Lane Reversal Rehearsal+Tax Hike+Wings Shortage+Pricier Rides

Hello Myrtle Beach! It's Thursday, June 17, 2021 on the Grand Strand. In today's news, you'll hear about a hurricane lane reversal rehearsal, a tax hike was approved, there's a shortage of chicken wings, the area is seeing higher prices for ride sharing, and a local man was charged with murder.

Here's a glimpse of Thursday's weather:

Drier air with no chance of rain. Sunny and comfortable. High 85, low 68.

Today's top 5 news stories for Myrtle Beach:

1. A hurricane drill will take place today between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. State and county agencies will participate in the exercise that will rehearse lane reversal plans for evacuations in coastal communities. All roads will be open during the drill, and SC Highway Patrol requests that drivers use caution during this time as personnel will be along roadsides on the major roadways. (WMBF)
2. Residents in Horry County will pay higher property taxes because the County Council approved a tax hike during this week's meeting. The money will be used to enhance county services such as 911 dispatch, infrastructure projects, public safety, and recycling. During the meeting, the council members chose not to give themselves a raise, but some elected officials will be getting a pay increase. (MyHorryNews.com)
3. "I'll have the chicken wings." Well, maybe not. There's a shortage, and that means increased prices at most eateries across the Grand Strand. The National Chicken Council issued a statement indicating that the industry is working hard to return to normal, and they are hopeful that supply and demand ratios will level off soon. (WBTW)
4. Locals are experiencing an increase in ridesharing prices as well as longer wait times. Some have suggested booking in advance, or splitting the fare with other riders to save money. The costs are not going to decrease any time soon because of high demand. One local Uber and Lyft worker suggested that having more drivers in the area might help lower costs. (WBTW)
5. A Little River man has been charged with murder in the shooting death of Durance McCray. It occurred May 21st at Captain Archie's restaurant. McCray, 32, was from Longs, SC. The shooter was charged with murder, weapon possession, and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of a felony. (MyHorryNews.com)

Today's events on the Grand Strand:

• Discover Surfside weekly market at Memorial Park. Presented by My Olive Shack (10 am)
• Horry County Democratic Party Women's Council meeting at Market Common (5:30 pm)
• Grand Strand PRIDE at Chapin Park (6 pm)
• Too Much Sylvia at Music On Main Concert Series. NMB Horseshoe (7 pm)
• Elvis Live starring Alex Mitchell at the GTS Theatre (7 pm)
• Skyler Whitfield live at Remedies (8 pm)

Myrtle Beach Patch Notebook:

• Governor McMaster signed the Name, Image and Likeness bill into law for South Carolina student athletes. The signing ceremony took place at Clemson University. (Details here)
• Jasmine Frink, a native of Horry County, has released a children's book, titled "Behold My Beauty." Frink was also recognized as one of Claflin University's Outstanding Leaders Under 40. (Details here)
• WBTW News 13 created a crime analysis heatmap showing a wave of gun violence in the TV station's coverage area, which includes Myrtle Beach and Horry County. (Details here)
• Southern Living has named several of our local beaches as perfect and relaxing, with plenty of attractions. Locales include Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and DeBordieu. (Details here)
• North Myrtle Beach has been named by WalletHub as the 5th best beach town in its top 10 beach towns to live in list. Myrtle Beach itself came in at number 11, just missing the top-ten designation. (Details here)
• Here is a list of Red Cross blood drives in the Myrtle Beach area. (Details here)

Featured events:

• June 20: The Best Gifts For Dad This Father's Day

Featured Classifieds:

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

You are all caught up for Thursday, June 17. Check back Friday for a preview of the weekend's highlights and more. Until then, enjoy your day!

-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