The BOC’s May Regular Meeting is scheduled on May 20th
Normally our newsletter is posted on the following Sunday, which is May 25th
I am unable to attend the meeting
We are still publishing the newsletter, albeit a week later than usual
Our May newsletter will be posted on Sunday, June 1st
Lou’s Views
News & Views / May Edition
Calendar of Events –
Conway Riverfest Celebration
June 28th
Conway SC
Held along the Waccamaw River in downtown Conway the festival celebrates Independence Day since 1980 with music and events for the entire family.
For more information » click here
N.C. 4th of July Festival
July 4th
Southport
The patriotic spirit of America is alive and well in the City of Southport. For over 200 years this small maritime community has celebrated our nation’s independence in a big way. Incorporated as the N.C. 4th of July Festival in 1972 the festival committee strives to keep the focus of the festival on honoring our nation’s birthday with a little fun thrown in.
For more information » click here
Battleship Blast 4th of July Celebration
July 4th
Wilmington
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Annual 4th of July Celebration at Riverfront Park in downtown Wilmington since 1981. Featured entertainment will perform from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, followed by fireworks at 9:05 PM launched from a barge in the Cape Fear River adjacent to the USS North Carolina Battleship. The only place you need to be this holiday is downtown Wilmington for the best view of fireworks.
For more information » click here
Brunswick County invites residents to participate in lifesaving certification training
Brunswick County’s Risk Management and Parks and Recreation departments are partnering to offer First Aid/CPR/AED Certification Training in 2025. This new training program is designed to provide residents with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies.
“Many accidents at work and at home—such as bruises and cuts sustained from tripping or burns given by heating equipment—can be helped by a bystander with the proper resources and training,” Risk Manager Andy Yoos said. “That’s why it’s important for everyone to know how to perform basic lifesaving care.”
The training is open to any Brunswick County resident 12 years of age and older. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult guardian for the entire training session. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an American Trauma Event Management (ATEM) First Aid/CPR/AED certification card, which is valid for 2 years.
The 2025 training sessions will be held on Feb. 15 inside the Town Creek Park Community Building, April 26 inside the Leland Field House, June 7 inside the Lockwood Folly Community Building, Aug. 9 inside the Waccamaw Park Community Building, and Oct. 4 inside the Leland Field House. Participants must register and pay online before the training date.
There are only 12 seats available per training session and the registration fee is $10 per person. Each class will consist of an AM Session from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., a 30-minute lunch break*, and a PM session from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. You must attend and complete both sessions to receive certification.
*Participants must bring their own lunch and beverages.
Upcoming Training Session
Saturday, June 7, 2025 / Supply Area
Location: Lockwood Folly Community Building, 1691 Stanbury Rd SW, Supply, NC 28462
Time: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person
Learn more and register online on the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation RecDesk website.
For questions or more information about the training program, email Brunswick County Risk Management.
For more information » click here
Discover a wide range of things to do in the Brunswick Islands for an experience that goes beyond the beach.
For more information » click here.
Calendar of Events Island –
Concerts on the Coast Series
The Town’s summer concert series calendar has been released! Live performances featuring local musical groups will be held at the Bridgeview Park picnic pavilion across from Town Hall. It will be on Sunday evenings at 6:30pm from May 25th to August 31st. The concerts are free of charge.
Summer Concert Schedule * Lou’s Views
The park will be blocked from vehicular access beginning Saturday evening. The splash pad will be closed on Sundays and the multipurpose court will close at 3:00 p.m. each Sunday. No seating will be provided so everyone should bring their own chair for the event.
Tide Dyed Program / Tentative Dates
The Tide Dye program will be held on Tuesdays between 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at Bridgeview Park picnic pavilion. Participants must be in line by 2:00 p.m. to participate because the process takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Fee is $7 per shirt for youth sizes through Adult XL and $10 per shirt for 2XL. Payment via cash or check only.
.Beginning June 10th and continuing through August 12th
Turtle Talk
Two programs both are held every Wednesday during the summer at Town Hall. Children’s Turtle Time is at 4:00 p.m. with crafts, stories and activities for children ages 3 – 6. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Turtle Talk is an educational program at 7:00 p.m. for everyone else. (Beginning June 18th)
Parks & Recreation / Programs & Events
For more information » click here
Reminders –
Bird Nesting Area
NC Wildlife Commission has posted signs that say – Bird Nesting Area
The signs are posted on the west end beach strand around 1335 OBW.
People and dogs are supposed to stay out of the area from April through November
. 1) It’s a Plover nesting area
. 2) Allows migrating birds a place to land and rest without being disturbed
A Second Helping
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Program to collect food Saturday mornings (8:00am to 10:30am) during the summer at the Beach Mart on the Causeway.
1) Twenty-first year of the program
2) Food collections have now exceeded 307,000 pounds
3) Collections will begin on Memorial Day weekend
4) Food is distributed to the needy in Brunswick County
For more information » click here
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Hunger exists everywhere in this country; join them in the fight to help end hunger in Brunswick County. Cash donations are gratefully accepted. One hundred percent (100%) of these cash donations are used to buy more food. You can be assured that the money will be very well spent.
Mail Donations to:
A Second Helping
% Sharon United Methodist Church
2030 Holden Beach Road
Supply, NC 28462
News from Town of Holden Beach
The town sends out emails of events, news, agendas, notifications, and emergency information. If you would like to be added to their mailing list, please go to their web site to complete your subscription to the Holden Beach E-Newsletter.
For more information » click here
Paid Parking
Paid parking in Holden Beach
Paid parking will be enforced from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily with free parking before and after that time. All parking will use license plates for verification.
Rates
Parking rates for a single vehicle in all designated areas will be:
$5 per hour for up to four hours
$20 per day for any duration greater than four hours
$80 per week for seven consecutive days
Handicap Parking
A vehicle displaying a handicap license plate and/or hang tag parked in a designated handicap space is free. Any other parking space will require a parking permit via the app.
Annual Passes
Annual permits for the calendar year allow vehicles (this includes low-speed vehicles and trailers) access to designated parking.
$175 for a single vehicle
Passes can be purchased via the app, website or by telephone.
Where to Park
Per ordinance, there is no parking on the streets or rights-of-way except in designated parking spaces identified by Pay-to-Park signs. Click here to view an interactive map. The table with authorized parking can be viewed below.
Citations will be issued for:
• Parking without an active paid permit in a designated parking area
• Parking within 40 feet of a street intersection
• Parking in a crosswalk, sidewalk, or pedestrian access ways
• Parking blocking a driveway or mailbox
• Parking facing opposing traffic
• Parking in a no parking zone, or within right-of-way
• Parking on any portion of the roadway or travel lane
• Parking a non-LSV vehicle in an authorized LSV location
How Do I Pay to Park
The Town uses the SurfCAST by Otto Connect Mobile Solution. This is a mobile app downloadable for Apple and Android devices. Download the app today. Users will setup their account, enter their license plate details and pay for parking directly on the app. Alternatively, users can scan the QR Code located on the parking signs to access a secure website.
The Otto Connect customer service team will be available to help via phone and email.
Solid Waste Pick-Up Schedule
GFL Environmental change in service, October through May trash pickup will be once a week. Trash collection is on Tuesdays only.
Please note:
. • Trash carts must be at the street by 6:00 a.m. on the pickup day
. • BAG the trash before putting it in the cart
. • Carts will be rolled back to the front of the house
GFL Refuse Collection Policy
GFL has recently notified all Brunswick County residents that they will no longer accept extra bags of refuse outside of the collection cart. This is not a new policy but is stricter enforcement of an existing policy. While in the past GFL drivers would at times make exceptions and take additional bags of refuse, the tremendous growth in housing within Brunswick County makes this practice cost prohibitive and causes drivers to fall behind schedule.
Solid Waste Pickup
An additional trash pickup is scheduled for the Saturday after Easter, April 26th.
Solid Waste Pickup Schedule –
starting the Saturday before Memorial Day (May 25th) twice a week
Recycling –
starting after Memorial Day (June 4th) weekly pick-up
Curbside Recycling – 2025
GFL Environmental is now offering curbside recycling for Town properties that desire to participate in the service. The service cost per cart is $119.35 annually paid in advance to the Town of Holden Beach. The service consists of a ninety-six (96) gallon cart that is emptied every other week during the months of October – May and weekly during the months of June – September.
Curbside Recycling Application » click here
Curbside Recycling Calendar » click here
Trash Can Requirements – Rental Properties
GFL Environmental – trash can requirements
Ordinance 07-13, Section 50.08
Rental properties have specific number of trash cans based on number of bedrooms.
* One extra trash can per every 2 bedrooms
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§ 50.08 RENTAL HOMES.
(A) Rental homes, as defined in Chapter 157, that are rented as part of the summer rental season, are subject to high numbers of guests, resulting in abnormally large volumes of trash. This type of occupancy use presents a significantly higher impact than homes not used for summer rentals. In interest of public health and sanitation and environmental concerns, all rental home shall have a minimum of one trash can per two bedrooms. Homes with an odd number of bedrooms shall round up (for examples one to two bedrooms – one trash can; three to four bedrooms – two trash cans; five – six bedrooms – three trash cans, and the like).
Building Numbers
Ocean front homes are required to have house numbers visible from the beach strand.
Please call Planning and Inspections Department at 910.842.6080 with any questions.
§157.087 BUILDING NUMBERS.
(A) The correct street number shall be clearly visible from the street on all buildings. Numbers shall be block letters, not script, and of a color clearly in contrast with that of the building and shall be a minimum of six inches in height.
(B) Beach front buildings will also have clearly visible house numbers from the strand side meeting the above criteria on size, contrast, etc. Placement shall be on vertical column supporting deck(s) or deck roof on the primary structure. For buildings with a setback of over 300 feet from the first dune line, a vertical post shall be erected aside the walkway with house numbers affixed. In all cases the numbers must be clearly visible from the strand. Other placements may be acceptable with approval of the Building Inspector.
Upon Further Review –
When is ‘peak season’ for tourists in the Wilmington area?
Soon, families will pack their vehicles with suitcases, coolers and Shibumi shades and make their way to the Wilmington area to enjoy all that it has to offer: beaches, arts, golf, dining and entertainment. Tourist season begins in the spring and runs through the summer and into early fall. But when does the season officially kick-off? And what are the busiest — and least busy — times for tourism? Here’s what to know.
When exactly is “tourist season?”
According to information from Connie Nelson, communications and public relations director with the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, “peak tourist season” is May through September with the “peak of peak” aligning with North Carolina public school calendars, which has traditionally been June through August. But travelers also visit before and after the peak months. “In recent years, the shoulder season months of April/May and Sept/Oct/Nov have become much stronger, largely due to large sports events, meetings and conventions, and visitors who travel without children,” Nelson said in an email.
When is the busiest week for tourists in the Wilmington area?
Nelson explained that according to room occupancy tax collections, July is historically the busiest month for tourism in New Hanover County. She noted that room occupancy tax is reported by month and is not broken down by week. “However, based on observations and feedback from hoteliers, the busiest week in July is the week of the 4th of July,” Nelson said. The Fourth of July is also the busiest holiday for tourism.
What is the least busy time for tourists in the Wilmington area?
Based on room occupancy tax collections, the slowest months have historically been December and January. “Based on past observations, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are slow for hotel occupancy,” Nelson said.
Read more » click here
From ramps to paid parking, how boating in Brunswick is ‘in a crisis’
With the popularity of the Brunswick coast, the need for more public boat ramps is on the rise. “We’re in a crisis,” boat captain Cane Faircloth said. Local captains and state representatives are asking for more boat ramps and boat trailer parking in southern Brunswick County.
Existing ramps and parking spaces
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) builds and maintains boat ramps throughout the state. These ramps can be viewed online using the NCWRC’s interactive maps. The boating access area map marks six public boat ramps in Brunswick County that connect people to the Intracoastal Waterway. The six NCWRC-maintained ramps are located at Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Bricklanding Road in Shallotte, Holden Beach, Sunset Harbor and Oak Island. With five out of the six ramps having over 22 boat trailer parking spaces, a total of 233 boat trailer designated parking spaces are at the NCWRC boat ramps. The Oak Island ramp has around 80 boat trailer parking spaces while Holden Beach only has around 15. There are other Intracoastal Waterway boat ramps in Brunswick County that are not maintained by the state. Some additional public boat ramps are the Southport Marina Ramp, Dutchman Creek Boat Launch, NE 55th Street Municipal Boat Ramp in Oak Island, Brunswick River Park in Leland and the Varnamtown Public Boat Ramp.
A need for more
Coastal North Carolina and Brunswick County are seeing rapid growth, Faircloth said. The growth is causing a shortfall in local coastal infrastructure that goes beyond roads and sewer. “It’s a Southeastern North Carolina issue,” Faircloth said. Some neighborhoods along the Intracoastal Waterway have private boat ramps and some boat owners store their boats at a privately owned marina, where the marina transports the boat to and from water for the customer. However, Faircloth said many local boat owners cannot afford marina prices and rely on public boat ramps as their way to the water. “This is the area with the biggest need,” Faircloth said. NCWRC Commissioner Steve Windham said the six boat ramps operate at over 150% capacity. “We need a whole lot more boat ramps,” Windham said, noting the need has only increased in recent years as the number of boat registrations and fishing licenses in the state grows. The lack of boat ramps and parking for vehicles with trailers around Holden Beach are infrastructure shortfalls, Faircloth said. Parking at boat ramps in Brunswick County is “crowded,” Windham said. There are 15 parking spaces at the Holden Beach Boat Ramp and people are fighting for a place to park on a regular work day. Some boaters are being forced to awkwardly park their trailer upwards on a hill. Captain Ryan Williams runs Catch 22 Charters. Williams and Faircloth are regular users of the Holden Beach Boat Ramp for recreational and business uses. Both captains said challenges that come with using the Holden Beach Boat Ramp impact their work life. Local captains have to get to the boat ramp before sunrise so they can avoid wait times and have a parking spot for both their vehicle and boat trailer, Faircloth said. Like Faircloth, Williams said his biggest fight is getting access to the ocean. “I’ve waited over an hour before,” said Williams, noting other charter boat captains use the boat ramps to make a living too. Paid parking programs have also caused hardships for boaters, Faircloth said. Paid parking programs at Brunswick beach towns have forced many people to pay double when all boat trailer parking spaces are full due to their vehicle and boat trailer taking up two parking spaces, he explained. “Most of your working class people can’t afford to pay $40 to go take their Jon Boat out and their two small kids to go fish in the waterway. … It’s just not feasible,” Faircloth said.
Opportunities ahead with state support
Holden Beach commissioners have different ideas for Block Q, a chunk of property located near the boat ramp. As previously proposed, Block Q could have been a new, paved boat trailer parking lot. However, plans have changed, and the paved boat trailer parking design has been scratched. Williams hopes to see the demand for boat ramp parking met soon as more residents and visitors flood the boat ramp at Holden Beach. “We’re so far behind. … It really puts a strain on the fact that we have far outgrown the 15 spots 30 years ago,” Williams said. There are few available properties around Holden Beach that could be used for an additional public boat ramp and boat trailer parking but the NCWRC is working on building a new one, the captains said. “Right now, we are in the process of trying to secure funding for a boat ramp in Holden Beach,” Windham said. The NCWRC’s goal is to purchase a four-acre property and build a boat ramp and kayak/canoe launch near Holden Beach, Windham said. The whole project, including purchasing the property, is expected to cost around $8 million, he said. Local and state officials have seen the need and shown support for a new ramp in the Holden Beach area, Windham added. If people want to show their support, Windham encourages people reach out to local legislatures and Brunswick County commissioners.
Read more » click here
Corrections & Amplifications –
Brunswick County has grown nearly 50% since 2015, state data show
The North Carolina Budget and Tax Center has released its 2025 Economic Snapshot for Brunswick County, which is now estimated to have a population of 175,000 residents — a 48% increase over the past decade. The state Budget and Tax Center (BTC) Economic Snapshots are released annually and “provide key economic and social indicators from publicly available sources for all 100 counties in North Carolina, along with a comparison to state-level data, with measures for employment, poverty and income, affordable housing, health, education and more.” Much of the data used in the Snapshots come from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) and the data in the 2025 Economic Snapshot for Brunswick County covers 2019 through 2023. The snapshot indicates Brunswick County’s population has ballooned by nearly 50% since 2015. For comparison, North Carolina’s population has increased by 11% over that timeframe. Based on BTC data, the county has gained over 15,000 residents since the most recent U.S. Census estimate in 2023. Carolina Demography found that Brunswick County has seen the largest population increase in North Carolina from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, growing by 4.6% over that time with a net migration, which is total move-ins subtracted by total move-outs, of 7,821. However, Brunswick County’s natural increase — the number of births subtracted by the number of deaths — from 2022 was -794. Nearby Pender County was the second fastest growing county over that timespan at 4.3%, but its net migration, 2,885, is significantly lower, according to Carolina Demography. Only Mecklenburg and Wake counties had a higher net migration than Brunswick County from 2022 to 2023, though the% change was smaller, at 1.7% for both counties. Of the 175,000 Brunswick County residents, 55,300 residents are employed and 2,400 are unemployed but actively seeking employment, creating an unemployment rate of 4.2%, the snapshot notes. The county’s working population is roughly 57,700 — just 32% of the overall population. The snapshot found fair market rent in Brunswick County in 2025 is $1,280 for a two-bedroom home, slightly more than the U.S. Census’ median gross rent of $1,267 from 2019 to 2023. The Living Income Standard — a measure of what a family consisting of one adult and two children needs in order to cover basic expenses — for Brunswick County is $78,400, compared to $87,700 for the state, the BTC found. From 2019 to 2023, the median Brunswick County worker’s yearly income was $43,800 and the median household income was $74,000. The median worker income in Brunswick County is lower than in neighboring New Hanover ($48,500) and Pender ($46,800) counties but is higher than in western neighbor Columbus County ($38,100). The median household income in Brunswick County ($74,000), however, is higher than in New Hanover County ($72,900) and Columbus County ($48,200) but lower than in Pender County ($76,800). 51% of Brunswick County renters cannot afford rent, according to the snapshot, as that percentage pay more than 30% of their incomes in rent, while 27% of renters pay more than 50% of their incomes in rent. The percentage of Brunswick County renters who pay more than 30% of their income in rent increased 2% from 49% from 2018 to 2022, but the percentage who pay more than 50% decreased slightly from 28% from 2018 to 2022. 9% of Brunswick County residents live in poverty, snapshot data show, and 13% of children live in poverty — down 1% from its rate of 14% from 2018 to 2022. Brunswick County’s high school graduation rate in 2024 was slightly lower than the overall state rate, with the county’s sitting at 85% and the state’s at 87%. Black county residents have the highest graduation rate at 90% followed by Latine residents at 87% then white residents at 85%. The NC Budget and Tax Center Economic Snapshots, including for Brunswick County, can be found here:
https://ncbudget.org/2025-economic-county-snapshots-for-north-carolina/.
Read more » click here
North Carolina breaks records as tourism spending exceeds 2023 numbers
Tourism spending in North Carolina exceeded 2023 numbers, according to NC officials. In a press release, the Office of the Governor says in 2024, tourists spent “more than $36.7 billion on trips to and within the state.” The previous record was $35.6 billion, which was set in 2023. “Today’s news underscores what we all know: North Carolina is a fantastic place to visit,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As our mountain economies worked to recover from Helene, our Piedmont and coastal destinations remained popular and contributed to the growth of North Carolina’s tourism economy. We must continue to support tourism and small businesses in western North Carolina to help them come back stronger.” According to the economic impacts study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, the state tourism workforce increased 1.4% to 230,338 jobs in 2024. The study also found the payroll increased 2.6% to $9.5 billion. “As a result of visitor spending, state and local governments saw rebounds in tax revenues to nearly $2.7 billion,” Officials explained in a release. Additionally, North Carolina was found to rank No. 5 behind California, Florida, Texas, and New York in domestic visitation. “North Carolinians in all 100 counties benefit from the money that visitors spend,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “From our smallest towns to our largest cities, tourism means jobs for more than 50,000 small businesses and our first-in-talent workforce. These workers address travelers’ needs for transportation as well as lodging, dining, shopping, and recreation.” Officials say that as a result of an uptick in travelers, North Carolina residents saved $593 on average in state and local taxes.
Read more » click here
Odds & Ends –
What will summer be like in Wilmington?
Here’s what the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts
Spring in the Wilmington area can be so unpredictable. One day its beautiful and warm, the next day it’s cold and rainy. Temperatures fluctuate all the time. Lately it has been warmer than usual, and summer hasn’t even started. With the weather being hot and humid already, what will temperatures reach doing the summer? Here’s what to know about The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s summer weather predictions.
When does summer start?
The first day of summer arrives with the solstice on Friday, June 20 and occurs at the moment Earth’s tilt toward the sun is at a maximum.
What does the Old Farmer’s Almanac predict for summer in the Wilmington area?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts that summer will be warmer than normal, temperatures will generally be about average with the warmest periods occurring especially in July and August. While rainfall is expected to be below normal, watch for a tropical storm in mid-July.
What is The Old Farmer’s Almanac?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been around for more than 225 years. It is an almanac containing weather forecasts, planting charts, astronomical data, recipes, and articles. An almanac is an annual calendar containing important dates and statistical information such as astronomical data and tide tables.
How accurate is The Old Farmer’s Almanac?The Old Farmer’s Almanac claims an 80% accuracy rate on its predictions.
National Weather Service Wilmington, NC
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center is forecasting increased chances for above-normal temperatures this summer across most of the country including Wilmington. Average highs for the three months of summer, June, July and August are 87, 90, and 88 degrees, respectively, and with this forecast it’ll likely exceed those values this summer, according to Tim Armstrong, Meteorologist and Climate Program Leader.
Read more » click here
This and That –
What should you do when emergency vehicles approach?
Have you ever heard the sirens of an ambulance or firetruck behind you while driving and felt unsure of what to do? Knowing how to respond in these moments can help save lives. Properly yielding allows first responders to reach their destination quickly and safely. Here’s what you need to know next time you find yourself in this situation, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
How should you respond when an emergency vehicle is approaching?
If an emergency vehicle approaches from behind
On a two-lane road, when an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind, pull over to the edge of the road and come to a complete stop. Keep your foot on the brake to let the emergency vehicle know that your vehicle is stationary. Once the emergency vehicle has passed, you may safely return to the road.
Always maintain a distance of at least 500 feet behind emergency vehicles and never follow them to navigate through traffic or bypass red lights.
If you’re stopped at an intersection and an emergency vehicle approaches from behind, remain where you are unless you are able to pull to the right. Similarly, on a four-lane highway without barriers, both sides of traffic should pull to the right when an emergency vehicle is approaching.
If an emergency vehicle approaches from the opposite direction
The N.C. Department of Public Safety advises drivers to pay attention to the situation around them when an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction. Caution and yield should be used as needed.
What about emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road?
North Carolina has had a Mover Over Law since 2002, requiring motorists, if they can safely do so, to move one lane away from emergency vehicles with flashing lights stopped on the side of the road. Otherwise, motorists are expected to slow down and proceed with caution.
Violation of the law can result in a $250 fine, according to the N.C. Department of Public Safety.
What do the color of emergency lights mean?
The N.C. Department of Public Safety defines the following emergency light colors and their uses:
Read more » click here
Turtle Watch Program –
Turtle Watch Program – 2025
Members of the patrol started riding the beach every morning on May 1 and will do so through October looking for signs of turtle nests.
For more information » click here.
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Turtle Talks
The Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program conducts weekly educational programs on selected Wednesday evenings in June, July and August. Please check our Events Calendar for details on dates, times and locations. Seating is limited.
Children’s Turtle Time
Special programs for younger turtle enthusiasts are held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons in June, July and August on select dates.
Both programs are free of charge and will be held at the Holden Beach Chapel.
Holden Beach Turtle Patrol readies for summer programming
Volunteers with the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program are getting ready to offer weekly educational sea turtle programs this summer. Often called the “Turtle Patrol,” the program was founded in 1989 to monitor and protect the sea turtle population on Holden Beach, a seaside town in Brunswick County. This all volunteer, nonprofit conservation organization operates under the authority of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The family-oriented Turtle Talks are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. June 18 and be held each Wednesday until Aug. 13. A volunteer will speak, a slideshow and film will be shown, and the night will close out with a time to ask questions. The evening program “focuses on the life cycle of the sea turtle and how the Turtle Patrol aids in the preservation of sea turtles, a volunteer will speak about nesting sea turtles, what to look for when visiting the beach, and current nest information,” organizers explained in a release. The first Children’s Turtle Time for the summer is scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, and is to take place every Wednesday through Aug. 6. “The program introduces young children to the world of sea turtles through hands-on play, games, books and puzzles,” organizers said. This program is designed for two age groups, 3-4 and 5-6. An adult should remain with their child during the 45-minute program. If a family has two or more children that fall within both age groups, organizers advise that two adults attend. Volunteers are available to speak to clubs, classrooms and organizations to promote awareness during the educational outreach program “Turtle Talk on the Road.” Contact the outreach program coordinator by email at outreach@hbturtlewatch.org for more information or to schedule a program. Sea turtles nest on Holden Beach from mid-May through August, and their nests hatch July through October. When the 2025 turtle season began May 1, Turtle Patrol members started patrolling the island each morning looking for signs of a nesting sea turtle crawl on the beach. For details about these educational programs, number of nests, and recent news, https://www.hbturtlewatch.org/.
Read more » click here
Fort Fisher Aquarium offers tips to protect sea turtles during nesting season
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) has provided the community with tips on how to protect sea turtles during their nesting season beginning this month. “The Aquarium team is passionate about sea turtle conservation and we hope that our work in protecting these species inspires the community to find their own way to protect them,” said NCAFF education curator, Karissa Bearer.
NCAFF suggests a variety of tips, including:
Read more » click here
Fauna & Flora –
NC State Native Plant Resources » click here
NC Sea Grant Coastal Landscapes » click here
New Hanover County Arboretum Native Plant Garden » click here
Audubon Native Plant Database » click here
Fauna & Flora » click here
Holden Beach recommended plant list – deer resistant & salt tolerant
Factoid That May Interest Only Me –
Amidst FEMA staff cuts, worries grow about summer hurricane, tornado seasons
The Trump administration wants to rethink FEMA’s role in disasters. So far it’s mostly ’caused a lot of confusion.’
Federal Emergency Management Agency employees are trained to respond to disasters but have struggled this spring with the situation unfolding at their agency. While they’ve been deployed to wildfires in Los Angeles, flooding along the Kentucky River and throughout the southeast in response to Hurricane Helene, FEMA workers have watched a roiling turmoil of staff cuts, slashed budgets and threats to dismantle their agency. They’re fielding difficult questions from friends, co-workers and disaster victims about what the future holds. “It’s caused a lot of confusion,” said Michael Coen, a FEMA veteran of more than 15 years who left his position as chief of staff on Inauguration Day. At least 2,000 of the agency’s roughly 6,100 full-time employees have either left or plan to leave under the waves of terminations and voluntary retirements ordered by Elon Musk’s Department of Governmental Efficiency, Coen told USA TODAY. That doesn’t include a reduction in force expected to take place in the federal government in the coming weeks. President Donald Trump also has launched an agency review and cut funds for some FEMA grant programs, outraging officials in states where those funds already had been committed. The controversy taps into a long-running debate over the role of states and the federal government in disaster response. It’s hard to find a public official who doesn’t think the way the nation responds to disasters could be improved, but the 30% cut in its full-time staff raises concerns about whether FEMA will be able to respond to major disasters during the approaching summer storm season that could bring hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires. Jay Inslee, whose term as the Democratic governor of Washington State ended in January, is among those gravely concerned about FEMA’s ability to respond. “Gutting FEMA is just going to make more and more families have to be living under blue tarps for years, and not to have the financial assistance they deserve when they pay their taxes,” Inslee said. “I’m outraged on their behalf.”
States can’t go it alone, workers are worn out
Major disasters require federal resources, and state and local governments cannot cope on their own, said Shana Udvardy, senior climate resilience policy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists “With the summer danger season of extreme weather, including climate-fueled disasters, getting underway soon, these attacks on FEMA could not come at a worse time,” Udvardy said. “Congress must push back assertively on these egregious plans in a bipartisan way ‒ disasters do not discriminate based on politics.” When enormous natural disasters befall communities, especially small ones, they just don’t have the local resources, Inslee said. “It’s basically everybody pitching in together from the county to the Red Cross to the state, to the federal government.” FEMA’s remaining full-time employees, even those who work at headquarters and don’t typically deploy, have been warned to be ready to deploy to disasters this summer. The agency has been short-staffed for years, federal documents show. The staff flexes up and down as the need arises, with roughly 12,000 employees who respond as reservists or local temporary hires. Among the cuts this year to the permanent employees were 200 probationary staff, dismissed because they had been either recently hired or recently promoted. Coen said another 800 took the “fork-in-the-road” plan that placed employees on administrative leave with pay until the end of the summer, when they’d lose their jobs. “A lot of people with the agency were just exhausted,” he said. “Last year was a very challenging year for FEMA employees with all the disasters that took place, plus all the (Hurricane) Helene misinformation.” In the aftermath of Helene, some FEMA officials found their personal information had been made public on the web, and some were threatened. The inauguration opened a new chapter. Trump had been critical of FEMA during the campaign, and his first official trip was to visit the Helene disaster zone in western North Carolina, where he said the administration was “very disappointed” in FEMA. After information was leaked from one early meeting with the new FEMA officials, at least a dozen staff members were asked to submit to lie detector tests, Coen said. Employees are afraid to talk, even to former colleagues, because they’re afraid they might be subjected to a lie detector, Coen said. “If the head of the agency isn’t even respected by the Secretary’s office, if he’s being subjected to a lie detector test, you know, why would I stay here?” Even some of the younger staff are thinking, “I don’t need this anxiety,” he said.
