Divorce Attorney in Myrtle Beach SC

Developers plan to build more than 600 new multi-family and built-to-rent homes in the North Myrtle Beach area, although the plan could be scaled back.

The project seeks to revisit The Preserve, a planned community along Carolina Bays Parkway that the City of North Myrtle Beach approved in 2022 to build 826 residential units. The amended plan removes a 10,000-square-foot commercial space.

In an interview with The Sun News, City of North Myrtle Beach Assistant Director of Planning and Development Suzanne Pritchard said the developer wanted to change the plan to subdivide the tract into individual properties.

“The biggest issue for them in this point would be, they are trying to subdivide,” Pritchard. “They’re creating these right of way so that they can subdivide the property so that each house is on land that it owns.”

The new development plan submitted to the City of North Myrtle Beach calls for 613 dwelling units consisting of multi-family homes, built-to-rent properties and townhomes. The project received approval on the first reading at North Myrtle Beach’s Feb. 17, 2025, City Council meeting.

Josh Hughes, a developer with the project, did not return a request for comment.

A City of North Myrtle Beach spokesperson told The Sun News that the amended new plan needs to pass on a second reading before receiving final approval. The number of planned homes could shrink more in the future, Pritchard said

In theory, the developer could move forward with the original plan for the project since it received final approval, Pritchard said. However, she added that the developers’ desire to subdivide means the community needs to increase the width of roads and driveways to meet city requirements, which could lead to the removal of more units.

“I do not know what number would be approvable at this point, but we’re working on that,” Pritchard said.

She added that circumstances in the area changed since the original The Preserve plan received approval in 2022.

“You have more residents living out there and more homes going in,” Pritchard said. “Everybody just becomes more sensitive to the place and what the community wants. So, I guess that’s probably why it’s all being renegotiated.”

The Sun News

Ben Morse is the Retail and Leisure Reporter for The Sun News. Morse covers local business and Coastal Carolina University football and was awarded third place in the 2023 South Carolina Press Association News Contest for sports beat reporting and second place for sports video in the all-daily division. Morse previously worked for The Island Packet, covering local government. Morse graduated from American University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism and economics and is originally from Prospect, Kentucky.

With gorgeous Grand Strand weather and spring break fast approaching, the busy travel season is almost upon Myrtle Beach.

For visitors coming through and locals getting out of town alike, the Myrtle Beach International Airport serves as a hub for spring and summer travel.

Before the tourist season kicks off, here are five things airline passengers should know before traveling through Myrtle Beach.

“It’s going to be super busy here as we get into the summer,” said Transportation Security Administration regional spokesperson Mark Howell.

Last year, a record of more than 3.8 million travelers departed from and arrived at Myrtle Beach International Airport. This year is projected to be even busier.

“Right now, we’re seeing about 2,500 passengers a day coming through security here in Myrtle Beach,” Howell said. “You’ll see that ramp up to about 4,000 a day by the end of March and as we get into the summer months of June and July, we’ll see upwards of 12,000 passengers.”

That’s a roughly 10% increase in crowds from 2024.

The TSA generally recommends arriving at the airport 2 hours before your scheduled departure, Howell said. But just like planning a daily commute, travelers should prepare for rush hour airport traffic.

According to Howell, airports across the United States typically experience rush hour periods between 6 a.m and 10 a.m. While many travelers choose to fly out in the morning, rush hours can be any time before a high volume of flights are departing.

“This year it’s first thing [in the morning], and then there’s a push at like 10 [a.m.], and then another like 3 and 4 [p.m.]” TSA manager Blake Strickland said of Myrtle Beach International Airport. “Every year is different.”

Travelers concerned about long security lines can check flight departures online here to estimate airport crowds.

In addition to their flight’s scheduled departure time, travelers should consider the day they’re flying out when planning for the airport. Weekend travelers can make airports busier from Thursday through Monday, and holidays like Memorial Day weekend and July Fourth are especially busy for travel in a vacation destination like Myrtle Beach.

It’s also important to remember that, if the wait for security is long, chances are the lines for tasks like checking a bag or returning a car will be lengthy as well.

A long line in the Myrtle Beach International terminal isn’t necessarily cause for panic. The TSA may only operate and staff two security lanes on a slow day, but during peak travel all six lanes run to keep the line moving.

“As we get into summer months, it’s going to be exceptionally busy. We’ll have a lot of flights going out for Myrtle Beach, and a lot of those flights will be full, so we work with [the airlines] to get those numbers, and that lets us know what we need to have open at the checkpoint.”

