Lou’s Views * Lou's Views

10 – Town Meeting

Lou’s Views

“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments

BOC’s Regular Meeting 10/27/26

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here

Audio Recording » click here

1. Ceremonial Recognition of Former Police Chief Jeremy Dixon for his Years of Dedicated Service to the Town of Holden Beach – Holden Beach Police Department

Agenda Packet – background information was not provided

Previously reported – February 2026
Chief Dixon will be leaving at the end of February to take the place of the retiring chief in Shallotte

Chief Dixon addressed the community with a heartfelt emotional farewell message expressing his appreciation for the time that he had spent here.

Previously reported – January 2026
HBPD Chief Dixon hired as Shallotte PD chief
The town of Shallotte last week announced it has hired current Holden Beach Police Chief Jeremy Dixon to replace outgoing Shallotte Police Chief Adam Stanley, who will retire in February. During the Jan. 6 Shallotte Board of Aldermen meeting, Chief Stanley announced that Chief Dixon had been selected to take his place. “My last day will be Feb. 2 — after 30 years of service, I’m retiring,” Stanley said. “The town has selected Chief Jeremy Dixon [as the new police chief]. He’s currently the chief of Holden Beach [Police Department] and he is a resident of Shallotte, who has been here 20-some years. He will be taking my place in March, and we are glad to have him.” The town of Shallotte in November announced Stanley would be retiring from his role as police chief, which he has held since 2022. The town in December conducted interviews for the police chief position prior to announcing Dixon’s hiring last week. The town of Holden Beach, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, announced it is accepting applications for the Holden Beach Police Chief position. Applications are due to the town by Feb. 2, the announcement noted. The Holden Beach Board of Commissioners is expected to discuss the vacancy during its Jan. 20 meeting.
Read more » click here

Update –
Chief Barger recognized former Police Chief Dixon for his many years of dedicated service to the community. Steve presented Jeremy with a commemorative shadow box on behalf of the Police Department. The presentation was followed by a photo-op with the members of the Police Department in attendance.

Chief Barger also presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Detective Jessica Camara from the West End HOA in appreciation and recognition for her exemplary service and dedication to the community.

2. Consent Agenda Items

a) Police Report – Chief Barger
Agenda Packet – pages 9 – 16

Police Report » click here

b) Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans
Agenda Packet – pages 17 – 20

Inspections Report » click here

c) Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey
Agenda Packet – pages 21 – 26

Finance Report » click here

d) Public Works Department Report – Public Works Director Benton
Agenda Packet – pages 27 – 29

Public Works Report » click here

The Board approved the consent agenda items

3. Discussion and Possible Action on Underwater Survey Report and Building and Inspections’ Letter of Formal Condemnation – Town Manager Chadwick

Agenda Packet – page 30 – 31, plus separate packet

Pier Documents » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action on Underwater Survey Report and Building and Inspections’ Letter of Formal Condemnation

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
At the July 21st meeting, the BOC approved the contract for MidAtlantic Engineering Partners to perform an underwater inspection of the below substructure elements of the Town pier. They have completed the Final Report and are available via Zoom for questions. Since the Final Report was completed, the Building and Inspections Director utilized that document and has completed an assessment of the upper structure. He delivered a formal letter to the Town on October 12^th condemning the pier structure. This action sets a timeline to take some sort of corrective action. Staff is seeking guidance on what “next steps” you would like to take.

10/12/2026

Mr. Bryan Chadwick, Town Manager
Ms. Heather Finnell, Town Clerk Town of Holden Beach
110 Rothschild Street Holden Beach, NC 28462

Formal Condemnation of the Holden Beach Fishing Pier
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 160D- 1119

441 Ocean Boulevard West, Holden Beach, NC

Based on MidAtlantic Engineering Partners Underwater Inspection Report dated October 8, 2026 (Project No. HLD-2601) and Separate Chief Building Official Assessment of Upper Structure

Dear Mr. Chadwick and Ms. Finnell:

As Planning & Inspections Director for the Town of Holden Beach, and pursuant to the authority granted under Article 11 of Chapter 160D of the North Carolina General Statutes (Building Code Enforcement), I have reviewed the October 8, 2026, underwater inspection report prepared by MidAtlantic Engineering Partners for the timber substructure of the Holden Beach Fishing Pier. Separately, and outside the scope of that engineer’s report, I have assessed the upper structure based on field photographs and visual inspection. Based on these findings, I hereby determine that the pier appears especially dangerous to life and shall be held to be unsafe under N.C.G.S. § 160D-1119(a).

Statutory Authority
N.C.G.S. § 160D-1119(a) provides:
“Every building that shall appear to the inspector to be especially dangerous to life because of its liability to fire or because of bad condition of walls, overloaded floors, defective construction, decay, unsafe wiring or heating systems, inadequate means of egress, or other causes shall be held to be unsafe, and the inspector shall affix a notice of the dangerous character of the structure to a conspicuous place on the exterior wall of the building. The statute further provides procedures for notice . administrative hearing, and orders to repair, close. vacate, or demolish under N.C.G.S. § 160D-1121 and § 160D-1122 in the event corrective action is not promptly taken.

Findings Supporting Condemnation
The MidAtlantic Engineering Partners report (October 8, 2026, Project HLD-2601) assigns an overall Condition Assessment Rating (CAR) of Poor and documents widespread major-to-severe defects in the timber substructure. Separately and outside the scope of the MidAtlantic engineer’s report, field photographs and a visual assessment of the upper structure (decking, supporting top members, guardrail system, and fasteners) performed by the Chief Building Official document extensive additional deterioration. These upper-structure conditions further demonstrate defective construction, decay. and deterioration that render the structure especially dangerous to life under N.C.G.S. § 160D-1119(a).

Substructure defects documented in the MidAtlantic report include:
Multiple timber piles rated Severe or Major , including Pile 17A ( l00% non-bearing; cap supported solely by fishplates), Pile 52A (75% non-bearing due to split), Piles 25B and 40A (50% non-bearing due to splits), Pile 528 (marine borer damage with >75% section loss), Pile – 5A (heavy rot with >75% section loss) . and Pile 49A (broken approximately 7 feet from the top).

- Sixteen (16) diagonal braces rated Severe as broken and/or
- Heavy corrosion of lower-elevation hardware with 50- 75% section
- Two pile caps (Bents 26 and 27) rated Major due to heavy end-grain rot with 35 -50% section

Additional obvious deterioration of supporting top members, decking, guardrail system, and fasteners observed outside the MidAtlantic report (based on field photographs and Chief Building Official assessment) includes:

- Advanced weathering, checking, splitting, and surface decay of timber pile caps, beams, and joists that support the decking, with visible gaps and loss of bearing at multiple pile to-cap
- Heavily corroded and deteriorated fasteners, bolts, washers, and connection hardware throughout the upper structure, exhibiting extensive rust, section loss, and staining that compromise connection
- Weathered and deteriorated timber decking boards and supporting members visible from below, showing checking, cracking, and long-term exposure
- Guardrail system components and associated connections showing weathering, corrosion of fasteners, and general deterioration consistent with prolonged marine
- Split and decayed ends of timber members at connection points, with evidence of displacement and reduced load transfer
- Overall advanced weathering of the timber structure above the pile caps, including faded, checked, and eroded surfaces on horizontal and diagonal
- At the low tide line, a measured 1.5-foot racking of the top of the structure, both vertically and horizontally and racked parallel of center, indicating a complete failure of alignment and structural continuity at that

These upper-structure conditions, identified independently of and outside the MidAtlantic engineer’s report, when combined with the documented substructure defects, constitute defective construction and decay within the meaning of N.C.G.S. § 160D-1119(a). The structure is exposed to direct ocean wave action, and the combination of non-bearing and broken piles, missing lateral bracing, severely corroded fasteners, deteriorated top members, and the 1.5-foot racking at the low tide line creates an unacceptable risk of progressive structural failure. The pier remains closed due to these safety concerns.

The MidAtlantic report identifies recommended substructure repairs with a Class S Opinion of Probable Cost of approximately $677,795. Based on the Chief Building Official’s assessment of the upper structure (decking, supporting member, guardrail system, and fasteners), an additional Class 5 Opinion of Probable Cost of $500,000 is estimated for necessary repair to the upper structure. These upper-structure deficiencies and the associated cost estimate were developed outside the scope of the MidAtlantic report. The combined Class 5 Opinion of Probable Cost of approximately $1,177.795 must be addressed, along with proper engineered design, permits, and inspections, prior to any return of the pier to service.

Action Taken and Recommended Next Steps
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 160D-1119(a), I am directing that a notice of the dangerous character of the structure be affixed to a conspicuous place on the pier. The pier shall remain closed to all public access and use.

I further recommend that the Board of Commissioners be advised of this determination and that the Town proceed under the procedures of N.C.G.S. § 160D-1121 and § 160D-1122, as necessary. Given that the Town is the owner of the structure, any order to repair, close, or take other corrective action will be directed accordingly. No reopening of the pier should occur until the structural deficiencies identified in the MidAtlantic report and the additional upper-structure conditions documented separately by the Chief Building Official have been fully remediated under proper engineered design, permits, and inspections, and the structure has been verified as no longer unsafe.

Please place this determination, the MidAtlantic report, and the supporting field photographs on the agenda of the Board of Commissioners for formal acknowledgment and direction regarding next steps.

I am available to discuss these findings or the statutory process in greater detail.

Respectfully. Timothy D Evans, Planning and Inspections Director.

Previously reported – March 2025
HDR Executive Summary » click here

Previously reported – April 2025
HDR Condition Assessment » click here

After reviewing the qualifications, the Board selected MidAtlantic Engineering Firm to assess the underwater structure, including the pilings, of the pier. Commissioner Myers noted that this represents a shift from the previous plan to build a new pier to repairing the existing pier. He reminded the Board that HDR Engineering Firm had previously advised that, over the long term, repairs could be more costly. Commissioner Smith stated that the objective is to determine the condition of the pier pilings and the estimated cost of repairs so the Board can decide how to proceed.

Editor’s note –
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is a document that asks potential suppliers or vendors to detail their background and experience providing a specific good or service. In this case, the buyer is only concerned about the vendor’s skills and experience. Professionals responding will be selected solely based on their qualifications and not on price. Once a firm is selected the Town will negotiate a contract for the desired services. Therefore, the response is not a bid.

The HDR report clearly concludes that repairing the existing pier is not cost-effective. The structure has reached the end of its useful life, so any repairs would be temporary while still requiring substantial upfront and ongoing maintenance costs. From a fiscal responsibility standpoint, investing significant funds in a structure that will need continual repairs and eventual replacement is difficult to justify and risks throwing good money after bad. HDR made a strong effort to explain to the Board why repairs are not in the Town’s best interest. This is not only a financial issue: on five separate occasions, public input has shown insufficient support for a pier. Ignoring both the financial realities and repeated public feedback raises serious concerns about priorities and decision-making. Although other funding sources continue to be discussed, no funding has been identified to repair or replace the pier under either option.

Previously reported – June 2026
Proposals Pier Underwater Study » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on responses for an engineering firm to perform an underwater study for the pier.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Town issued an RFQ for engineering services to perform an underwater inspection of the below substructure elements of the Town pier. The RFQs were submitted on June I 0, 2026 and are included with the agenda packet. Staff will review and have a recommendation at the meeting.

A motion was made to approve the contract with MidAtlantic Engineering for the pier underwater inspection, subject to Town Attorney edits. The underwater study is necessary to determine whether the Town can proceed with repair options.

Previously reported – July 2026

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action approving the contract with MidAtlantic Engineering Partners.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
At the June 16^th meeting, the BOC approved engaging with MidAtlantic Engineering Partners for engineering services to perform an underwater inspection of the below substructure elements of the Town pier. The proposed contract price is $47,144.50 for these services. MidAtlantic anticipates completing the underwater inspection, engineering evaluation, cost estimating, and final inspection report within forty-five (45) calendar days of Notice to Proceed, subject to weather conditions and site accessibility.

The base scope of work, consisting of Tasks I through 4 as described in the RFQ and our technical proposal (project preparation/administration, mobilization/demobilization, field work, and preparation of the underwater inspection report), is proposed at a total fee of $47,144.50

Update –
The Planning and Inspections Director’s letter formally declares the Holden Beach Fishing Pier unsafe and prohibits reopening until repairs, engineering, permits, inspections, and safety verification are complete. After repeatedly debating whether to repair or replace the pier, the Board appears to have accepted the need for action. Tonight, it reluctantly made the difficult but necessary decision to demolish the existing pier while applying for a replacement permit, with the understanding that a new pier will be built.

A motion was made to secure the pier and address any identified safety concerns, issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the demolition of the existing pier, and submit the necessary permit application for construction of a replacement pier.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously

A motion was made to direct the Town Manager, in coordination with staff, to research and present options for the future use and development of the pier property. This would include exploring partnerships with colleges or universities that may be able to assist with evaluating potential uses and conducting the necessary research. Additionally, staff will investigate the process, requirements, and potential costs associated with pursuing an economic impact study of the pier property.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously

The three official engineering and inspection documents received by the Town (HDR’s assessment, MidAtlantic Engineering’s underwater inspection, and the Town’s building inspectors condemnation letter) raise serious questions about whether repairing the existing pier is a responsible use of public funds. The Board requested a complete repair cost before making a decision. Yet the Town still lacks a comprehensive, engineering-based estimate of the total cost required to restore the pier. MidAtlantic’s estimate of $677,795 covers only the substructure piles and bracing, excluding all work above the pilings. The building inspector’s $500,000 deck estimate is based on a visual assessment rather than a detailed construction calculation. Furthermore, the repair figures presented are Class 5 Opinions of Probable Cost, intended for preliminary planning purposes, not as definitive estimates of actual construction costs. MidAtlantic also cautions that additional structural work will likely be necessary within five to eight years, even if the proposed repairs are completed. In January 2024, after two rounds of bidding, the Town received only two bids for phase one of the project: $2.2 million and $3.9 million. Bids are firm commitments, these actual bids provide a far more compelling indication of potential construction costs than the current preliminary repair estimates, which total approximately $1.18 million. Given the substantial increase in construction costs since then, the work that is excluded from the current estimates, and the likelihood of additional repairs in the years ahead, a realistic total cost could readily exceed $3 million. The Town should not commit public funds based on preliminary figures that may significantly understate the true financial obligation. Regulatory requirements also warrant careful review. If the proposed work exceeds the applicable North Carolina’s Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) replacement threshold, the project could trigger permitting requirements and standards applicable to a new pier. The Town must obtain a clear determination of the applicable regulatory requirements before proceeding with repairs that could ultimately prove uneconomical or require additional permitting. The real question is whether spending millions on of taxpayer dollars in an aging pier built on a 1950s foundation will deliver a safe, durable public asset, or merely extend the structures service life for a limited period before further costly work becomes necessary. That answer must rest on sound engineering, realistic construction costs, and life-cycle cost comparisons of repair versus replacement. The Board should formally abandon plans to repair the existing pier and direct the Town’s resources toward evaluating, planning, a replacement pier that will serve our community for generations to come. The pier’s history and sentimental value are understandable, and its importance to the community should not be dismissed. But sentiment cannot justify an open-ended financial commitment without adequate evidence that repairs represent the best long-term investment for taxpayers. The Town owes its residents a decision grounded in facts, fiscal accountability, and public safety, not a desire to preserve the structure at any cost.

With the decision to demolish the existing pier, the Board should hold a referendum on whether to build a replacement. They describe strong support for a new pier, but that is not what I am hearing. Even with overwhelming support, we still need to know how much it will cost and how it will be funded.

4. Update Regarding the Planned Canal Dredging Project for 2026 – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson

Agenda Packet – pages 32 – 38

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Update regarding the planned canal dredging project for 2026.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Last month, an update was provided regarding the planned dredge event and action was taken on submitting a grant to the Division of Water Resources. At the October meeting, an update will be provided on current challenges including permissions to cross property, the grant, and the Corps’ documents and timeline for review.

Previously reported – September 2026
Water Resources Development Grant
Resolution 26-10 » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Update regarding the planned canal dredging project for 2026 and consideration and possible action on paths forward.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Town Manager has been expressing for several months that we are working with the Corps regarding a cost to utilize DA292 for dredge spoil disposal. This presentation will highlight paths forward and discuss options.

Staff has been working behind the scenes on several issues and has identified three potential paths to move the canal dredging project forward. Christy stated that the Town needs to address the grant now and enter the queue to meet the November environmental window. Dredging and spoil-area costs have increased significantly, and several steps must still be completed for dredging to occur this year. Resolution 26-10 requests $1,878,750 in financial assistance from the state, representing 75% of the project construction cost. A motion was made to submit the grant and approve a revised version of Resolution 26-10.

Update –
Christy discussed the various restraining forces preventing them from moving forward with the canal dredging project. Unfortunately, it is not likely that the project will occur this winter. They are doing everything they can to make it happen and will continue to communicate the process to the public.

5. Discussion and Possible Action on Amendments to Paid Parking Program – Town Clerk Finnell

a) Otto Connect Contract Amendment 4
b) Resolution 26-11, Resolution Amending the Holden Beach Fee Schedule
c) Ordinance 26-06, An Ordinance Amending the HB Code of Ordinances, Title VII Traffic Code

Agenda Packet – pages 39 – 45

Resolution 26-11 » click here

Ordinance 26-06 » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action on Amendments to the Paid Parking Program.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Board expressed interest in providing free parking November 1^st through January 2^nd. In order to move forward with altering the schedule, the Board would need to approve Contract Amendment 4 with Otto Connect and Resolution 26- 11, Resolution Amending the Holden Beach Fee Schedule. Staff is proposing the removal of the Parking Zone and Area Table from the Code of Ordinances. This would allow the town manager or his designee to make any necessary adjustments to the table without the need to adopt an ordinance. Additional changes proposed are to add the definition of low speed vehicle; clarify language in Section 72.03 (c) to eliminate confusion with side-by-sides; and clarify language regarding reduced fines in Section 72.99 (c). If the Board would like to move forward with the changes, the suggested motion is to approve Ordinance 26-06, Resolution 26-11 and Otto Connect Contract Amendment 4.

Previously reported – January 2026

Editor’s note –
Holden Beach
Gross revenue: $1,188,392
Total parked vehicles: 66,659
As of Oct. 8, 2025, the town of Holden Beach has generated a total net revenue of $803,148 from its paid parking program, Varner said on Oct. 21. Varner said he expects the town to make $880,000 by the end of the year. This will be a small bump from the nearly $830,000 made in 2024, per Varner’s presentation.

The town of Holden Beach first implemented paid parking in 2022. Originally, the town enacted seasonal paid parking from April 1 to Oct. 31 with rates of $3 per hour, $15 per day, $60 per week, or $125 per year. In 2023 and 2024, the town increased parking rates to $5 per hour, $20 per day, $80 per week and $175 for a single vehicle annual pass and transitioned to year-round paid parking.

OTTO Connect counted a total of 66,659 vehicles parked on the island so far this year, a decrease of nearly 81,000 vehicles counted in 2024. Over 26,000 vehicles were counted in parking spaces in June and July alone.

Brunswick County paid parking programs in 2025
Holden Beach             Year-round
Oak Island                   April 1^st to September 30^thOcean Isle Beach        April 1^st to October 31^st
Sunset Beach              April 1^st to October 31^st

2025 – Paid Parking Revenue
January $54,561
February $49,404
March $81,713
April $100,051
May $105,148
June $137,738
July $127,309
August             $96,236
September $50,288
October           $27,378
November $23,010
December       $27,300

Previously reported – February 2026
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action to Change Paid Parking Enforcement Dates

They discussed potential changes for the parking program. If we planned on suspending paid parking from November through March we are talking about reducing paid parking revenue by $235,988, a 26.81% reduction in revenue from this program, which is pretty significant. I was surprised when Keith suggested a reasonable comprise to just eliminate paid parking in November and December; which would still reduce the revenue by $50,310. He claims that this is to benefit residences and property owners of Holden Beach. After some discussion they decided they would review this item during the budget process.

Their main talking point was that this change is intended to benefit the residents and property owners of Holden Beach. “Don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining”! I seriously question whether eliminating paid parking truly benefits property owners. The Town still faces significant costs to provide necessary services. By having Otto handle parking enforcement, our police officers are freed up to focus on more pressing matters. Part of the narrative suggests that owners and their guests want to use paid parking areas without paying, but every property on the island is within walking distance of a beach access. If someone wishes to visit another part of the island, parking is a reasonable $5 per hour. Let’s be clear: are we really willing to forgo $50K in revenue just so a handful of households can avoid parking fees? This strategy is difficult to justify, as it remains unclear how such actions would benefit the majority of island property owners. In reality, it appears to primarily serve the interests of mainland residents rather than those who actually own property on the island.

Previously reported – September 2026
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action on Parking Revenue

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Board discussed altering the parking schedules for November through January 2^nd during the budget process. If after discussion the Board would like to move forward with any changes, an amended contract with Otto Connect and a resolution to update the fee schedule will be presented at the October meeting.

The Town Manager noted that the approved budget already includes a $50,000 reduction for waiving parking fees in November and December, along with an additional $40,000 reduction based on projected trends. Revenues are currently down $41,000. A motion was made for staff to bring back the required documents at the next Regular Meeting.

The Board claims that eliminating paid parking benefits Holden Beach residents and property owners. I disagree; that argument does not hold up. Once again, their narrative suggests that property owners want free use of paid parking areas and that there is no other way to accommodate them. However, every island property is within walking distance of a beach access, and parking elsewhere on the island costs only $5 per hour. Giving up $50,000 in Town revenue so a few households can avoid minimum parking fees is difficult to justify, especially if the primary benefit goes to mainland residents.

Update –
The Board moved forward with providing free parking from November 1^st through January 2^nd. The remaining changes were routine housekeeping measures. Commissioner Myers questioned how the policy benefits property owners and could not support it without knowing who would benefit. He suggested alternatives to explore if the intent were to benefit Holden Beach property owners. In response, supporters said adopting year-round paid parking had been a mistake and described free parking as a gesture of public goodwill. A motion was made to approve all three items as submitted.

A decision was made – Approved (4-1)
Commissioner Myers opposed the motion

Paid parking was introduced in 2022 and operated from April 1^st through October 31^st. In March 2024, a motion was introduced and approved to extend the season and charge for parking year-round. Supporters argued that the town’s expenses continue throughout the year. Opponents maintained that the promised services have not yet been provided and that year-round fees should wait until those commitments are fulfilled. My perspective was that I do not believe the paid parking program should operate year-round. The public should be able to access the beach without charge for at least part of the year. I originally supported free parking for at least part of the year, so I am not opposed to it. My concern now is that the policy is presented as benefiting property owners when it does not.

6. Discussion and Possible Action on Resolution 26-12, Operation Green Light for Veterans – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson

Agenda Packet – pages 46 – 47

Resolution 26-12 » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Resolution recognizing Operation Green Light.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
As a community that honors and supports our veterans, we would like to take the opportunity to adopt a resolution and participate, along with the County, in the program.

TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt resolution and participate in the program.

America’s counties have a long and proud history of serving our nation’s veterans, a legacy that continues to this day as we work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure that the former service members have access to the resources they need to thrive. This Veteran’s Day, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) invite the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes, and boroughs to join us in showing support for veterans by lighting our buildings green from November 4-11, 2026. By shining a green light, county governments and our residents will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported.
For more information » click here

Update –
A motion was made to adopt the resolution and participate in the program.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

7. Discussion and Possible Approval to Apply for Resilient Coastal Communities Program and to Make Application Through Phase 3 and Phase 4 for Available Grant Funding – Inspections Director Evans

Agenda Packet – page 48

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval to apply for Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) and to make application through Phases 3 and Phases 4 for available Grant Funding.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Town Staff and selected engineers, along with its Community Action Team have identified and prioritized their top five projects and are preparing to make applications for funding. These are zero matched funds and must be nature based in design.

TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Move forward with staff recommendation to make application for funding.

Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP)
The workshop is scheduled to be held on September 24^th

Previously reported – August 2026
Meetings have been held with the engineer, grant administrator, and CAT team
They are still identifying possible projects that qualify

Previously reported – July 2026
Survey is on Town website to help identify potential projects

Previously reported – June 2026
We are in Phase 2 which includes the following: Planning, Project Identification, and Prioritization

Previously reported – May 2026
The Town is currently participating in the 2025 – 2026 cycle of the North Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP). The RCCP is a community-based initiative that greatly benefits from involvement, engagement and feedback among local stakeholders. Click here to view details on the program.

Previously reported – April 2025

N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program » click here

The RCCP is a four-phase program designed to:

- Address local barriers to coastal resilience, including limited capacity, economic constraints, and social inequities .
- Assist communities in conducting risk and vulnerability assessments to create a prioritized portfolio of resilience
- Advance coastal resilience projects through engineering and design to achieve shovel ready
- Link communities with funding sources for project

The four phases are :

- Phase 1: Community Engagement and Risk & Vulnerability Assessment
- Phase 2: Planning, Project Identification, and Prioritization
- Phase 3: Engineering and Design
- Phase 4: Project Implementation

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 25^th, if it is at all possible.

Update –
The Board was asked to approve applying for grant funding through the Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP).

Timbo reported that Town staff, along with the Community Action Team and RCCP engineers, have identified five potential nature-based projects for consideration:

- - Fire Station
  - Pump Stations
  - 300 Block
  - East End
  - Block Q

It was noted that eligible, approved nature-based projects may qualify for 100% grant funding. A motion was made to approve applying for the Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) grant funding.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

8. Discussion and Possible Action on Lease Contract with Verizon – Finance Director McRainey

Agenda Packet – pages 49 – 50

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible action on lease contract with Verizon Wireless.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Verizon has leased a spot on the water tower for a number of years and is wanting to renegotiate terms as the current lease is coming to an end.

After talking with the town manager we would like to propose that the rent go down to $3,800 per month with the same terms and escalation every five years. We are not interested in the buyout option at this time.

Update –
The Board reviewed Verizon’s current lease agreement. Daniel provided an overview of the lease and its current status, noting that Verizon currently pays approximately $3,800 per month. Verizon has previously requested to renegotiate the lease. In its most recent request, the company proposed extending the lease term while reducing the monthly payment. The Town’s policy has been not to entertain requests for lease rate reductions. After discussion, the Board tabled Verizon’s request and agreed to leave the existing lease terms unchanged, as the current agreement remains in effect through 2031.

No decision was made – No action taken

9. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 26-07, Ordinance Amending Ordinance 26-03, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2026 – 2027, Amendment No. 2 (Local Law Enforcement Officer Compensation Bonus Program) – Finance Director Daniel McRainey

Agenda Packet – pages 51 – 52

Ordinance 26-07 » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible action on budget amendment for SBI LEO bonus.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The SBI has distributed funds to municipalities for local law enforcement officers. This amendment is to be able to pay out the bonuses to our LEO’s.

