The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News week in review

USC demolishes 70-year-old McBryde residence hall

The University of South Carolina has begun demolishing the McBryde residence hall on Blossom Street, a 70-year-old dorm completed in 1955 during a post-World War II enrollment surge. The demolition, which started May 8 morning and is expected to last about a month, will make way for a new six-story, 900-bed residence hall set to open in fall 2028. The $185 million project, which also includes a new wing at the Honors College dorm, will add more than 1,000 beds to campus. University housing director April Barnes called the moment bittersweet, noting the many student memories formed there. Originally known as Fraternity Row, McBryde housed about 250 students before closing earlier this year. The project is part of USC Next, a 10-year master plan addressing record enrollment growth.

Reported by Zak Koeske | The Myrtle Beach Online, published May 09, 2026 9:00 AM

Enterprise Landing closed after boating incident damage

Enterprise Landing, a popular boat landing in Horry County located at 7999 Bay Road in the Myrtle Beach area, has temporarily closed following a boating incident that apparently damaged the facility. Horry County Parks and Recreation announced the closure May 7, citing unforeseen circumstances. The U.S. Coast Guard, which responded to the incident, alerted the department about the damage, according to Horry County Spokesperson Thomas Bell. A photo shared with The Sun News shows two of the dock’s posts leaning outward toward the water. County parks staff visited the site Thursday to assess the extent of the damage. How long the landing will remain closed has not yet been determined, Bell said.

Reported by Kate Robins | The Sun News, published May 08, 2026 1:46 PM

Woman charged after chase ends in Mammy’s Kitchen crash

An Ohio woman faces numerous charges after allegedly fleeing from Myrtle Beach Police on May 9, leading to a multi-vehicle crash that damaged a local restaurant. Danielle Lanae Custard, 34, of Cincinnati, was taken into custody following a chase through downtown Myrtle Beach during which she allegedly struck multiple vehicles before crashing in the 900 block of Kings Highway. One of the impacted vehicles then struck Mammy’s Kitchen at 1010 N. Kings Highway, causing damage. The incident began around 4:26 p.m. when officers attempted a traffic stop for reckless driving near the 1100 block of North Ocean Boulevard. After crashing, Custard allegedly attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended. Three individuals were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. Custard faces nine counts of hit and run, six counts of unlawful conduct toward a child, failure to stop for blue lights, reckless driving, and other charges. She also has an outstanding fugitive from justice warrant, authorities say. Reported by Terri Richardson | The Myrtle Beach Online, published May 11, 2026 3:07 PM

Georgia inmates scam Richland County residents out of funds

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott warned May 7 that inmates in Georgia prisons are using contraband cell phones to scam local parents, grandparents, and elderly residents. Over the past year, more than 100 Richland County residents have been targeted, losing approximately $100,000 combined, with 20 victims reported since October alone. Losses range from $500 to $25,000. Scammers typically claim a victim’s loved one is jailed and urgently needs money for bond or release. Lott noted the inmates obtain targets through public arrest records and social media. Charges against inmates include blackmail and computer crimes, though cross-state prosecution remains difficult. No money has been recovered. Lott urged families to speak openly with senior relatives about such schemes, stressing that law enforcement will never call requesting money.

Reported by John Monk | myrtlebeachonline.com, published May 07, 2026 8:43 PM

HGTV’s ‘Battle on the Beach’ heads to Garden City

Garden City, a coastal community along the Grand Strand, is the backdrop for the new season of HGTV’s “Battle on the Beach,” premiering June 1 with a two-hour episode at 9 p.m. The seven-episode season features HGTV stars Sarah Baeumler, Mika Kleinschmidt, and Ty Pennington mentoring two-person renovation teams competing to transform three beachfront vacation properties. Armed with $100,000, teams tackle design challenges over seven weeks, including repurposing roadside finds and swapping partners for bonus prize money. Judges Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama evaluate each week’s rental value improvements, offering winners a choice between $3,000 cash or $6,000 toward the grand prize. The competing teams are Steven and Angelina Jacobs of Waterbury, Connecticut; Josiah and Anna Julian of Baltimore; and mother-daughter duo Michelle Mueller and Sydney Lorence of Lincoln, Nebraska. The top team earns at least $50,000. Reported by Terri Richardson | MyrtleBeachOnline.com, published May 12, 2026 9:00 AM

Myrtle Beach renews city manager contract amid debate

Myrtle Beach City Council voted May 12 to renew the contracts of City Manager Jonathan “Fox” Simons and City Attorney William Bryan Jr. for another year, though the decision drew pushback from some members over the lack of a formal review process. The renewals include no raises; Simons earns more than $292,000 annually and Bryan Jr. more than $213,000. Mayor Mark Kruea and Councilman Bill McClure voted against renewing Simons’ contract, both citing concerns about the process rather than the individuals. Kruea noted that council has never completed a formal evaluation of Simons and said rolling over a CEO’s contract without review “doesn’t make good sense.” McClure was the sole vote against Bryan Jr.’s renewal. Several council members expressed support for establishing a formal evaluation system, with some suggesting discussions begin in January. Reported by Maria Elena Scott | The Sun News, published May 12, 2026 4:48 PM

This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 4:25 PM with the headline "The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News week in review."