In addition to increased local staff, the TSA sends national deployment officers to help with security from May through October, because Myrtle Beach International Airport sees such a steep increase in traffic during the tourist season.

“Myrtle Beach is considered a seasonal airport,” Strickland said. “So what they do is they ship officers from all over the country here, and they’ll stage them here … during the summer time to help us out.”

During the tourist season, travelers might also encounter TSA dogs all the way from Charleston. According to Howell, when crowds get “exceptionally heavy,” explosive-detection canines can provide additional security at the Myrtle Beach checkpoint.

Travelers can get through security and to their gates faster by packing carefully. The TSA maintains a comprehensive list of items permitted in carry-ons and checked bags–including food, flammable materials, tools, weapons, medicine and more–online here.

TSA supervisor Scott Whitesell, who has worked at Myrtle Beach International Airport for more than 20 years, said body lotions and mists over the 3.4-oz. limit are the most common items caught at the security checkpoint. According to Howell, self-defense items like pepper spray and brass knuckles are also an issue in college towns like Myrtle Beach.

“We want passengers to really pay attention to what they’re bringing with them to the airport,” Howell said. “That’s their way that they can help us keep those wait times low.”

It’s especially important for travelers to ensure they’re not carrying illegal drugs or firearms that aren’t properly declared and packed in checked luggage, which require law enforcement involvement if found at a TSA checkpoint.

“Checking your bag before you come and starting with an empty bag when you’re packing the night before are two ways you can kind of avoid those mistakes and keep yourself out of trouble,” Howell said.

This travel season, the TSA will also start enforcing the REAL ID Act, which will require passengers to carry REAL ID-compliant identification to board commercial domestic flights.

“If you’re planning to travel after May 7 of this year, you’re going to need to make sure you have a REAL ID compliant license or another acceptable form of ID,” Howell said. “You don’t want to get stuck and have a really long screening experience if you don’t have that at that time.”

Drivers in South Carolina can check if their license is compliant by looking for a gold star in the top right corner.

South Carolina residents who don’t have a REAL ID compliant license can learn more about the process here, and folks in other states can visit their state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out more.

This story was originally published February 26, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

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The Sun News

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Maria Elena Scott writes about trending topics and what you need to know in the Grand Strand. She studied journalism at the University of Houston and covered Cleveland news before coming to the Palmetto State.

Beachfront rooms and spacious suites are calling.

Every year, millions of visitors make their way to the greater Myrtle Beach area, otherwise known as the Grand Strand, to golf, swim, shop, and generally enjoy the South Carolina coast. It’s a popular destination for multi-generational groups, retirees, and trips of all kinds—from bachelorettes to weekend getaways. To meet that demand, there’s a roster of hundreds of hotels.

This part of the Palmetto State bats above average for beachfront resorts, family-friendly properties, and rooms overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. In total, there are around 425 different hotels in the Grand Strand—but only nine made our list of the best hotels in Myrtle Beach, listed in no particular order.

Marina Inn at Grande Dunes

Marina Inn at Grande Dunes has been a Myrtle Beach staple for nearly 20 years. Though the resort isn’t technically beachfront, its location along the Intracoastal Waterway still provides plenty of amazing views—and guests can access a private beach club via a five-minute shuttle ride when they want to enjoy some sand and surf. The hotel also offers a variety of golf packages, water sports, indoor and outdoor pools, and three dining options—including WaterScapes Restaurant, a full-service restaurant serving breakfast and dinner.

marinainnatgrandedunes.com, 8121 Amalfi Pl, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Dunes Village Resort

Dunes Village Resort is a dream destination for families with younger children. Not only does it boast its own waterpark—inclusive of slides and whirlpools—but the property also has a variety of accommodation categories, from oceanfront studios to four-bedroom suites, to ensure there’s room for everyone in your party. It’s also a great option for anyone traveling for a week or more. Each of the rooms is equipped with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and granite countertops, allowing guests the freedom to prepare meals in the comfort of their own space throughout their stay.

dunesvillage.com, 5200 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Island Vista Resort

If your priority is finding a hotel that’s within steps of the beach, look no further than Island Vista Resort. Simultaneously elegant and casual, the resort feels like a hidden gem in Myrtle Beach. It’s located on the north end of the Strand and pleasantly removed from the busier parts of the city—but that doesn’t mean you won’t have plenty of on-property options to fill your itinerary. Guests have access to several pools, two hot tubs, a splash pool, a lazy river, and an oceanfront tanning lawn. There’s even a beach bar, the Tiki Hut, where you can load up on frozen drinks, chicken fingers, and crab cake sandwiches.

