AGP Executive Report

Road & Tourism Watch: Work has started on SCDOT’s U.S. 17 Corridor Improvements Project in North Myrtle Beach, adding crosswalks, pedestrian signals, ADA ramps, concrete medians, and upgraded intersection equipment—crews are active 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and one Highway 17 business worries late-night traffic jams could keep tourists from stopping. Local Parks & Access: Charleston opened Fort Pemberton Park on James Island, a new 8.7-acre waterfront space with a fishing dock, kayak launch, walking paths, and picnic shelter—now letting residents and visitors access the Stono River for the first time. Outdoor Travel Policy: South Carolina’s DMV says UTVs can’t be used on public roads yet, but a new law starting Nov. 18 will require registration, insurance, and safety gear for qualifying vehicles. Health & Safety for Travelers: Florida reported rising Vibrio vulnificus cases and deaths tied to brackish water and raw seafood—another reminder for coastal visitors to protect cuts and avoid raw oysters. Sports Tourism: A report says the Greenville-Spartanburg minor-league sports market ranked No. 1 for 2026, citing venue investment and team performance. Nurse Practitioner Access: South Carolina nurse practitioners are pushing for independent practice authority, arguing current collaboration rules can cost thousands monthly.

Coastal Resilience: U.S. Army Corps engineers say the Grand Strand’s “sacrificial” sand renourishment is built to take the hit during storms, absorbing wave energy to protect homes and infrastructure. Food & Shopping Convenience: Uber Eats now delivers from Costco stores across 47 states, including multiple South Carolina locations, with perks like a first-year Uber One discount. Local Business Spotlight: Strickland’s Home in Wilmington won the 2026 Shorepicks Community’s Choice Award for blinds/shutters after community nominations and voting. Myrtle Beach Dining Opening: Jim ’N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q held a grand opening with a big turnout and a menu built around slow-smoked meats and Carolina-style sauces. Family Travel & Nature: SCDNR’s “Into the Wild” urges beachgoers to turn off beach-facing lights to help loggerhead hatchlings find the ocean at night. Community Events: Greenville’s Euphoria food festival returns Sept. 17–20 with 100+ events and celebrity-chef programming. Legal/Planning Watch: A judge will consider pausing a nearly $3B Spartanburg data center over how it was classified for review.

Airport & travel pulse: A new JD Power study ranks Minneapolis–St. Paul as the top mega airport for traveler satisfaction, with airports in Florida and South Carolina also scoring well. Local tourism & culture: A new guidebook, “Pat Conroy’s Lowcountry, a History & Guide,” is set for release Sept. 29, with a free public reception Oct. 1 at the Pat Conroy Literary Center in Beaufort. Family-friendly learning: SCETV launches “Zoo Minutes,” a Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens video series with 360-degree habitat looks, quizzes, and behind-the-scenes clips starting Friday. Beach safety: Videos show a waterspout off Hilton Head; beach patrol urged people to close umbrellas during alerts. Community & outdoors: Bluffton’s May River gets a scrubbing as the annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep returns, with volunteers needed. Policy that hits travelers indirectly: The Federal Reserve raised its key rate for the first time in three years, likely pushing up borrowing costs for mortgages and credit cards.

Air Travel & Tourism: Breeze Airways is adding a seasonal nonstop route from Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) to West Palm Beach, starting Dec. 18 with Monday and Friday flights and fares from $59 one-way. Local Travel Safety: Strickland’s Home is marking September Baby Safety Month with guidance on safer window treatments, urging cordless or securely installed options to reduce cord hazards. Coastal Nature Watch: A waterspout was caught on camera off Hilton Head Island, a reminder that South Carolina’s summer-to-fall weather can be dramatic near the shore. Outdoor & Community: Bluffton’s annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep returns Sept. 19, with volunteers cleaning the May River area at Oyster Factory Park and options for kayakers/boaters. SC Health & Travel Impact: South Carolina is distributing $200M in federal rural health funding, including new MRI/CT capacity in Newberry, as Medicaid cuts loom. Road Trip Costs: Gas prices in the Midlands are pushing above $4, with AAA citing crude oil volatility tied to the Iran conflict. Legal/Medical: A lawsuit alleges an SC woman’s terminal stage four cancer diagnosis came after doctors missed follow-up scan results. Airport Rankings: JD Power’s 2026 airport satisfaction study highlights top traveler impressions, including South Carolina airports.

