Living Here | All about Pawleys Island

Established | In the early 1700s, the area was settled by rice farmers who established plantations along the Waccamaw River and spent their summers close to the ocean and away from the mosquitoes that spread malaria. The town government was incorporated in 1986.

Origin of name | Colonial settler George Pawley apparently lent his name to the community, which refers both to the island itself and the surrounding mainland.

What’s new | Redevelopment of Pawleys Plaza near North Causeway was resolved after being a controversial issue for years. A Publix grocery store will be in the old center, which is being rebuilt. At South Causeway, a new commercial development contains a Lowe’s Foods and other stores.

Major events | A Fourth of July Parade, annual Festival of Music and Art, Pawleys Pavilion Reunion which raises funds to benefit Georgetown Habitat for Humanity, and an annual kayak race.

Property tax rate | Paid to Georgetown County, but the town itself operates on an accommodations tax.

Numbers to know | 321 Myrtle Ave., Pawleys Island, SC 29585, 843-237-1698 or www.townofpawleysisland.com

Mayor | William “Bill” L. Otis Jr., 843-237-8005 (work)

Mayor pro tem | Mike Adams, 843-237-0394

Councilmember | Glennie Tarbox, 843-237-8228

Councilmember | Howard Ward, 843-237-8639

Councilmember | Sarah Zimmerman, 843-237-7774

Georgetown County Council member for District 6 | Bob Anderson, 843-545-3058 (term ends Dec. 31)

Georgetown County Council member for District 2 | Ron Charlton, 843-546-2200

This story was originally published September 26, 2014 at 9:44 AM with the headline "Living Here | All about Pawleys Island."