SURFSIDE BEACH

Surfside Beach came into its own as an incorporated city on March 14, 1964, with 881 residents. Until the 1960's the Surfside area had developed very slowly. Known as Roach's Beach with only one, two-story survivor of the storm of 1893 and several cottages, the region was purchased in the early 1920's and farmed for lumber and feed for the 30 or so horses and mules in the area. The new owner, Mr. George J. Holiday renamed the area Floral Beach for his wife Flora and daughter Floramay. The area changed hands again in the late 1920's but development was tepid until 1956 with the reactivation of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Hurricane Hazel in 1954 destroyed 18 of the beach's 65 houses. T.J. Harrison, who later became the town's first mayor opened the first grocery store in 1956. By the 1964 incorporating date the beach area was growing rapidly as a tourist and retiree destination. Today Surfside Beach boasts over 3500 year-round residents, scores of restaurants and retail shops, four parks, a library and the lowest tax rate on the Grand Strand. The town is also the only locality on the Grand Strand to host Easter, Halloween, and Christmas celebrations.