Myrtle Beach residents speak out about bike rally proposals

By: SCNow Staff | SCNow
Published: June 20, 2008

The news of extra taxes to help get rid of bike rallies from the city of Myrtle Beach has stirred up a lot of conversation.

Several Myrtle Beach residents told News13 what they think of the three mill tax they might be paying to help the initiative.

Kathi Longoria has lived in Myrtle Beach her whole life and seen many bike rallies. She said if it takes a little extra money out of her pocket to get rid of the bikers, she's fine with that.

"I don't mind if the taxes go up if they don't go up personally for my personal taxes go up that much. If it's gonna get rid of the bikers,” Longoria said.

Her family also has a business in Myrtle Beach and said the bike rallies hurt their business. She'd love to see the month of May turned back to a family friendly month.

"I would be fine with it being more family oriented. We do run a business locally. It's based on families. We are lower during that time of year,” Longoria said.

Carla Hamilton has lived in the city most of her life as well. She said taxes are already too high.

"I wouldn't want the taxes to go up anymore. The bikers really don't bother me. We kind of stay home that weekend anyway,” Hamilton said.

Curtis Gowans has also lived in the city his entire life. He said he enjoys the bikers and they bring good business.

"I don't think the city should tell people where they can go. I understand they have different situations with different bikers such as maybe the trash and stuff like that. It brings in a lot of income. It's been here for as long as I can remember. So, I think the city should back up...and let people come to the beach and enjoy the beach,” Gowans said.

Gowans said people just need to adjust for the few days the bikers are here.