🌱 Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance Unveils Art Today + Hate Crime Laws

Hi all. It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Myrtle Beach Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in our community. In this issue, you'll find...

• Law enforcement gets a new training tool.
• Lunch break in downtown Myrtle Beach Mural Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
• A special show is at the Theatre of the Republic in Conway this weekend for two performances only.

But first, today's weather:

Nice with plenty of sun. High: 63 Low: 42.

Shoutout to the awesome local businesses who keep this newsletter running:

• Did you enroll in a 2023 Medicare Advantage plan and not exactly sure how your plan works? LaPiere and Josie Medicare Consultants can help with a free, no-obligation consultation to clarify the benefits associated with your particular plan, and make it easy to understand. Visit Reginald here today to learn more and to set up an appointment — or call Rick at (843) 742-4109 or Reggie at (843) 424-6931.

• What is your home worth in this new real estate market? Rising interest rates have altered real estate valuations — what does that mean for you? Val Lyons at CBRE can help you understand your home’s value in a shifting market. And with over 100 5-star reviews on Zillow, you’ll know that Val has the expertise and drive to help you get the most for your home, whatever the market conditions. Want help deciding whether to sell or hold? Visit Val here or call her at 774-259-8937.

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

Here are the top four stories in Myrtle Beach today:

1. A new tool will help law enforcement students train for real-world scenarios. According to wpde.com, "Horry Georgetown Technical College demonstrated its new training simulator Wednesday. The 360-degree Msimulator puts students in a real-world law enforcement setting and shows them the main points they have to be aware of in each setting. Students also get a mock gun or taser depending on the scenario and the system shows where the shots are fired, and responds based on the person's reaction. More than 1,000 scenarios can be experienced with the new simulator."(wpde.com)
2. Take your lunch break today with Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance at noon, as it unveils a brand new work of art at 520 Broadway Street with a very special mural ribbon cutting ceremony. Ice cream and free coffee will be available. Hope to see you there! (WMBF)
3. According to wpde.com, "a special show is at the Theatre of the Republic in Conway this weekend for two performances only. It's The "Shorty" Perkins Musical Variety Show. Host Kelvin Perkins will be joined by local musicians and vocalists. The show [will take place] Saturday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets." (wpde.com)
4. Did you know that South Carolina is reportedly one of two states in this country that is without a hate crime law after multiple failed attempts over the last few years? Several lawmakers have already filed bills this year pushing for harsher penalties, and the Myrtle Beach Human Rights Commission wants to pass a resolution urging state lawmakers to pass those bills. Terry Livingston, Myrtle Beach Human Rights Commissioner, said it will take our entire community to get lawmakers’ attention. Myrtle Beach Human Rights Commission takes steps to crack down on hate crimes. The Human Rights Commission also wants to pass a hate intimidation ordinance. The ordinance will make hate crimes in Myrtle Beach a misdemeanor. Those convicted of the crime will also face a $500 fine, 30 days in jail and could have to pay damages."(WMBF)

Today in Myrtle Beach:

• Parents Night Out - Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA (5:30 PM)
• The Concert of Kings: Elvis Tribute - The Carolina Opry (6:00 PM)
• The Concert of Kings: Elvis Tribute (7:00 PM)

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:

• South Carolina Aquarium: " FREE Virtual Program Alert! Learn about one of the coolest STEM jobs on the planet (or at least we think so): working at an aquarium! From careers in education and animal care to horticulture and marketing, working at an aquarium." (South Carolina Aquarium via Instagram)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "Meet Maggie Mae! This senior gal was found on Water Tower Rd back in September. For 4 months, Maggie has brought a smile to our faces, and on the difficult days we are faced with, just her presence has been able to calm us." (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)
• South Carolina Stingrays: "January’s Stat of the Month Stingrays forward Carter Turnbull currently leads the ECHL in goals with 20 on the year. Keep ‘em coming CT! Presented By @sclottery" (South Carolina Stingrays via Instagram)
• North Myrtle Beach Police: "Remember keep them safe. When you see emergency lights, move over.....it's the law! #moveover #keepthemsafe" (North Myrtle Beach Police via Facebook)
• North Myrtle Beach, SC: "5k or 15k? It's your choice this weekend at the NMB Winter Run! " (North Myrtle Beach, SC via Instagram)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "Today's featured #PetOfTheDay is Punkin! Her adoption fee is being sponsored today by @Anderson Brothers Bank. It will be impossible for you to have a bad day with Punkin in your life! This almost 2-year-old mixed breed is ALWAYS happy." (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. I'll see you soon!

— 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 small-town 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 Daily? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com