Pedestrian Killed+Plexiglass Out+Oysters Need Your Help+Scammers

Good morning, Myrtle Beach! It's Friday, July 2nd, and we are at the gateway to another busy holiday weekend on the Strand! Let's get this weekend started off right. Today, I'll tell you about a pedestrian who succumbed to fatal injuries, removal of plexiglass classroom barriers, a problem with oyster shell recycling in the area, a local motel may have to close, and a Federal indictment named four fraudsters who scammed local seniors out of large sums of money.

First, today's weather: Thunderstorms and heavy rain throughout the day. High: 82 Low: 69.

Here are the top stories today in Myrtle Beach:

1. A pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach has died from their injuries. The boulevard was closed between 27th and 29th Avenues North after the crash that occurred on Tuesday night. The pedestrian was struck by a pickup truck. (WPDE)
2. Horry County Schools will spend over a half million dollars to remove 50,000 plexiglass barriers throughout the district's 56 school buildings. The plexiglass is being dismantled, and the contractor working on the project will recycle and/or dispose of the materials. The project needs to be completed by August 15. (MyHorryNews.com)
3. South Carolinians aren’t recycling oyster shells, and that includes restaurants. Only one restaurant in Myrtle Beach is recycling the shells from oysters consumed there. The SCDNR's SC Oyster Recycling and Enhancement Program reminds residents and visitors that there are oyster shell drop-off boxes throughout the Grand Strand area. Recycling the shells is crucial for the oysters' habitat because shells need to be returned to oyster beds to continue the creatures' life cycle and maintain their natural habitat. (WBTW)
4. The 15th Circuit Solicitor's Office wants to close the Coral Sands Motel on North Ocean Boulevard. Officials say that a notice of public nuisance was issued against the motel owners in early June, but no response was forthcoming. Now, a temporary injunction has been requested. The motel is suspected of being used for drug distribution and prostitution over the last several years. The building is in dilapidated condition and if the injunction goes through it will have to close for one year. (WMBF)
5. A Federal Grand Jury has handed down a 13-count indictment against four Myrtle Beach persons charged with scamming seniors out of over $600,000 in a telemarketing scheme. The four were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The scam has been going on since 2015, and involved telling victims that they had won large sums of money in a sweepstakes. Then, the "winners" were convinced to pay fees to release the funds. (WPDE)

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Today in Myrtle Beach

• Free Estate Planning & Living Trust Workshop Live Q&A Friday 3PM (3:00 PM)
• Twist Kids Summer Camp: Sea Creatures at Painting With A Twist (9:00 AM)
• Youth Softball Nationals: Myrtle Beach at Grand Park in Market Common (5 PM)
• Nightly Summerfest at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach (7 PM)
• Movies Under the Stars, Market Common, Valor Park. Showing "Onward" (8:30 PM)
• Fireworks VIP Showing at Hard Rock Cafe Myrtle Beach (9 PM)

Myrtle Beach Patch Notebook

• Myrtle Beach Police are searching for a missing woman last heard from in May. Arielle Eyers was last seen in March, and was in contact with her family in May. (WMBF)
• Horry County Animal Care Center is waiving adoption fees because it has reached maximum capacity. Help clear the shelter, maybe you'll find your new best friend! (WMBF)
• FAFSA applications for financial aid for college are down this year. Here's how Myrtle Beach looks compared to other areas in the U.S. (Patch)
• The gas tax in SC increased by 2 cents starting yesterday. The increase is intended to raise money for paving roads statewide. (WYFF4.com)
• Myrtle Beach: See This Weekend's Upcoming Events In The Area (Patch)
• The Festive Brass of Myrtle Beach will perform at the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor ceremonies in Hawaii in December. (WMBF)
• Here's a list of 4th of July events and fireworks displays on the Grand Strand and in Horry County. Stay safe and enjoy! (WBTW)
• Movies Under the Stars returns to Market Common every Friday night in July. (WPDE)
• Environmentalists don't like the idea of I-73, and are pushing back against Lindsey Graham's recent request to fund the project. (WBTW)
• Local residents are being urged to use their knowledge of the area to steer clear of touristy areas during 4th of July weekend. Officials suggest that locals travel on back roads and go to less crowded beaches. (WPDE)
• The Grand Strand is projecting this weekend to be the busiest 4th of July ever because of more flights, and folks being able to extend their stay in the area by arriving early or staying after the holiday. (WPDE)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start the holiday weekend! I'll be in your inbox on Saturday ready with updates and events to keep your July 4th beachy.

— Kathy Mandell

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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Myrtle Beach Daily? Email all inquiries to me at myrtlebeach@patch.com.