News Summary
The demolition of the Coral Sands Motel in Myrtle Beach has officially begun, following a troubled history of fires, drug sales, and safety concerns. The city aims to eliminate illegal activities associated with the motel, which has been under investigation for years. This decision comes after a recent two-alarm fire at the site, though it was part of pre-planned actions. The city will manage demolition costs, anticipating reimbursement from the property owner. Community officials hope this step will improve safety and trust in the area.
Myrtle Beach – The demolition of the Coral Sands Motel has officially commenced, following a storied history filled with fires, illegal drug sales, and prostitution. The City of Myrtle Beach has closed Ocean Boulevard from 3rd Avenue North to 4th Avenue North to accommodate the demolition process, which is expected to extend until at least Wednesday.
The recent demolition decision follows a two-alarm fire that occurred at the motel last week. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and local firefighters successfully contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to adjacent structures. The current demolition operation was part of a pre-planned decision by the city, and not directly prompted by the latest fire incident.
In the past few years, the Coral Sands Motel has come under persistent scrutiny from law enforcement agencies. The Myrtle Beach Police Department initiated an investigation into the motel in March 2021, prompted by a significant number of complaints and emergency calls related to illegal activities, including drug trafficking and prostitution. Testimonies suggest that motel management was complicit in these illegal dealings, allegedly permitting drug use and facilitating drug sales on the premises.
Legal and Financial Aspects
The owner of the Coral Sands Motel filed an appeal against the city’s decision to demolish the property in 2021, as investigations into illegal activities were ongoing. In 2023, the motel was listed for sale along with the neighboring Sea Gypsy Motel for a combined asking price of $5.25 million. However, county property records indicate that the land is owned by Rainmaker Holdings LLC, which acquired the property on September 5, 2024.
According to city officials, while the city will initially bear the cost of the demolition, the property owner is expected to reimburse these expenses in the future. This financial arrangement is consistent with municipal protocols in similar cases.
Historical Context and Safety Concerns
Prior to the closure of the motel in 2021, it was identified as a “haven for drug traffickers and users” by the Myrtle Beach Police Department. The establishment had been the subject of multiple incidents involving fire, including two other fires in 2019 and an incident in April 2022, when it was still operational. Such repeated occurrences raised increasing concerns about tenant safety and public health, thereby prompting the city to act decisively.
Since February 2018, the city held several meetings with property owners to address persistent criminal activities and safety issues surrounding the motel. Unfortunately, these discussions did not yield satisfactory improvements, leading to the eventual decision to demolish the structure.
As the demolition progresses, the investigation into the cause of last week’s fire is ongoing. With the actions taken by the City of Myrtle Beach, officials aim to send a clear message against illegal activities and ensure safer environments for residents and visitors alike.
The closing of Coral Sands Motel marks a significant step in addressing long-standing issues regarding crime and safety in Myrtle Beach. As the demolition unfolds, community members and stakeholders will be observing how this development can pave the way for rebuilding trust and safety in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Officials Cleared of Racial Discrimination Claims
Myrtle Beach Police Department Faces Staffing Crisis Ahead of Summer Crowds
Myrtle Beach Lifeguards Focus Exclusively on Ocean Safety
Demolition Plans for Coral Sands Motel in Myrtle Beach
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach fire
- WBTW News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Horry News
- Google News: Coral Sands Motel
