MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — A plan floated by Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark Kruea to conduct a trial run of wind-driven shade devices on beaches in residential areas won’t fly this summer, but the door remains open for future discussions.
Citing longstanding safety concerns about the use of Shibumi Shades and other similar devices, the city’s Beach Advisory Committee and public safety officials shot down the idea of even a trial run at a committee meeting earlier this month. The city’s current ordinance allows non-umbrella shading devices, including tents under 12-by-12 feet, for nine months out of the year, but not between the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
Kruea brought up the topic again at the end of Tuesday’s city council meeting, asking members if there was any interest in conducting a trial run in residential areas only. At one point, he reminded council members that the current ordinance predates the existence of the newer types of wind-driven shading devices…