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 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.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- The City of North Myrtle Beach is accepting applications for an open seat on the North Myrtle Beach Tree Board. The appointment is for a four-year term and will be made by the Mayor and City Council.

The Tree Board plays a key role in supporting the City’s urban forestry efforts and maintaining its Tree City USA designation. Board Members work with City staff and leadership to enhance the community’s trees, environment, and long-term sustainability.

The Tree Board generally meets on the first Thursday of each month at 4:00 PM at J. Bryan Floyd Community Center.

Responsibilities of the Tree Board include:

• Be informed of all City tree-related matters
• Advise the City on proper tree maintenance techniques and community tree management policies
• Recommend public tree establishment, maintenance, protection, and removal
• Provide input to the Public Grounds Division for annual work plans and long-range planning
• Investigate and apply for donations and grants for community forestry projects
• Educate and inform the public and City Staff about the value of trees and proper tree maintenance 
• Review the Tree Ordinance and Tree Planting Master Plan and recommend updates at least every five years
• Promote and support the Tree City USA program
• Prepare an annual report to City Council, including the past year’s active roster, accomplishments, and activities
• Perform other responsibilities as directed by City Council

Applicants must be residents of the City of North Myrtle Beach.

The deadline to apply for this open seat is Monday, March 9. Residents are welcome to submit an application for consideration at any time for future vacancies.

Visit the City's website to apply online for the North Myrtle Beach Tree Board.

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.