Memorial Day+Infrastructure+Surfside Fire Dept+King Tides+Hwy 90

Hello, Myrtle Beach! It's Thursday, the day before Memorial Day Weekend. Things get really busy on the Grand Strand this weekend, so be prepared. Today's stories include: A Chamber of Commerce press release about Memorial Day, Senator Graham wants an infrastructure wish list from Horry County, Surfside Beach announces new funding processes for its fire department, King tides and rip currents are happening now, and experts say Highway 90 is getting crushed by overuse.

Before we dive in, here is your Thursday weather forecast:

Partly cloudy and humid, high 86, low 71, a slight sea breeze and low chance of rain.

Today's top 5 news stories for Myrtle Beach:

1. The Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce issued a press release regarding Memorial Day Weekend, reminding everyone of safety guidelines, traffic patterns, and the fact that Atlantic Beach BikeFest is technically "cancelled" although a lot of visitors are still expected. (Patch)
2. Senator Lindsey Graham asked Horry County for a list of infrastructure projects this week to help his office secure funds towards those projects. Mostly, these are road renewal projects, but also includes a flood management and mitigation study as well. (WMBF)
3. Surfside Beach Town Council members took a preliminary vote to change how the town's fire department and EMS response units are funded in the future. Right now, property taxes are used, but if the new ordinance is voted in next month, the department will start billing to help cover costs of equipment used in fires, accidents and medical response calls. (WPDE)
4. King Tides and rip currents abound this week due to the full moon. The highest seasonal tides of the year are happening right now, and may cause flooding, large waves and strong rip tides, along with coastal erosion in some areas. (WMBF)
5. Two-lane Highway 90 is suffering due to massive population growth. The suburban sprawl is inching its way much too quickly into the area that was once considered rural, and it's causing this small road to be overused and overcrowded. Highway 90 is in major need of repair and restructuring. (WMBF)

Thursday, May 27th events:

• Garden City Realty is hiring, and they're having their own job fair. (10:00 am)
• RedLine Powersports will have a Bike Fest show & BBQ with DJ and more. (12:00 noon)
• Horry County Schools will announce its Rookie Teacher of the Year 2022 on its Facebook page. (5:00 pm)
• Austin Mowery Band will perform at Barefoot Landing Amphitheater Stage (5:00 pm)
• Paint & sip wine glass painting event at King's Gift Baskets. 2-hour class, $45. (6:30 pm)
• Miracle Max and the Pet Monsters bring you back to the '80s at Saltaire (6:30)
• Rick Cannon plays at Daddio's on the Waterfront in Little River (7:00 pm)

Myrtle Beach Patch Notebook:

• MB City Council reveals its proposed budget for the next fiscal year. (Details here)
• Highway 31 was closed due to a tractor-trailer crash. Driver injured. (Details here)
• Stuff you need to know for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend. (Details here)
• Lifeguards and rescuers are at the ready for the busy holiday weekend. (Details here)
• No golf carts allowed on Ocean Boulevard during Memorial Day Weekend! (Details here)
• Nominees are in for 2021's Best of the Grand Strand. Voting goes until June 13. (Details here)
• Murrells Inlet Marshwalk announces its return with huge July 4th celebration. (Details here)
• Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce weighs in on emergency preparedness. (Details here)
• Pawley's Island volunteers find loggerhead turtle nest. (Details here)
• Did you know these endangered species are right here in our own back yard? (Details here)

Thanks to our sponsors for supporting local Myrtle Beach news!

Featured business:

• James Wright Cleaning and Degreasing service

That's all for today's news. You are all caught up. Check here Friday for more news and happenings in and around the Grand Strand.

-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