I go on vacation with my family, I like to take a break from work. Hence, why there aren’t in-depth posts here on the blog about most of our travels. When we’re away, I don’t want the pressure of recording all the details or feeling like I need to check out certain things to report back; on vacation, I generally like to go with the flow and relax. I’ve written about some of our shorter closer-to-home trips, but the bigger ones I usually just share through Instagram posts (if interested, check out Idaho, Asheville, Mexico, Croatia, Barcelona, Maine, Vermont, California, Nicaragua).

This is my rambling way of explaining why this post about our Spring Break trip to South Carolina — specifically Folly Beach and Charleston — is mostly scenes and quick tips, less of a thorough guide. But sometimes, that’s all you need — inspo for a destination, a starting point for planning, and a few ideas for activities.

So, the quick gist of our trip: We spent three nights in Folly Beach, three nights in Charleston (and one in NC on the way down to break up the eight-hour drive). At the last minute, my friend Margaret and her family decided to meet us there, so we spent a lot of time with them (though stayed in separate places since we’d already booked when they decided to join). Our crews always have a great time together and similar traveling sensibilities (very important when traveling with others). She also posted about the trip in her Designer’s Guide to Charleston SC (she’s an architecture and interior design extraordinaire), which includes details that this post doesn’t, so be sure to check it out for even more travel inspiration!

FOLLY BEACH

This actually wasn’t our first Spring Break getaway to the area, though last time we stayed in Charleston and Isle of Palms. During that trip, we took a drive south to Folly and decided that next time we would stay there. Both are great in their own ways, but Folly has a more laid-back surf vibe and more of a town, plus there is excellent fossil hunting! We found a rental through Airbnb that was perfect — just the right size for our family, an easy walk to the beach, and surrounded by leafy trees.

Part of the reason we went to SC for Spring Break was better chances for warmer temps than more northern beaches, and that was a good call, because the weather was fantastic. Sunny and high 70s made for very pleasant days on the beach, and the water wasn’t too cold for swimming.

We ate most of our meals out, but had breakfast and snacks at the house. There are a bunch of good restaurants and places to get a bite in town, most of them casual and fun, our favorite easily Chico Feo, with delicious tacos, sandwiches, bowls, and drinks. For snacks and stuff at the house, Bert’s Market had everything we needed and then some. It’s not a huge grocery store, but they also have take out sandwiches and other freshly made fare, plus it’s open 24 hours. And non-food related, but I must mention the great massage I had at Folly Beach Medispa.

Before we headed to Charleston after we left our digs in Folly, we went to see Morris Island Lighthouse. You can’t actually go in or even get up close to it, but we walked to a small beach to get a view. However, the path leading to the beach may have been the highlight, the stretch of asphalt covered with colorful graffiti. The walk should have been quick, but we kept stopping to check out the art beneath our feet.

CHARLESTON

Okay, I’ll be straight up: This part of our trip was really a lot of eating and drinking and walking around. We’d been to the city before and had done a lot of touristy stuff — Fort Sumter and tours of historic places, etc. — and we didn’t feel the need to repeat them. So, besides the guys taking a water taxi to the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum (while Margaret, Sasha, and I shopped on King Street), we really mostly ate, drank, strolled, and just enjoyed hanging out with everyone. Here’s a recap of that in pictures.

Have you been to Folly Beach or Charleston? What are some of your favorite things to do and places to go there?

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — It’s no secret that Folly Beach is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to move to in the Lowcountry. But town officials are worried that overdevelopment will soon take over the identity of the town.

In an effort to stop this overdevelopment, City Council will look Tuesday night to change those zoning requirements to “keep the character” of Center Street, and the surrounding community, intact.

The first set of changes to zoning requirements fall under what city officials call the “Center Street Overlay Zone.”

The changes include having new developments start at ground level instead of elevated, as well as a two-story maximum or 34-foot height cap on new buildings. This requirement includes rooftop bars or seating areas as one of the two levels.

If approved, the rezoning will also prevent any private residential properties from being built on Center Street, something officials say is important to keeping the Center Street area accessible for residents.

“We want to make sure that whatever goes up on those lines, here on our Main Street, kind of fit the character of what is already here. We've seen in the commercial district in general, we've seen some pretty massive, relatively speaking, massive buildings go up around Center Street and we want to make sure that on Center Street, that scale and massing is kept down to match what's here,” City Administrator Aaron Pope said.