FEMA’s role in disaster response
FEMA responds to every major natural disaster, assessing damage and providing assistance under pre-established guidelines and state agreements. In Washington State, “FEMA has been a tremendous, absolutely essential partner,” Inslee said. “From a boots-on-the-ground perspective, FEMA has been incredibly valuable.” In recent years, FEMA has seen an enormous increase in the number of disasters that require a response. That’s, in part, because the number of extreme weather events is rising, with more intense rainfall and larger wildfires brought on by climate change, Inslee said. That’s backed up by numerous federal reports. The scope and complexity of disasters are also growing because more people live in vulnerable areas, where they’re more exposed to storms and fires. In the current fiscal year, the agency carries financial obligations for 30 major disasters, dating back to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, according to its February 2025 monthly report. Its actual and estimated total obligations for those disasters are around $57 billion. Its budget authority for this year was $33 million.
FEMA’s reputation problems
The agency’s reputation has struggled in part because FEMA meets people when they are likely to be at their lowest, most desperate point, and, in part, because its mission is often misunderstood, Coen said. FEMA is supposed to function primarily as a backstop for people who don’t have insurance. It covers uninsured losses, so if you have homeowners insurance, “you’re probably not going to be eligible,” he said. “That frustrates people who feel like they did everything right.” Victims often expect FEMA to be there first, even though the agency must wait to be requested by state government. That message is often hammered home by emergency management officials, who remind residents to store enough supplies for five to seven days after a disaster. The agency’s mission has evolved and it walks a tightrope at times between trying to battle fraud and not attach so many rules that money can’t get where it needs to. State and local officials often refer to the recovery phase as the “disaster after the disaster.” A General Accounting Office Report in 2022 made numerous suggestions for addressing “red tape” in disaster recovery. Coen said a prime example of the misunderstandings is the frustration from states where the Trump administration recently denied claims for disaster assistance and denied extensions of certain assistance in others. “I’m personally not critical of that,” he said. When the federal government takes the bulk of the financial responsibility, it often slows down recovery, he said, adding that when new bridges or other infrastructures are complete, other officials and organizations sometimes take credit and forget to acknowledge FEMA’s role.
What happens next with FEMA?
By executive order on Jan. 24, Trump ordered a “full-scale review” of FEMA. Federal responses to Helene and other disasters “demonstrate the need to drastically improve” the agency’s efficiency, priorities and competence, his executive order stated. Appointees to the review council, announced April 28, will be tasked with taking a sweeping look at everything from disaster aid during periods before and after FEMA, the traditional role of states and citizens in securing life, liberty and property and how FEMA could serve as a support agency if the states were in control of disaster relief. They’re expected to make recommendations to Trump for improvements or structural changes to promote the national interest and enable national resilience. Members include Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Florida’s emergency management chief Kevin Guthrie and Tampa, Florida, Mayor Jane Castor. Noem already has stated she wants to eliminate FEMA. On Truth Social, Trump posted: “I know that the new Members will work hard to fix a terribly broken System and return power to State Emergency Managers.” Udvardy, with the Union of Concerned Scientists, is among many who agree there’s room for reform at the federal agency. Genuine reforms, she said, “should be informed by science, expertise, and the experiences of disaster survivors.” Meanwhile, the clock is ticking. The start of the Atlantic hurricane season is just a month away.
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America is becoming less ready for natural disasters
The president is destroying programs that help communities prepare for climate effects.
President Donald Trump’s administration is on a crusade against efforts to grapple with climate change. From the start of Trump’s second term, officials have halted clean energy projects or attempted to claw back funding for them, and, at the same time, they have fast-tracked permitting for fossil fuels. The administration has also been tearing down federal programs that protect Americans against the kind of extreme weather that climate change brings, making it harder for communities to prepare for and recover from natural disasters. These decisions will weaken the economy and — more importantly, could cost lives. Start with the administration’s gutting of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The agency, which is part of the Commerce Department, monitors weather, conducts climate research and maintains intricate forecast models that are essential to much of the economy. Farmers use the models to decide which crops to plant and when, and the shipping and aviation industries use them to steer around hazardous weather. Nevertheless, many people in the administration see the agency as a source of “climate alarmism,” as Russell Vought, who is now director of the Office of Management and Budget, put it in a proposal for Project 2025. Commerce officials slashed hundreds of employees from NOAA’s workforce. The administration’s budget framework released this month also proposed cutting $1.3 billion from the agency by targeting “climate-dominated research, data, and grant programs, which are not aligned with Administration policy-ending ‘Green New Deal’ initiatives.” A NOAA spokesperson said it is “actively enhancing disaster readiness and lifesaving capabilities” through “transformation and strategic investments in advanced technology.” But the layoffs alone will make it difficult to maintain the agency’s vast network of weather radars. Thirty of the National Weather Service’s 122 local forecast offices now operate without a chief meteorologist, CNN has reported. As extreme weather events become more common — and more expensive — this could prove disastrous. Then there’s the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which the president and many of his advisers repeatedly have threatened to eliminate. In 2023, the Government Accountability Office determined that understaffing at FEMA was impeding disaster responses. Yet Trump’s Department of Homeland Security has reduced its workforce by 20 percent through layoffs and voluntary buyouts. Trump this week also fired the acting head of the agency a day after the administrator told Congress that he didn’t believe FEMA should be eliminated. Meanwhile, the administration has repeatedly denied federal aid to disaster-stricken regions, arguing that states should lead response efforts. This earned a rebuke from Republicans in Arkansas, who pushed the administration to reconsider its denial of funding after deadly storms in March. “Given the cumulative impact and sheer magnitude of destruction from these severe weather events, federal assistance is vital to ensure that state and local communities have the capabilities needed to rebuild,” a group of Republican lawmakers from the state wrote in a letter to Trump. The administration’s aversion to FEMA stems partly from misinformation, amplified by the president. He has claimed that the agency intentionally withheld aid to Republican residents in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene last year. This falsehood has undermined the agency’s difficult work and led to threats against relief workers. Last month, the administration also announced it would end FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, which was created during the first Trump administration and expanded under President Joe Biden to help communities harden themselves against disasters, such as by raising roads prone to flooding. The White House has also been scaling back FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance program, which awards post-disaster grants to help communities rebuild in ways that make them more resilient. Also in April, the administration dismissed all the scientists working on the next National Climate Assessment. The congressionally mandated report, which is due to be released by 2028, is meant to synthesize the latest climate research to help state and local governments respond to climate change. Contributors to the report said it would place a new emphasis on adaptation strategies. Each of these decisions has been reckless. Taken together, they reveal a basic disregard for the scientific programs and government infrastructure that have kept Americans safe for decades. The president almost seems to be daring Mother Nature to strike while the country’s defenses are down. Lawmakers — especially Republicans, who are no doubt nervous about their party’s political future — need to speak up for their constituents and press for climate mitigation programs to continue. So should business leaders who rely on government data to protect their investments. Americans need a government that cares about their safety.
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Beach Strand –
As weather warms, nesting shorebirds and sea turtles join people heading to NC’s beaches
With people flocking to the coast, officials hope education and outreach can help efforts to share the sand with nesting birds and sea turtles.
As the weather warms, sun-seeking tourists aren’t the only ones drawn to North Carolina’s rich necklace of barrier islands along its 320 miles of coastline. If you’re visiting the beach this summer, there’s a good chance you’ll see wildlife mixed in with visitors and the occasional resident. But sharing valuable beach real estate with nesting shorebirds and sea turtles can be challenging. Mix in the loss of habitat on many islands to development, the growing risk from climate change, and the increased threat of disturbance tied to human activities, dogs and even predators and the odds are often stacked against the native fauna. The eggs and chicks of nesting shorebirds often blend in perfectly with the sand, making it easy for people or pets to accidentally step on them. Getting close to the nests or babies can be just as bad, scaring the parents off and leaving the eggs and chicks at the mercy of predators and the summer heat. That’s where groups like the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Audubon North Carolina come in to help level the playing field. Hundreds of signs ring the state’s coastal nesting sanctuaries from Currituck Sound in the north to Sunset Beach in the south, warning visitors to respect nesting areas. In some locations, including Wrightsville Beach, volunteers help reinforce that message. Hope Sutton, eastern wildlife diversity supervisor with the wildlife commission, said education and outreach efforts are some of the most powerful tools officials have to raise awareness about the birds’ requirements. “It’s a critical component, whether its students at Wrightsville Beach Elementary making cute signs to warn beachgoers to stay out of the refuge or adults learning about these birds through one of our outreach activities,” she said. “Our behavior patterns can really impact the chance of success many of these birds species have.” The helping hand comes as regulators worry about the future of some of the state’s shorebirds. North Carolina’s 2023 waterbird survey, which is conducted every three years and is a collaborative effort among government agencies and environmental groups, showed substantial dips in the numbers of many nesting shorebirds. Among wading birds, that list included cattle egrets, tricolored heron, little blue herons, snowy egrets and glossy ibis. Beach-nesting species showing substantial declines included the common tern, gull-billed tern, and Caspian tern. Another species that is in trouble is the black skimmer, with North Carolina’s population decreasing by half since 1999. Because skimmers nest directly on the open sand, they are especially vulnerable to disturbance and loss of nesting sites. But the survey wasn’t all bad news. Least tern numbers were found to be increasing, with many of the nests found on the beaches at the south end of Wrightsville Beach and on Lea-Hutaff Island in Pender County. Brown pelicans also are doing well, with 5,227 nests reported in 2023, well above the 15-year average of about 4,000 nests. Many of the shorebirds holding their own nest on spoil islands, like those in the Cape Fear River or Intracoastal Waterway, or on sections of protected natural areas like Masonboro Island that are hard to access. But climate change is an unknown variable that could add to the pressure many species face. On low-lying manmade dredge islands, for example, rising seas and stronger tropical storms tied to warming temperatures could increase erosion and over wash threats. “And the competition for sand is already tough and is likely to get worse in the coming decades,” Sutton said, referring to the limited nearshore sand resources and many coastal towns now seeking nourishment projects to boost their eroding beaches. A warming climate also could prompt some birds to nest sooner. Lindsay Addison, a coastal biologist with Audubon North Carolina, said learning to share the beach and knowing when to back away, such as when a shorebird starts acting irritated, can go a long way to help. “Anyone who has lived down here for a while knows that there are more and more people now, and sometimes it’s really hard to go anywhere along the coast and not run into a lot of people,” she said. “The birds also are experiencing that, and there are a lot of opportunities for people to disturb them and impact their survival. “But if we just keep our distance and take some other steps, like keeping our dogs on a leash during certain times, it can make a really huge difference.” Shorebird nesting season runs from March through mid-September.
Turtle time
Shorebirds aren’t the only ones looking to nest on area beaches. Peak sea turtle nesting season begins May 1 and continues through the end of October. Most local beaches are monitored daily during sea turtle nesting season to look for evidence of nests, which are then monitored and protected if needed during the roughly two-month incubation period. While sea turtle nesting numbers have been showing increases in recent years, regulators and environmentalists warn the marine reptiles still face many threats − especially during the decades they navigate the oceans before females return to their birth beach to nest. While on the beach, threats dangers include holes dug in the sand and left by beachgoers, which can trap hatchlings after they emerge from the nest, and bright lights from homes and businesses that can distract nesting mothers and hatchlings and lead them away from the ocean.
Sharing the beach
Tips from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission on how to share the beach with nesting wildlife this summer:
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Most rip current deaths are preventable. Yet people keep drowning.
Beach-safety experts are frustrated by the mounting fatalities despite awareness campaigns and improved forecasts
Rip-current deaths in the United States are running ahead of last year’s pace — at least 29 since the beginning of the year — with peak beach season yet to come. Experts are warning the public to be aware of this largely hidden hazard ahead of Memorial Day weekend, traditionally one of the busiest beach weekends of the year. The risk of dangerous rip currents is expected to be particularly high this weekend along portions of the Southeast coast where a storm could produce heavy rain, gusty winds and rough seas. Experts say most rip-current fatalities can be prevented. Still, the number of annual rip-current deaths has steadily climbed since the National Weather Service began tracking them in 2010, reaching a record of 130 in 2021, then dipping to 85 last year. Rip currents were the third-leading cause of weather-related deaths from 2012 to 2021, behind only heat and flooding, according to the Weather Service, and in a typical year they kill more people than lightning, hurricanes or tornadoes. Rip currents are strong, narrow streams of water that flow away from the shoreline and can suddenly sweep swimmers out to sea. They can form on almost any beach with breaking waves, especially near low spots or breaks in sandbars, and near jetties or piers. Predicting where and when a rip current will form is difficult because of the many weather and ocean factors involved. The Weather Service cautions that “rip currents often form on calm, sunny days.” The Weather Service lists 26 rip-current deaths this year through April 27, not including three deaths believed to be caused by rip currents on April 28 in Destin, Fla., May 6 in Ocean City, Md., and May 12 at Cannon Beach, Ore. At this point last year, there were 19 total such deaths. Beach-safety experts are expressing frustration as fatalities trend higher again this year despite annual awareness campaigns, such as the United States Lifesaving Association’s National Beach Safety Week held every year during the week before Memorial Day, and recent improvements to rip current forecasts. “It is frustrating when we produce videos and graphics and educational information and release it at the beginning of each beach season, and it still misses so many people,” Scott Stripling, a senior meteorologist at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, said in an email. “The problem seems to be one of communication and/or lack of attention by the general public.”
Rip-current forecasts and warning signs
The Weather Service issues daily rip-current forecasts for beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf Coast, Southern California, Great Lakes, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The forecasts categorize the rip-current risk as low, moderate or high, and are informed by a rip-current model recently developed by NOAA that has made it possible to differentiate the risk between adjacent beaches. Previously the same forecast could span 100 miles or more. However, the model doesn’t enable reliable forecasts of the exact location and time of rip currents. These are influenced by a number of factors including wave characteristics, water levels, winds and the shape of a beach. Advances in artificial intelligence could help with rip-current detection — NOAA is partnering with the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association on a project using AI to detect rip currents in webcam imagery — but such efforts are still in their infancy. In some cases, there are visible clues to the existence of a rip current, such as a break in the waves, foamy water or objects being carried offshore, or darker water that is due to a break in a sandbar. Often, though, rip currents are difficult to see, or are best seen from a high point such as a dune line or the top of a beach access. Rip currents are particularly hard to spot in South Florida, where, the Weather Service says, they “consistently rank at or near the top of the list of deadliest weather-related hazards,” because there is not much sediment to darken or muddy the current at the shoreline. In Brevard County alone, home to nearly 72 miles of sandy beaches, there have been eight apparent rip-current drownings since November, all at beaches without lifeguards. “We have clear-water rips, so these offshore-flowing currents are very hard to detect,” Stephen Leatherman, a professor in the department of earth and environment at Florida International University, said in an email. “The best thing is to have lifeguards and for people to swim close to lifeguards. But lifeguards are very expensive, and Florida has 825 miles of good quality sandy beaches which are swimmable for most of the year.”
Warnings and tips for surviving a rip current
Rip currents flow at speeds up to 5 miles per hour. That may not sound fast, but it’s faster than many Olympic swimmers. If you are caught in a rip current, experts say not to swim directly back to shore against the current, which can quickly exhaust and drown you. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, which is typically no wider than about 50 to 100 feet. You might also escape by floating or treading water, allowing the current to take you out just past the breaking waves where many rip currents tend to dissipate, and then circulate you back toward the shore. However, some rip currents can extend hundreds of yards offshore. If you see someone caught in a rip current, experts urge you not to risk your own life to attempt a swimming rescue unless you have been trained to do so and have a flotation device to assist you and the person in distress. Instead, you should get help from a lifeguard or call 911 if no lifeguard is present. You should also throw the victim something that floats, such as a lifejacket, body board, cooler or a ball, and yell instructions on how to escape. Experts agree that the best way to survive a rip current is to avoid it in the first place. That means checking the rip-current forecast before you enter the water, heeding warnings for rip currents or rough surf, and only swimming close to a lifeguard. The United States Lifesaving Association estimates the chance of someone’s drowning at a beach with a lifeguard at 1 in 18 million. “Lifeguards are trained to spot rip currents and other beach hazards and intervene as and when needed,” Chris Houser, a professor at the University of Windsor School of Environment and a longtime beach-safety researcher, said in an email. “While there is some evidence that individual beach users can be trained to spot rips, most beach users are not aware of what to look for.” U.S. lifeguards make an estimated 80,000 or more rip-current rescues each year, which suggests that education and warning messages are not reaching or are not resonating with as many people as experts would like. “If the lifeguards are flying precautionary flags, and there are signs on the lifeguard stand identifying the potential for rips in that area, and the National Weather Service and media have advertised that there is at least a moderate risk for rip currents to be present at your local beach, what else can we do?” the Weather Service’s Stripling said.
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Staying safe at the beach: Rip currents, jellyfish, sharks, and other hazards
A trip to the beach can turn deadly (or painful) due to natural hazards but being aware of risks and mitigating hazards is a good way to prevent problems.
Picture this: warm weather, blue skies, and your toes in the sand — it sounds like a perfect lazy summer day at the beach. Maybe you decide to cool down in the ocean and find yourself bobbing around when suddenly you realize you are a little too far out. As panic sinks in and you start to swim towards dry land you realize your efforts are in vain and your whole body is getting tired, all the while you are drifting further into the Atlantic — you have gotten stuck in a rip current. It’s not the only potential danger in the ocean, though. There are also sharks. And, of course, there are some things on shore that ruin your day at the beach, too, including stepping on jellyfish and, of course, good old-fashioned sunburn.
Rip currents
According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association (USLA), 80 percent of all ocean rescues are related to rip currents and annually more than 100 fatalities across the country are due to rip currents. While it is obvious that swimming at a beach with lifeguards is one of the safer options, there are plenty of area beaches that lack lifeguards or maybe ocean rescue season has not started just yet. So, what is the best course of action for surviving a rip current? According to the National Weather Service, there are several things swimmers should keep in mind when dealing with these often-unseen dangers.
Sharks
Sharks are a fear on most every swimmer’s mind, regardless of the actual dangers posed by the large predatory fish. “NOAA states that while shark attacks are rare, they are most likely to occur near shore, typically inshore of a sandbar or between sandbars where sharks can be trapped by low tide, and near steep drop-offs where sharks’ prey gather. While the risks are small, it’s important to be aware of how to avoid an attack,” according to previous reporting.
Suggestions from NOAA for reducing the risk of a shark attack include:
Sunburns
Most everyone has experienced a sunburn at one point in their life and while not often thought as a major concern for many, overexposure to UV light can cause serious long-term problems including skin cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using at least S.P.F. 15 sunscreen at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Wearing a hat, long sleeves, and other protective clothing is also recommended to keep skin protected.
Jellyfish
Jellyfish and Portuguese Man of War have been spotted along the beaches of New Hanover County and surrounding area beaches already this season and the little floating creatures can pack a punch. Often times beachgoers will spot them washed up on shore and other times they can be spotted in the water, but it is best to avoid them when you can. “While all jellyfish sting, not all contain poison that hurts humans. Be careful of jellies that wash up on shore, as some can still sting if tentacles are wet. NOAA recommends that if you are stung by a jellyfish to first seek a lifeguard to give first aid. If no lifeguards are present, wash the wound with vinegar or rubbing alcohol,” NOAA suggests. And what about that … other method of treating stings? Turns out, it’s a myth. In fact, urine can actually aggravate the stinging cells of jellyfish, making things worse. These cells, which detach and stick into the skin of prey, can continue to inject venom. Urine, as well as fresh water, can cause an imbalance to the salt solution surrounding the stinging cells, causing them to continue to fire. According to Scientific American, if you don’t have vinegar or rubbing alcohol, rinsing with salt water may be your best bet.
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Storm Events –
Hurricane Vehicle Decals
Property owners were provided with four (4) decals that were included in this month’s water bill. It is important that you place your decals in your vehicle or in a safe place. A $10 fee will be assessed to anyone who needs to obtain either additional or replacement decals. Decals will not be issued in the 24-hour period before an anticipated order of evacuation.
The decals are your passes to get back onto the island to check your property in the event that an emergency would necessitate restricting access to the island. Decals must be displayed in the driver side lower left-hand corner of the windshield, where they are not obstructed by any other items. Officials must be able to clearly read the decal from outside the vehicle.
Property owners without a valid decal will not be allowed on the island during restricted access. No other method of identification is accepted in an emergency situation. Click here to visit the Town website to find out more information regarding decals and emergency situations.
EVACUATION, CURFEW & DECALS
What is a State of Emergency?
A proclamation by the Town which enacts special ordinances and/or prohibitions during emergency situations to protect the public, public health and property. These prohibitions can include limitations on movement, curfews, directing of evacuations, controlling ingress and egress to the emergency area, alcoholic beverages, and more. State of Emergencies are issued in accordance with N.C.G.S. 166A-19.22.
What is a curfew?
A curfew is an order, typically during a State of Emergency, which requires all persons in the affected areas to remain on their own property. During a curfew, you are not free to move about public domain areas or on others’ property. Violations of a curfew could lead to arrest in certain situations.
What is a voluntary evacuation?
A voluntary evacuation creates a recommendation for all parties in the affected area to get their affairs in order hastily and evacuated.
What is a mandatory evacuation?
A mandatory evacuation means you must leave the area in which an order has been issued. With recent changes to the laws in North Carolina, you no longer have the option of staying in an area under an order of mandatory evacuation.
Why is the sewer system turned off during a storm/event?
Often the sewer system is turned off during storms which have the potential to create significant flooding on the island. The system is turned off to protect its integrity. If it were left on, it could pose a significant threat to the public health. When the system is manually shut down, it also greatly reduces the time needed to bring it back up after an event which equates to getting residents and guests back on the Island much faster.
Why is there a delay for decal holders to get back on the island once a storm ends?
After a storm, many things must occur before even limited access can be allowed. Some of those things include making sure the streets are passable; the sewer system must be restarted to comply with State laws; the utilities (water, sewer, electricity, propane supplies) must be checked to ensure no safety risk are present; and the post-storm damage assessment team needs to perform an initial assessment.
Where can I get up-to-date information during and after a storm or State of Emergency?
You can sign up for the Town email service by clicking here. The newsletter, along with the Town’s website will be the main sources of information during an emergency situation. Links to the Town’s official Facebook and Twitter pages can be found on the website. You can also download our app for Apple and Android phones by accessing the app store on your smart phone and searching Holden Beach.
Please refrain from calling Town Hall and Police Department phone lines with general information questions. These lines need to remain open for emergencies, storm management and post-storm mitigation. All updates concerning re-entry, general access, etc. may be found on the Town’s website and other media outlets.
Why do I see others moving about the island during a curfew?
If a curfew order is in place, you must stay on your own property. You may see many other vehicles moving about the Island. We often receive assistance from other local, state, federal and contract personnel during events. It is likely these are the personnel you are seeing, and they are involved in the mitigation process for the event. Please do not assume that a curfew order has been lifted and/or you are free to move about the island.
Can I check my friends’ property for them?
If a curfew order is in place, you may ONLY travel to your personally owned property. Traveling about the Island to check on others’ property is not allowed. is in place, you may ONLY travel to your personally owned property. Traveling about
Who can obtain decals?
Only property owners and businesses who service the island can obtain a decal.
How do I get decals for my vehicle…?
If I am an owner?
Decals will be mailed out in water bills to property owners before the season starts. Those owners who need additional decals can contact Town Hall. A fee may apply, please check the current fee schedule.
If I am a renter?
You must contact the owner of the property to obtain a decal.
If I am a business owner on the Island?
You must contact Town Hall to obtain a decal.
If I am a business owner off the Island that provides services on the Island?
You must contact Town Hall for eligibility and to obtain a decal.
When does my decal expire?
All decals expire on the last day of the calendar year as indicated on the decal.
Where do I put my decal on my car?
Decals must be displayed in the lower left-hand corner of the windshield, where they are not obstructed by any other items to include window tinting, other decals, etc. Officials must be able to clearly read the decal from outside the vehicle. Please note that re-entry will not be allowed if a current, intact decal is not affixed to the windshield as designated.
How do I replace a decal if I get a new vehicle?
If you trade a vehicle or otherwise need a replacement decal, you may obtain them from Town Hall during normal business hours. A fee may apply, check the current fee schedule.
Can I obtain a decal right before an emergency occurs?
While most of the storms we deal with are tropical in nature with some type of advanced warning, we do experience many other types of events that could create a State of Emergency without warning. All eligible parties should obtain decals as early as possible each year to avoid being denied access to the Island. Decals shall not be issued during the 24-hour period prior to an anticipated order of evacuation so staff can concentrate on properly preparing the Town for the storm/event.
Can I use a tax bill or another document for re-entry?
No. You MUST have a decal to re-enter the Island until it is open to the general public.
How does re-entry after a storm during a State of Emergency work?
The bridge is closed to all vehicle access, except for official vehicles. Once those with proper decals are allowed access, they must conform with the current rules in place by the specific State of Emergency Order. After all hazards have been rendered safe, the bridge will be opened to the general public. A curfew could remain in effect however, to ensure the safety and security of the Island and its residents and guests. Please understand this process typically takes days to evolve and could be significantly longer, depending on the amount of damage sustained. Please refrain from calling for times for re-entry, as those are often not set on schedule. Instead, stay tunes to local media outlets and official social media accounts for accurate updates.
How can I check on my property if access is limited to the Island?
Once it is safe, property owners with valid decals will be allowed back on the Island after a storm/event. At this point, you can travel to your property, in accordance with the rules of the specific State of Emergency Order currently in place.
If you live out of the area, please do not travel to the Island until you are certain you will be allowed access. Stay tuned to those media outlets and email services that are of official nature for this information. Also, be certain you have your current, valid decal properly affixed to your vehicle.
It is a good idea to be sure your contact information is current with the Town tax office as this is the location Town officials will use in the event you need to be contacted.
For more information » click here
NC General Statute 166A-19.22
Power of municipalities and counties to enact ordinances to deal with states of emergency.
Synopsis – The governing body may impose by declaration or enacted ordinance, prohibitions, and restrictions during a state of emergency. This includes the prohibition and restriction of movements of people in public places, including imposing a curfew; directing or compelling the voluntary or mandatory evacuation of all or part of the population, controlling ingress and egress of an emergency area, and providing for the closure of streets, roads, highways, bridges, public vehicular areas. All prohibitions and restrictions imposed by declaration or ordinance shall take effect immediately upon publication of the declaration unless the declaration sets a later time. The prohibitions and restrictions shall expire when they are terminated by the official or entity that imposed them, or when the state of emergency terminates.
Violation – Any person who violates any provisions of an ordinance or a declaration enacted or declared pursuant to this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Hot Button Issues –
Subjects that are important to people and about which they have strong opinions
Climate
For more information » click here.
There’s something happening here
What it is ain’t exactly clear
Hottest decade
The latest “State of the Global Climate” report has been released and the news is pretty dire: our world has just experienced its hottest decade. According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2024 was the hottest since record-keeping began and was likely the first time global temperatures exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above the baseline set in 1850-1900. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide were at the highest levels in the last 800,000 years. Such record levels of greenhouse gases — along with the El Niño weather pattern — were mostly to blame for the higher temperatures.
Earth’s 10 Hottest Years Have Been the Last 10
A report from the World Meteorological Organization confirms that 2024 was the hottest year on record and the first year to be more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial era.
With the addition of 2024, yet another record-hot year, the past 10 years have been the 10 hottest in nearly 200 years of record-keeping, the World Meteorological Organization reports. “That’s never happened before,” said Chris Hewitt, the director of the W.M.O.’s climate services division. It marks the first time since record keeping began that all of the 10 hottest years have fallen within the most recent decade. 2024 was the single warmest year on record, surpassing even 2023’s wide lead over other recent years. The planet’s surface was approximately 1.55 degrees Celsius warmer than its average during a reference period that approximates the preindustrial era, from 1850-1900. The annual report from the W.M.O., a United Nations agency, includes input from dozens of experts and institutions from around the world and sheds further light on the record-breaking heat of 2024 and places it in the context of Earth’s long-term warming from climate change. The extra energy in the atmosphere and the oceans helped fuel climate-related disasters around the globe. Extreme weather events like drought, storms and wildfires displaced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, the report says. Atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases released from fossil fuel combustion continue to rise. In 2024, the concentration of carbon dioxide hit amounts unseen in at least two million years, according to the report. Concentrations of two other important greenhouse gases, methane and nitrous oxide, reached levels unseen in at least 800,000 years. Homo sapiens, or modern humans, emerged around 300,000 years ago, so our species has never before experienced an atmosphere so laden with planet-warming greenhouse gases. When countries signed the Paris Agreement in 2015, they agreed to try to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. “While a single year above 1.5 degrees C of warming does not indicate that the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement are out of reach, it is a wake-up call that we are increasing the risks to our lives, economies and to the planet,” Celeste Saulo, the secretary general of the W.M.O., said in a statement. The new report estimates that long-term warming has reached 1.25 to 1.41 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, although the margins of error for some estimates extend beyond 1.5 degrees. The report authors estimate that last year, El Niño and other factors contributed an additional 0.1 or 0.2 of a degree of temporary warming. El Niño is a natural climate pattern that tends to slightly raise the overall surface temperature of the planet. Record warmth, however, continued into 2025, even through El Niño’s transition into the opposing pattern, La Niña. “It’s been really quite extraordinary to see that warmth continue for so long,” John Kennedy, the scientific coordinator and lead author of the report, said during a call with reporters. This warmth is especially apparent in the oceans, where key indicators of climate change are now accelerating. The oceans have so far absorbed around 90 percent of the additional heat trapped inside Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases. The oceans’ heat content — a way to measure this warmth throughout different depths — also reached a record high last year. Over the past two decades, from 2005 to 2024, the oceans warmed more than twice as fast as they did from 1960 to 2005, according to the report. Increased ocean temperatures have had devastating consequences for marine life. By April 2024, warm-water corals had been bleached in every ocean basin where they grow. Global average sea-level rise also reached a record high in 2024, according to the report. The speed at which the seas are rising has also more than doubled in recent years: 4.7 millimeters per year in the past decade, from 2015 to 2024, compared with 2.1 millimeters per year from 1993 to 2002. The World Meteorological Organization’s work depends on international cooperation among its 101 member countries, including the United States. “If you look at how weather has progressed since the initiation of the W.M.O. in 1950, you can now see that you can have the forecast on your smartphone,” said Omar Baddour, the W.M.O.’s chief of climate monitoring. “You cannot believe how much collaboration is behind this.” Data from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which recently lost hundreds of staff positions as part of the rapid, large-scale cuts to the federal bureaucracy the Trump administration undertook beginning earlier this year, are included in the W.M.O.’s new report.
