06/05/2026
Surfside Beach, greetings again; in case you have not seen the public notice post yet, next week’s council meeting will be Monday evening (per town ordinance) due to the statewide primary election being held Tuesday. Before I get to the meeting agenda, a little on the primary--please do your research and vote. In states and jurisdictions that lean heavily to one party, the primary often determines the general election winners—make sure you are part of the process.
On to the meeting itself Monday evening; it is a full agenda. Communications include final overview of the courthouse/council chamber building before it goes out for bid; no additional council vote is required. Business Committee will give a presentation on its recent activities and future plans and Administrator Vincent will give an update on the cybercrime incident; I have requested that as a standing agenda item for the foreseeable future. Business items start with 2nd reading of the FY 2026-27 budget and 1st reading of an ordinance to clarify that free bike week trailer parking is at the 13th Ave S parking lot between Ocean Blvd and Dogwood Ave (not the beach lot). The agenda moves onto 1st reading of an ordinance to add motions from Executive Session to the options in regular meeting agendas, 1st reading to amend the zoning map to change the parcel the town has recently sold from public land to highway commercial and a resolution to approve recently changed Planning Commission bylaws. Final Business items cover 1st reading of an ordinance to exempt municipal signs from ordinances intended for private signs, a resolution to adopt a hazard mitigation plan prepared for multiple jurisdictions in Horry County and 1st reading of an all-new birds and waterfowl ordinance. Please join Town Council for this very full meeting.
Going back in time, as this note was posted last Friday, I attended the Russell Fry Federal Agency Day session. Much of it covered how the town could seek help from specific federal government agencies such as Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA and Department of Transportation, among others. There was also a presentation from Small Business Administration that local business owners may find useful; I am seeking how to best get that info to The Family Beach small business owners.
Earlier this week, I attended a couple out-of-town meetings. First, Santee Cooper hosted a hurricane preparedness forum tailored to businesses and municipalities. It’s a great presentation and the town will host its own Hurricane Preparedness Seminar in July, focused on residents—we never know when a serious storm could be headed our way and this will help us prepare. I also attended an informal meeting of Horry County mayors hosted by Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. We talked about common challenges we face and brainstormed a bit on how municipalities could work together, most notably to leverage influence with state legislators. In town, Surfside Beach Business Committee held its monthly Business Social Thursday evening; SURF DAWGS hosted—by the way, congrats to Surf Dawgs on its 2-year anniversary last week. There is no agenda at these functions but they provide opportunities for business owners to network and meet with town representatives; Councilors Kohlmann and Lawhorn attended as well.
Looking forward, three more summer weekly events kick off this coming week at the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier. The first Ohana Kahakai Hula and Fire Show of the summer will be held Monday evening, and Crafter's Cove Drop-In begins its weekly run Thursday morning. Wednesday evening will be the first-ever Family Game Night at the pier, featuring DJ Louie & EdVenture Myrtle Beach. All events are free family fun for residents and visitors alike and part of what makes Surfside Beach The Family Beach. Of course, plans are also set for the town’s Independence Day celebration; 4th of July Golf Cart Parade; I will be saying more about that in the coming weeks.
As always, I appreciate your consideration your time to read this. Stay engaged and involved with your town. If you have an idea or concern, reach out to town staff or council members via phone, text, email, or especially through in-person meetings. Attend public meetings and voice your opinions when you have something to say. I continue to hold open office hours on Thursday, from 3 to 4:30 PM and I remain available by appointment. Thanks for taking an interest in our town.
Mayor Robert Krouse
Town of Surfside Beach
210 U.S. Highway 17 South Surfside Beach, SC 29575
P | 843-913-6330
M | 843-995-6714
E | [email protected]
“The Family Beach”
