Myrtle Beach’s beloved country-cooking restaurant Magnolia’s at 26th has closed. Meanwhile, Guy Fieri brought his celebrity chef presence to the Grand Strand for the ceremonial grand opening of Downtown Flavortown and filmed episodes of his Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” at local restaurants.

The Myrtle Beach area also marked 25 years since the 9/11 terror attacks and reflected on the bonds forged with New York first responders who have since made the Strand their home. 

We’re going to catch you up on these and other top stories from The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach from the past week.

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Editor’s Note

This news briefing was created with the assistance of AI to summarize stories. The briefing was edited by a Post and Courier journalist before it was published.

New golf cart regulations? 

Georgetown County considers additional rules for golf carts. Here’s what’s being discussed.

Georgetown County leaders are considering an ordinance that would require golf cart operators to drive on the far right side of lanes, not impede traffic and pull over to let faster traffic through, with potential fines reaching $250. The ordinance does not include a previous proposal to limit golf carts to roads with speed limits of 25 mph or lower, though state law already mandates that golf carts not operate on roads with speed limits above 35 mph. The ordinance reached County Council on Sept. 8 and would need two more readings to pass, with the next council meeting set for Sept. 22. — Colin Elam; Sept. 9, 2026

Myrtle Beach trying to settle debate over golf cart parking at beach accesses

Myrtle Beach City Council has debated an ordinance to allow golf carts to park on grassy areas at certain public beach accesses, increasing designated spaces from 228 to 467 along the Golden Mile. The compromise followed months of heated debate after the city began enforcing a ban on lawn parking in summer, which created overflow problems. — Terry Massey; Sept. 7, 2026

Crime updates for Myrtle Beach area

In new federal lawsuit, Scott Spivey’s family accuses Horry County police of protecting his killers

Scott Spivey’s family filed a federal lawsuit on Sept. 8 alleging that Horry County police concealed evidence, coached witnesses and failed to follow agency policies in investigating the 33-year-old’s September 2023 shooting death. Spivey was killed by North Myrtle Beach businessman Weldon Boyd and his friend Bradley Williams. The complaint names more than a dozen current and former officers as defendants and alleges police suppressed recordings of Boyd’s calls with former deputy chief Brandon Strickland, in which Strickland assured Boyd he “was taken care of.” — Charles D. Perry and Adam Benson; Sept. 9, 2026

Embattled Pawleys Island-area church accused of removing evidence

Attorneys for two parents suing Pawleys Island Community Church have accused church leaders of removing evidence related to the decision to allow registered sex offender Warren Perry to work on the campus. Perry, a 70-year-old volunteer custodian convicted in 2023 of sexual exploitation of a minor, became a staple at the church’s Christian academy, and one lawsuit alleges he sexually abused a 5-year-old boy at the school in 2022. Seven civil lawsuits have been filed against the church so far. — Nicole Ziege; Sept. 8, 2026

Myrtle Beach growth and development

Myrtle Beach considers $20M incentive package for massive surf park near Broadway at the Beach

Myrtle Beach City Council gave early approval on Sept. 8 to a $20 million incentive package for what would be South Carolina’s first man-made surf park at the intersection of 21st Avenue North and U.S. Highway 17 Bypass. The project requires developers to commit at least $150 million and reach 80 percent construction completion before accessing public funds. A third-party impact study projects the park will generate $3.2 million in annual city revenue and attract 364,000 annual visitors when it opens in spring 2030. — Adam Benson; Sept. 8, 2026

This Myrtle Beach country-cooking favorite is closed for renovations, but will it return?

Magnolia’s at 26th, a farm-to-table staple on Ocean Boulevard for more than two decades, locked its doors Sept. 9 with only a note stating it was closed for upcoming renovations and would announce reopening dates in early spring. There was no immediate word on whether it would reopen as Magnolia’s or under a new concept, or whether current employees would retain their jobs. Longtime fans may find solace in plans for a new Magnolia’s Cafe on U.S. Highway 701 North in Conway. — Terry Massey; Sept. 10, 2026

Guy Fieri celebrates Flavortown, films ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ episodes in Myrtle Beach

Guy Fieri appeared Sept. 10 for the ceremonial grand opening of Downtown Flavortown at the Myrtle Beach Mall, a 50,000-square-foot arcade and restaurant. During his stay, Fieri filmed episodes of his Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” at Toffino’s Italian Bakery Deli Pizzeria, Old Town Crepes and J-Mike’s Flavor Station, with episodes expected to air within the next two months mixed in with other towns. The Downtown Flavortown menu features signature dishes from Fieri’s career, including his award-winning Bacon Mac’N’Cheese Burger and Trash Can Nachos. — Terry Massey; Sept. 11, 2026

How Myrtle Beach is remembering 9/11, 25 years later

‘The least we could do’: How Myrtle Beach opened its doors to 9/11 first responders after tragedy

In the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, the Grand Strand offered 1,000 vacation packages to New York police, firefighters and their families, a gesture that blossomed into enduring friendships and continuing partnerships 25 years later. The FDNY Never Forget 9-11 Golf Outing began in 2002 and has grown to attract more than 500 firefighters annually, with many later retiring to the area. The city held a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Unity Memorial in Warbird Park on Friday. — Terry Massey; Sept. 10, 2026

‘What did I bring my son into?’: Conway mother pays emotional tribute to former NYPD colleagues

Jane Martin, now living in Conway, wore her 83rd NYPD precinct fleece to a ceremony honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11, recalling the death of fellow officer Moira Ann Reddy Smith, the only female police officer to die that day in the Ground Zero response. Conway Police Chief Dale Long and Fire Chief Jason Perzan spoke about the overwhelming sense of loss at Ground Zero and how first responders carry forward the legacy of those who died by answering calls every day. — Adam Benson; Sept. 11, 2026

SC’s third-largest school district creates vaping task force as ‘high volume’ use continues

Horry County Schools created a vape task force after nearly 200 student tobacco and THC-related vape violations were reported last year, with 64 violations already recorded in the current academic cycle. An Aug. 10 monitoring report indicates THC-based vapes are being used at a “high volume,” prompting district leaders to implement vape detection systems at three high schools and explore comprehensive strategies including education, prevention and mental health services. Superintendent Cliff Jones called for vape shop restrictions within 1,500 feet of schools, citing research showing students need a mix of educational, prevention and intervention resources to address nicotine addiction. — Adam Benson; Sept. 11, 2026

A Myrtle Beach-area dance teacher’s resilience and warmth inspired many. Her legacy lives on.

Annie Hucks, a 33-year-old dance instructor at Silver Lining School of the Arts, was killed in a car wreck on Aug. 28. Hucks had overcome kidney cancer as a child and recently underwent brain surgery for a benign tumor, but she maintained an irrepressible joy that inspired countless students. Her husband Jarrett said she made a last-second swerve that likely saved their children’s lives. — Charles D. Perry; Sept. 6, 2026