AGP Executive Report

Healthcare & Safety: HCA is expanding in South Carolina’s urgent-care market, buying about a dozen MedCare clinics (including multiple coastal sites) and rebranding them as HCA CareNow. Public Health: Measles cases keep climbing nationwide, with South Carolina listed among the hardest-hit states this year—MMR protection remains the key message for travelers and families. Coastal Flood Risk: A new study links upstream wetland loss since the 1980s to higher flood insurance payouts for South Carolina coastal homeowners, with major impacts flagged around Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Road Travel Alerts: Fatal crashes are under investigation across the state, including a rollover on U.S. 601 in Orangeburg County and a deadly motorcycle crash after a chase in Horry County. Family Fun: The Lexington County Blowfish turned “Cowfish” for a weekend farm-support fundraiser, raising $4,000 for a young farmer and rancher program. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports a low of $3.54 regular in Pickens County for the week ending May 30, with diesel and midgrade lows also tracked across several counties.

Urgent-Care Expansion: HCA Healthcare is buying about a dozen MedCare urgent clinics across South Carolina, including eight along the Charleston-to-Grand Strand corridor, and rebranding them as HCA CareNow—more “doc-in-a-box” access ahead of peak travel. Public Health Watch: Measles is surging nationwide, and South Carolina is among the hardest hit, with officials reporting cases in the Lowcountry and Hampton County; health experts stress MMR protection and staying alert if you’ve been exposed. Road Safety: The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating fatal crashes in Orangeburg County (a single-vehicle rollover) and Horry County (a chase that ended in a motorcycle crash). Gas Prices Check: Fuel remains volatile but in some areas drivers are seeing lower local lows—diesel hit $4.59 in Pickens County and $4.79 in Edgefield County for the week ending May 30, while midgrade lows included $4.18 in Lancaster County. Coastal Flood Risk: A new study links upstream wetland loss since the 1980s to higher flood insurance payouts for coastal SC homeowners, with Charleston and Myrtle Beach among the hardest hit.

Urgent-Care Expansion: HCA Healthcare is buying about a dozen MedCare urgent-care clinics across South Carolina, including eight along the fast-growing coast between Charleston and the Grand Strand, and rebranding them as HCA CareNow. Beach Safety Watch: North Carolina’s coast faces a rip-current risk Sunday, with officials warning swimmers to stay alert. Hurricane Prep in the Lowcountry: Dorchester County hosted a major hurricane expo with emergency management, rescue teams, and community partners, emphasizing inland flooding risks. Road Safety: South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal Charleston-area motorcycle pursuit crash in Summerville. Travel-Friendly Health: A new report highlights how more destinations and attractions are becoming autism-friendly through accessibility training and credentialing programs. Gas Prices Snapshot: GasBuddy data shows diesel and premium prices vary by county, with several Upstate areas posting the week’s lowest diesel deals around the mid-$4 range. Quick History Note: June 7 marks the opening of Graceland to the public in 1982 and the 1998 murder of James Byrd Jr. in a hate crime.

Road & Traffic: SCDOT says the Highway 17 widening in Myrtle Beach—adding lanes from four to six between Hwy. 707 and Harrelson Blvd—could wrap up by the end of 2026, with median barriers and storm-drain work already underway. Beach Safety: Rip current risk remains a concern for Coastal Lowcountry beaches through Wednesday evening, with Isle of Palms also warning visitors ahead of summer. Local Deals for Travelers: GasBuddy’s week-ending May 30 reports show diesel and midgrade/premium bargains popping up in multiple counties, including Greenville ($4.49 diesel), Williamsburg ($5.19 diesel), and Dorchester ($3.25 E85). Accessibility & Planning: A new look at “autism-friendly travel” highlights how destinations and attractions use training and credentialing to reduce barriers for visitors on the spectrum. Myrtle Beach Hospitality: Contour Airlines is adding seasonal Myrtle Beach flights from Altoona and Parkersburg for summer 2026. Safety Incident: A pedestrian was killed in a Florence County crash on TV Road, and the Highway Patrol is investigating.

