AGP Executive Report

Horry County Voting Confusion: Election officials in Myrtle Beach are urging voters to double-check their registration after some residents received mailers that include partially pre-filled forms, with the trusted source being SCvotes.gov. Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions climbed to an estimated $209 million for the Sept. 11 drawing, while an SC scratch-off player in Greer won $250,000. Upstate 9/11 Remembrance: Communities across the Upstate held memorials for the 25th anniversary, including a Boiling Springs Fire District dedication featuring a steel beam recovered from Ground Zero. Gas Prices Watch: AAA reports the national average regular gas price rose 13 cents to $4.27 per gallon. Travel Disruption: Royal Caribbean canceled an Alaska cruise after passengers boarded in Vancouver, leaving travelers scrambling for new plans. South Carolina Tech & Privacy: SC lawmakers approved state funding for Flock cameras despite growing privacy concerns. Public Health Alerts: CDC says U.S. measles cases are surging, reaching 3,294 nationwide, and health officials are also warning about rising rabies exposures. Local Sports Calendar: SCHSL released the Week 4 high school football schedule, and college football Week 2 kicks off with major matchups.

Roadwork & Travel Disruptions: SCDOT will start construction on Walhalla Highway (SC-183) in Pickens County on Sept. 14, with daily lane closures through summer 2027, including milling, resurfacing, repairs, shoulder work and guardrail updates. Traffic Safety: A passenger died in a two-vehicle crash in Calhoun Falls at SC-72 and Anderson Street; troopers are investigating. More Fatalities on the Roads: A pedestrian was killed in Berkeley County after being struck on Treeland Drive near Augusta Drive. Lowcountry Lifestyle: A Charleston-area interior design feature looks at how a 1959 brick ranch in Mount Pleasant was restored to keep its “cozy” one-level flow and Lowcountry roots. Local Culture & Fun: Irmo is building a tricking scene, hosting the “Gathering of the Shapes” tournament over Labor Day weekend. Travel & Tourism Business: Buc-ee’s won a federal trademark case against South Carolina retailer Born United, with a judge ordering more than $850,000 in damages and a permanent ban on using Buc-ee’s beaver branding. Gas Prices Watch: AAA reports the national gas average rose 13 cents in a week to $4.27, with volatility tied to crude oil and the Strait of Hormuz.

SC Politics & Travel: U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs and Sens. Darline Graham and Tim Scott joined other Republicans in Dallas for the RNC’s first midterm convention, where Scott delivered a viral, hard-edged attack on Democrats and the lineup included Trump and JD Vance. Grand Strand Gas Watch: AAA reports Grand Strand drivers are seeing prices climb again, with a 13-cent jump in two days and South Carolina averaging $3.90 a gallon. Lowcountry 9/11 Remembrance: The South Carolina State Museum hosts a special Sept. 11 program on how the state remembers 9/11, featuring local stories and artifacts. Beach & Coastal Resilience: A new podcast episode looks at what happens when sand, money, and time run out for beach protection as sea levels rise. Local Food Tourism: Southern Living named Florence’s Elliott’s BBQ Lounge the best new barbecue spot in the South for 2026. Buc-ee’s Trademark Win: A federal judge ordered South Carolina retailer Born United to pay Buc-ee’s $850,000 and stop using a confusingly similar beaver logo. Safety & Roads: South Carolina Highway Patrol is searching for a hit-and-run driver after a unicyclist was seriously injured on North Blackstock Road.

College Football (Miami vs. FAMU): No. 7 Miami hosts Florida A&M at Hard Rock Stadium tonight (8 p.m. ET) on ACC Network, aiming to keep rolling after a 45-6 win over Stanford; FAMU comes off a 31-13 loss to South Carolina State. Local Public Safety (Gaffney bus stop case): SLED has charged a Gaffney father, accused of hiding his son after a student was shot at a bus stop in August; the younger Barnes faces adult charges including murder and weapon possession. Health Watch (Cyclospora outbreak): CDC says confirmed Cyclospora cases now top 19,595 nationwide, tied to iceberg lettuce from a Mexico supplier, with thousands more reported as pending or not lab-confirmed. Travel & Retail (Walmart + Dunkin’): Walmart customers in South Carolina can now order Dunkin’ delivery from eight store-in-store locations via the Walmart app. Community Outdoors (Beach/River Sweep): South Carolina’s Sept. 19 Beach Sweep/River Sweep returns with nearly 100 volunteer sites statewide, including beach, marsh, and waterway cleanups. Local Policy (Greenville penny sales tax): Greenville, Simpsonville, Mauldin, and Travelers Rest are putting a new 1% city sales tax on the ballot for eight years to fund roads, infrastructure, and property tax relief.

