COASTAL OBSERVER
January 30, 2025

To the editor:

As one enters the Waccamaw Neck on Highway 17, residents and visitors alike are struck with the aesthetic beauty of pleasant landscaping, neatly mown grass and litter free medians and shoulders along our “front porch” Highway 17.

These efforts are provided in large part by six not-for-profit beautification entities using a combination of private (donations) and public (accommodations tax grants) funding.

Recently, these various organizations realized over $200,000 in cleanup and maintenance funding, as well as $76,772 for much needed safety equipment, all through the Georgetown County accommodations tax grant program.

I would like to thank Stella Mercado, County Council District 6, for her continued belief in the enhanced aesthetic value of Highway 17 and what it brings to our residents and visitors alike here on the Waccamaw Neck. She was highly instrumental in securing these funds through the County Council, based on the recommendations of the county Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee.

These maintenance funds will help the various beautification entities to plant new or replace damaged plants, as necessary, and to continue frequent grass mowing, tree and shrub planting and trash pickup. The safety equipment funds will help ensure a safer work environment for workers, residents, visitors and vehicle traffic alike through the acquisition of portable, programmable electronic signage; static signage; lighting enhancements for work trucks and mowers; as well as provide numerous orange safety cones to outline and highlight work zones.

Thank you to Georgetown County Council for understanding the importance of Highway 17’s aesthetic appearance and its direct impact on tourism and quality of life along the Waccamaw Neck.

Ken Dewell
Tradition Club

The writer is president of the Litchfield Beautification Foundation.