Horry County Public Safety Committee Meeting - August 12, 2025

The Horry County Public Safety Committee met on August 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the County Council Conference Room to discuss resolutions, public input, and updates on gang activity, school resource officers, and May events. The meeting was chaired by Danny Hardee.

Public Input

• Joey Davis (Chairman, Little River Chamber of Commerce) presented the inaugural Patriots Day festival, scheduled for September 13, 2025, to honor veterans and first responders. The event will include a parade, boat procession, artificial reef placement, memorial, scholarships, and free admission for service members. All proceeds will go to veterans and first responders of Horry County. Davis confirmed safety planning with public safety agencies.

Resolutions

1. Acceptance of 2025 Local Emergency Management Performance Grant – Sam Hodge presented the resolution for a $80,972 grant (50/50 federal/local match, no county out-of-pocket cost). Approved unanimously.
2. Allocation of Community Benefit Funds – Ashley Carroll presented three allocations: $5,000 to Socastee High School tennis team for court maintenance and equipment; $7,000 to Sunshine Recovery Ministries for entry fees for individuals in substance use treatment; $7,000 to Traveling Apostles for Christ Corporation for outreach to low-income and homeless individuals. Approved unanimously.
3. Acceptance of Roads and Drainage into County Maintenance System – Andrew Markunas presented the acceptance of multiple subdivisions: Buckeye Forest Phase 1, Chatham Crossing Phase 1, Coopers Bluff Phase 6, Farm @ Timberlake Phases 3A, 3B, 3C, Lyden Village, Saddle Ridge Phase 2, and Shaftesbury Greens Phase 4. Councilman Tom Anderson raised a concern about the $50 road fee potentially being insufficient within 3-4 years due to inflation, requesting a future presentation from Infrastructure & Regulation. The motion to accept passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

1. Gang Update – Chief Leonhardt reported that the gang unit, approved by Council, has made 67 fugitive arrests year-to-date (compared to 139 in all of 2024). Firearm seizures have increased, and drug/gun seizures are detailed in the packet. He proposed a future Fugitive Apprehension Unit to supplement the gang unit.
2. School Resource Officer (SRO) Update – Chief Leonhardt announced that a state grant has funded SROs at all seven high schools and three additional middle schools (North Myrtle Beach, Blackwater, St. James). Councilman Gardner asked about the grant’s perpetuity; Chief Leonhardt noted the program is intended to grow but future budget discussions may be needed.
3. May Events – Randy Webster noted that Behavioral Services is partnering with the SRO program to address mental health in schools. He confirmed the committee is working on easing the burden of May events on public safety personnel, per Councilwoman Dukes’ request, but acknowledged no simple solution.

Department Reports

Reports from Police, Fire/Rescue, Animal Care Center, Emergency Management, 911, Sheriff’s Office, Detention Center, and the Multijurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Plan were provided in packets. No questions were raised.

Key Outcomes

• Approved three resolutions unanimously.
• No executive session was held.
• The next meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2025.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:32 a.m.