It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Myrtle Beach, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I needed to qualify people who could deal with my sister with brain cancer. My sister would throw people in and out of her house; it was crazy. She died on December 5th. Always Best Care sent incredible people. I don't know where they came from, but they had one girl who was the only person my sister never attempted to throw out of the house. I'd never hear one bad word about this woman who was actually pulling double shifts at the end because my sister liked her so much. For some reason, this woman understood my sister and brain cancer. Brain cancer is hard to deal with because people could be pretty mean and abusive and they don't know what they're doing really. My sister was also going blind at the same time. It was not easy. I just wanted to say what wonderful care we received from Always Best Care. It was amazing. They were just coming and being there. My sister was crazy, and she didn't want anybody overnight, until she finally let me have someone come in overnight. On that night, she died. She got to die in her home, which is what I'm trying to do because that too was the most important thing of all. Always Best Care was able to staff at short notice and send really good people. I was impressed, and I would highly recommend them. They would help my sister get to the bathroom. She weighed 70 pounds when she died, but she was still able to walk. She had cancers on both her femurs, and her blood pressure was 80/47. They just helped with everything, like fixing her small meals, fixing coffee, and talking to her if she wanted to talk or not talking to her if she didn't want to talk. They were just very great with their help. My sister had brain cancer and she was belligerent. Always Best Care would find people within their staff. Also, it didn't take them long, I didn't have to wait. We had letters from others saying they don't have staff right now. With Always Best Care, I did it over the phone with a woman who was a Godsend. I think the caregiver was sent almost the first day and was there every day except on the weekend when they sent someone else. That person seemed to work out OK, too, which amazed me. For some reason, these people knew how to appease someone who is really crazy. It was the cancer; it was in my sister's head. You have to be tough-skinned and just realize that this is the disease talking to you and not a person. They were able to do that, and I feel very blessed.”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing. Donna O.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Chapin Memorial Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Library Restaurant or visit Charlie's Place, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Myrtle Beach, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Myrtle Beach, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Myrtle Beach, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
In the latest round of health and safety inspections, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture found flies, dirty equipment and an employee working with unwashed hands in restaurants around the Myrtle Beach area.In general, SCDA gives restaurants scoring between 88 and 100 points A grades, restaurants scoring 78-87 points B grades and restaurants scoring 77 points or fewer C grades.However, the department sometimes lowers grades for restaurants that have consecutive violations, are under enforcement action or are under pend...
In the latest round of health and safety inspections, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture found flies, dirty equipment and an employee working with unwashed hands in restaurants around the Myrtle Beach area.
In general, SCDA gives restaurants scoring between 88 and 100 points A grades, restaurants scoring 78-87 points B grades and restaurants scoring 77 points or fewer C grades.
However, the department sometimes lowers grades for restaurants that have consecutive violations, are under enforcement action or are under pending enforcement actions, including imminent health hazards, permit suspensions or permit revocations.
Of the 103 restaurant inspections conducted in Horry and Georgetown County between Aug. 30 and Sept. 5, SCDA gave eight facilities B grades and two facilities C grades. However, only four of those establishments actually scored below 88 points. Here’s what inspectors found.
13088 Ocean Highway, Unit 1, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Score: 79
At a routine inspection of R’Way Pizza and Family Tavern on Aug. 31, the person in charge didn’t have a food handler certification, an employee answered a phone then handled pizza dough without washing their hands, wiping cloths weren’t stored in sanitizer between uses and the backdoor wasn’t tight fitting, which the SCDA considers a risk for pests.
Other violations included cooked pizza at an insufficiently hot temperature, cheese and sauce at insufficiently cold temperatures, improperly cooled wings and food storage trays not spaced for cleaning. The inspector also observed a dirty open grease receptor, buildup around the receptor and “heavy black buildup” on walls. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before Aug. 10.
The Grumpy Mustache
3140 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Score: 84
A routine inspection of The Grumpy Mustache on Sept. 5 found cooked meats like brisket and turkey held for more than 24 hours without dates marked to ensure safe consumption, no soap at a handsink, no sanitizer in the mechanical warewashing machine and no detergent in the dish machine, though the facility converted to manual dishwashing in the sink.
The inspection report also noted gorilla glue and other chemicals stored with food products and buildup on the dish machine, sides of the fryer, cookline and in the freezer. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before Sept. 15.
Texas Roadhouse Grill
760 Coastal Grand Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Score: 84
After a routine inspection on Aug. 26, the SCDA conducted a follow-up inspection of Texas Roadhouse Grill in Coastal Grand Mall on Sept. 5. The inspector observed dirty food contact equipment stored as clean, cooked rice at an insufficiently hot temperature and potato soup at an insufficiently cold temperature.
