Crash Hurts 2+Park Was A Fantasy+Safe Harbor+Low Vaccinations

Today is Saturday, June 26, 2021 in Myrtle Beach! Today's top stories include a multi-vehicle accident on Route 31, an investigation ends in the arrest of one man for drug trafficking, land at an empty amusement park may create different opportunities, the governor signed a new COVID-19-related Act into law, and Horry County lags behind others in terms of vaccination rates.

Before we dive into all that, let's look at today's weather:

Partly cloudy and humid. High 84, low 76.

Today's top 5 news stories for Myrtle Beach:

1. A multi-car accident brought traffic on Route 31 in Myrtle Beach near International Drive to a standstill. One vehicle ended up in the woods. Two injured people were brought to the hospital, with no specific details on their injuries. SCHP is investigating the cause of the crash. (WMBF)
2. Earlier this week, Horry County Police arrested a Myrtle Beach man for drug trafficking and distribution after an investigation led to a search warrant. Organizations involved in the investigation include HCPD Narcotics and Vice, Street Crimes Unit and a SWAT unit. The man was charged with trafficking heroin and methamphetamine, and was released on a $40K bond. (WBTW)
3. The site of the former Hard Rock Park near Fantasy Harbor may be expanded with land use changes to enable the property to be used for something other than amusement. The failed $400 million theme park that never really took off may instead become home to 27 different businesses including RV and boat storage, vehicle maintenance shops and more. (MyHorryNews.com)
4. Governor Henry McMaster signed the SC COVID-19 Liability Safe Harbor Act this week, following the lead of other states that have adopted similar legislation. The act will protect businesses, healthcare facilities and state agencies from COVID-19-related lawsuits. The governor calls the Act part of a common sense tradition that companies easily recognize. (WMBF)
5. South Carolina hasn't quite met the mark regarding President Biden's goal of vaccinating 70 percent of adults against COVID-19. The state currently shows 53.1 percent of adults have received at least one dose. Horry County itself is also behind the goal at 54.5 percent. It was suggested, however, that if the target age were over 30 (instead of over 18) the President's goal may be met. SC ranks 42nd nationwide. (Patch.com)

Today's events in Myrtle Beach:

• Kids Summer BBQ Cupcake Decorating Class at Studio 4319. Two sessions: 10 am and 12 noon. Led by Michele O'Dell DeCantillon (10 am)
• Conway Riverfest is back! Starting with opening ceremonies in the morning, with music, entertainment, kid zone and more throughout the day, and a fireworks display at 9:30. (11 am)
• The Blood Connection blood drive, at Broadway at the Beach. (11 am)
• Whiskey Beach 1st Annual Horsepower Show. Hosted by Louis Wanner and MB Cruise In's and Car Events. (4 pm)
• World of Beer North Myrtle Beach one-year anniversary celebration (5 pm)
• Gnomie - Stars, Stripes and Firework Nights Painting With a Twist, Myrtle Beach. Paint up a 4th of July porch decoration featuring a patriotic gnome. (7 pm)
• MOTOWN '59: The Show & Full Dinner at the Asher Theatre, Fantasy Harbor. (7 pm)

Myrtle Beach Patch Notebook:

• Hankerin' for an ice cream on these hot, humid days? News13 has you covered! Here are their top 10 ice cream venues in Myrtle Beach. (Details here)
• Local memoirist, J. Nicole Jones tells the tale of growing up in hotel-owning family on the Grand Strand. Her book, Low Country, was published in April. (Details here)
• Coastal Carolina University wants more international students, and has formed a consortium with University of SC and College of Charleston to bring more aboard. The new program is called Study South Carolina. (Details here)
• Officials with the City of Myrtle Beach have expressed concern about golf cart drivers not following safety regulations. They issued a reminder that there are specific rules pertaining to golf carts on public streets. (Details here)
• Horry County names David Jordan as its new Planning Director. (Details here)
• South Carolina saltwater angler fishing licenses get more expensive starting July 1st. The increase is due to the over-fishing of flounder in area waters. (Details here)
• Despite tourism records being set this month, the city of Myrtle Beach is experiencing a shortage of lifeguards for area beaches. (Details here)

Featured Events:

June 29: Coping with Emotional Issues of Divorce webinar by South Carolina Hub.

Featured Classifieds:

• Gigs & Services: Residential Pest Control Services
• Gigs & Services: Advanced Termite and Pest Control

You are all caught up on the happenin' stuff around town and all along the Grand Strand for Saturday! See you again on Sunday for updates, weather and news. Until then, Myrtle Beach folks, stay safe and wear your sunscreen!

-Kathy

About me: The best decision I ever made was relocating to the Myrtle Beach area from New England a few years ago, with my three dogs and three cats. I enjoy dogs, cats, road trips, photography, writing, vegetarian food, live music, bicycling and above all my daily walks on the beaches in and around the Grand Strand.

For tips or suggestions about this newsletter, email myrtlebeach@patch.com