First Friday with Georgetown County

In this month's episode of First Friday with Georgetown County, Airport Manager Jim Taylor discusses an ongoing visit by World War II aircraft to the Georgetown County Airport. He explains what visitors can expect from the display, how to tour the planes up close, and why these historic aircraft still draw crowds decades later. Then Vanessa Funnie of the Bureau of Aging Services talks about this year's collection of small gifts for seniors, part of a Christmas distribution that helps make the holidays brighter for older residents across the county. She explains what items are needed, where to drop them off, and how the community can help. She also gives an overview of the Bureau's year-round programming for seniors and how residents and their families can get involved.

Georgetown County Assistant County Administrator Brandon Ellis breaks down the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) referendum on the November ballot — what it is, how it could affect property owners, and where residents can go to get informed before they vote. Then, Economic Development Director Kelly Robertson-Slagle shares an update on the port redevelopment master plan, including opportunities for the public to weigh in and share feedback as the planning process moves forward.

This month, we sit down with Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Bill Wisneski, grandson of the late Lee Parsons, ahead of his trip from California to Andrews for the August 18 premiere of a documentary pulled from the county's 1976 time capsule. Wisneski shares what it's like discovering his grandfather's filmmaking work decades after his death, and what he hopes to learn about his family's roots in Andrews. Then, Georgetown County Planning Director Holly Richardson joins us with updates on two major ordinances: the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which will get a public airing at an August 31 meeting at the Georgetown Library, and the newly passed Wetlands Protection Ordinance, which adds new buffers and setbacks to protect the county's wetlands from development.

This month on First Friday with Georgetown County, we're digging into the past and swatting at the present. Digital Archive Manager Julie Warren joins us to talk about the county's new time capsule — what's going in it, how it connects to this year's 1976 capsule opening, and what future Georgetown County residents might learn when it's unsealed decades from now. Then, Roban Mears of the Mosquito Control Division breaks down mosquito control season: why the county sprays, how spray schedules and decisions are made, and practical tips for keeping mosquito populations down in your own yard. Tune in for a look at what we're preserving for the future — and what we're fighting off right now.

Summer is here, and Georgetown County has plenty to keep you busy. Recreation Manager Jason Walters walks us through this season's programs, including free mobile swim lessons for kids ages 3-15, indoor volleyball leagues, Georgetown Outdoor Adventure Trails events, and upcoming camps for basketball, tackle football and flag football. Plus, Steve Candal — co-chair of the original 1976 time capsule committee — shares what it was like to help assemble the capsule 50 years ago and what he hopes to find when it opens at 9:30 a.m. on July 4 in County Council Chambers.