News Summary
Myrtle Beach has implemented a curfew for minors following youth violence incidents, including two fatal shootings. The curfew restricts minors from downtown from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. until July 2025. With penalties for violations and exceptions for traveling youth, officials focus on public education and compliance. In addition, a Tropical Storm Watch looms over the coast, prompting safety warnings as the city addresses both community safety and weather challenges.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina—The city has implemented an extended curfew for minors aged 17 and younger, following a series of alarming incidents involving youth violence. The curfew, which restricts minors from being out in the downtown area between 13th Avenue South and 21st Avenue North from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., will remain in effect through July 7, 2025. This measure aims to enhance public safety in light of recent shootings, including the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Grayson Meyers on June 27 and the earlier death of Jerrius Davis on April 26.
The city has charged 17-year-old Evony McCray, an employee at Peaches Corner, with the murder of Meyers, intensifying concerns over youth-related violence. While the curfew prohibits minors from roaming the streets during designated hours, there are some exemptions in place. Youth under 18 accompanied by a parent or guardian, as well as those traveling to and from work, are not subject to the restrictions.
Officials have indicated that violating this curfew could result in penalties that include fines up to $500 and/or a maximum of 30 days in jail. Additionally, parents who allow their children to violate the curfew could also face legal repercussions. Despite the serious nature of this implementation, on the first night of the new curfew, police reported no citations being issued. Authorities intend to focus on educating the public about compliance rather than strictly enforcing penalties initially.
In a separate development, city officials are also dealing with the impending threat of a tropical storm. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for parts of the South Carolina coast, including Myrtle Beach, as Tropical Depression Three has developed in the region. The storm is anticipated to strengthen and could become Tropical Storm Chantal, bringing with it a host of weather-related concerns.
Forecasts predict that the storm will result in gusty winds and significant rainfall, with anticipated totals ranging from 1 to 2 inches. Wind gusts could reach up to 45 mph, creating hazardous conditions particularly along the coast, where the risk of dangerous rip currents is heightened. Localized flooding is also a concern, especially in areas that are low-lying or have poor drainage capabilities. Peak wind gusts are expected to be between 25 to 35 mph, with particular risks along shorelines and in unstable areas.
Given the combination of rising tensions around public safety due to the curfew and the weather threats posed by the approaching storm, city officials stress the importance of remaining compliant with the new curfew and maintaining safety protocols for all residents. With youth violence continuing to be a pressing issue, the extended curfew aims to foster a safer environment for the community, while the threat of the storm adds to the urgency of public safety concerns.
Officials encourage residents to stay informed regarding both the curfew regulations and weather updates, ensuring that everyone takes the necessary precautions to stay safe during this precarious period. Efforts are being made to address the root causes of youth violence while also preparing for any potential impacts from Tropical Storm Chantal, as the city seeks to safeguard both its younger population and its community as a whole.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: Tracking Tropics – Chantal Tropical Depression Three
- Wikipedia: Tropical cyclone
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather Update
- Google Search: Tropical storms South Carolina
- WMBF News: Tropical Development Off Carolina Coast
- Google Scholar: Tropical storm impacts
- Herald Online: Weather News Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- Myrtle Beach Online: Another Weather Update
- Google News: Chantal tropical storm
