Myrtle Beach, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The Myrtle Beach City Council candidate forum emphasized public safety, with candidates discussing the need for increased police presence, particularly along Ocean Boulevard. With rising crime rates and a police staffing shortage, solutions like additional officers per block and a dedicated downtown police station were proposed. Candidates also debated the tourism development fee’s role in supporting public safety initiatives. As election day approaches, voters are eager for leaders who prioritize community investment and address significant local challenges.
Myrtle Beach – Public safety dominated the agenda at the recent Myrtle Beach City Council candidate forum held on October 20, 2025, at the Robert Reed Recreation Center. Nine out of ten candidates for three at-large Myrtle Beach City Council seats participated, excluding Samuel Paul Fresquez IV. The forum featured incumbent members Mike Lowder and Jackie Hatley, along with challengers Kenya Staten Hennigan, Terrance Butler, Phil Render, Nick Vaugh, Myra Starnes, Doug Kelly, and Johnnie Bellamy.
Throughout the forum, candidates addressed the growing negative perception surrounding Ocean Boulevard, an area marred by several high-profile shootings this year. The general consensus among candidates was the necessity for increased visible policing. Hatley proposed implementing two police officers per block, while Starnes called for establishing a dedicated downtown police station to enhance safety in the area.
The issue of a police staffing shortage was also raised, with candidates pointing to deficiencies in police recruitment methods and overall management as contributing factors to the problem. The discussion included varying viewpoints on whether to block off certain portions of Ocean Boulevard for safety reasons. While candidates Lowder, Butler, and Hatley expressed opposition to that idea, Bellamy advocated for measures to improve the downtown area’s family appeal.
As the candidates concluded, public safety remained a critical theme. Mike Lowder emphasized that for the community to function effectively, a secure environment is essential. This sentiment resonated strongly with voters concerned about rising crime rates.
Another significant topic of discussion was the tourism development fee (TDF), a 1% sales tax on goods sold within the city, primarily allocated for tourism promotion. Reactions from candidates varied, with Kelly, Butler, Bellamy, and others suggesting amendments to state law to channel more TDF revenues towards public safety initiatives. Conversely, Hatley endorsed the continued use of the TDF, citing its effectiveness in attracting tourists, which in turn benefits local property tax revenues.
The forum also included comments from mayoral candidates, including incumbent Brenda Bethune and challengers Mark Kruea, Eva Perez Rigney, Daniel Aumen, and Mark McBride. They shared insights on public safety, infrastructure enhancement, and the emphasis on attracting suitable developers to create job opportunities. Mayor Bethune focused on the downtown revitalization plan as pivotal for the city’s future.
A point of contention surfaced regarding the Arts and Innovation District, with Kruea labeling it the “Artificial Investment District” and criticizing its financial implications on the city’s budget. This difference in perspective indicates deep-rooted concerns over fiscal management and future spending priorities.
The city’s election is set for November 4, 2025, following the opening of early voting on October 20. Another candidate forum is scheduled for October 29 at the Mary C. Canty Recreation Center, providing an additional platform for candidates to engage with the community.
Local residents have expressed hopes that future leaders will prioritize long-term investments, demonstrate fiscal responsibility, and address pressing issues such as increasing crime and housing challenges.
FAQ
What was the primary topic discussed at the Myrtle Beach City Council candidate forum?
Public safety was the primary topic at the Myrtle Beach City Council candidate forum held on October 20, 2025.
How many candidates participated in the forum?
Nine out of ten candidates for three at-large Myrtle Beach City Council seats participated in the forum; the only absent candidate was Samuel Paul Fresquez IV.
What suggestions were made regarding safety on Ocean Boulevard?
Most candidates called for increased visible policing on Ocean Boulevard. Hatley suggested two officers per block, while Starnes proposed a separate downtown police station.
What are candidates’ views on the tourism development fee (TDF)?
The tourism development fee (TDF), a 1% sales tax on goods in the city primarily used for tourism advertising, prompted mixed responses from candidates.
When is the upcoming election for Myrtle Beach City Council?
The upcoming election is scheduled for November 4, 2025, with early voting beginning on October 20.
Key Features of the Myrtle Beach City Council Candidate Forum
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | October 20, 2025 |
| Location | Robert Reed Recreation Center |
| Number of Candidates | Nine out of ten candidates participated |
| Primary Topic | Public Safety |
| Key Suggestion for Ocean Boulevard | Increased visible policing and potential establishment of a downtown police station |
| Tourism Development Fee (TDF) | 1% sales tax on goods, mixed responses from candidates |
| Upcoming Election Date | November 4, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Post and Courier
- Horry News
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
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.
