🌱 Myrtle Beach Family Sentenced In Fraud Case + Neal & Pam's Benefit

Hello, neighbors. Kathy Mandell here with your fresh copy of the Myrtle Beach Daily, filled with all the local news you need to know right now. Today is Wednesday, August 17, 2022. Let's do it...

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Here's a look at Wednesday's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 82 Low: 71. Ocean temperature: 80.8 degrees.

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Here are the top five stories in Myrtle Beach today:

1. Two members of a Myrtle Beach family will be going to federal prison after being found guilty of defrauding the government out of over half a million dollars in a Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act scheme. A third member of the same family was sentenced to five years of probation in the case. The family submitted false tax returns and is accused of stealing stimulus checks. The defendants purchased real estate with the money and also used it for personal expenses. They posed as tax preparers and targeted fourteen foreign individuals who had spent time in the U.S., filing tax returns and opening more than 60 bank accounts at 16 different banks using those individuals' names. (WMBF)
2. Hound dogs that were taken in by Horry County Animal Care Center during an animal neglect investigation are now available for adoption from the facility. There are 40 beagles and other hounds ready to be adopted at HCACC and its partner Tamroc Kennels. Each of these dogs has received veterinary care, grooming, spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping and dental care. Due to the expenses incurred by the shelter for this medical care there will be an adoption fee charged for the beagles. Fees for all other cats and dogs at the shelter are being waived. (wpde.com)
3. The widower of Tammy Perreault, the woman who was killed by a windblown beach umbrella last week, spoke to News13 with details about what happened at the beach that day. Michael Perreault says people are angry about the incident. He talked about his wife, who was originally from Adams, Massachusetts, their mutual love for the beach and for each other. The pair was married 24 years and they were inseparable. Friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help the Perreault family. (WBTW)
4. An over-filled storage tank was the cause of a 1,000 gallon diesel fuel spill on Tuesday morning in Little River. Around 3:21 a.m. Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to Park Street Extension which lies between Sea Mountain Highway and Route 9 on reports of an overflowing fuel storage tank. DHEC and Horry County Stormwater Department also arrived on-scene to clean up the spill. The U.S. Coast Guard and DHEC are investigating. There were no injuries and there is no public threat. (wpde.com)
5. Interior demolition is underway at Neal and Pam's Bar and Grill after a fire caused extensive damage to the popular restaurant in Surfside Beach. The eatery's 50 employees are out of work, but were offered temporary positions at other area restaurants and bars as the community pulled together to help out. Construction crews are tearing out the damaged interior. Some tables, neon signs and the main bar area are salvageable. Owner Zach Baker has been selling retail items online, including t-shirts. Sunday, August 20, Borgata Surfside and Tito's Southend Trolley will be hosting a benefit for Neal & Pam's employees including music, food and raffles. The event will start at 11 a.m. at Borgata Surfside. About a dozen local musicians will be performing. All proceeds will go to Neal & Pam's staffers. (WBTW)

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Myrtle Beach pic of the day:

Last weekend had some gorgeous sunrises! Here's a shot from Myrtle Beach State Park taken on Sunday by reader Teena Lineberger. Thanks for the beautiful Sunday morning sunrise, Teena!

Would you like to see your photo in the Myrtle Beach Daily? Send one in. Be sure to give Patch permission to republish the photo, and tell us that you own the rights to the photograph. Send your pic to myrtlebeach@patch.com

Today in Myrtle Beach:

• Ocean Christmas Cards workshop @ Scrapbooks By The Sea (1 p.m.) Cost: $20
• Jentry Rose @ Wicked Tuna Murrells Inlet (3 p.m.)
• Shorty Slim @ Star Tavern (7 p.m.)
• Bike Night @ Barnacle Bill's (7 p.m.)
• Stage Two Theatre Company presents An Evening With Mark Twain @ MB Train Depot (7:15 p.m.) also Thursday, August 18

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From my notebook:

• Check out a few of the Myrtle Beach area pets up for adoption. Merritt, Tinsley, Twinkie and Foxy Roxy are just waiting for loving homes. If you're looking for cuddles and companionship, you may find your perfect furry soulmate here. Listings courtesy of Patch and Petfinder. (Myrtle Beach Patch)
• Grand Strand Humane Society is celebrating National Black Cat Week with free adoptions for all black adult cats through August 21. The shelter has at least 28 black cats of all ages ready for loving homes. The normal $70 adoption fee is being waived to help clear out the overcrowded shelter and bring awareness to the plight of black cats, that are often overlooked by potential adopters. (wpde.com)
• ICYMI: NMB Humane Society is waiving its adoption fees for the remainder of August in hopes of clearing the overcrowded and overwhelmed shelter. Several local businesses are generously covering the fees for all animals adopted now through August 31. (wpde.com)
• Tripadvisor says Myrtle Beach is eighth on the list of top fall travel destinations in America. Myrtle Beach won out over New Orleans and Miami Beach. Las Vegas came in as the number one travel destination for Americans planning trips this autumn. Looks like tourist season isn't over yet! (WBTW)
• One of my favorite places on the Grand Strand, Huntington Beach State Park, is getting a much-needed facelift and repair of its causeway and entry road. The project began on Monday and will include repaving of the causeway and new guardrails. Expect delays and restricted access to the causeway while the project is happening. (wpde.com)
• Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Are you ready for CCMF 2023? Visit MB is having a Beach Easy Contest for the chance to win a VIP trip to the 2023 Carolina Country Music Festival right here in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for Wednesday, everybody! I'll be back in your inbox Thursday morning with your next Grand Strand update.

— 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? Contact me at myrtlebeach@patch.com