Category: Lou’s Views

Lou’s Views

“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments

BOC’s Special Meeting 06/03/25

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here

Audio Recording » click here 

1. Budget Workshop

2. Request for Exceptional Performance Merit Bonuses for Employees Directly Involved in Completing the Components of the ADA Agreement – Interim Town Manager Ferguson (Commissioners Smith and Paarfus)

3. Closed Session Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6), To Consider the Qualifications of Prospective Employees

Previously reported – May 2025
Update on Town Manager Recruitment Process from S. Renee Narloch – Town Clerk Finnell (Interim Town Manager Ferguson)

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Update on Town Manager Recruitment Process with S. Renee Narloch

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Renee Narloch will attend via conference call to provide an update to the Board on the status of the town manager recruitment process and will answer questions on the process moving forward.

Renee via conference call provided an update on the Town Manager recruitment process. They have received forty-five (45) applications and are in the process of reviewing them. The Board agreed to schedule a Special Meeting/Executive Session on June 3^rd at which time Renee will make recommendations of candidates to the Board. At that meeting they will review the candidates and then come to a consensus in order to narrow the field to just three (3) to five (5) candidates. On June 16^th after the Budget Meeting, they will interview candidates for the position.

BOC’s Special Meeting 06/16/25

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here

Audio Recording » click here 

1. Closed Session Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6), To Consider the Qualifications of Prospective Employees and North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3), Consult with the Attorney

Previously reported – May 2025
On June 16^th after the Budget Meeting, they will interview candidates for the position.

BOC’s Public Hearing / Regular Meeting 06/17/25

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet click here

Audio Recording » click here 

Public Hearing 

PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 – 2026

 Budget Message » click here

THB Newsletter (05/27/25)
TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH OFFICIAL NOTICE
FY – 2025/2026 BUDGET
June 17, 2025, 5:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter

Notice is hereby given that the Budget proposed for the Fiscal Year, beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, has been submitted to the Board of Commissioners and is available for public inspection online. Click here to view the Budget Message.

A public hearing on the proposed Budget will be held by the Board of Commissioners at 5:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 in the Holden Beach Town Hall Public Assembly, 110 Rothschild Street. Oral and written comments will be received at the hearing from any interested person.

The Town of Holden Beach does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you need an auxiliary aid or service or other accommodation in order to attend or fully participate at this meeting, please contact the Town Hall as far in advance of the meeting as is possible so that your request may be considered.

Proposed Budget by Fund

                                                           2022                  2023               2024                2025
General                                       $4,326,093        $5,169,737    $4,736,246     $4,802,398
Water & Sewer                          $7,483,258        $8,007,682    $7,665,209     $2,873,651
W&S Capital Charge                 NA                     NA                  $1,482,145     $1,352,662
BPART                                          $4,935,100       $6,274,144     $6,239,679     $5,757,489
Canal Dredging                           $3,289,057      $3,370,912     $3,553,603     $4,889,843
American Recovery Plan          $211,616         NA                   NA                  NA
FEMA Capital Projects Fund    $73,644,019    $73,644,019   NA                  NA
Water Capital Reserve Fund    $151,051         $212,571        $244,674        $303,056
Sewer Capital Reserve Fund    $301,543         $358,063        $579,461        $675,440
Beach & Inlet Reserve Fund     $2,247,002      $1,375,110    $1,744,053     $6,507,152
Capital Project                             NA                   NA                  NA                   $4,581,336
Total All Funds                            $96,588,739   $98,412,238   $26,245,070   $31,743,027

                                                       $22,924,720   $24,768,219   $26,245,070   $27,161,691    

2022 / $96,588,739 – $73,664,019 = $22,924,720
2023 / $98,412,238 – $73,664,019 = $24,768,219
2024 / $26,245,070                          = $26,245,070
2025 / $31,743,027 – $4,581,336    = $27,161,691

The General Fund budget serves to fund daily and long-term operations and infrastructure of the town. This includes administration, police department, building and inspections as well as sanitation and streets.

The Water and Sewer Fund is an Enterprise (business type) fund that finances the daily administration and operations of the water and sewer department.

The Beach, Parks, Access and Recreation Tourism Fund (BPART) is a special revenue fund enabled by local legislation for the purpose of providing for beach nourishment and tourism related expenses.

The Canal Dredging Fund is also a special revenue fund authorized by local legislation. Its purpose is to maintain navigability of the islands’ twenty-five thousand linear feet of canals

The American Rescue Plan Fund accounts for federal appropriations associated with the Holden Beach portion of President Biden’s Coronavirus Relief package and are designated for storm water projects.

The FEMA Capital Projects Fund serves to provide pass through federal grant reimbursements for debt service on storm damage repairs performed during the winter of 2021/2022 along the central portion of the island’s beach

The Water Capital Reserve and the Sewer Capital Reserve Funds were established in accordance with the Water and Sewer System Development Fee Act of2017 as amended and will be used to fund capital improvements to the Town’s water /sewer infrastructure in the coming years.

The Beach Re-nourishment and Inlet Management Capital Reserve Fund provides funding for future year beach and inlet maintenance projects.

The Capital Project Fund/Sewer Lift Station Project Fund is required to be established by the grants that will remain open across budget years until the project is complete.

Executive Summary

The following document presents the proposed annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, in accordance with the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act. The document shows a balanced budget that totals $31,743,027. It is meant to serve the public in understanding the Town’s spending plan for next fiscal year and the process by which it was developed.

With the family beach moniker, the Town prides itself on proposing and adopting an annual budget that provides services for all those who enjoy the beautiful island, both resident and visitor alike. Budget preparation each year involves evaluation and analysis of existing services and identification of cost-effective ways to improve or broaden them. Department heads supply revenue and expenditure input which is evaluated by the finance officer and manager and refined to try to balance resources. The following is a culmination of what has been expressed in previous budget discussions and updates provided to staff from outside entities since that time.

Main Points

The total budget is $31,743,027 and provides for the following initiatives to improve or maintain service delivery.

• • Proposed tax rate is fourteen cents: no change from prior year
  • Satisfies all debt service and capital obligations
  • Continuation of Lift Station 2 Upfit
  • Initiation of stormwater design/permitting
  • Initiation of police restructuring for recruitment and retention
  • Continuation of pier engineering evaluation and initiation of next level design work
  • Implementation of cooling solution for Lift Station1/ventilation for Lift Station 4
  • Completion of Block Q restroom and parking
  • Continuation of annual streets resurfacing program
  • Phasing in new playground equipment
  • Construction of a new concert venue
  • Implementation of Lockwood Folly Inlet/AIWW Crossing Project
  • Significant transfers to the Beach and Inlet Capital Reserve Fund
  • $3. 90 increase in base rate for sewer/ elimination of free gallons
  • Additional certification pursuits for personnel
  • 5% Cola/2.5% merit for personnel

The proposed budget sets forth four main governmental funds (General; Water & Sewer; Beach, Parks, Access, and Recreation Tourism (BPART); and Canal Dredging).

Additionally, it outlines three Capital Reserve Funds and one Capital Project Fund. Each fund is represented in the following pages with detailed revenues and expenditures proposed for the upcoming fiscal year.

Update –
The Board is required to hold a Public Hearing prior to adopting the budget. The $31.7 million dollar budget as presented reflects budget meeting dialogues, is balanced as required by the Local Government Budget & Fiscal Control Act, and is scheduled to be considered by the BOC’s later on tonight’s agenda. The public was given an opportunity to comment but there were no comments made.

Holden Beach maintains tax rate, awards bonuses in proposed budget
The town of Holden Beach has set a public hearing date of June 17 at 5 p.m. for its proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, which will keep the property tax rate at $.14 per $100 value and increase the base rate for water and sewer usage by $3.90. The Holden Beach Board of Commissioners made revisions to the $31,743,027 budget during its June 3 special meeting, including a unanimous motion to give out $5,000 worth of bonuses to the staff who were directly involved in the recent completion of the town’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) agreement. “The budget priorities are high quality infrastructure, community improvements, accessibility, communications and growing human capital,” Interim Town Manager Christy Ferguson said during the June 3 meeting. “Challenges that we see are unknown assistance from other levels of government going forward, and inflation.” The proposed FY 25-26 budget includes, among other expenditures, the construction of a concert venue, funding for pier property planning and a 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for town employees. The town’s general fund revenue for the next fiscal year is projected to match general fund expenditures at $4,802,398, which is $62,485 more than in the fiscal year 2024-2025. Of that revenue, $3,335,278 is projected to come from ad valorem (property) taxes, a $646 decrease from the FY 24-25 budget. The largest chunk of the town’s general fund expenditures, $1,559,672, is for the police department, which will undergo a restructuring initiative to improve recruitment and retention. Police Chief Jeremy Dixon gave an update on this process during the May 20 board meeting. “We increased the training budget,” Dixon said, “and the training budget is going to cover the fitness programs as well as books, uniforms, things like that.” The town is projected to spend $185,000 on professional services in FY 25-26 — $65,000 more than the $120,000 it spent on professional services in FY 24-25. This expenditure includes the bond attorney and financial advisor that the town recently hired for assistance in creating a pier referendum, which is projected to cost between $25,000 and $30,000. The proposed budget also includes a transfer of $100,000 to the town’s beach renourishment fund. Last fiscal year, the town transferred $126,988 to that fund. Planning and inspections department expenditures are projected to be $508,486, which increased $44,732 from last fiscal year’s total of $463,754. This is due to incentive increases for reaching required training certificate levels, the budget message states. Public works, streets, building and grounds expenditures are expected to total $883,503 in FY 25-26, a $353,450 jump from the projected FY 24-25 amount of $530,053. The increase is primarily to cover the cost of $300,000 worth of engineering designs and permitting for a phased stormwater initiative. Sanitation expenses are projected to cost $236,842 in FY 25-26, which is $21,356 more than FY 24-25’s projected cost of $215,486. Beach, parks, access and recreation tourism (BPART) fund revenues, designated for beach preservation and tourism related expenses, are projected to match expenditures at $5,757,489. The projected FY 25-26 BPART revenue is $482,190 less than last fiscal year’s total of $6,239,679. The largest component of the projected BPART fund revenue is $4,050,000 from accommodation tax, roughly the same amount as in FY 24-25. The total parking revenue estimate for FY 25-26 is $916,255. Revenue generated from paid parking goes into the BPART fund. The town is projected to spend $314,024 in FY 25-26 to maintain the pier property and make debt payments on the property’s purchase. Pier parking revenue will generate $128,275 for the town and rent from the pier’s six camping sites is projected to make $22,000. During FY 25-26, BPART is projected to fund capital projects including the construction of a concert venue on Block Q and design and engineering services for the pier project. It also includes a $600,000 transfer to the beach and inlet capital reserve fund.

Water and sewer
The base rate for monthly water usage will increase from $22.72 in FY 24-25 to $26.62 in FY 25-26. The base rate for wastewater will increase from $16.10 to $20. Additionally, the town will end its practice of not charging for the first 2,000 gallons of water and wastewater used monthly by residential, business and commercial customers. The town will not change its rates for metered water usage. A household that typically uses an amount between 2,001 and 6,000 gallons of water per month, for example, will pay $14.86 more per month for that amount of water in FY 25-26 compared to the last fiscal year. This calculation is based on the town’s fee schedule, updated Dec. 17, 2024, and accounts for the $3.90 base rate increase, as well as the first 2,000 gallons of water, which cost $5.46 per thousand gallons. A household that produces between 2,001 and 6,000 gallons of wastewater per month in FY 25-26 will pay an additional $18.80 compared to what it paid for the same amount of wastewater FY 24-25. This includes the $3.90 base rate increase and $14.90 for the first 2,000 gallons, which cost $7.45 per thousand gallons.

