AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: A runaway bull in Prosperity (Newberry County) was safely returned home after police and multiple rescue agencies contained the animal and temporarily shut down S. Wheeler Avenue. Labor Day Travel & Costs: AAA reports the national gas average hit a record $4.14 per gallon for Labor Day weekend; South Carolina’s average was about $3.75, while Fort Mill drivers found some stations nearly 40 cents cheaper than the state average. Beach Conditions: Tybee Island visitors faced rip currents, jellyfish, high winds, and lightning delays during the holiday. Lowcountry Alerts: Beaufort County deputies are searching for a missing 12-year-old boy last seen in the Palmetto Dunes area on Hilton Head Island. Family Fun & Wildlife: Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach announced “Lucky Seven” African penguin chick births in 2026—good news for a critically endangered species. Sports Tourism: Lancaster County will break ground on a $36.9 million Regional Athletic Complex aimed at attracting sports tournaments, with an opening planned for late 2027.

Labor Day Travel Costs: Americans head into the holiday with the most expensive Labor Day gas prices on record, with the national regular average hitting about $4.14 a gallon as Iran-linked shipping disruptions keep pressure on fuel. What’s Open in SC: A quick guide to closures and modified hours for Labor Day 2026 in South Carolina, plus the basics on buying alcohol and other holiday rules. Upstate Jobs Snapshot: Greenville County leads South Carolina employment with 300,000+ workers, while unemployment rates vary across the Upstate counties heading into the long weekend. On-the-Road Safety: South Carolina Highway Patrol and local coroners reported multiple fatal crashes, including a scooter rider killed in Anderson and a lawn mower crash in Cherokee County. Lowcountry/Coastal Travel Notes: Florence is set to begin stormwater improvements that should reduce street flooding, with temporary lane closures starting in September. Sports & Travel Culture: SEC Week 1 power rankings update and Alabama’s Keelon Russell debut get national attention as the football season ramps up. Pageant Spotlight: Miss Texas Regan Hutsell was crowned Miss America 2027 in West Palm Beach.

Family Fall Fun: Three theme parks within a day’s drive of Charleston are pitching fall thrills without Disney-level prices, including Carowinds (Fort Mill) with kid zones like Camp Snoopy plus seasonal events. Local History & Culture: A once-segregated Norfolk Botanical Garden is honoring the Black workers who built it under the WPA, adding a deeper layer to a major visitor draw. Pawleys Island Tragedy: A preliminary autopsy in the death of 5-year-old Saylor Hayes found pulmonary edema consistent with drowning after she went missing near her vacation home; officials say a final report is weeks away. Labor Day Travel Watch: Gas prices are hitting record highs for the holiday weekend, with the national average around $4.14, while SCDPS ramps up DUI and traffic enforcement through Sept. 7. Road Safety: South Carolina Highway Patrol reported multiple fatal crashes tied to holiday travel, including a motorcycle death on SC 707 near Horry County and a lawn mower crash in Cherokee County. Lowcountry Weekend Picks: Winthrop volleyball topped Old Dominion in five sets at home, and ECU volleyball wrapped up a South Carolina tournament run.

Labor Day travel watch: Severe thunderstorms are forecast to hit parts of the Carolinas and nearby areas over the holiday weekend, with watches including Myrtle Beach and Greenville on Saturday and the threat shifting toward Charleston and Columbia on Sunday—plan for delays and keep an eye on local alerts. Grand Strand tourism: A long-running Greg Norman Australian Grille at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach is set to close Oct. 15, as the area continues to draw visitors even as summer winds down. Lowcountry history & culture: The Sound of Charleston returns with a new season of live music storytelling, continuing its mission to connect audiences to Lowcountry history through performances. Historic preservation debate: A Johns Island road added to the National Register is prompting questions about what the listing does—and doesn’t—protect for a working farming community. Family travel safety: Updates continue around the death of 5-year-old Saylor Hayes, whose family was vacationing near Pawleys Island; her parents remain facing charges after a bond denial. Outdoor travel trend: A new Laurens County “ruck club” is launching to turn walking with weighted packs into a community fitness and service outing.

