Mobile Home Sales in Longs, SC

LONGS, S.C. (WPDE) — Congressman Russell Fry wrote a letter to the Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service to express his concerns about the reconstruction of the Longs post office.

The post office was destroyed on June 25, 2021, in a structure fire.

After being closed for nearly two years, the community is still confused and concerned about the progress, or lack thereof, to rebuild.

The congressman's letter claims the Postmaster General has "not been forthcoming with information" or "adequately addressed" his concerns.

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Fry said the closest full operational post office options for Longs residents are all about 10 miles away.

Since the fire, customers were directed to the post office located in North Myrtle Beach. Then in August 2021, a mobile unit opened to assist customers but offered reduced hours of operation.

In early April, the area's state representative took to social media declaring that Fry's office needs to pay attention to the post office issue.

I am hopeful he and his multitasking staff will get around to showing a little support for the Longs community!

ABC15 reached out to Fry's office following the announcement and Rep. Fry tells us this has been an ongoing issue that he says the USPS has dragged its feet on in providing proper public communication.

"Right now it looks like a jungle, I think that it's unacceptable that this is even happening," Rep. Fry said. "This post office was promised to be completed in early 2023 and here we are halfway through the year and they haven't moved a single blade of grass for the new construction of a post office."

WPDE has also been working to hear more information from the USPS in regard to the Longs Post Office. Amid our request for public information, post office officials sent us a statement.

The Postal Service continues to work toward a solution regarding the rebuilding of the Longs Post Office at 50 Highway 9 E in Longs, SC 29568. We regret the delay, but progress has been made and we are confident a resolution is expected soon.

Fry said the agency made a similar comment to him when he inquired about the post office site earlier in the year.

"This just tells me all that we need to know," Fry said. "Which is that they're not doing anything, they're not providing any new information that the people of Longs can rely upon and I think that is unacceptable."

His letter requests responses with the agency's construction plan and answers to the following questions:

What is the status of the reconstruction of the post office located in Longs, SC?

He asked for his questions to be answered by May 5 as well as an in-person briefing to gain insight on the construction timeline.

USPS's statement to ABC 15 continued further saying:

"In the interim, customers may continue to conduct retail transactions at the mobile van parked on the Longs Post Office property. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Postal Service also has cluster box units on the property to serve Post Office Box customers. They may pick up their mail seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Mail and package delivery service has continued without interruption since the fire that damaged the Longs Post Office. The Postal Service appreciates its customers and thanks them for their patience as we work on a resolution to restore the facility to the community."

The representative of the post office owner, Tom Williams, told ABC15 Wednesday morning that the contracts are signed and construction will begin by late May or early June. He added all state and county permits were expedited last year, so there shouldn't be any delays. He claimed the USPS has been the reason for the delays.

LONGS, S.C. (WMBF) – Congressman Russell Fry wants answers as to why the Longs post office hasn’t been rebuilt nearly two years after a fire destroyed it.

The congressman wrote a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy airing his frustrations over the situation and the lack of answers.

“My staff has been in contact with the United States Postal Service (USPS) regarding your plans for reconstruction of this post office since January,” Fry wrote. “However, you have not been forthcoming with information and have not adequately addressed my concerns, necessitating this correspondence.”

The USPS promised to replace the town of Longs' post office by early 2023. They failed to deliver on this promise. I sent a letter to the Postmaster General to formally request answers about this unacceptable delay. pic.twitter.com/3Escw3XInZ

— Congressman Russell Fry (@RepRussellFry) April 25, 2023

The Longs post office on Highway 9 was destroyed on June 25, 2021. At first, customers were directed to go to the post office in North Myrtle Beach for their mail. Then in August 2021, a mobile unit was opened to help customers but offered reduced hours of operation.

“My constituents in Longs, SC have lacked access to a fully operational post office for almost two years. The closest fully operational post offices are located roughly 10 miles away,” Fry wrote to DeJoy.

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Fry also tweeted that the USPS promised to replace the post office by early 2023, but they have failed to deliver on that promise.

“The people of Longs deserve to know why USPS has failed to move a single blade of grass on the property where the new post office should already be built,” Fry tweeted.

The congressman sent the following list of questions to the Postmaster General to answer:

Fry requests an in-person briefing with DeJoy to get more information on the reconstruction timeline. He also asks that the questions be answered no later than May 5.

USPS released the following statement to WMBF News in regard to the Longs Post Office rebuild.

“The Postal Service continues to work toward a solution regarding the rebuilding of the Longs Post Office at 50 Highway 9 E in Longs, SC 29568. We regret the delay, but progress has been made and we are confident a resolution is expected soon. In the interim, customers may continue to conduct retail transactions at the mobile van parked on the Longs Post Office property. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Postal Service also has cluster box units on the property to serve Post Office Box customers. They may pick up their mail seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Mail and package delivery service has continued without interruption since the fire that damaged the Longs Post Office. The Postal Service appreciates its customers and thanks them for their patience as we work on a resolution to restore the facility to the community.”

