City of North Myrtle Beach Hurricane Evacuation & Reentry Procedures and More

The formal hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin (Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico) is June 1 to November 30. According to the experts, and judging from the early storms we have experienced, we may be in for a very active season. Now is the time to prepare for the hurricane season.

Mandatory Evacuation Procedures

IF a hurricane threatens our area and, IF the Governor issues an evacuation order, evacuation routes are as follows:

-- Once the Governor issues a mandatory evacuation, lane reversals may automatically occur for two sections of Highway 501— U.S. Highway 501 from SC 544 to SC 378, and U.S. Highway 501 from SC 22 to the U.S. Highway 501/SC 576 split in Marion. Once you enter a lane reversal pattern, you will not be able to get back out. Never enter a lane reversal pattern unless directed to do so by law enforcement.

-- The Horry County evacuation plan to which all North Myrtle Beach residents and vacationers are subject requires all people located north of Briarcliffe Acres to evacuate via SC 9 North to I-95 and beyond.

-- These requirements stem from the South Carolina Hurricane Evacuation Study for the Northern Conglomerate released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2012.

Reentry Procedures

When reentering the city of North Myrtle Beach after a hurricane evacuation, property owners, renters and business owners should be prepared to show either their driver’s license, a copy of a recent water bill or property tax bill, a rental agreement, or other form of identity that proves residency or property ownership within the city.

Owners of businesses with employees who do not reside within the city limits but who are essential to business recovery should provide those employees with a letter written on company letterhead, identifying them as being essential to the recovery of the business. When identifying an employee, please use their name as shown on their driver’s license so that authorities can match the two for verification.

The City of North Myrtle Beach does not require filing residency or business information prior to a storm.

The City’s goal is for the return of property owners and others to North Myrtle Beach as soon as possible following a hurricane evacuation so that all can help in the recovery process. However, some areas of the city may not be safe or essential utilities damaged, resulting in delayed reentry to the affected locations.

Please be aware that other jurisdictions that you may travel through on your return to North Myrtle Beach from a hurricane evacuation may have different identification requirements or different reentry priorities depending on damage that may have occurred in their jurisdictions.

Do you know your ZONE?

You may remember that different areas of Horry County, including North Myrtle Beach, have been assigned different “Zones” with respect to the potential impact of hurricane storm surge on a given land area.

IF a hurricane is to strike our area with force, and IF the Governor calls for a mandatory evacuation, he might do so by identifying the ZONES that must evacuate. The zone locations in Horry County are as follows:

Zone A

All areas east of U.S. 17 Business (Kings Highway), up to intersection with U.S. 17 (Kings Highway) and then all areas east of U.S. 17 (Kings Highway) to the northern county line.

Zone B

All areas south of S.C. 707 and Longwood Drive, including all areas in Longwood Plantation (Blackmoor) to the Waccamaw River and all areas east of U.S. 17 Bypass (Mark Garner Highway) to U.S. 17 (North Kings Highway) and all areas east of U.S. 17 (North Kings Highway) to the northern county line.

Zone C

All areas between U.S. 701 and S.C. 544, south of Brown's Chapel Avenue and Hwy. 814, plus all areas east of S.C. 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) to S.C. 90 and all areas east of S.C. 90 to U.S. 17 to the northern county line.

The Horry County Emergency Management Department provides an interactive Zone Map. Access County information at www.horrycounty.org.

 How will the City stay in touch with you?

During a hurricane emergency, the City will communicate advisory, damage assessment, reentry and other information to the public using these resources:

-- www.NMB.us (See “Hurricane News & Information"on the home page. This offers the City's hurricane news releases, Facebook and Twitter posts in one location.)

-- www.Facebook.com/cityofnmb

-- www.Twitter.com/cityofnmb

-- Via our Email News Group, whose members receive all news releases at the same time we send them to the news media. This is a free service. To be included in the Email News Group, provide your email address to pcdowling@nmb.us Please specify if you want to receive all City-related news or only hurricane-related news. We will not use your email address for any other purpose and we will not share it with other persons or organizations. You can opt out of the Email News Group at any time.

The City also forwards its information to local and regional news media outlets, Horry County Emergency Management, the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce shares City of North Myrtle Beach announcements with its members and its social media audiences.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the umbrella agency for the Area Recovery Council (ARC), which serves as a clearinghouse for information from all sources within Horry County during hurricanes and other disasters.

