‘It’s like Christmas’: Residents flee to the beach as access re-opens amid coronavirus
Terry Ritchie said it felt like Christmas morning as North Myrtle Beach officials re-opened public access to the beach on Tuesday, despite the continued spread of the coronavirus.
“It felt like it was Christmas morning with everybody enjoying something different,” Ritchie said, noting his intent to take daily walks on the beach with his wife, Susan. “We’ve been cooped up for so long and staying out of people’s way, it’s just a pleasure to be out in the sun.”
While the decision to re-open public beach access amid the coronavirus pandemic officially went into effect at noon, beachgoers hit the sands as early as 10 a.m. as police patrolled the beach and city workers removed all police tape and barricades from public access points, crossovers, adjacent parking lots and access showers and bathroom amenities.
North Myrtle Beach City Council unanimously voted Monday night to re-open the beach access just hours after S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster canceled a two-week-old executive order that closed all public access to the beaches of South Carolina, giving local jurisdictions the authority to enact their own rules regarding beaches.
Officials said reopening the beach accesses is an appropriate measure, urging folks to abide by the rules and regulations of social distancing and to avoid congregating in mass crowds. As of Tuesday afternoon, those at North Myrtle Beach were either wearing personal protective gear or maintaining their distance from other beachgoers.
“We’re putting a lot of confidence in the people of our community but we have a lot of smart people and they’ve done a very good job so far and I’m trusting that they will listen and continue doing the good job that they have done,” Mayor Marilyn Hatley said. “If they don’t, we can always go back and close it but I don’t think we’ll have to do it.”
Garden City was far less tame as many sprawled out along the beach throughout the day. While most gathered in small groups keeping their distance, larger groups of teens congregated near Garden City Pier, violating the Governors orders to restrict groups to three people or less to curb the spread the virus.
Murrells Inlet teen Alec Arditi, who was with a group of about 20 people, said he was happy to see the beaches open but didn’t think it was a big deal to gather with his friends. Friend Jordan Carnahan added that being on the beach is a great way to social distance, noting that people shouldn’t be “cooped up in a house, like a prison.”
“I definitely will take precautions but obviously it doesn’t look like it but I do, I’m definitely concerned about the coronavirus but I wouldn’t over stress like most people,” Arditi said. “At the end of the day what’s gonna happen is gonna happen.”
Some beachgoers at Garden City did express some concern after seeing larger groups of teens throughout the day, hoping the beaches won’t be shut down to the public again because of their negligence.
“This is a prime example of what’s going to ruin it for everybody,” Surfside Beach resident John Sully said. “When they’re young they think they’re made out of teflon and these are the chances they take.”
Horry County and Surfside Beach have also chosen to re-open, though Surfside’s order comes with some restrictions, limiting beach activity to walking, biking, jogging and exercise-only.
Sunbathing, sitting in chairs, lying on blankets or group gatherings is prohibited. Furthermore, paid parking is temporarily suspended, but lots are restricted to those with a valid town parking decal. Violators will be subject to a fine up to $500, imprisonment of up to 30 days or both.
Horry County’s 22 beach accesses are open for now following McMaster’s change of course on social distancing regulations.
In Horry County, a majority of the area’s waterfront is adjacent to municipal limits, but Horry County maintains access points mostly in the South Strand area.
The vast majority of county beach accesses are in Garden City, including at Cedar Avenue, Holly Avenue, Azalea Avenue, Magnolia Avenue, Yaupon Avenue, Pine Avenue, Oak Avenue, Cypress Avenue, Anglers Drive, Holiday Drive, Sunset Drive, Rainbow Drive, Seabreeze Drive, Calhoun Drive, Woodland Drive and Hawes Avenue.
An access is also located near the Springmaid Pier at Nash Street.
Below Arcadian Shores there are the Sands Ocean Club South and Sands Ocean Club North located off Shore Drive, Cottage Beach Drive and Maison Drive. Then there is a final access at Hibben Memorial Park.
Over in Myrtle Beach, officials announced public beach access points would remain closed until one of the following occurs: the city’s emergency declaration expires on May 13, the emergency order is rescinded or City Council directs otherwise.
With Myrtle Beach the top tourist destination in Horry County, Mayor Brenda Bethune said she’s being cautious in wanting to ensure the safety of the community, while avoiding any risk of seeing a second peak in coronavirus cases over the summer. She added that while she wants to see beaches and business open, the city will need to have well-thought out plan first.
“Myrtle Beach is very different than most areas of the state, and we cannot risk opening too soon and having visitors from hot spot areas coming here to get away,” Bethune said.
Georgetown County public beach accesses and the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk are scheduled to remain closed until May 15.
The city of Pawleys Island will keep public beach access closed through noon Monday, at which time town council will meet to determine what to do thereafter.
North Myrtle Beach resident Tommy Loudermilk said he feels sorry for those unable to access the beach during this time, calling the re-opening a tough but a positive economical decision so long as people abide by the rules and guidelines of social distancing.
“This is paradise, and it’s good if people use good common sense,” Loudermilk said. “It’s just nice to be out here enjoying the beach.”
The Sun News Reporter Tyler Fleming contributed to this report.
This story was originally published April 21, 2020 at 3:19 PM.
