NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Dr. Jim Berry is a local disability advocate whose two sons were born with spinal muscular atrophy.
Last week, News 13 reported that a family vacationing in North Myrtle Beach was outraged when they discovered the city’s longstanding summer beach tent ban didn’t include a disability exception.
Berry said he reached out to North Myrtle Beach leaders after seeing the story but was disappointed with the lack of response.
Since 2014, North Myrtle Beach has banned tent construction on its beaches from May 15 to September 15.
“This isn’t rocket science,” Berry said, “it’s as simple as looking at the ordinance and figuring out how we can respond reasonably.”
North Myrtle Beach gave News 13 the same response Monday as it gave last week.
“The city’s ordinance regarding sunshade devices on beaches clearly states that only umbrellas are permitted. Some people may not be happy with the ordinance, but we must take each of these devices into consideration and enforce the ordinance fairly,” the official said.
Berry said it’s very important to actively advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, especially in our community.
“I think it’s really important as a tourist destination to understand that there are people who want to visit our area,” he said, “but we as hosts need to make sure we provide these people with what they need to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.”
Governor Berry met with Myrtle Beach officials last Tuesday to discuss ways to make the city more accessible.
“We want Myrtle Beach to be an accessible place for all residents and visitors, and working with people like Dr. Berry is key to making it a better place for everyone,” Mayor Brenda Bethune told News 13.
Berry said his conversations with the city were “very positive,” but then he saw a News 13 report about the Faulkner family and knew he had to reach out to North Myrtle Beach.
Julie Faulkner’s son, Ryan, was born with a chromosomal deletion, sensory impairment and severe autism and needs to pitch a tent on the beach for a number of reasons, including safety.
“It takes a long time to find something that the whole family can do,” she told News 13. “I couldn’t do it for two years, and then I was like, ‘OK,’ but then within three minutes of starting to get ready, I was like, ‘I can’t stay here.'”
The family set up a tent but was politely told by lifeguards to remove it. The family asked if they could move the tent further back and went to city hall to express their concerns.
Berry said he wants to help make North Myrtle Beach a more accessible place for everyone.
“So it basically says thank you for your email,” Berry said. “We appreciate your input. Have a great day.”
Berry said there are many ways to make the area more accessible to everyone, and he hopes North Myrtle Beach will make the change.
“Everyone has a right to enjoy the beach,” Berry said. “There are literally hundreds of thousands of people who want to visit the beach but can’t because there aren’t enough resources to do so.”
* * *
Gracie is a multimedia journalist for News 13 and is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. Gracie will graduate from the University of Alabama in May 2023 and join the team in June. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, X, formerly Twitter, To read more of her work, click here.