🌱Funding For Opioid Prevention And Recovery Efforts + Security Focus

Hello, everybody! It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Myrtle Beach Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town. Including news on...

• Meals on Wheels needs to expand.
• Deck collapsed and injured two people.
• Opioids is a very big problem in the area.

But first, today's weather: Humid with a thunderstorm. High: 90 Low: 79.

Here are the top stories in Myrtle Beach today:

1. Due to massive growth over the past few years and an imminent rent increase, Meals on Wheels of Horry County is looking to build a new facility. Reportedly, the organization is currently in the process of raising $400,000 to begin the process of building a new permanent location that will be large enough to accommodate the growing program. (WBTW)
2. The investigation is ongoing on the collapsed deck that injured two people in Myrtle Beach over this past weekend. According to Abccolumbia.com, "A construction manager for the city has a theory on what caused the collapse. He says someone placed an inflatable pool on the top porch and the weight of the water was likely too much for the deck." (Abccolumbia.com)
3. Focusing on campus security, Coastal Carolina University has already begun its training this summer of full-scale armed-aggressor exercises. Uniting law enforcement personnel, medical teams, and students the exercises are simulations of possible real-life events. According to WBTW, "180 officials from public safety professionals took part in the exercise to strengthen their skills in the case of an emergency." (WBTW)
4. These are some upsetting numbers! According to WBTW, "Horry County leads South Carolina in overdose deaths, topping the list with 272 of 2,168 deaths in 2021." In an effort to change this, the decision has been made that the expansion of recovery and prevention programs at Tidelands Health with be made using opioid settlement funds. (WBTW)

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Today in Myrtle Beach:

Thursday, July 20

• Full STEAM Ahead Camp — Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach (12:00 PM)
• Wreath Making Workshop — Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach (6:00 PM)
• Finger Lakes Odds 'N Ends (6:30 PM)
• The Carolina Opry (7:00 PM)
• Charles Bach Wonders! Magic & Illusion Show (7:00 PM)
• Comedy Hypnosis Hour (9:15 PM)

From my notebook:

• South Carolina Aquarium: "Looking for a fun night out with friends or a new adventure for date night? Join us for an evening by the water at the all-inclusive, 21+ JuLionfish Festival on Friday, July 28 from 7–10 p.m.!" (South Carolina Aquarium via Instagram)
• North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue: " We are happy to announce that effective July 30, Jeremiah Ortiz will now serve as the Public Safety Chaplain for our Fire and Police Departments in a full-time capacity." (North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• Myrtle Beach Police Department: "Myrtle Beach Police Department is currently investigating a runaway/missing person case regarding Neverha Rainey, 16, who left his residence to go to the movies on Tuesday, July 11, and didn't return home." (Myrtle Beach Police Department via Facebook)
• Myrtle Beach Police Department: "This morning we were able to celebrate the swearing-in of a new police officer at the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Congratulations to Police Officer Michael Nissan! We are all excited to see what great things you do for the future." (Myrtle Beach Police Department via Facebook)

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• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (July 28)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Myrtle Beach Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com