Questions about North Myrtle Beach hurricane procedures?

Contact Pat Dowling at pcdowling@nmb.us

North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival Canceled

North Myrtle Beach, SC – March 13, 2020 – Today, the City of North Myrtle Beach made the difficult decision to cancel its March 14 St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival.

Although as late as yesterday SCDHEC advised through its Twitter account that the status of COVID-19 in South Carolina does not indicate that cancelation of events or schools is needed at this time, over the past 24 hours many national events and more South Carolina events canceled, including the Monday after the Masters event in North Myrtle Beach.

Additionally, over the past 24 hours, some North Myrtle Beach residents who feel they may be more at risk to COVID-19 than others have expressed strong discomfort over a large public event held in the city at this time. As more national and South Carolina events canceled yesterday, some parade and festival participants opted to withdraw from the local event this year.

The weather will be great this weekend and North Myrtle Beach is wide open for business.

We encourage our residents and visitors to make a special effort to patronize North Myrtle Beach businesses this weekend and throughout the coming tourism season.

We ask that you pay special attention to businesses located on Main Street, the route and location for the annual parade and festival. These businesses invested in goods and services in preparation for the now-canceled parade and festival and are deserving of your support.

City officials met with North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce officials and Chamber officials concur with the City’s difficult decision to cancel this event.

Patrick Dowling

Public Information Officer

City of North Myrtle Beach

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival - North Myrtle Beach, March 14, 2020

March 13 11:00 a.m. Update

The NMB St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festivasl has been canceled. Read more here:

https://blog.century21thomas.com/2020/03/north-myrtle-beach-st-patricks-day.html

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Saturday, March 14, 2020
Parade: 9 a.m.
Festival: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Free Admission | Free Parking

The 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade will be held on Main Street on Saturday, March 14, 2020. This one-day, rain or shine event brings approximately 30,000 to celebrate everything Irish and welcome the coming of spring. A magical parade begins the festivities at 9:00 a.m., followed by three stages of live music and a children’s area with rides and amusements from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Along Main Street over 150 vendors will display their crafts, services, information, products, or serve a variety of treats.

Entertainment Schedule:

Freedom Boat Club Community Stage (Oak Drive)

11:15 AM – Triple Toe Cloggers

11:30 AM – Ocean Drive Mini Chiefs Dance Club

11:45 PM – Parade Awards

12:00 PM – Mark McKinney & Company

2 – 4:00 PM – Cornbread


Flynn’s Irish Tavern Stage (Near Flynn’s)

11:00 AM – Brenden O’Connor

11:45 AM – Coastal Carolina Shields Pipes & Drums

12:00 PM – Brenden O’Connor

12:45 PM – The Academy of Dance and Fine Arts Dancers

1:00 PM – Tan and Sober Gentleman

2:15 PM – Leprechaun Contest

2:30 PM – Shepard’s Pie Eating Contest

2:45 – 4:00 PM – Tan and Sober Gentleman


Boulineau's Ocean Stage (Near Duffy’s)

11:00 AM – Retrograde

1:30 PM – 4:00 PM – The Tonez

Contests:

Leprechaun Contest - Show off your love of all things Irish by competing in the 32nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival Leprechaun Contest. Entries will be judged on originality, creativity, appearance, enthusiasm and energy.

Register at the Main Stage @ Flynn’s Irish Tavern before 2:00 pm. Pre-registration is also available at the Festival Information booth (corner of Hillside Drive and Main Street) before 1:30 pm. Meet at the stairs of the Main Stage on festival site at 2:00 pm. Contest begins at 2:15 pm.

Shepard’s Pie Eating Contest - Think you have what it takes? Enter into the Shepherd’s Pie Eating Contest at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival. First to clear their plate (without using their hands) wins bragging rights and a stylish plaque designed by Coastal Engravers.

Register at the Main Stage @ Flynn’s Irish Tavern before 2:00 PM. Pre-registration is also available at the Festival Information booth (corner of Hillside Drive and Main Street) before 1:30 PM. Meet at the stairs of the Main Stage on festival site at 2:15 PM. Contest begins at 2:30 PM.