Cruise Disruption: A South Carolina family’s Royal Caribbean Alaska trip was canceled after boarding due to a mechanical issue, leaving passengers scrambling for refunds or alternative plans. Coastal Cleanup: The 37th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep is set for Sept. 19, with volunteers needed at nearly 100 South Carolina sites; last year’s effort pulled 24 tons of debris from 972 miles. Nature Learning: Isle of Palms will host a free Oct. 1 Stroll & Learn to unveil 14 new interpretive nature signs at the marina, turning the dock area into an outdoor classroom on salt marsh wildlife. Beach Town Buzz: Hilton Head ranks No. 3 on a Southeast “best beach towns” list for 2026, highlighting its biking and golf trail network plus walkable shoreline. Energy & Rates: Dominion and NextEra’s $67B buyout cleared a major shareholder vote, but South Carolina regulators still face a public hearing timeline as critics warn of higher bills. Local Safety: Lexington County identified a pedestrian killed on I-26; Cayce police also arrested a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run. Trademark & Travel Retail: A South Carolina store must pay Buc-ee’s $850K+ for trademark infringement tied to the beaver logo.

9/11 Remembrance in SC: Anderson University staged its annual “Field of Flags” display honoring all 2,977 victims, with campus events running through Sept. 11. Road Safety in Jasper County: Two separate Labor Day weekend crashes left fatalities, including a 20-month-old toddler killed after a single-vehicle crash and a tractor-trailer driver who died on I-95. MUSC Cancer Care Push: Charleston officials will review plans for a proposed $1 billion, 14-story MUSC cancer hospital—aimed at consolidating inpatient and outpatient services under one roof. Privacy Debate Over Cameras: A letters column raises concerns about Flock Safety-style systems storing location data and argues for tighter limits and audit controls. Gas Prices & Travel Costs: AAA reports Labor Day hit record-high pump prices nationwide, with the national average around $4.15 a gallon. Local Business & Tourism: A Summerville clothing company settled a trademark dispute with Buc-ee’s, agreeing to pay $850,000—an issue that could affect branded merchandise sold in Myrtle Beach and beyond.

Myrtle Beach Tourism: City Council gave early approval to a potential $20M incentive package for a massive man-made surf park near Broadway at the Beach, a project years in the making that could reshape the Grand Strand’s summer draw. Lowcountry Travel & Safety: South Carolina reported 11 road deaths during the Labor Day holiday period (Sept. 4–7), with officials saying the total was down from 2025. Court & Community Impact: Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder retrial has been moved to Sumter County after a judge ruled Colleton County’s jury pool was tainted by publicity and prejudice—an outcome that affects local logistics like security and lodging. Local Crime Linked to Hotels: Savannah police are investigating valet-linked vehicle thefts at downtown hotels, including a case involving a $90,000 BMW allegedly taken after the suspect posed as a pro basketball player. Outdoor & Family Plans: Bluffton is inviting residents to the 37th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep on Sept. 19 at Oyster Factory Park to help clean up the May River.

Road & Safety: A semi-truck hauling a horse trailer overturned on I-95 near Walterboro, trapping a racehorse and closing southbound lanes as crews worked the crash scene. Local Travel Disruption: A Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise (Serenade of the Seas) was canceled after 1,700 passengers spent days docked in Vancouver while repairs dragged on. Beach Watch: Labor Day crowds hit Tybee Island, where visitors faced rip currents, jellyfish, and lightning-related water pauses. Lowcountry Leisure: Beaufort’s Cashmere Books and Gifts opened downtown as a community-minded bookstore. Dining & Shopping: New Charleston-area food options include Parlor Doughnuts and the Peach Cobbler Factory, plus fresh retail arrivals at Nexton. Family Fun Calendar: Columbia and Batesburg-Leesville host tai chi, staged readings, and Foodees Fest events this weekend. Scam Alerts: Aynor logged a July BBB Scam Tracker report tied to a WhatsApp employment scam. Wildlife News: Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach welcomed “Lucky Seven” African penguin chicks in 2026.

