ATLANTIC BEACH, S.C. — The Atlantic Beach Town Council gave first-reading approval on Monday, Sept. 14 to an amended ordinance that would lower fees for vendors to the annual Memorial Day Bike Festival.
Food, beer and wine and drink vendors would pay less if the proposal is finalized at the October council meeting. The plan calls for food vendors to pay $1,100 instead of $2,000. Beer and wine would be $1,500 instead of $2,500 and alcohol would be $2,000 instead of $4,000.
“The idea is to attract more vendors,” said Atlantic Beach Town Manager Titus Leaks. “…I want to make sure we’re charging a fair amount.”
Council also discussed the overall plan for the 2027 festival, including traffic issues.
The debate got heated at one point when councilwoman Jaqueline Gore, who didn’t think the debate was over, interrupted Mayor Pro Tem Carla Taylor.
“You’re making a motion?” Gore said to Taylor. “I’m talking!”
Mayor Josephine Isom banged her gavel to restore order and the ordinance passed unanimously on first reading.
2036 Aspire Comprehensive Plan
Council also gave final approval to the 2036 Aspire Comprehensive Plan with some modifications.
Ashley Cowen of Diamond Shores explains a proposed amendment to Atlantic Beach’a Aspire 2036 comprehensive plan.
The zone district title Mixed Use for 30th Avenue and 31st Avenue was changed to Commercial, Tourism and Residential.
Language was added to say stand-alone medium and low-density residential uses should be limited to properties where historic deed restrictions require residential use and prohibit the commercial uses otherwise envisioned within this Future Land Use designation.
Elections
The council gave unanimous approval to transferring the authority to conduct town election to the Horry County Voter Registration and Elections Commission, effective upon that body’s approval.
Police chief update
During its executive session, council heard an update on the police chief situation but no action was taken.
Atlantic Beach has been without a police force since the last chief, resigned on Feb. 16, 2026.
