North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years

By Ruben Lowman During its regular meeting on Monday, May 4, the North Myrtle Beach City Council gave final approval to an ordinance banning smoking and e-cigarettes on all public beaches. The new regulations, which take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, amend the city’s Health and Sanitation code to include the shoreline and all public access points, such as walkovers and dune crossovers. City officials stated the expansion of the “public beach” definition is intended to prevent smoking from congregating at entrances and to reduce the amount of cigarette-related litter impacting the environment and public safety. Councilmembers noted that the …

By Carol Kurtz Community pride was on full display as the Rotary Club of Little River sponsored an environmental clean-up effort in preparation for the upcoming World Famous Blue Crab Festival on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17. Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Little River partnered with the Kiwanis Club of North Myrtle Beach-Little River and the North Strand Optimist Club to help beautify key areas throughout Little River. The project began at the “Welcome to Little River” sign off Mineola Avenue, where volunteers weeded flower beds, picked up leaves and spread fresh mulch before moving to the …

By Diane Woods The North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad is proud to announce the appointment of Gary Clark as its new Chief and Director of Operations. Clark brings more than two decades of emergency medical experience and a proven record of leadership and service to the organization. Clark joined the North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad in 2019 and quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Captain beginning in 2020. His extensive background, commitment to excellence and dedication to community service made him a natural choice for the department’s highest leadership role. In addition to his administrative duties, Clark also responds …

A longtime Main Street staple is officially back open and serving customers once again. Ocean Drive Barbershop, located at 233 Main Street in the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach, has reopened its doors after recently being brought under local ownership by the Worley family. The historic shop, which has been part of the Main Street community for decades, is now operating under local ownership with Jason Porter operating the shop. The reopening continues a long-standing Main Street tradition in Ocean Drive. “We wanted to see the barbershop stay a barbershop,” said HG Worley Jr. “This place has a …

By Ruben Lowman Local residents looking to prioritize health and community connection have two significant, cost-free opportunities as Horry County launches back-to-back wellness initiatives this week. From mental health advocacy to beachfront athletics, these events utilize the area’s natural landscapes to provide accessible resources for families and individuals. The weekend begins on Friday, May 15, with the “Steps Against Stigma” Mental Health Action Day at Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens in Little River. Organized by Horry County Behavioral Services and Parks and Recreation, this event runs from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and features a Wellness Walk and Resource Fair. Participants …

By Carl MacLeod and Matt Davis A new effort is underway to turn a long-planned 9/11 tribute in Little River into a physical landmark and organizers say community donations will determine how soon construction can begin. Space Air Land Sea HQ Veterans Post 1 (SALS), working alongside the Little River Chamber of Commerce and a volunteer committee, is asking residents, veterans, groups, civic organizations and local businesses to help fund the memorial’s first phase, including site preparation and core materials. Planned as the Veterans, First Responders & Patriots 9/11 Memorial, the project is intended to offer a place for remembrance …

Lilian Canfora and Jacquelyn Strickland, both recent Coastal Carolina University graduates, have been awarded the DKG Education Scholarship. Lilian will be teaching at the Academy for Technology and Academics (ATA) where she hopes to instill in her high school students the love of learning her parents and teachers instilled in her. While a student at Coastal Carolina University, she served as chair of the Teacher Cadet program in Horry County Schools which provided valuable experience and a strong support system in the field of education. Jacquelyn majored in early childhood education and looks forward to making a positive impact on …

By John Smithson The North Myrtle Beach High School varsity Lady Chiefs are alive and kicking in the SCHSL softball playoffs. The Chiefs proved that with a 7-4 win over Conway Monday night at Conway. The Chiefs faced a win or go home game with the Lady Tigers and after a scoreless first inning, they did something about it. Singles by Lilly Carney, Izzy Bruno and Sierra Bendik loaded the bases in the top of the second. With two outs Chloe Butler doubled to right field and three runs scored. A double by Carolina Porter drove in Butler for a …

By John Smithson The North Myrtle Beach girls soccer team won their first playoff match 5-0 last week over Myrtle Beach but lost a tough one in West Florence and are out of the SCHSL playoffs. The Chiefs got off to a slow start in the Seahawks match, the score 0-0 until late in the first half. Coach Kelsey Winkler blamed it on familiarity. “We did start slow. It’s tough to beat a team three times. You learn the way they play, and they learn the way you play. They actually outperformed us a lot during the match. We finally …

By John Smithson The Chiefs boys soccer team had a 14-4 record this season and earned a spot in the SCHSL playoffs. Their first match last Wednesday at The Hank was against the Irmo Yellow Jackets who were 3-14 in regular season play. The Chiefs played hard and kept offensive pressure in the first half, but the score was 0-0 as the teams finished the first 40 minutes of play. Coach Zachariah Brittain watched the team respond in the second half for a 2-0 first round playoff win. “We have been talking about high energy all year. Tonight I decided …