Governor Stein Highlights Public Safety Investments in State Budget to Recruit and Retain Law Enforcement
Today Governor Josh Stein joined law enforcement officials and specialized units including the Selective Enforcement Unit and K-9 teams at Raleigh Police Department’s Special Operations Division to highlight the state budget’s investments in public safety, including the largest pay raises to law enforcement in recent state history. “Law enforcement careers are demanding and sometimes dangerous, but they are so important and rewarding,” said Governor Josh Stein. “We must do everything in our power to support those who keep North Carolinians safe. With this state budget, we are sending a clear message that we value our law enforcement officers and are investing in the next generation of North Carolinians who choose a career to keep people safe.” “I am sincerely grateful to Governor Stein and his team for their continued support of law enforcement across our state,” said Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce. “Including local law enforcement in Senate Bill 257 is a meaningful investment in the men and women who serve our communities every day. We are thankful for this support and for the Governor’s commitment to strengthening public safety throughout North Carolina.” At the event, Governor Stein also highlighted needed investments to support residents’ mental and behavioral health, including Raleigh Police Department’s Addressing Crises through Outreach, Referral, Networking, and Service (ACORNS) unit. Through ACORNS, teams pair police officers with mental health or social work professionals to respond to situations involving mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness. This co-responder model provides better service to people in need and frees up law enforcement to fight crime. Earlier this month, Governor Stein signed into law North Carolina’s first full state budget in more than two years, providing historic salary increases for state public safety officers. The budget includes a 16.2% pay raise for State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) officers, a 15% pay raise for State Highway Patrol officers, a 13% pay raise for correctional officers, and a 6.5% pay raise for probation and parole officers. It also sets aside nearly $40 million to provide sworn local law enforcement officers with a one-time $1,750 bonus.
Read more » click here

Update –
North Carolina’s state budget, signed by Governor Josh Stein, provides sworn local law enforcement officers (LEOs) with a one-time $1,750 bonus. The SBI distributed the funding to municipalities through the Local Law Enforcement Compensation Bonus Program. The Town received $18,839 and needs a budget amendment to distribute it. A motion was made to approve distribution of the funds.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

10. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 26-08, Ordinance Amending Ordinance 26- 03, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2026 – 2027, Amendment No. 3 (Closeout of the Lift Station Capital Project Fund) – Finance Director McRainey

Agenda Packet – pages 53 – 54

Ordinance 26-08 » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible action on budget amendment for fund 35 closeout.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
This amendment is necessary to close out fund 35. The project was completed last fiscal year and the fund is no longer necessary.

Update –
The project was completed last fiscal year and the fund is no longer necessary. The amendment was necessary in order to close out the Lift Station Capital Project Fund. This is simply a housekeeping item. A motion was made to approve transferring $19,589.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

11. Town Manager Report – Town Manager Chadwick

Town Manager Report » click here

Bryan reviewed the Town Manager Report

Ocean Boulevard Stormwater
Attempting to process project under CATEX

Editor’s note –
Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) is a category of actions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. It is the lowest level of NEPA environmental review, meaning projects qualifying for a CATEX do not require a full Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS

Previously reported – September 2026
Surveying, preliminary design, and hydraulic modeling have been completed

Previously reported – August 2026
The stormwater project is underway in coordination with NCDOT
Project drawings are not yet available

Previously reported – June 2025
The Town was awarded $2.2M in Environmental Infrastructure Disaster Relief Funding for stormwater projects. To get started USACE requires the execution of the Project Partnership Agreement. The Town portion of the 2.2 million dollar project is 25%, which would cost us $550,000. The motion was made to approve the project partnership agreement with the USACE and have the town staff execute the paperwork.

Block Q Master Plan
McGill will make presentation at the BOC’s November meeting

Previously reported – September 2026
Refining options based on meetings that were held recently

Previously reported – August 2026
Block Q stakeholder meetings have been completed. The BOC’s work session and Parks and Recreation Board input meetings have been scheduled.

Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP)
Staff attended the workshop held on September 24^th
Grant information is an agenda item earlier at this meeting

Canal Dredging
This is an agenda item earlier at this meeting

Pier Property Site
This is an agenda item earlier at this meeting

Inlet Hazard Area
Previously reported – August 2026
Staff will be attending the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) meeting on August 26^thand proposed changes to the Inlet Hazard Areas is on the agenda

Hot Button Items / Inlet Hazard Areas
For more information » click here

Central Reach Project – Brunswick County Reimbursement
The Town received the refund for the loan
This will be on the agenda at the BOC’s November meeting

Editor’s note –
The Interlocal Agreement with Brunswick County held $1,461,600 of Holden Beach funds for surety on the Special Obligation Bond

Brunswick County Biosolids Upgrade Project
The funds have been delivered to the County
Awarded contract cost less than anticipated

Previously reported – March 2026
Representatives from Brunswick County attended the meeting to present details about the proposed project. John Nichols, Director of Public Utilities for Brunswick County, outlined the County’s upcoming Biosolids Project, which carries a total projected cost of $37,000,000. As a wholesale customer of the County’s sewer system, the Town is now faced with the decision of which of the two available funding options to pursue. Although the Town currently maintains an agreement with the County, this agreement does not address the specific expansion component under consideration.

FY 26 Audit
Finance Officer Daniel McRainey made the report
Audit Committee meeting is scheduled for November 16^thThere were two findings on the audit
We are waiting on a federal government report to finalize the audit

Police Department Personnel Update
Police Chief Steve Barger made the report. He discussed the part-time officer program.
They filled all four positions and the officers were good to go for tourist season. Having part-time officers made a big difference and it has been very beneficial to the department.
Hours worked by part-time officers reduced overtime cost, improved morale, and saved money. Overall he felt it was successful and program will continue next year.

Steve discussed the Detective position, her role and responsibilities

Josh Phillips was hired as an officer of the department

Fire Station

Previously reported – September 2026
RFQ is being finalized by staff

Previously reported – August 2026
The Town is preparing an Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering and design services for the new fire station

Previously reported – July 2025
The Planning Department is working on plans for a new fire station. Director Tim Evans talked to the State Fire Marshal and confirmed that the proposed fire station is the appropriate size, is in the appropriate location, and has the right staffing for a community of our size.

Previously reported – August 2025
Timbo gave a slide presentation that reviewed the justifications and requirements for a new fire station on the island at an estimated total cost of $3,375,000. He recommended that we should put the fire station project into the Capital Improvement Plan which will improve our Community Rating System. The improved Community Rating System ratings could get us additional savings on our insurance premium rates. The motion was made to put the fire station project into the Capital Improvement Plan as an unfunded requirement.

Fire Station Presentation » click here

Crosswalks
Previously reported – August 2026
The Town is working on crosswalk enhancements and the addition of new crosswalks at other locations. Funding is now available at no cost to the Town.

Editor’s note –

- Town has been working with the NCDOT evaluating the situation
- Several years ago five crosswalks were approved at four locations with two at Jordan Boulevard
- The locations were determined by working with NCDOT on meeting their nine criteria
- The Town, based on community feedback, would like substantially more
- We currently have twenty-four public beach access points that should have crosswalks
- NCDOT indicated that any painting of crosswalks by the Town is considered unauthorized and illegal

Beach Access Points
Staff are working on identifying emergency access points on the west end of the island
Currently the farthest west emergency access is at the 800 block

Beach Mats
Planning & Inspection Director Tim Evans made the report

CAMA now allows Mobi-mats. They have been getting requests from homeowners to install the mats for private beach access instead of a typical wooden walkway. The Planning & Zoning Board will need to make text amendments in order for us to allow the mats. He requested that the BOC’s direct him to move forward with making the necessary changes.

Previously reported – September 2022
Request for staff opinion on moving forward with planning for dry sand placement of mats at select THB public accesses to enhance handicap access to the beach based on information in the CRC-22-17 document (provided as background). Request for staff opinion to allow residential use of mats for beach walkways, including consideration as a potential solution to debris concerns arising from construction of long wooden walkways over multiple dunes.

Memo from North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Last year, the Commission amended the rules that established specific use standards for structural pedestrian accessways (dune crossovers) that allow for public access to the beach. You will recall that the use standards previously limited these accessways to elevated, piled-supported structures terminating on the beach near the seaward toe of the frontal dune. Due to numerous local governments expressing interest in using synthetic or wooden roll-out matting as a handicap-accessible alternative for beach access, the accessway rules were amended to allow the use of these types of mats for public beach access. However, the use these materials was limited to State, federal or local governments due to concerns expressed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NC WRC) and the U.S . Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) about potential adverse impacts on sea turtle habitat resulting from their use waterward of the frontal dune. Since the amendments went into effect, Staff has had further discussion regarding the use of beach matting for residential applications as an alternative to structural accessways. As you are aware, during storms, dune crossovers (including stairways) can account for a great deal of the debris that wind up scattered across beaches and in waterways. Staff believes that by limiting matting to the same general standards that apply to structural accessways (six feet wide and no farther waterward than six feet from the toe of the dune), public access and wildlife protection goals will be met while reducing debris on the state’s beach during storm events. Residential application of matting material would adhere to the same standards previously approved including installation at grade and prohibiting extension onto the public trust beach. In addition, in recent years the Commission has approved three petitions for variances from local governments (Carolina Beach, Topsail Beach and Kure Beach) seeking to install beach mats on the dry sand beach (seaward of the frontal or primary dune and vegetation line) in support of enhanced handicap accessibility. The Division and Commission have supported both variance petitions, and in both cases, efforts were taken to minimize risks to sea turtles, including changes in siteing, size, and orientation of the proposed structures. However, following the Commission’s variance and issuance of a CAMA Minor Permit to the Town for installation of beach mats, the Town still assumes some liability for any “takes” of threatened or endangered species under the federal Endangered Species Act. For this reason, DCM has advised the Towns to consult directly with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to resolve this situation, potentially through the development of “Habitat Conservation Plans” or other formal approvals that can be issued by the USFWS for non-federal entities in accordance with the Endangered Species Act. Staff are proposing a change to 07H.0308(c)(2)(C) to potentially allow beach mats on the dry sand beach without the need for a variance from the Commission, where they are sponsored by a local government for the purpose of enhanced handicap accessibility and are subject to review by the NC WRC and USFWS. The proposed amendments to 07K .0207 would also add residential use of matting material to the exemption language for beach accessways.

Mobi-Mat » click here

Coastal Resources Commission expands exemptions for beach mats
The NC Coastal Resources Commission approved new guidelines on Thursday that allows beach mats to be used in more ways. In a memo from the NC Department of Environmental Quality, staff says towns like Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Topsail Beach have petitioned to install the mats closer to the water. Additionally, staff says they’ve also had several requests from oceanfront homeowners to install the mats for private beach access instead of a typical wooden walkway. The commission approved an amendment at its meeting in Wilmington on Thursday allowing mats sponsored by local governments to be installed on dry sand without a variance from the commission. The amendment also allows the residential use of the matting for beach walkways.
Read more » click here

The NC Coastal Resources Commission approved new guidelines that allows beach mats to be used in more ways. Public Comments speaker pointed out that accessibility is a need not a want. Discussion to allow dry sand placement of mats at some public beach accesses for handicap use and possibly for residential walkways too. Commissioner Kwiatkowski would like to see this done for next season. The motion made was to have staff make recommendation where mats can be utilized.

Previously reported – December 2022
Timbo made a presentation that considers both regulations and policies that needs to be considered in order to develop a plan. Staff made recommendations where mats could be utilized. Let’s just say that it’s a work in progress for now.

Beach mat plans appear to have been overlooked for the past four years. In other words, they were also “Lost in the Sauce”!

Strategic Planning

Previously reported – September 2026
The Strategic Planning session is scheduled to be held on December 4^th

In Case You Missed It

Brunswick County Rescinds Stage One Water Conservation
PUBLIC NOTICE
Brunswick County Public Utilities is rescinding its Stage 1 Voluntary Water Conservation Alert effective Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. This notice does not apply to properties that use water sources outside of the County’s public water system (i.e., private groundwater wells, retention ponds, and Brunswick Regional – H2GO). H2GO customers should check their website for information about any water conservation or best practices they may have issued for their customers: https://www.h2gonc.gov/. This conservation alert was originally issued Aug. 31, 2026. Recent rainfall, improving drought conditions, and the public’s efforts to use water wisely have helped even out demands for water from Brunswick County’s available production and distribution capacity. Brunswick County appreciates the efforts our water customers took to follow our mandatory and voluntary water restrictions while Extreme Drought (D3) and Exceptional Drought (D4) conditions affected our county this summer.

THB Police Newsletter (10/15/26)

Reminders

October brings cooler weather, the Festival by the Sea, and more fall activities to Holden Beach. HBPD reminds everyone to keep safety in mind.

Festival by the Sea

Expect increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Slow down, stay alert, and follow directions from officers and event personnel.

Lock it Up

Lock vehicles, remove keys and valuables, and secure bicycles, golf carts, garages, and outdoor property. Don’t provide an easy opportunity for crime.

Leaving for the Season?

Secure doors, windows, and outdoor items. Consider having someone periodically check your property.

Halloween

Drivers, watch for pedestrians and slow down. Parents and children, stay visible and use extra caution around roadways.

Holden Beach Police Department

Community • Safety • Service

The seasons may change, but our commitment to Holden Beach does not.

If you see us out on patrol, stop and say hello!

Stay safe and enjoy October at Holden Beach!

THB Newsletter (09/17/26)
Press Release from Chief Barger
HB Police Department Requests Public Assistance Following Vehicle Break-Ins
The Holden Beach Police Department is investigating multiple vehicle break-ins that occurred during the overnight hours of September 16-17, 2026. Officers responded to several reports of vehicles being unlawfully entered in various areas of Holden Beach. Investigators are actively working to identify those responsible and determine whether additional incidents may have occurred that have not yet been reported. The Holden Beach Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance. Residents and visitors are asked to review any home security, doorbell, or surveillance camera footage that may have captured suspicious persons or vehicles during the overnight hours. Any footage showing suspicious activity may be valuable to the investigation. Additionally, anyone who discovers that their vehicle, residence, storage area, or other property was unlawfully entered, or that items are missing, is urged to report the incident by calling 911. As a reminder, residents and visitors are encouraged to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. Please ensure that vehicle doors, residential doors, and storage areas are locked, and avoid leaving valuables in plain view inside vehicles. The Holden Beach Police Department would also like to thank the Shallotte Police Department for its assistance in this active investigation.

THB Newsletter (08/31/26)
Brunswick County Public Utilities Annual Change from Chloramines to Chlorine

PUBLIC NOTICE
Every year, Brunswick County Public Utilities and the towns, cities, and other utilities that purchase water from Brunswick County, implement an annual flushing program. Public Utilities employees flush the water mains by opening fire hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period of time. The flushing cleans out sediment and allows routine maintenance of the more than 1,440 miles of water lines and over 8,161 fire hydrants in the Brunswick County service area. Flushing may result in discoloration and presence of sediment in your water. These conditions are not harmful and are temporary.

During the annual flushing program, a slight change is made in the water treatment process to facilitate an effective flushing program. Throughout the year, Brunswick County Public Utilities adds combined chlorine (in the form of chloramines), to the water as the primary disinfectant. During the annual flushing program, chlorine is added in an uncombined state, commonly referred to as free chlorine. Free chlorine is more effective than combined chlorine at reacting with sediments suspended during flushing. This common practice is also used as preventive maintenance to kill bacteria that, though harmless when consumed by humans, can introduce unwanted taste and odor, and create issues with maintaining a disinfectant residual.

Brunswick County will use free chlorine as the primary disinfectant
from October 1, 2026 through November 2026.

Depending on your location within the distribution system and usage patterns, it could take 7 to 10 days for your drinking water to transition from combined chlorine to free chlorine at the beginning of the flushing program. The annual change from chloramines to free chlorine for this brief period is required by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to promote optimal disinfection throughout the water distribution system.

You may experience a change in the taste or smell of your drinking water while free chlorine is being used as the primary disinfection agent. If you are especially sensitive to the taste and odor of chlorine, try keeping an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator. This will enable the chlorine to dissipate and reduce the taste of chlorine in your water. Remember – drinking water has a shelf life. Change out the water in your refrigerated container weekly.

Note:
If you have an aquarium or pond, always test the water that you add to your aquatic environment to be sure it is free of any chlorine before adding fish or other animals. Chemical additives with directions for removing either free chlorine or chloramines from water for use in fish tanks or ponds are available at pet/fish supply stores. Kidney dialysis clinics and customers on home kidney dialysis equipment should also be aware of this change.

National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On September 30, 2026, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to December 11, 2026.

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

What He Did Not Say –

Public Service Announcement
Hunting season runs from October till the end of January
Hunting is prohibited within Town limits
Please notify the Police Department if you hear shots being fired

§130.01 DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS PROHIBITED; EXCEPTIONS.
It shall be unlawful for a person to shoot or project any stone, rock, shot, or other hard substance by means of a slingshot, bean shooter, air rifle, popgun, bow, or other similar contrivance, or to fire any pistol, gun, or other firearms within the town except on archery ranges, firing ranges, or in legally-established shooting galleries or ranges, or in the discharge of duty by law enforcement officers, provided that the use of firearms in the destruction of rodents, pigeons, squirrels, or similar animals or birds or reptiles that are considered to be a menace to public health or property may be permitted by special permission of the Chief of Police.

§130.02 HUNTING PROHIBITED.
It shall be unlawful for any person or group of persons to do any hunting of wildlife with dogs or without dogs within the town limits.

Remind everyone it’s Hurricane Season – be prepared, have a plan!

If you know something, hear something, or see something –
call 911 and let the police deal with it.

Low Speed Vehicle Safety » click here
Public Service Announcement regarding low speed vehicle safety.

Police Chief encourages everyone to download the app

NC Police Connect on the AppStore

Upcoming Events

Contractors Information Seminar / November 5^th
Veterans Appreciation Luncheon / Friday, November 6^thSBI Three Bridge Tour / Saturday, November 7^thTurkey Trot / Thursday, November 26^th
Tree Lighting / Thursday, December 3^rd

12. Public Comments on General Items

Block Q Restrooms

In March 2024, the town accepted a $560,000 state grant and committed $140,000 toward Block Q restrooms, parking, site preparation, and landscaping. Work began in April 2025. Following a project timeline extension, the facility opened in May 2026. Five months later, the new public restroom facility still lacks clear signage identifying the building or directing visitors to the restrooms. Although the parking sign notes that short-term free parking is available for restroom users, there appears to be no other indication of the building’s purpose. Without visible signage, it is unclear how the public would know if the restrooms are available. Anecdotally, this appears to be reflected in current use patterns, as most activity still seems centered around the old bathrooms. At a minimum, I recommend placing a sign on each side of the building. It may also be prudent to add directional signs along Jordan Boulevard to guide visitors to the facility. Given the significant investment in these restrooms, they should not remain underutilized simply because the public is unaware they are there.

13. Closed Session Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3), To Consider the Qualifications, Competence, Performance of a Public Officer or Employee and North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3), To Consult with the Attorney

No decision was made – No action taken

General Comments

BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, November 17^th

Polling place moved
The Brunswick County Board of Elections announced that the polling place has been relocated to Sabbath Home Baptist Church, 990 Sabbath Home Road in Supply. Updated voter registration cards have been mailed to affected voters.

It’s not like they don’t have anything to work on …

The following five (5) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:
- - - - 2019 – Dog Park
      - 2021 – Pier Properties Project
      - 2021 – Rights-of-Way
      - 2021 – Block Q Project/Carolina Avenue
      - 2023 – Fire Station Project
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.

Know the difference between wants and needs?
One of the most basic concepts of economics is want vs. need.

A need is something you have to have.
. • It’s something you can’t do without.

A want is something you would like to have.
. • It’s not absolutely necessary, but it would be a good thing to have.
Beach Nourishment Need
Fire Station Need
Water Tank Need/Want
Pier Want
~~Captain Pete’s Property~~ Want
.
We do not have sufficient resources to fund all of these projects. If we use the available funds for wants rather than needs, we will be unable to address our essential priorities. If additional funding is needed, a property tax increase will be required—plain and simple.

Lost in the Sauce

From 2025

Building Numbers

Previously reported – September 2025
§157.087 BUILDING NUMBERS.

(C) Structures abutting the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway, canals, and any public trust waters shall have house number affixed to the back of the structure or on the end of the dock/pier visible so as in case an emergency and per the North Carolina Residential Code Section R319.1

Timbo explained that this is a safety issue. Any changes made to the Zoning Code Section 157 requires a Public Hearing. The motion was made to schedule a Public Hearing for Zoning Ordinance change before the next BOC’s Regular Meeting on October 21^st.

Previously reported – October 2025
Public Hearing was held at the beginning of the meeting as required. The proposed ordinance change requires property owners with homes on the waterways to display building numbers on the back of their homes. The motion was made to accept Consistency Statement and Ordinance 25-15 as submitted.

Ordinance 25-15 » click here

From 2024

Open Flame Devices

§91.17 OPEN FLAME DEVICES.

Charcoal burners and other open flame devices shall not be operated on or within ten feet of combustible construction. Exception: propane fueled grills.

Discussion was about ways of informing the public concerning the placement of open flame devices. They tossed around a couple of ideas and they felt that they could communicate most effectively through the property management companies. It was decided to have the staff contact the property management companies to get their input on ways to improve communications regarding Town ordinances.

Editor’s Note –
It is my understanding that Hobbs Realty addresses this issue by recommending, if they opt for charcoal, that each rental property have park grills fixed in place away from the structure. That seems like a pretty simple solution, albeit with a minor cost for each rental property. They also notify guests in arrival emails of pertinent ordinances like this one. I’m thinking those are ideas could be a benchmark for the other rental companies.

Previously reported – November 2024

Fire Prevention

Staff coordinated a meeting with the rental property companies. Representatives from three (3) of the major companies attended. Two (2) of the companies currently provide information regarding regulations concerning open flame devices. The third company does not allow charcoal grills and did not want to provide information on items they prohibit. The companies already have been working with their homeowners and renters to educate them on the rules and to come up with ways to encourage people from moving these devices under their homes. They were not receptive to the idea of the Town ordering magnets to help with education

THB Newsletter (10/24/24)
October is Fire Prevention Month, with a goal to raise fire safety awareness and help protect homes and families. According to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and in America, fire departments respond to a fire every 23 seconds! We ask for your help with our efforts to protect the property and lives on Holden Beach. Remember, our Code of Ordinances prevents the use of charcoal burners and other open flame devices on or within 10 feet of any combustible construction.

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.

El Niño just gave us the first no-hurricane September in decades. How long can the Atlantic shutout last?
The Atlantic Ocean has failed to produce a hurricane in the month of September for the first time in more than 30 years, the latest feat by a super El Niño widely predicted to become the strongest ever. Only three other Septembers have gone hurricane-free in the Atlantic in records dating back to 1950. It last happened in 1994, and before that in 1972 and 1962, according to Dr. Phil Klotzbach, a hurricane expert with Colorado State University. Three tropical storms did form last month, so the Atlantic wasn’t completely closed for business. Of those, Tropical Storm Fay was closest to hurricane intensity. Its winds fell short by 4 mph, but there’s a chance Fay gets upgraded in the National Hurricane Center’s final review. The numbers have been stark. The average for a season is seven hurricanes, and we should have seen five of them by now. Last year was below average, with five hurricanes — but four had already shown up by the start of October, three of which came in September. September is usually prime time for hurricanes because storm-fueling warm water is at its most expansive and hottest alongside ripe atmospheric factors. About two to three hurricanes develop in the month on average. This El Niño-stifled season had already blown past the most reliable record for the longest wait for the first hurricane to materialize, and the lack of any as October begins sets the stage for an even rarer possibility: an entire Atlantic season without hurricanes.

El Niño’s thumbprint is all over the tropics
Water temperatures have been warm enough for Atlantic hurricanes, but El Niño-fueled wind shear, aka tropical-system kryptonite, is the biggest reason the season has been squashed. Wind shear refers to changes in wind speed and direction at different levels of the atmosphere, and it can shred apart anything from budding tropical systems to full-blown hurricanes. The shear has been record-strong since this summer across parts of the Atlantic’s so-called main development region, which extends from Africa through the Caribbean, according to Klotzbach. As the name suggests, this is where many storms get their start at the height of the season — mid-August to early October — but this year it’s been nearly shutdown. Tropical storms Dolly and Gonzalo are the only systems that have formed in this part of the ocean so far, and a wall of wind shear ripped both of them apart. Dolly lasted one day; Gonzalo almost made it two. Meanwhile, El Niño’s extremely warm water has turned hurricane season in the eastern and central Pacific hyperactive. A total of 20 named storms — including three Category 5 hurricanes — have roamed those ocean basins. Hurricane Polo’s extreme rapid intensification to a Category 5 with 180 mph winds off the coast of Mexico last week tied it as the third strongest eastern Pacific hurricane on record.

Year without a hurricane?
There have been just two years without an Atlantic hurricane: 1914 and 1907. But both come with an asterisk since they were before satellites and aircraft started tracking hurricanes more accurately, so one could have been missed. In more modern records — since 1950 — there hasn’t been a single Atlantic season without a hurricane. The 1982 and 2013 seasons saw the fewest, with just two. There are still two months to go, and October averages about one hurricane formation each year; occasionally November can spin one up, too. But the deeper we head into the month, the greater the odds the season could end without one. Late-season storms tend to form closer to the United States, including in the Gulf, Caribbean and off the Southeast coast, which gives them greater odds to impact land. The Caribbean is fully entrenched in El Niño’s shear, so it’s likely off the table as a development area the rest of the way. But as this year has shown, it doesn’t take a hurricane-strength system to cause significant impacts, particularly in a warming world that’s making tropical systems wetter. Tropical storms Arthur and Edouard didn’t last long, but heavy rain from both resulted in significant flash flooding and water rescues near the Gulf Coast.
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

https://lousviews.com/

10 – News & Views

Lou’s Views
News & Views / October Edition

Calendar of Events

Holiday Boat Flotilla
The flotilla is scheduled for Saturday, November 28^th at 5:30 p.m. Participation is limited to 25 boats. Boaters may register at www.hbflotilla.com.

Editor’s note –
Holden Beach last held this event in December 2013.

Holden Beach Flotilla to bring Christmas lights, boats and community spirit to ICW Nov. 28
A new holiday tradition is coming to Holden Beach this November as the Holden Beach Flotilla takes to the Intracoastal Waterway on Saturday, Nov. 28. The inaugural event will feature up to 25 boats decorated in Christmas lights and holiday displays, creating a festive procession along the Holden Beach waterway. While this will be the first Holden Beach Flotilla, the event will serve as a continuation a holiday tradition that has been part of the local community for many years. The Ocean Isle Flotilla had been held for the past 21 years, and participating boaters and members of the community were saddened to learn that the event would not be returning this year. The flotilla had also served as a significant fundraiser for Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA), leaving the organization facing the loss of an important annual fundraising event. The idea to bring the flotilla to Holden Beach came from Jason Murphy, who had participated in the Ocean Isle Flotilla for the past several years. After learning that the event would not return, Murphy reached out to the Holden Beach Marina, which quickly came on board and began working to build support for the event within the community. Ashley Dyer played an important role in helping move the idea forward and build the foundation needed to make the event possible. Without Dyer’s work and the early support of the Holden Beach Marina, organizers said this announcement may not have been possible. From there, Murphy reached out to Keith Smith, who is also a Holden Beach town commissioner, and the two began working together to bring the idea to life in Holden Beach, with the support of the Marina and other community partners. Their goal was to bring the Christmas lights, boats and community spirit to Holden Beach while continuing the fundraising effort for BFA and the Brunswick County families it assists. The participating boats will begin staging just west of Sailfish Park on the Intracoastal Waterway at approximately 4:30 p.m., with a final radio check scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Then, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the festive lights will begin to glow at Sailfish Park as the flotilla gets underway. From Sailfish Park, the boats will travel along the waterway toward Provisions, continuing toward the Holden Beach Bridge and on to The Wharf Restaurant, where the flotilla will turn around and begin making its way back toward the Holden Beach Marina. With boats spaced approximately one to two minutes apart, the procession is expected to remain visible along the route for an extended period, giving spectators multiple opportunities to see the decorated boats as they make their way along the waterway. The Holden Beach Marina will serve as the final destination for the flotilla, as well as the location for judging and the awards presentation. Judges will be positioned at the marina as the boats arrive. Following the completion of the flotilla, post-flotilla activities and the awards presentation are expected to begin between approximately 7:30 and 7:45 p.m. Following the awards, the celebration will continue with after-parties at local area restaurants, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to continue the holiday festivities while supporting local businesses. While the Holden Beach Flotilla is designed first and foremost as a night of fun, Christmas excitement and community celebration, it also has a charitable purpose. Proceeds from the event will benefit Brunswick Family Assistance, a local nonprofit organization that helps Brunswick County families experiencing times of need. “We want this to be something families look forward to every year,” organizers said. “It’s about seeing the boats, enjoying the Christmas lights, bringing people together and having a great time — but it’s also about giving back to our community and helping our neighbors.”