ADA agreement completion, employee bonuses
During the May 20 Board of Commissioners meeting, the board approved an ADA completion agreement that marked the end of a two-year process focused on improving beach accessibility. Consequently, during the June 3 budget workshop, the board unanimously agreed to budget $5,000 total in bonuses for the staff who completed the work. The town of Holden Beach entered the Key Bridge Foundation Americans with Disabilities Act mediation agreement with resident Martha Myers in April 2023. Myers attended the May 20 board meeting to give her final comments. “My hope is that other area beach towns, on their own, will take a close look at their facilities, programs and services with regard to accessibility,” Myers said, “and maybe even learn from Holden Beach.” To complete its obligations in the agreement, the town replaced sidewalks, installed slip resistant surfaces, installed accessible paths to the beach and ensured access to restrooms, among other actions, the agreement notes. “It took a whole lot more work than I think it was really anticipated to start with,” Commissioner Rick Smith said during the budget workshop, “and I think that our staff went above and beyond what was actually required.” The town spent more than $727,000 of BPART funding in the last two years to meet the ADA requirements, Ferguson said. Planning and Inspections Director Tim Evans served as the ADA compliance specialist during the process. “[The staff] got them done by the deadline for the ADA agreement,” Commissioner Rick Paarfus said. “Not often you get multiple projects going and you cross the finish line in perfect timing, so that’s a big deal.” This story does not cover every aspect of the proposed budget. The full budget is available for viewing at town hall.
Read more » click here

Regular Meeting

1.   Conflict of Interest Check

2024 Rules of Procedure for the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners
(e) Conflict Check. Immediately after the approval of the agenda, the Presiding Officer shall poll each member to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. In the event that a potential conflict is disclosed, the members will vote on a motion to allow or excuse that member with respect to the agenda item. If excused, the member may not participate in any discussion, debate, or vote with respect to the agenda item.

The Board was polled by Heather our Town Clerk. All of them declared that there was no conflict of interest with any agenda item at this meeting. 

2.   Consideration and Possible Action on HDR Report – Interim Town Manager Ferguson, Will Fuller and Bill Kincannon, HDR

Agenda Packet – pages 12 – 13

HDR Report » click here

HDR is unable to provide the cost estimate for demolition of the current pier and construction of a new pier until Friday, which is past the agenda’s deadline. A supplement to the agenda will be sent out once staff receives the information. The cost estimate will affect the supporting information for agenda items 8 &9.

ISSUE/ ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action on HDR report.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
HDR will deliver a cost estimate for demolition of the current pier and construction of a new pier.

Following the completion of preliminary structural design and an initial constructability review, HDR recommends a Not-To-Exceed (NTE) construction cost for the Town’s fishing pier at $7,300,000. This amount reflects the demolition of the existing structure, material and labor for the proposed pier structure, the material and labor for the most conservatively priced construction methodology, and a 25% contingency factor.

Previously reported – May 2025
Discussion and Possible Action on Securing Bond Counsel and a Financial Advisor for a Possible Referendum – Scott Leo, Parker Poe & Andrew Carter, DEC Associates (Interim Town Manager Ferguson)

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on securing bond counsel and a financial advisor for a possible referendum.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Following discussions in the budget workshops about potentially moving forward with a referendum for the pier rebuild, staff coordinated with our bond counsel and financial advisor. Bond counsel will be present to lead you through what would be involved in this process.

Bond Attorney and Financial Advisor Services
At the April meeting and at a subsequent budget workshop, there was a reference to a possible referendum regarding the pier. At the budget workshop, I stated I had  been  in contact  with our financial advisor and bond attorney and there was a lengthier process involved than what had been discussed. Scott Leo, with Parker Poe, has prepared an engagement letter and  included  sample calendars with required actions for board  consideration of entering this process.  He will  be available to answer questions.

Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina General Obligation Referendum
(Pier Project)

Scope of Engagement.
Our understanding is that the Town is considering holding a general obligation bond referendum for the authorization of the Bonds in either 2025 or 2026. As bond counsel, the Firm will provide certain legal services for the Bonds related to referendum process. Specifically, our services include:

• • participation in meetings with Town staff and the Town Board of Commissioners, as required;
  • preparation of various resolutions, bond orders and public hearing notices relating to the authorization of the referendum on the question as to whether to approve the issuance of the Bonds; and
  • participation with the Local Government Commission in the approval of the Bonds;

If the voters of the Town approve the Bonds at the referendum and the Town proceeds to  Issue the Bonds, the Town and the Firm will determine at that time the services to be rendered related to the issuance of the Bonds.

I would expect that the total costs for the referendum process would range from $25,000 to $30,000

DEC Associates Inc is a financial advisory firm based in Charlotte, NC, specializing in providing worry-free and fast digital or printed financial document services. With a commitment to accessibility, they offer 24/7 support to their clients, ensuring efficient handling of their financial needs.

 As experts in their field, DEC Associates Inc assists clients in various financial matters, including the issuance of special obligation bonds. They work closely with reputable institutions like BofA Merrill Lynch and Parker Poe Adams Bernstein LLP to provide comprehensive financial advice and support. With a team of experienced professionals, DEC Associates Inc is dedicated to delivering reliable and efficient financial solutions to their clients.

HDR Executive Summary » click here

In summary, the overall condition of the existing fishing pier was assessed to be in POOR condition and HOR recommends replacing the timber superstructure in its entirety. The pier approach (superstructure and substructure) will also be required to be replaced in its entirety to satisfy federal ADA requirements. The existing substructure has many structural deficiencies which would require extensive repairs and is currently at the end of its useful service life. This coupled with the fact that the recommended construction methods would be similar for both repair and replacement options supports the conclusion that repairing the existing pier would not be structurally cost effective, nor would it provide the longevity or service life that results from replacing the timber fishing pier. Therefore, it is HDR’s recommendation that the Town of Holden Beach consider a pier replacement option only.

A presentation was made by Scott the Town’s bond counsel on a possible bond referendum to fund the pier project. He explained what a general bond obligation is, that is to  issue debt for a capital project. Since we signed over the land rights of the pier property for grant money we have no collateral to borrow against. That said, the only viable financing option is a general obligation bond. The key is that we are pledging the taxing power of the town. In order to do that the taxpayers must approve the pledging of that taxing power therefore the referendum on the general election November ballot. The main issue with a referendum is that a majority of property owners are not registered to vote here and will not be able to participate. Unfortunately, the referendum is the only option that meets statuary requirements.at is We will need to state what we are doing the bond for and for how much money. There are very specific protocols that spell out the required actions the Board will need to take. He proceeded to walk them through the proposed calendar that they would need to adhere to.  The statute tells us the prescribed language that is required to be put on the ballot. If the referendum is approved by the voters, the bond order will then need approval from North Carolina’s Local Government Commission. When the Town was pursuing the purchase of the pier property in 2022 we were told not come back and ask for more money for the pier and we told them that we wouldn’t but now we are going to have to ask for additional funding approval .  The LGC typically tend to defer to the voters will. Voter-approved General Obligation bonds are pretty much the only viable way for us to get approval from the LGC to borrow money for funding a new pier. The town retains flexibility, as it is not obligated to issue bonds even if the referendum passes, and additional funding sources can supplement the pier project. We knew that paying for the pier was going to be challenging, if we want to move forward with a building a new pier this is what we have to do. Commissioner Thomas made a motion to secure bond counsel and a financial advisor and possible referendum for a pier rebuild and to move ahead with the second schedule in the agenda packet.

A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion

Update –
The projected construction cost not-to-exceed number of $7.3 million dollars is with the most conservatively priced construction methodology. That is the ceiling that we are planning on going to move forward with for the construction of the pier. The Board by consensus accepted the report.

Holden Beach plans referendum to decide pier project’s future
The Holden Beach Board of Commissioners is planning to hold a referendum in November to let voters decide if they are willing to pledge their tax dollars to fund the cost of a new pier. During its May 20 meeting, the board voted 3-2 to secure the services of a bond counsel and financial advisor. The board may now move forward in the process of creating a bond order and referendum to fund the pier. “If we want a pier, we’re going to have to build a new one,” Commissioner Tracey Thomas said. “The only way we can do that is to take on debt.” Partner Scott Leo from the Parker Poe law firm in Charlotte attended the meeting to give an overview of the process and answer commissioners’ questions. He estimated the firm’s legal fees up to the date of the election will cost the town between $25,000 and $30,000. DEC Associates’ Director Andrew Carter, who attended the meeting remotely, said it will cost about $10,000 for financial advising. If the referendum is approved, there will be additional fees for further counsel and advising. Earlier this year, the board hired an engineering firm to assess the condition of the existing pier, which recommended that the pier be demolished and fully reconstructed. The firm, HDC Engineering, will provide an estimate of reconstruction costs prior to June 17, Interim Town Manager Christy Ferguson said. After receiving the estimated costs, the board will choose an amount for the general obligation bond. It must add a level of contingency funding to the estimate to determine the maximum principal balance of the bonds, which must be included on the ballot, Leo said. “I think paying for the pier is going to be challenging,” Commissioner Rick Paarfus said. “I mean, we’re probably going to have to borrow some money, and I think the bond route may be the most likely successful route.” The board will consult with Carter to determine how the town will fund the bonds. Discussions will include whether the bonds will require a tax increase, Carter said, as that information is legally required to be included on the ballot. If additional funding sources for the pier arise, the board can use those sources. Additionally, the town is not obligated to issue the bonds if approved, Leo said. “So basically, if we get this approved,” Paarfus said, “it becomes a financial tool we could deploy. We don’t have to. In other words, we can still go seek grants or other ways to fund this project.” When a town issues a general obligation bond, it pledges the full faith and credit of the taxing power of the town. The citizens must approve the pledging of that taxing power, hence the referendum. If approved, the board will have seven years to issue the bonds, Leo said. “You’re asking the voters, do you approve this bond order and authorize the town to issue up to this amount of bonds for this purpose?” Leo said. After deciding on a maximum principal amount and purpose for the bond order, the board must set and hold a public hearing. It may hold more than one, but North Carolina statute requires at least one. The draft calendar Leo presented at the board meeting set the hearing for Aug. 19. At the end of the future public hearing, the board will adopt the bond order and a resolution to set the referendum. Commissioners will then no longer be allowed to increase the amount of the bond, but it may decrease it, Leo said. Commissioner Rick Smith expressed concern about how the referendum would be received by the citizens. He recalled that when the town initially bought the pier, citizens warned the board not to come back around asking to borrow money. “At that time, we said, ‘Well, we’re going to start paid parking on the island, and that’s how we’re planning to finance it,’ ” Smith said. Smith and Commissioner Page Dyer voted against the motion to move forward with the bond counsel and financial advisor. Commissioner Tom Myers, Paarfus and Thomas voted for it. Myers called the motion a “no-regrets action,” stating that if the town moves forward with constructing the pier, it is an essential step. Dyer brought up the large portion of taxpayers who are not able to vote in Holden Beach and wanted to make sure that their input will be taken into consideration. “With the majority of people that might see a tax increase not being able to vote, certainly their information is going to have to be considered at a public hearing because they can’t vote,” Dyer said. If the referendum is approved by the voters, the bond order will then need approval from North Carolina’s Local Government Commission.
Read more » click here

3.   Review and Undertake Required Initial Board Actions to Pursue a 2025 General Obligation Referendum – Interim Town Manager Ferguson, Scott Leo, Parker Poe & Andrew Carter, DEC Associates
a. Resolution 25-03, Resolution Directing the Publication of Notice of Intention to Apply to the Local Government Commissioner for Approval of Bonds
b. Resolution 25-04 – Resolution Making Certain Statements of Fact Concerning Proposed Bond Issue and Authorizing the Application to the Local Government Commission

Agenda Packet – pages 12, 14 – 20

Resolution 25-03 » click here

Resolution 25-04 » click here 

HDR is unable to provide the cost estimate for demolition of the current pier and construction of a new pier until Friday, which is past the agenda’s deadline. A supplement to the agenda will be sent out once staff receives the information. The cost estimate will affect the supporting information for agenda items 8 &9.

ISSUE/ ACTION REQUESTED:
Review and undertake required initial board actions to pursue a 2025 GO Referendum.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
At the May meeting the board decided to pursue a GO Referendum regarding the pier. The following documents represent required actions to begin the process.

TOWN MANAGER,S RECOMMENDATION:
Consider approval of documents to move forward to the next steps in the process.

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA  DIRECTING  THE  PUBLICATION  OF NOTICE OF INTENTION  TO APPLY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL OF BONDS

WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners (the “Board”) of the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina (the “Town”) is considering the issuance of general obligation bonds of the Town which shall be for the following purposes and in the following maximum amount:

$                           of bonds to finance the capital costs of the demolition and removal  of the existing pier and  construction of a new pier, including any improvements related thereto.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT  RESOLVED  by  the  Board  that  the  Town  Clerk  is  hereby  directed to cause a copy of the “NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL OF BONDS” to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL OF BONDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the intention of the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina to file an application with the Local Government Commission, Raleigh, North Carolina for its approval of the issuance of general obligation bonds of the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina which shall be for the following purposes and in the following maximum amounts:

$                           of bonds to finance the capital costs of the demolition and removal  of the existing pier and  construction of a new pier, including any improvements related thereto.