islandvista.com, 6000 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes

Have some Marriott Bonvoy points you want to spend? Consider booking one of the oceanfront rooms at Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes. This is a resort that excels in a few areas, but it’s safe to say its expansive outdoor pool, beach access, and spa are the true highlights; the latter features a menu with all kinds of rejuvenating treatments—deep tissue massages, body scrubs, anti-aging facials, and more. The accommodations themselves are also comfortable and aesthetically pleasing (they were renovated in 2017), and the private balconies are the cherry on top.

marriott.com, 8400 Costa Verde Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes

There are several Marriott properties in Myrtle Beach, but it’s safe to say that Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes is one of the best. While it neighbors Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, it’s a wholly unique concept. Guests stay in two-bedroom, condo-style oceanfront villas designed to offer the benefits of a home-like environment with resort amenities. You’ll have completely separate living and dining spaces, plus a full kitchen and primary suites. When you’re not enjoying your private space, you can take advantage of the fitness center, the beach, pools, and putting green.

marriott.com, 8550 Costa Verde Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach

For anyone who wants to be in the heart of Myrtle Beach, there’s Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach. Located two short blocks from the Boardwalk and four blocks from the SkyWheel, the resort is within walking distance of some of the area’s most iconic sights—and just steps from the beach. The all-suite property also features two pools, whirlpools, a fitness center, and a kids’ activity center. While you could easily walk to any number of restaurants in the neighborhood, the resort has a few different dining options. Rendez-Views is a seasonal poolside bar, The Marketplace has to-go items and coffee, and The Sports Bar is ideal for dinner, drinks, and watching sports.

hilton.com, 1600 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Prince Resort

You may come to Prince Resort for the quiet North Myrtle location and the water features—including a rooftop pool, lazy river, and mushroom waterfall kiddie pool—but you’ll more than likely stay for the oceanviews and roomy accommodations. Not to mention, the famed Cherry Grove Pier is right next door. Inside the one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, you’ll find oversized balconies with gorgeous views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and fully equipped kitchens. When you’re not cooking up meals inside your suite, venture down to 3500 Ocean Grill Restaurant, the on-site eatery serving up breakfast and dinner.

princeresortonline.com, 3500 N Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Myrtle Beach Oceanfront opened its doors in 2024, making it one of the newer resorts in the area. In true Myrtle Beach fashion, the accommodations are outfitted with a full kitchen (and even a washer, dryer, patio, and wine cooler), and there’s lots of room for the entire family to spread out—although you might find everyone gravitates toward the pool area. Here, resort guests swim in the oceanfront pool, relax in the hot tub, play in the splash pad, and sip on cocktails at The Back Porch Pool Bar. And if you want to elevate the experience a few notches? Book one of the poolside cabanas; it comes with lounge chairs, a TV, and a refrigerator, among other amenities.

holidayinnclub.com, 2915 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

ihg.com

North Beach Resort & Villas

North Beach Resort & Villas is impressive from the moment you arrive. The resort is made up of separate towers located on a 7.5-acre “island” between the ocean and Whitepoint Swash, making it about a 20-minute drive from the main hub of Myrtle Beach. While you could certainly find accommodations closer to the boardwalk and promenade, it’s hard to beat the Carribean-themed swimming pool, hot tubs, private cabanas, lazy river, and other relaxation-friendly amenities. There’s even a 17,000-square-foot, which is the perfect way to unwind following a sun-and-surf-filled day.

northbeachrentals.com, 719 North Beach Boulevard, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

A lawsuit has been filed against Myrtle Beach pastor John-Paul Miller, alleging he raped a 15-year-old girl in 1998 before sexually assaulting her again in 2023.

An Indiana woman, who filed under the pseudonym Jane Doe, named John-Paul Miller, his father Reginald Wayne Miller, Solid Rock Ministries, All Nations Cathedral Church and The Cathedral Baptist Church of the Grand Strand in the suit filed on Feb. 25.

John-Paul Miller declined to comment. His attorney did not respond immediately for a request to comment.

Doe is suing for negligence, civil conspiracy, assault and battery, infliction of emotional distress and violation of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Cathedral, Solid Rock, and their employees and agents had the opportunity to prevent harm against vulnerable children, yet, they “ignored clear warning signs of minors being sexual exploited or abuse by church staff, members, or volunteers,” the suit claims.