The owner of the land and Post Office building said they are working with USPS to make sure the construction can begin as soon as possible.

“American Postal Infrastructure, the owner of the prior Longs Post Office building and land, and the United States Postal Service (USPS) are working together closely to commence construction on the new Longs, SC post office as quickly as possible,” said Jon Otterberg, CEO American Postal Infrastructure LLC. “We hope to share an update on this with the community very shortly, and we very much appreciate your patience during this inconvenience.”

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

Copyright 2023 WMBF. All rights reserved.

LONGS — A new fire station for one of the fastest-growing sections of Horry County was dedicated during a July 26 ceremony, replacing an outdated building that was in operation for decades along S.C. 9.

More than 50 community members, first-responders, local and state dignitaries came together under sunny skies for the grand opening of the 8,000 square foot Horry County Fire Rescue Station 13, although the department located in Longs has been running calls since May.

Horry County Fire Rescue Chief Joseph Tanner said his team looked at data and because of all of the growth in Longs, a larger station was needed. Historically Station 13 was staffed by volunteer firefighters, but now a new collaboration with career employees, including an ambulance, serves the area full-time.

“This is one of the fastest-growing areas of our county,” Tanner said. “We realized we were asking a lot of our volunteers to do it all by themselves while they had other jobs. This station was built because of the growth here.”

Much of the growth in Horry County in recent years has occurred in Longs along S.C. 9, which is east of Loris and closer to the beach.

The number of housing units in the Longs area rose by 46 percent between 2010 and 2020, almost five times faster than the housing growth rate in all of Horry County, according to Census data.

Construction crews broke ground on the $2.3 million station in February 2020; however, supply chain issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays in finishing the project. The new building features three drive-through bays, a gym, expanded living quarters and bathrooms.

“Horry County Fire Rescue is a great group of individual men and women,” Horry County Councilman Mark Causey said. “We are very lucky to have them. It is a wonderful team.

“We don’t want to forget the volunteers. They spend so much time away from their families and they are the backbone of fire and rescue in my opinion.”

One of the volunteers recognized during the ceremony was Billy Gore, who Tanner said was instrumental in getting a new fire station for the Longs community. Gore, a long-time volunteer and former district fire chief, was presented with a plaque that will be hung in the building.

Tanner noted the main reason a new station was built — for the Longs community.

“You are the reason we are here,” Tanner said. “We’ll continue to be here to serve you 365 days a year. We haven’t missed a day yet and we don’t plan on doing it now.”

A phenomenon that only happens once in a lifetime, the agave bloom is happening in the front yard of Longs local, Martha Monahan. Monahan is 84 years old and lives in Polo Farms. She has an agave ready to burst in her front yard.

She purchased the potted plant 16 years ago in Ashe, N.C. She and her husband planted it in their front yard.

Martha, who was born and raised in Northern Virginia, lost her husband just four years ago. He was unfortunately unable to live long enough to see the plant bloom.

The anticipation leading up to this momentous occasion can be overwhelming, as plant owners eagerly await the majestic display of the bloom bursting with life and color. For those lucky enough to witness it firsthand, there’s nothing quite like experiencing nature’s beauty in its purest form. Those who have witnessed it first hand, say it is a spectacle that will leave you reeling with wonder and awe!

What is the Agave Americana Plant?

The Agave Americana is a perennial succulent plant that is native to the hot and arid regions of Mexico and the southwestern United States. The plant has long, tough leaves that end in sharp points and a tall stalk that bears a beautiful bloom. The blooms are typically white or yellow, but can be any color depending on the variety of plant.

The Agave Americana is a member of the Asparagaceae family, which includes around 200 different species of plants. This particular species can grow to be up to 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide! The Agave Americana blooms only once in its lifetime, anywhere from 10-30 years after it has germinated. After blooming, the plant dies; however, it produces offsets or “pup” prior to its death, which take root and continue to grow, eventually blooming themselves.

While the Agave Americana is most commonly known for the delicious alcoholic beverage tequila, which is made from its blue variety (Agave Tequilana), the plant has many other uses. For example, the sap of the plant can be used as a natural adhesive, while the leaves can be used for ropes, mats, or even paper!

Where are These Agave Americana Plants Typically Found?

The Agave Americana plant is found in many places throughout the world, including the United States, Mexico, South America, and Australia. In the United States, they are commonly found in California, Texas, and Florida. In Mexico, they can be found in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. South America has them in Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. Australia has them in Tasmania and Western Australia.