Any citizen or taxpayer of the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina objecting to the issuance of any or all of said bonds, within seven (7) days after the date of publication of this notice, may file with the Local Government Commission, 3200 Atlantic Avenue, Longleaf Building, Raleigh, NC 27604, Attention: Deputy Secretary, and with the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina, a written statement setting forth each objection to the proposed bond issue and such statement shall contain the name and address of the person filing it.

Update –
The $7.3 million is a not-to-exceed number, that number can always be lowered but can’t be raised without starting the process all over again. The referendum is the only option that meets statuary requirements. This is a tool that they may deploy to get the job done. The Local Government Commission (LGC) informed the town that at all of our public meetings that the item is discussed they must state that the new pier structure is not insurable for a storm event. (Why is this important? – because we will have to repay the bonds even if the pier is destroyed by a storm event) HDR is still working on developing a life cycle cost of maintenance for the next thirty (30) years. The motion was made to approve both resolutions and have the Town Manager execute the contract.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

The fate of a new Brunswick pier could fall on voters. Here’s what to know.
A Brunswick beach town is seeking funding for a new pier through a bond referendum. The town of Holden Beach has been making splashes toward constructing a new pier for residents and visitors. Without millions in the bank to spend on building a fishing pier, commissioners are hoping a bond referendum will fund the project.

Here’s a recap and update on what’s been happening.

A closed pier and demolished pier building
The wooden Holden Beach Pier at fishing pier at 441 Ocean Blvd. West has stood for nearly 70 years. With sea-beaten pilings and a host of safety issues, commissioners and residents have questioned the pier’s future since 2022, after the town purchased the pier and pier house property for around $3.3 million. The pier and pier house have since been closed to the public. Commissioners in March 2025 decided to demolish the pier building after being told the fishing pier structure is rotted and will require extensive, costly repairs in order to be saved. The building was demolished but the pier remains standing.

Concrete or wooden pier?
In March, town-hired engineers said the cheapest option will be to build a new pier and suggested the town save money by eliminating the option of repairing the pier. The engineers in April said a concrete pier would be the most expensive, costing 2-3 times of a wooden or hybrid pier, which is a wooden structure with concrete pilings. Despite cost differences, engineers told the board that Mother Nature could destroy both a wooden pier and concrete pier. The board opted to move forward with an engineering services contract for a new, full timber pier. The pier, if constructed, will have a T-structure on the end and extend out to 1,000 feet.

Process of a referendum
Scott Leo with Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, LLP, during the board’s May 15 meeting explained to the town what the process of a general obligation bond referendum looks like. The given schedule in the meeting packet sets the public hearing for the referendum on Aug. 19. Leo said the town could host additional public hearings if the board wishes. Commissioners can stop the referendum process anytime they want, Leo said. If commissioners continue to move forward, Holden Beach voters on Election Day will be given the opportunity to vote for the referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot. The ballot would include the bond amount, and any property tax increase associated with the bond. On Dec. 12, the board of commissioners will declare the results of the special bond referendum and adopt the bond resolution if the majority of voters vote in favor. Bond order approval from the Local Government Commission will be required and is estimated to be by March 2026, after the referendum results are declared.

Using bond funds to pay for new pier
The town, if the bond is issued and used, will use the funds to construct a new pier. The bond amount is an “up to amount,” Leo said, and does not have to be issued all at once or completely. “If the bonds are approved, you have seven years to issue those bonds,” said Leo, noting there is a process to extend the issue but unused bonds will expire. Other project funding opportunities available, such as grants, can also be used, he explained. Three out of five commissioners said they believe building a new pier requires the town to go into debt. However, commissioners Rick Smith and Page Dyer expressed discomfort with moving forward asking property taxpayers to support a bond referendum. The town approached the Local Government Commission when purchasing the pier property and, Smith said, the commission asked the town not to come back for a bond to build a new pier. Commissioners voted 3-2 to start the general obligations bond referendum process by securing bond council and a financial advisor for a possible bond referendum to build a new pier.
Read more » click here

4.   Discussion and Possible Action on Pursuing $2.2 Million in Environmental Infrastructure Funding through the Corps – Interim Town Manager Ferguson & Bob Kiestler, Corps

Agenda Packet – pages 21 – 48

Project Partnership Agreement » click here 

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on pursuing $2.2 million in Environmental Infrastructure funding through the Army Corps of Engineers.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Following Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, the Town was awarded environmental infrastructure disaster relief funding through Congress.  These funds flow directly to the Corps and through this program they would reimburse stormwater project costs up to 75%. Bob Keistler will be here to give some background on the program and discuss the Project Partnership Agreement (PPA). This funding is projected to fall over two fiscal years.

USACE Environmental Infrastructure Project
Following Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, the Town was awarded $2.2 million in environmental infrastructure funding for phasing projects from our approved stormwater master plan. The projects involve the 300 Block of Ocean Boulevard and the East End of Ave A and Mullet. When these appropriations are made through Congress, the money flows directly to the Corps and then they reimburse the Town up to 75% of the project costs. The Corps will be at the meeting to explain the program and what would be needed as far as the Project Partnership Agreement. The partnership is expected to operate over two fiscal years, with next fiscal year’s estimate being $300,000.

North Carolina Environmental Infrastructure Program
Section 5113 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007

Authorization allows the Corps of Engineers to conduct a program of environmental infrastructure improvements that provide design and construction assistance for the following range of activities:

 .  a. wastewater treatment and related facilities
 .  b. combined sewer overflow, water supply, storage, treatment, and related facilities
.   c. drinking water infrastructure including treatment and related facilities
.   d. environmental restoration
.   e. stormwater infrastructure
.   f. surface water resource  protection and development

Design and construction assistance can only be provided for publicly owned facilities. A partnership agreement for the conduct of design and construction assistance must be executed for each project initiated under this program. Federal cost sharing of the project costs is set at 75%, which could be provided in the form of grants or reimbursements of project costs to the non-Federal interests. Also, the Federal Government could provide the non-Federal interests partial credit for work performed before the partnership agreement was executed, and provide credit for lands, easements and rights-of way. The non-Federal interests must provide for all operation and maintenance costs of the project.
For more information » click here

Project Descriptions

Area 1 – 300 Block of Ocean Boulevard West

Several hundred feet of public ROW along Ocean Boulevard West (OBW), in an area referred to as the 300 Block, and Brunswick Avenue to the north, experience significant floodwater retention following storm events.

A dedicated right-of-way (ROW) at 317 Brunswick Avenue West, which connects OBW and Brunswick Avenue, is currently used as an unofficial vehicle and pedestrian access. This project would convert the ROW to a 2.5-foot-deep storage depression to hold runoff from both OBW and Brunswick Avenue.

Catch basins will be installed along the north side of OBW, including at the low point of the road, and at the intersection of High Point Street and Brunswick Avenue. As the catch basin at the low point of the road will be located within the ROW of OBW and not on the road itself, its rim elevation will sit above the lowest elevation of the road. The road would be elevated to encourage positive flow to the inlet and to avoid further road ponding.

Catch basins will be connected by 15″ High Performance Polypropylene pipes (HPPP), producing two different directions of flow: one, from the low point of the road, through the storage depression, and discharging at the outlet of the Brunswick Avenue channel, and the other from the low point of the road, down OBW and High Point Street. and discharging into the channel near the intersection of High Point Street and Brunswick Avenue.

In order to maintain a positive outfall within the proposed stormwater network, the Brunswick Avenue channel will be dropped approximately 1.5 feet between its outset and the inlet of the existing outlet pipe. The channel will be re-graded as needed while maintaining minimum side slopes of 3:1.

The existing culvert under Marker Fifty-Five Drive and the existing outlet pipe running along the east side of High Point St. will both be upsized to 18″ Reinforced Concrete Pipes (RCPs). The tide gate on the existing outlet pipe will be replaced.

Additional measures will include a second 1.5-foot-deep storage depression at 339 Brunswick Avenue, along with another dedicated ROW. This storage depression will be connected to the proposed stormwater network on OBW and discharge north into the Brunswick Avenue channel just before the Marker Fifty-Five Drive culvert.

Area 2 – East End of Mullet Street Area & East End of Avenue A

Public ROW along Ocean Boulevard East (QBE) on the east end of Holden Beach, between Ferry Road and Dunescape Drive, experiences frequent periods of standing water following rain events as runoff is transported through the existing stormwater network or infiltrates into the soil.

The proposed project involves upsizing the existing stormwater system such that a 2-year storm level of service is achieved in the section of OBE east of Mullet St. and the entire area sees a reduction in flood depths due to both 2-year and 10-year storms. Further reduction in flooding from the 10-year storm is to be realized by eliminating roadway flooding along OBE between Avenue A and Dunescape Drive.

The existing stormwater network along Ocean Boulevard East (OBE) west of Mullet Street will remain with individual pipe inverts dropped as needed to create positive drainage within the system. Existing pipes along OBE east of Mullet St. will be upsized to 24″ RCPs with the final of these pipes upsized to a 30″ RCP. In order to accommodate the burial of the new 24″ RCP, the existing channel at the upstream end of this pipe system will be dropped by -0.5 feet and re-graded as needed while maintaining a minimum side slope of 3:1.

Similarly, the existing pipe under Blockade Runner Drive will be upsized to an 18″ RCP with its downstream pipe that runs under QBE upsized to a 24″ RCP. All pipes along Mullet St. will be upsized to 30″ RCPs and a tide gate will be installed on the final outlet pipe. These appear to be the largest pipe sizes that can reasonably fit underneath the road while maintaining necessary clearance.

Additionally, three (3) 1-footdeep swales with 4:1 side slopes will be installed along the northern ROW of OBE between McCray Street and Dunescape Drive. 12″ HPPP culverts will be installed under roadways to connect the swales and tie them to the existing system.

Due to the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), improvement options in this area are limited.

Update –
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.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

5.   Police Report – Chief Jeremy Dixon

Agenda Packet – pages 49 – 54

Police Report » click here

Jeremy reviewed the actions that were taken by them last month

It’s the busy season on Holden Beach and
they are in full summertime mode

“The Season is Underway!”

Search ongoing for person swept away from rip current off Brunswick beach
A 23-year-old remains missing after strong currents caused trouble for some friends enjoying the beach at Holden Beach on Monday afternoon, June 16

.
Body of missing swimmer at Holden Beach recovered on Oak Island
The body of a missing swimmer from High Point, NC, was recovered Wednesday morning at a Brunswick County beach. According to a statement from the Holden Beach Police Department, the 23-year-old victim was found on the west end of Oak Island around 9:30 a.m. On Tuesday, WWAY spoke with Sarah Moxley and she identified the victim as her brother, Matthew Robert Bauer. She said he was swimming with two friends near the Lockwood Folly Inlet east of Holden Beach.  He was in the water when strong currents in the inlet got hold of Bauer and swept him away. Rescue crews from Holden Beach and Oak Island were dispatched to the area Monday evening and could be seen searching the area. The U.S. Coast Guard confirms they also responded to assist with the rescue search. On Tuesday, Moxley and other family members gathered at Holden Beach to learn more from authorities about the search for Bauer. She and her siblings walked on the beach where their brother was last seen Monday evening.
Read more » click here

Staffing –
Chris Thompson was moved from part-time status to full-time status

John Bajkowski was sworn in and is our newest officer

Conditional offer of employment initiated to Austin Bell  a graduating student of  BLET
• Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)

Of the three officers that were on medical leave – one is back to work 

 Having the full complement of eleven (11) police officers seems to be an elusive goal.

What he did not say –

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 new 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 seatbelt 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.

