Like most Democrat run cities in America, Myrtle Beach has a serious homeless issue. The Myrtle Beach homeless problem has been widely covered by local news organizations for over a decade.
Historically, homeless largely stayed in the areas around Yaupon Avenue, Chester Street, and Joe White near the tourist areas in downtown Myrtle Beach.
John Reaves of Teachers Touch reached out to MyrtleBeachSC News. He informed us that a portion of the Myrtle Beach homeless population is now migrating south on Highway 17 to city owned property behind the areas of the Plantation Pancake house to as far as behind his business at Teachers Touch.
Reaves says he calls Myrtle Beach police. MBPD comes out, asks the homeless to move. The police then leave and the homeless simply set up camp again.
It is a real problem for a Democrat lead tourist town that spends $54 million annually in tax funded advertising through the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
In 2024, the City of Myrtle Beach is asking $75 million from the State of South Carolina for downtown redevelopment. Governor Henry McMaster also wants to pledge money to the city.
The homeless issue has not been addressed as a part of any comprehensive downtown Myrtle Beach redevelopment plan, however.
For 20 plus years the City of Myrtle Beach has been exploring downtown redevelopment issues. The city purchased $30 million in downtown real estate near the old Myrtle Beach pavilion.
The homeless population, however, works as a fluid group shifting from one part of the city to another with little done by city leaders to truly address the issue.
FOCUS ON DEI
The city prefers to focus on D.E.I. Diversity, equity and inclusion are chief among priorities pursued by Myrtle Beach leaders, like Mayor Brenda Bethune.
Mayor Bethune openly touts her support for child transgender health transformations.
Myrtle Beach claims the city desires to turn the corner on improving its brand image.
Will the Myrtle Beach homeless issue be overlooked as a comprehensive part of fixing the brand?