Myrtle Beach annexation vote passes; city expanding

The city of Myrtle Beach grew by a little more than 600 acres Tuesday as voters in two communities said “yes” to being annexed into the city.

By a 56-24 vote, registered voters in the Bridgeport and Waterside Drive communities approved a move to be annexed into Myrtle Beach, much to the chagrin of dozens of businesses in the area that will now face higher property taxes and business license fees.

The business owners did not get to vote in the election.

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The unofficial vote breakdown is as follows:

Coastal Lane 2 precinct: 47 yes, 11 no

Sea Oats 2 precinct: 3 yes, 13 no

Absentee ballots: 6 yes

The Bridgeport community voted in the Coastal Lane 2 precinct and it was this group of voters that the city courted early on, promising new roads, according to some of the residents there.

Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes said Tuesday evening that he welcomes all of the residents and businesses in the newest part of the city and looks forward to being their mayor.

“They can be an asset to the city and we can be an asset to them,” Rhodes said.

Car dealership owner Freddie Hyatt said he and the group of other car dealers in the annexed area would get together with their attorney to discuss any possible actions against the city concerning Tuesday’s vote.

The Horry County Election Commission will meet Thursday to certify the vote.