Airline+ Air Quality+Visitor Rules+Therapists Needed+Gas Prices

Hello, Myrtle Beach! It's Tuesday, and here's what we've got on deck for the day's news: Southwest Airlines takes off at MYR. Some poor air quality is on the horizon. Local hospitals relax visitation rules for patients. Mental health agencies are looking to hire more therapists. Gas prices level off.

Let's take a look at today's weather:

Partly cloudy, high 82, low 69, and still no rain in sight!

Today's top 5 news stories for the Grand Strand area:

1. Southwest Airlines launched its new routes in and out of Myrtle Beach International Airport on Sunday. Experts think the move will boost the local economy and the local tourism industry that has been hit hard over the past year. (WPDE)
2. Some places in our local area may experience poor air quality this week. SCDHEC has issued a Code Orange Ozone Action Day. Be careful, drink plenty of water, and seek shade or air-conditioning! (WMBF)
3. Visitor rules are now relaxed at Tidelands Health. New regulations begin this week at Waccamaw Community Hospital, Georgetown Memorial Hospital and both Tidelands Rehabilitation Hospitals. (WMBF)
4. Kids and families are seeking mental health counseling after pandemic-induced issues have cropped up. This means local Grand Strand therapists are looking for qualified staff to supplement overwhelmed and overworked staff. (WBTW)
5. Gasoline prices continue to fluctuate as the area returns to normal conditions after the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack. While prices went down a tiny bit this week, they are up overall compared to last year and last month. (WMBF)

Tuesday, May 24 events:

• Surfside Beach Farmers Market. Fresh, locally-grown fruits and veggies, along with crafts made by local artisans. At Memorial Park on Surfside Drive. (10:00 am)
• Pints & Plants at Grumpy Monk in North Myrtle Beach. There will be two seatings, 5 pm & 7 pm. $20 to work on a terrarium and sip. One drink is included. (5:00 pm)
• Latin Night featuring Los Hernandez tacos & tequila, at the Last Call Tapas Bar 4711 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. (8:00 pm)

Myrtle Beach Patch Notebook:

• There are so many employers looking to hire, here's a look at the list. (Details here)
• Free COVID-19 vaccination clinics set up along the Grand Strand and Pee Dee. (Details here)
• A new Myrtle Beach solid waste station breaks ground off Mr. Joe White Avenue. (Details here)
• South Carolina public schools will get some federal COVID-19 relief funds. (Details here)
• Horry County Administration Committee meets today at 2:00 pm. (Details here)
• Coastal Carolina University eliminates mask mandate on campus! (Details here)

Thanks to our sponsors for supporting local Myrtle Beach news!

Featured business:

• James Wright Cleaning and Degreasing service

You are up to date on today's news. Check in again tomorrow, and I'll see you then!

-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