Registration and sponsorship
Boat registration is now open. Boaters can register through the event website at www.hbflotilla.com. Registration forms can also be requested by email or text using the contact information below. The flotilla is limited to 25 participating boats, with entries being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Once all 25 spots are filled, registration will close. Sponsorship opportunities are also filling quickly. Sponsorships are anticipated to remain open through Oct. 28, or until available sponsorship spots are filled. Sponsorship opportunities are also first come, first served. Businesses and organizations interested in supporting the event are encouraged to contact the organizers as soon as possible. The event is being supported by local sponsors and community partners, with additional details about participating boats, sponsors, viewing opportunities and restaurant after-parties to be announced as the event approaches. For safety on the water, the Holden Beach Police Department will lead the flotilla, with Sea Tow following the procession to assist with any issues involving participating vessels. Spectators are encouraged to find locations along the route where they can safely watch the boats pass. More information about viewing locations and event details will be released as plans are finalized.
Read more » 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

Contractors Information Seminar
The Planning & Inspections Department, supported by the town staff, will be hosting the fifteenth annual Contractors Information Seminar on Thursday, November 5^th. Contractors and electricians will earn two hours of continuing education credits. Don’t miss this FREE educational opportunity.

Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
The Town of Holden Beach will hold its Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, November 6^th. The event will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the Town Hall Public Assembly Room. Please RSVP by emailing Christy at christy.ferguson@hbtownhall.com prior to Thursday, October 29^th with your name and the name of your guest.

SBI Three Bridge Tour
The South Brunswick Islands Rotary Club SBI Three Bridge Tour is set to take place on Saturday, November 7^th, in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. This event offers a unique opportunity for cyclists to ride across the three bridges of Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Holden Beach. Participants can choose from various ride options, including family-friendly routes and more challenging distances, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone. The tour supports local and international Rotary projects, enriching the lives of children and youth in Brunswick County. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund these projects, providing experiences and learning opportunities that will benefit the community.
For more information » click here

Turkey Trot
The Town of Holden Beach will hold its annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning Thursday, November 26^th at 8:00 a.m. All individuals interested in participating should call 910.842.6488 to register. Please bring a canned food item to donate to the local food pantry.

Tree Lighting
The Town of Holden Beach will hold its annual tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, December 3^rd at 6:00 p.m.

Parks & Recreation / Programs & Events
For more information » click here

Reminders

Smoke Detectors
Time change means time to check smoke detectors, too. The fire department is encouraging people to test their smoke alarms and change the battery. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, whether they are battery-operated or hard-wired.

THB Police Newsletter (10/15/26)

Reminders

October brings cooler weather, the Festival by the Sea, and more fall activities to Holden Beach. HBPD reminds everyone to keep safety in mind.

Festival by the Sea

Expect increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Slow down, stay alert, and follow directions from officers and event personnel.

Lock it Up

Lock vehicles, remove keys and valuables, and secure bicycles, golf carts, garages, and outdoor property. Don’t provide an easy opportunity for crime.

Leaving for the Season?

Secure doors, windows, and outdoor items. Consider having someone periodically check your property.

Halloween

Drivers, watch for pedestrians and slow down. Parents and children, stay visible and use extra caution around roadways.

Holden Beach Police Department

Community • Safety • Service

The seasons may change, but our commitment to Holden Beach does not.

If you see us out on patrol, stop and say hello!

Stay safe and enjoy October at Holden Beach!

Pets on the Beach Strand

§90.20 RESPONSIBILITIES OF OWNERS

Effective September 10^th

- - Pets are allowed on the beach strand
  - Dog’s need to be on a leash
  - Owner’s need to clean up after their animals

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.

THB Newsletter (06/18/26)
OttoView by Otto Connect
Just in time for peak beach season, Otto Connect, Inc. has launched a new feature designed to make parking along the coast easier and less stressful for visitors and residents alike. “OttoView by Otto Connect,” is part of the SurfCAST parking system and allows users to check parking availability in real time before heading to the beach. The feature is now available in Holden Beach. For many drivers, finding parking during busy summer weekends can be one of the most frustrating parts of a beach trip. OttoView aims to reduce congestion and save time by showing which lots have open spaces—and which do not—before users arrive. “Instead of circling for a spot, people can now see their options ahead of time and go directly to available parking,” Jim Varner (CEO) said in a statement.

Know before you go:
OttoView can be accessed through the SurfCAST website
(https://park.surfcast.ottoconnect.us/), the QRcode link, and will be available soon via mobile app update (“SurfCAST by Otto”) making it easy for visitors to plan from home or on the go.

What OttoView Shows:

- A map of the area and locations of all parking lots
- Real-time parking availability by location
- Estimated availability based on permit turnover
- Directions to nearby parking areas
- Filters for amenities such as restrooms, handicap spaces, and LSV parking

OttoView is fully integrated into the SurfCAST system and is available at no additional cost.

For more information, visit https://www.ottoconnect.us.

Solid Waste Pickup Schedule
GFL Environmental change in service, the Saturday before Memorial Day till the end of September, trash pickup will be twice a week.

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 Schedule

starting October once a week

Recycling

starting October every other week pick-up

Yard Waste Service

Yard debris is collected on the second (2^nd) and fourth (4^th) Fridays during the months of October, November, and December.Yard debris needs to be secured in a biodegradable bag (not plastic) or bundled in a maximum length not to exceed five (5) feet and fifty (50) pounds in weight. 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. Picks-ups are not provided for vacant lots or construction sites.

Curbside Recycling – 2026
GFL Environmental is now offering curbside recycling for Town properties that desire to participate in the service. The service cost per cart is $122.93 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 trashcans 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).

Upon Further Review

A Second Helping since 2005

For the last fifteen (15) weeks they have collected food on Saturday mornings in front of Beach Mart; the food is distributed to the needy in Brunswick County. During this summer season, they collected 10,028 pounds of food and $1,755 in monetary donations. Their food collections have now exceeded three hundred and seventeen thousand (327,000) pounds of food since this program began in June of 2005. Hunger exists everywhere in this country. Thanks to the Holden Beach vacationers for donating again this year! 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

ReadyBrunswick Emergency Notifications 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:

- - - Landline (Voice)
    - VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
    - Mobile (Voice)
    - Mobile SMS (Text Messaging)
    - Email

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 facing hundreds of millions in wastewater expansion costs
As North Carolina’s fastest-growing county continues to expand, Brunswick County leaders are discussing how to increase wastewater treatment capacity, an investment that will likely cost more than half a billion dollars. Earlier this month, Brunswick County Public Utilities Director John Nichols presented county commissioners with several expansion options. Between expected construction on the county’s Navassa treatment plant, slated to start mid-next year, and expansion plans for the Supply and Shallotte plants, Nichols said costs could exceed $700 million. “It’s challenging because we are growing fast,” Nichols said, explaining the importance of addressing the issue. “It determines how development in Brunswick County occurs. So the policy will provide a plan for the strategy behind that development.” The project in Navassa should cost roughly $173 million (split between the county and H2GO) and increase the plant’s capacity by 3.75 MGD from its current capacity of 4.975 MGD. The Supply and Shallotte projects, meanwhile, would likely cost between $440 and $550 million in total, Nichols said Tuesday. Those two projects are still at least three years away from construction, he said. The total cost of the latter two projects would depend on how much capacity is added to the plants. According to the presentation given to commissioners, Supply and Shallotte expansion options range from adding 5-14 MGD. Earlier this year, sewer capacity issues temporarily halted new construction projects in Brunswick County that required sewer line extensions. Senate Bill 673 requires the state to count anticipated wastewater from future homes as already present in the system. Under that calculation, Brunswick County’s wastewater treatment plants were considered over-allotted in the state’s accounting — even though the pipes are not full. The state freeze on issuing new sewer permits started in October 2025, but ended in May 2026, a county spokesperson confirmed Tuesday. The freeze ended after NCDEQ allowed new projects to move forward “with an added variance process,” the spokesperson said. Commissioners will continue discussing how to address the issue at upcoming meetings. Nichols said staff plan to update commissioners with a draft plan at a meeting before the end of the year. Commissioners will also discuss sunset provisions on projects that haven’t made significant progress from approval, which could give the county more space when looking at capacity limits. On Tuesday, Commissioner Pat Sykes said it’s important for the county to keep up infrastructure-wise with development as projects continue popping up. “The issue needs to be tackled immediately,” Sykes said. “It’s always important, whether it’s sewer, water, roads, it’s always important to stay ahead of the growth. But we are behind.”
Read more » click here

Corrections & Amplifications

Revaluation

PUBLIC NOTICE
Over the coming months, Brunswick County will be sharing information and reminders about the county’s latest revaluation, which goes into effect at the start of calendar year 2027. Property owners are expected to receive a notice showing their updated 2027 property value by the end of March 2027. A revaluation (also known as a reappraisal) is a routine update to property tax values to bring them back in line with the current sale price of properties. Our state certified in-house appraisers have diligently and carefully researched and analyzed sales in our local market to determine an estimate of market value for all properties as required by North Carolina law. Below are some of the key reminders to keep in mind as we work toward finalizing assessed values, as well as some upcoming dates when the Board of Commissioners will discuss and/or take possible action on items related to the 2027 Revaluation process. The Brunswick County Tax Office also has a robust website featuring full details and answers to questions about the 2027 Revaluation at https://brunswickcountync.gov/448/2027-Revaluation.

Upcoming Dates
Note: Some dates or time periods for certain processes like the appeal period and 2027 property tax bill mailings are still to be determined and may not be listed here yet. Brunswick County will provide information on any updates or changes to dates or time periods as they become available.

- Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at 3 p.m.: Schedule of Values introduced at Board of Commissioners meeting (The schedule will be available in the agenda packet and can be viewed after this date in person at the Clerk to the Board’s Office, or online at https://brunswickcountync.gov/448/2027-Revaluation.
- Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, at 6 p.m.: Public Hearing for Schedule of Values During Board of Commissioners Meeting
- Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at 3 p.m.: Board of Commissioners Consider Adoption of Schedule of Values (A possible second public hearing (if desired/necessary) could take place during this meeting)
- Friday, Jan.1, 2027: 2027 Revaluation Effective Date (All real property will be valued based on its market value and condition as of Jan. 1, 2027)
- February/March 2027: Property Owners Receive Notice Showing Updated 2027 Property Value

Important Reminders
Often when we hear about revaluation, we immediately think about property taxes. However, the purpose of a revaluation is to determine a property’s current market value to ensure everyone pays their fair share of the costs for the local government services they use and rely on. Your property taxes help your County, municipality, school district, and/or other public entities provide essential services like education, public safety, ambulance service, fire protection, health clinics and inspections, parks, libraries, planning and community enforcement, municipal roads, and more. Ultimately, your property’s appraised value is only one factor that determines how much property tax you pay.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare to receive your new assessed value in 2027:

- An increase in your property value does not necessarily mean your next tax bill will increase.
- It is currently impossible to determine how your new assessed value affects your property taxes until the County, your municipal government, and/or other public entities that serve your property adopt their FY 2028 operating budgets and set tax rates. This is most likely to occur in late spring or early summer 2027.
- The 2027 Revaluation is still not complete, so be cautious of any claims about how much property values or taxes are increasing, whether by dollars or percentage. Wait for your official mailing from Brunswick County to see what your property’s new assessed value is (estimated to arrive February or March 2027).
- Market value is set by the choices of buyers and sellers in the marketplace. The Brunswick County Tax Office does not create market value. Your local tax office analyzes market sales to determine market patterns and trends in different locations across the county.
- Property values will not change uniformly throughout the county or even within your city or town—a lot depends on market conditions and recent sales in your neighborhood. Your assessed value could increase, decrease, or remain the same.

Contacting the Tax Office
The Brunswick County Tax Office is open to discussing the revaluation process with property owners. You are encouraged to check our website first to see if the answers to your questions are available online. Our Tax team is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When contacting our office, please have your parcel number or property address available.

- Website: https://brunswickcountync.gov/447/Tax-Office
- Phone: 910.253.2829
- Email: taxreval@brunswickcountync.gov
- Main Office: Brunswick County Sandifer Administration Building, 30 Government Center Drive, Bolivia, NC 28422

Ocean Isle Beach Terminal Groin

Ocean Isle Beach completed construction of a terminal groin on its east end in April 2022 to help protect the beach immediately behind it. However, this structure has contributed to significant erosion at the east end near Shallotte Inlet by interrupting natural longshore drift, prompting ongoing efforts such as sandbag use to prevent ocean encroachment on properties in that area.

2024 OIB SHORELINE AND INLET ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT

On Holden Beach, the recent volume change rates (May 2024 to November 2024) along the oceanfront shoreline indicated erosion at 12 of the 21 monitoring stations. Similarly, the MHW shoreline change rates indicated a shoreline retreat at 15 of the 21 monitoring stations. The long-term post-construction linear shoreline changes along the Holden Beach oceanfront shoreline indicated landward retreat. However, volumetric changes indicated slight accretion (0.2 cy/ft./yr.) within this area over the long-term period. The shoreline threshold analysis results along the Holden Beach oceanfront shoreline show that the post-construction shoreline change threshold was exceeded at only one monitoring station. This is the first time a threshold has been exceeded at Holden Beach since this annual analysis started in 2022. In addition, the analysis of May 2024 aerial imagery-derived wet/dry line revealed an 885 ft. section of Holden Beachâ€™s inlet shoreline that exceeded the inlet shoreline threshold by a maximum distance of 100 feet. The inlet shoreline threshold on Holden Beach was also exceeded in Year-2. This marks two straight years where this threshold was exceeded. The inlet shoreline recession is believed to likely be attributed to a combination of morphological changes within Shallotte Inlet including the position and orientation of the main channel through Shallotte Inlet and the formation of a flood channel on the inlet shoulder of Holden Beach. Regardless, as stated in the Plan, because the shoreline changes in this area exceeded the threshold over the entire 2-year confirmation period, an assessment of the proper responsive measures will be made through coordination with State and Federal regulatory officials.

East End/Terminal Groin Short Term Mitigation
As required by State and Federal permits associated with the Town’s Shoreline and Inlet Management Plan, annual shoreline monitoring identified erosion east of the terminal groin that exceeded established management thresholds. To maintain permit compliance and address localized erosion concerns, the Town implemented a short-term mitigation project consisting of targeted beach nourishment east of the terminal groin.

Project Update

- Project completed: May 24, 2026
- Sand placed: Approximately 45,000 c/y
- Engineer: Coastal Protection Engineering
- Contractor: Southwind Construction
- Total project cost: $667,696.61

This project, along with the US Army Corps of Engineers – Shallotte Inlet Crossing & Widener Project, placed 70,000 cy of sand east of the terminal groin with another 35,000 cy west of the terminal groin. With this short-term mitigation measure in place, the Town has engaged with Coastal Protection Engineering (CPE) to investigate long-term mitigation plans to prevent any further erosion adjacent to the terminal groin.

CRC meets amid debate over NC’s hardened shoreline structures ban
The debate over whether to repeal or amend the state’s ban on hardened structures for shoreline protection resumes this week when the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) meets on Aug. 26 and 27 at the Dare County Government Complex in Manteo. A major catalyst behind the effort to re-examine the ban is the crisis in Buxton, where 32 privately owned oceanfront houses have fallen into the ocean since 2020—with 20 of them collapsing since September 2025, generating national headlines. According to the meeting agenda, the CRC will hear a report from its Science Panel on hardened oceanfront structures. On June 18, the panel presented a 47-page report recommending that the state “maintain a cautious approach to any expansion of the use of hardened structures along its sandy, open-ocean coastline.” It also advised that before changing its oceanfront management policies, the state should “include a broad assessment of the benefits, costs, limitations and distribution of effects” arising from an expanded use of hardened structures. The Outer Banks Voice – CRC panel report recommends ‘cautious approach’ to use of hardened structures. In 1985, the CRC banned hardened structures through regulatory action, followed 15 years later by a ban approved by the state legislature, unless a groin was less than 50 percent damaged. Along with its Buxton beach nourishment project this summer, Dare County is also conducting an $8.6 million project to repair the Buxton terminal groin, work allowed under the state exemption. More Beach to Love | Dare County, NC. In the past year, there has also been a flurry of advocacy to revise or repeal the hardened structure ban coming from Outer Banks communities and officials. In October 2025, the Buxton Civic Association asked residents to contact state officials to lobby for an “immediate exclusion of CAMAs hardened structures law” for Buxton. A month later, Dare County Commissioner Chair Bob Woodard sent a letter to North Carolina legislators asking them to take action to combat coastal erosion, a request that included reconsidering the ban on hardened structures. In May 2026, the Currituck County Commissioners approved a resolution supporting state legislative efforts—NC Senate Bill 1009—to repeal the hardened structures ban. The resolution noted that “North Carolina is one of the only U.S. coastal states with a long-standing ban on hardened structure.” That ban, it added, leaves beach nourishment, which the resolution characterizes as “a costly and temporary solution to erosion…as one of the only tools available to counties to combat coastal erosion.” A committee of the North Carolina Senate approved that legislation to repeal the ban in June. Senate Bill 1009 (2025-2026 Session) – North Carolina General Assembly. Asked about the repeal of the hardened structures ban during a visit to the Outer Banks in late June, Governor Josh Stein said solutions to beach erosion need “to be based in science. There [are] clear emotions that are flying here…We want people’s homes to be preserved. But we have to do it in a way that will make long-term success possible.”
Read more » click here

Odds & Ends

August Ties the Record for Earth’s Hottest Month on the Books
Sweltering summer temperatures put last month on par with July 2023 for global warmth, scientists said. More records could be broken in the months ahead.
Last month tied July 2023 as the planet’s hottest month on record, European scientists said on Thursday, as human-caused warming pushes the Northern Hemisphere’s muggiest, most uncomfortable time of year into new realms of stickiness and discomfort. Dangerous heat hammered Europe for the fifth time since May. Temperatures soared into the triple digits across the southern United States from California to Texas. South Korea recorded its highest temperature reading in modern history: 108.5 degrees Fahrenheit in the southern city of Yangsan on Aug. 2. August tied the record for the oceans’ hottest month in history as well, scientists said, as El Niño conditions caused warm water to accumulate at the surface of the tropical Pacific. This extra warmth will spread to the rest of the planet in the months ahead, making the globe’s average temperatures likely to break more records through the end of the year and into 2027. “These observations show how climate change is driving extremes across both the atmosphere and the oceans,” said Samantha Burgess, a climate scientist at Copernicus, the European Union’s climate monitoring service, which published the analysis of August temperatures. “The impacts of these conditions are increasingly being felt by communities, economies and ecosystems across the world.” August’s sweltering temperatures capped the warmest summer on record for both Western Europe and the contiguous United States. Across the lower 48 states, the average temperature last month was 75.6 degrees Fahrenheit, the highest on record for August and 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th-century average, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said on Wednesday. Summer in the Northern Hemisphere is also the warmest time of year for the planet as a whole. The reason is that the sun’s energy heats the air above land more than it does the air above water, and most of Earth’s land lies north of the Equator. According to Copernicus, the average air temperature at the planet’s surface last month was 1.65 degrees Celsius, or roughly three degrees Fahrenheit, higher than it was at the start of the industrial age, when large-scale burning of fossil fuels began raising global temperatures. That made August the first month since last November when global warming exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius, an important number in humanity’s efforts to curb climate change. More than a decade ago, nearly all nations agreed at a global summit in Paris to try to keep global warming “well below” two degrees Celsius and, ideally, to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. In a report last week, the United Nations declared that the world would not achieve that second, more ambitious goal and predicted that, within the next few years, average global warming would surpass 1.5 degrees Celsius. By 2100, warming could peak at 1.8 degrees Celsius if governments are highly successful at slowing warming, or at 2.6 degrees Celsius or higher if they aren’t, the report said. The goal now, the U.N. report said, should be to bring temperatures back down as quickly as possible, both by slashing greenhouse gas emissions and by developing novel technologies to draw carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. The world also needs to learn to cope more effectively with the elevated risks of intense hot spells, downpours, wildfires and coastal floods that a warmer planet has created, the U.N. said. “This is the spiraling price of humanity’s fossil fuel addiction, and the global climate crisis it is fueling,” said Simon Stiell, the head of the U.N. entity that supports the international response to climate change.
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The US just had its hottest summer on record, beating the Dust Bowl era
The United States just had its hottest summer in 132 years of recordkeeping, soundly beating the summer of 1936 — during the Dust Bowl era — as well as the summer of 2021, according to data released Wednesday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Previously, those two years had tied for the hottest summer. The Dust Bowl summer of 1936 has been long been regarded as the benchmark of hottest summers in the US but has now been equaled or eclipsed twice in the past five years thanks to the influence of human-caused climate change. August 2026 and the June-through-August period both set all-time records, and July was the hottest month of any month on record in the US. The difference between the new and old seasonal records was 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit, which is relatively large for an all-time temperature record. Summer featured widespread above-average temperatures across the Lower 48 states, with well-above-normal nighttime low temperatures throughout the country — largely driven by a series of powerful heat domes that affected nearly every state besides Alaska and Hawaii. The average temperature during August in the Lower 48 states was 75.6 degrees Fahrenheit, which was 3.5 degrees above the 20th century average. The average for meteorological summer — from June through August — was 74.4 degrees, which was 3 degrees above average. Record-breaking heat was especially present across the Southwest, with Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado each setting records for their warmest summer. The searing season only exacerbated the Colorado River water crisis. One sign of how incredibly hot the summer was can be seen in the balance of record highs to record lows. There were a staggering 1,541 record monthly highs set or tied nationally, compared to just 87 monthly record lows set or tied. In a climate that was not rapidly warming, one would expect the ratio of records to be closer to even. The summer temperature record comes amid a strengthening El Niño in the tropical Pacific, along with the growing effects of long-term climate change. Climate change in particular is leading to more intense, frequent and long-lasting heat waves, while El Niño is further increasing global average temperatures. According to NOAA data, the months of June through August in the US have warmed by about 0.46 degrees Fahrenheit per decade since 1970.
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This and That

Brunswick County and DuPont Chemours Settlement
Brunswick County announced today that The Chemours Company, along with Dupont and Corteva, have officially entered into a $95 million settlement agreement, marking a major milestone in the County’s efforts to receive compensation for major capital investments necessary to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the County’s main source of drinking water. Brunswick County’s settlement is part of a $590 million group settlement agreement, Brunswick County v. DowDuPont, Inc. et. al. (Chemours), which includes the State of Noth Carolina and 10 other local entities in the state. “It’s been a long time coming, but we are proud to stand up for our County and demand what is due for our community,” Brunswick County Chairman Mike Forte said. “We commend all our staff, legal counsel, local leaders, and partner agencies for their tremendous work over the years to ensure that Brunswick County received recognition and compensation for the costly infrastructure improvements we have had to make to combat the PFAS issue in the Cape Fear River.” Of the total $590 million of the settlement, $380 million will go to local entities and $75 million to the State. The remaining $135 million will go to a reserve fund connected to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s 2019 Consent Order to ensure that Chemours or DuPont will continue mandated PFAS cleanup efforts in the Cape Fear River. The finalization of the agreement marks the end of nearly nine years of litigation against Chemours and DuPont. Brunswick County will receive payments over the course of the next eight years. The settlement is front loaded with the County receiving slightly over $24 million in each of the first three years.

Why deer-car collisions are rising in the Wilmington area, and November is the worst month
As development pushes out from Wilmington, deer-vehicle collisions are on the rise. But the number of deer also appears to be increasing as they adapt and hunting becomes more difficult in many areas
Billy Sampson said he didn’t see much before the collision. The sun had just set as he drove on Sidbury Road in northern New Hanover County headed home from work in November 2024. Just a streak crossing the road before the crash, and then a young doe sitting on his cracked windshield, her neck broken. “You just don’t have time to react,” Sampson said. “It happens before you know it.” Luckily, the damage to Sampson’s car was minimal, and he escaped the incident with only frayed nerves. But deer-vehicle collisions are an increasingly common occurrence in the Wilmington area as the region continues to boom. With subdivisions popping up in formerly off-the-beaten-track areas, deer and human interaction are rising. And with white-tailed deer among the most adaptable of all large animals in North America, in many areas their number are increasing just as the number of residents around the Cape Fear coast and other fast-growing parts of the Tar Heel State continue to rise. The result is an increase in deer-vehicle collisions on area roads after a slight downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown due to the reduction in traveling. With November the most common month for collisions, here’s a look at why drivers might want to pay a bit more attention out driving over the next few weeks and why this could be a troublesome situation that’s here to stay.

By the numbers
According to the N.C. Department of Transportation’s latest animal-related crash report, which tracked animal-vehicle collisions stretching back to 2017, last year showed a rising trend of incidents. Brunswick County saw the highest number of collisions in the Wilmington area, with 1,422 between 2022-24, ranking ninth in the state. Pender County saw 1,103 crashes over the same three-year period. The damage caused by the 2022-24 collisions was valued at $4.6 million in Brunswick and $3.4 million in Pender, with 39 total injures in Brunswick and 49 − including one fatal − in Pender. Fast-growing Wake County, home to Raleigh and Cary, saw the most animal crashes out of North Carolina’s 100 counties in the 2022-24 period, recording 2,676. Although state collision report forms don’t distinguish between animal types, data analyses shows that approximately 90% of all reported animal related crashes involve deer. In all three counties, 2024 saw the highest number of crashes − a trend that’s been increasing since 2020. While that’s partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions earlier this decade, which severely curtailed people’s traveling, the figures also likely reflect the tremendous population growth the three counties have seen in recent years. Brunswick County, for example, has seen it’s population jump from roughly 136,000 in 2020 to an estimated 175,000 in 2025. Due to its relatively small size and largely urban nature, deer-vehicle collisions in New Hanover County aren’t as high as larger counties, but are still a worry − especially as development pushes into the undeveloped northern parts of the county. According to the DOT report, New Hanover saw 86 collisions in 2024, and 250 in the 2022-24 window. That ranked 73rd in the state.

When are collisions most common?
According to the DOT report, the most collisions, 23% of the 63,487 recorded statewide 2022-24, occurred in November. Officials say a “perfect storm” of factors is to blame for this. They include November representing the height of the deer-mating season, which sees the animals on the move more than normal. Bucks especially can act erratically and with less caution as they chase does. Throw in Daylight Saving Time, which sees the clocks moved back in early November and means shorter days and more darkness during peak travel times, and it’s harder for drivers to see deer just when they are most active. According to the DOT, tips to help lower the chance of an animal collision include slowing down in areas known to be frequented by deer; driving with high beams on as much as possible; slow down and blow your horn if you see deer on the side of the road; and keep a safe distance between vehicles to help prevent you from becoming collateral damage if the car in front of you strikes a deer. After November, the three months that saw the most deer-car collisions were October (14.6%), December (12.9%) and January (8.2%). The DOT report also listed times that most crashes occur, and not surprisingly there were centered around dawn and dusk, with 6 a.m. the worst hour with 9.1% of all crashes. Next was 8 p.m., with 8.4% of crashes.