Chief Dixon encourages everyone to download the app

NC Police Connect on the App Store

6.   Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans

Agenda Packet – pages 55 – 57

Inspections Report » click here 

ACTIVE NEW HOME PERMITS                                                               = 27
OTHER ACTIVE PERMITS                                                                         = 535
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $30,000                                                             = 79
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $100,000                                                           = 5
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS                            = 1
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED WAITING PICK UP                                                     = 28
TOTAL PERMITS                                                                                         = 590

PERMITS IN REVIEW                                                                                = 10
CAMA ISSUED                                                                                             = 6
ZONING ISSUED                                                                                         = 15

PERMITS SERVICED FOR INSPECTIONS FROM 05/01 – 05/31            = 106
TOTAL INSPECTIONS MADE                                                                 = 236

Update –
Timbo briefly reviewed department activity last month, the department is staying busy. He encouraged all canal home owners to put house numbers on the back of their homes the same as oceanfront properties are required to do on the strand side of their homes. They continue to work on making some additional ADA improvements. He has been working with Tri-Beach Fire Department on a new fire station on the island.

7.   Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey

Agenda Packet – pages 58 – 60

Finance Report » click here 

Update –
Daniel briefly reviewed the Finance Report 

8.  Town Manager Report – Interim Town Manager Ferguson 

Agenda Packet – pages 61 – 62

Town Manager Report » click here

Christy reviewed the Town Manager Report

Greensboro Street / Sewer Lift Station #2
Meeting to occur with engineer, contractor, and town staff on June 26^th
Fourth application for payment submitted to engineer for certification
State still lags in sending payments
Contractor given an additional seventy-two (72) days to complete the project
Construction schedule completion will now be around October

Previously reported – May 2025
Work is progressing, currently the project is about 62% complete
The State is lagging on reimbursements
The Federal Government now requires some  additional justification 

Previously reported – April 2025
Construction schedule anticipates completion in August
Buy America Build America waivers granted by EPA

Block Q Restrooms & Parking
They have some serious concerns about the work that is being done there
New project superintendent taking over

Previously reported – May 2025
The bathroom on Block Q is scheduled to be completed by August 20^th
There will be a Ground Breaking ceremony on June 4^th  at 10:00am

Previously reported – April 2025
Extension applied for with the state

Ocean Boulevard Stormwater
USACE will be present at June meeting to brief board on Environmental Infrastructure project partnership. Held a meeting with Division of Coastal Management (Wilmington) and our engineer regarding inquiry on permitting for additional areas of concern.

Previously reported – May 2025
USACE will attend the June meeting to brief the Board

Previously reported – April 2025
Staff met with the USACE regarding understanding timeline/scope of project funding

Previously reported – March 2025
Our lobbyist Ward and Smith met with the State regarding Federal funding for Ocean Blvd. stormwater issues.

Previously reported – February 2025
More to come on a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) and the required Board Action to engage in the $2.2 million in federal funding.

Pier Site
Third meeting with staff and HDR was held June 11^th

Previously reported – May 2025
Second meeting with staff and HDR was held May 15^th

Previously reported – April 2025
Building was removed per last month’s bid award

THB Newsletter (04/15/25)
Work has been completed and the pier parking lot and walkways are now open.
Please be mindful not to stand or sit under the pier structure.

FEMA
No word yet as of the date of this report regarding what the advisory committee for FEMA recommended concerning Cat G beaches.

In a June 3^rd  meeting with Grayson Overholt from Senator Tillis’ office, I asked for any updates. He stated that Senator Tillis had submitted some reform recommendations including pulling FEMA out from under Homeland Security but those are still being considered at the federal level.

Previously reported – May 2025
Memo released from FEMA recommending that beaches should be removed from eligible disaster assistance. What that means is that beach nourishment will no longer be part of federal recovery efforts after storm events.

The state’s rainy-day fund is taking a hit from Hurricane Helene and legislators fear hurricane season impacts. Tourism industry suffered statewide after Helene because of misunderstanding about the status of the state.

States and Cities Fear a Disaster Season Full of Unknowns Amid Federal Cuts
President Trump’s efforts to downsize the government threaten essential functions that Americans have come to rely on before, during and after natural disasters. States and cities along ​the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are ​heading into hurricane season​ with an extraordinary level of uncertainty, unable to ​g​auge how significant cuts at vital federal agencies will affect weather forecasts, emergency response and long-term recovery. They are bracing for the likelihood that fewer meteorologists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will lead to less accurate forecasts, and that the loss of experienced managers at the Federal Emergency Management Agency will lead to less coordination and more inaction. Governors and mayors are also anticipating less financial aid, as the Trump administration shifts the burden of response and recovery away from the federal government. Exactly who will pay for what moving forward is a gaping question as disasters become bigger and costlier. “There’s no plan in writing for how FEMA intends to respond during this disaster season,” said Trina Sheets, the executive director of the National Emergency Management Association, which represents state emergency managers. “Things seem to be changing on a daily basis. But there’s no road map for states to follow or to be able to plan for.” The Department of Government Efficiency, the cost-cutting initiative led by Elon Musk, has left agencies that would normally be preparing for a run of extreme weather at this point in the year trying instead to find their footing after leadership changes and staffing cuts. FEMA has lost about a quarter of its full-time staff, including one-fifth of the coordinating officers who manage responses to large-scale disasters, according to a former senior official. Many of those employees made their own decision to leave. NOAA has lost about one-fifth of its staff, including hundreds of people from the National Weather Service. The thought of a shrunken FEMA — or eliminating the agency altogether, which President Trump has raised — is unnerving coastal residents like Trasi Sharp, of Sanibel Island, Fla. Her business, Over Easy Cafe, was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. “To just get rid of it with no plan is frightening,” Ms. Sharp said of the agency. It took her 18 months to rebuild, and then she lost $60,000 worth of equipment in Hurricane Milton last year, after the low-lying restaurant took on two-and-a-half feet of water. She did not receive FEMA assistance to repair her restaurant or her home, but she said the agency’s debris removal services were essential to the island’s recovery. “It’s just such a confusing time,” she added. “We’re all on pins and needles this season.” The agency did not respond to requests for comment before this story was published online. In an email after publication, a spokesperson for FEMA said that it was “shifting from a bloated, DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers state actors to provide relief for their citizens.” Kristi Noem, the Department of Homeland Security secretary, whose department includes FEMA, said on Tuesday that the agency was prepared for hurricane season, which extends from June through November. Some of the other federal agencies involved in disaster response agreed, in responses to emailed questions. But the Army Corps of Engineers, which is often called on to help communities after storms, acknowledged that it did not know “the full impact that staff departures or other reductions will have.” The unknowns extend beyond hurricanes. States and cities in the West, going into peak wildfire season, say they are concerned about how much they will be able to lean on the federal government after the Trump administration reduced the ranks of United States Forest Service personnel who support frontline firefighters. The domino effect may be that more local firefighters are deployed to help other jurisdictions fight wildfires sooner and for longer — leaving fewer available back at home, Chief Leonard Johnson of the McLane Black Lake Fire Department near Olympia, Wash., said in a news conference this month. Several state officials in the West said all the uncertainty affirmed their decision to devote more resources to their own firefighting efforts in recent years. “We have made the effort to try to take our fate back,” said Stan Hilkey, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Safety. There is no historical comparison since no other administration has made such deep cuts to FEMA or other disaster-response agencies. In the recent past, the nightmare scenario came in 2017, when FEMA struggled to respond to three devastating hurricanes in quick succession — Harvey, Irma and Maria — as well as widespread wildfires in California. The agency came close to running out of staff to deploy. At the start of that year’s hurricane season, FEMA had 6,588 trained staff members available to deploy to disasters, according to agency records. As of Wednesday, it had 1,952. States with robust budgets and considerable experience with disasters, such as Texas and Florida, may be better suited to working with less federal help than less affluent, more rural states that have fewer funds to tap into. Climate change has not only made extreme weather more frequent and deadlier, but also more likely to hit where it rarely did before. Even some who believe that FEMA needs an overhaul have acknowledged that the speed and volume of the changes could make this disaster season bumpy. “We’re going to be massively transforming the response system while that response system has to be effectively responding,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia, a Republican, said on Tuesday at the inaugural meeting of a Trump-appointed council that will make recommendations on FEMA’s future. Few question the need for improvements to the nation’s disjointed disaster response system, especially when it comes to long-term recovery. FEMA employees say they are often buried in months of paperwork. States and cities may submit a rebuilding proposal, only to find themselves caught in a lengthy back-and-forth after FEMA underestimates its price tag. Disaster victims often complain that FEMA takes too long, and offers too little, to be of real help. “They need to be revamped,” said Karen Small, 54, whose elevated home on Sanibel Island suffered damage during Hurricane Ian. That storm caused more deaths in Florida than any in almost 90 years. After her property insurance payout fell short, Ms. Small turned to FEMA to help cover some of her repairs. Agency officials insisted on meeting in person four times to review her application, while she was staying more than three hours away. In the end, she received $700, the standard amount that FEMA offers disaster victims. “That $700 covered my gas just to meet them,” she said. “It was almost an insult.” Yet few can fathom disaster recovery without the federal government. “My God where would this community be without FEMA?” said Nic Hunter, the outgoing mayor of Lake Charles, near the Louisiana coastline, who steered the city through Hurricane Laura in 2020. His city alone claimed more than $200 million after that storm and Hurricane Delta that year, he said. Had the federal government not stepped in, the city would have had to raise taxes and cut back services to make up the difference. “By and large, my experience with FEMA has been a positive one,” he said. FEMA is weighing whether to make it more difficult for states to qualify for financial assistance, and whether to reimburse state and local governments at a lower rate. The Trump administration wants states and cities to bear the brunt of the response and cost, saying they can be quicker and more effective. One possibility is to give states block grants to disburse as needed. “He wants us to be there in a time of need, but he wants the response to be led by those who know best,” Ms. Noem told the advisory council on Tuesday. She asked members to think of a new name for the restructured agency. In previous administrations, both Republican and Democratic, new presidents had appointed permanent, Senate-confirmed administrators of FEMA by the onset of hurricane season. Mr. Trump has not. The administration pushed out Cameron Hamilton, its first acting head, after he told lawmakers this month that the agency should not be eliminated. He was replaced by David Richardson, who has no emergency management background and on his first full day told FEMA employees during a town hall that if any of them tried to get in his way, “I will run right over you.” On Wednesday, Mr. Richardson told employees that he was rescinding the agency’s previous strategic plan. He added that a new plan would be developed “this summer,” according to a copy of the memo reviewed by The New York Times. When Arkansas was struck by tornadoes in March, FEMA surprised the state by initially denying its request to help victims cover housing, rental and other expenses. The federal government approved the request this month after Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican who served as press secretary during Mr. Trump’s first term, sent a personal appeal to the president. Mayor Cara Spencer of St. Louis pleaded for help after a tornado ripped through her city on Friday, killing at least five people and causing an estimated more than $1.6 billion in damage. “We’re going to run out of resources here pretty quickly,” she said in an interview, calling it a “classic” example of when the federal government needs to step in. Beyond concerns about funding, emergency managers fear that sharp cuts to federal weather forecasting may give them less precise information to make decisions on evacuations, shelters and positioning of aid materials. “Having an accurate forecast is one of the most critical pieces of information for effective warning and alerting of populations,” said David Merrick, who runs the emergency management and homeland security program at the Center for Disaster Risk Policy at Florida State University. NOAA did not respond to a request for comment. James Franklin, a meteorologist who retired in 2017 from the National Hurricane Center, which is part of the National Weather Service at NOAA, has seen administrations come and go and federal budgets grow and shrink. What is happening now, he said, is more alarming because it amounts to “hostility to gaining knowledge about how the atmosphere works and how to make forecasts better.” “We are largely giving up on the next 20 years of improvements that we could have had,” he said. “The best we can kind of hope for right now is that we stagnate in our abilities to keep people safe over the next couple of decades.”
Read more » click here

Employee Updates
John Bajkowski was sworn in on Wednesday, May 28^th as our newest officer.

Conditional offer of employment initiated to a graduating student of Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET). Best odds of starting service is July after confirmation of passing state exam. Austin Bell is the son of former Holden Beach Police Officer Shane Bell.

Brice Tripp will begin with the Public Works Department the week of June 9^th.

Utility Billing Services
Apparently they are having some issues with the transition. Christy requested and the Board by consensus agreed to waive any late payment penalties. 