Road Safety Upgrade: SCDOT is moving forward with plans for a traffic circle at the dangerous Reflectance Drive/Highway 41 junction in Berkeley County after multiple fatal crashes, with a public design preview held Sept. 10. Campus Pedestrian Safety: Coastal Carolina University says Hwy. 544 will see a 35 mph speed limit, a high-intensity activated crosswalk, and improved pavement markings, plus progress on a pedestrian overpass project. Local Crime & Community Impact: In Independence County, a couple accused in the abduction of a 12-year-old South Carolina girl now faces additional felony charges, including rape and internet stalking, as the FBI investigation continues. Travel & Outdoors: A guide looks at how camping habits from the Carolinas may need adjusting when you travel farther inland or into drier regions. South Carolina Tourism/Community Service: A Columbia nonprofit, ShowerUp SC, is providing mobile hot showers and laundry services through local church partners. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade price in Kershaw County at $3.75 (week ending Sept. 5), while diesel lows were also tracked across multiple counties. Health Alert (Broader Region): Wisconsin reported a new measles case tied to out-of-state travel, separate from its larger outbreak.

Wine & Community: Duplin Winery’s 50th annual Grape Stomp Festival drew visitors from across the Southeast and beyond to Rose Hill for live music, wine sales, games, and the classic grape-stomping tradition that dates back to 1976. Cruise Growth: Victory Cruise Lines says it will expand beyond the Great Lakes in 2027 with new spring and fall Southeast coastal sailings out of Jacksonville, including stops in Charleston and Beaufort, plus Florida and The Bahamas. Local Travel & Events: Atlantic Beach approved moving future municipal elections to Horry County and kicked off first readings on Bike Week safety rules after a May stampede incident. Water & Recreation Watch: The U.S. Army Corps is lowering Lake Hartwell’s guide curve and setting new maximum levels for the next decade due to safety work at Clemson’s Saddle Dike—aimed at reducing erosion and pressure on the structure. Roads & Getting Around: South Carolina lawmakers set aside $12.5 million for an SCDOT Road Buyback Program to shift lower-priority roads to local control, with funding but no forced takeovers. Foodie Travel Buzz: Tripadvisor announced its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards, adding new categories for food tours, cooking classes, and wine & beer tours.

Greenville Growth: City Council approved a record annexation along Woodruff Road and I-385, including 135 acres and major commercial sites like the Merovan Business Center and Sam’s Club. Roads & Local Control: South Carolina’s new Road Buyback Program sets aside $12.5 million to shift lower-priority state roads to cities and counties, with funding but no forced takeovers. Gas Prices Watch: AAA reports South Carolina gas averages have climbed amid the Iran conflict, with drivers in the Myrtle Beach area feeling the pinch. Coastal Safety Upgrade: SCDOT and Coastal Carolina University move forward on SC-544 pedestrian improvements after a student crash, including a 35 mph speed limit and a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk. Travel Weather: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a central Atlantic disturbance with a medium chance of development over the next week, with no immediate threat to the Carolinas. Legal Help on the Go: The South Carolina Bar Association’s traveling legal clinic is in Clemson, offering free, income-qualified civil legal guidance. Sports Schedule: South Carolina set its Week 4 SEC kickoff at 7 p.m. vs. Alabama on Sept. 26, airing on ESPN.

Air Travel Deals: A new subscription service, Carolina Flight Deals, is launching with curated economy fares from all 16 North and South Carolina airports, including smaller markets like Wilmington, Fayetteville, New Bern, and Greenville—aimed at travelers tired of “hub-only” deal lists. Outdoor & Nature: Joro spiders, an invasive Asian species, have been spotted in Knoxville and Great Smoky Mountains National Park; officials are asking people to report sightings via iNaturalist. Fishing & Coastal Tech: South Carolina’s surf fishermen are increasingly using drones to scout for fish shadows and reach farther offshore—raising fresh safety and environmental questions. Local Events & Tourism: Lake Murray is set to host four major national fishing tournaments between September 2026 and May 2027, including MLF events and a Bassmaster Kayak Series stop. Food & Community: South Carolina Restaurant Week is underway in the Upstate with discounted multi-course menus at participating spots.