Why are collisions on the rise?
In many areas of Southeastern North Carolina, deer have always been a common part of the landscape. But as areas that used to be forest are turned into subdivisions and shopping centers, people and deer are coming into contact more often. That, however, doesn’t mean deer numbers are dropping per se. Deer, like coyotes, are very adaptable, and can easily live among human development, sharing parks and wooded areas just around the corner or even within neighborhoods. Limits on hunting in many areas due to public sentiment and safety concerns along with a lack of natural predators, aside from cars, also has allowed deer numbers to explode in many areas. That many yards and gardens include deer-friendly shrubs and flowers also has helped keep the mammals close to suburbia, since finding food is no longer a problem. According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, there are an estimated 1 million white-tailed deer in the state, a figure that’s remained relatively stable for a few decades. But while some rural areas have seen deer numbers fall slightly, the opposite has been happening in some of the state’s fast-growing metro areas. “Those areas where populations are rapidly increasing are typically urban/suburban areas where the utilization of hunting as a management tool has been greatly hindered,” the wildlife commission stated on its website. The combination of a lack of predators, a hunting ban and a deer smorgasbord of tasty garden treats saw Bald Head Island’s deer population surge in the late 1990s and early 2000s, prompting the ritzy Brunswick County island to turn to contraception to try and control its herd. But that isn’t an option, due to cost and questions of its effectiveness, for most communities. In areas where hunting remains popular, harvest numbers appear to be rising even as deer-vehicle collisions also are ticking up. In Brunswick County, for example, 2,128 deer were harvested in the 2024-25 season. That compares to 1,737 a decade before in the 2014-15 season, according to the wildlife commission. Pender County showed a similar trend, with hunters taking 3,070 deer in 2024-25 compared to 2,622 in 2014-15. Overall, N.C. hunters harvested nearly 189,000 deer during the 2024-25 season.
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Fear the deer: Crash data illuminates America’s deadliest animal
Behold the deer, the deadliest beast in North America. Deer are responsible for the deaths of about 440 of the estimated 458 Americans killed in physical confrontations with wildlife in an average year, according to Utah State University biologist Mike Conover, employing some educated guesswork in the latest edition of “Human-Wildlife Interactions.” Those deer-inflicted fatalities are not, so far as we know, caused by deer-on-human predation. They’re the unfortunate result of more than 2 million people a year plowing into deer with their sedans and SUV’s, usually on a two-lane road, often at high speed. You might wonder: Where and when am I most likely to hit a deer? And how can I avoid it? To shed light on this herbivorous hazard, we turned, of course, to data. Specifically, we analyzed more than 1 million animal-vehicle collisions compiled by Calumn Cunningham, Laura Prugh and their colleagues at the University of Washington for a recent paper published in Current Biology. They estimate deer were involved in more than 90 percent of the collisions, which occurred in 23 states between 1994 and 2021. With a few exceptions, the data show deer are at their most dangerous in November. Indeed, the deer threat peaks just before Thanksgiving typically Nov. 7 through 14 when you’re about three times more likely to hit a deer than at any other time of year. Experienced deer hunters can probably guess why driving in November can turn into Russian roulette on certain highways and byways: In much of the country, that’s rutting season. And during the rut, deer focus on procreation, not self-preservation. Marianne Gauldin of the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division compares rutting bucks to teenage boys. “They are hyper-focused on the opportunity to breed, and they therefore lose some of their wits,” Gauldin said. “They are full tilt looking for does, chasing does and running after does for the opportunity to breed. And they are doing this with tunnel vision … literally running across the road.” Does share similar distractions. They’re either in estrus hormonally receptive to sex and looking to breed or fleeing hot-and-bothered bucks until their cycles catch up. Collisions occur more often in states with the most white-tailed deer which experts say tend to have a shorter, sharper rut than the western mule deer and in states with long stretches of busy rural roads. Separate insurance claim data from State Farm, which is widely cited in academic research, shows a driver out minding her own business on the wending, bending roads of West Virginia had a 1 in 35 chance of hitting an animal between June 2021 and June 2022, making the Mountain State easily the most dangerous in terms of deer-car collisions. Montana and Michigan were next. D.C. drivers, by contrast, had only a 1 in 907 chance of stopping a buck while driving down Pennsylvania Avenue, or anywhere else. Fun fact: Deer are responsible for at least 69 percent of animal-related accident claims, according to State Farm. Another 12 percent of claims involve unidentified animals, many of which could be deer that bounded off before the driver got a good look at them or were mangled beyond recognition in the crash. The third-most-dangerous animals on the road are undifferentiated rodents, which are cited in 5 percent of all animal-related accident claims. However, State Farm spokesperson Dave Phillips noted that many of the drivers never make contact with said rodent: The vast majority of those accidents occur when motorists swerve to avoid a suicidal squirrel or moseying marmot. Our more calendar-conscious readers will note that peak deer-crash season coincides with another big moment in November: the first week of daylight saving time, which begins the first Sunday of the month. And the University of Washington team has found that the two events are not unrelated. To understand why, we need to spelunk deeper into their data, which breaks new ground by including the exact location, date and hour of all these deer disasters. When we glance at a chart of accidents that includes time of day and time of year, one fact strikes us right between the headlights: Evening, the twilight of each day especially in November is the hour of the Gotterdeermmerung. Conveniently for us, the University of Washington scholars used accident coordinates and some basic weather math to calculate exactly when the sun would have risen or set at each location. It turns out that deer danger skyrockets about 30 minutes after sunset and remains extraordinarily elevated for almost half an hour. Those with deer-behavior expertise say drivers should be on high alert as darkness falls in autumn especially when careening through the deer’s favorite transitional habitats, the forest-edge ecosystem created by roads and other developments. But they urge us to take a lesson from the thousands of people who land in hospitals and body shops each year after attempting to avoid a turtle or chipmunk: If you do see a deer, don’t swerve. “Slow down as much as you can, obviously, coming up to it,” said Karlin Gill of the National Deer Association, a hunting and conservation organization. “But if it’s unavoidable and you’re going to hit the deer, don’t try and swerve out of the way. That can cause an even worse car wreck, and you still might hit the deer regardless.” Deer crashes also rise in the morning, about 30 minutes before sunrise, but the number is significantly lower than after sunset. To understand why, we need to dig deeper into both deer and human activity patterns. Biologist after biologist told us deer are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. When Texas A&M University wildlife scientist Stephen Webb and his colleagues fitted GPS trackers onto white-tailed deer in Oklahoma, they found deer movement peaks at both sunrise and sunset. “Deer, unlike humans, don’t lay down for eight hours at night and then get up and move throughout the day,” said Gill , who, as a hunter, closely examines deer behavior. “They actually go through a cycle where they’ll lay down, bed, get up, eat, lay down, bed, get up, eat, and they’ll do this throughout a 24-hour period.” But if deer are equally active at dawn and dusk, why are they so much more likely to be hit in the evening? To untangle that one, we need to examine another somewhat crepuscular species: the American commuter. Our commutes also peak in the morning and evening, but we’re much more likely to be driving at dusk than we are at dawn, and we stay on the roads even as darkness falls, and the deer start moving often squarely into our headlights. It’s a matter of visibility. Deer are just as active two hours before dusk as they are two hours after, yet we’re about 14 times more likely to hit a deer after sundown than we are before. And, as Cunningham notes, right at the peak of the whitetail rut, we throw another variable into the stew: We end daylight saving time. Suddenly, as far as the deer are concerned, our 6 p.m. commute happens an hour later. Millions of drivers find themselves contending with lower visibility just as sex hormones flood the local deer population. “It’s like one of the grandest-scale natural experiments that we can come up with, where humans impose these very arbitrary and abrupt changes on the wildlife,” Cunningham told us from his native Tasmania (he’s at the University of Washington as a Fulbright fellow). People living on the far eastern side of a time zone are about 1.35 times as likely to hit a deer as folks on the far western edge, since folks in the east are more likely to be driving home in the dark. Similarly, folks in Northern states, where days are short and darkness rules the winter, are 1.86 times more likely to hit a deer than their friends in America’s sunny South. Taking these effects into account, the University of Washington team estimates that “falling back” causes a 16 percent jump in deer carnage in the weeks after the shift. It’s possible that adopting permanent daylight saving time would thus save the lives of more than 36,000 deer and 33 humans each year. On the down side, chronobiologist Eva Winnebeck of the University of Surrey argues that any gains might be offset by an increase in deaths spurred by the chronic drowsiness that would inevitably set in if our solar-powered circadian rhythms were forced to endure a never-ending disconnect between the sun and clocks set permanently to daylight saving time. Here at the Department of Data, we’ve found a strong connection between happiness and the great outdoors. So, we’re partial to any move that would give us more daylight hours to get out after work and fish, run or dominate the competitive wood-chopping circuit, circadian rhythms be darned.
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Watch out for deer
NCDOT warns motorists across North Carolina to stay alert for deer now that fall has arrived. Every year during late autumn, auto and body shops across the region brace for a bumper crop of business, comprised of an influx of cars with damage from collisions with deer. Beginning in October, roads across the state become hazardous as North Carolina’s deer population fans out, lurking on highway shoulders in search of food and potential mates. It’s the deadliest time of the year for deer, which also pose a particular danger to motorists. Nearly half of vehicle accidents involving white-tail deer occur from October to December. Deer accidents typically begin rising in October, peak in November and begin dropping off after December, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Deer are crepuscular mammals, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk which, following the onset of daylight savings time, places them near roads and byways precisely when large numbers of residents are commuting to and from work.

NCDOT has some helpful tips for motorists in regard to deer-vehicle crashes:

- Although it does not decrease the risk of being in a crash, wearing a seat belt gives you a better chance of avoiding or minimizing injuries if you hit a deer or other animal.
- Always maintain a safe amount of distance between your vehicle and others, especially at night. If the vehicle ahead of you hits a deer, you could also become involved in a crash.
- Slowdown in areas posted with deer crossing signs and in heavily wooded areas, especially during the late afternoon and evening.
- Most deer-vehicle crashes occur where deer are more likely to travel, near bridges or overpasses, railroad tracks, streams, and ditches. Be vigilant when passing through potentially risky landscapes.
- Drive with high beams on when possible and watch for eyes reflecting in the headlights.
- Deer often travel in groups, so if you see one deer near a road, be alert that others may be around.
- If you see deer near a road, slow down and blow your horn with one long blast.
- Do not swerve to avoid a collision with deer. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle, increasing the risk of it flipping over, veering into oncoming traffic, or overcorrecting and running off the road and causing a more serious crash.

Officials say the most crashes occur between 6 p.m. and midnight, accounting for about 45% of the overall total. With the end of daylight savings time at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, the time shift increases the chance of deer being by roadways when drivers are traveling in the dark, especially for their evening commute. If your vehicle does strike a deer, officials say do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can be dangerous or further injure itself. Get your vehicle off the road if possible and call 911.
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Turtle Watch Program –

Turtle Watch Program – 2026

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The first nest of the 2025 season was on May 21^st

Average annual number of nests is 59

Current nest count – (78) as of 10/08/26

Total known eggs = 9,092

Total baby turtles to ocean = 7,216 around 79%

Total number of nests historically

- - - - 2012: 48
        
        2013: 73
        
        2014: 19
        
        2015: 53
        
        2016: 52
        
        2017: 50
        
        2018: 30
        
        2019: 105
        
        2020: 65
        
        2021: 68
        
        2022: 65
        
        2023: 75
        
        2024: 67
        
        2025: 35
        
        2026: 78

Holden Beach Turtle Patrol sees successful nesting season
More than 7,000 sea turtle hatchlings surfaced from their nests onto Holden Beach’s ocean shore this year, making it the second-highest nesting season in the local turtle patrol’s history. The Holden Beach Turtle Patrol on Monday announced the results of its 39th season, one in which 78 nests were laid with a success rate of 81%. New hatchlings included those that emerged from a recently vandalized nest, the last one laid this season. “This year’s nest success may have been due to the absence of foxes, severe storms, and extremely high tides,” according to a patrol release. “Nest success may also have benefited from the relocation of many nests laid below or in the middle of escarpments created by beach erosion.” The Holden Beach Turtle Patrol’s record-setting year was in 2019, when 52 female sea turtles laid 105 nests on the Brunswick County town’s ocean beach. The patrol was established in 1989. “That year, the nest success rate was 68%,” the group stated. Patrol officials are waiting to review the 2026 DNA results, which will be compiled later this year, to learn how many females laid nests on Holden Beach this season. Also this year, Steve McNeill was named the turtle patrol’s program director following the retirement of Pat Cusak, who devoted 19 years to the patrol. The patrol also has a new president, Deva Tucker, who this year succeeded John Cifelli.
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Fauna & Flora –

NC State Native Plant Resources » click here

NC Native Plants for Pollinators » click here

NC Sea Grant Coastal Landscapes » click here

New Hanover County Arboretum Native Plant Garden » click here

Audubon Native Plant Database » click here

North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox » click here

Fauna & Flora » click here

Holden Beach recommended plant list – deer resistant & salt tolerant

Factoid That May Interest Only Me

North Carolina is now home to the cheapest gas in the U.S.
The cost of a gallon of gas has dropped so sharply across North Carolina following Gov. Josh Stein’s signing of House Bill 3 that the Tar Heel State is now home to the cheapest gas in the nation. “Rising grocery, utility, and gas prices are making the costs too high for people across our state,” said Stein in a news release on the bill’s signing. “I am signing this bill to keep more money in people’s wallets, but this temporary relief is just one step. I remain committed to continuing to work with anyone who wants to make everyday living more affordable all year long – not just during election season.” Following the signing of the “Relief at the Pump” law, an Oct. 15 report from the American Automobile Association confirmed that North Carolina is now home to the cheapest gas in the nation. Here’s how much fuel costs in the state and just how long relief measures will last.

Why did gas prices drop so much in North Carolina?
On Friday, Oct. 9, Stein signed N.C.’s House Bill 3, also known as the “Relief at the Pump” bill, into law. The law temporarily eliminates the state’s motor fuel tax, replacing the lost revenue with reserve funds. HB 3 made gas 41 cents cheaper by the gallon in the state through Nov. 30.

What is the average price of gas in North Carolina? In the U.S.?
In North Carolina on Oct. 19, the average price for regular gas was $3.61 per gallon, according to AAA. The average price of regular gas countrywide was $4.29 per gallon.

What are gas prices like in Asheville, Western NC?
In the Asheville area, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $3.73 as of Oct. 19, according to AAA. One month ago on the same date, before the bill’s signing, the price was $4.173.

Where are the lowest gas prices in NC? Highest gas prices in NC?
The Goldsboro area ranked lowest for gas prices in the state on Oct. 19, with the average cost for a gallon of regular gas placed at $3.453. The Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News area was home to the highest prices, with an average of $3.745 per gallon.

What states have the highest gas prices?
As of an Oct. 15 AAA report, the five most expensive gas markets in the U.S. included:

- - No. 1 – California ($6.23)
  - No. 2 – Hawaii ($5.63)
  - No. 3 – Washington ($5.42)
  - No. 4 – Nevada ($5.42)
  - No. 5 – Oregon ($4.97)

What states have the lowest gas prices? Does North Carolina have the cheapest gas in the U.S.?
Following the passing of HB 3, North Carolina is officially the state with the cheapest gas prices in the U.S. The nation’s least expensive gas can be found in the following states:

- - No. 46 – Indiana ($3.89)
  - No. 47 – Tennessee ($3.88)
  - No. 48 – Texas ($3.83)
  - No. 49 – Georgia ($3.77)
  - No. 50 – North Carolina ($3.70)

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This tiny sticker on your car is a big waste of time and money
States are ditching auto decals to save millions and cut red tape.
Artificial intelligence has many Americans afraid of losing their jobs. Though these fears are understandable, it’s worth noting that some jobs would not exist in the first place were they not for senseless government regulations. A good example is the D.C. city employee at my Department of Motor Vehicles emissions inspection site whose job is to scrape off a sticker on the inside of my windshield and replace it with this year’s edition, thus proving to the outside world that I passed the inspection and paid the required fee. The city gives car owners the job of removing and replacing their vehicle registration sticker, a task which is next to impossible if they took the common anti-theft advice to score it with a razor to make it theftproof. In the digital age, are car stickers really necessary? They aren’t a requirement for other taxes. Imagine having to affix a sticker to the window of your home to signify that you’d paid your property taxes. Or being required to wear a lapel pin on April 15 as a public symbol that you’d paid your income taxes. State and local governments have been obsessed with requiring stickers and license plates on vehicles since the invention of the horseless carriage at the turn of the 20th century. New York was the first state to require registrations for automobiles in 1901. Other state and local governments began adopting registration fees, which some labeled a “privilege tax,” for the privilege of operating a vehicle. I guess that is different from the gas taxes I pay for the privilege of driving on the roads. In 1904, automakers Henry Ford and Horace Dodge sued the city of Detroit over the constitutionality of a $1 registration fee. They claimed it was double taxation because motorists had already paid a tax when they purchased the vehicle. They also said the fee was unjust because owners of horse-drawn vehicles were not required to display identification tags. An added complaint was that children under age 16 were allowed to drive carriages but not automobiles. How quaint. The court rejected their claims and said the fee was constitutional. A complicating factor in the adoption of these registrations and fees was that they were often location-specific and lacked reciprocity with other jurisdictions. In Missouri, state law required a separate registration fee for each county a car was driven in. By one account, in 1906, “the motorist who wished to drive legally in every county of Missouri had to pay $295.50 in registration fees.” The law was later changed to allow for a single statewide registration fee. As of 1910, New Jersey did not recognize New York’s auto registration, so thousands of New Yorkers who had vacation homes on the Jersey Shore had to pay a full year’s registration fee in both states. For many states, these fees were as much about generating revenue as they were about regulating motorized vehicles. The system came with costs, however. Some states sent motorists a new license plate every year, changing the color annually so that police could tell which cars were up-to-date. That practice was eventually replaced with a cheaper yearly sticker that car owners were required to affix to the license plate. By 1974, many states relied on stickers. After more than a century of managing these arcane and outdated rules, a growing number of states are going electronic and sticker-free. New Jersey was the first to ditch its vehicle decals in 2004. One cited reason was sticker theft. Connecticut followed in 2010 because technology made registration stickers unnecessary, saving the state hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. Pennsylvania stopped in 2017. A Pennsylvania State study found the change had zero effect on how many drivers stayed current on their registration, and it saved the state $1.1 million a year on tag production and another $2 million on mailing them out. This year, Idaho joined the no-registration-sticker club, saving the state about $300,000 annually. North Carolina is moving to an electronic system starting Oct. 1, eliminating printing and mailing costs that total $4.8 million annually. The anti-sticker movement hasn’t always been successful. A bill in the Minnesota House of Representatives to repeal vehicle registration stickers died in committee, as did a similar bill in the Florida legislature to eliminate the state’s yellow validation decal. Supporters said the Florida proposal could have saved taxpayers some $24 million annually. It passed the state’s House 93-17 but died in the Senate. The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Tom Fabricio, touted its impact on modernizing the process: “It cuts the yellow tape, reduces the burden on every Floridian and brings our registration system into the 21st century.” AI may not be driving these trends, but more state lawmakers should be encouraged to recognize that car stickers and decals are an obsolete and costly vestige of an age when automobiles shared the road with horse-drawn carriages. If repealing such requirements means fewer city workers at the DMV replacing stickers by hand, well, welcome to the modern age.
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Editor’s note –
North Carolina does not issue physical inspection stickers, and the state is moving to an entirely digital system that eliminates physical license plate stickers starting October 1, 2026.

Ding! Ding! Ding! The long, strange fight over your car’s seat-belt chime.
The reminders can annoy, but they also save lives. So why have regulators taken years to tighten rules for new vehicles?
David Kidd is an expert in something that some people hate and others tend to just tolerate: Seat-belt warning systems — the “ding ding ding” chimes and flashing dashboard lights that serve as reminders to buckle up. He’s spent years testing different systems in cars and trucks as part of his work at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. So he knows very well that the incessant chimes can be annoying. They’re “an irritant,” he admits. But he prefers a different term. “We use the word ‘motivating,’” Kidd said. The lowly seat belt is still considered the best way to avoid serious injury or death in a crash. Forget air bags, anti-lock braking systems or any other new-fangled safety technology. Unbelted occupants are roughly twice as likely to be killed in a car crash. Buckling up works. So does nagging. Kidd’s research found that belt warnings came in a variety of tones and volumes, but if they are “heard and persistent,” people respond. The seat-belt chime is such a recognizable refrain that when pop star Olivia Rodrigo needed an iconic car sound to open her hit song “Drivers License” a few years ago, she reportedly used a recording of the seat-belt beep in her mom’s car. The “buckle up” reminders were set to become even more widespread this month, when new federal safety regulations were supposed to require more persistent chimes not just for the driver’s seat but for the front passenger seat, as well. But automakers objected, saying they couldn’t be ready in time. Regulators backed down. So the new rules have been delayed for another two years — 2028 at the earliest — when some rear-seat warnings would be required, too. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a statement that it found the automakers’ worries “have merit.” Others were not convinced. “It was a bit of mystery to us why this has taken so long already. And now it’s going to take even longer,” said Peter Kurdock, general counsel for Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, which began pushing for the new rules in 2007. “It’s disappointing,” he said. The technology is not cutting-edge. Europe has required seat-belt alarms in new vehicles since 2021. Some automakers, such as Volvo and Subaru, already have voluntarily installed them in vehicles sold in the U.S.
But the fight over the warning chimes feeds into Americans’ long-running love-hate relationship with seat belts. Seat belts are still seen by some as a question of choice and freedom. State laws and education campaigns have helped soften some of those attitudes. Today, 49 states require adults in the front to buckle up. The lone holdout is New Hampshire, which lives up to its license plate motto of “Live Free or Die.” Just 34 states plus D.C. require adults to wear seat belts in rear seats. (Children are covered by different restraining-device requirements.) Still, researchers know some people remain militant in their opposition. They’re the ones buying $6 devices and printing 3D tools to fool the alarm. They sit on top of buckled seat-belt straps. They watch online videos claiming to reveal the hidden tricks to deactivate the warning chimes. “Those that don’t like seat belts are really hardcore against buckling up,” Kurdock said. These holdouts are why U.S. seat-belt usage rates have largely flat-lined in the last decade, according to NHTSA observational studies. The unbuckled make up a minority of all vehicle occupants, but they die at a much higher rate in crashes: Roughly half of all vehicle fatalities involve unbuckled occupants. At one point, federal officials tried a much tougher tactic than just chimes. In 1974, the federal government required many cars to have ignition interlock devices that prevented a car from even starting until the front occupants were buckled up. Motorists hated it. It blew up in NHTSA’s face. “That got a lot of blowback that reached Congress,” Kidd said. The idea was quickly pulled, and Congress banned NHTSA from requiring interlocks. Lawmakers then went further and limited seat-belt warning chimes to a fleeting eight seconds. Some advocates say this is why NHTSA has seemed reluctant ever since to even tinker with seat-belt warnings. In 2007, Public Citizen and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety petitioned NHTSA to change the belt-reminder rules and add them for rear seats. Little happened for years. In 2012, Congress passed a bill that abolished the eight-second chime limit and required federal officials to create new warning rules for seating positions besides the driver’s seat. It was a start, but a very slow one. “The chime is very important,” said Shaun Kildare, research director for the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. While NHTSA worked on a plan, the lack of government action created an opening for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which rates vehicles on a series of safety metrics. It began rating cars and trucks on the quality of their seat-belt reminders with the 2021 model year. IIHS wants seat-belt chimes to last at least 90 seconds and be easy to hear, among other criteria. The chimes should annoy drivers enough to get them to buckle up — but not so much that they complain. “It was: Get them to wear a seat belt, but at the same time not email their congressperson to demand a change,” Kidd said. Compliance has been voluntary, but some automakers have jumped at the chance to make a good showing. IIHS saw rapid adoption, even without federal regulations, Kidd said. At first, less than 20 percent of vehicles scored IIHS’s top “good” ranking for seat-belt reminders. Five years later, 71 percent of vehicles qualified. “You’ve had a complete change in the seat belt reminders in the new vehicles,” he said. In 2025 — 13 years after Congress asked for a plan — NHTSA finally unveiled its blueprint for overhauling the nation’s seat-belt warning system. The new rules will require a chime lasting at least 30 seconds for either an unbuckled driver or front passenger when the vehicle starts up, and if they are still unbuckled when the vehicle reaches slightly faster than 6 mph, a second chime will play endlessly until the seat belt is secured. That’s the rule that was supposed to hit new vehicles on Sept. 1. A rule requiring a 30-second chime if someone unbuckled a seat belt in the rear seats was set to start in September 2027. But in April, NHTSA acquiesced to arguments from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, an industry trade group, that the changes “require significant hardware and software changes” and would need more testing. Now, regulations for both front- and rear-seat warnings are being pushed back to September 2028. Despite the delay, automakers still “support efforts to increase seat belt use and for decades have voluntarily and proactively installed seat belt reminder systems across the vehicle fleet,” Audrey LaForest, communications director for the Alliance, said in a statement last week. Kurdock, whose group first petitioned for this change nearly 20 years ago, was in disbelief. “This is not a new technology. Seat-belt reminders have been in cars for a very long time,” he said. Kidd said he was frustrated with what he saw as an unnecessary delay. He has estimated that nearly 1,600 lives could be saved annually if all vehicles had more noticeable and persistent seat-belt warnings leading to more people buckling up. “The disappointing piece is we’ve known what to do for a long time,” he said, “but we just haven’t done it.”
Read more » click here

Storm Events

Hurricane Vehicle Decals
Property owners were provided with four (4) decals that were included in there 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

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

Flood Insurance Program
For more information » click here

Congress must now reauthorize the NFIP
by no later than 11:59 pm on December 11, 2026.

GenX
For more information » click here

Homeowners Insurance
For more information » click here

Hurricane Season
For more information » click here

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30

El Niño just gave us the first no-hurricane September in decades.
How long can the Atlantic shutout last?
The Atlantic Ocean has failed to produce a hurricane in the month of September for the first time in more than 30 years, the latest feat by a super El Niño widely predicted to become the strongest ever. Only three other Septembers have gone hurricane-free in the Atlantic in records dating back to 1950. It last happened in 1994, and before that in 1972 and 1962, according to Dr. Phil Klotzbach, a hurricane expert with Colorado State University. Three tropical storms did form last month, so the Atlantic wasn’t completely closed for business. Of those, Tropical Storm Fay was closest to hurricane intensity. Its winds fell short by 4 mph, but there’s a chance Fay gets upgraded in the National Hurricane Center’s final review. The numbers have been stark. The average for a season is seven hurricanes, and we should have seen five of them by now. Last year was below average, with five hurricanes — but four had already shown up by the start of October, three of which came in September. September is usually prime time for hurricanes because storm-fueling warm water is at its most expansive and hottest alongside ripe atmospheric factors. About two to three hurricanes develop in the month on average. This El Niño-stifled season had already blown past the most reliable record for the longest wait for the first hurricane to materialize, and the lack of any as October begins sets the stage for an even rarer possibility: an entire Atlantic season without hurricanes.

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:
Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, ambience, and service, with price taken into consideration.
///// September 2026
Name: Frying Pan
Cuisine: American
Location: 319 West Bay Street, Southport, NC 28461
Contact: 910.363.4382 / https://fryingpansouthport.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: $21 Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Located in Southport’s historic Old Yacht Basin, this restaurant has offered casual indoor and outdoor waterfront dining since 2012, along with panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The same menu is available for lunch and dinner, featuring a wide range of entrées to suit nearly every taste. Because reservations are not accepted, lunch may be the best option—especially during tourist season. Ultimately, the restaurant’s popularity may stem more from its scenic waterfront setting than from the quality of its food.

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

THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi
Theo, an enigmatic and wealthy 86-year-old Portuguese man, settles in the small town of Golden, Georgia. At a local coffee shop, he discovers 92 pencil portraits of residents, all drawn by a local artist. Moved by the artwork, Theo begins purchasing the portraits and giving each one to its “rightful owner.” Through these quiet acts of generosity, the novel shows how truly seeing others and extending kindness can transform a community, creating a warm and hopeful message.

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

https://lousviews.com/

09 – Town Meeting

Lou’s Views

“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments

BOC’s Special Meeting 09/04/26

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here

Audio Recording » click here

1. McGill Presentation – Discussion and Possible Action

Welcome & Context Setting (10 mins)

- Welcome remarks
- Goal alignment: Define what success looks like by the end of the 2 hours.
- Ground rules: Establish guidelines (e.g., “all ideas are welcome,” “put on your resident hat,”)

Discovery & Site Analysis (30 mins)

- Project Area – Project Boundary, and parcels
- Existing Conditions w/ Photos (Traffic Circulation, Parking, Brunswick Avenue, Corridor, Former Pavilion Site, etc.)
- Community Input Summary: Quick review of previous public input.

Q&A session: Clarifying questions from participants regarding site.

