News Summary
In a bid to enhance public safety during the busy July 4th weekend, Myrtle Beach has established stricter juvenile curfew regulations and new fireworks guidelines, effective from July 2 to July 7. The curfew for minors will be from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in high-risk areas, while fireworks can be used on private property until 12:30 a.m. on July 5. With high hotel occupancy rates anticipated, city officials are emphasizing compliance with these new measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable Independence Day.
Myrtle Beach – To ensure safety and public order during the busy July 4th weekend, Myrtle Beach has implemented stricter regulations regarding juvenile curfews and fireworks use, effective from July 2 through July 7. These measures respond to both anticipated high tourism numbers and recent concerns regarding public safety in the area.
Hotel and vacation rental occupancy in Myrtle Beach is high, with bookings currently around 80%. Peak nights, specifically July 4 and 5, are expected to exceed 90% occupancy. Contributing factors to this surge in visitors include a diverse range of activities planned for the holiday, favorable weather conditions, declining gas prices, and the fortunate timing of the holiday falling on a Friday.
Juvenile Curfew Regulations
In light of recent incidents in the Grand Strand area, the city has established a stricter juvenile curfew for minors aged 17 and under from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the July 4th weekend. This curfew will apply specifically to areas deemed high-risk, known as the “protected zone,” which spans from the Atlantic Ocean to Kings Highway, between 13th Avenue South and 21st Avenue North, extending to Broadway Street between Seventh and Ninth Avenues North. Outside this zone, the usual curfew remains in effect from midnight to 6 a.m.
While minors may qualify for exemptions from the curfew under specific circumstances, details regarding those exemptions have not been disclosed. The city is also enhancing police presence and security measures in anticipation of the influx of visitors to ensure public safety.
Fireworks Regulations
Myrtle Beach has specific regulations related to fireworks usage during the Fourth of July. Fireworks may be legally discharged on private property daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. During the holiday, this window extends until 12:30 a.m. on July 5. However, various restrictions are in place to maintain safety; fireworks are prohibited within 500 feet of churches, hospitals, and schools, and within 300 feet of gas stations and businesses handling flammable materials. Notably, the use of fireworks is illegal on all beaches in unincorporated Horry County, and city regulations in North Myrtle Beach prohibit their use altogether within city limits.
Furthermore, Conway allows fireworks on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with restrictions on locations near places like churches and schools, while Surfside Beach and Pawleys Island enforce a complete prohibition on fireworks. Residents and visitors are encouraged to consider the health implications of fireworks, especially regarding pets, as organizations have raised concerns about the distress fireworks can cause animals.
Community Engagement Activities
As part of the city’s celebratory activities, the “Salute from the Shore” flyover is anticipated to take place during the weekend, although exact times will be announced closer to the holiday. This event, showcasing military aircraft, aims to enhance the community’s patriotic spirit amidst the holiday celebrations.
Myrtle Beach officials emphasize the importance of following these new guidelines for a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend, contributing to a festive atmosphere while prioritizing public safety amidst a vibrant influx of tourists.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- WMBF News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- My Horry News
- Google News: Myrtle Beach July 4th fireworks
- WBTW News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach fireworks regulations
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