THB Newsletter (06/18/25)
Utility Billing Services
Starting this month, June 2025, we have transitioned to outsourcing our utility billing services to help ensure faster and more efficient delivery moving forward. As this is our first month, we encountered a few unexpected delays. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition period. To ensure fairness, we will be waiving any late penalties for the month of June due to the delay. Going forward, you can expect to receive your utility bill in a timely manner.

Horseback Riders
The Town issued a press release on social media regarding the horseback riders wanting to visit Holden Beach.

PRESS RELEASE
We appreciate the overwhelming support for the family who traveled to North Carolina via horseback to visit the beach. Unfortunately, it is unlawful for horses to be within the corporate limits of the Town. Our ordinance was communicated to the family earlier today when the situation was brought to our attention. The short notice of the request prevented staff from seeking an exemption to the ordinance. The Town is unable to make exceptions for ordinance violations without going through the proper channels. The Town of Holden Beach would have loved to welcome the family into our community if we were given the proper notice to support the request and even offered to provide vehicular transportation to the beach but are unable to violate our own ordinances as it would set a precedent. We wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Cross-Country horseback journey hits a hurdle at
Holden Beach, finishes in Sunset Beach

A family of four who spent the last three years riding horseback across the country has reached the North Carolina coast. But their planned final stop in Holden Beach changed after they discovered horses are not allowed on the sand. Joshua and Terra White, along with their sons Lucus and Levi, started their ride in Susanville, California, in April 2022. The family traveled with six horses and one mule. They say the goal was to disconnect from modern life and raise their children on the road. “Hectic distractions and we wanted to cut those out… so we sat out on a cross country trip mimicking the pioneers,” Joshua White said. The boys documented the trip on social media while riding through 16 states and covering more than 4,000 miles. “Best part of our trip was that my sons have been at the helm of it they’ve done all the navigation all the money,” JoshuaWhite said. The family said Holden Beach came recommended through social media as a family-friendly place to end the journey. They arrived on Tuesday and planned to celebrate Lucus and Levi’s graduation after completing their schooling while traveling. When they tried to reach the beach, they learned that horses are not permitted on Holden Beach or on the bridge into town. With no access to their planned final stop, the family paused their trip at the Wild Horse Preserve at Grace Wynds, located several minutes from Holden. “Can’t thank the community enough for seeing our plight and understanding that mistakes were made and balls were dropped but we are here and we are grateful to be here. Probably the most grateful family ever to come to Holden Beach,” Joshua White said. Terra White contacted WWAY with an update. She said the family would complete the journey at Sunset Beach instead. A private pier owner permitted them to unload the horses and walk them to the water. The family plans to leave the Wild Horse Preserve around 6 p.m. and reach Sunset Beach by 7 p.m. Dozens of people, including Sunset Beach resident Melanie Fleming, were on hand to celebrate the Whites finishing their journey. “I’m just really passionate about, you know, equestrians and their journey and what they’re doing with their family, raising their boys,” Fleming said. While it wasn’t exactly the ending they were hoping for, because they brought the horses there by trailer, it still symbolized the end of their journey across the country. Brothers Levi and Lucus were overcome thinking about their experiences over the past 3 years. “It’s surreal, I really won’t have any good, a way to explain it for a little while,” Levi said. “It’s still hitting me myself. It was, it was completely, honestly mind-blowing cause me personally, I mean not to sound bad enough,” Lucus said. “But I honestly didn’t think we would make it this far.” And the reason why they needed to end their journey at the beach was due to one particular horse, named “Fly.” “He was blessed by a Navajo medicine man, to never succumb to any injury or sickness and the ground he travels on is blessed,” Levi explained. “We told them we would put an intact stallion, Navajo mustang into the Atlantic Ocean just for them.” “Fly” will eventually be returned to the tribe. Afterward, the Whites will return home by truck and trailer. They plan to offer horsemanship clinics along the way. “That’s one of our big goals is to do clinics and try to help people along the way back teach this because this is a dying art,” Levi White said.
Read more » click here

Tracking Tool
The BOC’s are looking for a status report on a monthly basis in order to track the progress of projects that they have prioritized.

• • • #2 ADA Self-Assessment
    • #6 ADA bathroom (at block Q)
    • #7 Fire station Upgrades
    • #8 Improve Audio/Video for Town Meetings
    • #14 Block Q Site Plan
    • #18 Update Town Website
    • #19 Pier Repair/Replacement
    • #26 Investigate vacuum bypass system
      

The current status of each of the eight (8) items listed is in the Town Manager Report

What she did not say –

Bike Lane Maintenance

Bike lane maintenance operations have been completed

In Case You Missed It –

THB Newsletter (06/10/25)
Splash Pad Closed
The splash pad at Bridgeview Park is closed for maintenance until further notice.

 THB Newsletter (06/06/25)
Concert/Public Safety Outreach Program
Concerts are held on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. throughout the summer. Members of the HB Police Department and Tri-Beach Fire Department will be onsite before the concert to provide important safety and community oriented tips from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

THB Newsletter (06/06/25)
Tide Dye Tuesday
The Tide Dye program will be held on Tuesdays , 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. beginning June 10th  at Bridgeview Park.  Participants must be in line by 2:00 p.m. to participate because the process takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.  Fee is $7 per shirt for youth sizes through adult XL and $10 per shirt for 2XL. Payment via cash or check only.  

 THB Newsletter (06/02/25)
Pilates
Pilates will begin tomorrow. Mat Pilates is a workout that focuses on building strength, flexibility and overall body awareness through controlled movements. This mat-based workout highlights core strength and breath to complete a full body workout. The instructor, Peyton Shetler, is Pilates and Group Fitness certified. This class is suitable for all levels and will provide progressions and regressions for each exercise. Participants will need to provide their own mats, water is recommended. Classes are offered Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the Bridgeview Park. Fee is $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Participants must be 18 years of age.

THB Newsletter (05/23/25)
Concerts
Our free concert series is scheduled for Sundays throughout the summer. Click here to view the full schedule.

 THB Newsletter (05/23/25)
Public Safety Outreach Program
Members of the HB Police Department and Tri-Beach Fire Department will engage with the public to provide important safety and community oriented tips on Sundays from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Bridgeview Park.

 THB Newsletter (05/23/25)
Tide Dye Tuesday
The Tide Dye program will be held on Tuesdays , 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. beginning June 10th  at Bridgeview Park.  Participants must be in line by 2:00 p.m. to participate because the process takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Fee is $7 per shirt for youth sizes through adult XL and $10 per shirt for 2XL. Payment via cash or check only.  

 THB Newsletter (05/23/25)
Multipurpose Court Update
The multipurpose court at Bridgeview Park is reserved for open pickleball play on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The multipurpose court will close at 3:00 p.m. on Sundays during concert season. We are anticipating court repairs will be made towards the end of next week. Currently, the multipurpose court is scheduled to be closed next Wednesday – Saturday, but additional updates will be communicated.

 THB Newsletter (05/23/25)
Yoga Schedule Update
Starting June 1st, yoga classes will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the picnic shelter at Bridgeview Park. Classes begin at 9:00 a.m. Yoga sculpt classes will be held on Mondays and Fridays, starting at 10:00 a.m. in the Town Hall Public Assembly.

THB Newsletter (05/23/25)
Splash Pad Open
The splash pad at Bridgeview Park is officially open for the summer!

 THB Newsletter (05/22/25)
Solid Waste/Recycling
Saturday solid waste collection begins this weekend. Pick-ups up are scheduled for every Tuesday and Saturday through the end of September. All carts must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. on collection days. Weekly recycling begins on Tuesday, June 3rd. Visit https://hbtownhall.com/solid-waste%2Frecycling if you are interested in this service, but have not yet signed up.

THB Newsletter (05/15/25)
Pets on the Beach Strand
Pets are not allowed on the beach strand starting May 20^th – September 10^th
Please make sure to always clean up after your pet and keep them on a leash at all times

Dog Reminders
Please remember that any time your dog is off your premise, they must be on a leash, cord or chain at all times. Also, dog owners must remove dog waste immediately after it is deposited by the dog when on public property or any private property, including vacant lots, without the permission of the private property owner. Dog waste stations are conveniently located throughout the island.

Emergency Operations Center
The EOC building is being used by Tri-Beach Fire Department while they renovate their fire station on Sabbath Home

National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On March 14, 2025, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2025. 

News from Town of Holden Beach
The town sends out emails of events, news, agendas, notifications and emergency information. If you would like to be added to their mailing list, please go to their web site to complete your subscription to the Holden Beach E-Newsletter.
For more information » click here

Upcoming Events –

Concerts on the Coast
Live performances featuring local musical groups are held at the pavilion on Sunday evenings from late May to early September. The concerts are free of charge.

Summer Concert Schedule * Lou’s Views 

9.  Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 25-10, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 24-11, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2024 – 2025 (Amendment No. 8) – Finance Director McRainey (Interim Town Manager Ferguson)

Agenda Packet – pages 63 – 64

Ordinance 25-10 » click here 

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Transfer excess unassigned general fund balance over 70% to the Beach and Inlet Capital Reserve Fund.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The town’s fund balance policy sets target fund balance between 40%-70%. In December, a partial transfer was made to ensure the town had emergency funds if needed.

Update –
A housekeeping item, they adopted budget amendment as submitted transferring $300,382

 A decision was made – Approved unanimously

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.

10.  Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 25-11, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2025 – 2026 – Interim Town Manager Ferguson

Agenda Packet – pages 65 – 91

Ordinance 25-11 » click here 

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action on proposed budget.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The following budget ordinance is being considered for adoption. Revisions to the budget message were discussed at the June 3^rd meeting and a budget ordinance is presented for public hearing and board action.

Update –
 The Board is required to hold a Public Hearing prior to adopting the budget. A public hearing on the budget for fiscal year 2025 – 2026 was held prior to the BOC’s Regular Meeting. State law defines an annual budget as “a proposed plan for raising and spending money for specified programs, functions, activities or objectives during a fiscal year.” Local governments must balance their budget. Ensuring that government commitments are in line with available resources is an essential element of good governance.  Proposed budget balanced with revenues equaling expenses. The BOC’s approved the town’s $31,743,027 budget ordinance as submitted for the upcoming fiscal year.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

Budget Calendar –
Local governments must balance their budget
The Town Manager’s proposed budget is due by June 1^st
Commissioners must adopt budget no later than June 30^th for the next fiscal year
Adopting the annual budget is a primary responsibility of the Board

11.  Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 25–05, Resolution Amending the Town of Holden Beach Fee Schedule (Wastewater Rates) – Town Clerk Finnell (Interim Town Manager Ferguson)

Agenda Packet – pages 92 – 94

Resolution 25-05 » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 25-05, Resolution Amending the Holden Beach Fee Schedule (Wastewater Base Rate)

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Increased wastewater revenues are needed to offset increased expenses. Based on research, comparative analysis of neighboring municipalities and feedback from the Board, an increase of $3.90 is proposed, increasing the wastewater base charge to $20.00 per month. The Holden Beach Fee Schedule needs to be updated to reflect the proposed fee.

Update –
The resolution updates the Holden Beach Fee Schedule to reflect the new wastewater base charge. The increase in wastewater charges was approved as submitted.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

12. Consideration and Possible Action on Ward and Smith Contract for Upcoming Fiscal Year – Interim Town Manager Ferguson

Agenda Packet – pages 95 – 100

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action on Ward and Smith Contract for upcoming fiscal year.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Ward and Smith serve as our federal advocates assisted by the Ferguson Group with federal research. This contract comes before you yearly for consideration and renewal, outlining the scope of work they will undertake for the Town.

Retainer and Fees
The retainer for services will continue to be $9,725 per month effective July 1, 2025,  through  June 30, 2026. Unless either of us terminates this engagement, this agreement will  remain  in  place through June 30, 2026.

 Since January of 2019, when our work officially commenced with the Town of Holden Beach, Ward and Smith, P.A.- with assistance from The Fergus on Group (TFG) has helped Holden Beach secure $8,599,867 in appropriations, $2,855,000 of which has been secured in calendar year 2025.

Update –
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. We are simply updating our existing agreement by extending it out till the end of June of 2026.
The motion was made to approve renewing the contract without any price increase and have the Town Manager execute the contract.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

Editor’s Note –
The agreement with Ward and Smith is for an annual total estimated advocacy cost of $140,700. Since January of 2019 , when our work officially commenced with the Town of Holden Beach. Ward and Smith have helped Holden Beach secure $8,599,867 in appropriations. We have spent less than a million dollars and have secured funds of almost nine (9) million dollars, an excellent return on investment. It’s painful to say, but I was wrong. It wasn’t the first time and likely won’t be the last. In 2018 I objected to us hiring McIntyre as our lobbyist, but they have really delivered, and it has paid big dividends to the town.