Labor Day Travel Watch: South Carolina Highway Patrol says I-26 and I-95 are expected to be busier than usual as visitors head to Charleston, the Tri-County area, and beaches, with troopers out statewide to enforce traffic laws. Severe Weather: A thunderstorm threat is in play for parts of the Carolinas and nearby states over the weekend, with damaging wind gusts possible; the risk shifts toward South Carolina and Georgia on Sunday. Vacation Rental Safety: Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands are dealing with a Clorox recall of 6.3M bottles of scented Mistolin/Lestoil cleaners due to possible Pseudomonas contamination—an issue that matters most for immunocompromised travelers. Local Tourism Spotlight: Fountain Inn was named South Carolina’s “Most Charming Small Town” by AFAR, highlighting spots like Bobby’s BBQ, The Mill at Fountain Inn, and the Swamp Rabbit Trail. On the Road: American Airlines added special nonstop flights from Miami for college football away games, including Clemson and South Carolina via Greenville–Spartanburg. Scam Alerts: BBB Scam Tracker reports show Beaufort tied for 18th in South Carolina for July scam reports, with online purchase scams driving losses.

Labor Day Road Safety: Drivers are warning that stretches of I-85 between Greenville and Anderson have been dark since at least 2017, with Anderson County officials saying the lack of working lights makes crashes more dangerous as holiday traffic ramps up. Lowcountry Film Tourism: Netflix’s “Outer Banks” continues to boost Charleston-area tourism, with local boat tours and businesses cashing in on filming locations around Bowens Island, Shem Creek, and beyond. Myrtle Beach & Coastal Travel: Murrells Inlet dredging is inching closer after a seven-year push, aiming to improve navigation safety and protect wildlife/marsh habitat for boaters and visitors. Folly Beach Short-Term Rental Fight: A property owner has sued Folly Beach to recoup short-term rental registration fees after a judge ruled the city’s STR ordinance was illegal; the city has appealed. Getting There Updates: SCDOT announced a temporary I-26 Exit 129 ramp closure (Sept. 11–14) with detours via Exit 136. NASCAR at Darlington: The 2026 NASCAR Chase kicks off at Darlington this Labor Day weekend with split coverage—Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race while the Truck Series is off—so fans will need to plan TV/streaming options.

Labor Day Travel Watch: AAA says early birds are easing Labor Day traffic, but the “easy driving” window is closing as roads and airports fill up. Coastal Safety & Health: Myrtle Beach is still expecting crowds as summer winds down, while across the country some beaches are closing due to bacteria spikes—another reminder to check local advisories before you swim. Murrells Inlet Dredging: A seven-year push to dredge Murrells Inlet is nearing reality, aiming to deepen the waterway and improve navigation safety for boats. Road Work in the Palmetto State: SCDOT will temporarily close an I-26 eastbound ramp at Exit 129 near US 21 for ramp alignment work (Sept. 11–14), with detours via Exit 136. Folly Beach Short-Term Rentals: A property owner has sued Folly Beach to recoup short-term rental registration fees after a judge ruled the STR ordinance was illegal; the city is appealing. Local Culture & Travel Flavor: A Charleston restaurant concept tied to “Pizza Loves Emily” partner Howard Greenstone is set to open in Avondale, mixing biscuits by day with pizza and burgers at night. Outdoor Reminder: Copperheads are in a second mating season in South Carolina—watch your yards and avoid handling snakes.

Labor Day Travel Watch: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are on track to set a record, with the national average around $4.14 as crude stays pricey amid Strait of Hormuz volatility. Upstate Jobs Snapshot: Greenville County leads South Carolina with the state’s largest workforce (300,000+ workers) and a 3.5% unemployment rate as of June. Road Safety on I-85: Lights have been out on a stretch of I-85 between Greenville and Anderson for nearly a decade, raising concerns as Labor Day traffic ramps up. Pedestrian Safety at SC 544: Coastal Carolina University families are pushing for a planned $12M pedestrian overpass after another student was hit on Highway 544; officials say it’s a state road and construction timelines aren’t set. Sober or Slammer Enforcement: South Carolina DPS is stepping up DUI enforcement and education from Sept. 4–7, warning of higher crash risk around coastal areas and waterways. Local Traffic Data: Greenwood police are using a solar “Radar” speed sign to study speeding in Milford Pines as residents request speed humps. South Carolina Voters: Election Commission guidance notes “inactive” status doesn’t remove voting rights, but people should check registration and update info. Conservation: Congaree Land Trust permanently protected 168 acres in Orangeburg County via a conservation easement. Arts & Community: Athens Area Council for the Arts brings back Big Time Small Town with the American Patchwork Quartet on Sept. 25.

