Hurricane Irma Notice - Sept. 5, 10:30 A.M.

Hurricane Irma is now a Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph with higher gusts.

Irma is a deadly storm, and the final track that it will take is still very unclear. The latest model runs (see photo) have been consistent with the storm moving to the West-North-West and then making a rather abrupt turn to the North in about five days.

When reading tracking projections, don't just focus on the black dots that represent the hurricane but also the broader area defined by, in this case, the white lines. This is the "cone of uncertainty"-- the hurricane has the potential to track toward any area encompassed by this cone. Normally, as the days progress, this "cone" will shrink as the many tracking models begin to agree on more specific landfall information. But that does not always happen. Hurricane Matthew was a good example of that.

Our best advice at this point in time is to develop your plan-- where will you go if it is finally determined that the storm will head this way? Do you have gas in your car? Do you have your valuable papers (insurance, etc.) collected so that you can take them with you? If you take medications, do you have a supply to last you at least two weeks? What will you do with your pets? And more.

If you do not have a plan, we recommend that you visitwww.ready.gov which offers good advice on how to prepare for a hurricane. The storm is still far enough out that you do have time to effectively prepare for it, should it head this way.

As we learn more, we will post information that pertains to our area on www.nmb.us, Facebook/cityofnmb and Twitter @cityofnmb. We will also continue to use our Email News Groups.

September North Myrtle Beach Tree of the Month

The North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board has selected a pink Flowering Dogwood located at the home of Wayne and Pinky Wilson, 703 9th Avenue South, as its Tree of the Month for September.

The Dogwood is native to the southeastern United States. It grows well in sandy soil and has few serious pest problems. It does best in partial shade like the under-story of large Pines and Oaks.

The Dogwood’s April flowers range in color from white to ruby red, depending on the variety of the tree, but nearly all have scarlet leaves and red berries in the fall of the year. 

Though difficult to transplant, Flowering Dogwoods make excellent landscape specimens once established.

Property owners and developers who are interested in finding out more about how they can preserve trees on their property are invited to contact the North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board at nmbtreeboard@nmb.us.

The Tree of the Month program began in 2010 as a way to recognize trees within the city that have been preserved over the years. It also provides a platform to remind people of the benefits and importance that trees offer in our everyday lives.

If you think you have the biggest, prettiest, or most unusual tree in North Myrtle Beach, or that your tree has a unique story attached to it, the Tree City Board encourages you to contact Parks & Grounds Superintendent Jim Grainger at (843) 280-5571 or via email atnmbtreeboard@nmb.us.

North Myrtle Beach Fire Battalion Chief Mike Davis Deploys to Texas as Part of Type 3 Incident Management Team

North Myrtle Beach Fire Battalion Chief Mike Davis (see photo) is headed to Texas as part of a Type 3 incident management team. He will leave from Florence, SC at noon today and will be deployed for 14 to 19 days.

When Mike's team is assembled, they will find out where they are going in Texas and the exact nature of their mission, and we will share that with you.

A Type 3 incident management team is a multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional team used for extended incidents. It is formed and managed at the local, state or tribal level and includes a designated team of trained personnel from different departments, organizations, agencies and jurisdictions.

Several days ago North Myrtle Beach Firefighter/EMT Thomas Brady deployed to Houston, Texas and is working as part of the South Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team.

Enjoy the "Brickhouse Band" in a FREE August 31 concert at the Horseshoe on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach

You are invited to enjoy the BrickHouse Band in a free August 31, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. concert at the Horseshoe on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach.

Music style: Variety hits.

Bring a beach chair.

The free concert is part of the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department’s Music on Main summer concert series sponsored by Coastal Carolina National Bank (CCNB).

For day of event weather information call the “Rec Check” hotline at (843) 280-5594, follow on Facebook, or visit their website http://parks.nmb.us

Tropical Storm Watch - August 28 Morning Update

This information from the National Weather Service covers Northeastern South Carolina and Southeastern North Carolina.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Number 10 continues to develop off the Georgia coast and may strengthen as it moves north.