The inspection report also noted small flies in the wait station, inadequate sanitizer in the dish machine and damaged floors throughout the kitchen. A subsequent follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before Sept. 15.
Scores Sports Bar
3562 Northgate Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Score: 87
In response to a complaint, the SCDA inspected Scores Sports Bar on Sept. 2. Violations included ready-to-eat foods like deli meat and chili without dates marked for safe consumption, a dirty product thermometer and no thermometer in a cooler.
The inspector cited the restaurant for holes in a wall, a counter in poor repair, an accumulation of grease behind the cookline, an employee with long nails and an employee with rings on their fingers. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before Sept. 12.
This story was originally published September 9, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
Myrtle Beach High School had more than 350 student athletes participating in sports last school year with missing or late eligibility paperwork, according to internal Horry County Schools communications.The substantial eligibility issues, self-reported by the district to the South Carolina High School League, led to a $7,750 fine and appears to be connected to the administrative leave and subsequent resignation of the MBHS athletic director, those communications show.John Cahill was placed on paid leave May 7 “due to fail...
Myrtle Beach High School had more than 350 student athletes participating in sports last school year with missing or late eligibility paperwork, according to internal Horry County Schools communications.
The substantial eligibility issues, self-reported by the district to the South Carolina High School League, led to a $7,750 fine and appears to be connected to the administrative leave and subsequent resignation of the MBHS athletic director, those communications show.
John Cahill was placed on paid leave May 7 “due to failure to complete job responsibilities,” according to a letter in his personnel file. He later resigned his position, effective June 30, but remains employed with the HCS as a teacher in Adult Education, according to district spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier.
A written breakdown of the MBHS eligibility issues, acquired by The Sun News through a Freedom of Information Act request, shows a lengthy list spanning more than a dozen teams including football, competitive cheer, wrestling, and boys and girls track and field.
The issues include missing eligibility certificates, eligibility forms submitted after the student athlete already participated and incomplete transfer paperwork, according to the breakdown.
Three ineligible student athletes participated for MBHS in wrestling and junior varsity football, requiring the school to forfeit any contests in which they participated, according to a letter from SCHSL Deputy Commissioner Charlie Wentzky.
The sports league initially issued a $10,250 fine, according to the July 17 letter, but Commissioner Jerome Singleton agreed to reduce the fine by $2,500 after MBHS appealed.
MBHS Principal Kristin Altman wrote in the school’s appeal that a “thorough investigation” was conducted in regard to Cahill’s responsibilities related to the issues, and he has since resigned.
Joe Quigley is currently listed as MBHS interim athletic director.
The inside of Alan and Lisa Jones’ Grande Dunes home is like stepping into a Hollywood movie backlot.Among the tastefully and beautifully designed furniture and decor sit numerous Marvel superheroes, including Spider-Man, Ironman and Batwoman, movie and TV characters and other oddball items, including a giant giraffe in the backyard.“She hates me,” Alan Jones said, laughing, of his wife’s reaction to his obsession with movie and TV memorabilia and other eclectic items.But she does agree with him o...
The inside of Alan and Lisa Jones’ Grande Dunes home is like stepping into a Hollywood movie backlot.
Among the tastefully and beautifully designed furniture and decor sit numerous Marvel superheroes, including Spider-Man, Ironman and Batwoman, movie and TV characters and other oddball items, including a giant giraffe in the backyard.
“She hates me,” Alan Jones said, laughing, of his wife’s reaction to his obsession with movie and TV memorabilia and other eclectic items.
But she does agree with him on saving items that are a part of the Myrtle Beach area’s history, as their collection includes the large number “2” from the clock inside the Myrtle Square Mall and the giant red octopus that was featured for more than 30 years as part of a Surfside Beach mini golf course.
Alan Jones was able to secure the No. 2 of the mall’s famous clock, which was located in the food court of the now demolished shopping center. It hangs in the couple’s living room.
The numbers were often used by shoppers to reconnect with one another, such as “meet me under the 2.” Lisa Jones’ family would often tell each other to meet under the No. 10.
Alan Jones tried to secure the No. 10 for his wife, but it was already taken, he said.
“It’s a fun house,” Alan Jones said.
Now the couple has rescued another piece of Lisa Jones’ childhood with the octopus that was located at the Adventure Falls Golf, which closed in September 2023.
The smiling octopus, now called Ruby after being named by people on social media, was dismantled and brought piece by piece to the Jones’ Loris farm.
