News Summary
Myrtle Beach is experiencing alarming levels of teen gun violence, prompting concerns for public safety among local businesses and residents. This troubling trend has adversely impacted sales and led to an unsettling atmosphere in the popular tourist area. Recent violent incidents have further heightened fears, as community members express mixed feelings of safety. City leaders are working on initiatives to address these issues, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to restore security and attract tourists back to the area.
Myrtle Beach Faces Rising Public Safety Issues Amid Increasing Teen Gun Violence
In downtown Myrtle Beach, a surge in gun violence among teenagers and young adults has raised significant public safety concerns, as reported by local business owners and employees. The impact of this violence is being felt by both the community and businesses, leading to a troubling atmosphere on the popular tourist strip.
Local business owners have reported that groups of teenagers often roam the area without engaging in shopping, instead bringing firearms and blocking access for customers. The hostile environment has forced many businesses to reconsider their operating hours, with some starting to close as early as 10 or 11 PM to avoid rowdy crowds. A recent incident further escalated these concerns: on April 26, 2025, an 18-year-old named Jerrius Davis opened fire into a crowd on North Ocean Boulevard, leading to the response of law enforcement and the eventual shooting and killing of Davis by a police officer. This incident resulted in 11 injuries, though the specific number of injuries caused by the gunman versus those caused by law enforcement remains unclear.
Many local employees expressed a mixed sentiment regarding safety. While some felt secure, others voiced concerns about threats involving firearms. One business owner described the ongoing situation as involving “kids with weapons” who appear to feel exempt from consequences. Despite concerns about safety, some employees praised the police’s quick response to violent situations, while others blamed increased police presence for a decline in sales.
Business Impact Due to Safety Concerns
With the ongoing rowdiness and associated violence, local businesses are experiencing declining sales. These issues have compounded since the city implemented a ban on vapes and drug paraphernalia in an effort to promote a family-friendly atmosphere. Business owners, like one referred to as Tom, indicated that sales started to drop well before the tragic shooting incident, primarily due to crowded conditions that deterred potential customers from visiting. Furthermore, traffic changes along the North Ocean Boulevard traffic loop have resulted in the closure of lanes on busy nights, exacerbating lost customer traffic, especially over weekends.
The local community is starting to worry that the continuous presence of rowdy youths may dissuade other tourists from visiting Myrtle Beach. The consequences of teen violence not only threaten the safety of locals but also jeopardize the economic wellbeing of businesses reliant on tourism and foot traffic.
City Leadership Response
Myrtle Beach Mayor Bethune has emphasized her commitment to eliminating low-quality attractions and products, which she believes contribute to the area’s crime-related issues. This initiative aligns with the city’s broader efforts to create a safer and more inviting environment. However, some business owners disagree with the mayor’s perspective, arguing that the real problem lies in the behavior of intoxicated youths, rather than the availability of inappropriate merchandise, such as explicit t-shirts.
As Myrtle Beach navigates these complex challenges, businesses and law enforcement are engaged in ongoing investigations concerning recent acts of violence and disturbances involving teenagers. The path forward will require collaboration between city officials, local businesses, and law enforcement to restore a sense of security and revitalization in downtown Myrtle Beach.
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Additional Resources
- WFMY News 2
- Myrtle Beach Online
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach public safety issues
- People
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach gun 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.
