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Community Corner

🌱 Tax Fraud Scheme + Citizens Academy + School Lunch Shortages

Welcome to the Myrtle Beach Daily, your go-to for the lowdown on all things Grand Strand.

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Kathy Mandell, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Boo! Happy Halloween, Myrtle Beach! It's Sunday, and there is so much going on around town today, I want to be sure to list as many events as possible. So, let's get started.

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor, Lapiere and Josie Senior Insurance Consultants, for helping so many people in our area with their Medicare questions and health plans. They are local independent agents representing all companies and plans in this area. Click here for more info or assistance.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 71 Low: 51.

Before we get to Halloween events, here are the top stories in Myrtle Beach today:

  1. Three people were arrested and jailed in a tax fraud scheme based in Myrtle Beach that alleges more than $850K was gleaned from the filing of fraudulent tax forms. Over 170 "suspicious" tax forms were filed using a Myrtle Beach post office box address. The group had multiple bank accounts where tax refunds and stimulus checks were being deposited over the past year. Many of the fraud victims were J-1 visa workers who discovered a tax return had already been filed in their name when they tried to file their taxes. (WMBF)
  2. Surfside Beach council has implemented tree protection rules ahead of new home construction projects, and passed a flood prevention ordinance at this week's meeting. Surfside is proudly referred to as "Tree City" so it was important to the town council that protection regulations be put in place. As for the flood ordinance, the lowest floor on a new build must now be three feet above the Base Flood Elevation. The flood damage prevention ordinance is based on flood insurance rate maps created after a December 2020 study. (WBTW) (MyHorryNews.com)
  3. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control experts say the reported increase in vaccinated people dying from COVID-19 in the U.S. and South Carolina does not mean the shot doesn't work. Leaders with SCDHEC posted on Twitter, after a trending article on Friday reported that a rising number of vaccinated people in the U.S. , including SC, have died from COVID in recent weeks. The Tweets, displaying data from October 5th, indicate that COVID deaths were occurring in patients "still overwhelmingly unvaccinated, or partially vaccinated" as of that date. (WPDE)
  4. Myrtle Beach leaders are providing a unique opportunity for residents to go behind the scenes with city workers. Starting January 27, 2022, participants in the MyBeach 101 Citizens Academy can tag along with workers in a free eight-week program offered by the city. Those accepted into the program can go to work with fire department, police department, sanitation and public works professionals. Interested citizens can apply online now. (WMBF)
  5. Horry County School lunches are being impacted by supply chain issues. Providing lunch for the students is not an issue, but certain food items are unavailable, or are not being delivered. Paper and styrofoam products are also in short supply. The district is making adjustments and substitutions to accommodate for the temporary shortages. The problem is happening across the U.S., so Horry County is not uniquely impacted by the shortages. (WBTW)

As promised, here are today's most popular Halloween events:

  • Sweet & Spooky Lil Monstars Halloween Brunch @ Hard Rock Cafe (10:00 AM)
  • Trick-or-Treat @ Bass Pro Shops (1:00 PM)
  • Trey Calloway and Thomas Road Halloween Sunday Funday @ Murphy's (4:00 PM)
  • Halloween @ Buoys on the Boulevard (4:00 PM)
  • Trick-or-Treat @ Broadway at the Beach (4:30 PM) or @ Barefoot Landing (5:00 PM)
  • Halloween on the Marshwalk (5:00 PM) See also: (WMBF)


Myrtle Beach Patch Notebook

  • The paid beach parking season ends today in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. Parking is free from November 1 through February 28 except for some private parking lots. Enjoy! (WMBF)
  • Did you know? You can see weekly occupancy numbers for Myrtle Beach lodging on this dashboard that's updated every week. (MyrtleBeachAreaCVB.com)
  • The new branch of Palmetto Goodwill in Market Common includes a well-kept secret: a career opportunity center. If you're looking to improve your career, or find a new job, re-write your resume, or just use computer services, check them out. (WMBF)
  • Do you like "tuxedo" cats? The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach's featured Pet Of The Day is Oreo! His adoption fee is being sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Elliott Coastal Living. (Facebook) and News13's Pet of the Weekend is look-alike, Lady Marmalade! (WBTW)
  • Meals served at Veterans Café in Northgate Plaza are a true labor of love, and the restaurant doubles as an unintended military museum. Plus, owners Lou and Rhonda Mascherino give back a portion of their proceeds to local charities. (WBTW)
  • There's no shortage of fun on the Grand Strand this Halloween weekend. Check out what's happening! (MyrtleBeach.com) (WPDE)

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You're officially in the loop for Halloween 2021! I'll see you Monday for the start of a new week, and a new month, on the Grand Strand. Stay safe out there — bring your patience!

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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? Reach out anytime to myrtlebeach@patch.com.

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

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