Folly Beach landmark sale: The Sand Dollar bar in downtown Folly Beach—known for live music and Harley-friendly parking—closed June 4 after nearly six months under contract, with the property transferring from the Estate of Richard Weatherford to a Greenville-area developer tied to Ron Rallis. Lowcountry beach safety: The National Weather Service warns of rip-current risk along parts of the SC coast through Wednesday evening, including Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach and Kiawah. Road work for summer travelers: SCDOT’s Highway 17 widening in Myrtle Beach (707 to Harrelson Blvd) is nearing completion, with a six-lane expansion expected by end of 2026, weather permitting. Hurricane readiness: South Carolina leaders held a tabletop exercise to rehearse responses as the 2026 hurricane season begins, urging residents and businesses to have plans. Outdoor travel tips: SC state parks are seeing more snake encounters in warmer months, with several parks flagged as especially snake-active for hikers and beachgoers. Tourism spotlight: A new report looks at how Dolly Parton built a tourism empire through Dollywood, driving major regional development in the Smoky Mountains.

ACC-SEC Challenge (Women’s Hoops): South Carolina will play Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Dec. 3 as part of the 2026 SEC-ACC Challenge, with the Gamecocks riding a strong recent record vs. the Blue Devils. Local Tourism & Culture: Angel Oak on Johns Island has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its status as a major Lowcountry draw. Upstate Public Safety: A man and woman accused in the death of a 4-year-old in Travelers Rest had bond denied after investigators alleged improper nutrition. Coastal/Community Safety: A Chester County deputy is credited with saving a breast cancer patient after a crash left her trapped in a partially burning vehicle. Travel Disruption Watch: South Carolina and North Carolina canceled their 2028 and 2029 home-and-home football series, with USC paying UNC $1 million—an item that could affect visitor planning around those dates. Road-Trip Reality Check (Gas Prices): AAA reports the national regular average is down 18 cents to $4.24, while GasBuddy shows South Carolina midgrade and regular prices hovering in the mid-$3 to mid-$4 range by county. Family Fun: NarroWay Productions in Fort Mill is set to welcome baby camel Cleopatra on June 8.

Myrtle Beach Resort Leadership: Mark Hucek has been appointed Complex General Manager for The Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach (Tapestry by Hilton) and DoubleTree Resort Myrtle Beach, overseeing day-to-day operations, guest experience, and growth. Coastal Water Safety: Isle of Palms police are urging beachgoers to watch for rip currents as summer crowds increase risk. Drought Update: South Carolina’s interior and Upstate drought improved to Level 1–2, but coastal areas remain in serious Level 3 drought. Travel & Flights: Contour Airlines launches seasonal service from Altoona to Myrtle Beach starting July 1, and Breeze Airways is set to expand at Atlantic City after Spirit’s exit. Sea Turtle Conservation: Volunteers moved more than 100 loggerhead sea turtle eggs to a safer Myrtle Beach nest site. Boating Safety: SCDNR charged a Charleston County man with involuntary manslaughter in a fatal Shem Creek crash; documents cite alcohol use, reckless/careless operation, and lack of proper lookout. Gas Prices: Charleston County regular gas hit $3.73 in the week ending May 30, while statewide averages eased slightly.

Gas Prices & Summer Travel: With the Strait of Hormuz closed for 96 days, a GasBuddy analyst tells Forbes gas prices may get worse before they get better, with a “50-50 chance” averages top $5 this summer; still, major drive-to tourism markets like Myrtle Beach say demand is on par or better than last year. Public Safety—Kids Home Alone: South Carolina has no set minimum age for leaving children home alone, but a Columbia pediatrician recommends at least age 9, and warns parents can face criminal responsibility if something goes wrong. Local Law Enforcement—Microwaved Fish Gun Case: Myrtle Beach detective Michael DeBiase was arrested and fired after allegedly pointing his gun at a fellow officer over a microwaved fish odor. Health Alert—Measles in Hampton County: DPH confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated adult; eight others were advised to quarantine after international travel. Beach News: Pawleys Island was named South Carolina’s best beach for a third straight year. Getting There: Contour Airlines will add seasonal nonstop flights from Parkersburg to Myrtle Beach starting July 1. Hurricane Season: Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1; North Myrtle Beach urges residents to review plans, kits, and evacuation zones.

