🌱 Juneteenth Celebration Today + Myrtle Beach Budget Passed

Hey, everybody! Karena Garrity here with your Saturday edition of the Myrtle Beach Patch newsletter, full of all the community news you need to know right now. Today's issue includes...

• Juneteenth Celebration today.
• Myrtle Beach budget goes into effect July 1.
• Surviving a copperhead snake bite.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny. High: 86 Low: 70.

Here are the top stories in Myrtle Beach today:

1. Today is Myrtle Beach's annual Unity March and Juneteenth Celebration so drivers should be prepared for road closures on Carver Street, Oak Street and Mr. Joe White Avenue. The parade will start at 10 a.m. Enjoy! (Myrtle Beach Government via Twitter).
2. Myrtle Beach City Council passed the largest budget ever this week; $358.2 million budget for fiscal year 2023-24. The budget goes into effect on July 1. Some highlights include pay raises for the city’s full-time employees, with the addition of nine new positions, a rise in monthly water and sewer bills of about 4.6 percent as well as an increase in the stormwater fee from $9.30 to $11.35 monthly and extends parking fees to year-round. According to MyHorryNews, "The council [also] agreed on a five-year capital improvement plan that appropriates $101 million in funding for the first year of the plan as it lists estimates for future projects without obligating the city to spend the money." (Myhorrynews.com)
3. After spending a day in ICU, Zach Hunt, a Horry County firefighter and EMT, warns others about the dangers of taking out the trash barefoot. He was taking his garbage out and accidentally stepped on a juvenile copperhead who bit him on his pinky toe. His wife called 911 immediately. According to wpde.com, Hunt said, "'They ended up giving me five bottles of antivenom on a drip for over the period of about an hour. They also gave me some pain medication to help me kind of relax.' Hunt said the swelling began to increase, and he felt like he had a balloon on his foot. He is now back to work with no complications." (wpde.com)
4. Wednesday night, the Myrtle Beach Police Department was called just before 11 p.m. for reports of a shooting near the Atlantica Resort. Eighteen-year-old Elijah Bates of Concord, N.C., has been charged with discharging a firearm within city limits, unlawful carry of a firearm and simple possession of marijuana in conjunction with the incident. In addition, Myrtle Beach police also arrested two minors. According to WMBF, "One faces charges of discharging of a firearm within city limits, possession of a pistol by person’s unlawful and simple possession of marijuana. The second minor is charged with possession of a pistol by person’s unlawful and simple possession of marijuana. According to the report, no one was hurt in the incident." (WMBF)
   

This great local business sponsors the Myrtle Beach Patch newsletter. We love what they do, and we think you will, too:

Are you ready to sell your home? If so, you need to work with Val Lyons, the expert realtor at CBRE in Myrtle Beach. Val knows the Myrtle Beach market inside and out, and she can help you price your home competitively. She'll also work with you to stage your home and market it to the right buyers. And if you're struggling to sell a stagnant property, Val's virtual home staging services can make a huge difference in the amount you get for your home. So what are you waiting for? Contact Val today or call 774-259-8937.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Today in Myrtle Beach:

Saturday, June 17

• The Carolina Opry (7:00 PM)
• Charles Bach Wonders! Magic & Illusion Show (7:00 PM)
• Comedy Hypnosis Hour (9:15 PM)

Myrtle Beach Photo Of The Day:

Would you like to see your photo in the Myrtle Beach Daily? Send one in. Be sure to give Patch permission to republish the photo and tell us that you own the rights to the photograph. Send your pic to karena.garrity@patch.com.

From my notebook:

• Myrtle Beach International Airport: "Meet our newest P.E.T.S. therapy dog ambassadors! Moose is a Bischon/Maltese mix, and Bridget is a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Both pups are super sweet and ready to help our guests manage the stress of travel." (Myrtle Beach International Airport via Facebook)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "We need your help to support a furry friend in need. Darla, a lovable 7-year-old hound was found as a stray, and she has several masses that need to be surgically removed. The estimated cost for Darla's surgery is $650. We appreciate any assistance you can offer, and we are grateful for your kindness and generosity." (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)
• North Myrtle Beach Police: "Today Chief Crowell read the North Myrtle Beach Elder Abuse Awareness Day Proclamation at Mission BBQ in North Myrtle Beach. We will be at Mission BBQ until 2 p.m., we would love to see everyone come show their support for this awesome caus..." (North Myrtle Beach Police via Facebook)
• Myrtle Beach Police Department: "Hurricane season preparation week 2. It's week two of planning and now that we are into hurricane season its helpful to stay on track while being prepared." (Myrtle Beach Police Department via Facebook)
• Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon & Coastal 5K: "It's another #tbt and today we take a look at last year's Summer Solstice 5K presented by Moe Moon's. Yes, we know the photo is blank... because there was no Summer Solstice 5K last year! Sign-up for this inaugural event and be a part of something NEW: https://bit.ly/45oq0uI" (Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon & Coastal 5K via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Clark's Termite and Pest Control - Myrtle Beach — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— 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