🌱 No Swimming Until The Storm Passes + Books Banned In Horry County

Hi all. It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Myrtle Beach Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community today, including...

• Bus schedules in Horry County have gone amiss.
• No swimming until the storm passes.
• Banning books?

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Now, today's weather: Wind and rain. High: 78 Low: 65.

Here are the top stories today in Myrtle Beach:

1. Confusion plagued the first days of school as students were put on buses they were not supposed to be on in Horry County. According to WBTW, "The district said a statewide software issue with its school bus routing system is what caused the problems and delays this past week. However, parents said these problems have been going on for years and something needs to be done." (WBTW)
2. Literal double red flags were put up in Myrtle Beach on Wednesday as a warning about Hurricane Idalia. The flags are supposed to alert residents and visitors that no one is allowed to go swimming, due to the weather. (wpde.com)
3. Literary censorship was a big topic of discussion on Monday night at the Horry County School Board meeting. According to wpde.com, "Horry County has removed the following books this past year, per district records: Juno Dawson’s “This Book is Gay,” Amy Reed’s “Beautiful,” Kacen Callender’s “Felix Ever After,” Jennifer Niven’s “Breathless,” Craig Thompson’s “Blankets,” Isabel Quintero’s “Gabi: A Girl in Pieces,” Anonymous’ “Go Ask Alice,” Saundra Mitchell’s “All the Things We Do in the Dark,” and Ellen Hopkins’ “Burned,” “Crank,” “Fallout” and “Glass.” (wpde.com)

Today in Myrtle Beach:

Thursday, August 31

• 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:

• North Myrtle Beach, SC: "Our thoughts are with those impacted by Idalia today. Here in NMB, we're keeping a close eye on the weather, and so can you. Check out our webcam located at the Cherry Grove Pier using the link in our bio." (North Myrtle Beach, SC via Instagram)
• Myrtle Beach Pelicans: "Game one goes to the Birds! " (Myrtle Beach Pelicans via Instagram)
• North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue: "HURRICANE IDALIA — Aug. 29 UPDATE The City of North Myrtle Beach is now under a Tropical Storm Warning. The current forecast suggests that North Myrtle Beach will begin to feel impacts from Hurricane Idalia late in the day on Wednesday." (North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• North Myrtle Beach Police: "What a blessing it is to call our city home. This picture was taken this morning, as Hurricane Idalia approaches, by Corporal Murphy while flying the department's drone." (North Myrtle Beach Police via Facebook)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "This weather has been sizzling, so Buddy stopped by Bully's Pub for an ice old drink! Buddy is the perfect blend of smarts, wit, spunk, and love! He is a 6-year-old mixed breed dog who has won our hearts with his unique blend of talents." (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)

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Featured gigs & services:

• As temperatures rise, so does roach activity! (Details)
• Add your gig or service

You're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow 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