Residents of the Lakes community in Myrtle Beach gathered on Tuesday to discuss the proposed extension of South Carolina Highway 22, a project that would push the road farther toward Highway 17 Business. According to WPDE, community members expressed worries that the extension could permanently alter their neighborhoods, affect property values, and bring increased flooding, noise, and traffic impacts for families, children and seniors.
Valerie Blair, the Lakes Property Owners’ Association board secretary, urged homeowners to submit comments during the public comment period, saying, “The more people that make comments, the better.” She emphasized that the concerns extend beyond property values, highlighting potential environmental and quality‑of‑life issues. Blair also advocated for an alternative route that would end the highway at Highway 707 rather than continuing to Highway 17 Business, stating, “If the road has to be built at all, have it stop at 707.”
The association plans to continue contacting the Army Corps of Engineers, project leaders, and local lawmakers, and is encouraging residents to file comments before the deadline on Dec. 4. The next public meeting on the extension is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17.
In a separate health update, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the country has lost its measles elimination status after two additional deaths were recorded, bringing the 2026 death toll to ten. WPDE noted that the Pan American Health Organization revoked the U.S. status, marking the first change in three decades. As of Nov. 12, 2026, there were 5,412 confirmed measles cases nationwide, with South Carolina reporting the second‑highest number of cases at 670.
State health officials warned that the rise in cases underscores the need for increased vaccination efforts. The CDC highlighted that measles elimination requires at least 12 months without sustained native person‑to‑person transmission, a benchmark the U.S. has not met. For comparison, the nation recorded 2,289 cases in 2025 and 285 cases in 2024.
Local physicians are urging Myrtle Beach residents to verify their immunization records and seek the MMR vaccine if they are not up to date, especially for children and vulnerable adults. The health department plans to hold informational sessions at community centers later this month.
What’s next: Residents concerned about the SC‑22 extension should submit comments by Dec. 4 and attend the Nov. 17 meeting to voice their preferences. Meanwhile, families are encouraged to schedule measles vaccinations promptly and stay informed through upcoming health‑department briefings.