A Unified Vision: Design Concepts & Connections (30 Minutes)

Present Concepts for review

1. 1. Transportation – Vehicular
  2. Brunswick Avenue Corridor
  3. Under the Bridge – Boat Trailer Parking
  4. Vehicular Parking
  5. Block Q Enhancements
  6. Jordan Blvd Concepts
  7. Opportunity Zones – Recreational Amenities

Commissioner Comments – Building Consensus (1 Hour)

1. 1. Transportation – Vehicular
  2. Brunswick Avenue Corridor
  3. Under the Bridge – Boat Trailer Parking
  4. Vehicular Parking
  5. Block Q Enhancements
  6. Jordan Blvd Concepts
  7. Opportunity Zones – Recreational Amenities

Final Comments and Next Steps

Slide Presentation » click here

Update –
The session was conducted as an interactive workshop with the Board of Commissioners. The group briefly reviewed the input gathered from work completed to date. Four key focus areas were identified: Under-Bridge Area, Block Q Green Space, Brunswick Avenue Corridor, and Jordan Boulevard. The next step is to develop a final concept plan and master planning document that establish a unified vision and a connected framework for these areas.

Once again, the speaker could not be heard clearly because the microphone was not used consistently.

BOC’s Special Meeting 09/15/26

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here

Audio Recording » click here

1. Interviews for Vacancies on Audit Committee

BOC’s Regular Meeting 09/15/26

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here

Audio Recording » click here

1. Consent Agenda Items

a) Police Report – Chief Barger
Agenda Packet – pages 6 – 12
Police Report » click here

b) Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans
Agenda Packet – pages 13 – 16
Inspections Report » click here

c) Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey
Agenda Packet – pages 17 – 22
Finance Report » click here

d) Public Works Department Report – Public Works Director Benton
Agenda Packet – pages 23 – 24
Public Works Report » click here

The Board approved the consent agenda items

2. Update Regarding Federal Priorities – Mike McIntyre, Ward and Smith and the Ferguson Group (Assistant Town Manager Ferguson)

Agenda Packet – page 25

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Update from Mike Mcintrye (Ward and Smith) and the Ferguson Group regarding federal priorities.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Each year Ward and Smith provides the board with an update regarding federal advocacy and the Town’s current federal priorities. Mike McIntyre and representatives from the Ferguson Group will give the board an overview of what is occurring at the federal level regarding policy and funding.

Previously reported – May 2026
Our lobbyist Mike McIntyre with Ward & Smith in conjunction with the Ferguson Group represents the town in advocacy matters at the federal level. The monthly retainer minimal fee will remain at $9,725 per month, plus out-of-pocket expenses that typically total approximately $2,000 per month for The Ferguson Group. The agreement with Ward and Smith is for an annual total estimated advocacy cost of $140,700.

Update –
Our lobbyist Mike McIntyre provided a federal advocacy update, focusing on policy and funding. The most significant talking point is the proposed FEMA disaster response and recovery reforms that may affect the Town.

3. Update and Possible Action on Path Forward for Planned Canal Dredging Project for 2026 – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson
. a. Resolution 26-10, Water Resources Development Grant

Agenda Packet – pages 26 – 41

Resolution 26-10 » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Update regarding the planned canal dredging project for 2026 and consideration and possible action on paths forward.

Update –
Staff has been working behind the scenes on several issues and has identified three potential paths to move the canal dredging project forward. Christy stated that the Town needs to address the grant now and enter the queue to meet the November environmental window. Dredging and spoil-area costs have increased significantly, and several steps must still be completed for dredging to occur this year. Resolution 26-10 requests $1,878,750 in financial assistance from the state, representing 75% of the project construction cost. A motion was made to submit the grant and approve a revised version of Resolution 26-10.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

4. Discussion and Possible Selection of Audit Committee Members – Town Clerk Finnell

Agenda Packet – pages 42 – 45

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Selection of Members to Serve on the Audit Committee.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
We received two applications for the Audit Committee. Interviews are scheduled to be conducted prior to the meeting. Rich Masi will be in attendance. Mark Francis is unable to attend the meeting but provided supplemental information to his application for the Board’s review. Per Town ordinance. the committee should be comprised of three to four regular members, plus one alternate. There are currently two members on the committee. Ballots will be provided or the Board can elect to vote via another method.

Vacant             Regular Member
Vacant             Regular Member
Vacant             Alternate Member

Previously reported – August 2026
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Section 30.27 of the Code of Ordinance requires the Audit Committee to be comprised of a minimum of three full members. The applicant selected at the July meeting did not accept the appointment so currently there are only two members serving on the committee . There are no remaining applicants from the last round of interviews the Board conducted . If the Board agrees, staff can solicit interest from the community and schedule a special meeting for September 15^th at 4:45 p.m. to interview applicants.

§ 30.27 AUDIT COMMITTEE.

(A) Creation, name and number of members. There is hereby established an Audit Committee which shall be comprised of not less than three or more than four residents or property owners of the town as full members , plus one alternate.

There are two vacancies on the Audit Committee: one regular member seat and one alternate member seat. The consensus of the Board was to proceed with filling the vacancies. Interviews will be scheduled at a Special Meeting on September 15^th prior to the BOC’s Regular Meeting.

THB Newsletter (08/21/26)
Volunteers Needed
The Town’s Audit Committee has vacancies and is looking for volunteers. Click here to view information on the committee. Interviews for the committee will be held on Tuesday, September 15th at 4:45 p.m. Click here to access an application if you are interested in applying to serve. Completed applications can be emailed to heather@hbtownhall.com or dropped off at Town Hall prior to September 4th.

Update –
A motion was made to approve both Rich Masi and Mark Francis as Regular Members to the Audit Committee.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

5. Discussion and Possible Action on Parking Revenue – Town Manager Chadwick

Agenda Packet – page 46

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action on Parking Revenue

Previously reported – January 2026
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action to Change Paid Parking Enforcement Dates

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Several commissioners have requested to discuss the dates paid parking is enforced within Town limits.

Alan included this item on the agenda so that the Board could review the parking program and assess whether any relief for the public might be possible. He emphasized that they need to gather information before making any decisions. The topic will be revisited at next month’s meeting.

This is what they consider important and urgent? Yet, filling the Board vacancy and revising the Rules & Procedures apparently are not priorities. At the very least, property owners deserve access to the monthly revenue figures. Why was this information not made available at the meeting? Both costs and revenues play a critical role in determining the Town’s financial position. Recently, expenses have surged with the purchase of new playground equipment (around $200,000) and planned construction of a concert stage (over $400,000), placing additional strain on the Town’s finances. Despite these rising costs, there now seems to be a proposal to reduce a key revenue stream as well. This strategy is difficult to justify, as it remains unclear how such actions would benefit island property owners. Their decisions appear to serve the interests of mainland residents rather than those who own property locally.

Editor’s note –

Holden Beach
Gross revenue: $1,188,392
Total parked vehicles: 66,659
As of Oct. 8, 2025, the town of Holden Beach has generated a total net revenue of $803,148 from its paid parking program, Varner said on Oct. 21. Varner said he expects the town to make $880,000 by the end of the year. This will be a small bump from the nearly $830,000 made in 2024, per Varner’s presentation.

2025 – Paid Parking Revenue
January $54,561
February $49,404
March $81,713
April $100,051
May $105,148
June $137,738
July $127,309
August $96,236
September $50,288
October $27,378
November $23,010
December $27,300

Previously reported – February 2026
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action to Change Paid Parking Enforcement Dates

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
At the January meeting, it was asked that staff bring back information concerning paid parking. Several commissioners requested to discuss the dates paid parking is enforced within Town limits.

They discussed potential changes for the parking program. If we planned on suspending paid parking from November through March we are talking about reducing paid parking revenue by $235,988, a 26.81% reduction in revenue from this program, which is pretty significant. I was surprised when Keith suggested a reasonable comprise to just eliminate paid parking in November and December; which would still reduce the revenue by $50,310. He claims that this is to benefit residences and property owners of Holden Beach. After some discussion they decided they would review this item during the budget process.

No decision was made – No action taken

Update –
The Town Manager noted that the approved budget already includes a $50,000 reduction for waiving parking fees in November and December, along with an additional $40,000 reduction based on projected trends. Revenues are currently down $41,000. A motion was made for staff to bring back the required documents at the next Regular Meeting.

A decision was made – Approved (3-1)
Commissioner Myers opposed the motion

6. Town Manager Report – Town Manager Chadwick

Town Manager Report » click here

Bryan reviewed the Town Manager Report

Ocean Boulevard Stormwater
Surveying, preliminary design, and hydraulic modeling have been completed

Previously reported – August 2026
The stormwater project is underway in coordination with NCDOT
Project drawings are not yet available

Block Q Master Plan
Refining options based on meetings that were held recently

Previously reported – August 2026
Block Q stakeholder meetings have been completed. The BOC’s work session and Parks and Recreation Board input meetings have been scheduled.

Block Q Stage Area
Dedication and ribbon cutting was held on September 4^th

Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP)
The workshop is scheduled to be held on September 24^th

Previously reported – August 2026
Meetings have been held with the engineer, grant administrator, and CAT team
They are still identifying possible projects that qualify

Previously reported – July 2026
Survey is on Town website to help identify potential projects

Previously reported – June 2026
We are in Phase 2 which includes the following: Planning, Project Identification, and Prioritization

Previously reported – April 2025

N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program » click here

The RCCP is a four-phase program designed to:

- Address local barriers to coastal resilience, including limited capacity, economic constraints, and social inequities .
- Assist communities in conducting risk and vulnerability assessments to create a prioritized portfolio of resilience
- Advance coastal resilience projects through engineering and design to achieve shovel ready
- Link communities with funding sources for project

The four phases are :

- Phase 1: Community Engagement and Risk & Vulnerability Assessment
- Phase 2: Planning, Project Identification, and Prioritization
- Phase 3: Engineering and Design
- Phase 4: Project Implementation

Canal Dredging
This was an agenda item earlier at this meeting

Previously reported – August 2026
Plans are being made to dredge canals this coming winter
Staff is working on alternative disposal site
Staff is actively working with the Corps on the cost of dredge spoils disposal

Pier Property Site
Mid-Atlantic has completed inspection, report will be presented at next BOC’s meeting

Previously reported – August 2026
Mid-Atlantic is supposed to start the pier underwater survey next week

Hot Button Items / Inlet Hazard Areas
For more information » click here

Dredging Area Maintenance
USACE is still conducting maintenance work at dredge spoil area DA293 which is located off of Sailfish

Fire Station
RFQ is being finalized by staff

Previously reported – August 2026
The Town is preparing an Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering and design services for the new fire station

Fire Station Presentation » click here

Editor’s note –

- Town has been working with the NCDOT evaluating the situation
- Several years ago five crosswalks were approved at four locations with two at Jordan Boulevard
- The locations were determined by working with NCDOT on meeting their nine criteria
- The Town, based on community feedback, would like substantially more
- We currently have twenty-four public beach access points that should have crosswalks
- NCDOT indicated that any painting of crosswalks by the Town is considered unauthorized and illegal

Beach Access Points
Staff are working on identifying emergency access points on the west end of the island
Currently the farthest west emergency access is at the 800 block

Strategic Planning
The Strategic Planning session is scheduled to be held on December 4^th

National Beach Sweep
The Town will be participating in the National Beach Sweep on September 18^th and 19^th

National Day of Service
In remembrance of the 25^th anniversary of 9/11, Town of Holden Beach departments participated in a stair-climbing competition with the Town of Shallotte. The challenge was a success, and the departments have since started a running program to prepare for next year’s competition.

In Case You Missed It

THB Newsletter (08/31/26)
Brunswick County Public Utilities Stage 1 Voluntary Conservation Alert
Due to current and projected weather forecasts, as well as reduced system demands, Brunswick County has moved from a Stage 2 Mandatory Water Conservation Alert to a Stage 1 Voluntary Water Conservation Alert. Under Stage 1, all water usage adjustments become voluntary.

Under a Stage 1 Water Conservation Alert, water system customers are requested to make voluntary adjustments to their water usage habits and to follow the recommended irrigation schedule (see below). The voluntary automatic irrigation schedule applies to automatic sprinkler systems for residential and commercial lawn and landscape irrigation.

Recommended Irrigation Schedule (Voluntary)

Water customers are asked to only water lawns and landscaping with automatic irrigation systems (spray irrigation, drip irrigation, etc.) up to one inch of water per week, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. on their designated days.

A full list of recommended water usage adjustments can be found online at BrunswickCountyNC.gov/WaterWise.

THB Newsletter (08/31/26)
Brunswick County Public Utilities Annual Change from Chloramines to Chlorine

Brunswick County will use free chlorine as the primary disinfectant from October 1, 2026 through November 2026.

National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On February 3, 2026, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2026.

What He Did Not Say

Remind everyone it’s Hurricane Season – be prepared, have a plan!

If you know something, hear something, or see something –
call 911 and let the police deal with it.

Low Speed Vehicle Safety » click here
Public Service Announcement regarding low speed vehicle safety.

Police Chief encourages everyone to download the app

NC Police Connect on the AppStore

Upcoming Events

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon / Friday, September 25^thMonster Mash Trunk-or-Treat / Friday, October 30^th
SBI Three Bridge Tour / Saturday, November 7^thTurkey Trot / Thursday, November 26^th

Tentative Schedule — events are not yet on the Town calendar.

Shag Lessons
Barktoberfest
Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
Contractors Information Seminar
Tree Lighting

I emailed the Town to confirm tentative dates for five upcoming island events before listing them in Lou’sViews newsletter. Because the events typically occur at about the same time each year, I based the proposed dates on last year’s schedule and asked the Town to identify any changes. The Town replied that only the dates published in the THB Newsletter on August 3^rd are being released at this time. I do not understand why the remaining dates cannot be shared sooner.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ What Evah!

7. Public Comments on General Items

Block Q Restrooms

In March 2024, the town accepted a $560,000 state grant and committed $140,000 toward Block Q restrooms, parking, site preparation, and landscaping. Work began in April 2025. Following a project timeline extension, the facility opened in May 2026. Four months later, the new public restroom facility still lacks clear signage identifying the building or directing visitors to the restrooms. Although the parking sign notes that short-term free parking is available for restroom users, there appears to be no other indication of the building’s purpose. Without visible signage, it is unclear how the public would know if the restrooms are available. Anecdotally, this appears to be reflected in current use patterns, as most activity still seems centered around the old bathrooms. At a minimum, I recommend placing a sign on each side of the building. It may also be prudent to add directional signs along Jordan Boulevard to guide visitors to the facility. Given the significant investment in these restrooms, they should not remain underutilized simply because the public is unaware they are there.

General Comments

Commissioner Smith – was not in attendance
• Keith participated remotely but is not permitted to vote

BOC’s Meeting
The Board rescheduled the BOC’s Regular meeting from October 20^th to October 27^th

It’s not like they don’t have anything to work on …

The following five (5) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:
- - - - 2019 – Dog Park
      - 2021 – Pier Properties Project
      - 2021 – Rights-of-Way
      - 2021 – Block Q Project/Carolina Avenue
      - 2023 – Fire Station Project
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.

Know the difference between wants and needs?
One of the most basic concepts of economics is want vs. need.

A need is something you have to have.
. • It’s something you can’t do without.

A want is something you would like to have.
. • It’s not absolutely necessary, but it would be a good thing to have.
Beach Nourishment Need
Fire Station Need
Water Tank Need/Want
Pier Want
~~Captain Pete’s Property~~ Want
.
We do not have sufficient resources to fund all of these projects. If we use the available funds for wants rather than needs, we will be unable to address our essential priorities. If additional funding is needed, a property tax increase will be required—plain and simple.

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Lost in the Sauce

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From 2025 / NA
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.

Why the 2026 hurricane season is so quiet; what it means for NC coast
So far the 2026 hurricane season, which started June 1, has been very slow. How slow? It’s the quietest start to a hurricane season this century. Why?
For most of this hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center’s online map of the Atlantic basin has been showing a surprising image and message. Nothing with this text superimposed on the map: “Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 7 days.” So far the 2026 season, which started June 1, has been the quietest start to a hurricane season this century. There have only been three named storms so far, and they’ve lasted a combined four days. Tropical Storm Arthur brought significant rain to parts of the Gulf coast and Southeastern United States in mid-June, but only after it dissipated. Tropical Storm Bertha in mid-July also brought rain to parts of the Gulf but didn’t cause much of a ruckus. And Tropical Storm Cristobal in August hung around for about a day in the middle of the Atlantic before petering out. Even a pair of tropical disturbances that held the possibility of forming into something or even combining into a bigger system before hitting the Caribbean in mid-August fizzled out. So what’s going on, and how soon could we see Dolly and Edouard?

The 2026 season is both normal and unusual
According to the hurricane center, things aren’t actually that unusual this year. “The first named storm typically forms in mid- to late June, the first hurricane tends to form in early to mid-August, and the first major hurricane forms in late August or early September,” the agency states on its website. The busiest part of hurricane season also runs roughly from mid-August into early October, with the peak day for activity being Sept. 10. But according to another factor, this season is a strange one. The Weather Channel reports that the accumulated cyclone energy, which measures how long storms last and how strong they get, for this hurricane season is unusually low. According to the weather site, the 2026 season is the slowest-starting hurricane season in terms of accumulated cyclone energy since 1998.

Enter El Niño
Across the board, meteorologists say the strengthening El Niño in the equatorial Pacific is playing a large role in squashing tropical activity in the Atlantic basin. El Niño is a natural climate pattern in which surface seawater temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific are warmer than normal. Meaning Little Boy in Spanish, El Niño was originally recognized by fishermen off the coast of South America with the appearance of unusually warm water in the Pacific around Christmas. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there’s a nearly 70% chance it could develop into a “super” El Niño, meaning its impacts could be greater than normal. If a super El Niño does develop, it could supercharge weather events across the world. For the U.S. South, which could mean wetter conditions with more heavy rainfall events this fall and winter − bringing much-needed relief to the ongoing drought situation in much of the Tar Heel State. In a world already cooking hotter than normal thanks to climate change, the weather pattern also could amplify extreme heat already baking much of the world. According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2025 was the third warmest year on record, only trailing 2024 and 2023, with sea-surface temperatures also setting records despite cooling La Niña weather patterns. El Niño can have a significant impact on the severity of the hurricane season in both the Atlantic and the Pacific. In the Atlantic, the weather pattern tends to reduce activity in the tropical Atlantic by bringing on stronger upper-level wind shear and sinking air, hindering the formation of tropical weather systems, while having the opposite effect and boosting activity in the Pacific. The Northwest Pacific has already seen three Category 5 storms this season, and in the Central Pacific Hurricane Lala just finished lashing Hawaii with 90 mph winds.

What happens now?
The latest forecast from Colorado State University is only calling for nine named storms this season, which would be an exceptionally low total, especially given how warm most of the tropical Atlantic is right now. In effect, the Caribbean has largely become a no-go zone for hurricane formation. “That’s a great indication of the power of El Niño, that it can develop in the Pacific, but still have a controlling role in weather patterns half a world away,” said N.C. Assistant State Climatologist Corey Davis. While North Carolina missing out on tropical weather might sound good on paper, it also comes with some other impacts. One of those is a loss of the rainfall such a system would bring to Eastern North Carolina, an area that largely remains in drought or a very dry state as of late August. The region relies on passing tropical weather for much of its summer precipitation that helps farmers and recharges underground aquifers. According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, the Port City had seen 25.3 inches of rain in 2026 as of Aug. 18. That compares to a normal average of nearly 36 inches. “Wilmington averages more than 8 inches of rain in both August and September, and it’s hard to get that much from the sort of spotty showers and storms we’ve seen in recent weeks,” Davis said. “While we certainly don’t wish for anything tropical, some areas could definitely use the rain to make a dent in this drought.” But on the flip side, El Niño normally brings above-average rainfall to the U.S. Southeast in the fall and winter. During the last strong El Niño in 2015, Wilmington has its wettest October on record and fourth-wettest winter, Davis said. “This all feels like a be-careful-what-you-wish-for sort of situation,” he said. “We need the rain now, but we’ll probably be sick of it in a few months.” Tim Armstrong, a meteorologist with the weather service’s Wilmington office, said even with El Niño hindering storm development across much of the tropics, which doesn’t mean Southeastern N.C. is out of the woods for storm development. “There’s still the subtropical Atlantic we have to watch closely,” he said. “El Niño doesn’t affect shear as much outside of the tropics, so a locally grown storm could more easily develop this fall and bring impacts to the Carolinas.” Past examples of these types of storms include Ophelia in 2005 and Diana in 1984. And the unnamed storm that swamped southern New Hanover County and parts of Brunswick County with 20 inches of rain in 2024 was another one of these storms, he added. Officials also continue to stress to coastal residents that even if it appears to be a relatively quiet season, it only takes one storm arriving on your doorstep to make it a terrible hurricane season. “And our own work suggests that it is very difficult to predict that quantity on a year-to-year basis since you are dealing with the statistics are very small numbers,” said Dr. Michael Mann, a meteorologist and scientist at the University of Pennsylvania. “But we do know that there is an increase over time in the maximum intensity of these storms driven by human-caused warming.”
Read more » click here

El Niño has broken Atlantic hurricanes. Now the season is breaking records
No hurricanes have formed in the Atlantic Ocean 103 days into the season, a new record-long wait driven by a beast of an El Niño strangling fledgling storms. Until today, September 11 was the date of the latest first hurricanes — Gustav (2002) and Humberto (2013). Or at least, the latest we know with confidence since 1966, when satellites started tracking hurricanes more accurately. The first hurricane is now more than a month overdue, and there are no prospects for one in the foreseeable future. Thursday marked the statistical peak of the season, and with just five short-lived tropical storms to date, it is now also the least active one since 1950, according to Phil Klotzbach, a hurricane expert with Colorado State University. The only system that made a run at becoming a hurricane was tiny Tropical Storm Edouard on September 1. Edouard was 14 mph shy of hurricane strength and intensifying when it made landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border, cutting it off from the Gulf’s warm water fuel. Looking forward, just over 50% of the entire season’s activity typically occurs after September 10, but El Niño will likely have a say in stifling the Atlantic’s final stretch this year. Last year’s first hurricane showed up in mid-August, and three more spun up in the second half of September. The United States managed to avoid a hurricane landfall last year — if the current quiet season repeats that, it’ll be the first back-to-back years without a hurricane landfall since 2009 and 2010. But it’s worth noting that hurricanes can find windows of opportunity to develop even in the most inactive years – and not a single season since 1966 has gone by without one. Most notably, Category 5 Hurricane Andrew’s catastrophic South Florida landfall in August 1992 happened in a season with just seven storms.

El Niño’s hurricane shredder
September is hurricane season’s peak because storm-fueling warm water is at its most expansive and hottest alongside ripe atmospheric factors. About two to three hurricanes develop this month on average. The results can be dangerous, as 2024’s Helene and 2022’s Ian proved, slamming the US Gulf Coast as Category 4s. Water temperatures are warm enough for hurricanes right now, but El Niño-fueled wind shear, aka tropical-system kryptonite, has soured the situation. Wind shear involves changes in wind speed and direction at different levels of the atmosphere, and it can shred apart anything from budding tropical systems to fully developed hurricanes. The shear has been record-strong this summer across the Atlantic’s so-called main development region, which extends from Africa through the Caribbean, according to Klotzbach. Many storms get their start in this region at the height of the season — mid-August to early October — but this year it’s been nearly shutdown. Tropical Storm Dolly is the only system that has formed in this part of the ocean so far in 2026, and a wall of wind shear ripped it apart just 24 hours later. A few other systems have tried to develop but were also defeated by shear. El Niño’s storm-killing winds will remain an obstacle for development in hurricane season’s back stretch, though that’s no reason to get complacent. Plus, late-season storms tend to develop closer to the US, including in the Gulf and off the Southeast coast. Those areas tend to be affected less by El Niño’s wind shear, so they’ll be watched closely. And as we’ve already learned this year, it doesn’t take a hurricane-strength system to cause significant impacts, particularly in a warming world making tropical systems wetter. Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants fueled widespread flooding along the central Gulf Coast in June. Cottonport, Louisiana, was drenched by 29.06 inches of rain in 24 hours, which obliterated the previous state record of 22 inches set back in 1962. The record is still being reviewed and certified. Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Edouard less than two weeks ago resulted in dangerous flash flooding and water rescues in eastern Texas. A month’s worth of rain fell in an hour and rainfall totals topped 20 inches in some areas north of Beaumont.
Read more » click here

The surprising reason there have been no Atlantic hurricanes this year
El Niño isn’t the only factor. Another force could be contributing to fewer storms and a later peak in the season.
In the last 175 years of record-keeping, there have only been two years that featured zero hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean: 1907 and 1914. And in those years before satellites, it’s possible that some hurricanes may have been missed in the historical record. Could 2026 become a year without a hurricane? It’s not out of the question, but using history as a guide, the chances are low. The hurricane-free conditions thus far may be giving some coastal residents in the Gulf and eastern United States a reprieve, but they are also fueling drought across the Caribbean. A record-breaking El Niño in the Pacific Ocean has created harsh winds that have swept into the Atlantic, preventing storms from growing. Dry air, occasionally coinciding with dust from Africa’s Sahara Desert, has choked off storms from the moisture they require to become more powerful. But a third limiting factor, linked to the planet’s warming trend, may come as a surprise — and be responsible for shifting the peak of hurricane season later into the year. In the Atlantic, the atmosphere has been more stable than normal. “At its most basic level, atmospheric stability is the tendency for air to want to rise or sink,” said hurricane specialist Michael Lowry, who described it as one of the six key ingredients of hurricane formation identified by hurricane researcher William Gray in the late 1960s. “If any one factor is off-kilter, it can torpedo the usual spate of activity around its sharp peak in August, September and October,” said Lowry. Increasing atmospheric stability in the tropical Atlantic may be connected to a changing climate. Temperatures have been rising at different rates in the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of the atmosphere — and the one in which people live. As the tropical Atlantic has warmed during recent decades, more water has evaporated into the atmosphere. Thunderstorms act like elevators, carrying that extra warmth and moisture high into the troposphere. When the moisture condenses into clouds, it releases heat, helping the upper troposphere warm faster than air closer to the ground. And that matters for hurricanes. If the upper troposphere warms faster than the air below, the atmosphere becomes more stable because the temperature difference between the lower and upper atmosphere shrinks. That makes it harder for air to keep rising and thunderstorms to organize into tropical storms and hurricanes. Since the start of this year’s hurricane season, that atmospheric temperature difference in the tropical Atlantic Ocean has been second smallest on record, with records dating back to 1940. And, relatedly, there haven’t been any hurricanes yet. But this uneven atmospheric warming may also contribute to “a kind of whiplash hurricane season,” said Lowry. Historically, the peak of hurricane season is Sept. 10. But if it’s taking the upper troposphere longer to cool off each fall, Lowry said that it could be contributing to a delayed hurricane season peak. “The relative hurricane season peak has been happening later on average over the past decade,” Lowry said, sharing data that showed how it was pushing more into October and November. “The big question is whether this is a short-term blip or a longer-term trend that could be tied to increasing stability,” said Lowry, adding that it was still an active area of research. The idea that increasing atmospheric stability could contribute to fewer hurricanes overall is not new. The theory was investigated in academic research articles nearly two decades ago and Lowry and other researchers explored it following a lull in hurricane activity during 2024. Meteorologist Andy Hazelton described the stability trend as “an issue that’s become more apparent since around 2010 or so,” sharing a view similar to Lowry that it’s linked to hurricane seasons that feature more activity late in the season rather than early. “If this is a robust change over time, it could have implications for tropical cyclone tracks and risk,“ Hazelton said. If the hurricane season peak shifts later, it could become more challenging for hurricanes to hit the U.S. East Coast. That’s because by October, the jet stream grows stronger and can blow storms out to sea. “Not sure that the sample is big enough yet to say it’s definitively a ‘new normal’ but it’s pretty compelling,” said Hazelton.
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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

https://lousviews.com/

09 – News & Views

Lou’s Views
News & Views / September Edition

Calendar of Events

U.S. Open King Mackerel Fishing Tournament
October 1^st thru 3^rd
Southport

The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament has taken place since 1979 and is held annually the first week in October. The U.S. Open is one of the largest king mackerel tournaments on the East Coast and part of the SKA (Southern Kingfish Association) Tournament Trail. The tournament now attracts almost 400 boats annually.
For more information » click here

Riverfest Cancelled
~~October~~ ~~3^rd & 4^th~~ Wilmington

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Wilmington’s Riverfest is celebrated in October since 1979 and runs from the foot of Market Street to Cape Fear Community College over a half mile of free family entertainment.
For more information » click here

Sunset at Sunset
October 3^rd
Sunset Beach

Held the first Saturday in October each year, Sunset at Sunset is the Town of Sunset Beach’s Community Block Party. The annual autumn event has been celebrated since 2007, and is scheduled to happen again this year, in front of Ingram Planetarium on Sunset Boulevard in Sunset Beach.
For more information » click here

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N.C. Oyster Festival
October 17^th & 18^th
Ocean Isle Beach

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.The annual North Carolina Oyster Festival has been taking place since 1978. Come celebrate everything Oyster witha variety of foods, crafts, contests, children’s activities,and musical performances at Mulberry Park in Shallotte. Signature Festival events include theOyster Shucking Contest, Oyster Eating Contest, and Oyster Stew Cook-off.
For more information » click here

Brunswick County Agricultural Fair and Expo
October 21^st thru 25^th
Ash

The first annual agricultural fair and expo. Experience thrilling amusement rides and enjoy our vibrant agricultural and livestock exhibits.
For more information » click here

N.C. Festival by the Sea
October 24^th & 25^th
Holden Beach

Hosted by the Holden Beach Merchants Association this annual two-day festival which started in the 1980’s occurs on the last full weekend in October. The festival is kicked off with a parade down the Holden Beach causeway. There is a fishing tournament, horseshoe tournament, and a sandcastle building contest. Vendors provide food, arts and crafts, amusement rides and other activities. There is live musical entertainment both days at the Holden Beach’s Pavilion.
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

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
The Town of Holden Beach will hold its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, September 25^th at noon.Town board and committee members are invited to attend and bring a guest. Please RSVP by emailing Christy at christy.ferguson@hbtownhall.com with your name and the total number in your party.