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Flood Insurance Program
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National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On March 14, 2025, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2025.
Congress must now reauthorize the NFIP
by no later than 11:59 pm on September 30, 2025.
GenX
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Homeowners Insurance
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Hurricane Season
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Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30
What early signs suggest about the 2025 hurricane season ahead
A marine heat wave in the Caribbean Sea may fuel an impactful hurricane season in 2025, even though seas have cooled in some areas compared to last year.
Hurricane season is just two months away, and early indications suggest it might not be as hyperactive as last year’s. Still, several factors hint that it won’t be quiet, either. For one, forecasters are looking to the oceans for signs of what could be brewing. Seas in the part of the Atlantic where storms typically form are cooler than they were at this time in 2024 — with warmer waters allowing more fuel for strengthening. But seas are nonetheless about 0.7 degrees higher than the long-term average, the eighth-warmest on record since at least 1940. A marine heat wave remains active across the Caribbean Sea and parts of the Gulf of Mexico — blobs of unusual ocean heat that, should they linger, may tip the scales toward stronger storms close to land. However, La Niña, which tends to boost hurricane activity, is fading. Still, no matter how many (or how few) storms form, it takes only one landfall to make a hurricane season devastating. Last year, five hurricanes made landfall in the contiguous United States — just the ninth season since 1851 to have at least five storm centers hit land. There were 18 storms in total, and the season was considered hyperactive, according to a metric called accumulated cyclone energy. Ahead of further key forecasts, including one from Colorado State University expected later this week, here’s The Washington Post’s assessment for the coming season, and the four key factors that will shape it:
Key factors this hurricane season
Sea temperatures in the Main Development Region
From August to October, tropical storm and hurricane seedlings move from Africa into a vast region of warm seas in the tropical Atlantic Ocean known as the Main Development Region (MDR). The warmer it is, the more energy and moisture are available to fuel storms, allowing them to strengthen as they move through the area. Last year, the MDR was record warm, which is part of the reason forecasters expected such an active season. The MDR is cooler than it was at this time in 2024, especially near the coast of Africa, but it’s still unusually warm overall. In March, it’s been the eighth-warmest on record. Miami-based hurricane expert Michael Lowry is closely watching sea temperatures in this important region. “I certainly see some encouraging trends which suggest this upcoming season could be less active overall than recent hyperactive ones. The Atlantic remains plenty warm — much warmer than average — but after almost two years of unprecedented warmth, it’s nice to see water temperatures fall to more precedented levels,” said Lowry, a hurricane specialist with Local 10 News in Miami.
Sea temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean
The global climate patterns El Niño and La Niña play a critical role in determining how busy hurricane season may be. La Niña, which tends to boost hurricane activity by creating winds more conducive to their formation, has waned in recent months. The tropical Pacific Ocean is now a mix of warmer and cooler-than-average waters — moving toward what is known as a neutral phase. In other words, having neither La Niña nor El Niño. Odds are that neutral conditions will be in place for the start of hurricane season, but this time of year presents challenges for forecasting because of a phenomenon known as the spring predictability barrier. “So-called neutral years can also be quite active in the Atlantic, so unless we see a big warm-up toward El Niño over the next four or five months, the Pacific shouldn’t be a major deterrent this season,” Lowry said.
A marine heat wave in the Caribbean Sea
Ocean water across the Caribbean Sea and western Gulf of Mexico is well above average for the time of year — enough to qualify as a marine heat wave. These vast expanses of unusual ocean heat can affect coral reefs and the behavior of marine life but also provide more moisture and fuel for tropical weather systems. Last year, Hurricanes Helene and Milton derived their energy from a gulf affected by a marine heat wave. Both storms broke atmospheric moisture records, which contributed to extreme rainfall.
The West African monsoon
During June to September, heavy rains and thunderstorms bubble up over the West African Sahel. The strongest disturbances survive the long journey across Africa and emerge in the Atlantic — where they meet increasingly warm seas and strengthen further into tropical storms and hurricanes. How active the African monsoon season is helps determine how many storms may move into the Atlantic. The early indication is there will be a more active monsoon than normal. But not all monsoons are equal — last year’s episode sent storms swirling unusually far north into the Sahara, where it rains very little. Such oddities are not predictable months in advance. Other factors, such as dust from the Sahara, can reduce hurricane risk as the dry air suppresses rainfall and thunderstorm activity across the Atlantic — and can cool the ocean. But it’s not typically possible to predict dust outbreaks more than a week or so in advance. Last season, Hurricane Ernesto ingested wildfire smoke as it moved past Newfoundland, Canada. The intersection of hurricanes and wildfires will be something to watch this season, particularly as many parts of the United States continue to deal with drought impacts.
What is known — and what remains uncertain
It’s not possible to predict exactly when or where a tropical storm or hurricane will strike weeks or months in advance. But a broad-brush understanding of the theme of hurricane season can be developed by comparing current conditions to the past and forecast models. Forecasters analyze several key metrics and use a variety of techniques to help understand whether the season might be quiet or busy, relative to an average season, which has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). The key predictors currently suggest that a slightly above average Atlantic hurricane season in 2025 is possible, but the hyperactive characteristics present in 2024 are fading. Lowry called hurricane season “a marathon, not a sprint” — and referred to the 1992 season, when Andrew, a hurricane with deadly impacts in South Florida, was the first and only major Atlantic hurricane of the year. He urged early preparations for any scenario. “Emergency managers and disaster planners don’t alter their plans based on the seasonal outlooks, and neither should you or your family,” Lowry said. “Prepare this year as you would any other year. It only takes one bad hurricane to make it a bad season where you live.”
Read more » click here
As the NC coast gears up for hurricane season, a big change is coming to forecast maps
We’re still a couple of months out from the start of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which is the perfect time to start preparing. Gearing up for hurricane season entails more than just making sure your hurricane supplies are topped off. Making sure you can receive the latest weather updates and staying on top of what’s new for the 2025 hurricane season is just as important. The National Hurricane Center has already announced more than a few changes it’s making for the upcoming hurricane season, like updating its “cone of uncertainty” and providing an earlier window to send alerts about potential tropical activity.
Here’s what to know about what’s news for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
The NHC is updating its Potential Tropical Cyclone system for 2025
Starting on May 15, the National Weather Service (NWS) will implement some significant changes to its Potential Tropical Cyclone advisory (PTC) system.
The experimental cone of uncertainty will be narrower
The NHC says it will continue using its experimental cone graphic, which is frequently referred to as the cone of uncertainty. The graphic is meant to track the probable path of a tropical cyclone’s center. The cone is frequently misunderstood, which is one reason the NHC consistently updates the product. Here are this year’s changes.
New rip current risk map will highlight dangerous conditions stemming from hurricanes
Due to an increase in surf and rip current fatalities in the United States, the NHC will provide current risk information from distant hurricanes and provide a national rip current risk map.
Current day, next day and a composite showing the highest risk over both days will be available for areas along the East and Gulf coasts of the U.S in one page.
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Inlet Hazard Areas
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Lockwood Folly Inlet
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Seismic Testing / Offshore Drilling
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Offshore Wind Farms
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Things I Think I Think –
Eating out is one of the great little joys of life.
Restaurant Review:
The Dinner Club visits a new restaurant once a month. Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, ambience and service, with price taken into consideration.
Top 10 Wilmington restaurants from OpenTable’s Diners Choice awards
The online restaurant-reservation service company OpenTable uses the data from the 60,000 eateries on their site to put together lists of brunch spots, hot spots and most booked restaurants. Some also land on a list best overall restaurants and earn Diner’s Choice awards. “This is a living, breathing list,” said Jenna D’Aniello, with OpenTable. Which means they are frequently analyzing the millions of reviews for the ever changing top 10. But here are some Wilmington-area spots that were earning rave reviews in early 2025.
1) Seabird
James Beard Outstanding Chef finalist Dean Neff and his team offer a hyper local approach to seafood and product at 1 S. Front St. in Wilmington.
2) Farfalla
The We Are True Blue restaurant group opened Ellipsis at 1502 S. Third St. in Wilmington with an evolving theme. Lately, that’s been their Farfalla concept with an innovative Italian menu.
3) Catch – Modern Seafood Cuisine
Another local James Beard semi-finalist, Chef Keith Rhodes, offers local seafood prepared in both Southern-inspired dishes and with global flavors at 6623 Market St., Wilmington.
4) Solstice Kitchen & Cocktails
Take in chef-prepared meals and ocean views at this restaurant at Holiday Inn Resort Lumina at 1706 N. Lumina Ave. in Wrightsville Beach.
5) Port Land Grille
Look for progressive American regional cuisine in a casual-but-elegant restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining at Lumina Commons.
6) Jerry’s Food, Wine and Spirits
This restaurant at 7220 Wrightsville Ave., Wrightsville Beach, has been a favorite since 1992. Since then, they’ve served actors, politicians, athletes and locals.
7) Genki Sushi Japanese Restaurant
This spot at 4724 New Centre Drive in Wilmington has been a longtime local favorite for sushi and more in a warm, welcoming environment.
8) G Prime Steak & Cellar
Newer to the scene near Wrightsville Beach is this classic steakhouse with an upscale coastal vibe and an extensive wine list at 1981 Eastwood Road.
9) PinPoint Restaurant
One of Southern Living’s suggestions for must-try Wilmington restaurants, this restaurant has a farm-to-table menu in downtown at 114 Market St.
10) Brent’s Bistro
This popular restaurant at 7110 Wrightsville Ave. near Wrightsville Beach has the atmosphere of an upscale neighborhood gem with a menu that changes weekly.
Read more » click here
Most of these Wilmington restaurants are on my favorites list
Dining Guide – Favorites * Lou’s Views
Only Caprice Bistro and Manna are not, which is a little surprising to me
Dining Guide – Local
Old places, New faces
Name: Salty Dogs Cafe & Bark Bar
Location: 2991 Holden Beach Road, Supply NC
Archibald’s Deli established in 1991 has permanently closed. Salty Dogs Café opened at this location at the end of April. They have rebranded the Archibald’s Deli menu and added a full bar, fenced dog area, live music, and special events.
Dining Guide – Local * Lou’s Views
Dining Guide – North * Lou’s Views
Dining Guide – South * Lou’s Views
Restaurant Reviews – North * Lou’s Views
Restaurant Reviews – South * Lou’s Views
Book Review:
Read several books from The New York Times best sellers fiction list monthly
Selection represents this month’s pick of the litter
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NOBODY’S FOOL by Harlan Coben
The story follows private investigator Sami Kierce as he tries to figure out how someone from his college days he thought was dead and that he was the one responsible walked into his classroom. As he delves into the case, he confronts his haunting past and ultimately discovers that he is nobody’s fool.
That’s it for this newsletter
See you next month
Lou’s Views . HBPOIN
. • Gather and disseminate information
. • Identify the issues and determine how they affect you
. • Act as a watchdog
. • Grass roots monthly newsletter since 2008
Lou’s Views
“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments
The BOC’s May Regular Meeting is scheduled on May 20th
Normally our newsletter is posted on the following Sunday, which is May 25th
I am unable to attend the meeting
We are still publishing the newsletter, albeit a week later than usual
Our May newsletter will be posted on Sunday, June 1st
BOC’s Special Meeting 04/08/25
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Discussion and Possible Action on Street Paving Bids (Sand Dollar Drive and Heron Drive) – Public Works Director Clemmons (Mayor Pro Tem Myers)
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action on street paving bids
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Right Angle Engineering held a bid solicitation for street paving, which this year is Sand Dollar and Heron Drive. The most responsive bid is from Highland Paving in the amount of $149,500. The recommendation of Right Angle is to award to Highland Paving.
Previously reported – November 2015
Streets Condition Survey Report is a planning document. We have a total of 12.8 paved asphalt roadways with @40% of the roads in need of maintenance. Subject streets are Class A (low volume) roads the cost estimate is for pavement repair only, with the costs being variable. The total estimated costs are a whopping $1,200,000. Surface evaluation was done rating each street and prioritizing the work that needs to be done. Recommended we address it with a ten-year game plan, budgeting accordingly, tackling it on a yearly basis. Understandably we can expect our streets to continue to degrade while costs will continue to go up.
Previously reported – November 2024
Maintenance Needs
Of the 12.8 miles of streets inspected, approximately 25% are in need of maintenance. The survey indicated a total estimated maintenance need for plant mix resurfacing of $1,021,874. This represents an average of $72,350 per mile for the entire town street system. It should be noted that this cost estimate is for pavement repair only. Additional costs can be incurred for drainage improvements, administration, utility adjustments, work zone traffic control, and other items. Please note that these costs are variable and can increase the total project cost significantly.
Pavement Condition Rating / PCR Listing
The type and amount of distress that was observed on each street was used to obtain a Pavement Condition Rating (PCR). A 66 – 80 rating indicates a general condition of just fair.
The following streets had the lowest PCR:
Update –
In 2015 the Board implemented a tax increase of $.010 specifically for street paving and maintenance. The penny worth of tax revenue earmarked for paving is money that is already in the budget. For the last few years, Right Angle Engineering reviewed the bids and has recommended Highland Paving, who has done satisfactory work for the Town before. Once again Right Angle Engineering recommends the Town award the contract to Highland Paving. A motion was made to award the contract to Highland Paving for street paving of Sand Dollar and Heron Drive in the amount of $149,500. Although it was not discussed they normally try to have paving work completed before Memorial Day.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Editor’s note –
2025 / Sand Dollar and Heron Drive at a cost of $149,500
2024 / High Point Street at a cost of $115,250
2023 / Tide Ridge Drive, Pointe West Drive and Ranger Street at a cost of $126,000
2022 / Seagull Drive at a cost of $208,150
. • The cost was split between the Town and the properties on Seagull
2021 / BAE from Rothschild to Ferry at a cost of $123,000
2020 / BAW from High Point to Rothschild at a cost of $111,250
Ad Valorem Tax
Estimated 2024 tax base is $2,402,018,650 with tax rate of $.14 per $100 of assessed value
. a) $2,402,018,650 X $.14 = $3,362,827
. b) $3,362,827 X 99.20 = $3,335,924
. • Tax collection rate of 99.20%
A penny generates approximately $240,202 of tax revenue which is earmarked specifically for street paving and maintenance and is already in the budget. If we have tax revenue in excess of $200K why are we only spending $100K a year?
2. Budget Workshop – Mayor Pro Tem Myers
. a) Expenditures
County Courthouse 04/14/25
Superior Court Case # 25CV001201-090
Notice is hereby given that a quorum of the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners may be present at the Brunswick County Courthouse, Courtroom 007 on Monday, April 14, 2025.
Previously reported – March 2025
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to approve a budget amendment moving funds from fund balance to professional services.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
A fund balance appropriation will allow coverage for additional anticipated legal fees through the end of the current fiscal year.
Moved funds of $50,000
From Revenue account #10.0399.0200 to Expense account#10.0410.0400
The Ordinance is for a fund balance appropriation that will allow coverage for additional anticipated legal fees through the end of the current fiscal year.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Although not stated, this is an unnecessary cost to hire attorneys to represent us for the frivolous lawsuit filed by Lisa Ragland. She filed a civil suit against the Town alleging the Board violated state law by holding a meeting without a quorum. Even if she is right (she’s not) the outcome would have been the same, the lawsuit is a waste of time and money. Therefore, we should go after her for all costs associated with our legal defense.
THB Code of Ordinances – Quorum
§30.15 VOTING AND QUORUMS.
(A) Quorum. The Mayor and three Commissioners, or three Commissioners without the Mayor shall constitute a quorum (simple majority) of the Town BOC
Coates’ Canons NC Local Government Law
It is not unusual for a charter to specify the method for determining the quorum for a city council. Accordingly, city elected officials, as well as city attorneys and clerks, should examine their respective charters for quorum provisions. Ordinarily, if the charter differs from G.S. 160A-74, the council should follow its charter.
See G.S. 160A-82.
For more information » click here
A Parliamentary Procedure Primer: Part 3 – Quorum Misconceptions
Misconception 4: Cities must always follow the quorum statute, G.S. 160A-74, even if their charter seems to conflict.
In addition to G.S. 160A-74, city charters commonly provide a method for calculating quorum. What if there is a conflict between the quorum statute and a city’s charter? While Section 160A-82 provides that the statutes in its part (including the quorum statute) do not invalidate conflicting city charter provisions, it does not describe how to deal with the conflicts. For that, we look to Section 160A-3. That section provides three different avenues for resolving charter-statute conflicts. First, if both the charter and the statute seem to describe everything required for performing a particular duty or function, the city can choose to follow either its charter or the General Statutes. G.S. 160A-3(a). Second, if a charter fails to provide all the details necessary to carry out a particular power, duty, privilege, immunity, or function, cities should supplement the charter with the procedures described in statute. In case of a conflict, however, the charter provisions control. G.S. 160A-3(b). Finally, if statute provides for a certain power, duty, immunity, privilege, or function that an earlier enacted charter expressly denies, then the statute supersedes the charter. G.S. 160A-3(c). Using the structure in G.S. 160A-3, cities would need to look closely at their charter’s quorum language. Does the charter provide all the information necessary for calculating quorum? If so, the city can likely choose to follow either the charter or G.S. 160A-74 under G.S. 160A-3(a). If not, the city might supplement its charter procedures with those in G.S. 160A-74, but the charter would still control in the case of any conflict. While quorum seems simple, it can prompt a variety of questions, and misunderstanding its requirements can lead to tricky situations. Understanding what is required for quorum will keep local governments on the right track both legally and procedurally.
For more information » click here
THB MOTION TO DISMISS
Plaintiff’s claim for a declaratory judgment of the validity of the quorum provision in the Town’s charter is not justiciable.
Plaintiff’s Claim for Declaratory Judgment regarding action taken during the January 28, 2025, Meeting fails to state a claim for which relief can be granted.
Plaintiff’s Cause of Action for an Injunction requiring Defendant to amend its Rules and Procedures fails to state a claim for which relief can be granted.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Town of Holden Beach respectfully prays unto the Court for the following relief:
. 1) That Plaintiff’s Complaint and First Amended Complaint against the Town be dismissed with prejudice, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1A-1, R. 12(b)(6) and N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1A-1, R. 12(b)(1), and that the Court rule that:
. a) Each of Plaintiff’s claims for Declaratory Judgment against the Town fail as a matter of law and should be dismissed with prejudice; and
. b) Plaintiff’s claim for Injunctive Relief against the Town fails as a matter of law and should be dismissed with prejudice; and
Update –
Lisa Ragland, a Holden Beach property owner, filed a lawsuit against the town over concerns about how the town government conducts business. She alleges that the town board has violated state law by holding meetings and making decisions without a proper quorum. The brouhaha has resulted in a lot of bad press for the town. The plaintiff, Lisa, on Friday May 11th submitted a voluntary notice to the court that this action is hereby dismissed without prejudice.
Legal action against a Brunswick beach town is on hold. Here’s why.
A lawsuit between a Brunswick beach town and third generation property owner is left in suspense after a scheduled court hearing was cancelled. The town of Holden Beach and resident Lisa Ragland were scheduled for a preliminary injunction hearing on April 14, 2025. Both parties requested dismissal before the hearing. However, Ragland requested to dismiss the lawsuit with the option it could be refiled.
Here’s what to know.
What’s the case?
Ragland has voiced concerns about the town’s government by filing a civil suit against the town of Holden Beach through the Brunswick County Superior Court Division on Jan. 30, 2025. Her case argues the board acted without a quorum during the Jan. 28, 2025, special meeting because only three out of six board members, Commissioners Tracey Thomas, Rick Paarfus and Tom Myers, were in attendance and took action. Ragland believes the three commissioners violated state law, despite the town maintaining they did not act unlawfully, and requests the board’s actions on Jan. 28 be “invalidated.” The civil case also requests the quorum section of the town of Holden Beach Charter be amended to reflect the North Carolina General Statute, which states that a quorum is when a majority of the board and the mayor are present. On April 4, the town filed a motion to dismiss Ragland’s complaint and first amended complaint requesting a hearing to follow or precede the preliminary injunction hearing that was scheduled. Ragland on April 11 requested to voluntarily dismiss the lawsuit without prejudice. This allows her to refile the action within a year if she chooses.
Why dismiss the lawsuit?
The town filed voluntary dismissal of the case “for lack of standing and for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted,” as stated in the town’s motion to dismiss. A memo in support of the town’s motion to dismiss was submitted on April 10 in the afternoon, Town Attorney Sydnee Moore said. On April 11, Ragland filed a notice of voluntary dismissal. She said her dismissal stems from a new finding. After further research, Ragland discovered the town does not have to change its charter, just an ordinance. The charter looks to an ordinance, amended in 2007, to decide how many board members make a quorum. Ragland said the ordinance is invalid and that her discovery was too late and could not be added to the civil complaint. Ragland said repealing the ordinance to the North Carolina General Assembly will be more cost efficient and quicker than going through the court process. However, the town board must take action to repeal the ordinance through the general assembly. “I wanted the opportunity to resolve this at a lower cost option for the taxpayers,” Ragland said. On March 18, the town board approved a budget amendment. The amendment moved $50,000 from the fund balance to the professional services fund to pay for professional services through the end of the fiscal year. “To my knowledge, it was not earmarked for a specific purpose,” Moore said. Though Ragland wanted to save the town money, Moore said funds are still being spent to cover lawsuit fees. “At the time the notice of voluntary dismissal was filed, the town was already legally obligated to pay the funds for hours expended for the preparation of subpoenaed materials, motion to dismiss, memo in support thereof, and in preparation for the preliminary injunction hearing previously scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2025,” Moore said.
What’s next?
Local state representatives, including Rep. Charlie Miller and Sen. Bill Rabon, have been contacted about her concerns and the invalid ordinance, Ragland said. “If the town does not repeal the ordinance, the general assembly will make them repeal the ordinance,” she said. If the town does not take steps to voluntarily repeal the ordinance within 60 days, Ragland said she will go to the general assembly for help and refile the action. “I’m not backing down,” she said.
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Resident’s lawsuit against Holden Beach dismissed
A resident’s lawsuit against the Town of Holden Beach has been dismissed, the town’s attorney confirmed Monday. Lisa Ragland sued the town on Jan. 30, alleging Holden Beach was violating state statute by only requiring three board members to be present at meetings for a legal quorum. She said decisions made by some town commissioners were hurting the town, its businesses and its visitors. Ragland didn’t respond to multiple requests for comment on Monday. Ragland filed to voluntarily dismiss the lawsuit on Friday, April 11. Because the lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice, she can refile within a year if she wants to. A preliminary injunction hearing had been scheduled for Monday. Holden Beach had also filed a motion to dismiss on April 4, Town Attorney Sydnee Moore said. The suit lacked standing and the town had “statutory backup,” Moore said. The lawsuit alleged the board didn’t have a legal quorum to approve contracts and agenda resolutions during a Jan. 28 special meeting. Only three of the town’s six commissioners were at the meeting, which Ragland claimed violated state statute, requiring either four commissioners – or three, plus the mayor – to be present. Holden Beach’s town charter, though, allows a quorum with only three board members present. Mayor Alan Holden declined to comment on the lawsuit’s dismissal when reached on Monday. Holden Beach had previously passed a budget amendment on March 18, moving $50,000 to a professional services fund through the end of the fiscal year. These funds helped cover the cost of the litigation, though Moore said it wasn’t earmarked for specific purposes. While the town had to pay attorneys for hours spent preparing subpoenaed materials, Holden Beach didn’t spend close to $50,000 defending the suit, the attorney said.
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BOC’s Special Meeting 04/17/25
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Budget Workshop
. a) Revenues & Expenditures
BOC’s Regular Meeting 04/15/25
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Conflict of Interest Check
Rules of Procedure for the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners
(e) Conflict Check. Immediately after the approval of the agenda, the Presiding Officer shall poll each member to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. In the event that a potential conflict is disclosed, the members will vote on a motion to allow or excuse that member with respect to the agenda item. If excused, the member may not participate in any discussion, debate, or vote with respect to the agenda item.
The Board was polled by Heather our Town Clerk. All of them declared that there was no conflict of interest with any agenda item at this meeting.
2. HDR Items – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
. a) Consideration and Possible Action on Revised Scope
. b) Discussion on Pier Construction Structural Specifics
Agenda Packet – page 17 – 34, plus separate packet
HDR Condition Assessment » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action on HDR’s scope of work and structural questions regarding pier construction.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
At the March meeting, HOR presented a preliminary structural report that indicated a feasible path forward for the pier was a rebuild option. At this meeting, they will be presenting the final report, a revised scope of work/timeline for completion, and questions for the board’s consideration regarding future construction
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Receive information and consider making structural recommendations
At the March meeting, the BOC voted to move to remove the repair option and only consider a rebuild option for the pier, which would result in a scope change for the HDR agreement. The firm will be at the meeting to present the final structural analysis, outline the scope/time line change, and to ask the BOC for guidance regarding several construction questions. Questions are concentrated in the following areas:
Besides these main considerations the firm would also like to understand what the BOC sees as expected operations the pier must support and preferred construction windows to adequately account for the economic cost analysis. Specifically, would the board want to avoid summer construction, which may indicate that two mobilizations might be needed.
Previously reported – March 2025
Discussion and Possible Action to Accept Recommendations from HDR Regarding the Condition Assessment of the Pier – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
HDR Executive Summary » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to accept recommendations from HDR regarding the condition assessment of the pier.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
HDR was hired to engage in engineering analysis of the pier. The condition assessment of the pier structure has been initiated by their structural lead. HDR will present the findings.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report and provide direction to HDR for continued work.
On March 3, 2025, HDR conducted a site investigation and condition assessment as defined in the “Waterfront Facilities Inspection and Assessment – Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice No. 130” published by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
In summary, the overall condition of the existing fishing pier was assessed to be in POOR condition and HDR recommends replacing the timber superstructure in its entirety. The pier approach (superstructure and substructure) will also be required to be replaced in its entirety to satisfy federal ADA requirements. The existing substructure has many structural deficiencies which would require extensive repairs and is currently at the end of its useful service life. This coupled with the fact that the recommended construction methods would be similar for both repair and replacement options supports the conclusion that repairing the existing pier would not be structurally cost effective, nor would it provide the longevity or service life that results from replacing the timber fishing pier. Therefore, it is HDR’s recommendation that the Town of Holden Beach consider a pier replacement option only.
HDR is the engineering firm we hired to evaluate the pier structure. The presentation was on the pier condition assessment and their recommendations. The pier superstructure and substructure are currently at the end of their useful service life. Their report indicates that repairing the existing pier would not be cost effective. Commissioner Smith seemed to refuse to accept the report created by a licensed marine structural engineer that repair is doable but not practical. Commissioner Smith had an antagonistic exchange with the vendor. His behavior was completely inappropriate, the relationship between the Board and the engineering firm should not be adversarial. It’s the firm’s recommendation that the Town consider the pier replacement option only. Now that they are able to make an informed decision they have decided to cut our losses, to save both time and money, by not considering the repair option. HDR will begin to develop an engineering design with cost estimates for both the building and maintaining a new pier. The motion was made to accept their preliminary report and their recommendation to move forward on preliminary planning to build a new pier. So, we are back to the drawing board.
A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion
Consideration and Possible Action to Award Bids for the Demolition of the Pier Building – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to award bids for the demolition of the pier building
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The bids for the demolition of the pier building were received on February 21st. There were four companies that responded. Planning and Inspections Director Evans followed up on some bid specifics. Based on his review and follow up. his recommendation is for Jessie & Myers Construction Company based on price.
We received four bids for the demolition of the pier building as follows:
RHI $36,000
Cohen Construction $42,875
Jessie & Myers $46,500
Pinnacle Southeast $54,000
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
If the board is choosing to move forward with this action item at this time, then award bids to most responsive bidder.
The most responsive bid received after review of bid specifics by Planning and Inspection Director Evans is $46,500 submitted by Jessie & Myers Construction Company, Inc. Ranking in order after follow- up discussion was as follows:
Jessie & Myers Construction
Pinnacle Southeast Contracting Group
Cohen Construction
Robbins Home Improvement
Suggested Motion:
If the board is choosing to move forward with this action item at this time, then staff recommends approving the bid for Jessie & Myers and authorizing the interim manager to execute the associated paperwork. The funds will be sourced from Available to Appropriate in BPART
The agenda packet specifically states that the selection of Jessie & Myers was based on price, which is obviously not the case. Christy explained that they needed additional info on environmental testing and reviewed the total scope of work. The staff determined that the most responsive bid was from Jessie & Myers and that is who they recommended. Commissioner Smith objected because protocol has been to award the bid to the vendor with the lowest bid. I find it ironic since this time the Board deferred to the towns staff recommendation, which is exactly what he has argued for in the past. The project will start within two weeks of receiving notice to proceed and be completed within two weeks. Commissioners also requested that Christy discuss with the contractor to work with the Holden Beach Community Alliance to retrieve items inside the building that the organization identified as historically significant. Motion was made to award the bid to Jessie and Myers Construction Company for $46,500. The Board approved the bid from Jessie & Myers to demolish the pier building and instructed Interim Town Manager Ferguson to execute the associated paperwork.
