‘This is something that has occurred again’: Motel ticketed for second time after roof blows off

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - Thursday’s storm damaged unveiled troubling details about a pair of downtown motels.

The City of Myrtle Beach cited the Summer Wind Inn and Suites and one of its neighboring motels, Southern Breeze off South Ocean Boulevard on Friday. The city claims the motels had been operating without a business license.

On Friday, the city also revealed this isn’t Summer Wind’s first run-in with the law.

“This is something that has occurred again,” said spokesperson for the city, Mark Kruea.

Kruea said the city issued a similar ticket back in January, encouraging Summer Winds to make repairs in order to get their business license back. Records show Summer Winds lost that license within the past few years.

Kruea explained the motel was in the middle of repair work Thursday, when strong winds below off part of its roof.

The incident gave witnesses quite the scare and displaced 13 people living inside.

“We knew that it didn’t have a business license, so it shouldn’t have been occupied,” said Kruea.

One woman, Karen Shylock has loved ones who lived at one of the motels, Southern Breeze. She said she was upset to find out her family members were staying at a place that couldn’t legally operate.

“Come on, Myrtle Beach city. Let’s get on it. Let’s stop these people from renting these places. These places that won’t even pass code inspection,” said Shylock.

Shylock is now directing her anger at the motel’s management, claiming they are bypassing rules and cutting corners to make a profit, at the expense of their guests.

“I mean, they’re walking away with a million dollars, getting rich and buying new cars, while people’s lives are at stake. Myrtle Beach, we’re talking about human lives. Myrtle Beach, let’s get it together,” said Shylock.

The city said they issue about 10,000 business license each year, but they can only track establishments on the books. Because city officials aren’t sure how many unlicensed businesses are out there, they encourage you to do your homework. Leaders urge you to beware of vacation or housing deals that seem too good to be true.

“See if they have a business license. That would be an indication they’re abiding by the rules,” said Kruea.

WMBF News has tried several times to talk with the owners, but have yet to hear back.

Several residents said they are taking this situation to court next week.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

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