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

By Ruben Lowman Horry County officials officially tabled a proposed data center ordinance following a recently-held marathon Infrastructure and Regulation Committee meeting. Despite a push to get ahead of the artificial intelligence boom, the council ultimately decided that they simply do not have the technical expertise to regulate these “resource-consuming hubs” without further research. For residents in the more rural areas of Longs and Loris, who often find themselves on the front lines of industrial expansion, this pause offers a temporary reprieve from the uncertainty of massive computer warehouses moving into the backyard. Councilman Michael Masciarelli admitted that the field …

By Ruben Lowman In a landmark move that signals the rapid transformation of the Grand Strand, the Horry County Council gave first-reading approval recently to a fiscal year 2027 budget totaling $1.04 billion. This is the first time in the county’s history that the budget has breached the billion-dollar mark, representing a massive $172 million increase over the current year. For local residents, the most welcome news is that this record-breaking spending comes without a proposed property tax increase, as the millage rate remains steady at 52.1 mils. County Administrator Barry Spivey noted that just 15 years ago, the budget …

By Bo Gilbert The 9th Annual Ocean Drive Beach Music Festival is set to bring a full day of live beach music, dancing, and good vibes to downtown North Myrtle Beach on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Gates open at 10 a.m. for this popular outdoor event, which takes place on the stage in the parking lot between Main Street and First Avenue South—within easy walking distance of the Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort and the iconic Ocean Drive area. This year’s lineup features three powerhouse acts known for delivering high-energy performances and Carolina beach music classics: Band of Oz …

By John Smithson You may not be a shagger or have mastered the steps that shag dancers perform, but after an hour parade down Main Street last Saturday, you have to admit that shaggers do have fun. Saturday’s Parade was the climactic event in a week-long celebration known as SOS Spring Safari. As usual, the Society of Shaggers or SOS put a lot of thought and effort into this spring’s parade. There were lots of Hall of Fame members saluted and floats from different shag clubs from all over the Carolinas. They were uniquely themed and populated by members who …

By Kathy Heagen The GFWC North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club proudly presented a $50,000 donation to the Family Justice Center on Thursday, April 23, during a special check presentation to Executive Director Deidre Arabadjis. The funds will help build the playground area at the new Horry County Domestic Violence Shelter, the first shelter of its kind in Horry County. The shelter is scheduled to open some time in July. This meaningful contribution is the result of nearly six years of dedication and fundraising by club members. Through the club’s annual Domestic Violence Walk, Purses with Purpose and Christmas Candlelight Tour …

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the City of North Myrtle Beach announced that John Galganski has been named the next Fire Chief for the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department. Chief Galganski will become the Department’s eighth Fire Chief, effective May 16, 2026, following the retirement of current Fire Chief Billy Floyd, whose final day of service will be Friday, May 15, 2026. Chief Galganski expressed his appreciation for the opportunity, saying, “It is an honor to serve as Fire Chief for the City of North Myrtle Beach. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and privileged to lead …

By Carol Kurtz With enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose, the Lions Club of North Myrtle Beach brought together nearly 30 volunteers on Saturday, April 25, for a high-energy environmental clean-up at Heritage Shores Nature Preserve in North Myrtle Beach. Members were joined by partners from the Kiwanis Club of North Myrtle Beach–Little River, Rotary Club of Little River (Noon and Sunset), and VFW Post 10804 and Auxiliary turning collaboration into meaningful action. Together, they cleared trails, protected waterways and enhanced the natural beauty of the preserve, leaving a lasting impression on both the landscape and community. This collaborative …

By John Smithson The North Myrtle Beach High School varsity boys and girls soccer teams are closing out their regular season schedule this week after finishing most 6AAAAA region matches last week. The boys team finished their region play last week with losses to the only teams that beat them this spring. Last Tuesday the Chiefs traveled to St. James for their second meeting with the Sharks. The Chiefs finished the first half trailing 2-0 and finished the match losing 4-1. Cristhian Vasquez scored the Chiefs goal and Tomas Arroyo had seven saves. Last Thursday Myrtle Beach visited The Hank …

By John Smithson The NMB Chiefs baseball team got back on the winning track last week sweeping the Myrtle Beach Seahawks in a three-game series 10-0, 22-0 and 12-3. The Chiefs began their winning streak on senior night last Monday at The Hank. Sawyer Smith started a two-run rally in the bottom of the first with a double. Porter Anglin ran for Smith and went to second when Kaden Lank was hit by a pitch. Trevor Mitchetti singled in Anglin and Lank eventually scored on an error. Gabe Priest walked to open the Chiefs second and was sacrificed to second. …

By John Smithson The NMB Lady Chiefs softball team won the first two games of their series with Myrtle Beach last week. The Chiefs were home last Monday night for their first game. The Lady Seahawks had runners on first and second with one out, but a 1-5-3 double play ended the top of the first with no damage by the visitors. The Chiefs got the scoring started in the first with Carolina Porter drawing a walk and Capri Laughlin hit by a pitch, putting them on first and second.  A passed ball moved them to second and third. Sadie …