A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion
Holden Beach pier building demolished after more than 70 years
A Holden Beach landmark has been knocked down after being closed for several years. The Holden Beach pier building has been demolished after standing for more than 70 years. The building and pier had been closed to the public since 2022 due to concerns over a lack of repairs. Holden Beach commissioners voted 3-0 during a meeting on January 28th to demolish the building. Jackie and Richard Crabtree worked at the pier in the 1970s and early 80s. They say it’s tough seeing a symbol of Holden Beach gone. “These people that live here now don’t realize what this place was, what it meant to thousands of people that lived here before, Jackie said.” “We’re going to miss it, seeing it, you know, being able to walk in the pier (building), walk on the pier,” Richard said. “Something we’re missing.” A civil lawsuit was filed against Holden Beach’s Board of Commissioners relating to that January meeting, claiming the board did not have a majority of its members present. The suit claims that it violates state law. The town has not yet said where a replacement building or repairs to the pier will be done.
Read more » click here
Update –
HDR reviewed the information in their Condition Assessment Report. They discussed the benefits of concrete, hybrid, and timber and the different construction methods and costs.
The estimated ballpark pier replacement costs are as follows:
The estimated costs does not include the cost of the demolition of the existing pier. HDR recommended the hybrid design because of both the construction cost and maintenance costs. They also dissuaded the Board from revisiting the repair option. The Board indicated its primary concern is the cost because it could be prohibitive for the town, with some options probably costing more than we can afford. Then the Board by consensus decided to have HDR design a 1,000’ timber pier, built from the land out, with a T structure at the end. The Board also approved changes to the contract to reflect the decision made at the March meeting to remove the repair option and only consider a rebuild option for the pier. The motion made was to approve the revised contract.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Editor’s note –
The most likely scenario will be that after the Board has figured out what has to be done and the cost to do it then the community will have an opportunity to determine the piers fate. Personally, I believe that most of the public would like to have a pier but I don’t think that they will be willing to pay for it. That is pretty much what Mayor Holden said in the WECT news interview. Commissioner Thomas thanked the Mayor for putting a referendum on the table and stated that the public should decide whether to spend the money for a pier not just the five (5) Board members.
WECT TV6
Mayor Alan Holden said the Holden Beach pier may soon be gone as well. “I think eventually the cost of it is going to be put to the public for a potential referendum or some kind of a polling thing,” Holden said. “And at that point in time, the price will be so high, I’ll be surprised if the public would support it.”
3. Police Report – Chief Jeremy Dixon
Agenda Packet – pages 35 – 40
Police Report » click here
Jeremy reviewed the actions that were taken by them last month
..
Business as usual, normal amount and type of activity for this time of year.
Easter weekend please slow down and drive carefully
They are getting ready for Days at the Dock which is coming up at the end of the month
Public Service announcements
Staffing –
Chris Thompson was moved from part-time status to full-time status
John B has been given a conditional offer of employment
Chief Dixon encourages everyone to download the app
NC Police Connect on the App Store
Personnel announcement
There are currently only five (5) officers working out of eleven (11) positions
We are down six (6) officers
. * three (3) vacant positions and three (3) officers are out on medical leave
To say that they are stretched pretty thin is an understatement
Jeremy is looking at mutual aid from other police departments
Having the full complement of eleven (11) police officers seems to be an elusive goal.
‘We need help’: Holden Beach Police Department facing officer shortage
The Holden Beach Police Department is facing a significant staffing shortage ahead of the busy beach season. “We’re prioritizing the police department,” Mayor Alan Holden said Tuesday. “We need help.” Police Chief Jeremy Dixon says currently, they only have four officers out of 11 total positions, with three out on medical leave and four job openings. The four remaining officers are working daily 12-hour shifts to fill the gaps while neighboring agencies like the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and numerous other police departments in neighboring communities are stepping in to assist, too, Dixon said. “We’re doing everything we can to try to get them some more support and some more help and get more officers here on the street to keep our community safe,” said Dixon. To address the recruiting and retention woes — which are part of a nationwide law enforcement shortage that has been exacerbated since 2020 — Dixon has proposed a new, four-part approach that he recently pitched to the town’s board of commissioners. The proposal includes adding a ranking system, cadet program, health and wellness program, and issuing more awards to officers. The ranking system would include structuring positions — for example, creating a “senior police officer position.” Right now, all officers within the department hold the same rank. The system could incentivize both candidates and current officers, Dixon said. The cadet program, meanwhile, would train candidates lacking significant law enforcement experience, paying for them to get through Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET). The goal, Dixon said, isn’t to just bring people to Holden Beach, but to keep them long-term and maintain a family-like environment within the town and the department. “With Holden Beach being the family beach, we take that same approach with our employees. We are a family here,” he said. Dixon said it can be difficult to compete with nearby agencies in larger cities with better pay — like Wilmington and Leland — but said his department offers a different environment. Holden said the town can be attractive to experienced candidates looking for a quieter community with less crime and fewer calls, while also having the chance to live on the beach. At the same time, Dixon and Holden emphasized the importance of adding more officers soon, with visitors expected to fill the town over the coming months. “It is imperative that we get ahead of this and get our staffing levels back up,” said Dixon. Dixon credited town commissioners with supporting his proposal so far. The police chief is now working with town staff to finalize specifics before he presents them to the Board of Commissioners for approval.
Read more » click here
What he did not say –
NA
If you know something, hear something, or see something –
call 911 and let the police deal with it.
4. Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans
Agenda Packet – pages 41 – 43
Inspections Report » click here
ACTIVE NEW HOME PERMITS = 23
OTHER ACTIVE PERMITS = 485
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $30,000 = 91
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $100,000 = 6
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS = 1
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED WAITING PICK UP = 31
TOTAL PERMITS = 559
PERMITS IN REVIEW = 10
CAMA ISSUED = 5
ZONING ISSUED = 13
PERMITS SERVICED FOR INSPECTIONS FROM 03/07 – 04/07 = 98
TOTAL INSPECTIONS MADE = 229
Update –
Timbo briefly reviewed department activity last month, the department is staying busy.
5. Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey
Agenda Packet – pages 44 – 46
Finance Report » click here
Update –
Daniel briefly reviewed the Finance Report
6. Town Manager Report – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – page 47 – 49
Town Manager Report » click here
Christy reviewed the Town Manager Report
Greensboro Street / Sewer Lift Station #2
Construction schedule anticipates completion in August
The contractor is having difficulty finding the Buy America, Build America required materials for the grant
Buy America Build America waivers granted by EPA
Items completed to date:
Block Q Restrooms & Parking
Pre-construction meeting held with the contractor on April 3, 2025
Staff doing pre-construction utility locates
Accomplishing as much as can be done this fiscal year
Extension applied for with the state
Employee Updates
Receptionist Penny King was hired for Fiscal Operations Specialist position
We filled the position by promoting from within
In the process of interviewing for the receptionist position
Ryleigh Gleason was hired for the receptionist position
Chris Thompson was moved from part-time status to full-time status with PD
John B has been given a conditional offer of employment with PD
Ocean Boulevard Stormwater
Staff met with the USACE 3/31/25 regarding understanding timeline/scope of project funding – 300 block Ocean Blvd. and East End of Mullet/Ave A
USACE plans to attend May meeting to brief board
Discussions with McGill to understand permitting and design requirements for next fiscal year
Previously reported – March 2025
Our lobbyist Ward and Smith met with the State regarding Federal funding for Ocean Blvd. stormwater issues.
Previously reported – February 2025
More to come on a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) and the required Board Action to engage in the $2.2 million in federal funding.
Pier Site
Building was removed per last month’s bid award
THB Newsletter (04/15/25)
Work has been completed and the pier parking lot and walkways are now open.
Please be mindful not to stand or sit under the pier structure.
THB Newsletter (04/17/25)
The portable restrooms at the pier are not available until further notice due to a sewer issue.
Washington, D.C. Trip-Federal Priorities
Productive trip -American Shore and Beach Preservation Association Conference and Capitol Hill
Meetings were as follows:
Appropriations request submitted to Senator Tillis-April 3rd
One will also be submitted to the House
Sand Matters
UNCW held a workshop to explore stakeholder thoughts on Regional Sediment Management.
More to come on how the process unfolds in the future
Canal Dredging Survey
Currently underway
Beach Annual Maintenance Survey
Will begin in the next few weeks
Tracking Tool
The BOC’s are looking for a status report on a monthly basis in order to track the progress of projects that they have prioritized.
The current status of each of the eight (8) items listed is in the Town Manager Report
What she did not say –
Key Bridge Mediation Agreement
Our new facilities on the east end located at 339 Ocean Boulevard East are now open! Site improvements include an ADA compliant walkway, a restroom facility and parking.
Paid Parking
Annual parking passes are now available for purchase
Hurricane Vehicle Decals
Property owners were provided with four (4) decals that were included in their water bills
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) Crossing
Alerted by the Corps that we should be receiving funds back from Crossing Project
In Case You Missed It –
THB Newsletter (02/22/25)
Dog Reminders
Please remember that any time your dog is off your premise, they must be on a leash, cord or chain at all times. Also, dog owners must remove dog waste immediately after it is deposited by the dog when on public property or any private property, including vacant lots, without the permission of the private property owner. Dog waste stations are conveniently located throughout the island.
Emergency Operations Center
The EOC building is being used by Tri-Beach Fire Department while they renovate their fire station on Sabbath Home
National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On March 14, 2025, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2025.
News from Town of Holden Beach
The town sends out emails of events, news, agendas, notifications and emergency information. If you would like to be added to their mailing list, please go to their web site to complete your subscription to the Holden Beach E-Newsletter.
For more information » click here
Upcoming Events –
Days at the Docks Festival
April 26th & 27th
Holden Beach
Concerts on the Coast Series
The Town’s summer concert series calendar has been released!
Summer Concert Schedule * Lou’s Views
7. Consideration and Possible Action on Beach Safety Warning Stations – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – pages 50 – 60
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action on beach safety warning stations.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Last month, the fire department presented some options of how they could partner with the Town on a beach water safety program. They will be at the meeting to further outline the program for potential implementation.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Receive information, and based on attorney comments, consider partnering with the Fire Department
Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department / Water Rescue Safety Stations
This document details the proposed plan for a partnership between the Town of Holden Beach and Tri•Beach Volunteer Fire Department to install and maintain Water Rescue Safety Stations along the oceanfront of the entire island. Below, you will find the details of how the project will be funded and maintained.
Previously reported – March 2025
Fire Department Update – Fire Chief Doug Todd
We request that the town partner with us to provide water safety stations along the beach to aid in water rescues. Rip current information would be available via a QR code on the sign, which would display the status of rip currents through the National Weather Service.
Assistant Chief David Ward of the Tri-Beach Fire Department made the presentation. Their goal is to enhance their relationship with the Town. He explained each of the items listed and would like to continue conversations with their asks.
They are requesting that the town partner with them to provide water safety stations along the beach to aid in water rescues. Rip current information would be available via a QR code on the sign, which would display the status of rip currents through the National Weather Service. The surrounding communities already have them. Proposing seventy-two (72) stations at their cost, which they will maintain too. By consensus they requested the staff work with the Fire Department to bring a proposal back to the Board.
Update –
Assistant Fire Chief David Ward reviewed the proposed plan which he said focuses on prevention. The plan that the commissioners approved was for adding 72 beach safety stations throughout the entire island. That would mean a station would be added for every 600 feet on the beach strand. In addition, they will also have signs at all public beach accesses. The stations would include a QR code for the National Weather Service rip current status, an address sign, an information sign and a rescue tube. The Tri-Beach Fire Department will maintain and replace damaged stations for now. The stations will be added as soon as possible, hopefully before Memorial Day. The motion was to proceed with the partnership with the fire department to install and maintain Water Rescue Safety Stations along the oceanfront of the entire island.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Growing pains: Local fire departments face growing challenges as county explores funding solutions
Fire departments in unincorporated Brunswick County are dealing with a slate of challenges — from rising costs to unprecedented local growth — that are stretching department budgets. As a means to address some of these funding issues, the county is exploring switching from its fire fee structure for funding fire departments in the county jurisdiction to a fire tax structure to better meet departments’ needs. In September, the Brunswick County Commissioners tasked county staff with gathering data and presenting options for solutions to help the county get a better grip on residential development in its jurisdiction following destruction from Potential Tropical Cyclone #8 (PTC8) on Sept. 16, 2024. County Manager Steve Stone in October presented county staff’s findings and a bevy of recommendations on actions county commissioners could take to address impacts from rapid residential development. Among those was a recommendation for Brunswick County to move away from the existing fire fee funding mechanism and replace it with a fire tax. Stone during the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners’ Oct. 21 meeting said the county’s fire fee system, enacted in 1999, has “reached a point of diminishing returns” and is “an inadequate source of funding” for many local fire departments. Brunswick County is the only county in North Carolina still under the fire fee system. Local fire departments are facing a variety of challenges such as increased call volume due, growth and its impacts, staffing issues and increasing costs for fire apparatus and other necessary equipment, with many chiefs who spoke to The Brunswick Beacon stating additional funding is needed to maintain existing service levels and plan for the future. This multi-part story will explore some of those challenges and local fire chiefs’ responses to the proposed move to fire taxes.
Fire fees vs. fire tax
Fire protection fees, or fire fees, are fees imposed by the county on real property owners to fund the furnishing [of] fire services protect persons in the district from injury or death, S.L. 2017-60 notes. Fire fees for improved properties are calculated based on the heated square footage of a building, while fire fees for vacant land are calculated based on the acreage of the property. The fees are not based on tax value. These fees, in addition to grants and fundraising, fund fire departments in county jurisdiction, whereas departments in local municipalities are funded by fire fees and the towns they serve. To meet “immediate funding needs,” Brunswick County in 2017 requested the North Carolina General Assembly double the potential upper limit for fire fees allowed to be charged to each property so the county could “make future adjustments, if needed, without having to request permission from the state.” The General Assembly granted that request. However, Stone noted the county’s state legislative delegation has discouraged the county requesting to raise the maximum limit any further. Fire taxes, unlike fire fees, are be based on property values, just as property taxes, Stone told The Brunswick Beacon. “With fire taxes in North Carolina, you can have a fire tax of up to 10 cents in a fire district per $100 of property value,” Stone noted. “And if you have a referendum in a district, you could have a fire tax of up to 15 cents — again, only with voter approval. I believe that well within that 10-cent cap or less, we could come a lot closer to providing more adequate funding for the fire service.” Primary fire service in Brunswick County jurisdiction is typically provided by nonprofit volunteer fire departments — most of which now are largely staffed with paid firefighters — with nearby municipal fire departments, and other nonprofit departments, often providing secondary response. Asked by county commissioners if the county has an estimate on how much a fire tax would cost taxpayers compared to fire fees, Stone in October said, “We will certainly consider cost implications and compare what property owners pay in fire fees versus a potential fire tax when developing the plan. We will also be communicating with our municipal fire partners to negotiate and develop a potential funding mechanism that meets their needs as well.” Stone in March said county staff is working to recommend plans to present to the county commissioners, local fire chiefs and local municipalities. “The plans could go anywhere from a single fire district county-wide which, if it was truly county-wide, municipalities would have an ability to opt in like they did fire fees,” Stone said. “Or it could be only unincorporated county or it could be a collection of every fire district having its own tax.” The county manager noted, “I think the less districts we had, the more transparent it would be and really the more equitable it would be.” Stressing that the county is not proposing a single fire tax district at this time, Stone, as an example, said if a county-wide fire tax district was established, “a little over six cents would generate the same amount of revenue that the fire fees are currently generating.” County projections indicate total fire fees collected in the upcoming fiscal year will equal roughly $32 million, Stone said. That is up nearly $3 million from roughly $29.4 million in fiscal year 2024-2025.
Increased call volume and other impacts of residential growth
From 2015 to February 2025 in unincorporated Brunswick County alone, 51,975 housing units have been approved and 3,324 units have been proposed, per the county’s major development dashboard. This number does not include approved and pending developments in municipalities. This residential growth has shown little sign of stopping, leaving fire departments to navigate sustaining current levels of service as new homes continue to be added to their districts. Chief Tal Grissett of Grissettown-Longwood Fire and Rescue Department said from 2019 to 2021 his department responded to roughly 800 calls per year. From 2022 to 2024, that number rose to between 1,100 and 1,400 calls per year, he said. When Civietown Volunteer Fire Department Mark Hewett first joined the department years ago, it was running 15 to 30 calls a year. “Now we’re running close to 1,000,” Hewett noted. “This year we’re looking at 1,200 or 1,300 we’re expecting to run.” The types of calls fire departments are responding to has also changed as the county grows, as department are increasingly dispatched to respond to medical calls with many of those for lift assists. “We got some information together a couple of weeks ago as to the calls that were just for lift assist,” Stone said. “In calendar year 2024, there were just under 2,700 [calls] where fire departments went just to help somebody get out of a bed, get out of their house, out of a vehicle or something, but really didn’t provide another medical service.” Stone explained medical calls are an allowable expense against departments’ fire fees but “it’s really up to the departments whether or not they want to provide any of those medical services.” One local department recently stopped responding to non-emergency medical calls at the request of Brunswick County EMS and saw its yearly call volume drop precipitously as a result. Calabash Fire Chief Keith McGee said his department, which is experiencing tremendous growth in its fire district, responded to 2,689 calls for service in 2022. But after turning over non-emergency medical calls, the department’s call volume in 2023 and 2024 dropped to 1,881 and 1,820 calls, respectively. However, the Calabash Fire Department still responds to a significant number of lift assistance calls, McGee said, as well as other non-emergency calls. Several other fire departments whose chiefs spoke with The Brunswick Beacon also continue to provide lift assist response. “If somebody calls for help, we’re going to go help them,” Chief Rob Johnson of Sunset Harbor Zion Hill Volunteer Fire Department said. But that does not mean the growing number of medical calls is not impacting these local fire departments. Chief Hewett said from Jan. 1, 2024, to Jan. 31, 2025, Civietown Volunteer Fire Department ran over 1,000 calls and 71% of those calls were medical, lift assist or something other than fire calls. “We assist medics, we run all delta level calls, we run all cardiac stuff, we run lift assist when people fall,” Chief Hewett said. “We provide fire protection for our fire district … anything other than fires, technically, we’re not contracted to do it, but we do it for our community.” “It’s a lot,” he added, “and the more people that move here, the more call volume’s going up.”
Read more » click here
8. Discussion and Possible Action on Master Planning for the Jordan Boulevard and Block Q Area Beginning with Block Q in the Initial Phase – Commissioners Thomas and Paarfus
Agenda Packet – page 61
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on master planning for the Jordan Boulevard and Block Q area beginning with Block Q in the initial phase.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Since the BOC has a combined goal of trying to migrate to a master plan of the area, we should consider starting the process in this fiscal year to better prepare us for some construction components next fiscal year. There have been several proposals for additional amenities to be added to Block Q such as a bandstand and (4) pickleball courts. Therefore, amenities to consider for Block Q include (but are not limited to) a new bandstand/dance floor/lawn seating area for concerts and (4) Pickleball courts. As we move toward phasing in a larger master plan of the area to include Jordan Boulevard and the old pavilion site in the future, amenities to investigate include (but are not limited to) boat parking and optimal car parking. Changing traffic patterns for maximum efficiency should also be considered.
Previously reported – March 2025
Consideration and Possible Action to Award Contract for the Construction of the Restroom Facility and Associated Parking/Sidewalks at Block Q – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to award contract for the construction of the restroom facility and associated parking/sidewalks at Block Q.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The bids for the project were due back on January 14th. A second bid opening was held January 28th due to an insufficient number on January 14th. This project will include modular stormwater, sitework prep, and construction for the bathrooms and associated parking/sidewalks. Recommendation for award of contract.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Award contract to responsive bidder. Direct interim town manager to sign contract and complete all associated paperwork.
The most responsive bid after two rounds of advertising for the Block Q restroom and parking facility is $543,200. It falls within the budget for the project. The bid proposal outlines one hundred calendar days to completion.
Suggested Motion:
Approve the contract for Kowen Construction and authorize the interim manager to execute the associated paperwork.
The Board approved the contract with Kowen Construction for the Block Q restroom and parking facility in the amount of $543,200. Work is expected to be completed within one hundred (100) calendar days from the commencement of the work. Motion was made to award the contract for the construction of the restroom facility on Block Q authorize Town Manager to execute the associated paperwork.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Update –
They discussed planning for the Jordan Boulevard and Block Q area beginning with Block Q in the initial phase. They want to at least start the process in this fiscal year. Commissioner Paarfus again said we need an integrated plan and that we should put this on pause in order to have the entire area looked at by a design firm to see what they can do. It was quite apparent that they are all not on the same page. The motion is to have the staff work with the current architecture to develop a plan to work on a Block Q design to include a new bandstand, dance floor, lawn seating area for concerts, and four (4) Pickleball courts to be done in phases.
A decision was made – Approved (4-1)
Commissioners Paarfus opposed the motion
9. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Application to the N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program for Phases 1 and 2 – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Paarfus
Agenda Packet – pages 62 – 75
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action regarding an application to the N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program for Phases 1 and 2.
Possible Action:
Direct town staff to complete and submit an application for Phases 1 and 2.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) is a component of the North Carolina Resilient Communities Program, developed through the 2020 North Carolina Climate Risk Assessment and Resilience Plan. The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (DCM) administers the RCCP with funding from the NC State Legislature and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).
DCM is accepting applications from eligible communities for no-cost technical assistance to complete Phases I and 2 of the RCCP.
There is no cash or in-kind match requirement from community applicants. DCM will contract directly with third-party contractors to assist communities in completing Phases 1 and 2.
The application involves responses to 14 questions. Applications are due at 5PM on April 25th,
N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program » click here
The RCCP is a four-phase program designed to:
The four phases are :
Update –
North Carolina Division of Coastal Management is accepting applications from eligible communities for no-cost technical assistance to complete Phases I and 2 of the Resilient Coastal Communities Program. The motion was made to complete an application to Resilient Coastal Communities Program by the deadline of April 25th, if it is at all possible.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
10. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 25-04, An Ordinance Amending Holden Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 154, Flood Damage Protection – Inspections Director Evans
. a) Statement of Consistency
Agenda Packet – pages 76 – 85
Ordinance 25-04 » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Text amendment to Section 154 to the Town of Holden Beach Ordinance book
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Text amendment as recommended by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and FEMA
Update –
Timbo stated this is a text amendment that does not require a Public Hearing. The only change is to go from 150 square feet to 100 square feet for all accessory structures. It was simply an oversight that it was not included the last time the ordinance was revised. Really has no impact since we don’t allow accessory structures on the island. The motion was made to accept the revised text amendment.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
11. Discussion and Possible Action to Set a Date for a Public Hearing for Revisions to Holden Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 157, Zoning Code – Inspections Director Evans
. a) Section 157.006 Definitions
. b) Section 157.060 Residential District (R-1)
. c) Section 157.085 Relocation of Buildings
Agenda Packet – pages 86 – 101
11a)
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Request a date to be set for a public hearing for revisions to Town Ordinance 157.006
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve revisions to Town Ordinance 157.006
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve revisions to Town Ordinance 157.006
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Accept recommendation of P&Z Board
PARKING SPACE, PRIVATE PROPERTY.
One (1) 10’x20′ parking space per bedroom is required to remain for the life of the structure and shall not be impeded by permanent or removeable barriers or partitions.
11b)
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Request a date to be set for a public hearing for revisions to Town Ordinance 157.060
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve revisions to Town Ordinance 157.060
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve revisions to Town Ordinance 157.060
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Accept approved revisions
Cargo lifts and platform lifts that meet the requirements of ASME A18.1. of the North Carolina Residential Building Code may encroach into the front or rear setbacks but not both.
11c)
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Request a date to be set for a public hearing for revisions to Town Ordinance 157.085
§157.085 RELOCATION OF BUILDINGS
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve revisions to Town Ordinance 157.085
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve revisions to Town Ordinance 157.085
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Accept approved revisions
Update –
Any changes made to the Zoning Code Section 157 requires a Public Hearing. By consensus they scheduled a Public Hearing for the three (3) Ordinance changes before the next BOC’s Regular Meeting on May 20th.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
12. Discussion of Forming a Subcommittee to Discuss Possible Resolutions for Gravel in Pedestrian Pathways – Inspections Director Evans
Agenda Packet – pages 102 – 104
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion of possibly forming a sub-committee to discuss possible resolutions for gravel in pedestrian pathways
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Planning & Zoning Board requested a sub committee to be formed consisting of members of the Planning & Zoning Board and possibly engineers to address gravel in pedestrian pathways
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning & Zoning Board requested a sub-committee to be formed consisting of members of the Planning & Zoning Board and possibly engineers to address gravel in pedestrian pathways
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Follow town policy on subcommittee establishment and note any cost with engineers that may require fiscal action
Update –
Commissioner Thomas questioned why the Planning & Zoning Board can’t address this and why they would need a subcommittee. After a brief discussion, the board seemed confused by the request. The motion was made to form a subcommittee, if they need one, following town policy but any engineering costs will require separate action from the Board.
A decision was made – Approved (4-1)
Commissioners Thomas opposed the motion
13. Mayor’s Comments
From the Mayor’s Desk (04/14/25)
Easter week at Holden Beach is expected to be a good time for the family to be here. The Town staff and officials are doing everything possible to have the island ready for your enjoyment. There are also new facilities available for use including the recent opening of Avenue E (339 OBE), which has a bathroom, walkway and additional handicapped parking. You might consider the following activities listed below during your Easter week.
Enjoy this special time with family!
14. Executive Session Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3), Litigation and To Consult with the Town Attorney and 143-318.11(a)(6), Personnel
No decision was made – No action taken
General Comments –
Meeting Agenda
Yet another marathon session, the meeting ran for over three (3) hours
BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, May 20th
It’s not like they don’t have anything to work on …
The following eight (8) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:
The definition of loose ends is a fragment of unfinished business or a detail that is not yet settled or explained, which is the current status of these items. All of these items were started and then put on hold, and they were never put back in the queue. This Board needs to continue working on them and move these items to closure.
.
Lost in the Sauce –
.
From 2024
Light Ordinance
Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 24-07, An Ordinance Amending Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 92.32, Unlawful Lights – Inspections Director Evans
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Text Amendments to Light Ordinance 92.32
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Revision of the light ordinance to remove conflicting portion of the ordinances.
Update –
Last month Timbo requested that the Board charge the Planning & Zoning Board to review our lighting ordinance. The Board tasked P&Z to address the issues Timbo has with that ordinance. Timbo informed them that what he presented is not a finished product. The Board has the opportunity to make any changes they want before the Public Hearing. We have modified this ordinance several times already without obtaining the desired effect. The primary change that was made this time is that P&Z clarified the difference between holiday lights as opposed to decorative lighting so that ordinance is enforceable. The Board requested that Timbo work on the verbiage of a few items for additional clarity and bring the revised ordinance back to them at the next scheduled Regular Meeting.
Paid Parking
No exception for parking during the festival
The third motion made was to charge for parking during festivals. Currently just do not enforce paid parking regulations anywhere on the island when there are festivals. The motion made is to not enforce regulations in the festival area only.
No decision was made – No action taken
Days at the Docks Festival 2025 / April 29th & 30th
Editor’s Note –
It is my understanding that since they did not approve any motion regarding festivals they will need to charge for parking island wide and they cannot just decide to not enforce the regulations. In order not to enforce the regulations they would need to execute an amendment to the contract which is what they have done in the past.
The fourth motion made was to provide full-time residents an annual pass for $20 that is restricted to one per household only for vehicles that are registered on the island. The Town Attorney Moore requested that the motion be tabled until she could do some research regarding the legality of the proposed resident permit.
No decision was made – No action taken
Last year we ended paid parking early to allow free parking island wide for festival weekend. The thinking was that in order to promote the festival it would be advantageous to suspend paid parking. The Board agreed to suspend the paid parking early. Frankly, I did not agree with that decision. It’s a zoo out there during the festival weekend. With all the parking problems that happen during the festivals you would think we would want to continue enforcing parking in designated areas only. By suspending enforcement, people can and will park anywhere they want. Paid parking should be enforced during festivals.
As for any other ordinance considerations, it is important that any definitions and conditions are clear to help the public avoid inadvertent errors and enable enforcement. In other words, it needs to be standardized and easily understood. Parking should only be in designated parking spaces whether its paid parking or not, plain and simple. I personally object to parking in the rights-of-way, but I understand why some property owners want to be able to park there on their property. A potential accommodation would be to issue a day specific one-time permit for any homeowners that have an activity at their property that requires them to occasionally park in the rights-of-way.
KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid!
From 2023
Bulkheads
Discussion and Possible Action on PAR Course Fitness Trail Area – Commissioner Murdock
PAR Course / Fitness Trail
Par Course is a fitness trail which consists of a course equipped with a series of stations distributed along the way where one is to stop and perform a specific exercise. The course is designed for exercising the human body to promote good health. March of 2011 the BOC’s approved a contract between the Town and Holden Beach Enterprises for the purchase of eighteen properties for $76,000 that had a tax assessment value of $1,976,020. The properties were zoned conservation and are located on the second row, between Greensboro and Scotch Bonnet. The Holden Beach course is located on that quarter mile stretch on the north side of OBW. The course consists of twenty (20) exercise stations with multiple stations clustered together. The plan was approved in August 2011 and installation of the equipment was completed in September of 2011.