Golf & Tourism: Vanderbilt women’s golf kicked off its 2026-27 season at the Cougar Classic in Charleston, finishing ninth at Yeamans Hall Club. Local Travel Disruption: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport will pause all passenger and cargo flights for a 60-hour runway maintenance shutdown (Sept. 11-14), with the terminal closed to the public. Outdoor & Fishing: Lake Murray is set to host four major national fishing tournaments from Sept. 2026 through May 2027, including MLF, B.A.S.S. kayak events, and the Big Bass Tour. Coastal Cleanup: Bluffton’s 37th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep returns Sept. 19 at Oyster Factory Park. Road Safety: A motorcyclist died after a crash on I-20 in Aiken County early Sept. 13. Grand Strand Dining: Myrtle Beach’s Magnolia’s at 26th has closed as Guy Fieri brings “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” energy to the area. Sports Travel Buzz: Chiefs fans, including visitors from South Carolina and Mexico City, are flooding Kansas City for the home opener.

Road Safety: A motorcyclist died in a crash on I-20 in Aiken County early Sunday, when the Harley-Davidson left the roadway, overturned, and hit a median cable. Local Streets & Families: North Charleston police say a 2-year-old was killed after walking into traffic on Rivers Avenue (Highway 52) near the Bradley Square apartment complex—weeks after she was previously found wandering in the same area. Community Outdoors: Bluffton’s 37th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep returns Saturday, Sept. 19, with volunteers meeting at Oyster Factory Park for a May River cleanup, plus coffee, snacks, and lunch. Lowcountry on the Water: A guide highlights how to explore coastal South Carolina by boat, float, and paddle, pointing readers to year-round excursions and bird-colony cruises. Fishing Season: Cooler water temps are expected to kick off kingfish action along the coast. Public Safety Tech Debate: South Carolina lawmakers approved funding to expand Flock camera use, despite growing privacy concerns. Travel Logistics: Walmart’s Myrtle Beach neighborhood market will close for four weeks starting Sept. 21 for renovations, while keeping its pharmacy and gas station open.

High School Football in SC: Week 4 reshuffled the South Carolina Top 25 as Dutch Fork stayed No. 1, Rock Hill kept rolling, and Berkeley’s win over Summerville triggered the biggest leap in this week’s rankings. Local Sports Results: Friday’s slate included No. 1 Dutch Fork 35–7 over Lucy Beckham and No. 6 Rock Hill 29–3 over No. 2 South Pointe, plus a long list of other statewide final scores. Road Safety: A fatal I-95 crash in Dorchester County killed three people, with the Highway Patrol investigating. Healthcare in the Lowcountry: Beaufort Memorial expanded primary care by adding a board-certified family medicine physician at Lowcountry Medical Group Primary Care. Surveillance & Privacy: South Carolina approved state funding to expand Flock camera use despite public concerns. Travel & Visitor Notes: Duplin Winery marked its 50th annual Grape Stomp with record attendance, drawing visitors from across the region. Gas Watch: Diesel and premium/midgrade fuel prices were tracked across multiple SC counties, showing continued week-to-week volatility. Elections Reminder: Horry County voters were urged to verify registration after confusing mailers.

Beaufort Health Expansion: Beaufort Memorial added a board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Taylor Addison, to Lowcountry Medical Group Primary Care, boosting preventive and whole-person care for adolescents and adults. Public Safety & Travel Disruption: A Dorchester County crash on I-95 killed three SUV passengers after the Honda SUV struck a tractor-trailer; the South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating. Surveillance Debate: South Carolina lawmakers approved $365,000 for Flock camera/automated license plate reader expansion in several counties, even as privacy concerns continue. Local Elections: Horry County voters were urged to verify registration after confusing mailers encouraged people to register by Oct. 5. Road Safety Tragedy: An attorney says an impaired driver on meth and an opioid caused a head-on crash that killed Greenville Sgt. Ashley Munoz and her parents. Outdoor & Nature Tourism: Firefly viewing is drawing visitors to Congaree National Park, highlighting South Carolina’s prime summer glow. Cruise Update: Royal Caribbean canceled an Alaska sailing after passengers boarded in Vancouver, leaving about 1,700 travelers scrambling for new plans. Sports on the Home Front: South Carolina high school football results rolled in, while weather-related lightning rules forced at least one game to be postponed and rescheduled.