Road-Trip Safety: A new report reminds drivers that crossing state lines can mean big changes in accident liability and insurance rules—so planning for the legal side matters as much as the route. Coastal Rules: Myrtle Beach is tightening offseason beach regulations starting Tuesday, including leash rules for dogs, expanded bike access, and limits on beach shading devices—violations can bring up to $500 fines. Nuclear Shipping Watch: Ports of Charleston and Felixstowe, with Lloyd’s Register and Maersk, are studying a “Pink Corridor” for a possible nuclear-powered transatlantic container route, focusing on security, safeguards, and emergency planning. Wildlife & Conservation: Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is celebrating “Lucky Seven” African penguin hatchings, while Congaree Land Trust permanently protected 168 acres in Orangeburg County through a conservation easement. Holiday Travel Prep: With Labor Day traffic expected to be heavy, South Carolina Highway Patrol urges travelers to pack patience, plan for delays, and avoid impaired driving. Local Travel/Events: The S.C. aquarium’s penguin news and a 9/11 remembrance slate in Columbia add more reasons to plan a trip around Palmetto State happenings.

Hands-Free Safety Check: One year after South Carolina’s hands-free law took effect, Lowcountry police say citations are still common—Mount Pleasant issued 700 since March and Charleston logged nearly 600 citations plus 200 warnings. Family Travel Safety: Parents of 5-year-old Saylor Hayes, found dead near Pawleys Island after wandering from a South Carolina vacation home, were arrested in Tennessee on child-risk charges; authorities say a tracking device was left behind. Local Events & Visitor Pull: Cayce approved a $400K troll sculpture project by Thomas Dambo, aiming to boost tourism and spotlight local artists. Courts Without the Drive: The SC Supreme Court will hold free, public hearings at Clemson University Sept. 15–16, letting residents watch the process without traveling to Columbia. Myrtle Beach Tech in Policing: Myrtle Beach credited ShotSpotter/AI gunshot detection with helping lead to an arrest after an Aug. 10 incident. Sports Travel: USC women’s basketball announced FAM bus trips for 2026–27, with five round-trip bundles and tickets priced at $700 total.

Labor Day Travel Safety: AAA is running its “Tow to Go” free ride program for impaired drivers over the holiday weekend, offering transportation for the driver and vehicle to a safe spot within 10 miles. Upstate Consumer Watch: Greenville ranked 3rd statewide among 125 S.C. cities for BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, with 17 incidents. Family & Community Safety: Parents of 5-year-old Saylor Hayes—who was found dead near Pawleys Island—were arrested in Tennessee on charges tied to willful abandonment and placing a child at risk; authorities say the child’s tracking device was removed before travel. STEM for Schools: South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics is taking requests for free STEM Days (on campus in Hartsville or “on the go” in classrooms) for grades 3–10. Local Events: Yemassee Shrimp Festival returns Sept. 17–19 with rides, parades, live music, and fireworks. Sports Tourism: Winthrop volleyball opens at home Sept. 3–5 with matches vs. Virginia Tech and Old Dominion; South Carolina State’s Lady Bulldogs play the Lowcountry Volleyball Championship in Charleston this week.

Netflix & Local Courts: Netflix’s “Death of the Pastor’s Wife” keeps spotlighting Myrtle Beach pastor John-Paul Miller, with fresh reporting that he’s out on bond (not in jail) as his federal cyberstalking case moves forward. Coastal Growth: Stanley Martin Homes is entering the Myrtle Beach market via its acquisition of Great Southern Homes, adding eight Grand Strand neighborhoods and new home options. Air Travel: Avelo extended Wilmington Airport nonstop flights through April 20, 2027, including Myrtle Beach and several Florida destinations. Tourism Spotlight: Greenville landed No. 3 on CNN Travel’s “America’s best towns to visit in 2026,” while Charleston missed the top list. Family Safety & Justice: Parents of 5-year-old Saylor Hayes, found dead near Pawleys Island, were arrested in Tennessee and face charges tied to alleged lack of supervision and misleading search efforts. Community Outdoors: Midlands’ Keep the Midlands Beautiful is gearing up for Lake Sweep/River Sweep on Sept. 19, with volunteer cleanup sites around Lake Murray. Road Safety: A driver died in a Richland County crash on Garners Ferry Road, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol.

