🌱 Barefoot Swing Bridge Woes + MYR Asking For Feedback On New Plan

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! This is the Myrtle Beach Daily, and I'm Kathy Mandell, your host. Here's everything you need to know going on today, Sunday, May 8, 2022.

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First, a look at today's near-perfect weather:

Breezy with partial sunshine. High: 63 Low: 49.

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Here are the top five stories in Myrtle Beach today:

1. North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue is working to get the Barefoot Swing Bridge repaired as quickly as possible, after it got stuck in the "open" position late Friday, causing officials to close Barefoot Resort Bridge Road temporarily. The bridge was experiencing mechanical issues while opening recently. Workers were able to close the bridge manually, but the bridge will have to be opened at least twice a day, manually, for boat traffic. Drivers should expect delays, and possible limited access to Water Tower Road while the manual procedures are in place. Updates will be given once repairs are able to be made. (wpde.com)
2. A frustrating turnover rate of school bus drivers in Horry County has led to overcrowding on buses, according to some parents who have reported the issue to WMBF News by sharing photos of the packed buses. Some kids have had to sit in the aisles, especially teenagers who can't fit three-to-a-seat, as recommended. Buses are supposed to hold 58 students, but the capacity level for state school buses is listed as 78 passengers. The kids also have backpacks, musical instruments, and other carry-on items. There are 91 driver vacancies throughout the district, and officials say it has not been easy to fill the positions, even after holding a job fair for school bus drivers. The district says it is trying to maximize and optimize bus routes as best as possible. (WMBF)
3. Over at CCU there has been a 6.6% increase in freshman applications. The university has added two new bachelor of science programs: in mathematics, and in history education. CCU has also raised tuition for out-of-state students by about 4%. Across the U.S., community college enrollments are down, but CCU officials say the school will see approximately the same enrollment numbers as last year. It's anticipated that nearly 700 students will be in the transfer class. Tuition for in-state students will be unchanged from last year. (Myhorrynews)
4. Even with inflation and price increases, folks from the north still see the Grand Strand as an affordable vacation destination. Some hotel and restaurant owners have had to increase prices, but that hasn't deterred people from northern states who are still choosing Myrtle Beach as their vacation spot. The warmer weather and still-affordable prices makes the Grand Strand more appealing than some other places. (wpde.com)
5. Myrtle Beach International Airport is looking for input on its 20-year master plan. The airport is asking for feedback on projects including an expansion of concourses, adding additional gates, and development of the airfields. The updated plan outlines the airport's strategy in the wake of the pandemic. Comments from the public are due by May 13, using the "Contact Us" option on MYR's website. (WMBF) (FlyMyrtleBeach.com)

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Myrtle Beach pic of the day:

Diane Chamberlain sent in today's pic of the day, and calls it "Perfect Fishing Spot." This line of folks fishing and frolicking along the shore was taken in the summer of 2020 near 77th Ave and Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach. It looks so inviting! Thanks for the photo, Diane!

Would you like to see your photo here? Submit one for consideration. Please confirm in your email that you own the rights to the photograph, and that Patch has your permission to republish the photo.

Today in Myrtle Beach:

• Sunday Brunch @ Little River VFW (9:00 AM)
• 2022 Sun Fun Festival @ Plyler Park (10:00 AM) (wpde.com)
• Grand Opening Celebration @ Thai In Town, 110 Hwy 17 S., NMB (11:00 AM)
• 2nd annual Mother's Day Tyedye Party @ New South Brewing (1:00 PM) reservations encouraged but not required
• Music in the Park @ Memorial Park, Surfside Beach (4:00 PM)
• Eaglemania: Eagles Tribute Band @ Carolina Opry (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The folks at Belin United Methodist Church in my old neighborhood in Murrells Inlet, hosted the 26th Blessing of the Inlet on Saturday. What started as a blessing ceremony has now become a day-long festival in the quaint neighborhood south of the MarshWalk on the South Strand, with food, music, arts and crafts and play areas for kids. This year, Ed Piotrowski, WPDE's chief meteorologist, was the emcee. (wpde.com) (BelinUMC)
• News13's Pet of the Weekend is Mina, an 11-year-old mixed-breed dog available from Grand Strand Humane Society. Mina is considered special needs because she has arthritis, a skin condition, and she's heartworm-positive. She adores people, but isn't too fond of other dogs. Anyone wanting to foster or adopt Mina, contact GSHS. Adoption fees will be waived for humans 60 years of age or older who adopt Mina through the shelter's senior-to-senior program. (WBTW)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: Please do not take your pets with you on errands if you are going places that you are not allowed to bring them inside with you. If you see a pet left alone in a car in North Myrtle Beach in unsafe conditions, please call 843-280-5511. (Facebook)
• North Myrtle Beach's animal control officer needed some help rescuing a group of ducklings trapped in a storm drain on 6th Avenue South Saturday morning. NMB first responders came to the rescue, using tools, fishing nets, treats, and a cat carrier. All in all 7 ducklings were rescued, and the guys had a great photo op besides. (WMBF)
• The 66th annual Sun Fun Festival started off with a bang as the U.S. Army Golden Knights lit up the night sky Friday night. The team did what's known as a pyro jump. The Sun Fun Festival continues on Sunday at Plyler Park. (wpde.com)
• Fallen Grand Strand officers were honored on Friday at the annual Peace Officers Memorial Service in Conway. Those remembered included Sgt. Gordon W. Best of the NMB Police. Officer Best will also be honored next week in Washington, DC in a national ceremony. Families of those honored received blue crocheted roses after the ceremony. (WMBF)

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Alrighty, you're all good for Mother's Day, everybody. I'll be in your inbox Monday with another Myrtle Beach update!

— 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? Contact me at myrtlebeach@patch.com