National Nutrition Month: 7 Healthy Tips

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to increase awareness about the importance of good nutrition in maintaining your health. Making healthy food and drink choices, improving eating habits and incorporating more physical activity into your lifestyle can help prevent many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Here are 7 tips to help you make better, healthier nutrition choices:

1. Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables. These foods add color, flavor, fiber, vitamins and minerals to your diet.
2. Pay attention to portion sizes. Measure the foods you are eating to see how close you are to the recommended serving size.
3. Eat healthy snacks. Choosing from two or more food groups can help sustain energy levels between meals.
4. Get cooking. Cooking food at home instead of going out is a healthier option because you control how it is prepared.
5. Drink more water. Hydration is important for your overall health. Water aids in digestion, producing bodily fluids and removing waste from the body.
6. Try new foods. This can help you from being bored with your food choices and add more variety to your diet.
7. Read food labels. The nutrition information on the labels can help you shop, eat and drink smarter.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- The City of North Myrtle Beach announces the retirement of Fire Chief Billy Floyd, effective May 16, 2026, following a long and distinguished career in the fire service, with just over 16 years of that service to the North Myrtle Beach community.

Chief Floyd originally joined the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department in May 2005 as Firefighter/PSO, working his way up to the rank of Training Captain before leaving the Department in October 2008 to take an opportunity with a neighboring Department. He returned to the City in January 2013 as Division Chief of Fire Training before his promotion to Deputy Fire Chief in May 2021. In April 2023, Floyd was appointed as the 7^th Fire Chief to lead the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department. 

Reflecting on his career with the City, Chief Floyd shared:

"It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve the City of North Myrtle Beach and this Fire Department through various roles throughout my tenure here, especially these last 3 years as Fire Chief. This Department and City hold a special place in my heart, and I am thankful as well as grateful for the opportunities they have provided me during my time here. I feel blessed to have played just a small part in how our City has flourished during my time here. I cannot say enough about the employees throughout this City who are making a difference each day. I am excited to watch this Department continue to progress forward, thanks in part to the outstanding men and women who make up the Fire Department, and with full support of City Administration, as well as our Mayor and City Council behind them."

In addition to leading the Fire Department’s 91 uniformed personnel who make up the Operations Division, Support Services Division, and Fire Marshal’s Office, he also served as the City’s Emergency Preparedness Director, which involved coordination with Department Heads for the City’s response to large scale incidents and events, most notably weather-related events in a continued effort to enhance public safety and community resilience.

“Chief Floyd’s leadership has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our Fire Department and our organization as a whole,” said City Manager Ryan Fabbri. “His dedication to preparedness, training, and service has helped ensure the safety of our residents, visitors, and employees. We are deeply appreciative of his commitment to the City of North Myrtle Beach and wish him the very best in his retirement.”

Mayor Baldwin also expressed gratitude for Chief Floyd’s service.

“On behalf of City Council and our entire community, I want to thank Chief Floyd for his years of dedicated service and steady leadership,” said Mayor Baldwin. “He has served this City with professionalism, integrity, and a true passion for public safety. His contributions will have a lasting impact on North Myrtle Beach.”

As part of the City’s succession planning, Deputy Fire Chief John Galganski will serve as Interim Fire Chief upon Chief Floyd’s retirement to ensure continuity of operations and leadership while the City evaluates the next steps in naming a permanent replacement.

The City of North Myrtle Beach extends its sincere appreciation to Chief Floyd for his years of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to protecting the community.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- The North Myrtle Beach City Council met in a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 2, at 6:00 PM at City Hall.