In addition to those restrictions, new developments will be encouraged to put public outdoor seating near the sidewalk on Center Street.

But Center Street isn’t the only area Folly officials are looking to rezone. Another rezoning change involves the surrounding residential area of Center Street and downtown commercial district.

The changes could affect some residents' ability to make improvements to their existing properties.

The biggest change involves how much of the landowners can build out to. The new zoning changes in the area will require all properties to have at least 10 feet of space between their building and the street.

Residents and Business owners in the area expressed concern about their ability to develop their homes in a public hearing last week, but overall, many people say it’s a step that needs to be taken.

“From a residential standpoint, I think it's more pleasing and more pleasant to have more room around the properties, more green space and less of the shoulder or to show or canyon effect of the tall buildings,” Folly Beach resident Joe Vandiver said.

In addition to the land space restrictions, the rezoning changes would restrict multi-family complexes from being built in the downtown area.

Pope cites the building of the big complexes near the post office off of Center Street as a prime example of what could turn into overdevelopment, which could run out local businesses.

“With property values going the way they are, it's only a matter of time before the land becomes valuable enough or the land becomes so valuable that in order to get things out of it, you have to build the biggest thing you can or another Hurricane Hugo is going to come through and destroy half the buildings in the commercial district. And when people rebuild, they max out the zoning. We want to make sure the max zoning results in smaller more compatible buildings,” Pope said.

The zoning changes will take place in the surrounding area of center street down to around Bert's Market.

If approved, officials did say any property owners who have concerns of these changes can request a hearing with the board of zoning appeals as some exceptions can be made.

City Council will have the first reading of these rezoning changes at the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

A final decision will not be voted on until the second reading in June.

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) – A Sunday evening rescue mission of an osprey stuck on a Folly Beach cell phone tower turned into a Monday afternoon recovery.

Wildlife advocates on the island got called on Sunday evening after people reported a bird stuck in the tower. Some say there were two birds stuck, but only one was there when News 2 arrived on scene.

At first, it was believed to be caught in a fence, a more simple rescue for wildlife advocates Carol Linville and Vanessa Oltmann who have rescued dozens of birds on the bird sanctuary that is Folly Beach.

“So I came over here with my towels, my gloves, and a carrier ready to get him off the fence, and low and behold he was up in the tower on the grid plank,” said Oltmann, a nature lover and wildlife advocate.

Oltmann and Linville called the fire department for assistance in helping the osprey to safety, but the ladder wasn’t tall enough.

“It was gut-wrenching to watch him for over an hour struggle to break loose. But he just couldn’t. He was caught by one foot in the grid hanging upside down,” said Carol Linville, the CEO of Pet Helpers and a wildlife advocate.

Oltmann was able to arrange an emergency tower crew to come and help recover the bird. Two men with Southern Tower Services drove up from Atlanta on Monday morning and arrived just after noon.

Another concern from Linville and Oltmann was what was going on in the nest at the top of the tower.

“Best case is that the babies are okay,” said Linville. “Maybe they’ve hatched and they’re circling that nest because we have some circling.”

“We’d rather nature take its own course and then we don’t have to worry about recovering the eggs, making sure they’re incubated correctly, and you take that risk of injuring the babies inside,” said Oltmann.

The nest is reportedly empty.

“We determined the nest was empty. So the eggs hatched and we believe the three or four that are flying around the nest are probably the babies,” said Linville.

A bittersweet story ending on a positive note. Oltmann says this is an opportunity for people to learn about the protected species as well as other wildlife.

“I’m happy that the babies are safe and I’m sad about this bird,” said Oltmann. “It takes a community of people learning about how important it is for us to take care of our wildlife and marine life.”

Breathtaking beaches may be found all along the beautiful South Carolina coast. Tourists shall try one of the secret beaches on seldom frequented barrier islands if they want to escape away to their own quiet stretch of heaven. These sandy sanctuaries may be found all along the state's coastline, from SC's southernmost point to North Myrtle Beach, and offer a peaceful location to wander down the beach, look for shells, or simply soak up the sun. Only accessible by boat, most of the mesmerizing islands have remained undeveloped, preserving the beach in its natural state. Here are the best 10 underrated South Carolina beaches.