Previously reported – October 2022
Delineation study was completed, now we need to act on it. Brian stated he was looking for the Board’s thoughts on protecting those properties. This is a necessary step if we want to make use of these Town owned parcels. Timbo recommended proceeding by applying for CAMA permits for bulkheads there. David suggested Right Angle Engineering could give us the probable cost of construction. The motion was made to have the Town’s engineer, Right Angle Engineering, pursue getting CAMA permits and also to determine height of bulkheads that are needed with the estimated cost.
Previously reported – January 2023
The discussion was on whether we want to bulkhead the town properties in the 700 and 800 blocks of OBW. If we do it will require bulkheads on approximately 700 linear feet at a cost of $350 per linear foot. The preliminary cost estimate is $298,925 just for a continuous bulkhead with tiebacks. Pat suggested that we still need to know how many parking spaces could be put there. Brian stated that we have no plans to put parking there now. He also made the point that the area was delineated in order to preserve property, bulkheading is a way to do that. In addition, they pointed out that USACE may require parking in that area, so it is important to minimize erosion and maintain the land there in case it is needed. David said that we will need to submit design in order to get a CAMA permit. Shane was asked to report back additional information regarding the permit process.
No decision was made – No action taken
Update –
We have lost a significant number of the stations because of erosion. Brian proposed doing something to protect the remaining stations. We have already had the area delineated and are waiting for approval from CAMA of what we can do there. Timbo said we won’t need to bulkhead but can protect the area with a retaining wall. They agreed that we need a hardened structure to prevent further erosion and to protect our investment. David said the town will handle routine maintenance on the fitness trail without any additional input from the Board. A decision on protecting those properties will be made once the delineation is completed.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Hurricane Season
For more information » click here.
Be prepared – have a plan!
No matter what a storm outlook is for a given year,
vigilance and preparedness is urged.
What early signs suggest about the 2025 hurricane season ahead
A marine heat wave in the Caribbean Sea may fuel an impactful hurricane season in 2025, even though seas have cooled in some areas compared to last year.
Hurricane season is just two months away, and early indications suggest it might not be as hyperactive as last year’s. Still, several factors hint that it won’t be quiet, either. For one, forecasters are looking to the oceans for signs of what could be brewing. Seas in the part of the Atlantic where storms typically form are cooler than they were at this time in 2024 — with warmer waters allowing more fuel for strengthening. But seas are nonetheless about 0.7 degrees higher than the long-term average, the eighth-warmest on record since at least 1940. A marine heat wave remains active across the Caribbean Sea and parts of the Gulf of Mexico — blobs of unusual ocean heat that, should they linger, may tip the scales toward stronger storms close to land. However, La Niña, which tends to boost hurricane activity, is fading. Still, no matter how many (or how few) storms form, it takes only one landfall to make a hurricane season devastating. Last year, five hurricanes made landfall in the contiguous United States — just the ninth season since 1851 to have at least five storm centers hit land. There were 18 storms in total, and the season was considered hyperactive, according to a metric called accumulated cyclone energy. Ahead of further key forecasts, including one from Colorado State University expected later this week, here’s The Washington Post’s assessment for the coming season, and the four key factors that will shape it:
Key factors this hurricane season
Sea temperatures in the Main Development Region
From August to October, tropical storm and hurricane seedlings move from Africa into a vast region of warm seas in the tropical Atlantic Ocean known as the Main Development Region (MDR). The warmer it is, the more energy and moisture are available to fuel storms, allowing them to strengthen as they move through the area. Last year, the MDR was record warm, which is part of the reason forecasters expected such an active season. The MDR is cooler than it was at this time in 2024, especially near the coast of Africa, but it’s still unusually warm overall. In March, it’s been the eighth-warmest on record. Miami-based hurricane expert Michael Lowry is closely watching sea temperatures in this important region. “I certainly see some encouraging trends which suggest this upcoming season could be less active overall than recent hyperactive ones. The Atlantic remains plenty warm — much warmer than average — but after almost two years of unprecedented warmth, it’s nice to see water temperatures fall to more precedented levels,” said Lowry, a hurricane specialist with Local 10 News in Miami.
Sea temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean
The global climate patterns El Niño and La Niña play a critical role in determining how busy hurricane season may be. La Niña, which tends to boost hurricane activity by creating winds more conducive to their formation, has waned in recent months. The tropical Pacific Ocean is now a mix of warmer and cooler-than-average waters — moving toward what is known as a neutral phase. In other words, having neither La Niña nor El Niño. Odds are that neutral conditions will be in place for the start of hurricane season, but this time of year presents challenges for forecasting because of a phenomenon known as the spring predictability barrier. “So-called neutral years can also be quite active in the Atlantic, so unless we see a big warm-up toward El Niño over the next four or five months, the Pacific shouldn’t be a major deterrent this season,” Lowry said.
A marine heat wave in the Caribbean Sea
Ocean water across the Caribbean Sea and western Gulf of Mexico is well above average for the time of year — enough to qualify as a marine heat wave. These vast expanses of unusual ocean heat can affect coral reefs and the behavior of marine life but also provide more moisture and fuel for tropical weather systems. Last year, Hurricanes Helene and Milton derived their energy from a gulf affected by a marine heat wave. Both storms broke atmospheric moisture records, which contributed to extreme rainfall.
The West African monsoon
During June to September, heavy rains and thunderstorms bubble up over the West African Sahel. The strongest disturbances survive the long journey across Africa and emerge in the Atlantic — where they meet increasingly warm seas and strengthen further into tropical storms and hurricanes. How active the African monsoon season is helps determine how many storms may move into the Atlantic. The early indication is there will be a more active monsoon than normal. But not all monsoons are equal — last year’s episode sent storms swirling unusually far north into the Sahara, where it rains very little. Such oddities are not predictable months in advance. Other factors, such as dust from the Sahara, can reduce hurricane risk as the dry air suppresses rainfall and thunderstorm activity across the Atlantic — and can cool the ocean. But it’s not typically possible to predict dust outbreaks more than a week or so in advance. Last season, Hurricane Ernesto ingested wildfire smoke as it moved past Newfoundland, Canada. The intersection of hurricanes and wildfires will be something to watch this season, particularly as many parts of the United States continue to deal with drought impacts.
What is known — and what remains uncertain
It’s not possible to predict exactly when or where a tropical storm or hurricane will strike weeks or months in advance. But a broad-brush understanding of the theme of hurricane season can be developed by comparing current conditions to the past and forecast models. Forecasters analyze several key metrics and use a variety of techniques to help understand whether the season might be quiet or busy, relative to an average season, which has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). The key predictors currently suggest that a slightly above average Atlantic hurricane season in 2025 is possible, but the hyperactive characteristics present in 2024 are fading. Lowry called hurricane season “a marathon, not a sprint” — and referred to the 1992 season, when Andrew, a hurricane with deadly impacts in South Florida, was the first and only major Atlantic hurricane of the year. He urged early preparations for any scenario. “Emergency managers and disaster planners don’t alter their plans based on the seasonal outlooks, and neither should you or your family,” Lowry said. “Prepare this year as you would any other year. It only takes one bad hurricane to make it a bad season where you live.”
Read more » click here
As the NC coast gears up for hurricane season, a big change is coming to forecast maps
We’re still a couple of months out from the start of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which is the perfect time to start preparing. Gearing up for hurricane season entails more than just making sure your hurricane supplies are topped off. Making sure you can receive the latest weather updates and staying on top of what’s new for the 2025 hurricane season is just as important. The National Hurricane Center has already announced more than a few changes it’s making for the upcoming hurricane season, like updating its “cone of uncertainty” and providing an earlier window to send alerts about potential tropical activity.
Here’s what to know about what’s news for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
The NHC is updating its Potential Tropical Cyclone system for 2025
Starting on May 15, the National Weather Service (NWS) will implement some significant changes to its Potential Tropical Cyclone advisory (PTC) system.
The experimental cone of uncertainty will be narrower
The NHC says it will continue using its experimental cone graphic, which is frequently referred to as the cone of uncertainty. The graphic is meant to track the probable path of a tropical cyclone’s center. The cone is frequently misunderstood, which is one reason the NHC consistently updates the product. Here are this year’s changes.
New rip current risk map will highlight dangerous conditions stemming from hurricanes
Due to an increase in surf and rip current fatalities in the United States, the NHC will provide current risk information from distant hurricanes and provide a national rip current risk map.
Current day, next day and a composite showing the highest risk over both days will be available for areas along the East and Gulf coasts of the U.S in one page.
Read more » click here
Hurricane season is 3 months away. Will it be as active as last year?
What to know at this early stage.
One of the first things that tipped scientists off that 2024 would be an unusually active hurricane season: excessive ocean warmth in a key region of the Atlantic Ocean. But that’s just one of many factors different as this year begins. With the Atlantic hurricane season less than three months away, forecasters are making early efforts to understand how this year may differ from the last. And while specific forecasts for the number of hurricanes can’t be accurately made this far out, forecasters can look to planetary climate patterns for clues. At least two key differences suggest odds are lower for another extremely active season: For one, the tropical Atlantic isn’t as warm as it was last year. And a La Niña (known for cooling a vast swath of the Pacific Ocean) is not expected to form during the season. But it’s still early — and current conditions don’t entirely eliminate the odds of an overactive season. In the Atlantic Ocean, hurricane season runs from June through November, typically peaking in September. Last year, hurricane season was hyperactive, based on a metric called Accumulated Cyclone Energy. There were 18 named storms and five hurricane landfalls in the United States, including the devastating Hurricane Helene.
The Atlantic is cooler than last year
Among the many complex puzzle pieces that start to create a picture of hurricane season — including winds, air pressure patterns, Saharan Dust and monsoonal activity — sea temperatures are a key driver. Scientists look as an early signal to what’s called the Atlantic Main Development Region, or MDR, which extends from the Caribbean to the west, and to near Africa in the east. Sea surface temperatures in the MDR have a statistical relationship with hurricane activity. In 2024, there was excessive warmth in the MDR. But it’s not currently as warm as last year, nor is it forecast to be in a few months. When the MDR is cooler, it can contribute to atmospheric conditions that aren’t particularly conducive to lots of hurricanes. Forecasts for the MDR extend to July 2025, and they suggest that while seas in the region may be somewhat above-average, the Atlantic’s most unusual warmth will be located farther north. Comparing forecasts made for July of both years shows how much warmer the MDR was predicted to be in 2024 — a prediction that turned out to be correct. If the predictions hold true this year, that might reduce the odds for a season as active as 2024. Andy Hazelton, a physical scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Environmental Modeling Center, said the cooling of the MDR is the biggest factor that has stood out to him so far. “It’s still pretty warm, especially in the Caribbean, but the subtropics (north of the MDR) look warmer overall right now,” Hazelton said. If the pattern were to continue, he said, it could put a cap on how active the season may be.
La Niña may be fading
During hurricane season, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans are more than distant neighbors — they’re connected by the atmosphere. What happens in one doesn’t stay there; it sends ripples to the other, shaping storm activity on both sides. One pattern that causes a Pacific-Atlantic ripple effect is known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which has three phases: El Niño, La Niña and neutral. El Niño is marked by warmer-than-average seas in the eastern Pacific, while cool seas are prominent there during La Niña. Neutral periods often occur during transitions between El Niño and La Niña, as sea temperatures temporarily become less anomalous. Early this year, the tropical Pacific entered a La Niña phase — but it’s not expected to last for much longer. The cool waters associated with La Niña can suppress rainfall and thunderstorm activity in the tropical Pacific. But as the atmosphere balances itself, increased rainfall and thunderstorm activity, as well as winds that are more conducive to hurricane formation, can occur in the tropical Atlantic. This is why, in addition to the record-warm Atlantic seas, forecasters were so concerned about the level of hurricane activity last year. But a period of weaker winds in the eastern Pacific this month has caused a substantial warming of the ocean to the west of South America. Because the winds have been less robust, a process known as upwelling — which happens when strong winds churn cool, subsurface waters to the surface — has slowed down. If the warming continues, it will put the Pacific in a much different state than it was heading into the last hurricane season. This year, a developing tongue of warm water in the eastern Pacific could have the opposite effect as it did last year, promoting rising air and more rainfall there, while having a drying effect on the Atlantic. However, predictions of El Niño and La Niña are not made equal. A phenomenon known as the “spring predictability barrier” can lead to less-skillful forecasts during spring in the Northern Hemisphere. “ENSO still has the spring barrier to cross,” Hazelton said. “But cool subsurface conditions and persistent trade winds suggest we probably won’t be getting a rapid flip or setting up for El Niño in the summer.”
The bottom line: It’s still early, but 2025 looks different
One thing can be said confidently at this point: So far this year, the elements that drive the Atlantic hurricane season look markedly different from 2024. The Atlantic Ocean is shaping up to have a different sea-temperature configuration than last year, with the most unusually warm seas sitting outside of the MDR. A marine heat wave — expansive blobs of unusual oceanic heat that are becoming more common in a warming climate — no longer covers the MDR, but remains active in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, areas where hurricanes derive their energy from. In the Pacific, the door may be closing on La Niña as seas warm up in the east. But a full-fledged, hurricane-halting El Niño doesn’t look particularly likely, either. Hazelton said it’s possible there will be ENSO neutral conditions during peak hurricane season. These are some of the factors forecasters will be monitoring closely as hurricane season approaches. Seasonal outlooks of hurricane activity are typically released in April and May. And while the data may change, one thing is certain: It’s never too early to prepare, especially considering the United States experienced impactful landfalls from Hurricanes Beryl, Debby, Francine, Helene and Milton last year.
Read more » click here
Hurricane season is 3 months away. Will it be as active as last year?
What to know at this early stage.
One of the first things that tipped scientists off that 2024 would be an unusually active hurricane season: excessive ocean warmth in a key region of the Atlantic Ocean. But that’s just one of many factors different as this year begins. With the Atlantic hurricane season less than three months away, forecasters are making early efforts to understand how this year may differ from the last. And while specific forecasts for the number of hurricanes can’t be accurately made this far out, forecasters can look to planetary climate patterns for clues. At least two key differences suggest odds are lower for another extremely active season: For one, the tropical Atlantic isn’t as warm as it was last year. And a La Niña (known for cooling a vast swath of the Pacific Ocean) is not expected to form during the season. But it’s still early — and current conditions don’t entirely eliminate the odds of an overactive season. In the Atlantic Ocean, hurricane season runs from June through November, typically peaking in September. Last year, hurricane season was hyperactive, based on a metric called Accumulated Cyclone Energy. There were 18 named storms and five hurricane landfalls in the United States, including the devastating Hurricane Helene.
The Atlantic is cooler than last year
Among the many complex puzzle pieces that start to create a picture of hurricane season — including winds, air pressure patterns, Saharan Dust and monsoonal activity — sea temperatures are a key driver. Scientists look as an early signal to what’s called the Atlantic Main Development Region, or MDR, which extends from the Caribbean to the west, and to near Africa in the east. Sea surface temperatures in the MDR have a statistical relationship with hurricane activity. In 2024, there was excessive warmth in the MDR. But it’s not currently as warm as last year, nor is it forecast to be in a few months. When the MDR is cooler, it can contribute to atmospheric conditions that aren’t particularly conducive to lots of hurricanes. Forecasts for the MDR extend to July 2025, and they suggest that while seas in the region may be somewhat above-average, the Atlantic’s most unusual warmth will be located farther north. Comparing forecasts made for July of both years shows how much warmer the MDR was predicted to be in 2024 — a prediction that turned out to be correct. If the predictions hold true this year, that might reduce the odds for a season as active as 2024. Andy Hazelton, a physical scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Environmental Modeling Center, said the cooling of the MDR is the biggest factor that has stood out to him so far. “It’s still pretty warm, especially in the Caribbean, but the subtropics (north of the MDR) look warmer overall right now,” Hazelton said. If the pattern were to continue, he said, it could put a cap on how active the season may be.
La Niña may be fading
During hurricane season, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans are more than distant neighbors — they’re connected by the atmosphere. What happens in one doesn’t stay there; it sends ripples to the other, shaping storm activity on both sides. One pattern that causes a Pacific-Atlantic ripple effect is known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which has three phases: El Niño, La Niña and neutral. El Niño is marked by warmer-than-average seas in the eastern Pacific, while cool seas are prominent there during La Niña. Neutral periods often occur during transitions between El Niño and La Niña, as sea temperatures temporarily become less anomalous. Early this year, the tropical Pacific entered a La Niña phase — but it’s not expected to last for much longer. The cool waters associated with La Niña can suppress rainfall and thunderstorm activity in the tropical Pacific. But as the atmosphere balances itself, increased rainfall and thunderstorm activity, as well as winds that are more conducive to hurricane formation, can occur in the tropical Atlantic. This is why, in addition to the record-warm Atlantic seas, forecasters were so concerned about the level of hurricane activity last year. But a period of weaker winds in the eastern Pacific this month has caused a substantial warming of the ocean to the west of South America. Because the winds have been less robust, a process known as upwelling — which happens when strong winds churn cool, subsurface waters to the surface — has slowed down. If the warming continues, it will put the Pacific in a much different state than it was heading into the last hurricane season. This year, a developing tongue of warm water in the eastern Pacific could have the opposite effect as it did last year, promoting rising air and more rainfall there, while having a drying effect on the Atlantic. However, predictions of El Niño and La Niña are not made equal. A phenomenon known as the “spring predictability barrier” can lead to less-skillful forecasts during spring in the Northern Hemisphere. “ENSO still has the spring barrier to cross,” Hazelton said. “But cool subsurface conditions and persistent trade winds suggest we probably won’t be getting a rapid flip or setting up for El Niño in the summer.”
The bottom line: It’s still early, but 2025 looks different
One thing can be said confidently at this point: So far this year, the elements that drive the Atlantic hurricane season look markedly different from 2024. The Atlantic Ocean is shaping up to have a different sea-temperature configuration than last year, with the most unusually warm seas sitting outside of the MDR. A marine heat wave — expansive blobs of unusual oceanic heat that are becoming more common in a warming climate — no longer covers the MDR, but remains active in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, areas where hurricanes derive their energy from. In the Pacific, the door may be closing on La Niña as seas warm up in the east. But a full-fledged, hurricane-halting El Niño doesn’t look particularly likely, either. Hazelton said it’s possible there will be ENSO neutral conditions during peak hurricane season. These are some of the factors forecasters will be monitoring closely as hurricane season approaches. Seasonal outlooks of hurricane activity are typically released in April and May. And while the data may change, one thing is certain: It’s never too early to prepare, especially considering the United States experienced impactful landfalls from Hurricanes Beryl, Debby, Francine, Helene and Milton last year.
Read more » click here
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Lou’s Views . HBPOIN
. • Gather and disseminate information
. • Identify the issues and determine how they affect you
. • Act as a watchdog
. • Grass roots monthly newsletter since 2008
Lou’s Views
News & Views / April Edition
Calendar of Events –
Strawberry & Wine Fest
April 27th
Sunset Beach
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The Strawberry and Wine Festival, hosted by the Old Bridge Preservation Society since 2014. There will be wines available from Silver Coast Winery with strawberries as the main fare of the day. It’s a day of wine, food, entertainment, and craft vendors.
For more information » click here
Days at the Docks Festival
April 26th & 27th
Holden Beach
The annual festival which started in the 1980’s occurs in April or May and is sponsored by the Greater Holden Beach Merchants Association. It’s the Holden Beach way to kick-off the Spring and start the vacation season. In addition to the food and arts & crafts, enjoy live music & entertainment, a horseshoe tournament and the world famous “Bopple Race”. Lots of activities for the entire family!
For more information » click here
Blue Crab Festival
May 17th & 18th
Little River SC
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Little River has been celebrating the World Famous Blue Crab Festival since 1981. It is held on the waterfront in Little River and is one of the largest festivals in the Southeast. The purpose of this festival is one that supports and showcases the fabulous atmosphere of the local communities.
For more information » click here
Conway Riverfest Celebration
June 28th
Conway SC
Held along the Waccamaw River in downtown Conway the festival celebrates Independence Day since 1980 with music and events for the entire family.
For more information » click here
N.C. 4th of July Festival
July 4th
Southport
The patriotic spirit of America is alive and well in the City of Southport. For over 200 years this small maritime community has celebrated our nation’s independence in a big way. Incorporated as the N.C. 4th of July Festival in 1972 the festival committee strives to keep the focus of the festival on honoring our nation’s birthday with a little fun thrown in.
For more information » click here
Battleship Blast 4th of July Celebration
July 4th
Wilmington
.
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Annual 4th of July Celebration at Riverfront Park in downtown Wilmington since 1981. Featured entertainment will perform from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, followed by fireworks at 9:05 PM launched from a barge in the Cape Fear River adjacent to the USS North Carolina Battleship. The only place you need to be this holiday is downtown Wilmington for the best view of fireworks.
For more information » click here
Brunswick County invites residents to participate in lifesaving certification training
Brunswick County’s Risk Management and Parks and Recreation departments are partnering to offer First Aid/CPR/AED Certification Training in 2025. This new training program is designed to provide residents with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies.
“Many accidents at work and at home—such as bruises and cuts sustained from tripping or burns given by heating equipment—can be helped by a bystander with the proper resources and training,” Risk Manager Andy Yoos said. “That’s why it’s important for everyone to know how to perform basic lifesaving care.”
The training is open to any Brunswick County resident 12 years of age and older. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult guardian for the entire training session. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an American Trauma Event Management (ATEM) First Aid/CPR/AED certification card, which is valid for 2 years.
The 2025 training sessions will be held on Feb. 15 inside the Town Creek Park Community Building, April 26 inside the Leland Field House, June 7 inside the Lockwood Folly Community Building, Aug. 9 inside the Waccamaw Park Community Building, and Oct. 4 inside the Leland Field House. Participants must register and pay online before the training date.
There are only 12 seats available per training session and the registration fee is $10 per person. Each class will consist of an AM Session from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., a 30-minute lunch break*, and a PM session from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. You must attend and complete both sessions to receive certification.
*Participants must bring their own lunch and beverages.
Upcoming Training Session
Saturday, June 7, 2025 / Supply Area
Location: Lockwood Folly Community Building, 1691 Stanbury Rd SW, Supply, NC 28462
Time: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person
Learn more and register online on the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation RecDesk website.
For questions or more information about the training program, email Brunswick County Risk Management.
For more information » click here
Discover a wide range of things to do in the Brunswick Islands for an experience that goes beyond the beach.
For more information » click here.
Calendar of Events Island –
THB Newsletter (02/26/25)
Yoga Location Change
The Town of Holden Beach offers beginner friendly yoga classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. The class is taught by Alice Ledford. Fee is $6 for residents and $8 for non-residents. Classes will be held at the multipurpose court at Bridgeview Park.
Concerts on the Coast Series
The Town’s summer concert series calendar has been released! Live performances featuring local musical groups will be held at the Bridgeview Park picnic pavilion across from Town Hall. It will be on Sunday evenings at 6:30pm from May 25th to August 31st. The concerts are free of charge.
Summer Concert Schedule * Lou’s Views
Parks & Recreation / Programs & Events
For more information » click here
Reminders –
Free Cleanup Week
The next Free Cleanup Week at the Brunswick County Landfill will take place April 21 through 26, 2025. Brunswick County property owners and residents can dispose of all materials, except for regular household trash and hazardous waste, free of charge during Free Cleanup Week. Individuals can dispose of metal, tires, electronics, latex paint, clothing, shoes, used oil, oil filters, antifreeze, gasoline, fluorescent bulbs, used cooking oil, smoke detectors, household batteries, rugs, mattresses, furniture, and yard debris in their designated area at the Landfill during this week. Participants must show proof of Brunswick County property ownership or residency. Brunswick County accepts various items at the Brunswick County Landfill year-round at no charge to Brunswick County property owners and residents. See a full list of accepted items on the Accepted Items and Tipping Fees webpage. For questions, contact Brunswick County Operation Services at 910.253.2520 or email OperationServices@brunswickcountync.gov.
Location:
Brunswick County Landfill
172 Landfill Rd NE
Bolivia, NC 28422
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Bird Nesting Area
NC Wildlife Commission has posted signs that say – Bird Nesting Area
The signs are posted on the west end beach strand around 1335 OBW.
People and dogs are supposed to stay out of the area from April through November
. 1) It’s a Plover nesting area
. 2) Allows migrating birds a place to land and rest without being disturbed
A Second Helping
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Program to collect food Saturday mornings (8:00am to 10:30am) during the summer at the Beach Mart on the Causeway.
1) Twenty-first year of the program
2) Food collections have now exceeded 307,000 pounds
3) Collections will begin on Memorial Day weekend
4) Food is distributed to the needy in Brunswick County
For more information » click here
.
Hunger exists everywhere in this country; join them in the fight to help end hunger in Brunswick County. Cash donations are gratefully accepted. One hundred percent (100%) of these cash donations are used to buy more food. You can be assured that the money will be very well spent.
Mail Donations to:
A Second Helping
% Sharon United Methodist Church
2030 Holden Beach Road
Supply, NC 28462
Yard Waste Service
Yard debris pick-up will be provided twice a month on the second and fourth Fridays during the months of March, April, and May. Please have yard waste placed at the street for pick-up on Thursday night. No pick-ups will be made on vacant lots or construction sites.
Debris must be placed in a biodegradable bag or bundled in a length not to exceed five (5) feet and fifty (50) pounds. Each residence is allowed a total of ten (10) items, which can include a combination of bundles of brush and limbs meeting the required length and weight and/ or biodegradable bags with grass clippings, leaves, etc.
News from Town of Holden Beach
The town sends out emails of events, news, agendas, notifications, and emergency information. If you would like to be added to their mailing list, please go to their web site to complete your subscription to the Holden Beach E-Newsletter.
For more information » click here
Paid Parking
Paid parking in Holden Beach
Paid parking will be enforced from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily with free parking before and after that time. All parking will use license plates for verification.
Rates
Parking rates for a single vehicle in all designated areas will be:
$5 per hour for up to four hours
$20 per day for any duration greater than four hours
$80 per week for seven consecutive days
Handicap Parking
A vehicle displaying a handicap license plate and/or hang tag parked in a designated handicap space is free. Any other parking space will require a parking permit via the app.
Annual Passes
Annual permits for the calendar year allow vehicles (this includes low-speed vehicles and trailers) access to designated parking.
$175 for a single vehicle
Passes can be purchased via the app, website or by telephone.
Where to Park
Per ordinance, there is no parking on the streets or rights-of-way except in designated parking spaces identified by Pay-to-Park signs. Click here to view an interactive map. The table with authorized parking can be viewed below.
Citations will be issued for:
• Parking without an active paid permit in a designated parking area
• Parking within 40 feet of a street intersection
• Parking in a crosswalk, sidewalk, or pedestrian access ways
• Parking blocking a driveway or mailbox
• Parking facing opposing traffic
• Parking in a no parking zone, or within right-of-way
• Parking on any portion of the roadway or travel lane
• Parking a non-LSV vehicle in an authorized LSV location
How Do I Pay to Park
The Town uses the SurfCAST by Otto Connect Mobile Solution. This is a mobile app downloadable for Apple and Android devices. Download the app today. Users will setup their account, enter their license plate details and pay for parking directly on the app. Alternatively, users can scan the QR Code located on the parking signs to access a secure website.
The Otto Connect customer service team will be available to help via phone and email.
Solid Waste Pick-Up Schedule
GFL Environmental change in service, October through May trash pickup will be once a week. Trash collection is on Tuesdays only.
Please note:
. • Trash carts must be at the street by 6:00 a.m. on the pickup day
. • BAG the trash before putting it in the cart
. • Carts will be rolled back to the front of the house
GFL Refuse Collection Policy
GFL has recently notified all Brunswick County residents that they will no longer accept extra bags of refuse outside of the collection cart. This is not a new policy but is stricter enforcement of an existing policy. While in the past GFL drivers would at times make exceptions and take additional bags of refuse, the tremendous growth in housing within Brunswick County makes this practice cost prohibitive and causes drivers to fall behind schedule.
Solid Waste Pickup
An additional trash pickup is scheduled for the Saturday after Easter, April 26th.
Solid Waste Pickup Schedule –
starting the Saturday before Memorial Day (May 25th) twice a week
Recycling –
starting after Memorial Day (June 4th) weekly pick-up
Curbside Recycling – 2025
GFL Environmental is now offering curbside recycling for Town properties that desire to participate in the service. The service cost per cart is $119.35 annually paid in advance to the Town of Holden Beach. The service consists of a ninety-six (96) gallon cart that is emptied every other week during the months of October – May and weekly during the months of June – September.
Curbside Recycling Application » click here
Curbside Recycling Calendar » click here
Trash Can Requirements – Rental Properties
GFL Environmental – trash can requirements
Ordinance 07-13, Section 50.08
Rental properties have specific number of trash cans based on number of bedrooms.
* One extra trash can per every 2 bedrooms
..
§ 50.08 RENTAL HOMES.
(A) Rental homes, as defined in Chapter 157, that are rented as part of the summer rental season, are subject to high numbers of guests, resulting in abnormally large volumes of trash. This type of occupancy use presents a significantly higher impact than homes not used for summer rentals. In interest of public health and sanitation and environmental concerns, all rental home shall have a minimum of one trash can per two bedrooms. Homes with an odd number of bedrooms shall round up (for examples one to two bedrooms – one trash can; three to four bedrooms – two trash cans; five – six bedrooms – three trash cans, and the like).