There were four items on the Consent portion of the agenda:

A. RESOLUTION: Adopt the Bylaws for the Public Arts Commission (APPROVED)

B. RESOLUTION: Pre-annexation Agreement for Lot 29 of Ocean View Estates at 5604 Little River Neck Road (APPROVED)

C. MOTION TO APPROVE: Myrtle Beach Tours Beach Games to be held April 4, 2026 through May 2, 2026 (APPROVED)

D. MOTION TO APPROVE: North Myrtle Beach Rotary Park of Honor to be held June 26, 2026, through July 27, 2026 (APPROVED)

There were three items on the Unfinished Business agenda:

A. ORDINANCE/SECOND READING: Amendments to Chapter 23, Zoning, of the Code of Ordinances of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, defining inground pools (APPROVED)

B. ORDINANCE/SECOND READING: Petition for Annexation and Zoning Designation for ±1.05 acres on Buffkin Road (APPROVED)

C. ORDINANCE/SECOND READING: First Amendment to the Lauret Associates Tract Development Agreement and to authorize the City Manager to sign the document on behalf of the City (APPROVED)

There were six items on the New Business agenda:

A. ORDINANCE/FIRST READING: Amendments to Chapter 23, Zoning, of the Code of Ordinances of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, requiring screening for mechanical equipment in setbacks (APPROVED)

B. ORDINANCE/FIRST READING: Petition for Annexation and Zoning Designation for ±64.46 acres on South Carolina Highway 90 (APPROVED)

C. SECOND PUBLIC HEARING: Regarding the Development Agreement for Champions Boulevard Commercial

D. ORDINANCE/FIRST READING: Development Agreement for Champions Boulevard Commercial and to authorize the City Manager to sign the document on behalf of the City (APPROVED)

E. ORDINANCE/FIRST READING: Amendment to the Gator Planned Development District (PDD) revising the TGI Friday’s site to a new Chick-fil-A site (POSTPONE TO WORKSHOP)

F. ORDINANCE/FIRST READING: Amendment to the Barefoot Resort Development District (PDD) revising rear yard setbacks in Tuscan Sands (DENIED)

View the Livestream here.

New FREE adult program!

Come check out the sea of green! Music, food, leprechauns, fun and more!

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- The City of North Myrtle Beach is now hiring Lifeguards for the 2026 season. 

Lifeguard Qualifications:

To help applicants prepare, North Myrtle Beach Ocean Rescue hosts weekly free Swim Clinics from February through May at the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center, 100 2nd Ave S. Participants can improve their swimming technique and stamina while meeting veteran lifeguards.

Starting pay is $18 per hour, with bonus opportunities available. 

Interested applicants can apply online here.

Join North Myrtle Beach Ocean Rescue and make a difference on our beach this Summer!

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Join us on Saturday, February 28, at 10 AM at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex for the 3rd Annual Leashes and Beaches K9 Skills Competition, featuring agility courses, sniff offs, and hardest hitting/fastest dog competitions!

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- The South Carolina Hands‑Free and Distracted Driving Act takes effect on September 1, 2025, and citations will begin on February 28, 2026. As part of the State’s public safety strategy, this measure prohibits drivers from holding or otherwise supporting mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle on public roads.

What’s Prohibited:

• Holding or supporting a mobile device with any part of your body while driving
• Reading, composing, or sending texts, emails, app interactions, or web information
• Watching motion (such as videos, movies, games, or video calls)

What’s Allowed (Without Holding the Device):

• Voice‑activated or hands‑free communication
• Factory‑integrated systems like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
• Listening to audio (navigation voice prompts, music, or podcasts)
• Navigation or traffic‑info use that does not require device manipulation
• Reporting emergencies, hazards, or accidents
• Use by First Responders while performing official duties

Enforcement and Penalties:

• Warning Period: For the first 180 days after September 1, 2025, Law Enforcement will issue warnings only
• After Warning Period:
• 1st Offense: $100 Fine
• 2nd and Subsequent Offenses: $200 Fine plus two (2) Points on Driver’s Record

What You Can Do Now:

• Install hands‑free phone mounts
• Use Bluetooth or voice‑activated features
• Program navigation or playlists before you begin driving
• Educate family, friends, and visitors about the new law

By encouraging safer habits behind the wheel, this law is designed to save lives, prevent accidents, and create a safer travel environment for everyone using South Carolina roadways.