As we move into the holiday season, I want to share some of the major achievements taking place in District 6 — which includes southern Murrells Inlet (29576) and northern Pawleys Island (29585). This year, I focused on infrastructure, connectivity and smart development strategies aimed at improving quality of life, public safety, health and overall community wellness.

Below are key accomplishments and actions I have supported:

Community Improvements & Public Facilities

• Construction of Grand Strand Health’s new Murrells Inlet ER on Wesley Road
• New basketball/pickleball courts planned for Waccamaw Recreation Center by 2026
• ADA-accessible entry doors installed at Waccamaw Recreation Center
• Construction and renovation at Stables Tennis Facility including 9 clay courts, 4 hard courts, and energy-efficient LED lighting
• Funding secured for the county’s first off-leash dog run at Stables Park, opening 2026

Transportation, Paths & Drainage

• $200,000 for street improvement studies from MLK to North Causeway/Waverly
• Completed Waverly Multi-Use Path and drainage upgrades
• Completed Waverly Park ball fields
• Planned roundabout at Waverly/Petigru, targeted for 2028 (GSATS funding)
• MLK to Highway 17 drainage and Multi-Use Path 
• Petigru and Parkersville drainage/multi-use paths on contingency list

Environmental Protection & Smart Development

• Neighborhood Amenity District zoning implemented in Hagley and Litchfield Country Club, reducing density by 95%
• Tree ordinance strengthened with increased fines for illegal protected tree removal
• Restrictions adopted on new storage facilities along the Waccamaw Neck corridor
• Reduced multifamily zoning density by 70%
• $1 million seed funding approved for beach monitoring and erosion mitigation

Partnership Projects & Community Wins

• Ongoing Highway 17 cleanup and signage efforts with local nonprofits
• Golf cart access restored to Willbrook path via deed transfer to a local nonprofit
• $4 million secured for inlet dredging, supplemented by $1 million from Capital Project Sales Tax

Public Safety

• Sheriff's Office and first responder pay increases
• Funding approved for emergency vehicle purchases

Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST) Commitments

• Supported nearly $25 million in local CPST initiatives that directly benefit District 6 residents
• Includes beach preservation, drainage, recreation and multi-use trail development

Thank you for your ongoing engagement and continued support. I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!

— Stella Mercado,
Georgetown County Council District 6 Representative