Building Numbers
Ocean front homes are required to have house numbers visible from the beach strand.
Please call Planning and Inspections Department at 910.842.6080 with any questions.
§157.087 BUILDING NUMBERS.
(A) The correct street number shall be clearly visible from the street on all buildings. Numbers shall be block letters, not script, and of a color clearly in contrast with that of the building and shall be a minimum of six inches in height.
(B) Beach front buildings will also have clearly visible house numbers from the strand side meeting the above criteria on size, contrast, etc. Placement shall be on vertical column supporting deck(s) or deck roof on the primary structure. For buildings with a setback of over 300 feet from the first dune line, a vertical post shall be erected aside the walkway with house numbers affixed. In all cases the numbers must be clearly visible from the strand. Other placements may be acceptable with approval of the Building Inspector.
Upon Further Review –
Why don’t Wilmington-area bars and restaurants offer happy hours?
With so many newcomers moving to North Carolina, they often ask about happy hours specials — “Where can I get two-for-one drink specials?” or “Where’s the best spot for bottomless mimosas?” North Carolina is one of the few states that don’t allow happy hours, or alcoholic beverages available for discounted prices for a certain period of time.
What are the happy hour rules?
The regulations from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission say businesses may only offer happy hour food specials. That is why diners may see restaurants promote discounted appetizers for “happy hour.” If drink specials are on the menu, they must be available for at least one full business day. These rules also prohibit things like “ladies night” promotions and say businesses can’t advertise their specials in certain ways, such as on freestanding marquees or through “cents-off” style coupons.
Can a bartender sell more than one drink to a customer at a time?
While many states allow for two-for-one drinks, that is not the case here. Pitchers (of beer or margaritas, for example), carafes of wine and buckets of beer can only be sold to groups of two or more. The exceptions are that a person can purchase a round of drinks for multiple people. Drinks like a boilermaker, which includes shot and a beer, or “doubles” are considered one drink and may be sold to a single patron.
Are there other exceptions?
The ABC Commission has decided that permitted businesses can offer package deals certain times of the year. Alcoholic beverages can be included if these deals include a meal or entertainment for a single total price that reflects the actual price of the beverage. These are allowed for New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Father’s Day.
Read more » click here
Previously reported – February 2023
Drink it up: Bipartisan bill would legalize happy hour in North Carolina
Bars and restaurants want to reform North Carolina’s alcohol laws, some of which date back to Prohibition. But any changes will face stiff opposition from religious groups, who are influential at the Republican-controlled state legislature. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, but in North Carolina that doesn’t mean much for after-work drink specials. Happy hours remain illegal — at least for now. On Monday, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers filed a bill that would allow individual cities and counties to legalize limited-time drink specials and promotions. “The restaurant and bar owners certainly want it,” said Republican Rep. Jason Saine, the bill’s lead sponsor. “With North Carolina growing like we have … you end up with people from many different places who are just used to having happy hour. It’s just part of the culture.” A similar bill was filed last year but didn’t pass. For the Republican-controlled legislature, any bills that loosen restrictions on alcohol sales can be tricky to navigate politically. The GOP’s supporters in the business community tend to want such rules, but many religious activists oppose them. Those who support the state’s current, relatively strict alcohol rules say they help public safety by discouraging drinking. But supporters of looser restrictions say they’re just trying to bring the state’s alcohol laws out of the Prohibition era, and into the 21st Century. “We’ve gone in the last two decades from what I’d call the ‘Hell No’ caucus, where they wouldn’t go for anything, to now, we can actually have conversations about it,” Saine said. In the past few years, some changes to booze rules have happened at the state and local levels. Liquor stores are still state-run, to the dismay of free-market advocates in both parties. But other small changes have passed, like a new law several years ago that allowed alcohol sales before noon on Sundays at grocery stores and for restaurants’ Sunday brunches. The “brunch bill,” as it was called at the time, passed to the surprise of many. Key to winning support in the GOP was that it used the same formulation Saine’s new happy hour bill also uses: It wouldn’t force the changes statewide and instead allowed individual cities and counties to vote on making the change for themselves. That allows conservative rural areas to keep stricter alcohol rules if local leaders want, while allowing bigger cities to pass the new rules.
Read more » click here
What to know about the new ‘Happy Hour Bill’ in the N.C. legislature
If there’s a question that identifies food-and-drink loving residents as newbies, it usually has something to do with North Carolina liquor laws. “Who has the best happy hour specials?” and “Where can we find bottomless mimosas this Sunday?” may seem like innocuous questions in one of the dozens of states that don’t have ABC boards. But as one of the 17 states that still do, such conversations in this state typically result in a complicated conversation about a tangle of restrictions governing the sale of spirits and cocktails. In recent years, though, there’s been a push to modernize the laws around alcohol sales. Now, North Carolinians can enjoy mimosas and Bloody Mary’s as early as 10 a.m. on Sundays and as of just last year bar patrons no longer have to have a membership to drink at their favorite watering hole. But more could be on the way. The ABC Laws/Local Sales Option bill, also known as House Bill 94, was introduced this month. It’s aimed at relaxing happy hour restrictions at local bars and restaurants. (In general, laws have been in effect for decades that prohibit bars and restaurants from offering drink specials for less than a full day.)
Here’s a look at what could change:
What the bill would do?
What happens next?
Read more » click here
Corrections & Amplifications –
Brunswick County has grown nearly 50% since 2015, state data show
The North Carolina Budget and Tax Center has released its 2025 Economic Snapshot for Brunswick County, which is now estimated to have a population of 175,000 residents — a 48% increase over the past decade. The state Budget and Tax Center (BTC) Economic Snapshots are released annually and “provide key economic and social indicators from publicly available sources for all 100 counties in North Carolina, along with a comparison to state-level data, with measures for employment, poverty and income, affordable housing, health, education and more.” Much of the data used in the Snapshots come from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) and the data in the 2025 Economic Snapshot for Brunswick County covers 2019 through 2023. The snapshot indicates Brunswick County’s population has ballooned by nearly 50% since 2015. For comparison, North Carolina’s population has increased by 11% over that timeframe. Based on BTC data, the county has gained over 15,000 residents since the most recent U.S. Census estimate in 2023. Carolina Demography found that Brunswick County has seen the largest population increase in North Carolina from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, growing by 4.6% over that time with a net migration, which is total move-ins subtracted by total move-outs, of 7,821. However, Brunswick County’s natural increase — the number of births subtracted by the number of deaths — from 2022 was -794. Nearby Pender County was the second fastest growing county over that timespan at 4.3%, but its net migration, 2,885, is significantly lower, according to Carolina Demography. Only Mecklenburg and Wake counties had a higher net migration than Brunswick County from 2022 to 2023, though the% change was smaller, at 1.7% for both counties. Of the 175,000 Brunswick County residents, 55,300 residents are employed and 2,400 are unemployed but actively seeking employment, creating an unemployment rate of 4.2%, the snapshot notes. The county’s working population is roughly 57,700 — just 32% of the overall population. The snapshot found fair market rent in Brunswick County in 2025 is $1,280 for a two-bedroom home, slightly more than the U.S. Census’ median gross rent of $1,267 from 2019 to 2023. The Living Income Standard — a measure of what a family consisting of one adult and two children needs in order to cover basic expenses — for Brunswick County is $78,400, compared to $87,700 for the state, the BTC found. From 2019 to 2023, the median Brunswick County worker’s yearly income was $43,800 and the median household income was $74,000. The median worker income in Brunswick County is lower than in neighboring New Hanover ($48,500) and Pender ($46,800) counties but is higher than in western neighbor Columbus County ($38,100). The median household income in Brunswick County ($74,000), however, is higher than in New Hanover County ($72,900) and Columbus County ($48,200) but lower than in Pender County ($76,800). 51% of Brunswick County renters cannot afford rent, according to the snapshot, as that percentage pay more than 30% of their incomes in rent, while 27% of renters pay more than 50% of their incomes in rent. The percentage of Brunswick County renters who pay more than 30% of their income in rent increased 2% from 49% from 2018 to 2022, but the percentage who pay more than 50% decreased slightly from 28% from 2018 to 2022. 9% of Brunswick County residents live in poverty, snapshot data show, and 13% of children live in poverty — down 1% from its rate of 14% from 2018 to 2022. Brunswick County’s high school graduation rate in 2024 was slightly lower than the overall state rate, with the county’s sitting at 85% and the state’s at 87%. Black county residents have the highest graduation rate at 90% followed by Latine residents at 87% then white residents at 85%. The NC Budget and Tax Center Economic Snapshots, including for Brunswick County, can be found here:
https://ncbudget.org/2025-economic-county-snapshots-for-north-carolina/.
Read more » click here
Odds & Ends –
Aggressive behavior, crossbreeding are helping invasive fire ants march across NC
Researchers thought colder temperatures, higher elevations could stop the march of invasive fire ants across the state and northward toward the Mason-Dixon Line. Mother Nature had other ideas.
What’s worse than a small, seemingly unstoppable invader that has already caused headaches across North Carolina for decades? How about a hybrid version of the little insect with a painful sting. Since first reaching North Carolina soil in Brunswick County in 1957, the fire ants’ colonization of the Tar Heel State has been all but unstoppable. Accidental human transportation, a lack of predators, and warming temperatures thanks to climate change − potentially bringing upper elevations in the Appalachians and colder Mid-Atlantic state areas into colonization danger − have helped the insect native to South America spread quickly across North Carolina and the Southeast since the bug first hitched a boat ride to Alabama In 1918. And now, the two species of invasive fire ants found in the United States are crossbreeding, creating an even nastier and hardier bug. According to the latest “quarantine” map produced by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which requires plant materials like soil and pine straw to be inspected before being transported to ant-free locations, only 23 of the state’s 100 counties remain fire ant-free. “Right now, it just seems they are very adaptable, and that includes moving their nests further underground in the higher elevations where the temperatures are more constant year-round, to some degree outsmarting the environment,” said Amy Michael, entomological programs manager with N.C. Agriculture. Fire ants also are famous for forming into large balls of living matter during flooding events, allowing them to literally float down to new locations. After Tropical Storm Helene dropped record-levels of rain across much of Western N.C. last fall, that ability has officials especially worried about how the natural disaster might have helped the invasive species spread to new areas, said Joy Goforth, plant pest administrator with the state agriculture department. As they’ve marched across the Tar Heel State, fire ants have displaced native ant species and caused misery for farmers and suburban homeowners − not to mention some painful encounters anyone who has tangled with a fire ant mound isn’t likely to quickly forget. Their venom, similar to a bee’s or wasp’s, results in a painful, itchy pustule or blister on the skin. Only a very small portion of the population are hypersensitive to ant venom and will experience lethal allergic reactions, according to the Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project at Texas A&M. Even healthy individuals, however, may experience severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock if they suffer from a multiple stinging incident. Treatments for stings are limited, with Texas A&M recommending stings be treated as you would stings of other insects and keep them clean and intact to avoid secondary infections. Considering that a mature colony can include up to 400,000 worker ants, a queen can lay up to 1,000 eggs a day, and that there can be several colonies per acre of land, fire ants can sometimes seem like the perfect pest. “While eradicating them would be the goal in a perfect world, we really are at the point now where we are trying to manage their impacts and their spread,” Michael said.
Do we now have Franken-ants?
Mother Nature has also thrown a new wrinkle into the mix − a new “super” ant that’s a merger of the two invasive fire ant species that have reached U.S. shores. Dr. Scotty Yang, assistant professor in the Virginia Tech Department of Entomology, said hybridized fire ants are the result of interbreeding between red and black fire ants. The outcome is a fire ant that has the strength and ornery disposition of the fiercer red fire ant with the better tolerance of colder temperatures found in black fire ants. Yang said the hybrid ants have become the explorers and front guard for the fire ant invasion into colder and more northerly areas, becoming the dominant fire ant species in the upper elevations of Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia. And they are proving to be very successful, with a dozen Virginia counties added to that’s state fire ant quarantine map just last year. Yang said viruses that impact “normal” fire ants also have less of an impact on the hybrids, making them less likely to forage and thus less likely to carry poisoned bait back to their mounds. “In some respect, the viruses help them survive,” he said. Researchers are still trying to determine why the ants decided to crossbreed. “But once you introduce a species to a new place, anything can really happen,” Yang said.
Living with fire ants
After more than 60 years in North Carolina, officials stress that it’s no longer a question of eradicating the invaders but managing them as best we can. Still, as dire as the situation sounds, officials say residents and farmers have options. Michael said several fire ant control measures are available at garden and home improvement shops, with the best strategy one that targets different stages of the ants’ and colony’s development − especially treatments that allow bait to be brought back into the mound. Treating mounds when they appear quickly, especially those near concrete and brick walls where heat radiating from those materials allows the ants to stay active longer, also is important for good control. Officials stressed that local cooperative extension offices also are great sources of information and advice for homeowners and farmers on the best ways to control the biting invaders, and the state agriculture office also aggressively works with the plant and construction industry to help stop any accidental transportation of the ants to new locations. “Yes, they are very adaptable, and yes, they can spread pretty quickly,” Michael said. “But there are tools out there that are available to residents and businesses to help try and mitigate the impacts and their spread.”
Read more » click here
What you need to know about the 3 types of fire ants invading North Carolina
Read more » click here
Alerts
Brunswick County uses ReadyBrunswick as part of the County’s effort to continuously improve communications during emergency situations within our area. Powered by Everbridge, the ReadyBrunswick notification system sends emergency notifications in a variety of communication methods such as:
In the case of an emergency, you may choose to receive notifications via one or all of these communication methods. It’s recommended that you register several media options to receive messages in the event a particular communication device is unavailable.
For more information » click here
Brunswick County Emergency Communications Notification System
Get notified about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for our ReadyBrunswick Emergency Notification System. This system enables us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods, and more. You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more. You pick where, you pick how.
SIGN UP HERE to choose the type of alerts you want to receive
Save the Date:
ReadyBrunswick Preparedness Expo is Wednesday, May 7
Are you prepared for emergencies? Come by the ReadyBrunswick Preparedness Expo on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, anytime between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to meet with our team members and other local organizations to learn more about disaster preparedness and recovery in Brunswick County.
This family-friendly event is free to attend and will feature over 20 local organizations that are ready to help prepare you for local hazards and threats, guide you and your family in developing an emergency plan, and teach you about organizations that can assist with recovery needs.
There will be free Sunset Slush Classic Italian Ice, popcorn, a vast display of rescue vehicles, a free raffle contest, and many handouts related to emergency preparedness and recovery.
For any questions, contact our Emergency Management team at 910.253.2589 or via email.
Find preparedness information on our website anytime at brunswickcountync.gov/emergency. Learn more about the ReadyBrunswick Emergency Notification System and sign up at brunswickcountync.gov/e-alerts.
ReadyBrunswick Preparedness Expo Details
When: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (come and go anytime)
Where: Brunswick County Government Center, 30 Government Center Drive NE, Bolivia, NC 28422 (Parking available in front of the David R. Sandifer Administration Building)
What to Expect: All Brunswick County community members and visitors are welcome to come and meet local organizations that can guide you through emergency preparedness and recovery activities.
For more information » click here
This and That –
What should you do when emergency vehicles approach?
Have you ever heard the sirens of an ambulance or firetruck behind you while driving and felt unsure of what to do? Knowing how to respond in these moments can help save lives. Properly yielding allows first responders to reach their destination quickly and safely. Here’s what you need to know next time you find yourself in this situation, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
How should you respond when an emergency vehicle is approaching?
If an emergency vehicle approaches from behind
On a two-lane road, when an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind, pull over to the edge of the road and come to a complete stop. Keep your foot on the brake to let the emergency vehicle know that your vehicle is stationary. Once the emergency vehicle has passed, you may safely return to the road.
Always maintain a distance of at least 500 feet behind emergency vehicles and never follow them to navigate through traffic or bypass red lights.
If you’re stopped at an intersection and an emergency vehicle approaches from behind, remain where you are unless you are able to pull to the right. Similarly, on a four-lane highway without barriers, both sides of traffic should pull to the right when an emergency vehicle is approaching.
If an emergency vehicle approaches from the opposite direction
The N.C. Department of Public Safety advises drivers to pay attention to the situation around them when an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction. Caution and yield should be used as needed.
What about emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road?
North Carolina has had a Mover Over Law since 2002, requiring motorists, if they can safely do so, to move one lane away from emergency vehicles with flashing lights stopped on the side of the road. Otherwise, motorists are expected to slow down and proceed with caution.
Violation of the law can result in a $250 fine, according to the N.C. Department of Public Safety.
What do the color of emergency lights mean?
The N.C. Department of Public Safety defines the following emergency light colors and their uses:
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State’s fix for costly litter problem ‘not efficient or sufficient’
The cleanup of more than 7,000 tons of litter in North Carolina cost state agencies, local governments and nonprofits more than $56 million in 2023, according to a new report. Those figures highlighted in “The Cost of Litter in North Carolina,” a 14-page report created through a collaboration of nonprofits and the Duke University Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, are just the tip of the trash pile. “That’s a severe undercount,” said Rob Clark, Cape Fear River Watch Water Quality Programs manager and a coauthor of the report. “The issue is much, much worse than this report was able to convey.” The figures included in the report were pulled together from information obtained through public records requests, informal requests, and budgets from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and 44 nonprofits. Of nearly 40 of the municipalities requested to provide information, 19 responded. There are more than 500 municipalities in the state. Even on the low, low end, the pounds of litter and costs associated with removing it from roadsides, ditches, and creek and river banks to name a few, conveys a narrative that North Carolina has a costly, statewide litter problem. But the economic impacts of litter are only part of the story, one the report’s authors hope to place into the hands of state legislators. That’s because the basic approach to addressing litter in the state — spending money to clean it up — is not efficient, Clark said. “It doesn’t address the issue properly,” he said. “It addresses the byproduct of the litter issue, but not the sources. It’s like you’re Band-Aiding over an artery. It’s not efficient or sufficient.” That’s why the report, which was also compiled by North Carolina Conservation Network, Haw River Assembly, and MountainTrue, includes recommendations aimed at reducing litter at the source, keeping it out of the environment, and saving tax dollars. One of the report’s main recommendations, Clark said, is that the North Carolina General Assembly reinstate the ability of local governments to regulate auxiliary containers, specifically single-use plastics such as grocery bags, cups, bottles and other types of food packaging. In a last-minute move, legislators injected into the 2023 state budget language that prohibits counties and cities from adopting rules, regulations, ordinances, or resolutions that restrict, tax, or charge fees on auxiliary containers. The provision stopped locally elected officials in Asheville from moving ahead on a vote to ban single-use plastic bags and Styrofoam food containers. “We were really close for that to come up to a vote here locally and then the General Assembly put that provision into the state budget,” said coauthor Anna Alsobrook, French Broad Riverkeeper and MountainTrue’s French Broad watershed science and policy manager. The law also squashed local elected officials in Durham from deciding whether to require retailers tack on a 10-cent fee for each plastic bag given out to customers in restaurants, grocery stores and shops. “It’s really unfortunate that the state legislature took away the right of local governments to regulate pollution in their own jurisdictions,” Alsobrook said. “We’re hoping to change that.” North Carolina Sen. Julie Mayfield, D-Buncombe, and Durham Democrats Sen. Natalie Murdock and Sen. Sophia Chitlik, last month introduced a bill that would repeal limitations on auxiliary containers. The same year legislators banned a ban on single-use plastics. A survey conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy showed that more than 80% of some 650-700 North Carolinians polled across the state supported regulations on single-use plastics, Alsobrook said. The report found that the amount of single-use plastic litter – everything from cigarette butts, Styrofoam, bottles, bags, and food wrappers – picked up throughout the state has steadily climbed since the late 1960s. In the ravages left in western North Carolina from Hurricane Helene, there is one rather ominous, tell-tale sign illustrating the abundance of single-use plastics in the environment. “There’s a ton of devastation all over the place, but there’s tons and tons of plastic films and bags hanging from trees in any given direction,” Alsobrook said. “I think that was one of the most stark things we saw for a really long time. It’s very apocalyptic looking.” And there is ongoing research about the potential human health effects of microplastics, which are considered ubiquitous in the environment because they have been found in every ecosystem on the planet. Other recommendations in the report include the statewide implementation of a bottle deposit system where residents would receive a deposit for returning empty, single-use bottles, using the Clean Water Act in waters declared federally impaired as a result of litter pollution, and boosting funding the state transportation department’s litter cleanup efforts. The North Carolina Department of Transportation “by far” carries the burden for litter cleanup in the state, the report concludes. NCDOT spent more than $25 million of taxpayer funds to clean litter in 2023, according to the report. The department has spent about $270 million on litter cleanup over the past 15 years. Recommendations included in the report are not new, “crazy ideas,” but rather policies that exist in other states and countries, Clark said. “We’re just trying to take good policies and procedures that have worked in other places and implement them in our state,” he said. “Litter is, I think, viewed as an individual issue in our society. It’s seen as a failure of an individual, a litterbug. But really the reality of the situation is it’s a production issue, especially with plastic. There’s just so much production that we’re essentially drowning in it. We need to seriously address force reduction if we’re really going to get a handle on it.”
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Turtle Watch Program –
Turtle Watch Program – 2025
Members of the patrol started riding the beach every morning on May 1 and will do so through October looking for signs of turtle nests.
For more information » click here.
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Turtle Talks
The Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program conducts weekly educational programs on selected Wednesday evenings in June, July and August. Please check our Events Calendar for details on dates, times and locations. Seating is limited.
Children’s Turtle Time
Special programs for younger turtle enthusiasts are held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons in June, July and August on select dates.
Both programs are free of charge and will be held at the Holden Beach Chapel.
Fauna & Flora –
NC State Native Plant Resources » click here
NC Sea Grant Coastal Landscapes » click here
New Hanover County Arboretum Native Plant Garden » click here
Audubon Native Plant Database » click here
Fauna & Flora » click here
Holden Beach recommended plant list – deer resistant & salt tolerant
Factoid That May Interest Only Me –
There are 6 venomous snakes in North Carolina. Know what they look like.
There are 6 venomous snakes in North Carolina. Know what they look like.
If it’s spring, it’s time for us to remind you about some of the slithering neighbors you might encounter when you’re outdoors over the next several months. As the weather warms up in North Carolina, snakes start moving around, doing snakey things, and we are more likely to cross paths with them. They generally aren’t cause for much concern, but encounters can be a little scary for some (for the snakes as well as the people). It’s important to know that of the 38 species of snakes in North Carolina, the majority are nonvenomous and not aggressive toward people unless threatened. Arm yourself with knowledge. Learn about the venomous (sometimes incorrectly referred to as poisonous) snakes in our area, and how to distinguish them from the harmless ones.
Storm Events –
Hurricane Vehicle Decals
Property owners were provided with four (4) decals that were included in this month’s water bill. It is important that you place your decals in your vehicle or in a safe place. A $10 fee will be assessed to anyone who needs to obtain either additional or replacement decals. Decals will not be issued in the 24-hour period before an anticipated order of evacuation.
The decals are your passes to get back onto the island to check your property in the event that an emergency would necessitate restricting access to the island. Decals must be displayed in the driver side lower left-hand corner of the windshield, where they are not obstructed by any other items. Officials must be able to clearly read the decal from outside the vehicle.
Property owners without a valid decal will not be allowed on the island during restricted access. No other method of identification is accepted in an emergency situation. Click here to visit the Town website to find out more information regarding decals and emergency situations.
EVACUATION, CURFEW & DECALS
What is a State of Emergency?
A proclamation by the Town which enacts special ordinances and/or prohibitions during emergency situations to protect the public, public health and property. These prohibitions can include limitations on movement, curfews, directing of evacuations, controlling ingress and egress to the emergency area, alcoholic beverages, and more. State of Emergencies are issued in accordance with N.C.G.S. 166A-19.22.
What is a curfew?
A curfew is an order, typically during a State of Emergency, which requires all persons in the affected areas to remain on their own property. During a curfew, you are not free to move about public domain areas or on others’ property. Violations of a curfew could lead to arrest in certain situations.
What is a voluntary evacuation?
A voluntary evacuation creates a recommendation for all parties in the affected area to get their affairs in order hastily and evacuated.
What is a mandatory evacuation?
A mandatory evacuation means you must leave the area in which an order has been issued. With recent changes to the laws in North Carolina, you no longer have the option of staying in an area under an order of mandatory evacuation.
Why is the sewer system turned off during a storm/event?
Often the sewer system is turned off during storms which have the potential to create significant flooding on the island. The system is turned off to protect its integrity. If it were left on, it could pose a significant threat to the public health. When the system is manually shut down, it also greatly reduces the time needed to bring it back up after an event which equates to getting residents and guests back on the Island much faster.
Why is there a delay for decal holders to get back on the island once a storm ends?
After a storm, many things must occur before even limited access can be allowed. Some of those things include making sure the streets are passable; the sewer system must be restarted to comply with State laws; the utilities (water, sewer, electricity, propane supplies) must be checked to ensure no safety risk are present; and the post-storm damage assessment team needs to perform an initial assessment.
Where can I get up-to-date information during and after a storm or State of Emergency?
You can sign up for the Town email service by clicking here. The newsletter, along with the Town’s website will be the main sources of information during an emergency situation. Links to the Town’s official Facebook and Twitter pages can be found on the website. You can also download our app for Apple and Android phones by accessing the app store on your smart phone and searching Holden Beach.
Please refrain from calling Town Hall and Police Department phone lines with general information questions. These lines need to remain open for emergencies, storm management and post-storm mitigation. All updates concerning re-entry, general access, etc. may be found on the Town’s website and other media outlets.
Why do I see others moving about the island during a curfew?
If a curfew order is in place, you must stay on your own property. You may see many other vehicles moving about the Island. We often receive assistance from other local, state, federal and contract personnel during events. It is likely these are the personnel you are seeing, and they are involved in the mitigation process for the event. Please do not assume that a curfew order has been lifted and/or you are free to move about the island.
Can I check my friends’ property for them?
If a curfew order is in place, you may ONLY travel to your personally owned property. Traveling about the Island to check on others’ property is not allowed. is in place, you may ONLY travel to your personally owned property. Traveling about
Who can obtain decals?
Only property owners and businesses who service the island can obtain a decal.
How do I get decals for my vehicle…?
If I am an owner?
Decals will be mailed out in water bills to property owners before the season starts. Those owners who need additional decals can contact Town Hall. A fee may apply, please check the current fee schedule.
If I am a renter?
You must contact the owner of the property to obtain a decal.
If I am a business owner on the Island?
You must contact Town Hall to obtain a decal.
If I am a business owner off the Island that provides services on the Island?
You must contact Town Hall for eligibility and to obtain a decal.
When does my decal expire?
All decals expire on the last day of the calendar year as indicated on the decal.
Where do I put my decal on my car?
Decals must be displayed in the lower left-hand corner of the windshield, where they are not obstructed by any other items to include window tinting, other decals, etc. Officials must be able to clearly read the decal from outside the vehicle. Please note that re-entry will not be allowed if a current, intact decal is not affixed to the windshield as designated.
How do I replace a decal if I get a new vehicle?
If you trade a vehicle or otherwise need a replacement decal, you may obtain them from Town Hall during normal business hours. A fee may apply, check the current fee schedule.
Can I obtain a decal right before an emergency occurs?
While most of the storms we deal with are tropical in nature with some type of advanced warning, we do experience many other types of events that could create a State of Emergency without warning. All eligible parties should obtain decals as early as possible each year to avoid being denied access to the Island. Decals shall not be issued during the 24-hour period prior to an anticipated order of evacuation so staff can concentrate on properly preparing the Town for the storm/event.
Can I use a tax bill or another document for re-entry?
No. You MUST have a decal to re-enter the Island until it is open to the general public.
How does re-entry after a storm during a State of Emergency work?
The bridge is closed to all vehicle access, except for official vehicles. Once those with proper decals are allowed access, they must conform with the current rules in place by the specific State of Emergency Order. After all hazards have been rendered safe, the bridge will be opened to the general public. A curfew could remain in effect however, to ensure the safety and security of the Island and its residents and guests. Please understand this process typically takes days to evolve and could be significantly longer, depending on the amount of damage sustained. Please refrain from calling for times for re-entry, as those are often not set on schedule. Instead, stay tunes to local media outlets and official social media accounts for accurate updates.
How can I check on my property if access is limited to the Island?
Once it is safe, property owners with valid decals will be allowed back on the Island after a storm/event. At this point, you can travel to your property, in accordance with the rules of the specific State of Emergency Order currently in place.
If you live out of the area, please do not travel to the Island until you are certain you will be allowed access. Stay tuned to those media outlets and email services that are of official nature for this information. Also, be certain you have your current, valid decal properly affixed to your vehicle.
It is a good idea to be sure your contact information is current with the Town tax office as this is the location Town officials will use in the event you need to be contacted.
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NC General Statute 166A-19.22
Power of municipalities and counties to enact ordinances to deal with states of emergency.
Synopsis – The governing body may impose by declaration or enacted ordinance, prohibitions, and restrictions during a state of emergency. This includes the prohibition and restriction of movements of people in public places, including imposing a curfew; directing or compelling the voluntary or mandatory evacuation of all or part of the population, controlling ingress and egress of an emergency area, and providing for the closure of streets, roads, highways, bridges, public vehicular areas. All prohibitions and restrictions imposed by declaration or ordinance shall take effect immediately upon publication of the declaration unless the declaration sets a later time. The prohibitions and restrictions shall expire when they are terminated by the official or entity that imposed them, or when the state of emergency terminates.
