Myrtle Beach, October 23, 2025
Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce
The Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, established in 1938, serves as a vital organization dedicated to promoting economic development and supporting local businesses in the Myrtle Beach area. Over the decades, it has played a pivotal role in fostering growth within the region’s tourism, real estate, and service industries. The Chamber provides valuable resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for its members, helping to enhance the economic vitality of Myrtle Beach. Its long-standing history reflects a commitment to community development, entrepreneurship, and ensuring a sustainable, prosperous future for the local economy. Through various initiatives and programs, the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce continues to be a cornerstone of the area’s business landscape.
News Summary
In Myrtle Beach, five candidates for mayor engaged in a debate discussing critical topics including crime, traffic, and support for local businesses as the election nears. With election day approaching, the candidates articulated their visions for the city, addressed challenges faced by small businesses, and the balance between tourism and quality of life for residents. The debate offered a platform for candidates to express their strategies to improve public safety and the overall image of Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach Mayoral Candidates Debate Key Issues Ahead of Election Day
In Myrtle Beach, five mayoral candidates took the stage to discuss pressing issues such as crime, traffic, and support for small businesses as the election approaches on November 4. The debate, held before an audience of over 100 individuals, provided a platform for candidates to share their visions and connect with the community.
Participating in the debate were Mark Kruea, Eva Rigney, and Daniel Aumen. The incumbent mayor, Brenda Bethune, is seeking a third consecutive term but did not respond to interview requests. Former Mayor Mark McBride declined to participate in the event. Each candidate highlighted the challenges faced by small business owners and emphasized the need to address their concerns.
A key point of discussion was the impact of the traffic chute during the summer months, with most candidates agreeing that it adversely affects business. They also addressed the challenge of balancing the quality of life for residents with the demands of the tourism economy that Myrtle Beach is known for.
Addressing Myrtle Beach’s Image Problem
The candidates tackled the city’s ongoing image problem, expressing ideas on how to improve it. Many voiced concerns about overdevelopment in the area and deliberated the possibility of pursuing annexation to expand the city’s tax base. Moreover, discussions included the need to connect local youth with career opportunities and the future direction of Myrtle Beach’s Arts and Innovation District.
Public Safety and Crime Concerns
Crime rates, particularly in downtown Myrtle Beach, were a focal point during the debate. Candidates criticized the state of the Myrtle Beach Police Department, claiming it faces issues related to under-resourcing and management. Both McBride and Rigney suggested they would seek to remove the current police chief if elected, illustrating their commitment to public safety, which was a primary concern mentioned by many candidates.
Other significant topics included transparency in the city government and relations with the local Chamber of Commerce. The candidates also discussed the current criticisms regarding the city’s spending priorities, particularly investments in the downtown area that some residents feel have come at the expense of broader community needs.
Upcoming Election Details
Early voting began on October 20, allowing residents to cast their votes ahead of the general election on November 4. The candidates standing against Mayor Bethune include former Mayor Mark McBride, Mark Kruea, local Realtor Eva Rigney, and Daniel Aumen. With the stakes high, candidates are eager to demonstrate their plans for the future of Myrtle Beach.
Conclusion
The recent debate highlighted important issues facing Myrtle Beach, from crime and traffic concerns to the need for sustainable economic development that supports local businesses. As the election approaches, voters are looking for clear solutions that will address their concerns regarding public safety and the overall image of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who participated in the mayoral debate in Myrtle Beach?
Participating candidates included Mark Kruea, Eva Rigney, and Daniel Aumen. Mayor Brenda Bethune did not respond to interview requests, while Mark McBride declined to participate.
What were the key issues discussed during the debate?
The candidates discussed issues like crime, traffic, small business needs, overdevelopment, and the city’s image problem.
What was highlighted regarding public safety?
Crime rates in downtown Myrtle Beach were a hot topic, with candidates criticizing the current state of the Myrtle Beach Police Department, citing under-resourcing and management issues.
When is Election Day for the Myrtle Beach mayoral election?
Election Day is set for November 4, with early voting having started on October 20.
What are the candidates’ positions on the city police chief?
McBride and Rigney indicated they would remove the current police chief if elected.
How does the city plan to deal with the tourism economy while ensuring quality of life for residents?
The candidates discussed balancing the tourist economy with residents’ quality of life, including potential solutions to address traffic and local business struggles.
Key Features of the Mayoral Debate
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Participants | Mark Kruea, Eva Rigney, Daniel Aumen, Brenda Bethune (incumbent), Mark McBride (declined) |
| Main Topics Discussed | Crime rates, traffic, small business challenges, tourism economy, city image. |
| Election Day | November 4; Early voting started October 20. |
| Public Safety Concerns | Candidates criticized the state of the police department and management. |
| Future Plans | Debate on police chief’s position and visions for addressing community needs. |
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach City Council Mayoral Candidates Talk Crime, Debt, and Growth
- My Horry News: Myrtle Beach 2025 Election Preview
- WBTW: Myrtle Beach Mayoral Candidates Trade Barbs at Pre-Election Debate
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News Article on Mayoral Candidates
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Mayor Candidate Council Election
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Mayoral Election 2023
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Local Government
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Mayoral Debate
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.