**Potential Tropical Cyclone Number 10 may bring heavy rain and gusty winds to portions of coastal South and North Carolina**

CURRENT INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Brunswick, Coastal Georgetown, Coastal Horry, Coastal New Hanover, Coastal Pender, Inland Brunswick, Inland Georgetown, Inland Horry, Inland New Hanover, and Inland Pender.

* STORM INFORMATION:
About 330 miles southwest of Wilmington NC or about 260 miles south-southwest of Myrtle Beach SC
- 30.3N 81.0W
- Storm Intensity 35 mph
- Movement Stationary

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Potential Tropical Cyclone Number 10 is located off the Georgia coast, and is expected to move along the coast of South and North Carolina this afternoon through Tuesday morning. Winds may increase to tropical storm force as the storm`s center moves by, with rainfall amounts of six inches or more possible. This system is not yet well defined, and considerable uncertainty remains with exactly how organized this system could become in the time remaining before reaching our area.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across coastal South and North Carolina. Potential impacts include:
- Moderate flooding from rainfall may prompt some evacuations and rescues.
- Rivers and streams may rise and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in the typical prone locations. Small creeks and ditches may overflow.
- Flood waters may enter some structures. Underpasses, low-lying spots along roadways, and poor drainage areas may become submerged by rising water. Some secondary streets and parking lots may flood as storm drains and retention ponds overflow.
- Driving conditions will become hazardous, and some road closures can be expected.
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across coastal South and North Carolina.

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across coastal South and North Carolina. Potential impacts in this area include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes is possible. Unsecured lightweight objects may be blown about.
- Some large limbs may break from trees. A few shallow rooted or weak trees may snap or be knocked down. Some fences and roadway signs damaged.
- A few roads may become blocked due to debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded locations. Hazardous driving conditions are possible, especially for high profile vehicles on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages are possible.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across coastal South and North Carolina. Potential impacts include:
- The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions.
- Tornadoes can cause damage to trees, vehicles, boats, and buildings. Unsecured mobile homes and poorly constructed structures are particularly vulnerable.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
No evacuations are in effect at this time.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties which must be taken into account.

Be a Good Samaritan and check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations.

Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio or other local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast as this is still a developing storm.

NEXT UPDATE
-----------
The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Wilmington NC around 11:30 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

Results: August 21 North Myrtle Beach City Council Meeting

During the August 21 City Council meeting, six city employees received Longevity Awards. Employees who continuously provide excellent customer service receive Longevity Awards in five-year increments. Receiving the awards were Wastewater Operator “A” Derek Little (25 years of service), Information Services Director Rick Wall(20), Heavy Equipment Operator Patrick Bellamy (15), PSO Fire Lieutenant Justin Domogauer (15) Assistant Finance Director Jamie Baker (10) and Accounting Supervisor Ashley Richardson (10).

           

City Council recognized the North Myrtle Beach Girls 11-12 year All Star Softball Team, led by Manager Shane Carrick, Assistant Coach Don Barrow and Assistant Coach Patrick Bellamy. Team members include Kristin Livingston, Julia Walker, Isabella Bellamy, Isabella Barrow, Macy Prince, Kylie French, Briana Jenkins, Lauren Seddinger, Lauren Hilburn, Aaliyah Earl, Morgan Soileau, and Kara Richardson. The team won all of their District 1 games to become South Carolina Dixie Softball District 1 Champions.

City Council recognized the North Myrtle Beach Boys 9-10 All Star Baseball Team, led by Manager Joe Reaves, Assistant Coach Cary Smith, Assistant Coach Craig Helmecki, and Assistant Coach Mace Watts. Team members include Connor Helmecki, Nathan O’Connor, Mason Cox, Jake Frick, Sawyer Smith, Jack Watts, Campbell Kingston, Rowen Simpson, Brown Reaves, Justin Sheffield, Gabriel Kuznik, and Luke Roupe. The team won all of their Sub-District and District Tournament games to become South Carolina Dixie Youth District 11 Champions.

