🌱Support Staff Of The Year Finalist Announced+MB Becomes 'Smart City'

Hey, everybody! It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally. In today's briefing, you'll learn about these stories and more:

• Finalist announced.
• The transformation has begun.
• Will paid parking be year-round in downtown?

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and windy. High: 73 Low: 49.

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

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Here are the top stories in Myrtle Beach today:

1. The five finalists for Support Staff of the Year in Horry County Schools have been announced: Angie Crosby – St. James Middle School (Custodial Supervisor); Jenny Pena – St. James Intermediate School (Bookkeeper III); Mindy Poehmel – Waccamaw Elementary School (ISS Paraprofessional); Patsy Baker – South Conway Elementary School (Special Education Paraprofessional); and Blenda Jenkins – Aynor High School (Guidance Secretary). Congratulations to all of you! The winner will be announced sometime this spring. (WBTW)
2. The transformation has begun, Myrtle Beach is becoming a 'Smart City'! So what does this mean? The city of Myrtle Beach is in the process of becoming a technology-driven environment in which electronic sensors collect data on people and infrastructure. Currently in its infancy, some ideas about future 'Smart City' project reportedly include automated parking systems, smart trash bins and smart poles featuring Wi-Fi and 5G, just to name a few. (wpde.com)
3. The next meeting to discuss year-round paid parking in Myrtle Beach has been scheduled for May 9. At this meeting the second reading to approve the idea will be on the agenda for the Myrle Beach City Council. Hope to see you there! (wpde.com)
4. "Finding your next home shouldn't be a headache! As part of our weekly real estate roundup, we're bringing you some recently listed and interesting houses to hit the market in the Myrtle Beach area. Keep reading to see what's been listed in your area. Like what you see? Simply click on any address in the list to get more photos and details. Without further ado, here's a look at properties in the Myrtle Beach area. Happy house hunting!" (Myrtle Beach Patch)

Today in Myrtle Beach:

• Tennis 101 (6:30 AM)
• Time Warp (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:

• MyrtleBeach.com: "What’s your favorite Myrtle Beach memory?" (MyrtleBeach.com via Instagram)
• Discover South Carolina: "Falls Park on the Reedy is glorious in full bloom! Are you visiting this spring?" (Discover South Carolina via Instagram)
• South Carolina Stingrays: "Thank you to the best fans in the ECHL for making our 30th anniversary season a memorable one! We enjoyed the ride and cannot wait for October! " (South Carolina Stingrays via Instagram)
• Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: "Picture yourself here! Enjoy a stay with us at your favorite oceanfront boardwalk location in Myrtle Beach: The Holiday Inn 'At the Pavilion.' Book during our Spring Vibes offer and save 40 percent off our standard rates." (Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina via Facebook)
• North Myrtle Beach Police: "Congratulations! We would like to congratulate all the participants of this year's North Myrtle Beach Citizens Police Academy. They were all recognized at the North Myrtle Beach City Council Meeting." (North Myrtle Beach Police via Facebook)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "Today’s featured #PetOfTheDay is Chloe! Her adoption fee is being sponsored today by Lisa Bernadyn from Plantation Realty Group. Looking for a feline queen to rule your home? Look no further than Chloe! This 5-year-old cat is the perfect. To meet Chloe, please call 843-249-4948 to schedule an appointment, or you can submit an application at https://humanesocietynmb.org/cat-adoption-form/" (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on May 8th and 10th at North Strand Recreational Center (May 8)
• Social Security Seminar on May 9th and 11th at General Robert H. Reed Recreation Center (May 9)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward Live! (May 17)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! See you tomorrow morning 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