13. Consideration and Possible Action on Carolina Creations Landscaping and Irrigation Contract – Interim Town Manager Ferguson

Agenda Packet – pages 101 – 119

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action on Carolina Creations Landscaping and Irrigation Contract.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The attached contracts serve as the scope of work for the upcoming fiscal year for landscaping and irrigation. The contracts are set to renew in July.

Previously reported – September 2020
Discussion and Possible Approval of Contract for Landscaping Services
Presented as these are the costs, it is what it is. David said that it takes money to maintain what we have, and it needs to be tendered to if we want to keep it looking like it does. Commissioner Kwiatkowski  attempted to broach having Public Works handle this, but that position was immediately shut down by the Town Manager.  There was some discussion about making some landscape design improvements, but this contract is just for maintenance only. Commissioner Sullivan pointed out a discrepancy with an insurance liability issue in the contract and recommended a change be made. They decided to accept the $55,127 Carolina Creations contract pending the suggested revisions.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously

Update –
The motion was made to approve renewing the contract as submitted. The contract amount is $64,821 which  is approximately 18% higher than the $55,127 we started with them from five years ago.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

14. Discussion and Possible Scheduling of a Date to Hold Interviews for Vacancies on Town Boards – Town Clerk Finnell

Agenda Packet – pages 120 – 124

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible scheduling of a date to hold interviews for vacancies on Town Boards.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
There are terms expiring on Town Boards in July. I recommend the Board hold interviews on Tuesday, July 15^th at 4:45pm for people interested in filling the vacant terms. Attached are the lists with current members and their terms.

Update –
Heather indicated that some Boards would have vacancies  and they will need to hold interviews. The Board agreed by consensus to hold interviews to fill the vacancies before the next BOC’s Regular July meeting.

Volunteers needed
Are you interested in serving on a Town board? The Town has vacancies on the Board of Adjustment, Planning & Zoning Board and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. Click here to view information on these boards.  Interviews for vacancies will be held on Tuesday, July 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 July 7^th.

15.  Mayor’s Comments

From the Mayor’s Desk (06/02/25)
Hurricane Season
 June 1^st is the official start to the hurricane season in the Atlantic. Would your family be prepared in the event of a hurricane? Click here to visit the Emergency Information section of our website. You will find helpful tips to implement now, before the threat of a storm. Please make sure you have your vehicle decals in place now. Do not wait! These decals are necessary for re-entry to the island in the event of an emergency situation that restricts access to the island. Click here for more information on decals.

Alan stated that there are oceanfront homes without the required house numbers visible from the beach strand.

Building Numbers
Ocean front homes are required to have house numbers visible from the beach strand. Please call Planning and Inspections Department at 910.842.6080 with any questions.

§157.087 BUILDING NUMBERS.

(A) The correct street number shall be clearly visible from the street on all buildings. Numbers shall be block letters, not script, and of a color clearly in contrast with that of the building and shall be a minimum of six inches in height.

(B) Beach front buildings will also have clearly visible house numbers from the strand side meeting the above criteria on size, contrast, etc. Placement shall be on vertical column supporting deck(s) or deck roof on the primary structure. For buildings with a setback of over 300 feet from the first dune line, a vertical post shall be erected aside the walkway with house numbers affixed. In all cases the numbers must be clearly visible from the strand. Other placements may be acceptable with approval of the Building Inspector.

General Comments –

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

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

The following eight (8) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:

• • • • Accommodation/Occupancy Tax Compliance
        
      • Audio/Video Broadcast
      • Block Q Project/Carolina Avenue
        
      • Dog Park
      • Fire Station Project
      • Pavilion Replacement
      • Pier Properties Project
      • Rights-of-Way

The definition of loose ends is a fragment of unfinished business or a detail that is not yet settled or explained, which is the current status of these items. All of these items were started and then put on hold, and they were never put back in the queue. This Board needs to continue working on them and move these items to closure.

.

Lost in the Sauce –

.

From 2024

Discussion and Possible Action on Emergency Beach Access – Police Chief Dixon and Fire Chief Todd

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.

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 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
The 2025 North Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook is an official product of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center (CPC). The outlook is produced in collaboration with hurricane experts from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) and Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML). The Atlantic hurricane region includes the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of America.

Interpretation of NOAA’s Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook:
This outlook is a general guide to the expected overall activity during the upcoming hurricane season. It is not a seasonal hurricane landfall forecast, and it does not predict levels of activity for any particular location.

Preparedness:
Hurricane-related disasters can occur during any season, even for years with low overall activity. It only takes one hurricane (or tropical storm) to cause a disaster. It is crucial that residents, businesses, and government agencies of coastal and near-coastal regions prepare for every hurricane season regardless of this, or any other, seasonal outlook. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through Ready.gov (English) and www.listo.gov (Spanish), the NHC, the Small Business Administration, and the American Red Cross all provide important hurricane preparedness information on their web sites.

NOAA does not make seasonal hurricane landfall predictions:
NOAA does not make seasonal hurricane landfall predictions. Hurricane landfalls are largely determined by the weather patterns in place as the hurricane approaches, and those patterns are usually only predictable when the storm is within several days of making landfall.

Preparedness for tropical storm and hurricane landfalls:
It only takes one storm hitting an area to cause a disaster, regardless of the overall activity for the season. Therefore, residents, businesses, and government agencies of coastal and near-coastal regions should prepare every hurricane season regardless of this, or any other, seasonal outlook.

Nature of this outlook and the “likely” ranges of activity:
This outlook is probabilistic, meaning the stated “likely” ranges of activity have a certain likelihood of occurring. The seasonal activity is expected to fall within these ranges in 7 out of 10 seasons with similar conditions and uncertainties to those expected this year. They do not represent the total possible ranges of activity seen in past similar years. Years with similar levels of activity can have dramatically different impacts.

This outlook is based on analyses of 1) predictions of large-scale factors known to influence seasonal hurricane activity, and 2) long-term forecast models that directly predict seasonal hurricane activity. The outlook also takes into account uncertainties inherent in such outlooks.

Sources of uncertainty in the seasonal outlooks:

• • Predicting the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases, which include El Niño and La Niña events and ENSO-neutral and their impacts on North Atlantic basin hurricane activity, is an ongoing scientific challenge facing scientists today. Such forecasts made during the spring generally have limited skill.
  • Many combinations of named storms (tropical and subtropical storms), hurricanes, and major hurricanes can occur for the same general set of conditions. For example, one cannot know with certainty whether a given signal may be associated with several shorter-lived storms or fewer longer-lived storms with greater intensity.
  • Model predictions of sea-surface temperatures (SSTs), vertical wind shear, moisture, atmospheric stability, and other factors known to influence overall seasonal hurricane activity have limited skill this far in advance of the peak months (August-October) of the hurricane season.
  • Shorter-term weather patterns that are unpredictable on seasonal time scales can sometimes develop and last for weeks or months, possibly affecting seasonal hurricane activity.

2025 North Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook Summary

 a) Predicted Activity

NOAA’s outlook for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season indicates that an above-normal season is most likely, with a moderate probability that the season could be near-normal and lower odds for a below-normal season. The outlook calls for a 60% chance of an above-normal season, along with a 30% chance for a near-normal season and only a 10% chance for a below-normal season. See NOAA definitions (https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/Background.html) of above-, near-, and below-normal seasons.

The 2025 outlook calls for a 70% probability for each of the following ranges of activity during the 2025 hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1st through November 30th:

• • 13-19 Named Storms
  • 6-10 Hurricanes
  • 3-5 Major Hurricanes
  • Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) range of 95 to 180% of the median

The seasonal activity is expected to fall within these ranges in 70% of seasons with similar conditions and uncertainties to those expected this year. These ranges do not represent the total possible ranges of activity seen in past similar years. These expected ranges are centered above the 1991-2020 seasonal averages of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. Most of the predicted activity is likely to occur during August-September-October (ASO), the peak months of the hurricane season.
The North Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1st through November 30th. This outlook will be updated in early August to coincide with the onset of the peak months of the season (ASO).

b) Reasoning behind the outlook

This 2025 seasonal hurricane outlook reflects the expectation of factors during ASO that have historically produced active Atlantic hurricane seasons, though some were not as active, resulting in a range of activity. The main atmospheric and oceanic factors for this outlook are:

• • • The set of conditions that have produced the ongoing high-activity era for Atlantic hurricanes which began in 1995 are likely to continue in 2025. These conditions include warmer sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) and weaker trade winds in the Atlantic hurricane Main Development Region (MDR), along with weaker vertical wind shear, and a conducive West African monsoon. The oceanic component of these conditions is often referred to as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), while the ocean/atmosphere combined system is sometimes referred to as Atlantic Multidecadal Variability (AMV). The MDR spans the tropical North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Currently observed SSTs in the MDR are similar to those normally observed in mid-June. Saharan Air Layer outbreaks typically mitigate some of the activity early in the season, but it is not known if this will significantly affect activity during the peak months. Tradewinds are weaker than normal which contributes to lower vertical wind shear. The upper-level circulation with the West African Monsoon is near average, though monsoon rainfall is predicted to be shifted northward and be potentially above-average for the entire season.
      
    • The most recent forecast from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center indicates ENSO-neutral conditions are likely through the hurricane season. During the peak months (ASO), the odds are highest for ENSO-neutral (54%), with moderate probabilities for La Niña (33%), and low chances of an El Niño event (13%) occurring. During a high-activity era, ENSO-neutral is typically associated with above-average levels of hurricane activity. La Niña events tend to reinforce those high-activity era conditions and further increase the likelihood of an above-normal hurricane season, while most of the inactive seasons are associated with El Niño events.
      

Read more » click here

NOAA predicts above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season
Above-average Atlantic Ocean temperatures set the stage
NOAA’s outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 30% chance of a near-normal season, a 60% chance of an above-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. The agency is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3-5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges. “NOAA and the National Weather Service are using the most advanced weather models and cutting-edge hurricane tracking systems to provide Americans with real-time storm forecasts and warnings,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. “With these models and forecasting tools, we have never been more prepared for hurricane season.” “As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,” said Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm. “NOAA is critical for the delivery of early and accurate forecasts and warnings, and provides the scientific expertise needed to save lives and property.” 

Factors influencing NOAA’s predictions
The season is expected to be above normal – due to a confluence of factors, including continued ENSO-neutral conditions, warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear, and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon, a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes. All of these elements tend to favor tropical storm formation. The high activity era continues in the Atlantic Basin, featuring high-heat content in the ocean and reduced trade winds. The higher-heat content provides more energy to fuel storm development, while weaker winds allow the storms to develop without disruption. This hurricane season also features the potential for a northward shift of the West African monsoon, producing tropical waves that seed some of the strongest and most long-lived Atlantic storms. “In my 30 years at the National Weather Service, we’ve never had more advanced models and warning systems in place to monitor the weather,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “This outlook is a call to action: be prepared. Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you’re ready before a storm threatens.”

Improved hurricane analysis and forecasts in store for 2025
NOAA will improve its forecast communications, decision support, and storm recovery efforts this season. These include:

• • NOAA’s model, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System, will undergo an upgrade that is expected to result in another 5% improvement of tracking and intensity forecasts that will help forecasters provide more accurate watches and warnings.
  • NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) and Central Pacific Hurricane Center will be able to issue tropical cyclone advisory products up to 72 hours before the arrival of storm surge or tropical-storm-force winds on land, giving communities more time to prepare. 
  • NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center’s Global Tropical Hazards Outlook, which provides advance notice of potential tropical cyclone risks, has been extended from two weeks to three weeks, to provide additional time for preparation and response. 

Enhanced communication products for this season

• • NHC will offer Spanish language text products to include the Tropical Weather Outlook, Public Advisories, the Tropical Cyclone Discussion, the Tropical Cyclone Update and Key Messages. 
  • NHC will again issue an experimental version of the forecast cone graphic that includes a depiction of inland tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings in effect for the continental U.S. New for this year, the graphic will highlight areas where a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are simultaneously in effect. 
  • NHC will provide a rip current risk map when at least one active tropical system is present. The map uses data provided by local National Weather Service forecast offices. Swells from distant hurricanes cause dangerous surf and rip current conditions along the coastline.