Beach Safety & Tourism: A red sponge-like substance has been disrupting fishing and swimming along Grand Strand beaches, with locals saying it clings to lines and leaves swimmers “slime red weeds” worries; officials are still trying to identify what it is. Local Travel & Planning: Mount Pleasant is reviewing confusing “wild west” parking around Shem Creek, where mixed public/private lots and towing rules leave visitors unsure where they can park. Lowcountry Outdoors: The Spanish Moss Trail is kicking off “Trails Month” in June with National Trails Day events, encouraging locals and visitors to get outside on the year-round route. Camping Getaway: Tuck In The Wood Campground on Saint Helena Island is being highlighted as a quieter, more secluded camping option just 12 miles from Hunting Island State Park. Public Health: South Carolina confirmed a measles case in Hampton County; eight people were flagged as potentially exposed and advised to quarantine through June 21. Coastal Incident: A Myrtle Beach detective was fired after allegedly pointing a gun at a fellow officer during a dispute over microwaved fish.

Public Health Alert: South Carolina DPH confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated adult in Hampton County after international travel; eight people were potentially exposed and advised to quarantine through June 21, with officials urging vaccination as the best protection. Coastal Safety: A high rip current risk is in effect for parts of the Georgia and South Carolina coast, including Beaufort, Colleton, Charleston and Jasper counties, with beachgoers urged to swim near lifeguards and avoid the water if unsure. Local Tourism Spotlight: Hunting Island’s iconic lighthouse reopened to the public after a $4.75 million restoration, including staircase and lantern room repairs. Grand Strand Crime Update: A Mexico-based fentanyl and heroin trafficking operation tied to Myrtle Beach was dismantled, sending four men to federal prison. Roadside Enforcement: South Carolina launched “Zero Tolerance for Litter Month,” targeting unsecured loads and illegal dumping ahead of peak summer travel. New Visitor Options: Royal Farms is building its first Columbia location on Clemson Rd., with permits issued for a convenience mart and fuel canopy.

Nursing Home Oversight: CMS reports Angel Oak Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Horry County earned a 3.0 overall rating for Q1 2026, matching the state average, with no recorded fines or penalties that quarter. Road Rules for Visitors: South Carolina’s new law regulates utility terrain vehicles on public roads, including age, helmet, seat belt, and equipment requirements—aimed at keeping beach-area travel safer as summer ramps up. Lowcountry Mobility: Hilton Head officials are reminding riders that e-bikes are treated like bicycles only if they meet speed and motor limits; otherwise they can be classified differently, affecting where visitors can ride. Tourism Hit: Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown is set to open June 5 at the Myrtle Beach Mall, bringing a big entertainment-and-dining lineup to the Grand Strand. Coastal Landmark Reopens: Hunting Island Lighthouse reopened after a four-year closure for restoration, with visitors back to climbing the 167 steps to the observation deck. Local Safety: Horry County crews responded to a three-vehicle crash on George Bishop Parkway, sending two people to the hospital and blocking lanes while police investigated.

Aviation Safety & Beach Life: A South Carolina pilot was arrested after witnesses said he repeatedly flew dangerously low over a crowded Pawleys Island beach, triggering an FAA probe and charges. Local Law & Public Safety: In Myrtle Beach, a former detective was jailed after SLED says he pointed a department handgun at a coworker during a dispute over microwaved fish. Road Closures & Travel Planning: SCDOT closed the Boney Road bridge over Boney Creek for repairs in Richland County, with a detour in place for nearly a month. Charleston Innovation: Electra completed a hybrid-electric urban demonstration flight in downtown Charleston, touting ultra-short takeoff/landing access points for future regional travel. Family Travel Watch: A pedestrian died after being struck on Lake Edisto Road in Orangeburg County, underscoring summer road-safety risks near busy corridors. Work & Community Spaces: Myrtle Beach’s HTC Aspire Hub expanded its coworking space to about 10,000 square feet, adding offices and meeting space for visitors and locals alike.

