Myrtle Beach, January 20, 2026
Myrtle Beach’s local business community reacts positively to the City Council’s decision to end the controversial Summer Emergency Vehicle Access Plan (SEVAP) on Ocean Boulevard. The plan, which diverted traffic to enhance emergency response during peak hours, faced backlash for its negative impact on local commerce. The council’s unanimous vote signals a commitment to balancing public safety with the economic vitality of the area, promoting a better environment for local businesses and tourism.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What recent change did Myrtle Beach make regarding traffic on Ocean Boulevard?
The Myrtle Beach City Council voted unanimously to end the controversial Summer Emergency Vehicle Access Plan (SEVAP), which previously diverted traffic on Ocean Boulevard during summer weekend nights.
What was the Summer Emergency Vehicle Access Plan (SEVAP), often called “flushing”?
Implemented for several summer seasons, SEVAP rerouted northbound traffic on Ocean Boulevard, primarily closing a section during weekend nights to improve emergency response times and officer visibility.
Why was the SEVAP plan controversial among local businesses?
Businesses strongly opposed SEVAP because it significantly reduced foot traffic and sales, with some reporting up to a 40% decline in revenue due to decreased visibility and accessibility for customers.
How did the Myrtle Beach City Council address concerns about the traffic plan?
On January 13, the City Council unanimously decided to end SEVAP immediately, responding to community feedback and balancing public safety goals with the need for economic vitality.
Will police still be able to manage traffic for emergencies on Ocean Boulevard?
Yes, police will retain the ability to divert traffic as needed for emergent situations, ensuring public safety without the previous fixed, scheduled diversion that impacted businesses.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach Adjusts Course: Ocean Boulevard Businesses Welcome Traffic Plan Changes
Myrtle Beach’s vibrant business community along Ocean Boulevard is keenly observing and reacting to recent shifts in the city’s traffic management approach. Following a period of adjustments, the City Council’s decision to end a controversial summer traffic diversion plan marks a significant development for local entrepreneurs and the broader economic landscape of this coastal destination.
This evolving situation underscores the dynamic interplay between urban planning, public safety, and the essential need to foster a thriving environment for Myrtle Beach small businesses. Local leaders and South Carolina entrepreneurs are navigating these changes with an eye toward sustainable economic growth and ensuring Myrtle Beach remains a welcoming destination for both residents and visitors.
The Summer Emergency Vehicle Access Plan (SEVAP) in Review
For several summer seasons, Myrtle Beach implemented a traffic strategy on Ocean Boulevard known as the Summer Emergency Vehicle Access Plan (SEVAP), often referred to locally as “flushing”. This plan was designed to reroute traffic, primarily closing the northbound lane of Ocean Boulevard during weekend nights, typically from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. between 9th Avenue North and 16th Avenue North. The stated goals of the SEVAP were to improve emergency response times, enhance officer visibility, and proactively address concerns in the area. During these hours, all traffic in the designated section flowed southbound, and the area between 8th and 9th Avenues North was often completely closed to create a dedicated emergency vehicle lane.
While the plan aimed to boost public safety, it quickly became a subject of considerable debate within the community, earning its “controversial” label due to its significant impact on local commerce.
Business Reactions to the Traffic Diversion
The implementation of the SEVAP elicited strong reactions from businesses operating along Ocean Boulevard and in the surrounding downtown areas. Many local business owners expressed substantial concerns about the plan’s effect on foot traffic and sales. Reports indicated that the rerouting of traffic during peak evening hours led to decreased visibility for establishments and potentially reduced accessibility for customers.
Some merchants specifically reported a notable decline in revenues. For instance, some businesses along Ocean Boulevard experienced sales drops of up to 40% during the periods when the traffic plan was in effect. These challenges sometimes led businesses to close earlier than usual, impacting their overall operational hours and profitability. The perceived difficulty for drivers to access the area also contributed to these concerns, as GPS maps would sometimes warn drivers to avoid the area due to traffic changes. Despite these issues, some business owners acknowledged the public safety intentions behind the tactic.
City Council’s Unanimous Decision
Recognizing the ongoing dialogue and the concerns raised by the business community, the Myrtle Beach City Council took decisive action. On January 13, the City Council voted unanimously to end the summer traffic diversion plan. This decision reflects a responsive approach to local feedback and an effort to balance public safety objectives with the vitality of the local economy.
Incoming Mayor Mark Kruea voiced strong sentiments regarding the plan, stating that the traffic diversion “visually sends the wrong message,” contributes to declining tourism, and negatively affects local businesses. He emphasized that while police would retain the ability to divert traffic as needed for emergencies, the automatic closure of the boulevard on Friday and Saturday nights served no good purpose. However, the debate was not without multiple perspectives, as at least one council member shared support for SEVAP on behalf of constituents who expressed displeasure about being turned off the boulevard. The motion directed the city manager to end the SEVAP “effective immediately”. An assessment of the plan by a consultant is still being finalized, with a draft report expected in February.
Balancing Public Safety with Economic Vibrancy
One of the critical considerations throughout the debate was the impact of the traffic plan on emergency services. The controversial traffic pattern was reported to have led to faster police and emergency response times during its implementation. This benefit to public safety presented a complex challenge for policymakers seeking to protect both residents and visitors while simultaneously supporting Myrtle Beach SC business interests. The City Council’s recent vote indicates a shift toward finding alternative methods to maintain safety without imposing a regular, scheduled diversion that has proven detrimental to commerce. The ability for police to still implement traffic control as needed provides a flexible framework for addressing emergent situations while removing the fixed schedule that impacted businesses.
Key Features of the Ocean Boulevard Traffic Changes
Here’s a summary of the key features surrounding the Ocean Boulevard traffic plan:
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Name | Summer Emergency Vehicle Access Plan (SEVAP), often called “flushing” | Local |
| Previous Implementation | Seasonally rerouted part of northbound Ocean Boulevard on weekend nights (4 PM to 2 AM) | Local |
| Primary Goal | Improve emergency response times, increase officer visibility, address concerns | Local |
| Controversy | Significant concerns from businesses regarding impact on foot traffic and sales | Local |
| Economic Impact | Some businesses reported up to 40% decline in revenues | Local |
| Council Decision | Unanimous vote to end the plan on January 13 | Local |
| Future Control | Police retain ability to divert traffic as needed | Local |
| Consultant Report | Assessment of the plan is being finalized, draft expected in February | Local |
Fostering Myrtle Beach’s Economic Future
The recent decision by the Myrtle Beach City Council represents a commitment to listening to the concerns of Myrtle Beach small business owners and adjusting policy to better serve the community’s economic well-being. This responsiveness can be seen as a positive step towards creating an environment where South Carolina entrepreneurs can innovate and thrive without undue burdens from temporary regulations. By removing a significant point of contention for local businesses, the city aims to reinforce its reputation as a dynamic destination where commerce and community can flourish.
As Myrtle Beach moves forward, the focus will likely remain on strategic initiatives that support local investment, foster entrepreneurial spirit, and promote sustainable economic growth. Continued collaboration between city leadership and the business community will be crucial in shaping policies that enhance both public safety and economic vitality. This approach aligns with the understanding that a robust local economy, driven by resilient businesses and engaged citizens, is fundamental to the long-term prosperity of the entire region.
We encourage our readers to continue supporting the diverse array of local businesses on Ocean Boulevard and throughout Myrtle Beach. Stay engaged in the ongoing discussions about our city’s economic future and contribute to a vibrant, prosperous community for all.
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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.