Innovative tools for this year

• • NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Services (NESDIS), in collaboration with NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and NOAA Research, is deploying a new, experimental electronically scanning radar system called ROARS on NOAA’s P-3 hurricane hunter research aircraft. The system will scan beneath the plane to collect data on the ocean waves and the wind structure of the hurricane. 
  • NOAA Weather Prediction Center’s experimental Probabilistic Precipitation Portal provides user-friendly access to see the forecast for rain and flash flooding up to three days in advance. In 2024, Hurricane Helene caused more than 30 inches of extreme inland rainfall that was devastating and deadly to communities in North Carolina. 

NOAA’s outlook is for overall seasonal activity and is not a landfall forecast. NOAA also issued seasonal hurricane outlooks for the eastern Pacific and central Pacific hurricane basins. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center will update the 2025 Atlantic seasonal outlook in early August, prior to the historical peak of the season.
Read more » click here 

Atlantic Hurricane Season Could Go ‘0 For June.’
Does That Matter For The Rest Of The Season?
Unlike one year ago, this June has been dead quiet in the Atlantic. Our deeper dive examines whether this is unusual and whether that provides anything meaningful about what the rest of the season holds.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season may fail to produce its first storm through the rest of June for the first time in 11 years. But that doesn’t mean the rest of the season won’t pose dangers to the U.S. and Caribbean.

‘0 For June,’ Unlike Last Year
While the Eastern Pacific has already generated five storms and two hurricanes, including Erick, we’re still waiting for the first named storm, “Andrea”, to develop in the Atlantic Basin. -One year ago, Alberto first became a tropical storm on June 19 in the Gulf, then Beryl exploded from a tropical storm to a Cat 4 hurricane by June 30 in the eastern Caribbean Sea.

Is This Unusual?
The short answer is, “For recent years, yes, but in general, not really.” Since the satellite era (1966), the season’s first storm arrived, on average, around June 10. Over a 30-year period from 1991 through 2020, that average date was June 20, according to the National Hurricane Center. Twenty-seven of 59 hurricane seasons since 1966 have failed to generate a June storm. That last happened in 2018 and 2019. This may be the first season to not produce a single storm in June, or before June, since 2014. But the last five seasons from 2020 through 2024 each produced at least one June storm. Four of those seasons, including the past two, produced multiple June storms.

Why So Quiet?
June and November are typically the two quietest months of hurricane season. By a measure known as accumulated cyclone energy or ACE, only about 2% of the Atlantic hurricane season’s activity occurs through June. This year, a combination of strong wind shear over the western Gulf and Caribbean Sea, higher than average surface pressure, more stable air suppressing thunderstorms, and less ocean heat than last year are keeping a lid on development, so far.

Does This Matter For The Rest Of The Season?
Given this “0 for June,” there is less of a chance that 2025’s season will be as frenetic as, say, 2020, 2017 or 2005. Since 1993, Junes with multiple storms correlate to hyperactive seasons, averaging 18 more storms, nine hurricanes and four major (Cat 3-plus) hurricanes, according to Todd Crawford, Vice President of Meteorology at Atmospheric G2. Crawford also found that seven of eight seasons with at least 10 hurricanes also had at least one June storm.

‘It Only Takes One’
Here’s what happened in the last two seasons without a June storm:

 2019: Another 17 storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes formed, including Cat 5 Dorian’s catastrophic raking of the northwest Bahamas.

 2018: Another 14 storms, eight hurricanes and two major hurricanes formed, including Florence’s catastrophic rainfall in the Carolinas, followed by Michael’s Cat 5 landfall in the Florida Panhandle.

Each of those three hurricanes was so destructive and/or deadly that their names were retired from future use.

Despite potentially somewhat reduced numbers for the season overall, the Atmospheric G2 team is forecasting three hurricanes to make a U.S. landfall in 2025. And it only takes one storm to strike where you are to make any season memorably bad.

Prepare Now, Regardless
The bottom line is we’re still very early in the season, with the most active months of August and September ahead. Now, not in the days before a hurricane strikes, is a good time to refresh or develop a plan. That includes knowing if you live in an evacuation zone, assembling a disaster kit at home, making your home as resilient as possible, checking on your insurance policy and making an inventory of your belongings.
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/

Lou’s Views
News & Views / June Edition

Calendar of Events –

Conway Riverfest Celebration
June 28^th               
Conway SC

Held along the Waccamaw River in downtown Conway the festival celebrates Independence Day since 1980 with music and events for the entire family.
For more information » click here

N.C. 4^th of July Festival
July 4^th   
Southport

The patriotic spirit of America is alive and well in the City of Southport. For over 200 years this small maritime community has celebrated our nation’s independence in a big way. Incorporated as the N.C. 4^th of July Festival in 1972 the festival committee strives to keep the focus of the festival on honoring our nation’s birthday with a little fun thrown in.
For more information » click here

Battleship Blast 4^th of July Celebration
July 4^th    
Wilmington

.
.
Annual 4^th of July Celebration at Riverfront Park in downtown Wilmington since 1981. Featured entertainment will perform from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, followed by fireworks at 9:05 PM launched from a barge in the Cape Fear River adjacent to the USS North Carolina Battleship. The only place you need to be this holiday is downtown Wilmington for the best view of fireworks.
For more information » click here

Discover a wide range of things to do in the Brunswick Islands for an experience that goes beyond the beach.
For more information » click here.

Calendar of Events Island –

Concerts on the Coast Series
The Town’s summer concert series calendar has been released! Live performances featuring local musical groups will be held at the Bridgeview Park picnic pavilion across from Town Hall. It will be on Sunday evenings at 6:30pm from May 25^th to August 31^st. The concerts are free of charge.

Summer Concert Schedule * Lou’s Views

The park will be blocked from vehicular access beginning Saturday evening. The splash pad will be closed on Sundays and the multipurpose court will close at 3:00 p.m. each Sunday. No seating will be provided so everyone should bring their own chair for the event.

Tide Dyed Program
The Tide Dye program will be held on Tuesdays between 1:00  to 2:30 p.m. at Bridgeview Park picnic pavilion. Participants must be in line by 2:00 p.m. to participate because the process takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Fee is $7 per shirt for youth sizes through Adult XL and $10 per shirt for 2XL. Payment via cash or check only.  

.Beginning June 10^th and continuing through August 12^th

Turtle Talk
Two programs both are held every Wednesday during the summer at Town Hall. Children’s Turtle Time is at 4:00 p.m. with crafts, stories and activities for children ages 3 – 6. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Turtle Talk is an educational program at 7:00 p.m. for everyone else. (Beginning June 18^th) 

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

Reminders –

Bird Nesting Area
NC Wildlife Commission has posted signs that say –  Bird Nesting Area 
The signs are posted on the west end beach strand around 1335 OBW.
People and dogs are supposed to stay out of the area from April through November
.     1) It’s a Plover nesting area
.     2) Allows migrating birds a place to land and rest without being disturbed

A Second Helping

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Program to collect food Saturday mornings (8:00am to 10:30am) during the summer at the Beach Mart on the Causeway.
1) Twenty-first year of the program
2) Food collections have now exceeded 307,000 pounds
3) Collections will begin on Memorial Day weekend
4) Food is distributed to the needy in Brunswick County
For more information » click here
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Hunger exists everywhere in this country; join them in the fight to help end hunger in Brunswick County. Cash donations are gratefully accepted. One hundred percent (100%) of these cash donations are used to buy more food. You can be assured that the money will be very well spent.

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

News from Town of Holden Beach
The town sends out emails of events, news, agendas, notifications, and emergency information. If you would like to be added to their mailing list, please go to their web site to complete your subscription to the Holden Beach E-Newsletter.
For more information » click here

Paid Parking

Paid parking in Holden Beach
Paid parking will be enforced from  9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily with free parking before and after that time. All parking will use license plates for verification. 

Rates
Parking rates for a single vehicle in all designated areas will be:

$5 per hour for up to four hours
$20 per day for any duration greater than four hours
$80 per week for seven consecutive days

Handicap Parking
A vehicle displaying a handicap license plate and/or hang tag parked in a designated handicap space is free. Any other parking space will require a parking permit via the app.

Annual Passes
Annual permits for the calendar year  allow  vehicles (this includes low-speed vehicles and trailers) access to designated parking.

$175 for a single vehicle

Passes can be purchased via the app, website or by telephone. 

Where to Park
Per ordinance, there is no parking on the streets or rights-of-way except in designated parking spaces identified by Pay-to-Park signs. Click here to view an interactive map. The table with authorized parking can be viewed below. 

Citations will be issued for:

• Parking without an active paid permit in a designated parking area
• Parking within 40 feet of a street intersection
• Parking in a crosswalk, sidewalk, or pedestrian access ways
• Parking blocking a driveway or mailbox
• Parking facing opposing traffic
• Parking in a no parking zone, or within right-of-way
• Parking on any portion of the roadway or travel lane
• Parking a non-LSV vehicle in an authorized LSV location

How Do I Pay to Park
The Town uses the SurfCAST by Otto Connect Mobile Solution. This is a mobile app downloadable for Apple and Android devices. Download the app today. Users will setup their account, enter their license plate details and pay for parking directly on the app. Alternatively, users can scan the QR Code located on the parking signs to access a secure website. 

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

Solid Waste Pick-Up Schedule
GFL Environmental change in service, October through May trash pickup will be once a week. Trash collection is on Tuesdays only.

Please note:
. • Trash carts must be at the street by 6:00 a.m. on the pickup day
. • BAG the trash before putting it in the cart
. • Carts will be rolled back to the front of the house

GFL Refuse Collection Policy
GFL has recently notified all Brunswick County residents that they will no longer accept extra bags of refuse outside of the collection cart. This is not a new policy but is stricter enforcement of an existing policy. While in the past GFL drivers would at times make exceptions and take additional bags of refuse, the tremendous growth in housing within Brunswick County makes this practice cost prohibitive and causes drivers to fall behind schedule.

Solid Waste Pickup

An additional trash pickup is scheduled for the Saturday after Easter, April 26th.

Solid Waste Pickup Schedule –

starting the Saturday before Memorial Day (May 25^th) twice a week 

Recycling –

starting after Memorial Day (June 4^th) weekly pick-up 

Curbside Recycling – 2025
GFL Environmental is now offering curbside recycling for Town properties that desire to participate in the service. The service cost per cart is $119.35 annually paid in advance to the Town of Holden Beach. The service consists of a ninety-six (96) gallon cart that is emptied every other week during the months of October – May and weekly during the months of June – September. 
Curbside Recycling Application » click here
Curbside Recycling Calendar » click here

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

Rental properties have specific number of trash cans based on number of bedrooms.

* One extra trash can per every 2 bedrooms
..

 § 50.08 RENTAL HOMES.
(A) Rental homes, as defined in Chapter 157, that are rented as part of the summer rental season, are subject to high numbers of guests, resulting in abnormally large volumes of trash. This type of occupancy use presents a significantly higher impact than homes not used for summer rentals. In interest of public health and sanitation and environmental concerns, all rental home shall have a minimum of one trash can per two bedrooms. Homes with an odd number of bedrooms shall round up (for examples one to two bedrooms – one trash can; three to four bedrooms – two trash cans; five – six bedrooms – three trash cans, and the like).

Building Numbers
Ocean front homes are required to have house numbers visible from the beach strand.
Please call Planning and Inspections Department at 910.842.6080 with any questions.

§157.087 BUILDING NUMBERS.

(A) The correct street number shall be clearly visible from the street on all buildings. Numbers shall be block letters, not script, and of a color clearly in contrast with that of the building and shall be a minimum of six inches in height.

(B) Beach front buildings will also have clearly visible house numbers from the strand side meeting the above criteria on size, contrast, etc. Placement shall be on vertical column supporting deck(s) or deck roof on the primary structure. For buildings with a setback of over 300 feet from the first dune line, a vertical post shall be erected aside the walkway with house numbers affixed. In all cases the numbers must be clearly visible from the strand. Other placements may be acceptable with approval of the Building Inspector.