Horry County Voting Confusion: Election officials in Myrtle Beach are urging voters to double-check their registration after some residents received mailers that include partially pre-filled forms, with the trusted source being SCvotes.gov. Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions climbed to an estimated $209 million for the Sept. 11 drawing, while an SC scratch-off player in Greer won $250,000. Upstate 9/11 Remembrance: Communities across the Upstate held memorials for the 25th anniversary, including a Boiling Springs Fire District dedication featuring a steel beam recovered from Ground Zero. Gas Prices Watch: AAA reports the national average regular gas price rose 13 cents to $4.27 per gallon. Travel Disruption: Royal Caribbean canceled an Alaska cruise after passengers boarded in Vancouver, leaving travelers scrambling for new plans. South Carolina Tech & Privacy: SC lawmakers approved state funding for Flock cameras despite growing privacy concerns. Public Health Alerts: CDC says U.S. measles cases are surging, reaching 3,294 nationwide, and health officials are also warning about rising rabies exposures. Local Sports Calendar: SCHSL released the Week 4 high school football schedule, and college football Week 2 kicks off with major matchups.

Roadwork & Travel Disruptions: SCDOT will start construction on Walhalla Highway (SC-183) in Pickens County on Sept. 14, with daily lane closures through summer 2027, including milling, resurfacing, repairs, shoulder work and guardrail updates. Traffic Safety: A passenger died in a two-vehicle crash in Calhoun Falls at SC-72 and Anderson Street; troopers are investigating. More Fatalities on the Roads: A pedestrian was killed in Berkeley County after being struck on Treeland Drive near Augusta Drive. Lowcountry Lifestyle: A Charleston-area interior design feature looks at how a 1959 brick ranch in Mount Pleasant was restored to keep its “cozy” one-level flow and Lowcountry roots. Local Culture & Fun: Irmo is building a tricking scene, hosting the “Gathering of the Shapes” tournament over Labor Day weekend. Travel & Tourism Business: Buc-ee’s won a federal trademark case against South Carolina retailer Born United, with a judge ordering more than $850,000 in damages and a permanent ban on using Buc-ee’s beaver branding. Gas Prices Watch: AAA reports the national gas average rose 13 cents in a week to $4.27, with volatility tied to crude oil and the Strait of Hormuz.

SC Politics & Travel: U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs and Sens. Darline Graham and Tim Scott joined other Republicans in Dallas for the RNC’s first midterm convention, where Scott delivered a viral, hard-edged attack on Democrats and the lineup included Trump and JD Vance. Grand Strand Gas Watch: AAA reports Grand Strand drivers are seeing prices climb again, with a 13-cent jump in two days and South Carolina averaging $3.90 a gallon. Lowcountry 9/11 Remembrance: The South Carolina State Museum hosts a special Sept. 11 program on how the state remembers 9/11, featuring local stories and artifacts. Beach & Coastal Resilience: A new podcast episode looks at what happens when sand, money, and time run out for beach protection as sea levels rise. Local Food Tourism: Southern Living named Florence’s Elliott’s BBQ Lounge the best new barbecue spot in the South for 2026. Buc-ee’s Trademark Win: A federal judge ordered South Carolina retailer Born United to pay Buc-ee’s $850,000 and stop using a confusingly similar beaver logo. Safety & Roads: South Carolina Highway Patrol is searching for a hit-and-run driver after a unicyclist was seriously injured on North Blackstock Road.

College Football (Miami vs. FAMU): No. 7 Miami hosts Florida A&M at Hard Rock Stadium tonight (8 p.m. ET) on ACC Network, aiming to keep rolling after a 45-6 win over Stanford; FAMU comes off a 31-13 loss to South Carolina State. Local Public Safety (Gaffney bus stop case): SLED has charged a Gaffney father, accused of hiding his son after a student was shot at a bus stop in August; the younger Barnes faces adult charges including murder and weapon possession. Health Watch (Cyclospora outbreak): CDC says confirmed Cyclospora cases now top 19,595 nationwide, tied to iceberg lettuce from a Mexico supplier, with thousands more reported as pending or not lab-confirmed. Travel & Retail (Walmart + Dunkin’): Walmart customers in South Carolina can now order Dunkin’ delivery from eight store-in-store locations via the Walmart app. Community Outdoors (Beach/River Sweep): South Carolina’s Sept. 19 Beach Sweep/River Sweep returns with nearly 100 volunteer sites statewide, including beach, marsh, and waterway cleanups. Local Policy (Greenville penny sales tax): Greenville, Simpsonville, Mauldin, and Travelers Rest are putting a new 1% city sales tax on the ballot for eight years to fund roads, infrastructure, and property tax relief.