Mosquito Spraying+Hospitals Full+Animal Shelters Overcrowded

Happy Saturday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening on the Grand Strand to start the weekend off on an informed note. Here are today's highlights: mosquito spraying is coming to Horry County, area hospitals are at full capacity amid COVID-19 surge, county leaders have some money to spend, Horry County has grown 30% in ten years, and area animal shelters are in an emergency overcrowding crisis.

First, Saturday's weather: Humid and mostly cloudy with a stray shower or t-storm possible. High: 87 Low: 77.

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Here are the top stories today in Myrtle Beach:

1. Horry County Government is set to conduct aerial mosquito spraying beginning Monday, August 16th. Spraying will take place 30 minutes prior to, and after, sunset. The county has stated that the chemicals used are of minimal risk to humans and animals, and approved by the EPA. A schedule and list of areas to be treated will be posted on horrycounty.org (Press Release Desk)
2. Both Tidelands Health hospitals are at 100% capacity as COVID-19 cases and deaths rise in response to the Delta variant. Tidelands is opening temporary respiratory clinics in Murrells Inlet and Georgetown to help people with COVID-like symptoms. Conway Medical Center is experiencing a similar scenario. (MyHorryNews.com)
3. Horry County leaders held a public hearing on Thursday to discuss how to spend millions in federal funds the county received from the American Rescue Plan Act. The U.S. Treasury gave Horry County $69 million. Half the money was received in May, and the rest should be arriving soon. All funds must be designated by 2024, and spent by 2026. (wpde.com)
4. According to the 2020 Census, Horry County has seen the 'most concentrated growth' in South Carolina. Census data shows that population and housing vacancies are up. More than a 30% increase in population occurred since 2010, making this the fourth-most-populated county in South Carolina. (WMBF)
5. SC animal shelters are in a crisis of overcrowding, causing the shelters to declare a state of emergency. Stray animals are often captured when they become dehydrated or overheated, and are surrendered to shelters. Adoptions are down, no matter how hard the shelter personnel try to place the pets into permanent homes. The shelters are relying on the public for support — either financially by donations, or by volunteering or fostering a needy pet. (WMBF)

Today in Myrtle Beach

• Back-to-School Bash @ South Strand Recreation Center (11:00 AM)
• Spellbound @ La Belle Amie Vineyard (12:15 PM)
• Coastal Carolina Mustang Club Open Cruise-in @ Sonic Drive-In NMB (1:00 PM)
• Kick It 4 The Kids Kickball Tournament @ South Strand Rec Center (3:00 PM)
• Cyndi Wheeler @ Tidal Creek Brewhouse (5:00 PM)
• Forever Doo Wop @ Brickhouse Lounge (7:00 PM)
• RetroGrade @ Barefoot Landing (7:00 PM)
• The Zilches @ Star Tavern (7:00 PM)
• Shooting To Thrill @ Ducks Beach Club (8:00 PM)

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Myrtle Beach Patch Notebook

• New Myrtle Beach-area restaurant Kingston Bistro, brings eastern European flare to the area, with all items made to order fresh on-premises. (MyHorryNews.com)
• An Horry County man looking to dispel vaccine misinformation shows how he has received 20 vaccines such as diptheria, tetanus and pertussis in his lifetime. (WMBF)
• Myrtle Beach area providers are working to keep up with increased demand for COVID-19 tests. (WBTW)
• Tropical Depression Fred is expected to slowly strengthen before making landfall, but will have very little impact on our area. (WBTW)
• Myrtle Beach Police Department: Congrats to our Officer McKinney on his five years of service to the Myrtle Beach Police Department! (Facebook)
• Myrtle Beach International Airport: We had a blast celebrating the official grand opening of Starbucks today at MYR! (Facebook)
• Myrtle Beach Pelicans: The weekend will feature the Pelicans in three different specialty jerseys! All of them will be up for auction in-game at Pelican stadium. (Facebook)
• Horry County Schools: SOAR Academy will soon open the doors of its new facility to students. The building officially opened Monday. (Facebook)
• Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon: Team Black Dog is meeting at the Mini start line Saturday at 6:30 am for their long run! Come join us for your miles that day. (Instagram)
• Horry County Schools: It's almost August 17! Teachers, administrators, and staff all over Horry County are busy preparing their schools for the first day of school. (Facebook)
• Palmetto Animal Hospital: Have you ever walked outside barefoot and discovered the ground is hot...like, unbearably hot? It's crucial to check the ground temp before you walk your dog. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! I'll be back in your inbox Sunday morning with another update.

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— 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? I'm all ears. You can reach me at myrtlebeach@patch.com.