Charleston's Barrier Islands

Charleston has evolved to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, garnering several honors from travel journals. The interesting history, enchanting charm, and tasty gastronomy are all appealing, but tourists can also extend their vacation by a few days to visit some of the greatest beaches in the South. Only 45 minutes to an hour from downtown, the splendid peninsula of Charleston is encircled by barrier islands. There are several beautiful beaches to visit in the area!

Bulls Island

Bulls Island is the biggest of four barrier islands in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and it stands along with one of the most pristine stretches of shoreline on the east coast. The famous and unique Boneyard Beach, where the remnants of surf-battered trees are sprawled over the sand, is one of its seven miles of beaches. A ferry to the island is available for tourists, as well as a variety of guided excursions such as a Bulls Island sunrise tour, beach drop, kayak trip, and multiday adventure.

Capers Island

Travelers shall visit this state history preserve, located 15 miles (24km) north of Charleston at the southwestern edge of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, on a picturesque kayak or boat tour. Along with a beautiful beach, they will be able to see a variety of dazzling birds, including endangered brown pelicans and ruddy turnstones. On the island, 294 different kinds of migrating birds have been sighted. Capers Island, like Bulls Island, features a "Boneyard Beach" formed by years of erosion.

Daufuskie Island

The splendid Daufuskie Island, located directly over Calibogue Sound from Hilton Head Island, will make its visitors feel a million miles away from society. It's not uncommon to observe no one when walking along the bewitching white sand beaches. To get to Daufuskie, travelers have to take a boat or water taxi from Hilton Head to Freeport Marina's public pier, then hire a golf cart and drive all the way across the island to the beach. They should not miss out on seeing the astonishing remainder of this remote South Carolina sea island and its numerous wonderful historical monuments while they're there.

Morris Island

This amazing 840-acre deserted island is located at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, across Lighthouse Inlet from Folly Beach, and is known for its historic 19th-century lighthouse. The incredible 150-foot brick structure now remains in the ocean just offshore after years of degradation. The stunning beach, on the other hand, is as lovely as ever, and it's an awesome place to hunt for seashells, especially sand dollars. Morris Island may be visited on a boat or kayak excursion organized by local outfitters.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach, South Carolina, is renowned as the "Edge of America" and is one of Charleston's most beautiful, well-known, and famous beaches. The Washout is a notable surfing area on the island's awesome eastern edge. If tourists continue walking until they reach a cul-de-sac, they may stroll to an abandoned road with hurricane-damaged foundations covered in colorful graffiti. A rookery of pelicans may also be seen where the Atlantic Ocean meets the clear water of Folly River.

Seabrook Island

The magnificent Seabrook Island has been home to soldiers, pirates, and well-to-do Charleston families over the years. The Seabrook Island Club is now a private community with beach access and vacation rentals. The splendid beaches are exclusively available to members and visitors due to the island's setup. The bewitching untouched sand is unlike any other beach in South Carolina. Aside from the beaches, Seabrook Island's tourists may ride their bikes throughout the land. Marsh rabbits, sea turtles, whitetail deer, and alligators are just a few of the fauna worth seeing.

Isle of Palms

The unique Isle of Palms is a high-end destination. Although the beautiful beach is still available to the public, there are several places that are only accessible if visitors stay at a resort or rent a unit. Beach access is available at Isle of Palms County Park, along with expert seasonal lifeguards and a dedicated swimming area for children. An exciting playground and marvelous picnic areas are also available.

The Grand Strand

The astonishing "Grand Strand," which runs between the Little River and Georgetown on the northern coast of South Carolina, is the state's greatest stretch of beautiful beach. The Waccamaw tribe used to live here until Europeans arrived after the American Revolution. Every year, millions of people visit this area, particularly the impressive Myrtle Beach. Unlike several other regions of the state, the Grand Strand has public access to all of its marvelous beaches. Family-friendly attractions are well-known in the area.

Pawleys Island

The tranquil and magical area of Pawleys Island, one of the region's oldest resort areas, is the first stop on the tourist's route north on King's Highway. There are a few fancy golf clubs and resorts on the "mainland" side of town, but visitors cannot access the beach from there. However, if they cross a beautiful little inlet, they will be on the wonderful island itself. They can also visit Otis Beach, which is a popular public beach.