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.
AGP Executive Report
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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.
NTSB Probe/Travel Safety: A deadly bus crash on Virginia’s I-95 killed five, including a family of four headed to a South Carolina wedding; investigators say the driver failed to slow for a work zone, and charges are pending. Local Road Safety: In Lancaster County, SCDOT added flashing lights at a Highway 5 intersection after a fatal rollover crash, aiming to reduce dangerous blind-spot turns. Park Access: Congaree National Park finished its elevated Congaree boardwalk loop project, improving access during high-water periods. Beach & Family Planning: Dr. Beach named Poipu Beach (Hawaii) No. 1 for 2026, while multiple guides highlight budget-friendly summer family trips and underrated coastal towns. Retail Updates: Walmart plans to remodel 29 South Carolina stores this year, including Boiling Springs, Clemson, and Simpsonville, with expanded services like pharmacy delivery. Tourism Culture: Charleston’s only surviving Declaration of Independence broadside printed south of Philadelphia is returning to the Charleston Museum for summer display.
Sonic Boom Mystery: USGS says Thursday’s loud boom across South Carolina wasn’t an earthquake, but a sonic boom; NASA and Shaw Air Force Base also point away from space or base activity, leaving the cause still unclear. Road Safety Update: SCDOT crews added flashing lights at a Highway 5 intersection in Lancaster County after a fatal rollover crash, aiming to cut dangerous blind-spot turns. Lowcountry Traffic Plan Reversal: James Island opted out of SCDOT’s Folly Road raised-median proposal, saying it could create bottlenecks and push traffic into neighborhoods. Travel & Outdoors Picks: Travel + Leisure highlights 10 underrated coastal towns for summer, while another list spotlights lesser-known national parks to escape crowds. Hurricane Prep: WMBF previews its “Storm Ready” hurricane season special with practical, low-budget kit ideas for South Carolina travelers. Local Tourism/Events: Charleston hosted the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage procession as part of the America 250 route, drawing crowds and volunteers. Cost-of-Living Pressure: A Winthrop Poll finds many South Carolinians are struggling with groceries and medical bills, a reminder that travel budgets may be tight.
Summer travel deals: Kayak says June flights from Louisville are cheapest to Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, with standout fares including Breeze Airways to Charleston ($137) and Myrtle Beach ($245). World Cup road-trip idea: Beach.com ranked Santee State Park near South Carolina as the closest beach option to Atlanta’s 2026 World Cup venue (about 248 miles, ~4 hours). Hurricane prep: WMBF’s “Storm Ready” special airs Monday at 7 p.m., focusing on low-budget hurricane kits and local home-strengthening tips. Coastal conditions: Lake Hartwell is under a harmful algal bloom watch after new reports. Local travel culture: Charleston hosted the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage procession May 28, drawing visitors downtown for a 2,200-mile route from Florida to Maine. Safety note: A loud boom across the Midlands and Pee Dee was confirmed by USGS as a sonic boom (not an earthquake), likely from a meteor near St. Andrews. Business for travelers: Coastal Carolina Bancshares and Beacon Community Bank announced a “merger of equals” to create a larger South Carolina-based bank with 16 branches.
Local Road Work: Chapin is set to break ground Friday on a $90 million Columbia Avenue Corridor Improvement Project, expanding key stretches from two lanes to four and reworking intersections to ease congestion into downtown. Coastal Safety: South Carolina DPH is urging safer summer water habits as drowning risk rises, with reminders to keep kids from swimming alone and to use proper barriers around pools. Beach Travel Buzz: Southern Living ranked 10 South Carolina beach towns in its “50 Best Beach Towns in the South,” with Hilton Head Island landing at No. 3 and other mentions including Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, and Beaufort. Weather Watch: Drought conditions are easing statewide after repeated showers and thunderstorms, but officials say more rain is still needed for full recovery. Tourism + Tech: Google’s Nuvem subsea cable has landed in Myrtle Beach, adding another major connectivity boost to the state’s coastal infrastructure. Wildlife on the Shore: Sullivan’s Island students helped protect the first sea turtle nest of the 2026 season by clearing hazards and keeping beach equipment from blocking hatchlings. Big-Name Entertainment: Carolina Country Music Fest returns June 4–7 in Myrtle Beach, and the event is adding a daily matchmaking setup for singles.
Beach & tourism buzz: Southern Living ranked 10 South Carolina beach towns in its “50 Best Beach Towns in the South,” with Hilton Head Island at No. 3, plus mentions like Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island and Beaufort. Hurricane prep: With the Atlantic season starting in days, experts say South Carolinians should watch warm central/eastern Gulf waters and the nearby Southeast waters for early signs. Summer safety: SC DPH is urging water and swimming safety as pools, lakes and beaches fill up, including “Water Watcher” supervision and basic steps for safer swims. Cost-of-living pressure: A Winthrop Poll finds most South Carolinians rate the economy badly and struggle with groceries, housing, health care, and even week-long vacations. Local travel disruptions & planning: Horry County Schools will run a free Summer Nutrition Program starting June 10 across 14 campuses. Coastal wildlife warning: Myrtle Beach police are warning beachgoers about venomous Portuguese man o’ war washing ashore after strong currents. Road safety: A Lancaster County crash killed two and injured four after a pickup and sedan collided at Rock Hill Highway and West Rebound Road. Money-on-the-mind politics: Reports say Treasury officials are exploring a commemorative $250 bill featuring Trump’s portrait/signature tied to the 250th anniversary.