The lawsuit claims that despite their knowledge of John-Paul Miller’s predatory behavior, his father and church officials took affirmative steps to hide, suppress, and prevent the reporting of his actions, including allowing him to remain in leadership, refusing to report his conduct to law enforcement, suppressing or destroying evidence and complaints made by victims or church members and failing to implement safety measures to protect minors.

In 1998, Doe was attending All Nations Church, formerly known as Cathedral Baptist Church of the Grand Strand Inc., with her grandparents. All Nations Church was operated by Miller’s father, Reginald Wayne Miller.

Doe states on July 19, 1998, she was looking for her grandfather’s Sunday school class when she encountered a 19-year-old Miller, who was employed as a youth leader, in the church sanctuary, playing the piano. He started a conversation with Doe and Doe then left to go to the bathroom, the suit said.

When Doe exited the restroom, she encountered Miller standing near his father’s office door and the two began another conversation, the suit said. Without warning, Miller forced Doe inside his father’s office, shutting the door behind him, the suit said.

There he became aggressive, overpowered Doe and pushed her against the wall. Doe repeatedly asked John-Paul Miller to stop but he did not, instead taking her outside and into his truck. There he raped the teenage girl, the suit said.

“At the time, she did not fully comprehend the nature of what had happened to her or the extent of the harm it caused. The trauma was deeply buried, and for decades, she had no conscious recollection of the assault,” the lawsuit said.

Doe repressed the memory of her rape until a 2023 encounter with John-Paul Miller, according to the suit. At that time, despite being in a public setting, Miller leaned into Jane Doe as if to hug her and shoved his hand down her pants touching her genitals without consent, the suit claims.

“This church was JPM’s sexual playground,” the lawsuit stated.

When Doe heard about the death of Miller’s wife, Mica Miller, she felt “immense guilt” and believed if she had spoken up sooner about her rape and sexual assault, she may have prevented further harm, according to the lawsuit.

The pastor has been at the center of controversy since his wife, Mica Miller, committed suicide in April 2024. Since her death, Mica Miller’s family has accused John-Paul Miller of abusing her and it has been alleged that he may have had something to do with his wife’s death. John-Paul Miller has denied these claims.

Mica Miller committed suicide on April 27, according to North Carolina officials. In May, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office released a video of her buying a gun before driving from Myrtle Beach to a North Carolina state park. There, she called 911 and told them she was planning to kill herself. Her body was found in the state park.

Her death has become a national conversation topic, with people taking to social media about her death, using the #JusticeForMica.

Mica Miller’s father and sister, Michael and Sierra Francis, told The Sun News previously that they believe Mica Miller was in an abusive relationship with John-Paul Miller. The family made it known that they did not approve of the couple’s relationship.

The family also offered help as she tried to leave him, they claim. Mica Miller had filed for separation from her husband multiple times before her death. At the time of her death, the couple were estranged.

Mica Miller also struggled with mental illness, according to her husband. Mica Miller talked openly about issues she was dealing with on her Facebook page. Medical records provided by John-Paul Miller show she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and dependent personality disorder. Her family denied she had a history of mental health, saying her disorders didn’t start until she got involved with John-Paul Miller.

In November, the FBI searched John-Paul Miller’s Myrtle Beach home for reasons that remain unknown. The Sun News requested the incident report but have not received it as of Feb. 3.

Later in the month, Solid Rock Church closed.

In addition, John-Paul Miller was arrested for third-degree assault in November after an argument with one of the many protesters outside his church.

In 2014, John-Paul Miller’s father, Reginald Wayne Miller, who founded the Cathedral Bible College, pleaded guilty in federal court to felony charges related to his treatment of international students who came to the Myrtle Beach college to earn degrees in theology, ministry and other Christian studies.

The senior Miller also was embroiled in controversy over allegations of sexual improprieties that forced him to move his ministry from Florence to Myrtle Beach.

Miller once led one of South Carolina’s largest charismatic churches and was a leading spokesman for the movement, which emphasizes speaking in tongues, prophecy and faith healing.

This story was originally published February 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

The Sun News

Emalyn Muzzy is a breaking news reporter for The Sun. She covers everything breaking and everything new in the Myrtle Beach area. She graduated from the University of Minnesota is 2022 with a degree in journalism and Spanish.