“She’s kind of had a piece of our heart,” Lisa Jones said.
Mike Gouthier and his brother David are painting one of the tentacles that will eventually be reconnected to the body of Ruby.
It has been a yearlong project that they are hoping will be complete in the next few months.
“It’s all for nostalgia… to preserve old Myrtle Beach,” Gouthier said.
But it hasn’t been easy. The octopus has had to undergo restoration, including being painted and modified to be placed in the pond that is part of the Jones’ 24-acre property.
Each tentacle weighs about 500 pounds and has to be loaded onto a boat and then swam out and attached to the octopus body. It takes several people to place each leg, Goutheir said.
There also was the decision of where to place the octopus. Alan Jones wanted Ruby to be able to be seen from the roadway. But the water level in the pond is different in various locations. They finally were able to build a base in the water for the giant octopus and now are piecing it back together.
The octopus goes 6 feet under water and 15 feet above the water, Alan Jones said.
“It’s been a labor of love,” Lisa Jones said.
Lisa Jones, who graduated from Socastee High School, remembers when the octopus was put at the golf course in the late ‘80s, and she played there often.
When the couple discovered the putt putt course was closing, “we came up with a hairbrained idea” to get it and put it on the farm, she said.
Alan Jones said the mini golf course owner wanted to know what they were going to do with such a giant octopus.
His idea was to not only place it on the farm, but eventually allow families with children to come to the farm and see the octopus, paddle out into the pond and enjoy the other creatures he has on the land.
“It’s for the next generation,” Lisa Jones said.
Alan Jones is often asked why he collects such items. “Because I’m crazy,” he jokes.
He noted how he is now able to buy the things he could only dream about as a young child.
“I grew up poor, and I’m still a kid,” Jones said. He calls his story a true “rags to riches.”
He moved to South Carolina from California after his father passed away to live with his grandma. He moved to Myrtle Beach in 2016.
Jones and his wife own Wholesale Holiday Rentals in Myrtle Beach. The success of the company has allowed Jones to buy such collectibles.
Most of the items Jones acquires comes from people who know he loves such collectibles.
However, Jones says he doesn’t buy things to impress other people. He gives back to charities, including Make-a-Wish and others, especially those involving children.
Once the octopus is complete, Jones plans to allow families and children to come to the farm and see the other creatures. There is an animatronic dragon that came from a Myrtle Beach VR business, replica dinosaurs, an alien and a statue of a half-fish, half-pig creature that came from an area restaurant. There also is a 50-foot dinosaur that came from a traveling exhibit that comes to Myrtle Beach each year.
“I want people to enjoy it with me,” Jones said of his collection.
This story was originally published September 8, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.An updated report from the NWS Columbia SC was issued on Sunday at 7:04 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 7:30 p.m. The alert is for Central Orangeburg and Southeastern Orangeburg as well as Bamberg County.Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph."At 7:03 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a pair of strong thunderstorms, the strongest one ove...
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
An updated report from the NWS Columbia SC was issued on Sunday at 7:04 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 7:30 p.m. The alert is for Central Orangeburg and Southeastern Orangeburg as well as Bamberg County.
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
"At 7:03 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a pair of strong thunderstorms, the strongest one over Branchville, or 13 miles west of Saint George, moving southeast at 20 mph," explains the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects."
The alert is for Branchville and Padgetts.
The NWS adds, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building."
This alert is in effect until 7:30 p.m.
Lightning hits the United States approximately 25 million times annually. The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS. The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. This risk decreases as the storm moves away.
Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm:
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is most commonly attributed to three factors:
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
Source: The National Weather Service
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.A report from the NWS Columbia SC was issued on Sunday at 6:05 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 6:30 p.m. The alert is for Richland, Sumter, Calhoun and Clarendon counties.Wind gusts of up to 50 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) are predicted."At 6:04 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Poinsett State Park, or 15 miles so...
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
A report from the NWS Columbia SC was issued on Sunday at 6:05 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 6:30 p.m. The alert is for Richland, Sumter, Calhoun and Clarendon counties.
Wind gusts of up to 50 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) are predicted.
"At 6:04 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Poinsett State Park, or 15 miles southeast of McEntire Air Base, moving southeast at 15 mph," states the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible."
Locations impacted by the alert include Poinsett State Park, Pinewood, Fort Motte, Lone Star, Low Falls Landing and Rimini.
The NWS states, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building."
This alert is in effect until 6:30 p.m.
Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months. The NWS reports that these strikes result in about 20 fatalities annually. The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm:
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is most commonly attributed to three factors:
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
Source: The National Weather Service
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