           

City Council recognized the North Myrtle Beach Mutiny professional soccer team. The Mutiny played its home games at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex, and considers North Myrtle Beach home.

The Coast FA Mutiny is the highest-level soccer team in Horry, Georgetown and Marion Counties. Coast FA, a local non-profit soccer club, acquired the team in 2015. The team consists primarily of active college stars and achieving local players within the Coast FA youth system. 

The Mutiny participate in the United States Soccer Premier Development League (PDL). The PDL consists of 72 teams competing in four conferences split into 10 regions. This past season, the Mutiny’s record was 10-1-3, finishing first in the South Athletic Division.

Coastal Carolina Associate Coach Kyle Russell is the Head Coach for the Mutiny. Ross Morgan serves as an Assistant Coach and Pat Piscitelli serves as Sporting Director.

City Council approved a special event permit for the Society of Stranders (SOS) Fun Sunday, scheduled for September I7, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. between Hillside Drive and Ocean Boulevard.

City Council approved a special event permit for the Society of Stranders (SOS) Fun Monday, scheduled forSeptember 18, 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., on Main Street between Hillside Drive and Ocean Boulevard.

City Council passed a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a Mutual Aid Agreement between the City of North Myrtle Beach and the 15th Judicial Circuit Traffic Enforcement Court of South Carolina. Fifteen other law enforcement agencies in Horry and Georgetown Counties are also parties to the Mutual Aid Agreement. The agreement is for the term of two years.

City Council passed first reading of a proposed ordinance to amend the Barefoot Resort Planned Development District (MJPDD-17-02) as it applies to the Tuscan Sands neighborhood. The proposal is to reduce the rear setback from 20 feet to l0 feet in the Tuscan Sands neighborhood of Barefoot Resort to allow for unheated/conditioned patios or porches that meet specific standards. Homeowners have expressed an interest in building porches or patios farther into their rear yards, but space may be limited because of the 20-foot setback requirement. The 20-foot rear setback would remain for heated or air conditioned living space.

City Council passed first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 23, Zoning, of the Code of Ordinances of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (ZTX-17-06). City staff is proposing a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to create a new overlay zoning district that addresses setbacks for the construction of decks and porches within the R-3 zoning district.

Specifically, staff is recommending a "floating" overlay zone— the Small Lot Outdoor Living Overlay. The overlay district would exist in the zoning text only, with no initial application to specific properties at this time. When an applicant requests that the overlay be applied to their property, or if the city proposes its application to specific areas of the city, the request would be processed as a typical rezoning application. The Planning Commission would provide a recommendation to City Council as to whether the district makes sense on a case-by-case basis, applying the criteria in the purpose statement.

Average lot sizes of a surrounding neighborhood would be considered when requests are made for application of the overlay within the R-3 zoning district. Prime candidates for the use of this overlay include neighborhoods with a predominance of lot sizes that are at and/or sometimes below the minimum size for the underlying district.

SIx North Myrtle Beach City Employees Receive Customer Service Awards

During the August 21 North Myrtle Beach City Council meeting, six city employees received Longevity Awards. Employees who continuously provide excellent customer service receive Longevity Awards in five-year increments.

Receiving the awards were Wastewater Operator “A”Derek Little (25 years of service), Information Services Director Rick Wall(20), Heavy Equipment Operator Patrick Bellamy(15), PSO Fire LieutenantJustin Domogauer (15) Assistant Finance DirectorJamie Baker (10) and Accounting SupervisorAshley Richardson (10).

We congratulate these employees and thank them for their service to the North Myrtle Beach community!

(L-R in the accompanying photo: City Manager Mike Mahaney, Rick Wall, Ashley Richardson, Jamie Baker, Justin Domogauer, Patrick Bellamy, Derek Little.)