First Friday with Georgetown County

Episode Description: This month on First Friday with Georgetown County, we spotlight growth, civic engagement, and exciting events happening across the county: Economic Development Outlook – Meet Kelly Robertson-Slagle, Georgetown County’s new Economic Development Director, as she shares her vision for smart growth, business attraction, and workforce development in our region. ️ Special Election Preview – Aphra McCrea, Director of Voter Registration and Elections, explains the details of an upcoming special election to fill a vacant school board seat—what voters need to know and how to make their voices heard. Georgetown 250 Takes Shape – Ken Baeszler, Chairman of the Georgetown 250 Committee, discusses how the county is preparing to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States with events that honor the past and look toward the future.  Wave That Flag & SC7 Expedition – Beth Goodale, Parks and Recreation Director, previews this weekend’s Wave That Flag festival and laser light show and talks about the upcoming visit from the SC7 Expedition, spotlighting the beauty and resilience of South Carolina’s natural resources.

Episode Description: In the June episode of First Friday with Georgetown County, we dive into important summer updates and celebrations happening across the county: ️ Hurricane Season Preparedness – Emergency Services Director Brandon Ellis shares what residents need to know to prepare for the 2025 hurricane season and how the county is planning ahead. Mobile Pools & Splash Pad Fun – Parks & Recreation Director Beth Goodale introduces the county’s new mobile pool program, bringing swim lessons to rural areas, and talks about the brand new splash pad in Choppee. Juneteenth at the Library – Jo’Vonna Davis of the Georgetown County Library System gives us the scoop on the library's first-ever Juneteenth Festival, celebrating freedom, culture, and community through educational and family-friendly events. Listen and stay connected with the people and programs making a difference this summer in Georgetown County.

Episode Description: In this episode of First Friday with Georgetown County, we spotlight three timely topics shaping life in our community this May: Capital Project Sales Tax Begins – Administrative Services Director Walt Ackerman explains how the 1% Capital Project Sales Tax, which went into effect May 1, will support critical infrastructure and community improvements across Georgetown County. Mosquito Season Kicks Off – Roban Mears of the Georgetown County Mosquito Control Division shares what residents can expect as the county begins its seasonal spraying operations and how the public can help reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Anthuan Maybank Weekend – Olympic Gold Medalist Anthuan Maybank and Parks & Rec Director Beth Goodale talk about the exciting events planned for May 2–3, celebrating local youth, fitness and community spirit.

This month’s episode of First Friday with Georgetown County brings you a packed episode with crucial updates and community initiatives: Cybersecurity & County IT Upgrades – Seth Housand, Georgetown County IT Director, shares how the county has strengthened its cybersecurity infrastructure following the 2021 ransomware attack and what residents should know about online safety. Celebrating 30 Years of Bike the Neck – Parks & Recreation Director Beth Goodale and Bike the Neck Chairwoman Linda Ketron reflect on the bikeway’s legacy and growth. Disaster Relief & Volunteer Training – Emergency Services Director Brandon Ellis and American Red Cross Disaster Training Coordinator Irene Branyard highlight the urgent need for shelter volunteers and how you can get involved in an upcoming training session.

In the March 2025 episode of First Friday with Georgetown County, meet the new head of children's services at the library and learn about the upcoming property reassessment and how it will impact you.

Our February episode features conversations with: - Dan Harding, professor of Architecture at Clemson University, regarding redevelopment plans presented by his students for the Georgetown Port; and - Matt Millwood of the Georgetown County Planning Department regarding the latest phase of the county's blight removal project, which is beautifying communities by removing abandoned and dilapidated structures.

In lieu of our regular First Friday with Georgetown County podcast, this month we're posting our annual Year in Review. For a more in-depth report, view our printed 2024 Annual Report at gtcounty.org/newsroom.

In this episode we discuss the efforts of the Sheriff's Office to keep our roadways safe, the recent job fair for former IP employees, and the Georgetown Library's much-anticipated Yuletide Home Tour fundraiser—a cherished community tradition bringing holiday cheer while supporting a great cause.

This episode features a discussion with Ashley Nelson of the Bunnelle Foundation about opportunities for community giving. Other topics for this episode are a new firefighter readiness program at Midway Fire-Rescue and how public safety personnel are using drones on the job.

The October 2024 episode of First Friday with Georgetown County features discussions about: An upcoming outdoors festival and family friendly Halloween event (Forest's Not-So-Spooky Halloween Trail); What you need to know in preparation for voting in the General Election; and Two sales tax referendums that will appear on the General Election ballot.

In the September 2024 episode of First Friday with Georgetown County, we talk about: An EPA grant that will help the county assess brownfields sites for redevelopment; Hurricane preparedness and forecasting, featuring special guest Steve Pfaff of the National Weather Service's Wilmington Office; and A recent accreditation received by the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office.

In the August. 2024 episode of First Friday with Georgetown County, we talk about: Boat safety on our area rivers Mosquito control efforts What comes next now that the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan has passed And the reopening of the Georgetown Library branch

In celebration of National Parks and Recreation Month, join us as we talk with Beth Goodale, Georgetown County director of Parks and Recreation. We also talk beach safety with Chief Brent McClellan of Midway Fire-Rescue and Capt. Chuck Weaver of the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office.

In this month's podcast, County Administrator Angela Christian discusses the FY 2024-25 Budget; Administrative Services Director Walt Ackerman gives an update on the projects list for a proposed Capital Project Sales Tax referendum; and Roban Mears of the Mosquito Control Division discusses mosquito control techniques.

In this episode of First Friday with Georgetown County, we discuss the Georgetown Library System's new bookmobile, the upcoming hurricane season and new evacuation zones, National Public Works Week, and the Public Services Department's recent APWA Reaccreditation.

Joining us this month is a special guest, Olympic gold medalist and Georgetown native Anthuan Maybank. He discusses his upcoming visit to emcee our Waccamaw Sports Classic and work with participants in our youth track and field program. Other topics include a new real estate fraud prevention program being offered to residents, an upcoming open house at the Georgetown Airport, and candidates who will appear on the ballot in the June primary election.

In this episode, we discuss the new draft of the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan, Severe Weather Awareness Week, new hurricane evacuation zones, and how to submit projects for the proposed Capital Project Sales Tax.

In this episode: - Library Director Dwight McInvaill discusses progress on renovations to the Georgetown County Library's main branch. - Aphra McCrea, Director of Elections and Voter Registration for Georgetown County, discusses the presidential primary and other elections occurring this year.

Our very first episode, where we talk with: Auditor Ken Baker and Treasurer Miriam Mace about property taxes; TL Staub of Georgetown County Parks & Recreation about the new Georgetown Outdoor Adventure Trails program; and Walt Ackerman, director of administrative services about two proposed sales taxes that will be on the ballot this November.

In the August edition of First Friday with Georgetown County, we explore summer fun, safety, and youth engagement across our community: Youth in Action – Parks & Rec. intern Maddie Garnes shares her experience working with the department this summer, gives us a preview of Kids Track Trails Day on August 16, and explains how the GOAT (Georgetown Outdoor Adventure Trails) program is getting people excited about the outdoors. ️ Safe Shores & Parks Updates – Recreation Manager Jason Walters talks about the county’s new Safe Shores sign initiative, featuring beach access signs designed to improve public safety, plus other exciting happenings in Georgetown County Parks and Recreation. Beach & Heat Safety – Emergency Services Director Brandon Ellis offers critical tips for staying safe on the beach, including how to handle rip currents, and how to protect yourself and others during periods of extreme heat. Stay cool, stay safe, and stay connected—tune in now!