Labor Day Bookings+Gas Prices Up+National Guard Helps Tidelands

Hello, Myrtle Beach! It's Saturday, September 4, 2021 and I hope you're enjoying the holiday weekend. Here are some things for you to know in and around the Grand Strand today.

---

Are you a local business owner or marketer in Myrtle Beach? Our premium local sponsorships will keep you at the top of inboxes around town every morning. Contact us here for the lowdown.

---

For starters, here's a look at Saturday's weather:

Clear throughout the day. High: 83 Low: 69.

---

Here are the top stories in Myrtle Beach today:

1. Predictions suggest that a large number of tourists will visit the Grand Strand for Labor Day weekend — the last hurrah of summer. Those in the know expect a 90% occupancy at hotels and vacation rental units for the holiday weekend. In 2020, the area saw quite a lot of visitors for Labor Day, despite the coronavirus. But in 2019, visitor numbers were dampened by the forced evacuations due to Hurricane Dorian on our doorstep that weekend. Pack your patience, there is sure to be a lot of traffic on "The 17s"! (WPDE)
2. Local gas prices are up along the Grand Strand, and AAA is saying it may be the most pricey Labor Day in seven years. Not only is this particular holiday mainly a car-based travel event, historically, but the impact of Hurricane Ida caused a brief shutdown of sections of the Colonial Pipeline, causing increased demand. Prices are higher here in Myrtle Beach because it's a popular drive-to vacation spot for much of the east coast. (WBTW)
3. A deadly crash on Robert Edge Parkway near the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex claimed the life of a motorcyclist late Thursday night. The 72-year-old operator of the motorcycle was killed, and the driver of the car that collided with him was hospitalized with serious injuries after being ejected from the vehicle. The motorcycle caught fire. The incident is being investigated by SC Highway Patrol. (WMBF)
4. The National Guard has been sent to Tidelands Health emergency departments at Waccamaw Hospital in Murrells Inlet, and Georgetown Memorial Hospital in Georgetown, to help with ER needs due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. Tidelands spokespersons urged people not to avoid the ER, if they need emergency care, saying "do not wait". However, they stress that if a patient's situation is not an emergency, Tidelands has several non-emergency options available, including three temporary respiratory clinics to care for patients with non-emergent respiratory symptoms. (WBTW)
5. The coin collecting business is booming thanks to the stay-at-home orders during COVID-19, and stimulus money, according to the owners of Coin Galleries of Myrtle Beach in Market Common. The business opened almost a year ago, October 1, 2020, and has seen a steady stream of coin collecting enthusiasts ever since. Some folks are also selling valued coins due to financial woes during the pandemic. So, the coin industry in general benefitted from coronavirus. (MyHorryNews.com)

---

Today in Myrtle Beach:

• 2021 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk @ Valor Park Market Common (8:00 AM)
• Paul Grimshaw Band @ La Belle Amie Vineyard (12:00 PM)
• Oktoberfest Release Bash @ New South Brewing (4:30 PM)
• Skyler Whitfield @ Tidal Creek Brewhouse (6:00 PM)
• MB Waves of Praise Gospel Fest @ Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion (6:00 PM)

---

Myrtle Beach Patch Notebook

• Grand Strand seniors got a cuddly surprise from Meals on Wheels this week: Teddy bears that included "certificates of adoption" printed with the bear's name and the senior's name. (WPDE)
• Crab Daddy's Calabash Seafood Buffet in Murrells Inlet is the place to go for seafood, and more! (MyHorryNews.com)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: This week's adoption fees were sponsored by Murray Law Offices. (Facebook)
• Score! Here are 10 of the Best Sports Bars in Myrtle Beach. (WBTW)
• If you're feeling lucky, you might want to buy your next lottery ticket at one of these four "winning" Myrtle Beach stores. (WMBF)

---

Did you know you can feature your local business right here in the newsletter for just $79 a month? Click here to get started.

---

Alrighty, you're all caught up for Saturday! I'll see you Sunday for another update on all things Myrtle Beach-y. Stay safe out there, everybody!

If you're into these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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? Reach out anytime to myrtlebeach@patch.com.