Hurricane prep, not just coastal focus: South Carolina kicked off the 2026 hurricane season with reminders that inland impacts can mean outages, blocked roads, and tornadoes—plus a new statewide Hurricane Guide from emergency officials. Grand Strand wildlife watch: Sea turtle nesting is up across the Grand Strand, with SCUTE reporting 70 nests in May (vs. 41 last year) and urging beachgoers to use red lights and turn off beachfront lighting at night. Myrtle Beach festival logistics: Carolina Country Music Fest returns June 4–7, and city officials are warning about heat, crowds, and road closures, including rerouted ride-share traffic and a new “Chill Zone.” Charleston-area nursing expansion: Galen College of Nursing opened enrollment for a new Daniel Island campus, adding an ADN pathway starting July 6. Travel safety headline: A deadly I-95 Virginia bus crash tied to speed and a work-zone slowdown is driving new legal action, with additional involuntary manslaughter charges announced. Local community travel angle: A Greenville restaurant reopened after a car crashed into its storefront, underscoring how quickly weekend travel plans can turn into local recovery stories.

Urban Air Mobility: Electra’s hybrid-electric EL2 demonstrator just completed an ultra-short “Direct Aviation” flight in Charleston, aiming to make short-hop service possible from places like rooftops and fields. Summer Safety: South Carolina DPH is urging water and swimming safety as kids head into summer, highlighting drowning risk and recommending a “Water Watcher,” barriers for home pools, and lessons. Beach Buzz: Dr. Beach named Hawaii’s Poipu Beach No. 1 for 2026, with South Carolina earning a spot on the top-10 list. Local Travel & Leisure: Golfweek released its Best 2026 modern golf courses list, with South Carolina’s Broomsedge tied for No. 94. Road Trip Tips: A Greenville-based trainer is hosting a live webinar on June 3 for RV travelers with dogs, focused on safer, calmer road trips. Crime & Courts (Travel Impact): A Columbia convenience store owner, Rick Chow, is on trial for the 2023 shooting death of a 14-year-old, with jury deliberations underway.

Coastal Walkability: Mount Pleasant is pitching itself as an easy, car-light coastal getaway, with the Old Village and the waterfront near Patriots Point highlighted for compact streets, sidewalks, and scenic strolls. Tourism Outlook: New national travel data suggests South Carolina’s Lowcountry—especially Charleston—could gain from “sunshine travel” and more drive-to trips as travelers rethink costs. Road & Traffic: Chapin is set to break ground on a $75.3 million Columbia Avenue Corridor Improvement Project, expanding key stretches and reworking intersections to ease congestion. Guard Deployment: Hundreds of South Carolina National Guardsmen (about 400) deployed from McCrady Training Center to support a D.C. crime-reduction mission, with families describing an emotional sendoff. Water Safety: SC DPH is urging summer swimming precautions as drowning risks rise, including “water watcher” supervision and pool safety steps. Travel Safety Tragedy (Regional): A deadly I-95 bus crash in Virginia killed five, including a Massachusetts family traveling to a South Carolina wedding; the driver faces involuntary manslaughter charges.

Fatal road crash: A charter bus crash on Virginia’s I-95 killed five people, including a Massachusetts family of four headed to a wedding in South Carolina. Virginia State Police say the bus failed to slow for a work zone, triggering a chain reaction; the bus driver, Jing S. Dong, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter as the NTSB investigates speed, fatigue, and other factors. Summer safety: South Carolina health officials urged residents to practice water and swimming safety as summer ramps up, highlighting supervision, barriers for pools, and a “Water Watcher” for kids. Lowcountry travel outlook: New national travel data suggests Charleston could benefit from “sunshine travel” and more drive-to trips as travelers rethink plans amid higher gas prices. Local community wins: A Hampton County student won an art contest and her school received $15,000, while several SC towns and counties received tourism grants. Outdoor access: Work on the Congaree boardwalk is complete, with tips on how to get the most out of the park.