Barktoberfest
The Town of Holden Beach will hold Barktoberfest on Friday, October 30^th. Owners and their dogs should meet at Bridgeview Park Picnic shelter at 5:00 p.m. where we will do a trick-or-trot around the block.There will be a doggie costume contest and fall pictures. Registration is required by October 17^th. Email Christy at christy.ferguson@hbtownhall.com to register.

Monster Mash Trunk-or-Treat
The Town of Holden Beach will hold a trunk-or-treat on Friday, October 30^th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Bridgeview Park. Residents, property owners, and businesses may register by October 17^th to decorate your trunk and pass out candy.Trunks must be ready by 5:00 p.m. No political activity may be represented at the booth displays. There will be a prize for best decorated trunk and a costume contest held at 6:00 p.m. Categories include 3 and under, 4-7, 8-11, 12-15 and adult. Register by emailing Christy at christy.ferguson@hbtownhall.com. Those planning to attend the event may also email so that there is a headcount for candy purposes. In the email, please indicate whether you will be setting up a truck or trick-or-treating.

Tentative Schedule – dates are still to be determined

Dates are based on last year’s schedule

Events are not yet on the Town calendar

Shag Lessons
The Town of Holden Beach is taking names for an interest list for shag lessons at the Holden Beach Town Hall on Wednesday evenings, beginning October 14^th and going through November 18^th. The cost is $60 for residents for the series and $70 for non-residents. Beginners’ classes will run from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and intermediate from 6:30-7:30 p.m. You must have a dance partner in order to sign up. The instructor for the class will be Chuck Boney and participants will pay him directly. Register by emailing Christy at christy.ferguson@hbtownhall.com.

Note: The classes will only be held if there is enough interest.

Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
The Town of Holden Beach will hold its Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Monday, November 9^th. The event will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the Town Hall Board Room. Please RSVP by emailing Christy at christy.ferguson@hbtownhall.com prior to Friday, November 1^st with your name and the name of your guest.

Contractors Information Seminar
The Planning & Inspections Department, supported by the town staff, will be hosting the fifteenth annual Contractors Information Seminar on Thursday, November 12^th. Contractors and electricians will earn two hours of continuing education credits. Don’t miss this FREE educational opportunity.

Tree Lighting
The Town of Holden Beach will hold its annual tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, December 3^rd at 6:00 p.m.

Parks & Recreation / Programs & Events
For more information » click here

Reminders

Pets on the Beach Strand

§90.20 RESPONSIBILITIES OF OWNERS

Effective September 10^th

- - Pets are allowed on the beach strand during the hours of 9am through 5pm
  - Dog’s need to be on a leash
  - Owner’s need to clean up after their animals

Free Cleanup Week
The Brunswick County Solid Waste and Recycling Division hosts two free clean up weeks a year, the third week in April and September. The next Free Cleanup Week at the Brunswick County Landfill will take place Monday, September 21^st through Saturday, 26^th. Brunswick County property owners and residents can dispose of all materials, except for regular household trash and hazardous waste, at the Brunswick County Landfill free of charge during Free Cleanup Week events. Individuals can dispose of metal, tires, electronics, appliances, latex paint, clothing, shoes, used oil, oil filters, antifreeze, gasoline, fluorescent bulbs, used cooking oil, smoke detectors, household batteries, and yard debris in their designated areas at the landfill during this week. Participants must show proof of Brunswick County property ownership or residency.

For questions, email Brunswick County Operation Services or call 910-253-2520.

LOCATION
Brunswick County Landfill
172 Landfill Rd NE
Bolivia, NC 28422

HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday through Friday :30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Editor’s note –
The Brunswick County Solid Waste and Recycling Division hosts two Free Cleanup Week events a year, typically the third full week in April and September.

International Coastal Cleanup
The Town of Holden Beach will partner with the Turtle Patrol for International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 19^th. Individuals interested in helping to pick up trash from the beach should report to the picnic shelter at Bridgeview Park at 7:30 a.m. You will be assigned an area of the beach to cover and should return back to the picnic shelter by 9:00 a.m. to dispose of the trash. Suggested supplies to bring with you include gloves, a bucket or trash bag, reach grabbers, sunscreen, bug spray, and water. Your participation makes a huge difference in protecting our precious marine life and maintaining the pristine condition of our beaches. If you cannot participate this day but have another day the week prior to the 20^th that you could help, please plan to visit one of the town parks to clear it of any trash that may be on the ground.

Editor’s note –
International Coastal Cleanup Day in 2026 takes place on the third Saturday of September, mobilizing millions worldwide to remove trash from beaches, rivers, and waterways.

Paid Parking

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

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.

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

The Otto Connect customer service team will be available to help via phone and email.

What OttoView Shows:

- A map of the area and locations of all parking lots
- Real-time parking availability by location
- Estimated availability based on permit turnover
- Directions to nearby parking areas
- Filters for amenities such as restrooms, handicap spaces, and LSV parking

OttoView is fully integrated into the SurfCAST system and is available at no additional cost.

For more information, visit https://www.ottoconnect.us.

Solid Waste Pickup Schedule
GFL Environmental change in service, the Saturday before Memorial Day till the end of September, trash pickup will be twice a week.

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

Solid Waste Pickup Schedule

starting October once a week

Recycling

starting October every other week pick-up

Yard Waste Service

Trash Can Requirements – Rental Properties
GFL Environmental – trash can requirements
Ordinance 07-13, Section 50.08

Rental properties have specific number of trashcans based on number of bedrooms.

* One extra trash can per every 2 bedrooms
..

Upon Further Review

A Second Helping since 2005

Mail Donations to:
A Second Helping
% Sharon United Methodist Church
2030 Holden Beach Road
Supply, NC 28462

- - - Landline (Voice)
    - VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
    - Mobile (Voice)
    - Mobile SMS (Text Messaging)
    - Email

North Carolina sets new tourism spending record in 2025
North Carolina set a new tourism spending record in 2025, with travelers spending more than $37.2 billion across the state. Gov. Josh Stein announced the new record Monday, surpassing the previous high of $36.7 billion set in 2024. “North Carolina remains a great place to visit from our beautiful shore to our breathtaking mountains,” Stein said. “Even in the face of challenges from Hurricane Helene recovery last year, we saw record visitor spending — proof that people want to be here and experience all our state has to offer.” Tourism spending also had a major impact across the Cape Fear. Brunswick County saw nearly $1.25 billion in visitor spending in 2025, up 1.3% from the previous year. Tourism supported 6,035 jobs in the county and generated about $37.9 million in state taxes and $52.6 million in local taxes. New Hanover County recorded more than $1.2 billion in visitor spending, an increase of 5.8% from 2024. Tourism supported 7,250 jobs and generated about $40.2 million in state taxes and $45.1 million in local taxes. Pender County saw more than $203 million in visitor spending, up 0.4%, while tourism supported 1,051 jobs. Visitor spending reached about $60.8 million in Columbus County, down 2.8% from 2024, and about $56.3 million in Bladen County, up 0.2%. Statewide, direct tourism employment increased 0.3% to 230,997 jobs in 2025. Tourism payroll increased 3.5% to $9.8 billion. Visitor spending generated more than $2.7 billion in state and local tax revenue. Domestic travelers spent a record $36.1 billion in North Carolina, up 1.5% from 2024. International travelers spent more than $1.1 billion, down 2.8%. Despite the record spending, North Carolina fell in domestic visitation rankings, dropping from fifth in the country in 2024 to seventh in 2025, behind California, Florida, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania and Georgia. According to Visit North Carolina, visitors spent more than $101 million per day across the state in 2025. The tourism spending figures are preliminary findings from research commissioned by Visit North Carolina and conducted by Tourism Economics.
Read more » click here

Corrections & Amplifications

Fire Service Funding

State and Brunswick officials raise fire fees to boost funding
Following wildfires and annual surges in population, North Carolina officials have allowed a boost in some of Brunswick County’s fire fee funding. The county’s fire fee was being charged at the maximum allowed, not allowing room for local fire departments to have additional revenue to continue growing. Now, the maximum fire fee amounts that some local fire departments may charge within their fire districts could bring in thousands of additional revenue all together. “Brunswick County is the only county in North Carolina that funds fire protection through a fire fee system rather than a fire tax… Most Brunswick County fire departments have already reached those statutory maximums,” as stated in recent county commissioner meeting packet. In April, representatives from local fire departments and the commissioners requested state legislators increase the statutory fire fee caps to help address critical funding needs. Fire fee amounts are governed by North Carolina General Statutes, which establishes maximum fee limits. Fire fees are calculated based on the heated square footage of a building, or on the acreage of a vacant property. Gov. Josh Stein signed the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 State Budget into law on July 7. The budget included legislation amending the county’s fire fee authority, ultimately boosting some fire department’s ability to charge an additional 10-25%. Although the legislation is now in effect, county commissioners had to amend the county’s adopted fiscal year 2027 budget ordinance to incorporate the updated fire fees for the affected fire districts. The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing regarding the changes in the fire fee funding as a result of the adopted state budget. Following the hearing, board members approved the requested changes as presented, Brunswick County Commissioner Pat Sykes being the only opposing vote.
Read more » click here

Previously reported – February 2026
County proposes new fire service contract focused on performance, accountability
While Brunswick County continues working out how it will fund local fire service in the future, county commissioners on Jan. 20 were presented with an updated fire services agreement draft aimed at establishing performance standards and improving financial reporting standards for local nonprofit fire departments. The board did not vote on adopting the updated agreement on Jan. 20, instead providing county administration with feedback on the proposed changes. The primary changes outlined in the updated service contracts related to establishing performance standards for local fire departments and increasing financial accountability for departments that plan to accept additional funding the county plans to provide in the upcoming fiscal year, county staff explained. For over a year, Brunswick County has been investigating how to sufficiently fund in-county fire service following concerns about the existing fire fee funding model adequacy. Fire fees are imposed by the county on real property owners to fund the furnishing of fire protection services, per state law. Fire fees for improved properties are calculated based on a building’s heated square footage; fire fees for vacant land are calculated based on property acreage. Fire fees are not based on tax value. Many local nonprofit departments are facing challenges stemming from declining volunteer numbers necessitating most departments to hire paid staff, increasing costs and delivery time for fire apparatus and equipment, increased call volume and the need for new or updated facilities due to growth. These departments operate entirely on fire fees, grants, fundraising and private donations. Municipal departments are facing similar struggles related to growth and increased costs. These departments are funded partly by fire fees supplemented by ad valorem (property) taxes collected by each department’s municipality. As a potential solution, the county has been exploring moving away from its fire fee funding model to a fire tax funding model. With a fire tax model, counties can charge a 10-cent fire tax per $100 property value in each fire district or between 11- and 15-cents per $100 value with a voter-approved referendum. If the county moves to a fire tax system, citizens would no longer pay fire fees. Though this change is not planned for fiscal year 2026-2027, which begins July 1, county officials are working to prepare for a possible change in FY 2027-2028. In lieu of the funding model switch in FY 26-27, County Manager Steve Stone in November recommended the county revise its fire service funding contracts with local nonprofit departments to clarify its service expectations and require more financial accountability aimed at improving service across the county. The county is also considering providing between $10 million and $12 million in one-time supplemental funding to local departments to help meet service demands while a permanent solution is worked out. Stone said the $10-$12 million estimate is based on funding needed for minimum staffing levels at each department. The final subsidy funding figure will be calculated as part of the FY 26-27 budget process, he added. “It could be more. It could be less.” The county manager also explained fire departments would need to sign the finalized new services agreement “to be eligible to receive supplemental funding.” Brunswick County Spokesperson Meagan Kascsak said the current agreements between local fire departments and the county do not expire for another two fiscal years, and departments can continue operating under those agreements if they so choose. “However, if a department chooses this route, they will not be able to request subsidized funding for particular projects or purchases that their current fire fee allotment may not be able to cover,” Kascsak said. The new agreement contains a proposed stipulation requiring any equipment fire departments purchase with county-subsidized funds to be titled to Brunswick County and leased to respective fire departments, Kascsak confirmed. “Any existing equipment a fire department owns that was purchased in the past from their general fund/fire fees allocation, grant funding, donations, etc. will continue to belong to that fire department and will not be titled to the county,” she added. County staff has met with the Brunswick County Fire Chief’s Association to discuss the updated agreement and its provisions, Stone said. County officials following the Jan. 20 meeting were also set to meet with the municipal fire departments, he added, though these departments’ contracts differ and will apply to areas outside municipal fire departments’ corporate limits. The county manager during the Jan. 20 meeting explained the major changes in the proposed new agreement. “What we have here essentially are for the really the first time in the past 26 or 27 years or more, whereby we have some specific department performance standards which are based on national standards from the National Fire Protection Association for rural areas,” Stone said. “We also are moving towards more financial accountability with this agreement, but we would not really require additional financial work on the part of the departments. The additional auditing, we would propose that the county actually engage an auditor to do that work.” The proposed agreement also adds requirements related to response times, staffing, operational capabilities, required data collection and reporting that data to the county Fire Oversight Committee. Concerning response times, the proposed agreement requires fire departments to “make reasonable efforts to deliver the first-arriving unit and the minimum Effective Response Force (ERF) to emergency incidents within” 14 minutes or less from dispatch to arrival on-scene for structural fire suppression, and eight minutes or less from dispatch to arrival on-scene for single unit response. Departments would be expected to achieve these response times in “at least 80% of all emergency incidents occurring within the contract service area, measured annually.” If a department’s performance falls below the outlined 80% threshold, it would be required to: conduct a root-cause analysis with the county fire administrator and submit a written corrective action plan within 60 days identifying the deficiency and outlining corrective measures. Regarding response staffing, the proposed agreement would require a total of six “qualified firefighters” on the scene for fire suppression incidents requiring an initial attack capability within the required response times. Four of the six qualified firefighters would be required to be from the primary responding department. The proposed agreement defines “qualified firefighters” as “individuals of the department who meet the training and certification standards recognized by the department and applicable state and federal regulations for their assigned role.” Additionally, each department would be required to maintain records of dispatch times, turnout times, travel times, personnel counts upon arrival on scene, incident types and locations and any factors resulting in delayed or impaired response. Departments would also need to submit quarterly performance reports to the Brunswick County Fire Oversight Committee. Information contained in those reports include the percentage of incidents in which the departments met the 14-minute performance objective, staffing compliance data, analysis of deficiencies and contributing factors and performance improvement recommendations. The county would provide the software to each department for aforementioned data and records collection, Stone told the board. Brunswick County Fire Chiefs Association Vice President Keith McGee, who is also the Calabash Fire Department Chief, said the proposed agreement “represents several fundamental shifts in how fire service governance, performance expectations, and accountability are structured in Brunswick County,” noting the chief’s association is “not at this time expressing agreement with the contract as currently written.” McGee asked the county to continue conservation and collaboration with local fire departments and allow departments more time to review the agreement before bringing it to a vote. “We believe that this approach will help ensure a final agreement that is clear, workable, and supported by both the county and the fire departments that are responsible for delivering emergency services to our citizens,” he said. County administration is expected to bring an updated draft, incorporating board feedback and additional feedback from local fire departments to the board of commissioners during its Monday, Feb. 16 meeting at 6 p.m.
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Previously reported – May 2026
Brunswick County formally requests fire fee cap increase
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners on May 4 voted to ratify a resolution requesting the North Carolina General Assembly amend local fire fee legislation to increase fire fee caps by 50% total over the next two fiscal years. Fire fees are imposed by the county on real property owners to fund the furnishing of fire protection services, per state law. Fire fees for improved properties are calculated based on a building’s heated square footage; fire fees for vacant land are calculated based on property acreage. Fire fees are not based on tax value. The cap increase, originally requested by local fire departments through the Brunswick County Fire Chiefs’ Association, would allow fire departments to increase maximum collectable fire fee amounts by a total of 50% by fiscal year 2027-2028, with a maximum 25% cap increase in FY 2026-2027 beginning July 1. The requested cap increase, if approved, will not require local fire departments to increase fire fee rates, but rather will allow them to do so if demand requires it. For example, Calabash Fire Department in a social media statement last week said it does not plan to raise fire fees in FY 2026-27. Primary fire service in Brunswick County jurisdiction is typically provided by nonprofit volunteer fire departments — most of which now are primarily staffed by paid firefighters — with nearby municipal fire departments, and other nonprofit departments, providing secondary response. Municipal departments also often cover areas in county jurisdiction within their respective fire districts that also include areas within municipal jurisdiction. Many local nonprofit departments, which operate entirely on fire fees and grants, fundraising and donations, are facing challenges stemming from exploding call volume, declining volunteer firefighter numbers, increasing costs for fire apparatus and other equipment and the need for new or updated facilities due to ongoing growth. Some municipal departments, funded partly by fire fees supplemented by property taxes collected by their respective municipalities, are facing similar struggles related to growth and increased costs. The current fire fee schedule was last adjusted in 2017, and the resolution notes in-county growth and fire service demand has necessitated another adjustment. The existing fee schedule, the resolution states, has “become further outdated” and is “insufficient to keep up with inflation as well as the growing population and needs of Brunswick County.” The resolution asserts that the requested cap increase will “enhance the ability of Brunswick County to meet the fire protection needs of its citizens.” During the May 4 meeting, Calabash Fire Department Chief and Fire Chiefs’ Association Vice President Keith McGee requested commissioners support for the resolution.
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Previously reported – June 2026
Brunswick County to form fire service committee
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners on June 1 voted unanimously to form a committee to review the fire service situation in Brunswick County and work to develop a path forward for a new fire service funding mechanism. Commissioner Frank Williams made the recommendation for the establishment of the committee, first proposed earlier this spring by Brunswick County Fire Chief’s Association President Charles Drew, who is also the Southport Fire Department Chief. Drew on April 20 asked the commissioners to form a committee including fire chiefs, county commissioners, mayors and citizens to study a new funding fire service mechanism to be established in Brunswick County by the 2027-28 fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2027. Williams on June 1 noted Drew’s recommendation was for the proposed committee “to review the fire situation and, specifically, to help develop a path forward for a new funding mechanism, review and agree on a contract, and possibly discuss capital oversight.” “[Drew’s] proposed structure was two commissioners, two chiefs (one from a municipal and one from a nonprofit department), two mayors (one a town with a municipal department, one from a town without), and two citizen members,” Commissioner Williams said last week. “I would like to see us form a committee, but with a couple of additional people on it. One being the county fire administrator, one being a member of our county management team, and then other county staff, whether it be finance or legal, in an advisory capacity as needed.” The board of commissioners unanimously agreed with Williams’ recommendation and instructed county staff to add the official creation of the committee as an item on the board of commissioners’ June 15 meeting agenda. Brunswick County for over a year has been exploring moving away from its current fire fee funding model that both county and fire service leadership have called inadequate at meeting the needs of the growing county. Fire fees are imposed by the county on real property owners to fund the furnishing of fire protection services, per state law. Fire fees for improved properties are calculated based on a building’s heated square footage; fire fees for vacant land are calculated based on property acreage. Fire fees are not based on tax value. A funding model change is not planned for fiscal year 2026-2027 that begins July 1, though county officials have previously said they are working towards enacting a change in FY 2027-2028 that starts next July 1. Primary fire service in Brunswick County jurisdiction is typically provided by nonprofit volunteer fire departments — most of which now are primarily staffed by paid firefighters — with nearby municipal fire departments, and other nonprofit departments, providing secondary response. Municipal departments also often cover areas in county jurisdiction within their respective fire districts that also include areas within municipal jurisdiction. Many local nonprofit departments, which operate entirely on fire fees and grants, fundraising and donations, are facing challenges stemming from exploding call volume, declining volunteer firefighter numbers, increasing costs for fire apparatus and other equipment and the need for new or updated facilities due to ongoing growth. Some municipal departments, funded partly by fire fees supplemented by property taxes collected by their respective municipalities, are facing similar struggles related to growth and increased costs. In lieu of a funding mechanism change in FY 26-27, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners on May 4 voted to ratify a resolution requesting the North Carolina General Assembly amend local fire fee legislation to increase fire fee caps by 50% total over the next two fiscal years. The cap increase, originally requested by local fire departments through the Brunswick County Fire Chiefs’ Association, would allow fire departments to increase maximum collectable fire fee amounts by a total of 50% by fiscal year 2027-2028, with a maximum 25% cap increase in FY 2026-2027 beginning July 1. The cap increase would not require local fire departments to increase fire fee rates but rather will allow them to do so if demand requires it. This is a developing story. The Brunswick Beacon will continue reporting updates on this situation as it progresses.
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Ocean Isle Beach Terminal Groin

2024 OIB SHORELINE AND INLET ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT

Project Update

- Project completed: May 24, 2026
- Sand placed: Approximately 45,000 c/y
- Engineer: Coastal Protection Engineering
- Contractor: Southwind Construction
- Total project cost: $667,696.61

‘150 years of negative impacts’ to New Jersey coast: Corbett
In the last six years the Atlantic Ocean has demolished nearly three dozen privately owned oceanfront homes in Buxton and Rodanthe. These collapsed houses represent a broader coastal management challenge, even pushing the commission that makes coastal development rules to reconsider a decades long ban on hardened structures built for erosion control, Dr. Reide Corbett said during a recent talk at Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center on Harker’s Island. A coastal oceanographer and geochemist, Corbett, as of July 16, is the new interim dean of the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences on East Carolina University’s main campus. He spent the last 14 years as head of the Coastal Studies Institute, or CSI, in Wanchese, led by ECU. His talk was one of five in the “Water/Ways” speaker series last month organized to complement the Smithsonian traveling exhibit with the same name that was on display at the time. “There’s no doubt that we are seeing changes along our shoreline,” and because there’s not just one thing driving coastal change, there’s not one simple solution, Corbett said early in the presentation. “I’ll go ahead and put quotes around ‘solution’ now because I might not do it throughout the entire talk, because a solution to many of these challenges we face is likely only temporary. It’s not going to solve the problem. The process that is driving many of these changes won’t be solved by one thing.”

The process
North Carolina’s coast is protected by low-lying sand deposits called barrier islands. These mobile landforms that separate the mainland from the ocean are in constant but slow motion toward the mainland. This natural process is how these islands maintain elevation and width. This is nothing new, “barrier islands have always changed,” Corbett said, but now these mobile landforms are developed. “For better or worse, it is where we are. These coastlines have been changing since there were coastlines. The difference is we have a lot of infrastructure today in the same areas where these coastlines are changing.” The natural process of erosion on the oceanside and growth on the sound side of the island is being exacerbated by increasing sea levels, development associated with population growth, and storm impacts. The National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration reported a few years ago that sea level is expected to rise 1 to 1.5 feet by 2050. “To put that in perspective, it took the last almost 100 years for sea levels to change 1 foot in coastal North Carolina,” Corbett said. “And from roughly 2000 to 2050, we’ll expect at least an additional 1-to 1.5-foot rise.” That is a significant amount, and “When you look at what sea level is doing based on tide gauges up and down our coast, we are right on track to meet that if not surpass that” projection that he said has a 95% chance of happening. To illustrate, when a house on the Outer Banks gets taken by the ocean, Corbett said the “narrative is ‘often why did people build here? Why would they put their house right there? It’s so vulnerable,’” but when the houses were built in Buxton, for example, in the 1970s and 1980s, there was 100 to 300 feet of beach, or a few dunes, in front at the time. Now, the ocean is on their doorstep. It’s because these shorelines have been eroding for decades, some at 5, 10 or 15 feet per year every year. Then put a storm on top of that, or this past fall, three storms “one after another after another without any time for recovery, and what you end up doing is deflating the beach, dropping the elevation of that beach, removing significant amount of sand because of the energy in the system.” There has been roughly a 1-foot rise in sea level since 1975 at this location, and erosion has continued anywhere from 4 to 8 feet per year there. “You put those two things together and this is what you have,” he said. As Corbett said early in the program, “there’s not going to be a single simple solution for any community” and what may work for one won’t necessarily work for another.

