Free And Paid Parking+NMB Fire+Atlantic Beach Bike Week+Gas Tax

Hello, Myrtle Beach! Wednesday is here! We are officially halfway through the week, heading into Memorial Day weekend. Today, we will talk about Governor McMaster's new free parking bill, while Cherry Grove Beach makes new paid parking lots available. There was a condo fire in North Myrtle Beach, a very unofficial Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Weekend Bike Week 2021 awaits, and the Horry County gas tax will allow roads to be repaired.

But first, let's take a peek at today's weather:

Partly cloudy with a high of 83, and low 71, still no rain in view!

Today's top 5 news stories for the Myrtle Beach area:

1. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed a bill stating that beach town administrators are not allowed to ban free parking on state roads without authorization. Clarification was needed because some towns were, in fact, banning free parking after COVID-19 closures were lifted. (WPDE)
2. Meanwhile, Cherry Grove opened some more paid parking lots on both sides of Ocean Boulevard, adding 75 more spaces plus four handicapped spaces. Parking fees remain at $2 per hour from March through October during daytime hours. Folks with parking decals may also use these lots. (WPDE)
3. Firefighters from Myrtle Beach, Horry County, Sunset Beach and Calabash doused a fire on Tuesday around 1:00 a.m. at Coastal Dunes vacation rental condo complex on South Ocean Boulevard. Amazingly, there were no injuries or fatalities. Crews remained on-scene for most of Tuesday. (WMBF)
4. While authorities have officially "cancelled" Atlantic Beach Bike Week (for the second year in a row), bikers are expected to nevertheless visit Myrtle Beach for Memorial Day weekend. Traffic will not be re-routed, as it usually is for the celebration, and local businesses should still thrive, because of holiday visitors, regardless. (WPDE)
5. Horry County will use gas tax funds to repair 20 roads, according to SCDOT. The repairs will occur during 2021- 2022, and South Carolina will use a good chunk of the money to improve heavily-traveled roads in Myrtle Beach's ever-growing area. (WBTW)

Wednesday May 26th events:

• Don't forget, Richard Sexton arrives in Surfside Beach after running his Forrest-Gump-like 30-day marathon to raise funds for autism awareness! At South State Bank in Surfside (3:00 pm)
• 2021 Happy Hour Tour at Cooper's Tavern in Little River. This is a new tavern in town, and I happen to like the name because one of my dogs is named Cooper! (5:00 pm)
• Alternatively, if you want to do something with actual dogs, head over to Tidal Creek Brewhouse for Yappy Hour! (5:00 pm)
• The first annual Recoup from the Rally Ride In will be held at the Tavern in Surfside. Proceeds will benefit the Red Knights Motorcycle Club in SC. (6:00 pm)
• Eskimo Bros Duo will play some tunes at Borgatas Bar in Surfside. (7:00 pm)

Myrtle Beach Patch Notebook:

• Super Moon! If you get this newsletter early enough, you can check out the first lunar eclipse of 2021, happening around 7:00 a.m. today! (Details here)
• The folks over at WRNN Radio interviewed James O. Luken the other day, about his new book! "Coastal South Carolina Fish & Game" gives a detailed history of the culture and preservation of our local fish and wildlife. (Details here)
• Surfside biz owners say the town is not small-business-friendly when it comes to zoning and administrative codes. (Details here)
• Seasonal jobs are available in Horry County, and employers want you! (Details here)
• Adoptable pets needs homes in the Myrtle Beach area! Wish I could adopt them all! (Details here)
• Speaking of dogs... vote for your fave hound to appear on SC lottery tickets! (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 the news for today. Have a Wonderful Wednesday, and check in again for Thursday's news!

-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.

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