A Weekly Summary of Municipal Growth, Infrastructure, and Community Safety
By BC News Staff Writer
As of Friday, May 1, 2026, the regional landscape is shifting from a period of severe environmental tension toward a weekend of much-needed relief and community milestones. While the final days of April were defined by record-breaking drought conditions, the turn of the month brings significant changes to fire safety regulations and the launch of seasonal amenities across the coastal plain.
Brunswick County
Today marks a significant community milestone in Leland as the Founders Park splash pad officially opens for the season, operating daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In administrative news, the Board of Commissioners recently approved a resolution supporting an affordable housing initiative for teachers, responding to the growing need for workforce housing near the Highway 17 corridor. Infrastructure maintenance remains a focus as the month concludes; while the scheduled water outage on Main Street in Shallotte was completed early this morning, a system pressure advisory remains in effect for the 4901 to 5050 blocks of Main Street.
Residents are also encouraged to attend the 2026 ReadyBrunswick Preparedness Expo this coming Tuesday, May 5, at the Government Center in Bolivia to prepare for the upcoming tropical season.
Horry County
The arrival of May 1 signals a major shift in fire safety for the Grand Strand. Effective at 7:00 a.m. today, the South Carolina Forestry Commission has lifted the statewide burning ban for all counties, including Horry.
While outdoor burning is once again permitted, officials urge extreme vigilance as the state’s drought status remains unchanged.
Today also marks the start of the summer tourist season, bringing the enforcement of new beach ordinances: large canopies and tents are now prohibited on all beaches, with only small umbrellas permitted through Labor Day.
In Myrtle Beach, city officials have invited the public to support the local Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial as part of upcoming “America 250” celebrations, while Horry County Mosquito Control announced that truck-mounted spraying operations are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 5.
Columbus County
Civic life in Columbus County remains active as the region navigates a critical drought. Today, May 1, the Greater Tabor City Chamber of Commerce is hosting a pork bog plate sale at Ooh La La Boutique on South Main Street, starting at 11:30 a.m., to raise funds for the annual Independence Day fireworks.
In administrative developments. Columbus Regional Hospital is participating in a large-scale emergency simulation drill today in coordination with the U.S. Army.
Furthermore, local agricultural producers continue to monitor the strawberry harvest as it reaches its peak, with local stands remaining busy through the weekend. On the legislative front, residents are closely watching a new state-level initiative as the State Board of Elections begins checking the citizenship status of all registered voters against federal databases.
Regional Safety & Environmental Watch
A stark contrast in fire regulations now exists across the state line: while South Carolina has lifted its ban as of 7:00 a.m. today, North Carolina’s statewide burn ban remains firmly in place due to “Extreme Drought” conditions in the southeastern corridor. Forestry units on both sides of the border are monitoring a significant weather front moving in tonight. Meteorological data suggests a “cold soaking rain” is likely tonight through Saturday evening, with potential rainfall totals of 1.25 to 2″ This moisture is “very welcomed” for fire suppression, though drivers are urged to use caution as the first weekend of May typically sees a surge in regional traffic along the Highway 17 and Highway 74 corridors.
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