For more information visit http://parks.nmb.us/festivalsevents/festivals/st-patricks-day-parade-and-festival/ or email StPatNMB@nmb.us.

South Carolina Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 8-14

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) and the National Weather Service jointly sponsor this week to remind you that severe storms, tornadoes, and flash floods are significant hazards in South Carolina and people need to take proper safety precautions.

SCEMD and the National Weather Service are promoting awareness of the hazards associated with severe weather, including tornadoes and floods, and the procedures that help keep people safe.

A highlight of the week is the annual statewide tornado drill. The drill is conducted in close coordination with the South Carolina Broadcasters Association. The State Superintendent of Education is also encouraging schools statewide to participate.

The National Weather Service will use the Tornado Warning product on NOAA tone-alert weather radio when the drill is conducted. During the drill, the National Weather Service will use a real-event code, "TOR" on NOAA Weather Radio. The “TOR” code will activate tone-alert weather radios that are set to receive tornado warnings, and those radios will broadcast the exercise message.

The drill will be conducted on Wednesday, March 11, at 9:00 a.m. Public schools, state and local Emergency Management, the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, and others will participate in this annual event. The purpose of the drill is to test communication systems, safety procedures, mitigation processes, etc.

To learn more about Severe Weather Week and the topics covered, please visit:

https://www.weather.gov/cae/SC_Severe_Weather_Preparedness_Week.html 

North Myrtle Beach City Council Recognizes Detectives Who Solved the Shawn Marie Neal Murder Case

During their March 2 meeting, North Myrtle Beach City Council members recognized the detectives who worked to solve the 1996 Shawn Marie Neal case. Neal was murdered on June 2, 1996 in North Myrtle Beach. Detectives and SLED investigated, but with few leads, the case went cold.

North Myrtle Beach detectives did not give up on the case and in 2017, relying on advances in DNA collection and cataloging, detectives reopened the Neal investigation, hoping to bring closure for the victim’s family members and to serve justice.

Some murder scene items suspected of containing additional DNA material were sent to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department Forensic Lab for analysis. The lab identified a new DNA profile of a previously unknown suspect, Ronald Lee Moore. 

North Myrtle Beach detectives learned Moore was a suspect in a series of burglaries, unsolved sexual assault cases and an additional unsolved homicide case from Maryland. Review of those case files showed close similarities between Moore’s suspected victims in Maryland and the Neal homicide.

Moore had no known ties to North Myrtle Beach but detectives learned he had friends in Louisiana he would visit. It is possible that he committed the 1996 murder as he passed through city on his way from Maryland to Louisiana. Probable cause was established to charge Moore with the death of Shawn Marie Neal. 

Ultimately, public records revealed Moore died while jailed in Louisiana on unrelated charges in 2008. Moore cannot be formally charged and tried for the murder of Shawn Marie Neal but North Myrtle Beach detectives were able to close this case, noting that the only known suspect/offender died.

Over the years, 13 North Myrtle Beach detectives were involved in helping to move this case forward to closure.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Information - City of North Myrtle Beach

We have received some phone calls and emails asking about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to avoid contracting it. Here is some basic information:

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

The most common symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases. Existing underlying heart, respiratory or other medical conditions, coupled with older age, may play a significant role in cases where people have died from COVID-19.

IT HELPS TO KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE

It is important to keep things in perspective. Millions of Americans come down with the flu each year, and tens of thousands of Americans die from the flu each year. Also, the flu virus is not always the same from year to year. It can and does mutate into different strains, catching the world by surprise, at which point new vaccines are developed to deal with the changes. As things currently stand, the impact COVID-19 is having on the United States is light years away from the flu's impact.

PREVENTION

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, although an all-out effort is underway to develop one.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this or any other virus.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

-- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

-- Stay home when you are sick.

-- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

-- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

-- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (Sing the song “Happy Birthday” twice), especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

-- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

-- These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask. CDC does NOT recommend people who are well wearing a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of the virus to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers, people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility), or people responding to an emergency call pertaining to COVD-19 or other virus condition.

TREATMENT

At this time, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

VISIT THESE WEBSITES FOR MORE INFORMATION

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION: www.cdc.gov

SCDHEC: https://www.scdhec.gov/

Amended Paid Parking Rules Now in Effect in North Myrtle Beach

CITY BEGINS TAKING PARKING DECAL APPLICATIONS FEBRUARY 24

During the February 17 North Myrtle Beach City Council meeting, Council members passed final reading of amendments to Article II, Stopping, Standing and Parking of the City Code of Ordinances.

