A Weekly Summary of Municipal Growth, Infrastructure, and Community Safety
By BC News Staff Writer
The week of April 13, 2026, was marked by significant civic activity across the coastal Carolinas, as municipalities pivoted from spring celebrations to critical budget planning and public safety initiatives.
Public Safety & Emergency Management
Burn Bans in Effect Across the Region – Dry, windy conditions and elevated wildfire risk prompted burn restrictions across southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. Agencies in both states continue urging residents to avoid debris burning and follow spring wildfire‑season precautions.
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Brunswick and Columbus Counties: A statewide burn ban remains in effect, suspending all burning permits and prohibiting open burning within 100 feet of structures.
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Horry County: A statewide burn ban is in place, citing extreme fire danger and low humidity.
Brunswick County, NC
Infrastructure and long-term fiscal planning took center stage as the Leland Town Council held a special agenda meeting on April 13 to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. A primary focus of the proposal includes specialized safety investments, such as advanced turnout gear dryers for fire stations and an expansion of the police department’s drone program.
The county also continued its month-long observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month, highlighted by the illumination of the Judge Ola M. Lewis Courthouse in blue. Additionally, Leland announced a new community engagement series titled “Let’s Talk Leland,” aimed at fostering informal dialogue between residents and town leadership starting this spring.
Columbus County, NC
Environmental concerns dominated the headlines as the North Carolina Drought Monitor officially placed all of Columbus County in the Severe Drought category on April 16. The region has not seen measurable rainfall since April 6, leading to increased fire danger and a localized boil water advisory for several county customers due to low pressure and maintenance issues.
On the public safety front, the Whiteville Police Department and the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office remained active following the arrest of a suspect in a high-profile case on April 16. In lighter community news, the Special Olympics returned to Whiteville on April 15, and the Columbus County Farmers Market expanded its operating hours to include Tuesday and Thursday evenings to accommodate growing local demand.
Horry County, SC
Following the return from Spring Break, Horry County Schools shifted into high gear for the final weeks of the academic year. Superintendent Clifford Jones launched the “Coffee and Conversations with Cliff” listening tour on April 13, aimed at gathering parent and teacher feedback on the district’s rapid growth.
The Horry County Register of Deeds also announced the rollout of a new, free Recording Notification Service this week. This tool is designed to provide property owners with real-time alerts if any documents are filed under their names, a move aimed at curbing identity and property fraud in the fast-growing Grand Strand region.
Regional Themes of the Week
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Budgeting for Growth: Municipalities in both Brunswick and Horry counties are prioritizing public safety infrastructure (drones, fire gear, and staffing) to keep pace with the region’s top-tier relocation rankings.
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Climate Stresses: The sudden shift to severe drought conditions in the coastal plains has raised immediate alarms for agriculture and fire departments across the tri-county area.
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Civic Transparency: From “Let’s Talk Leland” to new property notification services, local governments are focusing on digital tools and informal forums to increase transparency with a rapidly expanding population.
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