Community questions
Communities need to ask themselves what they are trying to protect. “Is it an individual home? Is it a way of life? Is it an economy? Where are we acting? Where is it most vulnerable? What are we trying to protect? And where is that? You can ask ‘why are we trying to protect that?’ as well if you like. How far are we looking out into the future? Because I think that’s important to consider when acting on a potential solution.” What can a community do once it decides on a path forward? There are a handful of options, starting with nothing, which Corbett said isn’t really a response. Some areas can be protected. For example, a living shoreline in an estuary could protect infrastructure. Accommodate the change and that might look like houses being raised or a bridge around a very vulnerable location or leave. “Nobody likes to hear the word ‘retreat’ because it seems like you’re giving up. And I don’t disagree with that,” he said, but the idea is to move out of those most vulnerable locations. Corbett said that hardened structures are “being pointed to a lot today as a way of protection, a solution to the problem. And I think it’s important to recognize the tradeoffs.” In North Carolina, hardened structures have not been used to control erosion in decades, because of a policy in the 1980s and then a law in the early 2000s. Corbett noted on the presentation slide that the state law “prohibits the construction of a permanent erosion control structure in an ocean shoreline, including breakwater, bulkhead, groin, jetty, revetment, seawall or any similar structure. This ban was based on extensive studies and technical data documenting the detrimental impacts of erosion control structures, including 150 years of documented negative impacts of shoreline stabilization on the barrier islands of New Jersey.” The different kinds of hardened structures come with their own sets of problems. A vertical structure like a seawall might protect what’s behind it but will lead to higher erosion rates on either side of the structure and a total loss of recreation beach in front of it, Corbett said. The houses actively crumbling have pressed the Coastal Resources Commission to consider potential changes to its laws on hardened structures and charged its science panel, on which he serves, in February to draft a report on the various types of hardened structures for oceanfront and the advantages and disadvantages of each type. The report was first presented during the commission’s June meeting. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management, which carries out the development rules established by the commission, announced that the commission is to hear an update on the report during the Aug. 26-27 meeting in Manteo. But with all those responses, “I think it’s important to recognize that the processes aren’t changing,” Corbett said. Buxton has three terminal groins that were built in the 1960s that have deteriorated, and the narrative suggests that the deterioration and large holes in the structure farthest south has led to significant erosion. “My argument is, it’s not just that. It’s an erosional system. There’s a lot of data to show that even with these groins, there’s a reason we moved the lighthouse,” said Corbett, referring to the Cape Hatteras Light, which was moved in 1999 a distance of 2,900 feet from where it was built in 1870 because of its proximity to the waves. “It wasn’t a stable system. And those groins have been there since the late ’60s. And so, this is an eroding system. And it’s been eroding regardless of whether those groins were there or not. And it will continue to erode whether we rebuild those groins or not.” Nourishment does protect but is a temporary solution. It’s not changing the process causing the erosion. Beach nourishment is when sand is taken from a borrow area and pumped onto the beach. The amount of time the new sand lasts on the shoreline is no longer projected to be seven years. Now the project planners are calculating for five years. But that’s not long enough either. The sand from a 2022 beach nourishment in Buxton only lasted two years until more was needed. Corbett’s hypothesis is that nourishment projects are causing the shoreface to steepen 15 to 20 feet from the shoreline. He said he was considering looking further into this untested theory to see if the nourishment areas are becoming more vulnerable. Data available on coastsat.space, which uses satellite imagery to map ocean shorelines, shows how the beach is changing and responding to a beach nourishment project. For south Nags Head, the first nourishment project was in late 2011 or 2012, and data shows that after nourishment, the erosion rate became significantly faster. “You place a lot of sand on the beach, it’s unnatural. Yes, it provides a wider beach, but you also increase that erosion rate,” Corbett said. “I’m not saying this isn’t protecting infrastructure” but it doesn’t stop the process. “Nourishment is a Band-Aid for that real physical process of erosion. It hasn’t slowed the process. It is a temporary solution that has to continue. You don’t do a single nourishment, you develop a nourishment program,” he said. “It’s $20 million today. It’s $20 million in five years.” Ultimately, Corbett said communities need to decide what they want to protect and if they’re willing to accept the tradeoff.
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Odds & Ends

Previously reported – August 2026
Contiguous US breaks its record for hottest month ever, NOAA says
The contiguous United States sizzled to its hottest month ever last month, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. July averaged 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit (24.94 degrees Celsius) across the Lower 48 states, eclipsing the Dust Bowl’s July 1936 by an eighth of a degree. Records go back to 1895. “It’s not good when you’re breaking records from the Dust Bowl, which we are in this case,” said meteorologist Jeff Masters of Yale Climate Connections. “And that was a crazy sort of situation where you put tens of millions of people in motion. You had this great migration because of the drought and the heat that hit the center of the U.S. — just a cataclysmic event in U. S. history. If we’re exceeding records from The Dust Bowl, that says that we’re in deep trouble.” Although it was unusually cool in Alaska, hotter-than-normal conditions blanketed the Lower 48, with the most excessive heat in the Mountain West, Southwest, Northern Plains and Southeast. The heat was so widespread that every one of the Lower 48 states was at least 1 degree Fahrenheit (nearly 0.6 degrees Celsius) warmer than the 20th century average, said Russ Vose, chief of monitoring at NOAA’s National Center for Environmental Information. The heat in the Dust Bowl years was more concentrated in parts of the Midwest and was aggravated by agricultural practices at the time, Vose said. What’s happening now is due to the burning of coal, oil and gas, scientists said. “Extremely high temperatures across the continental U.S. this summer, along with intense drought and fire conditions, are absolutely consistent with the climate change signal,’ said Katharine Jacobs, a climate scientist at the University of Arizona. The biggest driver of the record heat was nighttime lows that smashed the old mark for hottest minimums by 0.7 degrees, NOAA said. Hotter nights are a classic sign of human-caused climate change, according to scientists and several studies in peer-reviewed literature. NOAA’s calculation is based on averaging 24 hours of temperature, not just highs or lows. “If you’re talking heat waves, that nighttime low is incredibly important for determining total heat stress,” Masters said. “So if it doesn’t cool off at night, your body doesn’t have time to readjust to all the heat.” As nighttime temperatures increase, more people die and lose sleep, studies show. The years 2021 and 1936 tie for America’s hottest summer, which is June through August. Through July, 2026 is a shade cooler than 2021, which was powered by record heat in June. Because of climate change, Masters said, “this may be one of the coolest years we’re gonna experience for the rest of our lives.” What’s needed, Masters said, is “to stop burning so many fossil fuels. We also need to be spending money to adapt to the new climate that we’ve put in place.”
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July was the hottest month in the US since records began in 1895
July was the hottest month ever recorded in the United States, according to data released Monday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The month featured long, intense heat domes that led to record hot temperatures from the East Coast to the Plains and Southwestern states. NOAA’s temperature records date back to 1895. By the end of the month, large wildfires were burning in the Pacific Northwest and Canada, mirroring what has been taking place in Europe, which is having its hottest summer on record. July’s average temperature in the Lower 48 states was 3.3 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th-century average, NOAA reported. This was about 0.1 to 0.2 degrees warmer than July 1936 and July 2012 — the previous record holders — NOAA stated. July tends to be the hottest month of the year in most of the US. More than 600 monthly records for highest maximum and minimum temperatures have been set this year in July across the US. There were fewer than 50 monthly records set on the cool side for temperatures. In any given month those should average out to be even. Climate change due to the burning of fossil fuels has altered this pattern. One feature of the July weather pattern in the US was a seemingly endless series of heat domes that popped up in different parts of the country depending on the contortions of the jet stream. Heat domes act like a lid on a pot, trapping and enhancing hot air beneath them. The jet stream is a narrow corridor of fast-moving air at about 30,000 feet above the Earth’s surface, and it plays a key role in steering and providing energy for weather systems. Long-term, human-caused climate change is making heat waves more intense, longer-lasting and more likely to occur. Last month saw an intense heat wave that enveloped the eastern half of the country through the July 4th holiday weekend, with subsequent rounds of extreme heat that hit after that as well. Above average temperatures stretched across the entirety of the Lower 48 states, with 13 states having monthly average temperatures that ranked in their top-5 warmest Julys. Wyoming had its hottest July and hottest month of any month on record. No state had a ranking near or below average for the month, NOAA found. July has been warming especially rapidly during the past few decades. According to Climate Central, a research and communications nonprofit, in 229 US cities, July temperatures have climbed an average of 2.6 degrees since 1970, with the highest rates of warming occurring in cities in the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest. Cities that had their warmest Julys include Denver and Salt Lake City, as the Intermountain West had the most significant heat compared to average last month. But many cities across the country had a month that ranked in the top-5 warmest, including Miami, L.A. and Minneapolis. In addition to long-term climate change, a rapidly intensifying El Niño event in the tropical Pacific Ocean is also beginning to be a factor in elevating global average sea and air temperatures and may have played a supporting role in increasing July’s air temperatures across the US. However, studies showed that individual heat waves that struck the country were more connected to climate change plus the natural variability of weather systems than El Niño. July’s extreme heat was not limited to the US, as much of Europe saw multiple heat waves that led to wildfire outbreaks at the end of the month and into early August in Spain, France, the UK, Greece and other countries. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, Western Europe has had its hottest first two months of summer on record so far.
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This and That

Water Alert

THB Newsletter (08/31/26)
Brunswick County Public Utilities Stage 1 Voluntary Conservation Alert

Due to current and projected weather forecasts, as well as reduced system demands, Brunswick County has moved from a Stage 2 Mandatory Water Conservation Alert to a Stage 1 Voluntary Water Conservation Alert. Under Stage 1, all water usage adjustments become voluntary.

Recommended Irrigation Schedule (Voluntary)

A full list of recommended water usage adjustments can be found online at BrunswickCountyNC.gov/WaterWise

Recent rains help but heat has amplified long-dry conditions
Weather forecasts in areas of North Carolina this summer have played like a needle on a scratched vinyl record, bouncing backward in a repeating loop: dry and hot, dry and hot, dry and hot. Well before high temperatures with heat indexes climbing into triple digits smothered the air hanging over portions of the state, coastal counties being no exception, the land beneath our feet was parched. The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council, or DMAC, announced at the beginning of this year that the state was experiencing widespread dry conditions, the result of a drought the origins of which trace back to August 2025. About a week into the new year, 15 of the state’s 20 coastal counties were classified as abnormally dry. By June’s end, Brunswick County Public Utilities customers were placed under mandatory water restrictions. As June turned over to July, drought conditions in that county further deteriorated. Though the western portion of North Carolina’s southernmost coastal county as of Aug. 18 remained under exceptional drought, the highest drought classification, rain since July has relieved dry conditions marginally but enough to prompt the county to ease water, though not completely lift, water use restrictions. North Carolina has since last month started to see some notable rainfall, particularly in the western part of the state and northern part of the coast, said Klaus Albertin, DMAC chair and water resources engineer with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources. “Most areas are starting to see improvements, and a lot of the state, lawns, gardens, agriculture is looking good because we’ve been getting regular rains,” he said. “Not everywhere improves at the same rate. That’s kind of the tough part about the summertime in North Carolina. We’ll get some rains that are really spotty, so you’ll have areas that get 2, 3, 3½ inches, but then, not far away, they may only get a quarter of an inch.” This helped some state reservoirs recover their water levels faster than others. Rainfall in the watershed above Jordan Lake, for example, helped that reservoir bounce back to its target water level within a couple of weeks, Albertin said. Falls Lake, which is a little more than 30 miles northeast of Jordan Lake, hasn’t been as lucky. “It’s going to take some good rains or a lot of smaller, consistent rains to bring all of them back up to where we’d like to see them,” Albertin said. As for aquifers, he said, “I would say, instead of weeks you probably are looking at months, and some of it just takes a while for the water to percolate down into the aquifers.” Gabrielle Chianese, DWR’s Groundwater Resource Branch supervisor, explained that there are portions of the state where groundwater, or superficial aquifer wells, are showing decreases. “However, the deeper aquifers, the only way the drought really impacts those deeper aquifers is due to higher usage,” including lawn irrigation, she said. “That’s when we’ll see impacts to the lower aquifers. But all of these seem to be recovering very well, especially the ones that the deeper aquifers that are being used more, we are seeing recovery in those so that’s good news.” She encourages private well water owners to have their well water tested, a service typically provided by county health departments for a fee. Parts of the state continue to face lingering rainfall deficits despite recent summer storms. As of Aug. 18, Wilmington, for example, was at a 21-inch rain deficit. “It just goes to show that we haven’t really had a whole lot of rain, especially in some parts of the state, since last August,” of 2025, said North Carolina State Climate Office Director Dr. Jared Bowden. And the hot weather much of the state has experienced this summer has only aided and abetted drought conditions. Intense heat paired with dry conditions creates what is called a “hot drought,” which amplifies the loss of moisture in the soil. “If you basically dry out the soil then all the energy goes into heating up that surface and then it gets just hotter, so it feels hotter, and that’s because all the energy goes directly into heating the surface rather than evaporation,” Bowden said. “There’s this coupling process as the atmosphere continues to warm and it becomes thirstier that you get these hotter and drier droughts.” This, he explained, is a fingerprint of the changing climate. According to the State Climate Office, North Carolina over the last 120 years has warmed by about 1 degree Fahrenheit. “This is less than Earth as a whole, which has warmed by nearly two degrees,” the office states. But warming has accelerated in recent decades, with the period between 2009 and 2018 becoming the state’s warmest recorded decade.

Wetter weather patterns ahead?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in early June confirmed that the globe was officially in an El Niño year. El Niño is a recurring weather phenomenon that forms when the sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean are warmer than average. And, Bowden said, its impacts are already being felt. “Hurricanes, like them or not, they do contribute to our climatological rainfall into late fall in particular,” he said. “Basically, El Niño is decreasing the likelihood that we’ll have significant rains from a tropical-like system.” What does that mean for say, Brunswick County? As we move into peak hurricane season, if the probability for a named storm is low, so too is the likelihood of short-term drought relief. “But, as you go into the fall, when El Niño picks up in strength, the impacts are for a wetter winter,” Bowden explained. In fact, in the coming months – October, November and into December – North Carolina could experience similar rain events to those of 2015, when there was in a strong El Niño. “We had our wettest December on record, and the strong El Niño event of 1997 and ’98, we had our wettest winter on record for the state of North Carolina,” Bowden said. “That’s kind of where we’re headed. Ideally, it’s going to be months of needed rain. I mean, of course, you can get the big hurricane — even that would just really put a dent in something like that — but the odds of that type of event are not as likely. It will probably be more steady rainfall over the winter months that would bring places like Wilmington that are currently, over the last year, in 20-inches-plus deficit to get them back to normal. But, the short term is we might stay dry for a little longer across the state.”
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Turtle Watch Program –

Turtle Watch Program – 2026

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The first nest of the 2025 season was on May 21^st

Average annual number of nests is 59

Current nest count – (78) as of 09/20/26

Total known eggs = 8,762

Total baby turtles to ocean = 6,957 around 79%

Total number of nests historically

- - - - 2012: 48
        
        2013: 73
        
        2014: 19
        
        2015: 53
        
        2016: 52
        
        2017: 50
        
        2018: 30
        
        2019: 105
        
        2020: 65
        
        2021: 68
        
        2022: 65
        
        2023: 75
        
        2024: 67
        
        2025: 35
        
        2026: 78

Sea turtles are hatching in near-record numbers in NC this year. Here’s why
Almost 2,000 sea turtle nests have been spotted along North Carolina’s coast this year — the second-most since the state started tracking nests in 2009. North Carolina’s 300-plus miles of coastline are a crucial habitat for endangered turtles, especially loggerhead turtles, the most common species on the state’s beaches. As female turtles have lumbered ashore to lay their eggs, volunteer groups have fanned out along the coastline, helping to spot turtle tracks, count eggs and get hatchlings safely from the dunes to the ocean. “We’re out there every single night, because we have nests hatching every night, and we will into October,” said Terry Meyer, conservation director for the Topsail Turtle Project on Topsail Island. Right now, nesting season is winding down; adult turtles typically lay their eggs from May to August. However, since turtle eggs usually incubate for around 60 days, eggs will likely continue to hatch well into the fall. This year’s surge isn’t completely unexpected, Meyer said. Loggerhead turtles typically lay eggs every two to three years. The state last saw a major uptick in turtle nesting three summers ago, meaning this summer was expected to be a big year for nesting. Still, 2019 holds the record for the most turtle nests in North Carolina. Volunteers counted over 2,300 nests across the state that season, according to data compiled by the Wildlife Resource Commission. This summer’s hot weather has brought one unusual trend to turtle nesting patterns in parts of the state, said Suzan Bell, the volunteer coordinator for the Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program. Usually, sea turtle eggs incubate for about 60 days before they hatch and make their way back to the ocean — that’s called an emergence. But research suggests that hot weather can cause the turtles to hatch earlier than expected. Bell said that in Oak Island and surrounding areas, hatchlings have started emerging after 50 days or less. “When there’s excessive heat, it seems that they are starting to emerge much quicker,” Bell said. “Heat just incubates them faster.” This year, Cape Hatteras National Seashore has led the state, with over 400 turtle nests along the shore’s 70 miles of coastline. Cape Lookout National Seashore is close behind, with 320 nests spotted this year. Yet there have also been high numbers counted along smaller stretches of coastline, especially toward the southern end of the state. Oak Island has reported the third-highest number of nests in North Carolina, though Bell’s volunteer group covers just 10 miles of beach. And near the Virginia coastline, turtle nesting in the Outer Banks has surpassed the area’s 2019 record, WHRO Radio in Norfolk reported earlier this week. “Through the efforts of thousands of volunteers, sea turtles are making a comeback. Our nest numbers are getting higher, and I do attribute all that to beach programs,” Bell said. “We’re just trying to educate everyone on the fact of, you know, we need to protect and care for this species. We don’t want to lose it.” Human disruptions, like loud noises or artificial lighting, can keep turtles from nesting. Volunteers advise beachgoers to clean up litter before leaving the beach, avoid using flashlights at night, turn off any outdoor lighting near beachfront homes, and give turtles, nests and hatchlings plenty of space. If you spot a turtle or a nest, you can call local authorities or your area’s sea turtle monitoring group to report the sighting but leave it alone.
Read more » click here

Fauna & Flora –

NC State Native Plant Resources » click here

NC Native Plants for Pollinators » click here

NC Sea Grant Coastal Landscapes » click here

New Hanover County Arboretum Native Plant Garden » click here

Audubon Native Plant Database » click here

North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox » click here

Fauna & Flora » click here

Holden Beach recommended plant list – deer resistant & salt tolerant

Factoid That May Interest Only Me

Storm Events

EVACUATION, CURFEW & DECALS

NC General Statute 166A-19.22
Power of municipalities and counties to enact ordinances to deal with states of emergency.

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

Flood Insurance Program
For more information » click here

Congress must now reauthorize the NFIP
by no later than 11:59 pm on September 30, 2026.

GenX
For more information » click here

Homeowners Insurance
For more information » click here

Homeowners are paying much more for insurance —
and keeping coverage is getting harder
Homeowners insurance costs are swelling rapidly for consumers — and even for those able to pay, policies are getting harder to keep as insurers drop customers at a higher rate, according to a new industry report. Average premiums for homeowners insurance rose faster than inflation across all major regions of the country from 2018 to 2024, according to a report released Wednesday by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, a group that represents state insurance regulators. Consumers saw their average premiums rise by 18% in the Northeast, 25% in the Midwest, 27% in the Southeast and 43% in the West over that seven-year period, even after accounting for inflation, according to the report, which broke out data across four regional zones. Average premiums were highest in the Southeast, at $1,818 per year in 2024, while those in the Northeast were lowest at $1,396, NAIC said. Premiums have risen another 7% since the beginning of 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ producer price index. The index doesn’t necessarily reflect consumers’ out-of-pocket costs, but provides a proxy for the movement of premiums over time, according to the National Association of Realtors. The report, compiled with data from state insurance agencies, was the group’s first comprehensive data analysis of the homeowners insurance market in several years, NAIC officials said. Climate change, rising home rebuilding costs and other factors have driven up financial risk for insurers, who are passing that financial burden on to consumers, at least in part, insurance experts said. Meanwhile, the dynamic is straining homeowners amid a broader affordability crunch and a U.S. inflation rate that has been above policymakers’ target for more than five years. People’s ability to afford a home is about 10% lower than it would otherwise be if insurance costs had remained stable since the late 1990s, according to NAR. The expense disproportionately burdens low-income households, who are more likely to drop their coverage altogether — and put their house, often their largest financial asset, at risk if disaster strikes, said Peter Kochenburger, an insurance expert and a visiting professor of law at Southern University Law Center. “It’s a big problem,” Kochenburger said of rising costs for consumers. The NAIC analysis also showed that insurers are dropping customers at elevated rates, opting not to renew their policies when their terms expire. This generally happens when an insurer thinks the risk outweighs their profit potential, Kochenburger said. Nonrenewal rates per 1,000 in-force policies have increased across the country since 2018, by anywhere from 96% in the Southeast to 216% in the West, NAIC found. These nonrenewals are those initiated by insurance companies. There were 103 million homeowners insurance policies in force in the U.S. as of 2024, according to NAIC. “The data tells the story of a homeowners insurance market that is overall operationally robust but nonetheless under pressure and exhibiting signs of stress,” the report’s co-authors, Jeffrey Czajkowski and Paula Harms, wrote. “These trends support consumer sentiment that coverage is becoming more expensive and harder to find or keep in some places,” they wrote.

Why homeowners insurance costs are rising
The report’s findings broadly echo those of other analyses in recent years. The U.S. Treasury Department, for example, said in a report last year that average premiums per policy increased 8.7% faster than the rate of inflation from 2018 to 2022. A poll conducted this year by the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan research group, found that 42% of homeowners said their costs had gone up “a lot” in recent years. Consumers generally buy homeowners insurance as a form of financial protection against unexpected physical damage to their house. Mortgage lenders also often require prospective homebuyers to buy such an insurance policy to secure a loan. If homeowners insurance becomes too pricey for consumers, there could be a “cascading or domino effect” in the U.S. economy — for example, if fewer people choose to buy homes, Kochenburger said. He said he thinks climate risk is the main driver of rising premiums. Climate change has fueled an increase in the number — and intensity — of severe weather events like wildfires, hurricanes, droughts and floods. The dynamic increases the likelihood that policyholders will need to file insurance claims and the odds that those claims will be for higher amounts, experts said. The number of weather and climate disasters that caused more than $1 billion in damage increased more than fivefold from 2018 through 2022, compared with the 1980s, after adjusting for inflation, according to the Treasury Department. “Catastrophic risk — these hurricanes, wildfire, severe convective storms, winter storms — these are events that are happening more and more frequently,” Czajkowski, director of the NAIC Center for Insurance Policy and Research, told CNBC in an interview. “And they’re impacting consumers.” The elevated risk comes as the Trump administration has moved to dismantle the federal government’s efforts to fight climate change and reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. While those natural disasters are more obvious in certain parts of the country — wildfires in the West and hurricanes in the Southeast, for example — weather-related risks are growing throughout the country, Kochenburger said. “Hail is a significant source of property damage, and that occurs in a number of states that don’t have much coastal exposure,” he said, as an example. However, factors beyond climate risk also contribute to higher insurance costs. For example, inflation has increased the cost of repairing and rebuilding homes, thereby raising the amount insurers pay out when policyholders file an insurance claim, experts said. Replacement costs for property and casualty-related losses increased by 45%, on average, between 2020 and 2023, according to the Treasury Department. Homeowners insurance is a type of property and casualty insurance. The NAIC data may even undersell the scope of the issue. For one, since the report only breaks out costs by regional zones, it’s “likely” that there are smaller, local areas where premiums have risen much faster than a particular region, according to the NAIC report. It’s also “quite possible” policyholders reduced coverage to blunt the impact of rising premiums, “which would likely show up in the data as a decrease or no change in premium,” it said. Insurers have also generally made their policies less comprehensive over the years, perhaps by removing certain risks from a general homeowners policy or reducing the dollar limits for certain coverage, Kochenburger said.
Read more » click here

Hurricane Season
For more information » click here

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30

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:
Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, ambience, and service, with price taken into consideration.
///// June 2026
Name:             Oak & Anchor
Cuisine: American
Location: 19 Clubhouse Drive, Supply NC
Contact: 910.842.4544 / https://lockwoodfolly.com/restaurant/
Food:               Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: $15 Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating:           Two Stars
The Oak & Anchor is located in the clubhouse of Lockwood Folly Country Club, just three miles from the Holden Beach bridge, and offers casual indoor and outdoor waterfront dining with panoramic views of the Lockwood Folly River and Intracoastal Waterway. Open to the public for breakfast and lunch daily, the restaurant also serves dinner on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
The Oak & Anchor is temporarily closed in October during its transition to new management.

Name: Seabird
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: 1 South Front Street, Wilmington, NC
Contact: 910.769.5996 / https://www.seabirdnc.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: $32 Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Three Stars
The seafood restaurant and oyster bar are located at the intersection of Front Street and Market Street, right in the very heart of Wilmington’s historic downtown. The restaurant is aesthetically pleasing with clean lines, there are floor to ceiling windows, which is accented by blues and white, giving the space a calming, coastal feel that is both retro and modern. Those big windows are also great for people watching at the bustling downtown intersection. Seabird celebrates the seasonality of the seafood and ingredients found in North Carolina. They have a very limited menu, divided into Small Plates with eight (8) choices and Large Plates that only offers six (6) entrée choices with no additional daily specials. They exceeded our expectations, what a delightful dining experience. I would recommend putting it on your short-list of must try restaurants.

Acclaimed Wilmington chef expands Seabird with new restaurant
More details have been announced about what’s happening at the renovation project at 9 S. Front St. in downtown Wilmington, beside Seabird restaurant. For months, award-winning Chef Dean Neff has been planning a sister restaurant. Little Bird is expected to open in early 2027. “It is really kind of an expansion of Seabird in a way,” Neff said. Little Bird will add about 2,200 square feet to Seabird’s existing 2,600, nearly doubling the footprint, according to a press release. That’s also an additional 55-60 seats in a new dining room and a separate bar room. Neff said he’s also excited about adding more kitchen and storage space. Neff said Seabird quickly reached capacity for the back-of-the-house operations, especially since they use so many fresh, local ingredients. He also said the new space will offer more options for events and new experiences. “We can’t wait to bring this historic space to life for the Wilmington community in the new year,” Neff said. After opening Seabird in 2021, Neff and his wife Lydia Clopton turned their attention to Zora’s Market and Kitchen, which launched a new menu earlier this year. Neff is also a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef finalist and Best Chef Southeast nominee. The renovation at Little Bird has been a project with James Goodnight, Old School Rebuilders and Smith Hanes Studio.
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

RANSOM by Daniel Silva

In the twenty-sixth installment of the Gabriel Allon series, the retired art restorer, assassin, and former chief of Israel’s intelligence service is pulled back into the perilous world he believed he had left behind. When a British socialite and social media star vanishes while on holiday, her billionaire husband turns to Gabriel for help. What starts as a private search for a missing woman quickly unravels into a far-reaching global conspiracy.

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

https://lousviews.com/

08 – Town Meeting

Lou’s Views

“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments

BOC’s Regular Meeting 08/18/26

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here

Audio Recording » click here

1. Consent Agenda Items

a) Police Report – Chief Barger
Agenda Packet – pages 13 – 21

Police Report » click here

b) Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans
Agenda Packet – pages 22 – 25

Inspections Report » click here

c) Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey
Agenda Packet – pages 26 – 28

Finance Report » click here

d) Public Works Department Report – Public Works Director Benton
Agenda Packet – pages 29 – 30

Public Works Report » click here

The Board approved the consent agenda items

2. Discussion and Possible Action on Amended Fund Balance Policy – Town Manager Chadwick
. a. Resolution 26-09, Resolution Amending the Fund Balance Policy

Agenda Packet – pages 31 – 35

Fund Balance Policy/Resolution 26-09 » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action approving an update to the Fund Balance Policy.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The current general fund balance policy states the fund balance will be maintained with a balance of 40 to 70 percent. If the audited fund balance is more than 70 percent and the BOC chooses to continue this policy, the funds over 70 percent will be transferred to the Beach & Inlet Capital Reserve Fund.

At the last meeting, I recommended a transfer and explained in the cover sheet that I would be recommending updates to the current fund balance policy.

With an increase in capital needs being discussed, funding trends making it more difficult for federal and state funding to be obtained and some longer wait times to receive reimbursement, there is a definite need to increase fund balance if those needs arise.

I am recommending the following updates to the current policy:

- Increase the amount to be maintained in the General Fund Balance at a minimum of 50 percent and a maximum of 100 percent fund balance. Anything over 100 percent will continue to be transferred to the Beach & Inlet Capital Reserve Fund with Board approval.
- Remove section “c” in the policy. This has been discussed with the commissioners and you will be deciding once it is refunded. Either way it will be sunset and doesn’t need to remain in the policy.
  c. Annually, beginning with the adoption and implementation of the 1 July 2019 budget, the refunded PNC surety monies remitted to the Town of Holden Beach from Brunswick County shall be escrowed in the Beach Renourishment and Inlet Management Fund.
- Remove “Administrative Authorization” Any authorizations should come from the Board of Commissioners.
- Change highlighted portions to maintain consistency throughout the document.

Previously reported – July 2026

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action approving a transfer from the General Fund fund balance to the Beach and Inlet Reserve Fund.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The current general fund balance policy states the fund balance will be maintained with a balance of 40 to 70 percent. If the audited fund balance is more than 70 percent and the BOC chooses to continue this policy, the funds will be transferred to the Beach and Inlet Reserve Fund.

