Back in July 1996, a Sun News headline read, “Inlet Identity Crisis”. It talked about restaurants closing in Murrells Inlet – nearly a dozen were closed or vacant. There was growing competition from Broadway at the Beach and other Myrtle Beach attractions. Chain restaurants arrived nearby with Sunday liquor sales – the Inlet had none. Off the coast, yields were declining and fish stocks were being depleted; thus, hampering the livelihood of Murrells Inlet fisherman. The varied Murrells Inlet associations at that time were working independently -- there was no community effort. With assistance from the South Carolina Downtown Development Association, members of the community joined efforts to formulate a vision for the village. Click 1997 Community Vision to read what has proven to be a very prophetic look at Murrells Inlet over ten years later. Much has been accomplished. Much remains to be accomplished.



- building a boardwalk over the marsh,
- acquiring creek-front property to turn into a public park (Morse Landing Park),
- constructing a public crabbing dock at Morse Landing Park,
- erecting user-friendly signs throughout the inlet,
- partnering with local schools to teach our children about water quality,
- promoting area businesses,
- beautifying the area with litter clean-ups and landscaping projects,
- hosting community forums.


- implementing a long-term and sustainable water quality monitoring program for the inlet.
- securing public parking and completing the Veterans Pier
- renovating or rebuilding a Murrells Inlet Community Center
- completing the Murrells Inlet Bike bridge
- beautifying Business 17 with underground wiring, streetlighting and plantings
- making litter clean up a year-round activity
- enhancing environmental education for our residents and visitors
- promoting Murrells Inlet as a "must see" destination



Whitney Hills, Chairman/Treasurer
Kelly Dorman, Secretary
Maxine Dawes
Tom Swatzel, Vice-Chairman
Patricia Fancher
Sean Bond, Treasurer
Peggy Bates
John Benso
Charlie Campbell

Advisory Board Member
Beth Stedman
Leo Phelan
Dick Averette
Glenda Strickland
David Taylor
Al Hitchcock
Jim Wilkie

The Board of Directors meets the first Wednesday of each month (excluding July) at 3 PM in the Murrells Inlet Community Center. Meetings are open to the public.

Executive Director
Jennifer Averette



Murrells Inlet 2020 is always looking for volunteers. We have a variety of activities needing your support. Contact us at info@murrellsinletsc.com or call 843-357-2007 if you are interested in helping in any way. Thank you!



Murrells Inlet 2020 relies exclusively on donations and fundraising for its ongoing operations. Donations are tax-deductible and are always welcome. Make checks payable to "Murrells Inlet 2020" and mail to PO Box 1357, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. All donors are recognized in the bi-annual "Village Scene" newsletter.



Now is the opportunity for families, individuals, and businesses to revere the past, rekindle fond memories or remember loved ones -- past or present. Plaques of recognition are being offered on the marshwalk and the Veterans Pier walkway. These plaques are a permanent enhancement to the Marshwalk, and such gifts may be deducted as a charitable contribution. Click Marshwalk Plaque Order Form to download an order form. Click Plaque FAQ’s for more information.



Lost at Sea Memorial

The annual ceremony is held the first Sunday of April. Call 458-7671 or visit Lost at Sea Memorial for more information.

Murrells Inlet Bike Bridge

Residents along the Waccamaw Neck are now enjoying the Murrells Inlet Bike Bridge. The new bike lane and bridge were dedicated on June 7, 2008. The project began four years ago and has steadily moved forward long its timeline since that first meeting.

The Murrells Inlet Bike Bridge project has been funded via the Federal Highway Administration Funds (administered through the local GSATS Committee), the South Carolina Parks Recreation & Tourism Recreational Trails Program grant, Georgetown County Accommodations Tax and Murrells Inlet 2007.

Murrells Inlet 2020 extends its sincerest appreciation to Georgetown County for the county’s ongoing partnership in support of this and many other community projects.

Thanks also go to Bike the Neck, SC Department of Transportation, The Earthworks Group, East Coast Greenway, Huntington Beach State Park and USDA.

Inlet Water Quality Monitoring

Over a year ago, Murrells Inlet 2007 initiated conversations with Coastal Carolina University, Georgetown County, Horry County and Surfside Beach representatives to strategize the implementation of a water monitoring program for the inlet. During that same time, the municipalities finalized requirements of the federally-mandated stormwater management regulations. The Inlet water monitoring program will help the municipalities address some of the minimum regulation requirements.

The Creek Water Monitoring Program was kicked off as the keynote topic at the February 19th Chowder Talk. Since the Chowder Talk, all contract paperwork between Coastal Carolina University, Georgetown County, Horry County and Surfside Beach has been completed. Monitoring kits have been ordered and received. Jim Wilkie and Dr. Susan Libes met on March 21st to perform a reconnaissance survey of the eight sampling sights. Jim Wilkie shared a map of the sites with the MI 2007 Board at the April 2nd meeting. The eight sampling locations are 1) Woodland Drive & Channel Lane; 2) Point Drive at the GSWSA Lift station; 3) Mt. Gilead at Kim Foxworth’s house; 4) Marina Colony pond; 5) creek at Harrelson’s Seafood sign; 6) creek at Boat House Run; 7) creek at the Murrells Inlet Bike Bridge; and 8) Oyster Landing in Huntington Beach State Park.

Environmental Education

Murrells Inlet 2020 is a member of the Coastal Waccamaw Stormwater Education Consortium, a partnership of local education providers focused on educating the public about preventing stormwater runoff to our creeks, rivers and oceans. Visit the Consortium website to learn more about the consortium and its efforts. The site contains great content on learning how to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff.

Community Center

In January 2007, the MI 2020 Board of Directors set as a goal the renovation or rebuild of the local community center. Over the past year, Senator Ray Cleary and Representative Vida Miller have secured $235,000 of state funding for the project. Georgetown County has pledged $250,000 of matching capital improvement funds. The county has committed to launching a study of the existing community center to assess the site and facility, gather community input, render a recommendation on the restoration vs. build new decision and develop a design and cost estimate. Murrells Inlet is currently waiting to hear status and plans from Georgetown County on next steps for the community center.