Public Safety: A runaway bull in Prosperity (Newberry County) was safely returned home after police and multiple rescue agencies contained the animal and temporarily shut down S. Wheeler Avenue. Labor Day Travel & Costs: AAA reports the national gas average hit a record $4.14 per gallon for Labor Day weekend; South Carolina’s average was about $3.75, while Fort Mill drivers found some stations nearly 40 cents cheaper than the state average. Beach Conditions: Tybee Island visitors faced rip currents, jellyfish, high winds, and lightning delays during the holiday. Lowcountry Alerts: Beaufort County deputies are searching for a missing 12-year-old boy last seen in the Palmetto Dunes area on Hilton Head Island. Family Fun & Wildlife: Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach announced “Lucky Seven” African penguin chick births in 2026—good news for a critically endangered species. Sports Tourism: Lancaster County will break ground on a $36.9 million Regional Athletic Complex aimed at attracting sports tournaments, with an opening planned for late 2027.

Labor Day Travel Costs: Americans head into the holiday with the most expensive Labor Day gas prices on record, with the national regular average hitting about $4.14 a gallon as Iran-linked shipping disruptions keep pressure on fuel. What’s Open in SC: A quick guide to closures and modified hours for Labor Day 2026 in South Carolina, plus the basics on buying alcohol and other holiday rules. Upstate Jobs Snapshot: Greenville County leads South Carolina employment with 300,000+ workers, while unemployment rates vary across the Upstate counties heading into the long weekend. On-the-Road Safety: South Carolina Highway Patrol and local coroners reported multiple fatal crashes, including a scooter rider killed in Anderson and a lawn mower crash in Cherokee County. Lowcountry/Coastal Travel Notes: Florence is set to begin stormwater improvements that should reduce street flooding, with temporary lane closures starting in September. Sports & Travel Culture: SEC Week 1 power rankings update and Alabama’s Keelon Russell debut get national attention as the football season ramps up. Pageant Spotlight: Miss Texas Regan Hutsell was crowned Miss America 2027 in West Palm Beach.

Family Fall Fun: Three theme parks within a day’s drive of Charleston are pitching fall thrills without Disney-level prices, including Carowinds (Fort Mill) with kid zones like Camp Snoopy plus seasonal events. Local History & Culture: A once-segregated Norfolk Botanical Garden is honoring the Black workers who built it under the WPA, adding a deeper layer to a major visitor draw. Pawleys Island Tragedy: A preliminary autopsy in the death of 5-year-old Saylor Hayes found pulmonary edema consistent with drowning after she went missing near her vacation home; officials say a final report is weeks away. Labor Day Travel Watch: Gas prices are hitting record highs for the holiday weekend, with the national average around $4.14, while SCDPS ramps up DUI and traffic enforcement through Sept. 7. Road Safety: South Carolina Highway Patrol reported multiple fatal crashes tied to holiday travel, including a motorcycle death on SC 707 near Horry County and a lawn mower crash in Cherokee County. Lowcountry Weekend Picks: Winthrop volleyball topped Old Dominion in five sets at home, and ECU volleyball wrapped up a South Carolina tournament run.

Labor Day travel watch: Severe thunderstorms are forecast to hit parts of the Carolinas and nearby areas over the holiday weekend, with watches including Myrtle Beach and Greenville on Saturday and the threat shifting toward Charleston and Columbia on Sunday—plan for delays and keep an eye on local alerts. Grand Strand tourism: A long-running Greg Norman Australian Grille at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach is set to close Oct. 15, as the area continues to draw visitors even as summer winds down. Lowcountry history & culture: The Sound of Charleston returns with a new season of live music storytelling, continuing its mission to connect audiences to Lowcountry history through performances. Historic preservation debate: A Johns Island road added to the National Register is prompting questions about what the listing does—and doesn’t—protect for a working farming community. Family travel safety: Updates continue around the death of 5-year-old Saylor Hayes, whose family was vacationing near Pawleys Island; her parents remain facing charges after a bond denial. Outdoor travel trend: A new Laurens County “ruck club” is launching to turn walking with weighted packs into a community fitness and service outing.

