MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) -
Police in South Carolina beach communities are expecting lots of visitors this holiday week thanks to lower gasoline prices.
The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reports that more police and fire officials will be working to patrol the area's roads and waterways. The holiday travel period begins Tuesday.
Officials expect more people driving to the coast after gas prices dropped 11 cents per gallon to about $2.90 over the last week. AAA Carolinas spokesman Tom Crosby says South Carolina and Mississippi are the only two states where gas is less than $3 per gallon.
Troopers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the state Department of Natural Resources plan to step up their patrols. Last year, nine people were killed on the highways during the July 4 holiday.
