🌱 Sloth Exhibit Opens Slowly + More Travelers At Myrtle Beach Airport

Hello, hello! 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. Including news on:

• Myrtle Beach Airport is seeing more travelers.
• Ripley's Aquarium is opening the sloth exhibit.
• Fire displaces three.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and comfortable. High: 77 Low: 64.

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Here are the top stories today in Myrtle Beach:

1. Numbers are up compared to last year at the same time at Myrtle Beach International Airport. According to WBTW, "[The airport saw] a record 294,414 passengers in April, according to a news release. That number, which includes both arriving and departing passengers, is up 4.1 percent compared to April 2022, according to the airport." To accommodate the influx of additional travelers, the airport reportedly has plans to expand parking as well as cellphone lot spaces. Additionally, the airport is planning on adding an additional six gates as part of the terminal expansion project. (WBTW)
2. Mark your calendars for May 19, its Ripley’s Aquarium grand opening for ‘Sloth Valley.’ The new exhibit showcases the slow-moving, big-eyed two-toed sloths in their new habitat along with a brand-new Discovery Center. Be sure to check it out. (WMBF)
3. A fire broke out at 7:30 p.m. in the 5000 block of Juniper Bay Road in Conway. The flames destroyed cars, the garage and the home and displaced three individuals. According to WBTW, "No one was taken to a hospital with injuries." (WBTW)

Today in Myrtle Beach:

• Time Warp (7:00 PM)
• Charles Bach Wonders! Magic & Illusion Show (7:00 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:

• Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: "The PGA is finally making its way to The Beach! The first Myrtle Beach Classic tournament will be held in 2024 and will return to The Beach for four years. We cannot wait to finally bring the PGA to The Beach!" (Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina via Facebook)
• North Myrtle Beach Police: "Our K9 team started their ride this morning from Cumberland, Maryland, to Washington D.C. They are participating in the Law Enforcement United Ruff Ride. The Ruff Ride is the first specifically dedicated memorial bicycle ride to recognize our Law Enforcement K-9 partners that have died in the line of duty. Every K9 is a special kind of hero. These four-legged officers fought valiantly and, in many cases, saved the lives of their human partners. We wish them luck as the trek through some 'Ruff' terrain for a great cause." (North Myrtle Beach Police via Facebook)
• North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue: "Congratulations to our two newest Engineers Darrin Jacques and Daniel Ferreira. Jacques and Ferreira successfully completed their promotional testing for Fire Engineer earlier this month." (North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• House of Blues Myrtle Beach: " For a limited time, you can get FREE* tickets to Thunderstruck - America's AC/DC Tribute here on 5/16! Use the link below to claim the deal. While supplies last! Get tickets here: https://livemu.sc/3ny9kjC ..." (House of Blues Myrtle Beach via Facebook)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: REMINDER‼️ Beginning May 15, in the City of North Myrtle Beach, dogs are not allowed on public beaches from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and dogs MUST be leashed when on the beach per city ordinances." (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward Live! (May 17)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 18)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right. See you all tomorrow for another 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