Myrtle Beach mayoral candidate addresses business concerns during off season

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — A new voice has entered the race for Myrtle Beach mayor, bringing years of city experience to the campaign trail.

Mark Kruea met with local business owners on Tuesday to hear their concerns about operating in different parts of the city. Many expressed the challenges they face during the slower winter months.

“I think challenges during the off-season may depend upon, you know, where the business is in the city. Myrtle Beach is a long, skinny town divided by the ocean. So the businesses at the Market Common, for example, may not have as much off season challenges as businesses on the boulevard,” Mark Kruea, Mayoral Candidate.

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Kruea, who previously served as the Public Information Officer for Myrtle Beach, said he plans to continue these listening sessions throughout his campaign.

Filing for the mayoral race officially opens on August 19 and will close on Sept. 3, according to the City of Myrtle Beach website.

The election is set for Nov. 2, 2025. Brenda Bethune, the Myrtle Beach Mayor, launched her reelection campaign last month. Her term expires in January 2026.

ABC15 reached out to Bethune to see if she had a comment regarding business owner concerns in Myrtle Beach. We will keep you updated if we hear back.