🌱 Why Is The Water So Blue? + Dr. Conner Running For City Council

Welcome back, Myrtle Beach! I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Today you'll find news about these stories and more...

• Should the sand mine be expanded?
• Why is the water so blue?
• Dr. Debbie Conner is running for city council.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and humid. High: 88 Low: 79.

Here are the top stories today in Myrtle Beach:

1. There is a concern that noise pollution, as well as a disturbance to the habitat of the neighboring 10,457-acre preserve, and traffic along the single-lane dirt road are all reasons why the sand mine near the Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve should not be expanded as proposed. According to the Charleston Post Courier, "As of July 11, no decisions [on if the expansion will move forward] had been made, according to S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control officials." (Charleston Post Courier)
2. There is a multi-faceted reason as to why the Grand Strand's Atlantic Ocean is shining a vibrant blue right now. According to wpde.com, "Executive Director for Marine and Wetland Studies at Coastal Carolina University Paul Gayes said the reason the water appears more glassy and clear right now is because of sunlight and what's in the water. Our ocean and watersheds are constantly changing, added Gayes, and with less ocean turbulence, sediment settles to the bottom- which allows for the blue color to become more vibrant." (wpde.com)
3. Long-time Myrtle Beach resident Dr. Debbie Conner has announced that she will be running for Myrtle Beach City Council. With an impressive resume, which includes being named among The Sun News' 10 Most Inspiring Women, receiving the Joseph O. Nixon Award and the Ann DeBock Leadership Award, Conner, according to wpde.com, "hopes to use her educational leadership experience to work with fellow council members and city leadership to address issues that are vital to the city's positive transformation." (wpde.com)

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Today in Myrtle Beach:

Thursday, July 13

• Jr. Aquarist Camp — Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach (12:00 PM)
• 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:

• MyrtleBeach.com: "If Myrtle Beach had a soundtrack, what songs would be on it?" (MyrtleBeach.com via Instagram)
• South Carolina Aquarium: "Balloons are fun, festive and even a little magical. A classic party decoration, they're released by the millions into the skies for a variety of celebrations each year. But what goes up must come down, and every single one of those balloons eventually makes its way back to earth, into our environment and potentially into a sea turtle's stomach." (South Carolina Aquarium via Instagram)
• South Carolina Aquarium: " Today we’re taking a bite out of common misconceptions people have about sharks. Read more at the link in our bio." (South Carolina Aquarium via Instagram)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "Emergency! We are down to our last bag of Pedigree dog food! With both kennels and our intake area full, we are going through at least 125 lbs of food daily! Donations can be dropped off at our shelter, located at 409 Bay St." (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (July 14)
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That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with 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