🌱Opening Of Surfside Pier Delayed + Hummingbirds Are Back In The Area

Good morning, everybody. It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Myrtle Beach Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening locally. In this issue, you'll find updates on...

• New playground turf is expected to keep things cooler.
• The opening of Surfside Beach Pier is delayed.
• Hummingbirds are back in the area.

But first, today's weather:

Rather cloudy and milder. High: 67 Low: 57.

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Here are the top four stories today in Myrtle Beach:

1. It’s getting high-tech at the playground! State-of-the-art synthetic turf is being installed at Myrtle Beach's Futrell Park. The park is the first in the city to receive this new turf which is non-toxic, anti-microbial and cooler to the touch than typical playground turfs. The remaining finishing touches are currently being put on the playground, which will also be wheelchair accessible. A grand opening will be set soon. (wpde.com)
2. Fire suppression unit inspections and security camera installations are the causes that are holding up the grand opening of the Surfside Beach Pier. The Surfside Beach Pier Committee met Monday to discuss the situation. According to WMBF, "the estimated time of completion for the inspections is around 60 days. With the security system installation, it has been determined that would actually cost much more than they anticipated. ‘The cost would be astronomical compared to what we had planned, so the delay is working out for us financially,’ said Mayor Bob Hellyer." In February, it was reported that the project was entering its final stage and would be completed by April 16. Now that is not going to be the case and a completion date has not been confirmed. (WMBF)
3. Next week, crews are expected to begin more demolition on the Whittemore School. An emergency decision to approve the demolition of additional areas of the school came after there was a fire on the premises earlier this month. Demolition is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete. (wpde.com)
4. It's time to break out your hummingbird feeders. The first confirmed sighting of a hummingbird returning to the area this season was reported this weekend. The little feathered friends spend the winter months in the tropics and migrate north this time of year to eat, nest and breed. It is suggested that you should clean your hummingbird feeder thoroughly with hot water and vinegar, or hot water and bleach, to destroy any possible mildew or mold and rinse it with clean water, before putting it out this season. According to wpde.com, "dirty feeders are one of the most common causes of hummingbird illness and death in the state." (wpde.com)

Today in Myrtle Beach:

• Time Warp (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:

• Horry County Schools: "Andrew Ball Named Principal of Seaside Elementary School, Effective July 1. The Horry County Board of Education named Andrew Ball the new principal at Seaside Elementary School, beginning the 2023-2024 school year." (Horry County Schools via Facebook)
• South Carolina Aquarium: "Have you been to visit the octopus and noticed it hiding? Our Camouflage Exhibit offers lots of places for the octopus (and their flounder tankmates) to hide and blend in with their surroundings." (South Carolina Aquarium via Instagram)
• Myrtle Beach Police Department: "MBPD is currently investigating a missing person case regarding N’Dia-Chiyan Allen, 30, who was last seen in the area of the Wal-Mart at 541 Seaboard St. on 3/19/2023. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is asked to contact MBPD at 843-918-1382, reference case #23-004168." (Myrtle Beach Police Department via Facebook)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "Kitten season is upon us! Save this information in case you come across a litter of kittens." (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today. 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 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