North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Ruben Lowman
The Horry County Council took a decisive step toward enhancing public safety in the northern end of the county by approving the initial funding for a new state-of-the-art EMS station in the Windy Hill section of North Myrtle Beach.
During their meeting last month, county councilmembers gave second reading approval to an ordinance that authorizes the issuance of up to $5 million in general obligation bonds to fund the new station for first responders. These funds are earmarked for the entire lifecycle of the project, covering everything from land acquisition and architectural design to the actual construction and outfitting of the new facility.
This investment is particularly significant for the Windy Hill community, which sits at the southern gateway of North Myrtle Beach and serves as a high-traffic corridor for both residents and tourists.
By placing a modern first responder hub directly in this zone, the county aims to drastically improve emergency response times and provide a higher level of care for a population that continues to grow year-round.
The push for a dedicated county EMS station in Windy Hill complements the existing infrastructure of the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department, which currently operates five stations throughout the city limits.
While the city fire department already provides robust first-responder medical services, the addition of a $5 million county EMS facility ensures that advanced life support and transport capabilities are permanently stationed in one of the most densely populated sections of the beach.
This collaborative approach between county and city resources is essential for managing the seasonal surges in population that often strain local emergency services during the late spring, summer and fall.
The ordinance now moves toward a third and final reading, which will solidify the financial commitment and allow planners to begin scouting the specific location for the new building.
In addition to the infrastructure improvements, the council also signaled its support for a major expansion of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program within the Horry County Police Department.
Horry County Police Chief Kris Leonhardt, a North Myrtle Beach resident, received authorization to apply for a $2.7 million state grant from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) to bolster security in local schools.
If the grant is awarded, the funding will secure the positions of SROs currently serving at several major institutions, including North Myrtle Beach High School and Middle School, and Green Sea Floyds High School and Middle School, as well as the Academy for Arts, Science and Technology.
Furthermore, the proposal seeks to add five new full-time officers to cover middle schools in unincorporated areas, including Loris Middle School, ensuring that each campus has a dedicated, certified law enforcement professional on-site to mentor students and maintain a safe learning environment.
The timing of these safety initiatives aligns with the 2027 fiscal year planning and reflects a broader strategy to keep pace with the educational and medical needs of a rapidly developing coastal region. For families in the North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Longs and Loris areas, the expansion of the SRO program into more middle schools provides an added layer of security during the formative years of a student’s education.
By combining these educational safety measures with the localized emergency medical response of the upcoming Windy Hill station, Horry County officials are attempting to create a more resilient public safety net that protects residents where they live, work and learn.
