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

By John Smithson It was a perfect day for the 44th annual North Myrtle Beach Easter Egg Hunt last Saturday at McLean Park. The hunt is held on Easter Saturday of every year and families and kids gathered in different sections of the park waiting for the countdown to 10 a.m. and the rush to pick up eggs they could trade in for a treat. A large crowd of kids entered the park from all directions and gathered behind yellow tape waiting for the signal to begin their annual hunt. The city’s Parks and Recreation staff monitored the different egg …

The North Myrtle Beach Fire Department has once again received the Fire Safe South Carolina Community Designation for 2025, marking its sixth consecutive year earning this statewide recognition. The Fire Department first achieved the designation for the 2020 calendar year and has maintained that standard each year since. “This recognition reflects the consistent dedication of our team to fire prevention and community risk reduction,” said Fire Chief Billy Floyd. “We are proud to continue this work and remain committed to keeping our residents and visitors safe.” Fire Safe South Carolina is a statewide initiative launched in 2019, when only 57 …

By Angel Sylvester Get ready to climb, explore, and discover at the 8th Annual Touch-A-Truck event hosted by the North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation Department. This exciting, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex. Admission is free, and everyone is invited to join in the fun. Touch-A-Truck gives children a unique, hands-on opportunity to explore more than 50 larger-than-life vehicles and pieces of equipment in a safe and engaging environment. From North Myrtle Beach Police, Fire, and Public Works to trucks and …

By Ruben Lowman The political landscape for the Horry County Board of Education has officially come into focus following the closing of the 2026 filing deadline, setting the stage for a potentially significant leadership transition. With current Board Chair David Cox opting not to seek reelection, the race for the top seat has narrowed to a contest between two current board members, ensuring that the district will have a new face at the helm. Darrell Ricketts, a Republican representing the Aynor and Conway areas with nearly four decades of experience as a teacher and administrator, will face off against Melanie …

Eighteen graduates were recognized from the Spring 2026 Citizens Police Academy after completing an eight-week program. Throughout the academy, participants demonstrated a strong commitment of time and curiosity, along with a genuine willingness to learn and better understand the role of law enforcement within our community. This program helps build understanding, trust and most importantly, partnership. Each graduate now carries a deeper appreciation for the responsibilities and challenges police officers face every day. Strong communities are built on strong relationships, and the city is grateful for their commitment to helping make the City of North Myrtle Beach a safer place …

By Ruben Lowman The North Myrtle Beach City Council has taken a definitive step toward clearing the air for coastal visitors by granting unanimous first reading approval to a new ordinance that would prohibit all forms of smoking on public beaches. During a session on Monday, April 6, city leaders addressed what they said were long-standing frustrations regarding secondhand smoke and the environmental impact of cigarette-related litter, which remains one of the most persistent forms of debris along the shoreline. Officials verified the proposed ban would be comprehensive, covering not only traditional tobacco products but also e-cigarettes and similar vaping …

The Little River Food Truck Festival was a phenomenal success in its inaugural season. More than 40 food trucks in addition to 100 arts/crafts/business vendors were visited by almost 7,000 people. Festival organizers were pleased with the turnout of locals and visitors to the food truck festival located at the Little River Landing on Watson Avenue in Little River.  The Little River Landing was recently refurbished to be home to Myrtle Beach Watersports, Little River Fishing Fleet and several other water-related businesses. Long time festival director, Hubert Bullard, worked with the property owners, the Little River Rotary Club and other …

By Diane Woods Recently, Amazon graciously donated two double fryers and three temperature sticks to the North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad. The fryers are much needed for the Squad’s Annual Fish Fry. The temperature sticks will be placed in each ambulance to monitor the temperature in the patient care area of the ambulances. Andrew VandenBurgh, manager at Amazon, stated, “We are happy to be investing in the community and to give back.” From all of us at the North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad, thank you. We will see you at the Annual Fish Fry on Saturday, October 24, so make …

By Lauren Jessie The North Myrtle Beach Tree Board recognizes a River Birch on Surf Point Drive as the April Tree of the Month. The owner planted the tree in 2017. River Birch (Betula Nigra) is a hardy deciduous tree that is native to South Carolina and resistant to drought, flooding and air pollution. River Birch is an ideal tree to plant in damp spots to help prevent soil erosion. The reddish-gray bark is a distinctive feature, peeling into papery thin layers.

By Ruben Lowman The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has officially removed the wood stork from the federal list of endangered and threatened species, a decision that went into effect last month. This landmark delisting follows decades of intensive habitat restoration, both locally in Horry County and along the East Coast, and indicates a significant population rebound for the only stork species native to North America. When the wood stork was first listed as endangered in 1984, the U.S. breeding population had plummeted to roughly 5,000 nesting pairs due to the degradation of wetland habitats and altered water flows in …