North Myrtle Beach sends 3 incumbents back to city council in slate of competitive races

North Myrtle Beach voters sent three sitting council members back to their seats for fresh terms as the fast growing city continues to tackle development and growth issues.

According to unofficial results, J.O. Baldwin III, Fred Coyne and Hank Thomas all prevailed in their district races.

Each were facing challenges from political newcomers. Baldwin was the top overall performer, pulling in 2,167 votes in his Crescent Beach ward, defeating Hunter Platt who got 1,135 votes.

Fred Coyne held onto his Cherry Grove seat with 1,924 votes to challenger Deborah Lombardino’s 1,327, while Hank Thomas’ at-large seat stayed his. Thomas got 1,900 votes to Jolene Puffer’s 1,474.

North Myrtle Beach has a population expected to surpass 25,000 within a decade and city leaders continue to explore ways of growing its footprint while holding down taxes.

All three winners previously told The Sun News they’d work for greater transparency and supported a return to live streaming council meetings.