Violation – Any person who violates any provisions of an ordinance or a declaration enacted or declared pursuant to this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Hot Button Issues –
Subjects that are important to people and about which they have strong opinions
Climate
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There’s something happening here
What it is ain’t exactly clear
Hottest decade
The latest “State of the Global Climate” report has been released and the news is pretty dire: our world has just experienced its hottest decade. According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2024 was the hottest since record-keeping began and was likely the first time global temperatures exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above the baseline set in 1850-1900. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide were at the highest levels in the last 800,000 years. Such record levels of greenhouse gases — along with the El Niño weather pattern — were mostly to blame for the higher temperatures.
Earth’s 10 Hottest Years Have Been the Last 10
A report from the World Meteorological Organization confirms that 2024 was the hottest year on record and the first year to be more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial era.
With the addition of 2024, yet another record-hot year, the past 10 years have been the 10 hottest in nearly 200 years of record-keeping, the World Meteorological Organization reports. “That’s never happened before,” said Chris Hewitt, the director of the W.M.O.’s climate services division. It marks the first time since record keeping began that all of the 10 hottest years have fallen within the most recent decade. 2024 was the single warmest year on record, surpassing even 2023’s wide lead over other recent years. The planet’s surface was approximately 1.55 degrees Celsius warmer than its average during a reference period that approximates the preindustrial era, from 1850-1900. The annual report from the W.M.O., a United Nations agency, includes input from dozens of experts and institutions from around the world and sheds further light on the record-breaking heat of 2024 and places it in the context of Earth’s long-term warming from climate change. The extra energy in the atmosphere and the oceans helped fuel climate-related disasters around the globe. Extreme weather events like drought, storms and wildfires displaced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, the report says. Atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases released from fossil fuel combustion continue to rise. In 2024, the concentration of carbon dioxide hit amounts unseen in at least two million years, according to the report. Concentrations of two other important greenhouse gases, methane and nitrous oxide, reached levels unseen in at least 800,000 years. Homo sapiens, or modern humans, emerged around 300,000 years ago, so our species has never before experienced an atmosphere so laden with planet-warming greenhouse gases. When countries signed the Paris Agreement in 2015, they agreed to try to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. “While a single year above 1.5 degrees C of warming does not indicate that the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement are out of reach, it is a wake-up call that we are increasing the risks to our lives, economies and to the planet,” Celeste Saulo, the secretary general of the W.M.O., said in a statement. The new report estimates that long-term warming has reached 1.25 to 1.41 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, although the margins of error for some estimates extend beyond 1.5 degrees. The report authors estimate that last year, El Niño and other factors contributed an additional 0.1 or 0.2 of a degree of temporary warming. El Niño is a natural climate pattern that tends to slightly raise the overall surface temperature of the planet. Record warmth, however, continued into 2025, even through El Niño’s transition into the opposing pattern, La Niña. “It’s been really quite extraordinary to see that warmth continue for so long,” John Kennedy, the scientific coordinator and lead author of the report, said during a call with reporters. This warmth is especially apparent in the oceans, where key indicators of climate change are now accelerating. The oceans have so far absorbed around 90 percent of the additional heat trapped inside Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases. The oceans’ heat content — a way to measure this warmth throughout different depths — also reached a record high last year. Over the past two decades, from 2005 to 2024, the oceans warmed more than twice as fast as they did from 1960 to 2005, according to the report. Increased ocean temperatures have had devastating consequences for marine life. By April 2024, warm-water corals had been bleached in every ocean basin where they grow. Global average sea-level rise also reached a record high in 2024, according to the report. The speed at which the seas are rising has also more than doubled in recent years: 4.7 millimeters per year in the past decade, from 2015 to 2024, compared with 2.1 millimeters per year from 1993 to 2002. The World Meteorological Organization’s work depends on international cooperation among its 101 member countries, including the United States. “If you look at how weather has progressed since the initiation of the W.M.O. in 1950, you can now see that you can have the forecast on your smartphone,” said Omar Baddour, the W.M.O.’s chief of climate monitoring. “You cannot believe how much collaboration is behind this.” Data from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which recently lost hundreds of staff positions as part of the rapid, large-scale cuts to the federal bureaucracy the Trump administration undertook beginning earlier this year, are included in the W.M.O.’s new report.
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Flood Insurance Program
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National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On March 14, 2025, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2025.
Congress must now reauthorize the NFIP
by no later than 11:59 pm on September 30, 2025.
GenX
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Homeowners Insurance
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Hurricane Season
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Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30
What early signs suggest about the 2025 hurricane season ahead
A marine heat wave in the Caribbean Sea may fuel an impactful hurricane season in 2025, even though seas have cooled in some areas compared to last year.
Hurricane season is just two months away, and early indications suggest it might not be as hyperactive as last year’s. Still, several factors hint that it won’t be quiet, either. For one, forecasters are looking to the oceans for signs of what could be brewing. Seas in the part of the Atlantic where storms typically form are cooler than they were at this time in 2024 — with warmer waters allowing more fuel for strengthening. But seas are nonetheless about 0.7 degrees higher than the long-term average, the eighth-warmest on record since at least 1940. A marine heat wave remains active across the Caribbean Sea and parts of the Gulf of Mexico — blobs of unusual ocean heat that, should they linger, may tip the scales toward stronger storms close to land. However, La Niña, which tends to boost hurricane activity, is fading. Still, no matter how many (or how few) storms form, it takes only one landfall to make a hurricane season devastating. Last year, five hurricanes made landfall in the contiguous United States — just the ninth season since 1851 to have at least five storm centers hit land. There were 18 storms in total, and the season was considered hyperactive, according to a metric called accumulated cyclone energy. Ahead of further key forecasts, including one from Colorado State University expected later this week, here’s The Washington Post’s assessment for the coming season, and the four key factors that will shape it:
Key factors this hurricane season
Sea temperatures in the Main Development Region
From August to October, tropical storm and hurricane seedlings move from Africa into a vast region of warm seas in the tropical Atlantic Ocean known as the Main Development Region (MDR). The warmer it is, the more energy and moisture are available to fuel storms, allowing them to strengthen as they move through the area. Last year, the MDR was record warm, which is part of the reason forecasters expected such an active season. The MDR is cooler than it was at this time in 2024, especially near the coast of Africa, but it’s still unusually warm overall. In March, it’s been the eighth-warmest on record. Miami-based hurricane expert Michael Lowry is closely watching sea temperatures in this important region. “I certainly see some encouraging trends which suggest this upcoming season could be less active overall than recent hyperactive ones. The Atlantic remains plenty warm — much warmer than average — but after almost two years of unprecedented warmth, it’s nice to see water temperatures fall to more precedented levels,” said Lowry, a hurricane specialist with Local 10 News in Miami.
Sea temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean
The global climate patterns El Niño and La Niña play a critical role in determining how busy hurricane season may be. La Niña, which tends to boost hurricane activity by creating winds more conducive to their formation, has waned in recent months. The tropical Pacific Ocean is now a mix of warmer and cooler-than-average waters — moving toward what is known as a neutral phase. In other words, having neither La Niña nor El Niño. Odds are that neutral conditions will be in place for the start of hurricane season, but this time of year presents challenges for forecasting because of a phenomenon known as the spring predictability barrier. “So-called neutral years can also be quite active in the Atlantic, so unless we see a big warm-up toward El Niño over the next four or five months, the Pacific shouldn’t be a major deterrent this season,” Lowry said.
A marine heat wave in the Caribbean Sea
Ocean water across the Caribbean Sea and western Gulf of Mexico is well above average for the time of year — enough to qualify as a marine heat wave. These vast expanses of unusual ocean heat can affect coral reefs and the behavior of marine life but also provide more moisture and fuel for tropical weather systems. Last year, Hurricanes Helene and Milton derived their energy from a gulf affected by a marine heat wave. Both storms broke atmospheric moisture records, which contributed to extreme rainfall.
The West African monsoon
During June to September, heavy rains and thunderstorms bubble up over the West African Sahel. The strongest disturbances survive the long journey across Africa and emerge in the Atlantic — where they meet increasingly warm seas and strengthen further into tropical storms and hurricanes. How active the African monsoon season is helps determine how many storms may move into the Atlantic. The early indication is there will be a more active monsoon than normal. But not all monsoons are equal — last year’s episode sent storms swirling unusually far north into the Sahara, where it rains very little. Such oddities are not predictable months in advance. Other factors, such as dust from the Sahara, can reduce hurricane risk as the dry air suppresses rainfall and thunderstorm activity across the Atlantic — and can cool the ocean. But it’s not typically possible to predict dust outbreaks more than a week or so in advance. Last season, Hurricane Ernesto ingested wildfire smoke as it moved past Newfoundland, Canada. The intersection of hurricanes and wildfires will be something to watch this season, particularly as many parts of the United States continue to deal with drought impacts.
What is known — and what remains uncertain
It’s not possible to predict exactly when or where a tropical storm or hurricane will strike weeks or months in advance. But a broad-brush understanding of the theme of hurricane season can be developed by comparing current conditions to the past and forecast models. Forecasters analyze several key metrics and use a variety of techniques to help understand whether the season might be quiet or busy, relative to an average season, which has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). The key predictors currently suggest that a slightly above average Atlantic hurricane season in 2025 is possible, but the hyperactive characteristics present in 2024 are fading. Lowry called hurricane season “a marathon, not a sprint” — and referred to the 1992 season, when Andrew, a hurricane with deadly impacts in South Florida, was the first and only major Atlantic hurricane of the year. He urged early preparations for any scenario. “Emergency managers and disaster planners don’t alter their plans based on the seasonal outlooks, and neither should you or your family,” Lowry said. “Prepare this year as you would any other year. It only takes one bad hurricane to make it a bad season where you live.”
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As the NC coast gears up for hurricane season, a big change is coming to forecast maps
We’re still a couple of months out from the start of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which is the perfect time to start preparing. Gearing up for hurricane season entails more than just making sure your hurricane supplies are topped off. Making sure you can receive the latest weather updates and staying on top of what’s new for the 2025 hurricane season is just as important. The National Hurricane Center has already announced more than a few changes it’s making for the upcoming hurricane season, like updating its “cone of uncertainty” and providing an earlier window to send alerts about potential tropical activity.
Here’s what to know about what’s news for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
The NHC is updating its Potential Tropical Cyclone system for 2025
Starting on May 15, the National Weather Service (NWS) will implement some significant changes to its Potential Tropical Cyclone advisory (PTC) system.
The experimental cone of uncertainty will be narrower
The NHC says it will continue using its experimental cone graphic, which is frequently referred to as the cone of uncertainty. The graphic is meant to track the probable path of a tropical cyclone’s center. The cone is frequently misunderstood, which is one reason the NHC consistently updates the product. Here are this year’s changes.
New rip current risk map will highlight dangerous conditions stemming from hurricanes
Due to an increase in surf and rip current fatalities in the United States, the NHC will provide current risk information from distant hurricanes and provide a national rip current risk map.
Current day, next day and a composite showing the highest risk over both days will be available for areas along the East and Gulf coasts of the U.S in one page.
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Hurricane season is 3 months away. Will it be as active as last year?
What to know at this early stage.
One of the first things that tipped scientists off that 2024 would be an unusually active hurricane season: excessive ocean warmth in a key region of the Atlantic Ocean. But that’s just one of many factors different as this year begins. With the Atlantic hurricane season less than three months away, forecasters are making early efforts to understand how this year may differ from the last. And while specific forecasts for the number of hurricanes can’t be accurately made this far out, forecasters can look to planetary climate patterns for clues. At least two key differences suggest odds are lower for another extremely active season: For one, the tropical Atlantic isn’t as warm as it was last year. And a La Niña (known for cooling a vast swath of the Pacific Ocean) is not expected to form during the season. But it’s still early — and current conditions don’t entirely eliminate the odds of an overactive season. In the Atlantic Ocean, hurricane season runs from June through November, typically peaking in September. Last year, hurricane season was hyperactive, based on a metric called Accumulated Cyclone Energy. There were 18 named storms and five hurricane landfalls in the United States, including the devastating Hurricane Helene.
The Atlantic is cooler than last year
Among the many complex puzzle pieces that start to create a picture of hurricane season — including winds, air pressure patterns, Saharan Dust and monsoonal activity — sea temperatures are a key driver. Scientists look as an early signal to what’s called the Atlantic Main Development Region, or MDR, which extends from the Caribbean to the west, and to near Africa in the east. Sea surface temperatures in the MDR have a statistical relationship with hurricane activity. In 2024, there was excessive warmth in the MDR. But it’s not currently as warm as last year, nor is it forecast to be in a few months. When the MDR is cooler, it can contribute to atmospheric conditions that aren’t particularly conducive to lots of hurricanes. Forecasts for the MDR extend to July 2025, and they suggest that while seas in the region may be somewhat above-average, the Atlantic’s most unusual warmth will be located farther north. Comparing forecasts made for July of both years shows how much warmer the MDR was predicted to be in 2024 — a prediction that turned out to be correct. If the predictions hold true this year, that might reduce the odds for a season as active as 2024. Andy Hazelton, a physical scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Environmental Modeling Center, said the cooling of the MDR is the biggest factor that has stood out to him so far. “It’s still pretty warm, especially in the Caribbean, but the subtropics (north of the MDR) look warmer overall right now,” Hazelton said. If the pattern were to continue, he said, it could put a cap on how active the season may be.
La Niña may be fading
During hurricane season, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans are more than distant neighbors — they’re connected by the atmosphere. What happens in one doesn’t stay there; it sends ripples to the other, shaping storm activity on both sides. One pattern that causes a Pacific-Atlantic ripple effect is known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which has three phases: El Niño, La Niña and neutral. El Niño is marked by warmer-than-average seas in the eastern Pacific, while cool seas are prominent there during La Niña. Neutral periods often occur during transitions between El Niño and La Niña, as sea temperatures temporarily become less anomalous. Early this year, the tropical Pacific entered a La Niña phase — but it’s not expected to last for much longer. The cool waters associated with La Niña can suppress rainfall and thunderstorm activity in the tropical Pacific. But as the atmosphere balances itself, increased rainfall and thunderstorm activity, as well as winds that are more conducive to hurricane formation, can occur in the tropical Atlantic. This is why, in addition to the record-warm Atlantic seas, forecasters were so concerned about the level of hurricane activity last year. But a period of weaker winds in the eastern Pacific this month has caused a substantial warming of the ocean to the west of South America. Because the winds have been less robust, a process known as upwelling — which happens when strong winds churn cool, subsurface waters to the surface — has slowed down. If the warming continues, it will put the Pacific in a much different state than it was heading into the last hurricane season. This year, a developing tongue of warm water in the eastern Pacific could have the opposite effect as it did last year, promoting rising air and more rainfall there, while having a drying effect on the Atlantic. However, predictions of El Niño and La Niña are not made equal. A phenomenon known as the “spring predictability barrier” can lead to less-skillful forecasts during spring in the Northern Hemisphere. “ENSO still has the spring barrier to cross,” Hazelton said. “But cool subsurface conditions and persistent trade winds suggest we probably won’t be getting a rapid flip or setting up for El Niño in the summer.”
The bottom line: It’s still early, but 2025 looks different
One thing can be said confidently at this point: So far this year, the elements that drive the Atlantic hurricane season look markedly different from 2024. The Atlantic Ocean is shaping up to have a different sea-temperature configuration than last year, with the most unusually warm seas sitting outside of the MDR. A marine heat wave — expansive blobs of unusual oceanic heat that are becoming more common in a warming climate — no longer covers the MDR, but remains active in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, areas where hurricanes derive their energy from. In the Pacific, the door may be closing on La Niña as seas warm up in the east. But a full-fledged, hurricane-halting El Niño doesn’t look particularly likely, either. Hazelton said it’s possible there will be ENSO neutral conditions during peak hurricane season. These are some of the factors forecasters will be monitoring closely as hurricane season approaches. Seasonal outlooks of hurricane activity are typically released in April and May. And while the data may change, one thing is certain: It’s never too early to prepare, especially considering the United States experienced impactful landfalls from Hurricanes Beryl, Debby, Francine, Helene and Milton last year.
Read more » click here
Inlet Hazard Areas
For more information » click here
.
Lockwood Folly Inlet
For more information » click here.
Seismic Testing / Offshore Drilling
For more information » click here.
Offshore Wind Farms
For more information » click here
Things I Think I Think –
Eating out is one of the great little joys of life.
Restaurant Review:
The Dinner Club visits a new restaurant once a month. Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, ambience and service, with price taken into consideration.
///// December 2023
Name: Villa Romana
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 707 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.448.4990 / https://www.villaromanamyrtlebeach.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: $23 Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Three Stars
A quintessential Italian restaurant, it feels like the great Italian restaurants that were more prevalent many years ago. Apparently, they have renovated since our last visit the traditional Roman architecture with its columns, statues, and fountains have been removed. Frankly, although it was a bit kitschy I miss them. The roving accordion player contributes to its old-world charm. Established in 1985, the menu reflects home-style interpretations of their family recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation. What makes them great is they are happy to prepare any dishes you want as long as the ingredients are available. It’s an exceptional value, the food is wonderful, the portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. What’s not to like?
Family-run Italian restaurant celebrates four decades in Myrtle Beach
Bringing authentic Italian cuisine to the Grand Strand since 1985, Villa Romana is celebrating 40 years of business. The restaurant is a family business, owned by husband and wife, Franand Rinaldo Montrosse. It’s located in downtown Myrtle Beach, but when you walk through the doors, it’s as if you are in Rome, where Rinaldo is from. And it’s his mother’s style of cooking that lives on through the entrees. Now, reaching four decades of serving the community, the head chef and general manager Vince Pappas said they owe it all to the local clientele. “We depend greatly upon the locals, and so we try to give back to that community every day,” he said. “They take very good care of us without our locals we would not be here.”
Read more » click here
Dining Guide – Local * Lou’s Views
Dining Guide – North * Lou’s Views
Dining Guide – South * Lou’s Views
Restaurant Reviews – North * Lou’s Views
Restaurant Reviews – South * Lou’s Views
Book Review:
Read several books from The New York Times best sellers fiction list monthly
Selection represents this month’s pick of the litter
.
PRESUMED GUILTY by Scott Turow
This is the third entry in the series of legal thriller novels featuring the former prosecutor and now retired judge Rusty Sabich. Rusty is back in the courtroom, defending the son of his fiancée who is accused of murdering the daughter of the local prosecutor.
That’s it for this newsletter
See you next month
Lou’s Views . HBPOIN
. • Gather and disseminate information
. • Identify the issues and determine how they affect you
. • Act as a watchdog
. • Grass roots monthly newsletter since 2008
Lou’s Views
“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments
BOC’s Special Meeting 02/27/25
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here NA
Audio Recording » click here
1. Closed Session Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3), Consult with the Attorney – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas
When they came out of the closed session Mayor Pro Tem Myers announced that they instructed the Town attorney Moore on how to move forward with the pending litigation.
Mayor Alan Holden was not in attendance
Commissioner Page Dyer was not in attendance
Commissioner Rick Smith – was not in attendance
BOC’s Special Meeting 03/13/25
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here
Supplement – General Fund » click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Budget Workshop – Mayor Pro Tem Myers & Commissioner Thomas
. a) Fiscal Year 2025 – 2026 Goals and Objectives
. b) Revenues
. c) Major Expenditures – Updates and Outlook
BOC’s Regular Meeting 03/18/25
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Conflict of Interest Check
2024 Rules of Procedure for the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners
(e) Conflict Check. Immediately after the approval of the agenda, the Presiding Officer shall poll each member to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. In the event that a potential conflict is disclosed, the members will vote on a motion to allow or excuse that member with respect to the agenda item. If excused, the member may not participate in any discussion, debate, or vote with respect to the agenda item.
The Board was polled by Heather our Town Clerk. All of them declared that there was no conflict of interest with any agenda item at this meeting.
2. Discussion and Possible Action to Accept Recommendations from HDR Regarding the Condition Assessment of the Pier – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – pages 14 – 19
HDR Executive Summary » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to accept recommendations from HDR regarding the condition assessment of the pier.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
HDR was hired to engage in engineering analysis of the pier. The condition assessment of the pier structure has been initiated by their structural lead. HDR will present the findings.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report and provide direction to HDR for continued work.
On March 3, 2025, HDR conducted a site investigation and condition assessment as defined in the “Waterfront Facilities Inspection and Assessment – Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice No. 130” published by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
In summary, the overall condition of the existing fishing pier was assessed to be in POOR condition and HOR recommends replacing the timber superstructure in its entirety. The pier approach (superstructure and substructure) will also be required to be replaced in its entirety to satisfy federal ADA requirements. The existing substructure has many structural deficiencies which would require extensive repairs and is currently at the end of its useful service life. This coupled with the fact that the recommended construction methods would be similar for both repair and replacement options supports the conclusion that repairing the existing pier would not be structurally cost effective, nor would it provide the longevity or service life that results from replacing the timber fishing pier. Therefore, it is HDR’s recommendation that the Town of Holden Beach consider a pier replacement option only.
Update –
HDR is the engineering firm we hired to evaluate the pier structure. The presentation was on the pier condition assessment and their recommendations. The pier superstructure and substructure are currently at the end of their useful service life. Their report indicates that repairing the existing pier would not be cost effective. Commissioner Smith seemed to refuse to accept the report created by a licensed marine structural engineer that repair is doable but not practical. Commissioner Smith had an antagonistic exchange with the vendor. His behavior was completely inappropriate, the relationship between the Board and the engineering firm should not be adversarial. It’s the firm’s recommendation that the Town consider the pier replacement option only. Now that they are able to make an informed decision they have decided to cut our losses, to save both time and money, by not considering the repair option. HDR will begin to develop an engineering design with cost estimates for both the building and maintaining a new pier. The motion was made to accept their preliminary report and their recommendation to move forward on preliminary planning to build a new pier. So, we are back to the drawing board.
A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion
Commissioner Smith was acting like a child who didn’t get his way
Despite the public’s lack of support, the previous Board decided to move forward with the pier properties purchase anyway. The cost for the pier property signed contract in 2021, was three million two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($3,250,000). The pier inspection report stated that the Holden Beach fishing pier has likely surpassed its remaining service life considering it was constructed in 1957, which is 64 years old. Commissioner Sullivan made a motion to go back to the seller and ask for a reduction of price based on the findings of the ATM inspection report. The Board chose to disregard the negative engineers report and did not negotiate with the seller to get a reduction of the sales price. Instead that Board decided that they should proceed with this purchase. What needs to be said is had the previous Board done the right thing we would not have paid what we did. We now will have to incur the additional cost for removal and possible replacement. Which brings us back to the most fundamental question which was never addressed: How are we going to pay for this?
3. Police Report – Chief Jeremy Dixon
Agenda Packet – pages 20 – 24
Police Report » click here
Jeremy reviewed the actions that were taken by them last month
Business as usual for this time of the year
Jeremy encourages everyone to download the app
NC Police Connect on the App Store
Personnel announcement
There are currently only four (4) officers working out of eleven (11) positions
We are down seven (7) officers
. * four (4) vacant positions and three (3) officers are out on medical leave
To say that they are stretched pretty thin is an understatement
Jeremy is looking at mutual aid from other police departments
Having the full complement of eleven (11) police officers seems to be an elusive goal.
What he did not say –
NA
It’s that time of year, rental season ends, and break-in season officially starts
Requested that we all serve as the eyes and ears for law enforcement.
If you know something, hear something, or see something –
call 911 and let the police deal with it.
5. Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans
Agenda Packet – pages 25 – 28
Inspections Report » click here
ACTIVE NEW HOME PERMITS = 21
OTHER ACTIVE PERMITS = 454
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $30,000 = 79
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $100,000 = 5
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS = 0
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED WAITING PICK UP = 27
TOTAL PERMITS = 502
PERMITS IN REVIEW = 6
CAMA ISSUED = 5
ZONING ISSUED = 8
PERMITS SERVICED FOR INSPECTIONS FROM 02/07 – 03/07 = 94
TOTAL INSPECTIONS MADE = 175
Update –
Timbo briefly reviewed department activity last month, the department is very busy.
Director Evans reviewed the status of the ADA projects. The Town is close to meeting all the requirements in the ADA agreement. In most cases the Town has gone above and beyond the requirements of the ADA agreement. We are scheduled to finalize the Mediation Agreement shortly.
Community Rating System (CRS)
Based on the work of his department they have improved our CRS rating. We are good to go till 2029. The improved CRS ratings will get us additional savings in flood insurance premium rates.
Community Rating System (CRS)
The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.
As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS:
For CRS participating communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted in increments of 5% (i.e., a Class 1 community would receive a 45% premium discount, while a Class 9 community would receive a 5% discount (a Class 10 is not participating in the CRS and receives no discount)). The CRS classes for local communities are based on 18 creditable activities, organized under four categories:
National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System
For more information » click here
5. Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey
Agenda Packet – pages 29 – 33
Finance Report » click here
Update –
Daniel participated remotely, he briefly reviewed the Finance Report
Penny our newly hired tax collector made the request to advertise the tax liens on real property. A motion was made to approve the publishing of the unpaid tax liens on real property.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
6. Fire Department Update – Fire Chief Doug Todd
Agenda Packet – pages 34 – 47
Fire Department Report » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Allow a presentation by the fire department.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The fire department periodically presents to the BOC about the status of the department, call volume, and future needs. A department representative prepared agenda packet material to aid in the discussion.
Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department Year-End Review and Request
Total Calls = 211
Major Incidents = 4
Water Rescues = 9
We would like to see the town continue working toward the upgrade/replacement of the fire station on the island.
We request the town continue looking for ways to keep areas around emergency access and the pier open so that emergency vehicles can safely travel to and from incidents without endangering the public on the beach strand.
We request that the town consider acquiring (through purchase or agreement) emergency access west of the 800 block. This is vital to our timely response to calls on the beach strand.
We would like to deliver weekly public education to our visitors during the summer season. This would include fire safety and beach/water safety messages.
We request that the town partner with us to provide water safety stations along the beach to aid in water rescues. Rip current information would be available via a QR code on the sign, which would display the status of rip currents through the National Weather Service.
Previously reported – January 2023
The Tri-Beach VFD has been using the four bay Town owned building at 572 Ocean Boulevard West for a number of years to house fire apparatus that is used for firefighting, emergency medical calls and rescue calls on the island and off the island as needed. Housing the equipment on the island has been beneficial to Town of Holden Beach residents and vacationers on the island. Currently, staffing by the department is in place twelve hours a day (7:00 AM to 7:00 PM) during the summer months typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The rest of the year, 24-hour staff responds to calls on the island from the off-island fire stations. Due to the increase in permanent residents and renters staying on the island, before Memorial Day, during the summer, and after Labor Day, emergency calls on the island are on the increase. Tri-Beach is working on a plan to provide sufficient staff to man Station 2, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week all year. This will improve the response time to calls on the island during the entire year. To safely house staff 24 hrs./7 days a week, upgrades to Station 2 will be necessary. The Board of Directors of the Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department is formally requesting the Town of Holden Beach to put a plan in place to upgrade (or replace) the existing Station 2 building to provide the necessary facilities (such as a bunk room, kitchen, flood resistance, etc.) to support safely housing onsite staff for 24 hours a day. The Tri-Beach Chief officers and staff stand ready to assist Town personnel in the planning and execution of upgrading the Station 2 building to provide enhanced fire, emergency medical and rescue services to the residents and vacationers in the Town of Holden Beach. Please respond to the Board of Directors as soon as possible so that we can all move forward on this plan.
Assistant Chief David Ward of the Tri-Beach Fire Department made the presentation. As a representative of the fire department, he was there to justify the request for them to either upgrade or replace the existing fire station. Call volumes have significantly increased, and they would like to staff the fire station on the island around the clock all year long so they can adequately provide protection to the public. Timbo pointed out that this is a critical facility and impacts our Community Rating System score which reduces our homeowners insurance costs. The Board members agreed that they need to create a committee so they can make an educated decision about what they should do. Mayor Holden requested additional information from the fire department to know what their options are before they proceed.
No decision was made – No action taken
Previously reported – February 2023
Assistant Fire Chief Ward has provided the Board with information showing the locations a fire station could be located as requested at the January meeting. Tri-Beach Fire Department leadership will be in attendance to review it with the Board.
Follow-up to the last meeting request for additional information. The current location is situated pretty much where it needs to be. The fire station could be placed between Fayetteville Street and the eight hundred block on OBW, which is based on a five (5) mile maximum service area. Basically, the fire station needs to stay where it’s at on Starfish Drive. That said, as their equipment gets larger he questioned whether the site was big enough to accommodate the larger vehicles. There was not any discussion about moving forward or creating a committee.
Update –
Assistant Chief David Ward of the Tri-Beach Fire Department made the presentation. Their goal is to enhance their relationship with the Town. He explained each of the items listed and would like to continue conversations with their asks.
They are requesting that the town partner with them to provide water safety stations along the beach to aid in water rescues. Rip current information would be available via a QR code on the sign, which would display the status of rip currents through the National Weather Service. The surrounding communities already have them. Proposing seventy-two (72) stations at their cost, which they will maintain too. By consensus they requested the staff work with the Fire Department to bring a proposal back to the Board.
They briefly discussed putting together more information on what steps they need to take in order to move forward with replacement of the fire station
7. Town Manager Report – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – page 48 – 49
Town Manager Report » click here
Christy reviewed the Town Manager Report
Greensboro Street / Sewer Lift Station #2
Mobilized onsite end of December
Construction schedule anticipates completion in August
First disbursement applied to NCDEQ (state grant) on 12/20/24
Received payment on 03/03, turnaround on funding request timeline is of concern
The contractor is having difficulty finding the Buy America, Build America required materials for the grant
Waivers have been requested so those items could be procured a different way
Key Bridge Mediation Agreement
Ave E – Public/Emergency Beach Access and Restroom Facility
Both the walkway and restroom are complete.