If the beach—or anywhere near the water—is your happy place, you might consider South Carolina as a place to settle down now or one to file away as a potential candidate for retirement one day. The Palmetto State is probably best known for its unofficial Southern capital of Charleston, but its 187 miles of coastline are a close second. From North Myrtle Beach on the North Carolina-South Carolina border all the way down to Hilton Head located just a couple clicks from the Georgia coast, each one of South Carolina's beach towns, barrier islands, and waterfront destinations is more scenic than the last. Here are eight of the most beautiful places on the South Carolina coast.

Hilton Head Island

With more than 12 miles of pristine white-sand beaches, vivid sunsets, and endless activities, it’s no surprise this Lowcountry paradise is continually voted as a reader favorite in our annual South’s Best poll. Hilton Head Island will give you just the right balance of small-town warmth and world-class sophistication. Whether you are exploring its scenic bike trails, enjoying a round of golf at one of the island’s 23 renowned public courses, or savoring the catch of the day at a waterfront restaurant, Hilton Head Island has all the makings of a magical getaway.

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Folly Beach

Just a short drive from Charleston, Folly Beach, nicknamed the “Edge of America” by locals, is a quaint and colorful destination known for its laid-back beachtown vibes. There is no shortage of beach rentals, surf shops, and excellent waterfront restaurants. You can enjoy your vacation at a slower pace with a stroll down The Folly Beach Pier, or you can venture out to see the dolphins with a sunset boat tour. It’s a relaxed destination, where feeling the breeze in your hair is just one bike rental away.

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Myrtle Beach

This list wouldn't be complete without the shining star of the Grand Strand. With 60 miles of coastline to enjoy, Myrtle Beach is as versatile as it is beautiful.Enjoy a relaxed beach day hunting for shark teeth along the shoreline in North Myrtle Beach, or gear up for some action-packed fun at the beloved boardwalk. With so much to explore, Myrtle Beach is a do-it-all destination perfect for making memories.

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Murrells Inlet

Most vacationers won’t think of Murrells Inlet when they think of South Carolina, but as the seafood capital of the state, this neighborhood is worth adding to your itinerary. About a 30-minute drive from Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet is a prime destination for fishing, watersports, and sunset viewing. One of the best ways to experience the inlet is to take a stroll along The MarshWalk, a half-mile boardwalk along its saltwater estuary. Head there for a divine waterfront dinner soundtracked by the swells of live music. From the MarshWalk you'll have excellent views of one of Murrells Inlet's most odd but worth-seeing attractions, Goat Island.

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Kiawah Island

Known for its gorgeous sand dunes, diverse wildlife, and perfectly preserved maritime forest, Kiawah Island is a nature lover’s dream. This 10-mile-long barrier island grants you breathtaking views of the Kiawah River and the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re looking for luxury, Kiawah Island has that too. You can book a stay at a world-class resort or tee off at one of the five championship golf courses. However you choose to spend your getaway, Kiawah Island is an excellent place to unwind, unplug, and reconnect with nature.

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Hunting Island State Park

Located near Beaufort, this barrier island is popular for its outdoor recreation and charming historic lighthouse. Make your trip memorable with a horseback ride along the beach or a paddleboarding session along the salt marsh. If you’re a fan of “Forrest Gump,” you won’t want to miss the Marsh Boardwalk Trail, where the movie’s Vietnam war scenes were filmed. At the end of this trail, you’ll find a platform overlooking the water, providing one of the best spots in the Lowcountry to watch the sunset and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Pawleys Island & Litchfield

These two neighboring beaches make for one peaceful getaway. Pawley’s Island is less than four miles long, but make no mistake, it has plenty to offer. As one of the oldest seaside resorts on the East Coast, Pawleys Island is rich with historical charm and timeless beauty. The island’s calm atmosphere and 25 mph speed limit make it a popular spot for family outings. Less than three miles up the road, Litchfield Beach compliments the old-world charm of Pawleys Island with modern comforts. Here you find tennis, golf, and uninterrupted peace and quiet.

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Georgetown

This slice of Southern heaven is something out of a storybook. As the third oldest city in the state, Georgetown’s streets are lined with towering oak trees, 200-year-old-homes, and gorgeous historic properties. Cozied up beside the Sampit River is the heart of Georgetown, the Historic Downtown District. You will find many lively and colorful shops on downtown’s Front Street, which is just a few steps away from the Harborwalk. Thanks to stunning sunsets and scenic river views, a stroll along this boardwalk will have you feeling like the main character in your very own fairytale.