Factcheck: Did Horry County ‘effectively’ end its 30 percent ownership of the Pelicans?
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The future of the Pelicans in Myrtle Beach was almost resolved, but changes to the deal seemingly last minute have led to finger-pointing.
The city claims that Horry County has “effectively” ended its ownership of the baseball stadium.
In a news release Wednesday afternoon, the city wrote, “With Horry County effectively ending its 30 percent ownership, the city is now exploring options to keep baseball in Myrtle Beach.”
The county says that is not true.
Spokesperson for Horry County, Thomas Bell, confirmed via text message on Wednesday afternoon that the county continues to hold 30% ownership of Pelicans Ballpark.
“Horry County desires to support the continuance of baseball in Myrtle Beach as an amenity for residents and tourists alike and desires to limit the incentives provided to a private for-profit business,” Bell’s text read.
The deadline for the contract to be signed is at the end of this month.
In the release, the city said that “officials expressed disappointment following Horry County Council’s vote Tuesday night.”
Horry County passed an ordinance that would’ve allowed a new lease for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, but the ordinance asked for more than the city’s version.
“Although the lease was approved, it is not the same agreement passed by Myrtle Beach City Council,” the release read. “Unlike the city’s version, Horry County’s lease includes additional concessions unrelated to baseball.”
Based on the city’s release, it’s unclear how the county has ended its ownership of the ballpark. It’s also unclear what the future is for the stadium and the team’s future in Myrtle Beach after both ordinances were passed by the city and county.
The release was sent out at 2:13 p.m. and said Bethune would be available for media interviews in-person from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. The Sun News contacted via email and phone, asking for further clarification from Mayor Brenda Bethune.
Council decided to pass the ordinance as it was written, requiring the city to participate in an Intergovernmental Agreement over a multi-county business park and airport funding.
“Myrtle Beach does not want to lose Minor League Baseball and is working toward a solution,” the end of the city’s release read. “However, with limited time and resources, the city faces a difficult decision.”
