Eric Richards will have more on this story throughout the day

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - The Myrtle Beach City Council gave initial approval to bring back free parking in key downtown areas during the off-season.

The new amendment would eliminate parking fees between 21st Avenue North and 6th Avenue South from Oct. 1 through Feb. 28 each year.

Currently, visitors and residents must pay for parking at all meters and city-owned lots throughout the year.

The first reading passed after extensive debate among council members.

Council also discussed a decal program that would allow city employees to park throughout the downtown area year-round without paying fees.

That was almost voted down, but the majority of the council wanted to keep that in.

As part of broader parking solutions, the c

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