The Anticipation of the Bloom

When the agave plant blooms, it is a spectacular sight. The plant sends up a tall stalk, sometimes as much as 20 feet high, that is covered in white flowers. The bloom only lasts for a few weeks, but it is an amazing event to witness.

The anticipation of the bloom is almost as exciting as the bloom itself. For months leading up to the event, people watch and wait for the plant to show signs that it is about to bloom. When the time finally comes, everyone gathers around to see the splendor of the agave in full bloom.

How Long Does it Take the Agave Flower to Bloom?

The agave flower only blooms once in its lifetime, and the event is an eagerly anticipated one by both the plant’s owner and onlookers. The wait for the bloom can be up to 35 years long, though typically it happens between 10 and 30 years after the agave plant has been planted.

When the time finally comes, the agave produces a tall stalk (known as a “queen”) topped with a cluster of white or yellow flowers. The flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects, which swarm to the plant in large numbers. After pollination, the Queen dies and the stalk collapses, leaving behind a circular scar.

While it may seem like a sad end to such a long-awaited event, the death of the Queen signals new life for the agave plant. From the collapsed stalk emerges numerous small replication plants, known as “pups”, that will eventually grow into full-sized agaves themselves. In this way, the cycle of life continues for this amazing plant.

What is the Significance of This Event?

The agave plant is a true wonder of the natural world. For centuries, it has been an important part of the culture and economy of Mexico, providing food, drink, and fiber for the people who live there. The agave blooms only once in its lifetime, and when it does, it is a momentous event.

This year, 2018, marks the hundredth anniversary of the last time that the agave bloomed. That event was so significant that it was widely reported in the news at the time. Now, a new generation gets to witness this rare event.

The anticipation of the agave bloom is palpable in Mexico. People are making plans to travel from all over the country to see it. Hotels are booking up fast and restaurants are preparing special menu items featuring agave products. It is truly a momentous occasion.

How to Prepare for Witnessing the Bloom

If you’re lucky enough to live near an agave plant, or have one in your own yard, you may be able to witness the amazing sight of its bloom. The Agave americana, or century plant, blooms only once in its lifetime – and then it dies. But the bloom is an event that’s well worth witnessing, as it’s truly a sight to behold.

Here are some tips on how to best prepare for witnessing the agave bloom:

Tips for Photographing and Capturing the Blooms

When photographing and capturing the blooms of the Agave plant, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to get the best results. Here are some tips:

-The Agave plant blooms infrequently, so make sure to take advantage of the opportunity when it does! This means having your camera ready at all times.

-The blooms only last for a few days, so timing is everything. Pay attention to the weather forecast and try to plan your photography around when the blooms will be at their peak.

-Early morning or late evening light is typically the best for photography, so plan accordingly.

-If possible, get up close and personal with the bloom. Use a tripod if needed for stability, and use macro settings or close focusing if your camera has them. This will help you capture all the intricate details of the bloom.

-Experiment with different angles and perspectives to get unique shots. And don’t forget to take photos of the whole plant, not just the bloom!

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LONGS, S.C. (WBTW) — After 39 years apart, two boot camp buddies were reunited Tuesday in Horry County.

Nancy Lewis and Kristine Murray met while they were in U.S. Army boot camp in October 1983, and on Tuesday, News13 was there when Lewis paid a surprise visit to her old friend at the Cakes by the Sea bakery she operates in Longs.

Lewis served active duty in the Army for seven and a half years, while Murray served three years in the National Guard. The two had been searching for each other for almost 40 years, until Murray’s daughter, Karly, found Lewis on Facebook in 2022 and connected the two.

Before Tuesday, the two women had only talked on the phone.

“One day I said, man, I wish I could find my buddy from the Army,” Murray said. “Her name is Nancy Cubbage. I haven’t seen her in forever and we got along good,” And Karly pulls her phone out and she goes, ‘is this her?’ and there’s her picture. And I freaked out and then that’s how it started.

“I called her, she called me back … and now she surprised me today,” Murray said.

Lewis told News13 via email that the two “got each other through boot camp for 6 weeks.”

“She was my everything that got me through other rough times in training,” she said.

Lewis said her only wish was that her parents could have been there to join in on the reunion.

“She spent Thanksgiving Day with us when my parents and my two sisters came down for the day for family time,” Lewis said. “[Murray’s] parents did not make it, so she was given permission to join our family to the day.”

While her parents were not there, Lewis’ sisters were able to be there for the surprise.

“I am just so glad that we are reunited, and I thank her daughter for reaching out.” Lewis said.

The two are also thankful for social media.

“We thank Facebook because back then in ’83, there was no phones, no cameras really. That’s why we only have the one picture…and it’s just amazing.”