Twenty years ago a group of residents appeared on the front page of the Port Macquarie News to raise awareness about the prevalence of social problems at Flynns Beach.
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The article title "Drugs, hoons and bullies are a reality" highlighted residents' concerns about "deep seated social problems" in the Flynns Beach area.
A businesswoman said at the time there were all night beach parties, squatters taking drugs in carports, hoons using the streets as a racetrack, syringes in yards and incidents of the public being bullied by gangs of youths.
Now - 20 years on Shane Moore from Flynns Beach Pharmacy, who appeared in the 1999 article, said the area has come a long way.
He said the changes are in line with the rest of the Port Macquarie-Hastings which continues to experience a growth in population.
Rising house prices in the area has resulted in a change in demographics, for who people who reside at Flynns Beach.
Mr Moore made mention of a plan which was put forward by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council about 20 years ago.
The plan outlined development for the area, including new accommodation to attract holidaymakers, traffic control elements and outdoor dining options for businesses.
He said unfortunately the plan never eventuated.
Mr Moore said the Port News article in 1999 helped to highlight the social problems in the area before they became major.
In the 1999 article former Mid North Coast crime manager Detective Inspector Bruce Lyons said police were aware of a growing problem in regards to anti-social behaviour and officers would be tasked to make more regular patrols of the precinct.
As a result of the story, Mr Moore said police presence was boosted in the area.
"I believe those neighbourhood issues disappeared about 15 years ago," he said.
The same business precinct building still stands 20 years on, despite a fire which ripped through the fish and chips shop on December 16.
Meanwhile stage one of improvements to Flynns Beach were recently completed just in time for summer.
The works are the first stage of a major upgrade under Flynns Beach Master Plan and is a $2.5 million investment in the area.
Council funded $1.3 million of the works while a further $1.2 million was contributed under the NSW Government's 2015/16 Coastal Management program.
The upgrades include a new vertical seawall, beach access stairs and improved parking, including two disabled parking spots.
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