The last few weeks have turned our world upside down, thanks to the scary prospect of an illness we can’t see. The steps taken to fight the spread of COVID-19 have disrupted our lives, our schools, our economy and our community. We are grateful to everyone who loves Myrtle Beach for the many positive ways in which you have responded.
For timely updates regarding the coronavirus and the City of Myrtle Beach’s response, bookmark and check the Coronavirus Advisory webpage. The city is giving restaurants more flexibility for additional signs and tents during the coronavirus emergency. On March 18, 2020, City Manager John Pedersen has signed an order allowing temporary signage and operational rules to help restaurants cope.
At this time, events and activities in Myrtle Beach are on their regular schedule. We will continue to monitor the situation with our state and federal partners and respond accordingly.
The City of Myrtle Beach partnered with Santee Cooper to create an underground utilities fund to accomplish our shared goals. That system has been the model for virtually every other city in South Carolina and many in North Carolina.
The City of Myrtle Beach’s Emergency Management staff is monitoring the coronavirus situation closely and participating in state conference calls with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC and DHEC are mounting an aggressive public health response to identify potential cases early and prevent additional spread where possible.
U.S. Army veteran and former Pittsburgh Steelers’ running back Rocky Bleier will serve as the Grand Marshal of this year’s Military Appreciation Days Parade on Farrow Parkway. The parade is sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and begins at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 23. It’s a highlight of the Grand Strand’s month-long celebration of our dedicated military men, women and families for their service.
The City of Myrtle Beach is restoring and recreating the home and adjacent motel of Charlie and Sarah Fitzgerald on Carver Street. Charlie’s Place, the adjacent nightspot that catered to African-American performers of the day, is long gone, but plans call for using the location as an events space and a small business incubator.
Myrtle Beach City Council amended the financial incentives available for certain new investment and redevelopment projects in designated areas to encourage new economic activity. Projects approved by City Council under the new rules could receive vouchers (credits) for a portion of the money that was invested.
Myrtle Beach is a young town, but the city works hard to preserve the short history that we have. The city was incorporated in 1938, barely 80 years ago, but those have been active decades. Much has changed, and the city has seen tremendous growth.
Myrtle Beach’s new Quality of Life Court is expected to hear its first cases in mid-March. The goal of establishing such a court is to quickly address issues that negatively affect the quality of life here for our residents, businesses and visitors.