The beach mats required for the agreement arrived yesterday and they will start installing them immediately
Recycling Program
Recycling participation is trending lower this year, be mindful to get renewals in
THB Newsletter (03/05/25)
2025 Recycling Deadline
Renewals for 2025 are due by April 1st. If payment is not received by April 1st, you recycling cart will be picked up by GFL. If you decide to reestablish the service after your cart is picked up, you will be assessed a fee of $50, in addition to the annual service cost. The 2025 service cost is $119.35 annually paid in advance to the Town of Holden Beach. The service consists of a 96 gallon cart that is emptied every other week during the months of October – May and weekly during the months of June – September. You may apply in person at Town Hall or by clicking here to download the application and mailing it in with your check payment.
Employee Updates
Receptionist Penny King was hired for Fiscal Operations Specialist position
We filled the position by promoting from within
In the process of interviewing for the receptionist position
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) Crossing
Alerted by the Corps that we should be receiving funds back from Crossing Project
Ocean Boulevard Stormwater
Met with Ward and Smith on March 6th to navigate federal approach to funding
Received call from Wilmington District they want to meet regarding same
Met with Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources regarding possible state assistance
Our lobbyist Ward and Smith met with the State regarding Federal funding for Ocean Blvd. Stormwater issues
Previously reported – February 2025
Survey completed with NC Division of Water Resources to show need for increased funding through the Water Resources Development Grant program. This program is for projects that reduce flooding and increase resiliency and is a source for potential state stormwater funding. We received word that the Town has qualified for Disaster Relief Funding through the Corps (USACE) for the September event. Funding is to initiate and complete design and construction of stormwater management infrastructure along Ocean Boulevard. More to come on a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) and the required Board Action to engage in the $2.2 million in federal funding.
Pier Site
HDR conducted structural inspections at pier on 03/03
Canal Dredging Permit
Heritage Harbor CAMA permit was approved/renewed
Tracking Tool
The BOC’s are looking for a status report on a monthly basis in order to track the progress of projects that they have prioritized.
The current status of each of the eight (8) items listed is in the Town Manager Report
What she did not say –
Paid Parking
Annual parking passes are now available for purchase
Hurricane Vehicle Decals
Property owners were provided with four (4) decals that were included in their water bills
Bike Lane Maintenance
Bike lane maintenance operations have been completed
In Case You Missed It –
THB Newsletter (02/22/25)
Dog Reminders
Please remember that any time your dog is off your premise, they must be on a leash, cord or chain at all times. Also, dog owners must remove dog waste immediately after it is deposited by the dog when on public property or any private property, including vacant lots, without the permission of the private property owner. Dog waste stations are conveniently located throughout the island.
Emergency Operations Center
The EOC building is being used by Tri-Beach Fire Department while they renovate their fire station on Sabbath Home
National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On March 14, 2025, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2025.
News from Town of Holden Beach
The town sends out emails of events, news, agendas, notifications and emergency information. If you would like to be added to their mailing list, please go to their web site to complete your subscription to the Holden Beach E-Newsletter.
For more information » click here
Upcoming Events –
Family Nighttime Easter Egg Hunt
The Town will hold its annual nighttime Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, April 18th
HBPOA Easter Membership Meeting
HBPOA membership meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 19that Town Hall
Easter Sunrise Service
Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 20th beside the HB Pier
8. Consideration and Possible Action to Award Bids for the Demolition of the Pier Building – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – pages 50 – 66
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to award bids for the demolition of the pier building
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The bids for the demolition of the pier building were received on February 21st. There were four companies that responded. Planning and Inspections Director Evans followed up on some bid specifics. Based on his review and follow up. his recommendation is for Jessie & Myers Construction Company based on price.
We received four bids for the demolition of the pier building as follows:
RHI $36,000
Cohen Construction $42,875
Jessie & Myers $46,500
Pinnacle Southeast $54,000
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
If the board is choosing to move forward with this action item at this time, then award bids to most responsive bidder.
The most responsive bid received after review of bid specifics by Planning and Inspection Director Evans is $46,500 submitted by Jessie & Myers Construction Company, Inc. Ranking in order after follow- up discussion was as follows:
Jessie & Myers Construction
Pinnacle Southeast Contracting Group
Cohen Construction
Robbins Home Improvement
Suggested Motion:
If the board is choosing to move forward with this action item at this time, then staff recommends approving the bid for Jessie & Myers and authorizing the interim manager to execute the associated paperwork. The funds will be sourced from Available to Appropriate in BPART
Update –
The agenda packet specifically states that the selection of Jessie & Myers was based on price, which is obviously not the case. Christy explained that they needed additional info on environmental testing and reviewed the total scope of work. The staff determined that the most responsive bid was from Jessie & Myers and that is who they recommended. Commissioner Smith objected because protocol has been to award the bid to the vendor with the lowest bid. I find it ironic since this time the Board deferred to the towns staff recommendation, which is exactly what he has argued for in the past. The project will start within two weeks of receiving notice to proceed and be completed within two weeks. Commissioners also requested that Christy discuss with the contractor to work with the Holden Beach Community Alliance to retrieve items inside the building that the organization identified as historically significant. Motion was made to award the bid to Jessie and Myers Construction Company for $46,500. The Board approved the bid from Jessie & Myers to demolish the pier building and instructed Interim Town Manager Ferguson to execute the associated paperwork.
A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion
Commissioner Smith continues to whine about the 3-2 votes
Don’t recall that being his position when he was in the majority
In other words, Good for me, but not for thee
Commissioner Paarfus responded –
that there was a time when he was the 3-2 guy “Karma’s a Bitch”
9. Consideration and Possible Action to Award Contract for the Construction of the Restroom Facility and Associated Parking/Sidewalks at Block Q – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – pages 67 – 68, plus separate packet
Supplement – Contract » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to award contract for the construction of the restroom facility and associated parking/sidewalks at Block Q.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The bids for the project were due back on January 14th. A second bid opening was held January 28th due to an insufficient number on January 14th. This project will include modular stormwater, sitework prep, and construction for the bathrooms and associated parking/sidewalks. Recommendation for award of contract.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Award contract to responsive bidder. Direct interim town manager to sign contract and complete all associated paperwork.
The most responsive bid after two rounds of advertising for the Block Q restroom and parking facility is $543,200. It falls within the budget for the project. The bid proposal outlines one hundred calendar days to completion.
Suggested Motion:
Approve the contract for Kowen Construction and authorize the interim manager to execute the associated paperwork.
Update –
The Board approved the contract with Kowen Construction for the Block Q restroom and parking facility in the amount of $543,200. Work is expected to be completed within one hundred (100) calendar days from the commencement of the work. Motion was made to award the contract for the construction of the restroom facility on Block Q authorize Town Manager to execute the associated paperwork.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
10. Consideration and Possible Action to Accept the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board’s Recommendation on Pickleball Courts –Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – pages 69 – 70
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to accept PRAB recommendation on pickleball courts
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The PRAB worked since the October BOC tasker to evaluate locations for pickleball courts on the island. Field trips were completed as part of the process to benchmark other communities. Town owned sites were also visited for evaluation and elimination.
TOWN MANAGER RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the recommendation and consider the tasker complete.
At the October 2024 meeting of the Board of Commissioners, the Board tasked the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) with evaluating Town-owned properties to determine a location to add pickleball courts to the island.
The PRAB established requirements for pickleball courts:
To benchmark other communities, the PRAB visited pickleball courts at Ocean Isle Town Park, Ocean Isle Beach Park, and Lockwood Folly. The PRAB also visited four potential sites for pickleball courts on Holden Beach; Sand Dollar site (adjacent to Bridgeview Park), Jordan Blvd site, Block Q and the 800 Block. The 800 Block was eliminated because of costs. Lack of bathrooms, lack of parking, and extensive site preparation made the site unsuitable. Sand Dollar was eliminated because of the close proximity of residencies and only one court could be built on the site. Jordan Blvd site was eliminated because only one court could be built on the site and court layout is not desirable.
By consensus, the recommendation is for the construction of up to four pickleball courts on Block Q, with two of those being permanent pickleball courts and one being a multipurpose tennis/pickleball combo. Costs depend on site prep, lighting, fencing, etc. but comparison court construction in the last two years is approximately $150K to construct above recommendation.
We propose that specifics such as court placement on the site coincide with the overall master planning process that the PRAB recommended for the entire Jordan Boulevard/Block Q area and suggest any further details be worked out as part of that plan.
Update –
The tasker given to the PRAB was to evaluate locations for adding pickleball courts. Mike Pearson the Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board walked them through the process used to make their recommendation. The PRAB recommendation is for the construction of up to four pickleball courts on Block Q, with two of those being permanent pickleball courts and one being a multipurpose tennis/pickleball combo. They have already recommended a master plan for Block Q/Jordan Boulevard to be developed. Motion was made to accept the PRAB report and consider the tasker complete.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
11. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 25-02, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 24-11, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2024 – 2025 (Amendment No. 7 – Professional Services) – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – pages 71 – 72
Ordinance 25-02 » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to approve a budget amendment moving funds from fund balance to professional services.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
A fund balance appropriation will allow coverage for additional anticipated legal fees through the end of the current fiscal year.
Moved funds of $50,000
From Revenue account #10.0399.0200 to Expense account#10.0410.0400
Update –
The Ordinance is for a fund balance appropriation that will allow coverage for additional anticipated legal fees through the end of the current fiscal year.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Although not stated, this is an unnecessary cost to hire attorneys to represent us for the frivolous lawsuit filed by Lisa Ragland. She filed a civil suit against the Town alleging the Board violated state law by holding a meeting without a quorum. Even if she is right (she’s not) the outcome would have been the same, the lawsuit is a waste of time and money. Therefore, we should go after her for all costs associated with our legal defense.
THB Code of Ordinances – Quorum
§30.15 VOTING AND QUORUMS.
(A) Quorum. The Mayor and three Commissioners, or three Commissioners without the Mayor shall constitute a quorum (simple majority) of the Town BOC
Coates’ Canons NC Local Government Law
It is not unusual for a charter to specify the method for determining the quorum for a city council. Accordingly, city elected officials, as well as city attorneys and clerks, should examine their respective charters for quorum provisions. Ordinarily, if the charter differs from G.S. 160A-74, the council should follow its charter.
See G.S. 160A-82.
For more information » click here
A Parliamentary Procedure Primer: Part 3 – Quorum Misconceptions
Misconception 4: Cities must always follow the quorum statute, G.S. 160A-74, even if their charter seems to conflict.
In addition to G.S. 160A-74, city charters commonly provide a method for calculating quorum. What if there is a conflict between the quorum statute and a city’s charter? While Section 160A-82 provides that the statutes in its part (including the quorum statute) do not invalidate conflicting city charter provisions, it does not describe how to deal with the conflicts. For that, we look to Section 160A-3. That section provides three different avenues for resolving charter-statute conflicts. First, if both the charter and the statute seem to describe everything required for performing a particular duty or function, the city can choose to follow either its charter or the General Statutes. G.S. 160A-3(a). Second, if a charter fails to provide all the details necessary to carry out a particular power, duty, privilege, immunity, or function, cities should supplement the charter with the procedures described in statute. In case of a conflict, however, the charter provisions control. G.S. 160A-3(b). Finally, if statute provides for a certain power, duty, immunity, privilege, or function that an earlier enacted charter expressly denies, then the statute supersedes the charter. G.S. 160A-3(c). Using the structure in G.S. 160A-3, cities would need to look closely at their charter’s quorum language. Does the charter provide all the information necessary for calculating quorum? If so, the city can likely choose to follow either the charter or G.S. 160A-74 under G.S. 160A-3(a). If not, the city might supplement its charter procedures with those in G.S. 160A-74, but the charter would still control in the case of any conflict. While quorum seems simple, it can prompt a variety of questions, and misunderstanding its requirements can lead to tricky situations. Understanding what is required for quorum will keep local governments on the right track both legally and procedurally.
For more information » click here
12. Discussion and Possible Approval of Audit Contract between the Town and Martin Starnes and Associates for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 – Finance Director McRainey (Interim Town Manager Ferguson)
Agenda Packet – page 73, plus separate packet
Supplement – Contract » click here
ISSUE/ ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to approve audit contract with Martin Starnes & Associates.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
This contract is for an independent auditor to perform the audit for fiscal year 2025.
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION:
Audit committee met and recommended approval of contract at previous meeting before new members were elected and will meet before the board meeting to discuss with new members.
Update –
Audit committee met and recommended approval of the contract. There was no discussion, the motion was to approve the contract for audit services between the Town and Martin Starnes and Associates for $50,430. The fee schedule has increased by 219% since the first contract in 2020.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Editor’s Note –
Fee schedule:
2020-2021 $23,000
2021-2022 $25,150 +$2,150/109%
2022-2023 $36,975 +$11,825/147%
2023-2024 $40,675 +$3,700/110%
2024-2025 $44,745 +$4,070/110%
2025-2026 $50,340 +$5,595/113%
My2Cents –
The protocol is to change firms every few years, traditionally we have done that after vendor has audited us for three years, this is the sixth consecutive year we have contracted with them.
13. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 25-03, An Ordinance Amending The Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 154: Flood Damage Prevention – Inspections Director Evans (Interim Town Manager Ferguson)
Agenda Packet – pages 74 – 77
Ordinance 25-03 » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Adoption to Chapter 154 of the Town of Holden Beach Ordinance book
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Adoption to Chapter 154 of the Town of Holden Beach Ordinance book as recommended by NC Department of Safety and FEMA
After review, the Board of Commissioners has found that the recommended amendments are consistent with the adopted CAMA Land Use Plan and are considered reasonable and in the public interest for the following reasons. The amendment as recommended by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and FEMA to adopt a section regarding flood zone AO.
154.24 STANDARDS FOR AREAS OF SHALLOW FLOODING (ZONE AO)
Located within the Special Flood Hazard Areas established in Section 15 4.05, are areas designated as shallow flooding areas. These areas have special flood hazards associated with base flood depths of one (1) to three (3) feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist and where the path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate.
Update –
Housekeeping item to add building standards to the ordinances for properties in the AO Flood Zone. The ordinance adds standards for areas designated as shallow flooding areas as required by Community Rating System guidelines.
The motion made was to approve the consistency statement as required
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
The motion made was to approve Ordinance 25-03
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
General Comments –
BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, April 15th
Facing a host of issues, tensions and expenses pile up for a Brunswick beach town
In times of a lawsuit and police officer shortage, one Brunswick town has decided to shift projects and funds. The Holden Beach Board of Commissioners during their March 18 meeting took several actions, including moving forward with demolishing the Holden Beach Pier building and moving funds to cover legal fees.
Here’s the latest.
A recap of the lawsuit
Holden Beach resident Lisa Ragland filed a civil suit through the Brunswick County Superior Court Division against the town of Holden Beach on Jan. 30, 2025. A special meeting was called for Jan. 28, 2025, to discuss and take action on four items, two of them regarding the pier, after the regular Jan. 21 meeting was cancelled due to snow. Ragland’s case argues the board acted without a quorum during the Jan. 28 special meeting because only three out of six board members, Commissioners Tracey Thomas, Rick Paarfus and Tom Myers, were in attendance and took action. Ragland believes the three commissioners violated state law and requests the board’s actions on Jan. 28 be “invalidated.” Ragland also requests the quorum section of the town of Holden Beach Charter be amended to reflect the North Carolina General Statute, which states that a quorum is when a majority of the board and the mayor are present. During the Feb. 18 regular meeting, Town Attorney Sydnee Moore maintained the board had a quorum at the special meeting per the town charter, noting she also reached out to other municipal attorneys to make sure the town followed lawful procedures. Commissioners held another special meeting on Feb. 27 to speak with Moore in closed session. Commissioners Thomas, Paarfus and Myers were the only three present at the meeting and instructed Moore on how to move forward in the pending case during closed session.
A new attorney comes with a price
The town’s responses to the civil suit, filed Feb. 28, listed Wilmington-based attorney H. Mark Hamlet with Hamlet Law as the new lead counsel representing the town of Holden Beach. Hamlet Law attorneys Suzanne Brown and Diamond Rowell have also been retained. Staff on March 18 requested the board approve a budget amendment. The amendment moved $50,000 from the fund balance to the professional services fund. “A fund balance appropriation will allow coverage for additional anticipated legal fees through the end of the current fiscal year,” the agenda topic cover sheet states. Asked what the legal fees are going toward, both Moore and Town Manager Christy Ferguson refused to give details as to what the money would be used for because, they said, the item was discussed during closed session. “We can go into closed session to discuss it, but we’re not going to discuss it in open session,” Moore said. Asked if more funds will be needed, Ferguson said she cannot say whether additional funds will not be needed because she cannot predict how long the legal battle will go on. Commissioners unanimously approved the budget amendment.
Wave goodbye to the pier building
Tensions were high during the March meeting, as this was the first meeting with a full board in over two months and the discussion about demolishing the historical pier building was not taken lightly. Thomas, Myers and Paarfus during the special Jan. 28 meeting awarded the contract for pier engineering services to HDR and directed staff to issue a request for proposal for the demolition of the pier building. As part of the contract, HDR recently performed a condition assessment on the pier. HDR engineers on March 18 told commissioners the current fishing pier structure has rotted and will require extensive, costly repairs in order to be saved. The engineers said the cheapest option will be to build a new pier and suggested the town save money by eliminating the option of repairing the pier. Following the engineers recommendation, the board had the decision to award a bid for demolishing the pier building, not the pier. Paarfus, Thompson and Myers voted in favor of awarding the bid to Jessie & Myers Construction Company for $46,500. Dyer and Smith opposed. Smith requested the board wait to demolish the building until a plan to replace the building is made. The project will start within two weeks of receiving notice to proceed and be completed within two weeks, Jessie & Myers Construction Company’s bid states. Commissioners also requested the contractor work with the Holden Beach Community Alliance to retrieve approximately 40 items inside the building that the organization identified as historically significant.
Running low on police officers
Holden Beach Police Chief Jeremy Dixon announced troubling news during the March 18 meeting. Out of the total 11 police officer positions, Dixon said four positions are vacant and three police officers are out on medical leave. Dixon has previously told the board about challenges the department has faced trying to fill the vacant police officer positions. However, having only four officers to run the department and keep the island safe has brought the issue to a new level.
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It’s not like they don’t have anything to work on …
The following eight (8) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:
The definition of loose ends is a fragment of unfinished business or a detail that is not yet settled or explained, which is the current status of these items. All of these items were started and then put on hold, and they were never put back in the queue. This Board needs to continue working on them and move these items to closure.
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Lost in the Sauce –
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From 2024
Boat Access
Another boat access could enter the water near Holden Beach
During the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) Committee of the Whole meeting on Feb. 21, the committee discussed creating another boating access area near Holden Beach to connect to the Intracoastal Waterway. Local fishermen, captains and residents have been fighting for more boat and trailer parking space in Holden Beach for over a year, and this potential project could bring that to the area, along with a potential third boat ramp. The commission unanimously voted in favor of moving the project to “phase I.”Ben Solomon, assistant chief and land acquisition manager of the commission’s Land and Water Access Division, presented a slideshow on the land purchase opportunities and the roughly drafted project. He said the boat access sketch plan and parking plan are only conceptual. “Most boat ramps in Brunswick County, aside from Holden Beach, operate at over-capacity status at this time,” Solomon said. Brunswick County only has six public boat ramps with 233 trailer parking spaces, he explained, and it would be important to keep the existing ramp on Holden Beach. He said the existing Holden Beach boat access is a small ramp with limited parking for the high volume of boat traffic that residents and visitors bring. “Just within Brunswick County, we have 12,000 registered vessels,” he said. “There’s an additional 18,000 registered vessels in surrounding counties.” Solomon showed the commission three separate parcels they are looking to purchase off Cedar Landing Road SW — adjacent to the Holden Beach Marina and Holden Beach Bridge — noting a developer also wants to purchase them. If purchased, the access would be located in county jurisdiction. There are two options the commission considered: Option A and Option B. Option A calls for purchasing all three parcels that total 3.7 acres and Option B calls for purchasing only two parcels that total 1.9 acres. The asking price for Option A is $5.9 million and the asking price for the Option B parcels is $3.2 million. The NCWRC received phase I approval to pursue the acquisition of the three parcels for Option A, Solomon told The Brunswick Beacon on Monday, March 11. “Phase I approval is the first step in the Commission’s land acquisition process and allows commission staff to work with the State Property Office to order an appraisal for the subject properties and further develop the project,” he explained. He told the commission that the access site will have maximum level parking if they pursue all three parcels. Option A would bring 98 trailer parking spaces and 17 car parking spaces to the area if the project comes to fruition. Option B would only bring approximately 53 trailer parking spaces and six car parking spaces. Solomon said the trailer parking spaces would fit both the vehicle and the trailer. Tax parcel 232NA001, the middle parcel, houses a commercial building with an existing boat launch. Solomon said the commission would try to permit a second boat launch to be put in the access area. The conceptual design is still subject to permitting and approvals that could restrict plans, Solomon added. “This is a good baseline for us to look at and get a feel for,” he said. The project could cost between $1.5 and $1.9 million, he said, but that cost would include site-level parking, two boat ramps and structure removal from one of the parcels. Solomon said potential funding sources for the project are the coastal recreational fishing license grant, state funds and possible legislative appropriation. “The Commission does have an interest in expanding public boating access opportunities around Holden Beach and plans to further assess feasibility of this potential boating access area by ordering an appraisal and developing funding partnerships,” he told The Brunswick Beacon. To access the recording of the February Committee of the Whole meeting, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQPj77J1jZE.
Read more » click here
Paid Parking
No exception for parking during the festival
The third motion made was to charge for parking during festivals. Currently just do not enforce paid parking regulations anywhere on the island when there are festivals. The motion made is to not enforce regulations in the festival area only.
No decision was made – No action taken
Days at the Docks Festival 2025 / April 29th & 30th
Editor’s Note –
It is my understanding that since they did not approve any motion regarding festivals they will need to charge for parking island wide and they cannot just decide to not enforce the regulations. In order not to enforce the regulations they would need to execute an amendment to the contract which is what they have done in the past.
The fourth motion made was to provide full-time residents an annual pass for $20 that is restricted to one per household only for vehicles that are registered on the island. The Town Attorney Moore requested that the motion be tabled until she could do some research regarding the legality of the proposed resident permit.
No decision was made – No action taken
Last year we ended paid parking early to allow free parking island wide for festival weekend. The thinking was that in order to promote the festival it would be advantageous to suspend paid parking. The Board agreed to suspend the paid parking early. Frankly, I did not agree with that decision. It’s a zoo out there during the festival weekend. With all the parking problems that happen during the festivals you would think we would want to continue enforcing parking in designated areas only. By suspending enforcement, people can and will park anywhere they want. Paid parking should be enforced during festivals.
As for any other ordinance considerations, it is important that any definitions and conditions are clear to help the public avoid inadvertent errors and enable enforcement. In other words, it needs to be standardized and easily understood. Parking should only be in designated parking spaces whether its paid parking or not, plain and simple. I personally object to parking in the rights-of-way, but I understand why some property owners want to be able to park there on their property. A potential accommodation would be to issue a day specific one-time permit for any homeowners that have an activity at their property that requires them to occasionally park in the rights-of-way.
KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid!
Audio/Visual
The motion was made to direct the Town Staff the task to review and assess what other towns are doing and make recommendations for audio/video improvement. In other words, benchmark what other towns are doing and determine what are the costs associated with providing this service. Commissioner Paarfus specifically requested various price point options.
Roadway Work
Discussion and Possible Award of Contract for Roadway Work
Previously reported – November 2015
Streets Condition Survey Report is a planning document. We have a total of 12.8 paved asphalt roadways with @40% of the roads in need of maintenance. Subject streets are Class A (low volume) roads the cost estimate is for pavement repair only, with the costs being variable. The total estimated costs are a whopping $1,200,000. Surface evaluation was done rating each street and prioritizing the work that needs to be done. Recommended we address it with a ten-year game plan, budgeting accordingly, tackling it on a yearly basis. Understandably we can expect our streets to continue to degrade while costs will continue to go up.
In 2015 the Board implemented a tax increase of $.010 specifically for street paving and maintenance. The penny worth of tax revenue earmarked for paving is money that is already in the budget. Last year, Right Angle Engineering reviewed the bids and recommended Highland Paving.
Hurricane Season
For more information » click here.
Be prepared – have a plan!
No matter what a storm outlook is for a given year,
vigilance and preparedness is urged.
Hurricane season is 3 months away. Will it be as active as last year?
What to know at this early stage.
One of the first things that tipped scientists off that 2024 would be an unusually active hurricane season: excessive ocean warmth in a key region of the Atlantic Ocean. But that’s just one of many factors different as this year begins. With the Atlantic hurricane season less than three months away, forecasters are making early efforts to understand how this year may differ from the last. And while specific forecasts for the number of hurricanes can’t be accurately made this far out, forecasters can look to planetary climate patterns for clues. At least two key differences suggest odds are lower for another extremely active season: For one, the tropical Atlantic isn’t as warm as it was last year. And a La Niña (known for cooling a vast swath of the Pacific Ocean) is not expected to form during the season. But it’s still early — and current conditions don’t entirely eliminate the odds of an overactive season. In the Atlantic Ocean, hurricane season runs from June through November, typically peaking in September. Last year, hurricane season was hyperactive, based on a metric called Accumulated Cyclone Energy. There were 18 named storms and five hurricane landfalls in the United States, including the devastating Hurricane Helene.
The Atlantic is cooler than last year
Among the many complex puzzle pieces that start to create a picture of hurricane season — including winds, air pressure patterns, Saharan Dust and monsoonal activity — sea temperatures are a key driver. Scientists look as an early signal to what’s called the Atlantic Main Development Region, or MDR, which extends from the Caribbean to the west, and to near Africa in the east. Sea surface temperatures in the MDR have a statistical relationship with hurricane activity. In 2024, there was excessive warmth in the MDR. But it’s not currently as warm as last year, nor is it forecast to be in a few months. When the MDR is cooler, it can contribute to atmospheric conditions that aren’t particularly conducive to lots of hurricanes. Forecasts for the MDR extend to July 2025, and they suggest that while seas in the region may be somewhat above-average, the Atlantic’s most unusual warmth will be located farther north. Comparing forecasts made for July of both years shows how much warmer the MDR was predicted to be in 2024 — a prediction that turned out to be correct. If the predictions hold true this year, that might reduce the odds for a season as active as 2024. Andy Hazelton, a physical scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Environmental Modeling Center, said the cooling of the MDR is the biggest factor that has stood out to him so far. “It’s still pretty warm, especially in the Caribbean, but the subtropics (north of the MDR) look warmer overall right now,” Hazelton said. If the pattern were to continue, he said, it could put a cap on how active the season may be.
La Niña may be fading
During hurricane season, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans are more than distant neighbors — they’re connected by the atmosphere. What happens in one doesn’t stay there; it sends ripples to the other, shaping storm activity on both sides. One pattern that causes a Pacific-Atlantic ripple effect is known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which has three phases: El Niño, La Niña and neutral. El Niño is marked by warmer-than-average seas in the eastern Pacific, while cool seas are prominent there during La Niña. Neutral periods often occur during transitions between El Niño and La Niña, as sea temperatures temporarily become less anomalous. Early this year, the tropical Pacific entered a La Niña phase — but it’s not expected to last for much longer. The cool waters associated with La Niña can suppress rainfall and thunderstorm activity in the tropical Pacific. But as the atmosphere balances itself, increased rainfall and thunderstorm activity, as well as winds that are more conducive to hurricane formation, can occur in the tropical Atlantic. This is why, in addition to the record-warm Atlantic seas, forecasters were so concerned about the level of hurricane activity last year. But a period of weaker winds in the eastern Pacific this month has caused a substantial warming of the ocean to the west of South America. Because the winds have been less robust, a process known as upwelling — which happens when strong winds churn cool, subsurface waters to the surface — has slowed down. If the warming continues, it will put the Pacific in a much different state than it was heading into the last hurricane season. This year, a developing tongue of warm water in the eastern Pacific could have the opposite effect as it did last year, promoting rising air and more rainfall there, while having a drying effect on the Atlantic. However, predictions of El Niño and La Niña are not made equal. A phenomenon known as the “spring predictability barrier” can lead to less-skillful forecasts during spring in the Northern Hemisphere. “ENSO still has the spring barrier to cross,” Hazelton said. “But cool subsurface conditions and persistent trade winds suggest we probably won’t be getting a rapid flip or setting up for El Niño in the summer.”
The bottom line: It’s still early, but 2025 looks different
One thing can be said confidently at this point: So far this year, the elements that drive the Atlantic hurricane season look markedly different from 2024. The Atlantic Ocean is shaping up to have a different sea-temperature configuration than last year, with the most unusually warm seas sitting outside of the MDR. A marine heat wave — expansive blobs of unusual oceanic heat that are becoming more common in a warming climate — no longer covers the MDR, but remains active in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, areas where hurricanes derive their energy from. In the Pacific, the door may be closing on La Niña as seas warm up in the east. But a full-fledged, hurricane-halting El Niño doesn’t look particularly likely, either. Hazelton said it’s possible there will be ENSO neutral conditions during peak hurricane season. These are some of the factors forecasters will be monitoring closely as hurricane season approaches. Seasonal outlooks of hurricane activity are typically released in April and May. And while the data may change, one thing is certain: It’s never too early to prepare, especially considering the United States experienced impactful landfalls from Hurricanes Beryl, Debby, Francine, Helene and Milton last year.
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