Labor Day Travel Watch: South Carolina Highway Patrol says I-26 and I-95 are expected to be busier than usual as visitors head to Charleston, the Tri-County area, and beaches, with troopers out statewide to enforce traffic laws. Severe Weather: A thunderstorm threat is in play for parts of the Carolinas and nearby states over the weekend, with damaging wind gusts possible; the risk shifts toward South Carolina and Georgia on Sunday. Vacation Rental Safety: Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands are dealing with a Clorox recall of 6.3M bottles of scented Mistolin/Lestoil cleaners due to possible Pseudomonas contamination—an issue that matters most for immunocompromised travelers. Local Tourism Spotlight: Fountain Inn was named South Carolina’s “Most Charming Small Town” by AFAR, highlighting spots like Bobby’s BBQ, The Mill at Fountain Inn, and the Swamp Rabbit Trail. On the Road: American Airlines added special nonstop flights from Miami for college football away games, including Clemson and South Carolina via Greenville–Spartanburg. Scam Alerts: BBB Scam Tracker reports show Beaufort tied for 18th in South Carolina for July scam reports, with online purchase scams driving losses.

Labor Day Road Safety: Drivers are warning that stretches of I-85 between Greenville and Anderson have been dark since at least 2017, with Anderson County officials saying the lack of working lights makes crashes more dangerous as holiday traffic ramps up. Lowcountry Film Tourism: Netflix’s “Outer Banks” continues to boost Charleston-area tourism, with local boat tours and businesses cashing in on filming locations around Bowens Island, Shem Creek, and beyond. Myrtle Beach & Coastal Travel: Murrells Inlet dredging is inching closer after a seven-year push, aiming to improve navigation safety and protect wildlife/marsh habitat for boaters and visitors. Folly Beach Short-Term Rental Fight: A property owner has sued Folly Beach to recoup short-term rental registration fees after a judge ruled the city’s STR ordinance was illegal; the city has appealed. Getting There Updates: SCDOT announced a temporary I-26 Exit 129 ramp closure (Sept. 11–14) with detours via Exit 136. NASCAR at Darlington: The 2026 NASCAR Chase kicks off at Darlington this Labor Day weekend with split coverage—Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race while the Truck Series is off—so fans will need to plan TV/streaming options.

Labor Day Travel Watch: AAA says early birds are easing Labor Day traffic, but the “easy driving” window is closing as roads and airports fill up. Coastal Safety & Health: Myrtle Beach is still expecting crowds as summer winds down, while across the country some beaches are closing due to bacteria spikes—another reminder to check local advisories before you swim. Murrells Inlet Dredging: A seven-year push to dredge Murrells Inlet is nearing reality, aiming to deepen the waterway and improve navigation safety for boats. Road Work in the Palmetto State: SCDOT will temporarily close an I-26 eastbound ramp at Exit 129 near US 21 for ramp alignment work (Sept. 11–14), with detours via Exit 136. Folly Beach Short-Term Rentals: A property owner has sued Folly Beach to recoup short-term rental registration fees after a judge ruled the STR ordinance was illegal; the city is appealing. Local Culture & Travel Flavor: A Charleston restaurant concept tied to “Pizza Loves Emily” partner Howard Greenstone is set to open in Avondale, mixing biscuits by day with pizza and burgers at night. Outdoor Reminder: Copperheads are in a second mating season in South Carolina—watch your yards and avoid handling snakes.

Labor Day Travel Watch: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are on track to set a record, with the national average around $4.14 as crude stays pricey amid Strait of Hormuz volatility. Upstate Jobs Snapshot: Greenville County leads South Carolina with the state’s largest workforce (300,000+ workers) and a 3.5% unemployment rate as of June. Road Safety on I-85: Lights have been out on a stretch of I-85 between Greenville and Anderson for nearly a decade, raising concerns as Labor Day traffic ramps up. Pedestrian Safety at SC 544: Coastal Carolina University families are pushing for a planned $12M pedestrian overpass after another student was hit on Highway 544; officials say it’s a state road and construction timelines aren’t set. Sober or Slammer Enforcement: South Carolina DPS is stepping up DUI enforcement and education from Sept. 4–7, warning of higher crash risk around coastal areas and waterways. Local Traffic Data: Greenwood police are using a solar “Radar” speed sign to study speeding in Milford Pines as residents request speed humps. South Carolina Voters: Election Commission guidance notes “inactive” status doesn’t remove voting rights, but people should check registration and update info. Conservation: Congaree Land Trust permanently protected 168 acres in Orangeburg County via a conservation easement. Arts & Community: Athens Area Council for the Arts brings back Big Time Small Town with the American Patchwork Quartet on Sept. 25.