Myrtle Beach, October 3, 2025
The Gay Dolphin
The Gay Dolphin is an iconic souvenir and gift shop located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Established in 1946, it has become a beloved landmark known for its vibrant and eclectic décor, featuring thousands of beach-themed and nautical items. Over the decades, The Gay Dolphin has grown from a small local store into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world. Its storied history is marked by its colorful façade, unique maritime atmosphere, and commitment to offering a wide range of souvenirs that celebrate the local coastal culture. The shop’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to provide a fun, memorable shopping experience, making it a staple of Myrtle Beach’s historic and commercial landscape.
News Summary
During the Myrtle Beach Waterfront Community Engagement meeting, residents and business owners expressed growing frustrations over weekend traffic patterns caused by lane closures on Ocean Boulevard. The police department implemented a traffic control method called ‘flushing’ to ensure emergency access, but it has adversely affected local businesses and foot traffic. Business owners reported significant sales declines and called for a reassessment of the traffic management strategy. City officials are exploring solutions to balance public safety with the interests of the businesses and community.
Myrtle Beach
The Myrtle Beach Waterfront Community Engagement meeting highlighted growing concerns among residents and business owners about weekend traffic patterns, with many expressing dissatisfaction regarding lane closures on Ocean Boulevard. City leaders met with the local community to reflect on previous year’s issues and consider resident feedback.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department implements a traffic control method referred to as “flushing,” which closes the north-bound lane of Ocean Boulevard every Friday and Saturday starting at 4 pm. This closure is designed to ensure that first responders maintain access during peak times but has inadvertently created obstacles for businesses in the area.
Business owners have reported that the lane closures are adversely affecting customer access, leading to reduced foot traffic. For instance, the manager of The Gay Dolphin has advocated for a review of the flushing schedule, suggesting it should be applied on an as-needed basis rather than at a predetermined time. Similarly, another business owner indicated that their sales dropped by 40%, attributing the decline to traffic patterns that deter potential customers.
Many business owners voiced concerns about the high police presence associated with traffic management, which they feel contributes to an unwelcoming atmosphere for families and tourists. The Chief of Police acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing that public safety continues to be a priority for city officials. In response to feedback gathered in the meeting, the police department plans to devise a new strategy aimed at balancing safety with the interests of local businesses by early next year.
Mayor Brenda Bethune has reported that crime rates in the city have decreased by nearly 50% and asserted that the traffic management plan enhances police response times. However, some business owners contend that the enhanced police presence may actually deter customers, resulting in a negative impact on their sales. One manager estimated an annual loss of approximately $100,000 due to the ongoing effects of the traffic plan.
Discussions about traffic management have been intensified by recent incidents, including a police shooting of an armed individual on Ocean Boulevard. Local officials are being urged to collaborate with business owners to effectively address their concerns while prioritizing public safety. The community aims to revive Myrtle Beach’s image as a family-friendly destination amidst the ongoing challenges posed by weekend traffic patterns.
Background Information
As the city of Myrtle Beach seeks to balance safety and accessibility, the traffic management measures currently in place have become a focal point of debate. While safety concerns prompt strict traffic controls, local businesses argue that their sustainability may be compromised without a reevaluation of existing policies. The upcoming review of public safety strategies will take into account the voiced concerns from the community, allowing for a potential shift in approach that ensures a functional environment for both residents and visitors.
Summary of Key Issues
- Weekend traffic patterns on Ocean Boulevard
- Flushing practices by the Myrtle Beach Police Department
- Impact on local businesses and foot traffic
- Call for reevaluation of the flushing schedule
- Concerns regarding police presence and its effect on customer visits
FAQ
What was the main concern expressed at the Myrtle Beach Waterfront Community Engagement meeting?
The top concern discussed at the meeting was weekend traffic patterns.
What is the purpose of the lane closure on Ocean Boulevard?
The lane closure is intended to ensure first responders have access during busy times.
What impact have the lane closures had on business owners?
Business owners reported frustrations that road closures hinder customer access and reduce foot traffic.
What are police officials planning to do in response to feedback from business owners?
Police will review the feedback gathered during the meeting and plan to create a new strategy that balances safety with business interests by the beginning of next year.
How much did one business owner estimate their losses to be due to the traffic plan’s effects?
One business owner estimated a loss of $100,000 annually due to the traffic plan’s effects.
Key Features of the Myrtle Beach Traffic Concerns
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Meeting Purpose | Discuss complaints regarding weekend traffic patterns. |
| Traffic Control Method | Closure of the north-bound lane of Ocean Boulevard every Friday and Saturday at 4 pm. |
| Impact on Businesses | Reported decrease in foot traffic and sales due to road closures. |
| Public Safety | Police prioritize safety while also acknowledging business concerns. |
| Future Plans | New strategy balancing safety and business interests to be developed by early next year. |
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach Waterfront Business Owners Push Change
- Post and Courier: Downtown Traffic in Myrtle Beach
- My Horry News: Myrtle Beach Closes Portion of Boulevard
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local Traffic News
- My Horry News: Spring Breakers Flock to Myrtle Beach
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Traffic
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Traffic Patterns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Businesses
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.
