McBride+Crimes Increase+Accidental Gunshot+AMA Pres+Vaccine Event

Greetings readers and followers! It's Saturday in Myrtle Beach. In today's news you'll hear about about Mark McBride's big announcement, a sobering violent crimes report, an accidental gun discharge resulting in a minor injury, a Tidelands Health exec joins the AMA in a pivotal role, and how 'bout a Shot and a Chaser? (Hint: it's not what you think!)

But first, here's a look at the Grand Strand's weekend weather:

Clouds and scattered thunderstorms continue Saturday and Sunday, high 80, low 73, both days.

Today's top 5 news stories:

1. Former Myrtle Beach mayor Mark McBride announces he's running for U.S. Representative Tom Rice's District 7 seat. McBride faces some competition from Horry County School Board Chair Ken Richardson, who announced his candidacy for the same seat recently. (Post and Courier)
2. SC Law Enforcement Division tells the public to be watchful and aware as violent crime has risen significantly throughout the state. But the good news for Myrtle Beach is that some violent crimes have decreased, going against the troubling statewide trend. (WMBF)
3. An accidental gun discharge sends a gun owner to the hospital for a minor hand injury. The man was allegedly showing his new gun holster to another person, and mistakenly discharged the weapon and shot himself in the hand while removing the ammo magazine from the firearm. (WMBF)
4. The American Medical Association will have a Grand Strand doc as its president! Dr. Gerald Harmon, VP of medical affairs at Tidelands Health, will serve both roles starting June 15. Congrats Dr. Harmon! (WMBF)
5. "Shot and a Chaser" vaccination campaign kicks off June 12th. SCDHEC has partnered with brewery owners in South Carolina to offer a free beer (or soda) to young adults getting their COVID-19 shot at one of 20 participating breweries. Tidal Creek Brewery in Market Common is one of the breweries hosting the event. (MyHorryNews.com)

Saturday and Sunday Events:

• The family-friendly Sun Fun Festival in downtown Myrtle Beach is happening all weekend. Highlights are a parade, a sand sculpture competition and live music. (10 am - 7 pm)
• Saturday, June 5: The Coastal Highland Games are back! Check out the traditional Scottish athletic competition. $10 adults, kids free. Scottish entertainment and food, too. (8 am-5pm)
• Saturday, June 5: BEach Creative Workshop at Pawley's Island General Store. Learn how to make a plant hanging station for your yard or porch. Materials, instruction and tools included. $45 small, $65 large. (10:30 am)
• Saturday, June 5: HOOT plays some tunes at Local on the Water (12 noon)
• Saturday, June 5: Steel drum band Tropical Jammers entertains at Castaway Beach Bar & Grill (2:00 pm)
• Saturday, June 5: Socastee High School Performing Arts end of year concert (7:30 pm)
• Sunday, June 6: Boat Poker Run to benefit Kind Keeper Animal Rescue. Captain Archie's in Little River $25 registration, $5 per card. (11:00 am)
• Sunday, June 6: Myrtle Beach Family Fest at Coastal Grand Mall (at former Dick's Sporting Goods location). (11:00 am)
• Sunday, June 6: ScART - Scar Art - National Cancer Survivor's Day at Painting With a Twist in Myrtle Beach. Cost: $97 (2:00 pm)

Myrtle Beach Patch Notebook:

• Did you know? South Carolina still has some outlandish, outdated laws that technically are valid. (Details here)
• Myrtle Beach Art Museum will open four exhibits starting this month and going through the summer. (Details here)
• Horry County Council delays a final decision on proposed Coquina Harbor high-rise in Little River (Details here)
• Meanwhile, all systems are go for a 25-story Marriott being built on Ocean Boulevard. (Details here)

Featured events:

June 5: Jeet Kune Do private and small group classes

June 8: Celebrate Best Friends Day by sending your bestie flowers

June 16: Divorce Boot Camp SC Hub free webinar

That's it for your Saturday installment of the Myrtle Beach Patch. Catch up with me again on Sunday for an additional update. Have a safe and fun weekend!

-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