News Summary
In response to a surge in violent incidents involving teenagers, Myrtle Beach has introduced a curfew for minors. The decision follows a series of shootings, highlighting the need for increased youth safety measures. Community leaders have emphasized the importance of providing recreational activities to deter violence, while local authorities ramp up police presence to foster a secure environment. The initiative aims to engage youth positively and enhance public safety as officials seek comprehensive solutions to ongoing issues within the community.
Myrtle Beach Implements Curfew for Minors Following Recent Violent Shootings on Ocean Boulevard
Myrtle Beach is taking decisive action to curb violence among teenagers by implementing a curfew for minors in response to a series of violent incidents, including a recent shooting at Peaches Corner restaurant. As several individuals have been injured by gunfire, the local government is prioritizing youth safety and community well-being.
Since an officer-involved shooting occurred on April 26, 2025, a total of 15 individuals have been injured in gun-related incidents. The incidents, which took place on April 26, June 12, and June 28, involved suspects aged between 17 and 18 years old. In the wake of these alarming events, Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune convened a meeting on July 2 with business owners, police chiefs, and youth leaders to address escalating violence and enhance the atmosphere in downtown Myrtle Beach.
Former Myrtle Beach Public Information Officer Mark Kruea emphasized the need for more recreational activities for teenagers as a means of reducing violence. He identified the limitation of entertainment options for youth in the area as a contributing factor to the troubling trend. Kruea, who is running for mayor in 2025, pointed out that the reduction in engaging venues has left young people with fewer constructive ways to spend their time. He noted that there are now minimal entertainment options such as arcades and temporary shops, in contrast to more vibrant venues like clubs and dance halls from the past.
Despite reaching out to community youth leaders, including Ryan Grace from the Boys and Girls Club, many declined to comment on the concerns regarding youth activities in downtown Myrtle Beach. Police Chief Amy Prock noted that addressing public safety requires a comprehensive approach that extends beyond law enforcement efforts.
Incidents like those that have occurred recently reveal a significant shift in societal attitudes towards authority. Mayor Bethune and police officers have highlighted this concerning trend. Youth mentorship programs have reportedly decreased, with individuals like Nate Jenkins from Carolina Fight Club indicating that at-risk youth have less guidance compared to previous generations. These observations point to the growing tendency of young individuals to seek inspiration from social media rather than traditional role models within their communities.
The statistics present a troubling scenario, with a 69% increase in juvenile violent crime recorded in Horry County in 2023 compared to the previous year. To help counteract this issue, public policy recommendations have included instituting a 9 p.m. curfew for minors and exploring additional youth safety measures.
Following the recent shootings, the Myrtle Beach Police Department has ramped up its presence in the area while requesting community assistance to gather pertinent information and foster a safer environment. One of the suspects in the latest shooting, identified as 17-year-old Evony McCray, has been charged as an adult with murder and other firearm-related offenses. Witnesses described the scene at Peaches Corner as chaotic, igniting fears and concerns within the community after a verbal altercation escalated into gunfire.
The implementation of a curfew for minors represents a pivotal step for Myrtle Beach aimed at reversing the trend of youth violence and fostering a safer community. As officials explore the best solutions for enhancing public safety and youth engagement, the focus remains on building a supportive environment that steers local teens away from violence and towards constructive activities.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: One Dead After Shooting at Peaches Corner
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Curfew for Minors
- WMBF News: Arrest Made Following Deadly Restaurant Shooting
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- WBTW: One Killed in Ocean Boulevard Shooting
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Shooting
- WRAL: Deadly Shooting at Peaches Corner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- People: 1 Dead, Another Arrested at Peaches Corner
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Violence
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.
