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Community Corner

🌱 Myrtle Beach Rents Soar + Federal Funds For Murrells Dredging

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Myrtle Beach.

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Kathy Mandell, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Sunday, people of the Grand Strand! It's me again, Kathy Mandell, your host of the Myrtle Beach Daily.

Taking a quick look at Sunday's weather:

Partly sunny and chilly. High: 49 Low: 40.

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Here are the top five stories today in Myrtle Beach:

  1. Rent prices in Myrtle Beach have skyrocketed since 2019, according to a report from ApartmentList.com. The data shows above average rent growth here, of nearly 30% since three years ago. Last year, rents in the city increased 21%, compared to the rest of the nation's 18% increase. Fewer first-time homebuyers, the eviction moratorium, and people working remotely are given as the reasons for the upward trend. (WWAY NewsChannel 3)
  2. The reopening of the Route 31 bridge on Enterprise Road has been delayed until late spring or early summer, says the SC Department of Transportation. The bridge was damaged by a truck hauling an oversized load in mid-December. The damage is more extensive than previously thought, now requiring two bridge beams and part of the bridge deck to be removed and repaired. The bridge is not safe to drive on, but it is safe to travel underneath, according to SCDOT. Neighborhood residents have to contend with a seven-mile detour to get to Highway 707 — a two-mile drive. (WBTW)
  3. Over $6 million in federal funds is coming to Murrells Inlet and Garden City for dredging of the Murrells Inlet channel. The funding comes from President Biden's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and will benefit workers in the fishing industry as well as businesses along the Marshwalk. Beach renourishment to help prevent flooding will happen on the southern tip of Garden City Beach, using the sand and sediment that will be dredged out of the inlet. (WMBF)
  4. Myrtle Beach police officers are thankful to the community for a grant that enabled them to buy updated gear. They received new carrier vests that allow them to distribute the 20-30 pounds of gear they need to wear more evenly. This will help them sit more comfortably in their cruisers, shifting the weight distribution from their waist area, alleviating pressure on the back and hips. They will need training to become familiar with the new equipment. (WPDE)
  5. Coastal Carolina University's baseball team will open its season on February 18th, against Kent State University. It will be a home game, and will include some new talent on the team as the Chanticleers added 28 new players! The team had its first practice on Friday. (WMBF)

Today in Myrtle Beach:

  • Sensory Day @ WonderWorks Myrtle Beach (10:00 AM)
  • Myrtle Beach Gun & Knife Show @ MB Convention Center (10:00 AM)
  • Benefit for the Pease Family @ Suck Bang Blow (11:00 AM)
  • February Beach Trash & Treasure Hunt @ Magnolia Ave entrance Garden City (12:00 PM)
  • Marley Gras - All Bob, All Night Mystic Vibrations tribute band @ The Boathouse (5:00 PM)
  • Josh Brannon Band @ Dead Dog Saloon (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • Photo gallery: Georgetown County Sheriff's Office had its second annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, and raised more than $50,000. The event was held on Saturday, in Pawleys Island. Myrtle Beach held its event on January 29th. (WPDE)
  • In a press release this week, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for 2022 Small Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, and Entrepreneur of the Year. The awards will be presented at the Chamber's annual meeting on April 21. Nominations will be accepted through March 4th. Details in the link here. (MBACC)
  • Dr. Jennifer Wilbanks, Executive Vice President for Academics and Workforce Development at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, has been appointed to the Board of Directors at McLeod Loris Seacoast Hospital through 2024. (Press Release Desk)
  • Tidelands Health is partnering with LEGO Group to give pediatric patients a "prescription" for 15 minutes of play time. The Prescription for Play Program helps kids between 18 months and three years of age with skill development and other developmental benefits. Each child gets a packaged DUPLO toy as part of the prescription. (WMBF)
  • News13's Pet of the Weekend is Gunther! Gunther is a "tripawd" kitty who lost his leg and then was surrendered to Grand Strand Humane Society. Gunther also has Feline AIDS. Neither medical issue is difficult to deal with, and this kitty sure could use a happy home! (WBTW)
  • North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue: Thanks to everyone who participated with our January Sock Drive. We were able to collect close to 2000 pairs of socks which were delivered to Sea Haven Inc today. (Facebook)

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That's it for Sunday, folks! I'll be in your inbox Monday 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.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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