The amendments apply to public parking lots on either side of Ocean Boulevard, and certain side streets that intersect with Ocean Boulevard. The paid parking season is March 1-October 31.

On February 24, the City will begin to accept parking decal applications at the Parking Office located in the Finance Department at City Hall, 1018 Second Avenue South. City Hall is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

These are the amended rules governing parking decal applications:

1.  A full-time resident whose vehicle (i.e., golf cart, LSV, motorcycle, automobile or pickup truck that must completely fit into a standard parking space) is registered to their North Myrtle Beach address may apply for a maximum of two complimentary parking decals per property address. If the decal is for a golf cart, a copy of the SCDMV permit registered to the resident’s North Myrtle Beach address is required. Each household may also purchase one additional parking decal for $200 annually.

1.  A nonresident property owner may apply for one complimentary parking decal for their personal vehicle (i.e., golf cart, LSV, motorcycle, automobile or pickup truck that must completely fit into a standard parking space). If the decal is for a golf cart, a copy of the SCDMV permit registered to the nonresident property owner’s North Myrtle Beach address is required. If applying for the vehicle decal, the vehicle does not have to be registered to the North Myrtle Beach property address but must be registered in the property owner’s name. Proof of residential property ownership is required. Each household may also purchase one additional parking decal for $200 annually.

1.  Horry County residents who do not own property or reside in the city of North Myrtle Beach may purchase one decal for their personal vehicle (i.e., LSV, motorcycle, automobile or pickup truck that must completely fit into a standard parking space) for $200 annually. A maximum of 200 parking decals are available, issued on a first come, first served basis.

IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING PARKING DECALS

-- Decals issued in 2019 have not expired and are good through the end of the 2020 parking season.

-- Driver’s license and current vehicle (golf cart, automotive) registration are required to apply for a decal. Non-resident property owners must also show proof of residential property ownership. Golf carts must be registered through the SCDMV to the owner’s North Myrtle Beach address.

-- In cases where a windshield has been replaced, vehicle ownership transferred, etc., parking decals must be returned to the Parking Office to receive a replacement decal. Parking decals are not transferable.

SIDE STREET PAID PARKING LOCATIONS

Beginning March 1, the City will charge a $2 per hour parking fee on the following side streets, which are located East of Nixon, Perrin, Hillside, Lake, Seaview and Spring. (If a street listed below extends West of these boundaries, there are no parking fees on that side of the boundaries.)

1st Ave North

3rd Ave North

Hillside Drive from 3rd Ave North to 11th Ave North

4th Ave North

5th Ave North

6th Ave North

7th Ave North

8th Ave North

9th Ave North

10th Ave North

11th Ave North

12th Ave North

13th Ave North

14th Ave North

15th Ave North

16th Ave North

Hillside Drive from 16th Ave North to 18th Ave North

17th Ave North

18th Ave North

20th Ave North

21st Ave North

Spring St from Sea Mountain Hwy to Ocean Blvd

23rd Ave North

25th Ave North

32nd Ave North

34th Ave North

39th Ave North

46th Ave North

Alongside of and behind Lake Drive/50th Ave North paid parking lot

55th Ave North

57th Ave North

58th Ave North

59th Ave North

East Nixon St from 53rd Ave North to 61st Ave North

The Point located at the dead end of Ocean Boulevard in Cherry Grove

1st Ave South

6th Ave South

Perrin Drive from 7th Ave South to 8th Ave South

9th Ave South

20th Ave South

28th Ave South

Seaview St from 34th Ave South to 36th Ave South

Seaview St from 39th Ave South to 48th Ave South

46th Ave South

48th Ave South

Currently, there is no definition to parking spaces along side streets perpendicular to Ocean Boulevard. In coming years, parking along high-demand side streets could be defined using paved road shoulders, crushcrete, and/or landscaping.

Questions about the parking decal application process may be directed to Parking Clerk Carolina Garcia at cegarcia@nmb.us or (843) 280-5509.

Questions about City policy regarding the paid parking program may be directed to Public Information Officer Pat Dowling at pcdowling@nmb.us.