NASCAR at Darlington: The Chase for the Cup begins Sunday at South Carolina’s Darlington Raceway, with the standings reset and Denny Hamlin starting with a slimmer 25-point edge over Ryan Blaney in a 10-race, cumulative-points playoff run. Coastal cleanup: Daniel Island’s 37th annual Beach, Marsh & River Sweep is set for Sept. 19, a two-hour volunteer waterway cleanup that last year pulled 2,243 pounds of trash and doubles as “trash tally” citizen science. Revolutionary history tourism: The Daniel Island Historical Society won a $15,000 SC250 grant to research and uncover Revolutionary War-era ties on the Cainhoy Peninsula, including work linked to the Old Ruins/McDowell Cemetery. Local travel spotlight: CNN Travel named Greenville one of America’s Best Towns to Visit for 2026, praising its downtown and culinary scene. Safety on vacation: Authorities say a 5-year-old nonverbal girl found dead near Pawleys Island was not wearing her Project Lifesaver transmitter when she wandered; her parents have been charged. Golf tech in Myrtle Beach: eMYRge’s Golf Tech Accelerator Challenge debuts Oct. 6-8 at the HTC Aspire Hub, featuring seven startups aimed at the future of golf tech.

Tourism Safety & Tragedy: A non-verbal 5-year-old, Saylor Hayes, was found dead after vanishing from a Pawleys Island vacation rental; authorities say hundreds joined an overnight search using drones, K-9s, divers, and Project Lifesaver tracking. Road Travel Watch: Myrtle Beach reported lane closures after a multi-car crash on U.S. 17 North; SCDOT also plans a left-lane closure on I-26 westbound near the SC 49 bridge in Spartanburg for repairs. Holiday Enforcement: South Carolina Highway Patrol and local police are stepping up Labor Day weekend enforcement, with extra focus on impaired and distracted driving. Grand Strand Business: Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is offering incentives to new franchisees in Myrtle Beach, including reduced royalty fees and a city facade grant. Local Culture & Events: Conway is in Hallmark’s “Merriest Christmas Town” contest—voting runs through Sept. 4, with the winner announced later in October. Scam Alerts: BBB Scam Tracker ranks multiple SC cities in the top tier for July reports, with Belton-Honea Path and Mullins among those tied near the middle of the statewide list.

NASCAR in SC: The Chase for the Cup kicks off Sunday at Darlington Raceway, with standings reset and Denny Hamlin starting as the top seed after a strong run that cut his lead to 25 points over Ryan Blaney. Rideshare safety: A Greenville County woman was denied bond after allegedly stabbing a Lyft driver 11 times and stealing his car, raising fresh concerns about ride pickup safety. Local health & travel watch: North Carolina officials warned of possible measles exposure at an Asheville hotel and a Hendersonville gas station, urging anyone there to monitor symptoms. Big South Carolina construction update: Atrium Health Fort Mill is seeking to expand its development by about 10 acres, adding more commercial space and up to 300 homes near I-77. Environmental compliance: A Gray Court concrete plant was found violating dust-emission rules and permit conditions, according to an inspection report. Community & tourism: QDOBA is opening Sept. 2 in Travelers Rest, adding 25 jobs and a new dining option for visitors. Gas prices: Labor Day travel is coming as fuel costs stay elevated, with multiple South Carolina counties reporting recent premium gas price snapshots.

G20 in Asheville: South Carolina’s region gets a spotlight as Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives for the G20 finance ministers’ meeting, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hosting talks on global growth and sovereign debt—plus a major focus on Iran. Grand Canyon travel disruption: A flash flood left 1 dead and about 15 missing, and knocked out the park’s only water pipeline, forcing water conservation and ending overnight stays for tourists starting Monday. South Carolina health watch: West Nile virus is back in the Carolinas—mosquito testing in Georgetown County found a positive sample after two human cases in Myrtle Beach earlier this month. Local safety/justice: A Greenville County judge denied bond for a woman accused of ordering a Lyft, stabbing the driver 11 times, and stealing his car. Road-trip costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest Richland County regular price hit $3.23/gal for the week ending Aug. 22, while diesel and E85 prices vary widely across nearby counties. What to do in Charleston: Concert listings for September highlight venues like The Refinery and the Gaillard Center.