First reading approves Hospitality Tax funding; four kiosk locations proposed with free public use
Myrtle Beach City Council has approved the first reading of a budget amendment that would allocate $125,000 from this year’s Hospitality Tax fund to launch a city‑run beach wheelchair program.
The vote followed a presentation from the Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department outlining how the program would operate. Under the proposal:
- Beach wheelchair use would be free to the public.
- The city would invest $125,000 upfront for wheelchairs and automated storage lockers.
- Annual operating costs are estimated at $12,000 after the first year.
- Four automated wheelchair lockers, managed through the RentFun system, would be installed.
- Each locker would hold four chairs, for a total of 16 citywide.
- Proposed locations include 15th Avenue South, Second Avenue North, 26th Avenue North, and 53rd Avenue North.
- All sites have handicap‑accessible parking and walkovers.
- The program is designed to expand with additional kiosks and chairs as needed.
Council members will continue working with staff to determine rental parameters, including whether chairs may be checked out for four hours, 24 hours, or another time limit.
PRST staff are also in the permitting phase for a beach access mat at 15th Avenue South. The mat requires approval from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. If permitted, the site would become the first location to offer both a wheelchair kiosk and an access mat.
Although the budget amendment requires a second reading before final approval, staff have begun preliminary work. If permitting moves forward, the city estimates the project could be completed in roughly two months.
© 2026 BCDollarSaver.com. All rights reserved.
Be the first to comment