Cemetery Update (Travel & Community): Travelers Rest’s Coleman Memorial Cemetery has been purchased by longtime funeral director Matthew Moyer and rebranded as Moyer Memorial Gardens, with plans to preserve records, maintain grounds, and host community-focused events. Short-Term Rental Policy (Folly Beach): Folly Beach has kicked off a fresh review of its short-term rental ordinance after the South Carolina Supreme Court upheld the 800-permit cap, with public meetings gathering questions residents want answered before any changes. Cultural Tourism (Lowcountry): Georgetown will host the 2026 Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor South Carolina Summit June 25-26, featuring workshops, panels, and a “Gullah Table Experience” aimed at heritage preservation and cultural tourism. Gas Prices Check (Road Trips): GasBuddy reports show Lexington County midgrade at $4.21 (week ending May 16), while Anderson County E15 hit $3.89 and Horry County diesel dipped to $4.64—useful for Memorial Day travel planning. Franchise Growth (Dining Stops): East Coast Wings + Grill is set to open in Tallahassee in late 2026, expanding a family-backed franchise footprint across the Southeast.
Hunting Island Tourism Boost: Hunting Island Lighthouse reopened to visitors after a $4.75M stabilization and preservation project, with climbing tickets $5 and virtual reality options for those who can’t climb. Lowcountry Growth Watch: Jasper County is the fastest-growing in the U.S. by percentage, driven by domestic migration, pushing leaders to plan for roads, water, and sewer as Hardeeville expands. Coastal Real Estate: Toll Brothers announced a new luxury townhome community, Townes of Prince Creek West, coming soon to Murrells Inlet with pricing starting in the low $400,000s and sales expected in late fall 2026. Travel Costs on the Move: Gas prices are rising again as Middle East tensions and oil-market volatility continue; South Carolina’s statewide average is reported around $4.06. Memorial Day Safety & Crowds: Officials reported a “flight of terror” after a pilot flew extremely low over Pawleys Island, and separate crash updates continued across the region as holiday travel ramps up. Local Community Events: Myrtle Beach’s Guns & Hoses Charity Softball Tournament is set for Sept. 26, 2026, benefiting SOS Care’s Project Lifesaver.
Politics & Maps: South Carolina’s GOP-backed congressional redistricting push collapsed in the Senate as early voting surged—26-18, with 14 Republicans joining the “no,” after Sen. Richard Cash said he couldn’t stop an election already underway. Early Voting: Voters can cast ballots now through the next two weeks (hours vary by county), with officials pointing to early voting as a fix for registration problems before Election Day. Sports & Travel Buzz: Lake Murray is set for Major League Fishing’s biggest weekend next week (May 28-30), while Oklahoma City is bracing for major crowds as the Thunder and the Women’s College World Series overlap. Coastal & Safety: Hunting Island Lighthouse reopened after nearly four years of restoration, and a Pawleys Island pilot was charged after low-flying passes scared beachgoers. Weather/Science: A NASA-led study says a cold ocean region near Greenland may be a key driver of East Coast sea level rise.
Snakegate in Florida: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. grabbed two wild snakes on Dr. Mehmet Oz’s patio—then got bitten—sparking online debate over whether they were harmless racers or dangerous “moccasins.” South Carolina politics: The SC Senate rejected a push to redraw U.S. House districts as early voting surged, with Republicans split and the redistricting fight still shaping what happens next. Road safety & travel: Memorial Day weekend left seven dead on SC roads, kicking off the state’s “100 Deadly Days of Summer,” while AAA reports gas prices staying elevated heading into peak travel. Coastal warnings: Myrtle Beach police warned beachgoers about venomous wildlife and marine stings washing ashore. Local life: Buc-ee’s plans its first Arizona store and more Florida openings, and Greenville’s Downtown Airport announced a new restaurant and event space. Sports: UConn and Iowa set up a home-and-home women’s series next season.
Memorial Day chaos hits the coast: A reported stampede near the stage area at Atlantic Beach’s Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival left 19 people injured around 1 a.m. Sunday; officials say injuries weren’t life-threatening and that safety teams were positioned, with the town saying it appears to have started when someone began running. Gas watch (week ending May 16): Prices stayed volatile but not uniform—Lexington County’s regular hit $3.88, Greenwood premium $4.49, Edgefield premium $5.09, and diesel lows ranged from $4.99 in Pickens to $5.18 in Hampton. Travel + safety push: South Carolina’s “100 Deadly Days of Summer” enforcement ramps up as Memorial Day travel begins. Politics in motion: Early voting starts Tuesday for the June 9 primaries while lawmakers argue over congressional redistricting. Sports: UCF baseball earned an NCAA at-large bid, heading to the Auburn Regional.
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