The last audited fund balance amount of the general fund was $3,410,317 which was 82% fund balance. To reduce the fund balance to the 70 percent threshold, the amount to be transferred is $499,070.

Please note I will be recommending a change to the fund balance policy in the future. To account for federal and state funding trends, I will recommend the balance be maintained at 50 to 100 percent. Anything over 100 percent will be transferred to the Beach and Inlet Fund.

Editor’s note –
It shall be the Fund Balance Policy of the Town of Holden Beach to maintain a minimum of 40% and a maximum of 70% of unassigned fund balance in the General Fund.

The Fund Balance Policy has been in place for eight years and directs how excess General Fund dollars, including unspent property tax revenue, are to be used. The original policy set aside excess funds for future beach nourishment projects. The current Board requested further discussion with the Town Manager before transferring any funds. A motion was made for Town staff to review the policy and present recommended changes to the Board at the next regular meeting.

Update –
The current Fund Balance Policy requires the General Fund to maintain an unassigned fund balance of at least 40% and no more than 70%. The Board agreed to revise the policy to establish a minimum of 50% and a maximum of 100%. Any funds exceeding 100% will be transferred to the Beach & Inlet Capital Reserve Fund.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

3. Discussion and Possible Approval of Amended Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Schedule – Town Clerk Finnell

Agenda Packet – pages 36 – 37

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Approval of Amended Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Schedule

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Due to scheduling conflicts with the October regular meeting date, it is recommended that the Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Schedule be updated . The proposed new date for the regular meeting is October 27^th.

The suggested motion is to approve the amended Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Schedule.

Update –
The Board rescheduled the BOC’s Regular meeting from October 20^th to October 27^th.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

4. Discussion and Possible Action on Audit Committee Vacancies – Town Clerk Finnell

Agenda Packet – pages 38 – 40

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action on Audit Committee Vacancies

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Section 30.27 of the Code of Ordinance requires the Audit Committee to be comprised of a minimum of three full members. The applicant selected at the July meeting did not accept the appointment so currently there are only two members serving on the committee . There are no remaining applicants from the last round of interviews the Board conducted . If the Board agrees, staff can solicit interest from the community and schedule a special meeting for September 15^th at 4:45 p.m. to interview applicants.

§ 30.27 AUDIT COMMITTEE.

Update –
There are two vacancies on the Audit Committee: one regular member seat and one alternate member seat. The consensus of the Board was to proceed with filling the vacancies. Interviews will be scheduled at a Special Meeting on September 15^th prior to the BOC’s Regular Meeting.

5. Town Manager Report – Town Manager Chadwick

Town Manager Report » click here

Bryan reviewed the Town Manager Report

Ocean Boulevard Stormwater
The stormwater project is underway in coordination with NCDOT
Project drawings are not yet available

Previously reported – July 2026
Environmental evaluations and design level activities for both project areas continue
Field assessments heading toward regulatory confirmation
Survey team will pick up environmental flag locations to add to base map
Internal construction sheet reviews will begin over the next several days
Coordination with NCDOT

Previously reported – June 2025
The Town was awarded $2.2M in Environmental Infrastructure Disaster Relief Funding for stormwater projects. To get started USACE requires the execution of the Project Partnership Agreement. The Town portion of the 2.2 million dollar project is 25%, which would cost us $550,000. The motion was made to approve the project partnership agreement with the USACE and have the town staff execute the paperwork.

Block Q Master Plan
Block Q stakeholder meetings have been completed. The BOC’s work session and Parks and Recreation Board input meetings have been scheduled.

Block Q Stage Area
The Block Q Stage dedication and ribbon cutting will be held September 4^th at 11:00 a.m.

Previously reported – July 2026
Building is completed and in full use
They hosted the first concert there on Sunday, July 5^th
Town staff worked diligently with the contractor to get this completed.

Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP)
Meetings have been held with the engineer, grant administrator, and CAT team
They are still identifying possible projects that qualify

Previously reported – July 2026
Survey is on Town website to help identify potential projects

Previously reported – June 2026
We are in Phase 2 which includes the following: Planning, Project Identification, and Prioritization

Previously reported – April 2025

N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program » click here

The RCCP is a four-phase program designed to:

- Address local barriers to coastal resilience, including limited capacity, economic constraints, and social inequities .
- Assist communities in conducting risk and vulnerability assessments to create a prioritized portfolio of resilience
- Advance coastal resilience projects through engineering and design to achieve shovel ready
- Link communities with funding sources for project

The four phases are :

- Phase 1: Community Engagement and Risk & Vulnerability Assessment
- Phase 2: Planning, Project Identification, and Prioritization
- Phase 3: Engineering and Design
- Phase 4: Project Implementation

Canal Dredging
Plans are being made to dredge canals this coming winter
Staff is working on alternative disposal site
Staff is actively working with the Corps on the cost of dredge spoils disposal

Pier Property Site
Mid-Atlantic is supposed to start the pier underwater survey next week

Inlet Hazard Area
Staff will be attending the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) meeting on August 26^thand proposed changes to the Inlet Hazard Areas is on the agenda

Hot Button Items / Inlet Hazard Areas
For more information » click here

Dredging Area Maintenance
USACE is still conducting maintenance work at dredge spoil area DA293 which is off Sailfish

Fire Station
The Town is preparing an Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering and design services for the new fire station

Fire Station Presentation » click here

Crosswalks
The Town is working on crosswalk enhancements and the addition of new crosswalks at other locations. Funding is now available at no cost to the Town.

Editor’s note –

- Town has been working with the NCDOT evaluating the situation
- Several years ago five crosswalks were approved at four locations with two at Jordan Boulevard
- The locations were determined by working with NCDOT on meeting their nine criteria
- The Town, based on community feedback, would like substantially more
- We currently have twenty-four public beach access points that should have crosswalks
- NCDOT indicated that any painting of crosswalks by the Town is considered unauthorized and illegal

Beach Access Points
Staff are working on identifying emergency access points on the west end of the island
Currently the farthest west emergency access is at the 800 block

Strategic Planning
The Strategic Planning session is expected to be held at the end of October or the beginning of November

National Beach Sweep
The Town will be participating in the National Beach Sweep on September 18^th and 19^th

Shag Lessons
The Town is accepting names for an interest list for shag lessons beginning October 9^th and running for six weeks

Bake-Off
Residents are invited to prepare a dessert for the Bake-Off on September 16^th

Stuff the Patrol Truck
The Police Department will collect school supplies at Sunday’s concert

No Wake Zone
The Town had requested a No Wake Zone in the Intracoastal Waterway from Blockade Runner Drive to Roger Street. Wildlife officials indicated they would approve the area from Rothschild Street to Conch Street, which is smaller than requested. Approval from USACE is still needed.

National Day of Service
The 25^th anniversary of 9/11 is approaching. In remembrance, Town of Holden Beach departments will hold a stair-climbing competition with the Town of Shallotte

In Case You Missed It

Father and son die after ocean rescue at Holden Beach
On Sunday morning (August 2, 2026), a father and his son drowned in a swimming incident while vacationing at Holden Beach. The victims were identified as Daniel Jason Roberts, 46, and his son, Dylan Daniel Roberts, 20. Reports indicate the son entered the water to try and save his father who appeared to be in distress. Emergency crews responded to the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard West after Brunswick County Communications received reports of two people struggling in the water. Both men received advanced life support but were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not confirmed whether a rip current caused the deaths, though weather reports showed moderate to high rip current risk that weekend.

What He Did Not Say

Remind everyone it’s Hurricane Season – be prepared, have a plan!

Public Service Announcements

- Remember that parking ordinances are strictly enforced, including pay-to-park requirements. Do not block the emergency beach accesses located on the far east end, at the pier, the 500 block or the 800 block. These accesses are for emergency response access, not temporary parking to unload passengers or beach equipment. Blocking accesses creates a life threatening time delay to emergency response.
- The bike lines are for bikes, not Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) and not for parking. Bicyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet.
- LSVs are still required to follow the same traffic laws as every other motor vehicle, including travel lane regulations and very importantly seat belt and child restraint regulations.
- Pets are required to be on a leash at all times when off of your property, and no pets are allowed on the beach strand from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Beach equipment must be removed daily and cannot be left overnight. Storage of beach equipment on the frontal dunes is also restricted. Items left unattended will be removed and discarded as trash.
- Fireworks and pyrotechnics create a safety risk to the operator and bystanders as well as a fire hazard to the dune vegetation and houses. Fireworks are illegal on the island; possession of fireworks is a Class 2 misdemeanor which carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If you light it, we write it.

If you know something, hear something, or see something –
call 911 and let the police deal with it.

A reminder of the Town’s beach strand ordinances:
…..1) Chapter 90 / Animals / §90.20 / Responsibilities of owners
…….a) pets are not allowed on the beach strand except between 5p.m. and 9a.m. daily
…….b) dog’s must be on a leash at all times
…….c) owner’s need to clean up after their animals
…..2) Chapter 94 / Beach regulations / §94.05 / Digging of holes on beach strand
…….a) digging holes greater than 12 inches deep without responsible person there
…….b) holes shall be filled in prior to leaving
…..3) Chapter 94 / Beach regulations / §94.06 / Placing obstructions on the beach strand
…….a) all unattended beach equipment must be removed daily by 6:00pm

For a full list of beach regulations visit https://hbtownhall.com/visitors.

Low Speed Vehicle Safety » click here
Public Service Announcement from Chief Dixon regarding low speed vehicle safety.

Police Chief encourages everyone to download the app

NC Police Connect on the AppStore

Upcoming Events

2026 Concert Schedule
The 2026 concert schedule is now available. Enjoy the sounds of summer at our FREE concert series. Concerts are held on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. throughout the summer.

Click here to view the schedule.

Beginning May 24^thand continuing through September 6^th

HBPOA Labor Day Meeting
HBPOA meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5^th at Town Hall

6. Public Comments on General Items

The new public restrooms do not have any clear signage identifying the building or directing people to the facilities. While the parking sign indicates that short-term free parking is available for restroom users, there does not appear to be any other indication of what the building is for. Without signage, it is unclear how the public would know if the restrooms are available. Anecdotally, this seems to be the case, as most activity still appears to be centered around the old bathrooms. At a minimum, I would recommend placing a sign on each side of the building. It may also be prudent to add signs along Jordan Boulevard directing visitors toward the restrooms. Given the significant investment in these facilities, I do not think they should remain underutilized simply because the public is unaware they are there.

General Comments

HBPOA Labor Day Meeting
HBPOA meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5^th at Town Hall.

BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, September 15^th

THB Newsletter (08/17/26)

Brunswick County Moves from Stage 3 to Stage 2 Water Restrictions

Due to encouraging trends in drought conditions, water usage and system demands, Brunswick County has moved from a Stage 3 Water Shortage Warning to a Stage 2 Mandatory Water Conservation Alert. Under Stage 2, some water restrictions are reduced or removed and the automatic irrigation schedule is expanded.

Stage 2 – Key Reminders & Main Restrictions

This is a select list of some of the main differences under a Stage 2 Mandatory Water Conservation Alert. See the full list on the website at BrunswickCountyNC.gov/WaterWise.

Automated outdoor irrigation days are increased

It’s not like they don’t have anything to work on …

The following five (5) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:
- - - - 2019 – Dog Park
      - 2021 – Pier Properties Project
      - 2021 – Rights-of-Way
      - 2021 – Block Q Project/Carolina Avenue
      - 2023 – Fire Station Project
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.

Know the difference between wants and needs?
One of the most basic concepts of economics is want vs. need.

A need is something you have to have.
. • It’s something you can’t do without.

A want is something you would like to have.
. • It’s not absolutely necessary, but it would be a good thing to have.
Beach Nourishment Need
Fire Station Need
Water Tank Need/Want
Pier Want
Captain Pete’s Property Want
.
We do not have sufficient resources to fund all of these projects. If we use the available funds for wants rather than needs, we will be unable to address our essential priorities. If additional funding is needed, a property tax increase will be required—plain and simple.

.

Lost in the Sauce

.

From 2024 / Blocking Emergency Beach Accesses

Previously reported – June 2024
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
No Action – Discussion on emergency beach access

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Chief Todd (Tri-Beach Fire) & Chief Dixon have observed emergency access issues

Over the last couple of summers, emergency responders have noticed an increase in people using the areas around the emergency accesses for their beach equipment. More and more often we are seeing canopies, tents, towels, volleyball nets, surfboards, and other beach related equipment directly surrounding the emergency access points. This causes significant emergency response delays. During certain situations, it is not uncommon for some beach equipment to be run over by emergency vehicles as moving the equipment takes too long and no alternate routes are available. This not only increases emergency response times, but it also threatens damage to personal beach equipment and threatens damage to emergency vehicles. We are asking that the Board of Commissioners consider discussing the possibility of enacting ordinances that either prevent beach equipment within a certain distance of emergency access points, and/or ordinances which create emergency vehicle lanes on the beach strand.

They were here tonight presenting an issue that needs to be addressed by the Board. They would like to prohibit blocking emergency access points by not allowing any obstructions there. In addition, they would like to have a travel lane for emergency vehicles on the beach strand. They discussed the issue and decided to benchmark off the surrounding islands policies and have the staff bring back a proposal at the next scheduled Regular Meeting.

We already have verbiage in Ordinance §94.06 that you can’t place items within ten (10) feet of the dunes. That ten (10) feet gives emergency responders a clear path along the dune line for them to go up and down the beach strand. We would just need to modify the Ordinance to prohibit blocking emergency access points.

§ 94.06 PLACING OBSTRUCTIONS ON THE BEACH .
(A) All beach equipment must be removed from the beach by its owner or permitted user on a daily basis. All personal items and beach equipment unattended and remaining on the beach between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. will be classified as abandoned property and shall be removed and disposed of by the town .

(B) All beach equipment shall be set at least ten feet from any sea turtle nest or dune vegetation.

Previously reported – August 2024
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on amending Town Ordinance§ 94.06 Placing Obstructions on the Beach. Possible action to add clause (C) prohibiting beach equipment from blocking emergency accessways.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
At our last BOC meeting, Chief Dixon and Chief Todd discussed issues they are having getting onto the beach and travelling down the beach due to people setting up their beach equipment. Town Ordinance § 94.06 already establishes a travel lane by the dune, but an additional clause is needed to address emergency vehicle accessways.

Proposed new clause: (C) All beach equipment shall be set at least ten feet from any emergency vehicle accessway. Existing ordinance:

Chief Todd (Tri-Beach Fire) & Chief Dixon previously requested the Board address emergency access issues regarding getting on to the beach strand. Mayor Pro Tem Myers proposed adding a clause prohibiting beach equipment from blocking emergency accessways. Both the fire chief and the police chief do not feel that this will do any good. Commissioner Smith wants input from both the fire chief and the police chief as to their recommendations. The Board wants them to tell us what needs to be done.

Commissioners Dyer said previously they had put on the agenda discussing adjusting the prohibited hours and that still needs to be addressed. David stated that more importantly we need additional beach strand access points and that has to be considered a priority for the Board.

Well, I am disappointed that neither chief offered any viable alternatives nor did they benchmark what the other beach communities are doing to address this issue.
From 2025 / Permanently Close a Portion of Carolina Avenue

Previously reported – May 2022
North Carolina Statute §160A-299, lays out the process to permanently close a street/alley. Attached is a summary of the process (Attachment 1).

A draft resolution of intent is included for your review (Attachment 2). In order for the Board to adopt the resolution of intent to close Carolina Avenue from its intersection with Jordan Boulevard to its intersection with Quinton Street, it would require a property survey of the specific road area proposed to be closed to obtain a metes and bounds description.

Staff seeks direction on if the Board would like to move forward with the process to close a portion of Carolina Avenue and on related Block Q site development actions.

The intent is to close Carolina Avenue from its intersection with Jordan Boulevard to its intersection with Quinton Street. David provided a draft of a proposed Resolution that will have to be adopted by the Board in order to proceed. A Public Hearing will also be required to move forward. He outlined the steps necessary to make this happen. Motion was made to move forward with the process as outlined.

Previously reported – July 2022
At the May 17^th meeting, the Board instructed staff to move forward with the process to close a portion of Carolina Avenue between Quinton Street and Jordan Boulevard. A survey for the area has been completed. The metes and bounds description has been added to the draft resolution of intent presented at the May meeting (Attachment 1).

Staff is proposing that the required public hearing be held at the September 20, 2022 meeting. This will allow staff time to advertise the public hearing for four successive weeks, post the property and mail any required notices required per North Carolina Statute §160A-299. Attached is the summary of the process that was presented at the May meeting (Attachment 2).

If the Board would like to move forward with the closure of Carolina Avenue between Quinton Street and Jordan Boulevard, the suggested motion is to approve Resolution 22-07, Resolution of Intent to Permanently Close a Portion of Carolina Avenue and schedule the public hearing for September 20, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

§ 160A-299. Procedure for permanently closing streets and alleys.
(a) When a city proposes to permanently close any street or public alley, the council shall first adopt a resolution declaring its intent to close the street or alley and calling a public hearing on the question. The resolution shall be published once a week for four successive weeks prior to the hearing, a copy thereof shall be sent by registered or certified mail to all owners of property adjoining the street or alley as shown on the county tax records, and a notice of the closing and public hearing shall be prominently posted in at least two places along the street or alley. At the hearing, any person may be heard on the question of whether or not the closing would be detrimental to the public interest, or the property rights of any individual. If it appears to the satisfaction of the council after the hearing that closing the street or alley is not contrary to the public interest, and that no individual owning property in the vicinity of the street or alley or in the subdivision in which it is located would thereby be deprived of reasonable means of ingress and egress to his property, the council may adopt an order closing the street or alley. A certified copy of the order (or judgment of the court) shall be filed in the office of the register of deeds of the county in which the street, or any portion thereof, is located. Upon the closing of a street or alley in accordance with this section, subject to the provisions of subsection (f) of this section, all right, title, and interest in the right-of-way shall be conclusively presumed to be vested in those persons owning lots or parcels of land adjacent to the street or alley, and the title of such adjoining landowners, for the width of the abutting land owned by them, shall extend to the centerline of the street or alley.

NCGS 160A-299 state the Protocols for Permanently Closing Streets. The Resolution adopted by the Board is necessary in order to proceed. A Public Hearing is required to move forward and was scheduled.

Previously reported – September 2022
PUBLIC HEARING: Board of Commissioners’ Intent to Permanently Close a Portion of Carolina Avenue from its Intersection with Jordan Boulevard to its Intersection with Quinton Street

Public Hearing was held on their intent to close a portion of Carolina Avenue from its intersection with Jordan Boulevard to its intersection with Quinton Street.

If it is found to the satisfaction of the Board that closure is not contrary to public interest and no individual owning property in the vicinity of the street would be deprived of reasonable ingress or egress to the property, the Board could adopt Ordinance 22-20 (Attachment 1). The ordinance orders that the portion of Carolina Avenue from its intersection with Jordan Boulevard to its intersection with Quinton Street be closed effective immediately and directs that the order be filed in the office of the Register of Deeds.

Commissioner Murdock questioned whether it was necessary for a portion of the street to be closed immediately since we currently do not have a plan in place to utilize the property. Decision was to hold in abeyance until they have a plan in place.

Editor’s note –
Ordinance 22-20, which closed Carolina Avenue, was passed in 2022. We currently block Carolina Avenue on both Saturday and Sunday, the two busiest paid parking days of the week. The question is: why have we not closed the street yet?

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.

NOAA maintains prediction for below-normal Atlantic hurricane season
Need for U.S. residents to prepare remains
With the climatological peak of hurricane season approaching in early September, NOAA’s prediction for below-normal activity in the Atlantic basin remains. Forecasters from NOAA’s National Weather Service updated today the number of expected named storms to 7-13 (with winds of 39 mph or greater), of which 2-6 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater), including 0-2 major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater). These ranges cover the entire season from June 1 through November 30 and are inclusive of the two tropical storms that have already formed. NOAA forecasters predict a 75% chance for below-normal activity, with a 20% chance of a near-normal season, and just a 5% chance of above-normal activity. This updated prediction is similar to the initial outlook issued in May. In the Atlantic basin, a typical hurricane season will yield 14 named storms, of which seven become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.

Only Gulf storms in the Atlantic Basin so far
To date, the 2026 season has produced two named tropical storms, Arthur and Bertha, and no hurricanes. Tropical Storm Arthur was the first named storm of the Atlantic season. Forming in mid-June in the warm Gulf of America waters off the Texas coast, Arthur brought record rainfall to portions of Louisiana and spawned tornadoes along the Gulf coast. Bertha also formed in the Gulf, originating south of the Florida panhandle before making landfall in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. “Inland rainfall is a major cause of damage from tropical storms and hurricanes, as Arthur demonstrated,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “That’s why it’s important to prepare for every storm that’s projected to impact your area, even if it never reaches hurricane strength.”

Factors influencing the Atlantic hurricane season outlook
For the remainder of the season, tropical storm activity in the Atlantic basin is expected to be tempered by El Nino conditions, which first emerged in the equatorial Pacific in June. El Nino increases wind shear, which tends to prevent tropical storms from forming or from getting stronger once formed. Other less influential factors include temperatures near average in the Atlantic Ocean and a neutral west African monsoon. “When El Nino emerges, it usually becomes the dominant factor in total hurricane season activity, and this El Nino continues to get stronger every month,” said Matt Rosencrans, lead hurricane season forecaster with NOAA’s National Weather Service.“Compared to a mature El Nino, other mechanisms play a smaller role in determining the number and intensity of tropical storms in the Atlantic basin.”

Hurricane outlooks in other ocean basins
Although El Nino tends to limit tropical activity in the Atlantic, it can enhance storm development in the Pacific. NOAA’s outlook for the Eastern Pacific hurricane season remains unchanged with 15-22 named storms, which is above average. So far there have been seven named storms, of which two became hurricanes, including one major hurricane. An above-normal season is also expected in the Central Pacific basin, with 5-13 named storms and tropical depressions.

About NOAA’s Hurricane Season Outlook
NOAA’s Hurricane Season Outlook is for overall seasonal activity and is not a landfall forecast. Landfalls are largely determined by short-term weather patterns, which are only predictable within about a week of a storm potentially reaching land. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) provides tropical weather outlooks out to seven days in advance, provides track and intensity forecasts for individual storms and issues watches and warnings for specific tropical storms, hurricanes and the associated storm surge.

Stay informed
Consult the NHC website, hurricanes.gov, for the latest about tropical storm and hurricane activity in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean basins. You can also follow regular updates from NHC on X at @NHC_Atlantic offsite link and on Facebook. You can also access additional tips and resources to stay safe this season.
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Why the 2026 hurricane season is so quiet; what it means for NC coast
So far the 2026 hurricane season, which started June 1, has been very slow. How slow? It’s the quietest start to a hurricane season this century. Why?
For most of this hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center’s online map of the Atlantic basin has been showing a surprising image and message. Nothing with this text superimposed on the map: “Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 7 days.” So far the 2026 season, which started June 1, has been the quietest start to a hurricane season this century. There have only been three named storms so far, and they’ve lasted a combined four days. Tropical Storm Arthur brought significant rain to parts of the Gulf coast and Southeastern United States in mid-June, but only after it dissipated. Tropical Storm Bertha in mid-July also brought rain to parts of the Gulf but didn’t cause much of a ruckus. And Tropical Storm Cristobal in August hung around for about a day in the middle of the Atlantic before petering out. Even a pair of tropical disturbances that held the possibility of forming into something or even combining into a bigger system before hitting the Caribbean in mid-August fizzled out. So what’s going on, and how soon could we see Dolly and Edouard?

The 2026 season is both normal and unusual
According to the hurricane center, things aren’t actually that unusual this year. “The first named storm typically forms in mid- to late June, the first hurricane tends to form in early to mid-August, and the first major hurricane forms in late August or early September,” the agency states on its website. The busiest part of hurricane season also runs roughly from mid-August into early October, with the peak day for activity being Sept. 10. But according to another factor, this season is a strange one. The Weather Channel reports that the accumulated cyclone energy, which measures how long storms last and how strong they get, for this hurricane season is unusually low. According to the weather site, the 2026 season is the slowest-starting hurricane season in terms of accumulated cyclone energy since 1998.

Enter El Niño
Across the board, meteorologists say the strengthening El Niño in the equatorial Pacific is playing a large role in squashing tropical activity in the Atlantic basin. El Niño is a natural climate pattern in which surface seawater temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific are warmer than normal. Meaning Little Boy in Spanish, El Niño was originally recognized by fishermen off the coast of South America with the appearance of unusually warm water in the Pacific around Christmas. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there’s a nearly 70% chance it could develop into a “super” El Niño, meaning its impacts could be greater than normal. If a super El Niño does develop, it could supercharge weather events across the world. For the U.S. South, which could mean wetter conditions with more heavy rainfall events this fall and winter − bringing much-needed relief to the ongoing drought situation in much of the Tar Heel State. In a world already cooking hotter than normal thanks to climate change, the weather pattern also could amplify extreme heat already baking much of the world. According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2025 was the third warmest year on record, only trailing 2024 and 2023, with sea-surface temperatures also setting records despite cooling La Niña weather patterns. El Niño can have a significant impact on the severity of the hurricane season in both the Atlantic and the Pacific. In the Atlantic, the weather pattern tends to reduce activity in the tropical Atlantic by bringing on stronger upper-level wind shear and sinking air, hindering the formation of tropical weather systems, while having the opposite effect and boosting activity in the Pacific. The Northwest Pacific has already seen three Category 5 storms this season, and in the Central Pacific Hurricane Lala just finished lashing Hawaii with 90 mph winds.

What happens now?
The latest forecast from Colorado State University is only calling for nine named storms this season, which would be an exceptionally low total, especially given how warm most of the tropical Atlantic is right now. In effect, the Caribbean has largely become a no-go zone for hurricane formation. “That’s a great indication of the power of El Niño, that it can develop in the Pacific, but still have a controlling role in weather patterns half a world away,” said N.C. Assistant State Climatologist Corey Davis. While North Carolina missing out on tropical weather might sound good on paper, it also comes with some other impacts. One of those is a loss of the rainfall such a system would bring to Eastern North Carolina, an area that largely remains in drought or a very dry state as of late August. The region relies on passing tropical weather for much of its summer precipitation that helps farmers and recharges underground aquifers. According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, the Port City had seen 25.3 inches of rain in 2026 as of Aug. 18. That compares to a normal average of nearly 36 inches. “Wilmington averages more than 8 inches of rain in both August and September, and it’s hard to get that much from the sort of spotty showers and storms we’ve seen in recent weeks,” Davis said. “While we certainly don’t wish for anything tropical, some areas could definitely use the rain to make a dent in this drought.” But on the flip side, El Niño normally brings above-average rainfall to the U.S. Southeast in the fall and winter. During the last strong El Niño in 2015, Wilmington has its wettest October on record and fourth-wettest winter, Davis said. “This all feels like a be-careful-what-you-wish-for sort of situation,” he said. “We need the rain now, but we’ll probably be sick of it in a few months.” Tim Armstrong, a meteorologist with the weather service’s Wilmington office, said even with El Niño hindering storm development across much of the tropics, which doesn’t mean Southeastern N.C. is out of the woods for storm development. “There’s still the subtropical Atlantic we have to watch closely,” he said. “El Niño doesn’t affect shear as much outside of the tropics, so a locally grown storm could more easily develop this fall and bring impacts to the Carolinas.” Past examples of these types of storms include Ophelia in 2005 and Diana in 1984. And the unnamed storm that swamped southern New Hanover County and parts of Brunswick County with 20 inches of rain in 2024 was another one of these storms, he added. Officials also continue to stress to coastal residents that even if it appears to be a relatively quiet season, it only takes one storm arriving on your doorstep to make it a terrible hurricane season. “And our own work suggests that it is very difficult to predict that quantity on a year-to-year basis since you are dealing with the statistics are very small numbers,” said Dr. Michael Mann, a meteorologist and scientist at the University of Pennsylvania. “But we do know that there is an increase over time in the maximum intensity of these storms driven by human-caused warming.”
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