Upon Further Review –

Carolina Bays Parkway project S.C. 31

To fast-track highway extension into Brunswick, leaders push for toll study
A toll could be the only way to fund a new highway connecting North and South Carolina. After years of waiting, one local transportation organization is pressing the gas on a new highway in Brunswick County as the clock continues to tick by without funding.

Here’s what to know.

A new highway?
The N.C. Department of Transportation and the S.C. Department of Transportation are working together to extend S.C. 31, known as Carolina Bays Parkway, from S.C. 9 in Horry County, South Carolina, to U.S. 17 in Brunswick County. The Carolina Bays Parkway Extension project began in 2006 with a feasibility study with conceptual alternative routes and has evolved into seven potential​routes being studied. Interactive maps of the alternatives can be viewed on NCDOT’s website.

Funding troubles for North Carolina
The NCDOT’s website, last updated in October 2024, has the total project cost estimated at $552 million with North Carolina’s portion costing $367 million. However, the Federal Infrastructure Projects Permitting Dashboard lists the estimated project cost at $797 million.
Read more » click here

Previously reported – February 2025
Boom or doom: How a new highway could transform rural Brunswick County
A new road in southern Brunswick County will open the flood gates of opportunity for some but could close the doors of homes and businesses for others. The Carolina Bays Parkway Extension project could be the missing link for rural towns to become Brunswick’s next big, booming city. However, some small-town business owners are questioning if the boom will be big enough to reach them. The N.C. Department of Transportation and the S.C. Department of Transportation are working together to extend S.C. 31, known as Carolina Bays Parkway, from S.C. 9 in Horry County, South Carolina, to U.S. 17 in Brunswick County. “The extension would provide a more direct and efficient movement of traffic seeking to bypass congestion within the areas of Calabash in North Carolina as well as Little River and the Grand Strand areas in South Carolina,” per NCDOT’s website. “As a result, local and tourist traffic on area roadways would experience less congestion and delays.” That area includes Brunswick places on each side of U.S. 17: Growing Carolina Shores, Calabash and Sunset Beach at the coast and inland more rural Hickman’s Crossroads, Ash and Longwood. South Carolina is almost ready to begin construction on its end, but North Carolina has yet to find a landing spot as well as funding. With a majority of potential connection spots near Hickman Road and a new shopping center on the way near Carolina Shores, people and businesses in southern Brunswick County could be teetering on trouble or treasure.

Twenty years in the making
The Carolina Bays Parkway Extension project began in 2006 with a feasibility study with conceptual alternative routes and has evolved into seven potential​ routes being studied. Interactive maps of the alternatives can be viewed on NCDOT’s website. The NCDOT portion of the project is only funded for preliminary engineering, NCDOT spokeswoman Lauren Haviland said, but not for right-of-way, utilities or construction. Right-of-way, utilities and construction for NCDOT’s part of the project is estimated to cost $809,700,000, Haviland said. Shallotte Mayor Walt Eccard has watched and supported the road project for about 10 years. He said it’s a complicated project with multiple agencies involved in both states. “I’m a big supporter of this project, I think it’s critical,” Eccard said. “I think the area will benefit, I think citizens will benefit in their travels.” If constructed, the route will be built in phases and enhance evacuation routes, improve safety and smooth out traffic flow as the county continues to grow in population. Exact costs and timelines to construct each phase for the North Carolina side have not been determined, Haviland said. Despite eagerness, Eccard said NCDOT has no funding to support its portion of the road. “Ultimately, we cannot move forward even when a route is selected until we have adequate funding and that’s been an issue for several years now,” Eccard said. Horry County in 2016 passed a capital projects sales tax referendum that allocated $125 million for its portion of the project, according to NCDOT’s website. In North Carolina, $4.1 million was allocated for planning and design. Public hearings for the North Carolina side of the extension have been delayed several times but, Eccard said, there is hope the draft environmental impact statement will be available this spring so public hearings and review can start, and a final route can be selected by NCDOT. Haviland confirmed a public hearing will be held in late spring if the draft environmental impact statement is approved soon. NCDOT has seven alternative maps for preferred routes in Brunswick County that will eventually dump onto U.S. 17. However, five alternatives cross on the northern side of U.S. 17 around Hickman’s Crossroads along Hickman Road in Calabash.

Impacting generations
Distant relatives David and Myles Bennett were born and raised in the Calabash area. Myles was raised on Thomasboro Road near the heart of Calabash while David was raised on the northern side of U.S. 17 around Hickman’s Crossroads. The Bennetts have been in the Calabash area since the 1800s, Myles Bennett said, noting most know their family through farming and the seafood restaurant business. David Bennett is also related to the Hickman’s, who have lived in the Ash and Longwood areas since the 1700s. He said the property he lives on has been in his family’s name since 1845 and that his father’s entire life was spent on the property. “His life was here. … And he was so worried that if they took that away, then he had to leave here,” he said. One of the alternative routes connecting near Hickman’s Crossroads would place the road on top of David Bennett’s dining and living room and partially through the Manley Bennett Cemetery that holds approximately 300 graves, with some headstones dating back to the 1800s. SCDOT is currently working with NCDOT to secure the environmental permit from the Federal Highway Administration, SCDOT spokeswoman Hannah Robinson said in early January. “Once the document is secured, right-of-way acquisition can begin,” Robinson said. “At this time, we anticipate construction to begin in 2028.”

Needed project with a questionable future
The timeline and future of the project is still unknown. Though project start and completion dates are still in question, local leaders look forward to the additional road and evacuation route. “The county only has one main artery and it impacts the ability for people to move around,” Carolina Shores Mayor Dan Conte said. “The extension would be a boom to Ash, but it would also help us.” The extension is a “critical infrastructure need,” said Conte, because it will give southern Brunswick County residents more opportunity to move throughout the county with less traffic, especially during an evacuation. “There’s no provision right now to easily move people from our town or from the southern part of the county,” he said, noting N.C. 130 quickly floods during heavy rainfall and residents need an alternative route. With proposed and already approved developments near Ash, Calabash and Longwood areas piling up, the road could also declutter future traffic. Myles Bennett echoed Conte’s thoughts, believing the extension would help decongest existing traffic-prone areas. However, his neighbor Hannah Williams Crane fears the road will only make things worse. Crane was also raised on Thomasboro Road and has deep roots to the Calabash area through her mother’s side of the family, who were the Moore’s. She said Hickman’s Crossroads is already “so congested with traffic.” Many drivers who often travel through Hickman’s Crossroads already plan to get stuck, she added.

Local businesses consider the impact
Though the new road means less traffic along currently congested roads, south traveling traffic flow could stop in front of Carolina Shores as popular retail stores like Walmart and Publix build along U.S. 17. Calabash Deli co-owner Sean Grady said the extension could have a positive or negative impact on the Calabash community. Traveling will likely be easier but new shopping centers and fast food chains could take away customers from small businesses. Existing traffic jams and recent closure of the Calabash Bridge have already deterred potential customers from visiting the small town, he said. “A lot of people are avoiding Calabash because it’s a small, quaint town and some people don’t want to get caught up in the traffic and they kind of stick to the major highway and drive right past us,” Grady said. Like Grady, Coffee Cottage and Calabash Garden Tea Room owner Kathy Cody said it is hard to say the exact impacts the extension will have on the Calabash community since there is no finalized plan nor promised timeline. “The longer it takes them to actually initiate it and make it happen, the harder it’s going to be, and the more people and neighborhoods are going to be affected,” she said.

New road, high housing market, low rural life
Some major housing and commercial developments have already been approved around the potential route area, like the 2,950-home development named Ashton Farms. Housing developments are coming in while rural lifestyles are being pushed out. Myles Bennett and Crane explained they have already seen changes to Calabash as nearby wooded areas are cleared for new housing developments and vehicular traffic increases. “The stuff in front of us has been woods my entire life and just last year we saw them start clearing trees right across the road from Thomasboro,” said Crane, noting they are expected to have over 1,000 new neighbors. The heart of Calabash was built with family-owned businesses. Calabash would have to add more grocery stores and “convenient” businesses if the extension were to push more people to Calabash, Crane said. The “small town feel,” she noted, could be negatively changed. Like Calabash, the Ash and Longwood communities are full of generational families and homes, Crane and David Bennett said. “My grandfather loved this place, and he used to say that J.D. Rockefeller did not have enough money to buy his place,” David Bennett said. Some fear the new road, if built near Hickman’s Crossroads or Ash, will drain the history and culture of the Ash community. “It’s no longer going to be family land, it’s no longer going to be the quiet town that we know,” Crane said. David Bennett’s mother was from Longwood. He said the Longwood community was named after his great grandfather, noting he has relatives that will also be uprooted. The road could cause David Bennett and many others to pack up their lives with nowhere else to go. “I don’t want to go anywhere, I want to stay here, this is my home. … I don’t think people think about the lives that something like that is going to affect,” said David Bennett, noting many local generational families would not survive if they were displaced and forced to live elsewhere. Ocean Isle Beach Mayor and real estate agent Debbie Smith said road projects “typically” have a positive impact on property values, noting homes closer to the new road could increase in value. “Then again, it may change some of the uses from rural farming to more urban development,” Smith said. She said the road will be beneficial to the whole area and “critical for the future of our area” since it will increase access and emergency evacuation routes throughout the county and across state lines. “I think more than anything it would improve transportation and maybe keep some of our roads from becoming overburdened. … It is desperately needed for the area,” Smith said.

Where to grow from here
Brunswick County is seeing tremendous growth and municipalities are planning projects, setting budgets and updating unified development ordinances to prepare for more. “Until we see the final plans, it’s really hard to say,” Eccard said of the extension bringing more traffic to Shallotte. Conte said Carolina Shores is almost completely built out with no room for more major developments. Though the town has no more room, he said traffic will always be an issue. Families living along the alternative routes are conflicted, depressed and worried because they do not know what to do, David Bennett said. For example, he said, upgrading his house could be a waste of time if the home is destroyed in a few years. “It’s constantly in the back of your mind. …. Where are we supposed to go? What are we supposed to do?,” he said. Potential impacts to noise, low income and disadvantaged populations, cultural resources and the environment are considered when selecting the least environmentally damaging and practicable alternative route, Haviland said. “In cases where impacts to private properties are unavoidable, NCDOT will work with individual property owners to help minimize impacts or mitigate through appropriate compensation,” Haviland said. The NCDOT representative said it should have a recommended alternative route selected after the public has time to review the draft environmental impact statement, look at preliminary designs and make formal public comments. “As part of the alternative analysis process, impacts to communities, properties, landowners and businesses are considered. … Comments from the public are always welcomed and encouraged. The formal comment period will take place once the public hearing has been scheduled,” Haviland said.
Read more » click here 

From ramps to paid parking, how boating in Brunswick is ‘in a crisis’
With the popularity of the Brunswick coast, the need for more public boat ramps is on the rise. “We’re in a crisis,” boat captain Cane Faircloth said. Local captains and state representatives are asking for more boat ramps and boat trailer parking in southern Brunswick County.

Existing ramps and parking spaces
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) builds and maintains boat ramps throughout the state. These ramps can be viewed online using the NCWRC’s interactive maps. The boating access area map marks six public boat ramps in Brunswick County that connect people to the Intracoastal Waterway. The six NCWRC-maintained ramps are located at Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Bricklanding Road in Shallotte, Holden Beach, Sunset Harbor and Oak Island. With five out of the six ramps having over 22 boat trailer parking spaces, a total of 233 boat trailer designated parking spaces are at the NCWRC boat ramps. The Oak Island ramp has around 80 boat trailer parking spaces while Holden Beach only has around 15. There are other Intracoastal Waterway boat ramps in Brunswick County that are not maintained by the state. Some additional public boat ramps are the Southport Marina Ramp, Dutchman Creek Boat Launch, NE 55th Street Municipal Boat Ramp in Oak Island, Brunswick River Park in Leland and the Varnamtown Public Boat Ramp.

A need for more
Coastal North Carolina and Brunswick County are seeing rapid growth, Faircloth said. The growth is causing a shortfall in local coastal infrastructure that goes beyond roads and sewer. “It’s a Southeastern North Carolina issue,” Faircloth said. Some neighborhoods along the Intracoastal Waterway have private boat ramps and some boat owners store their boats at a privately owned marina, where the marina transports the boat to and from water for the customer. However, Faircloth said many local boat owners cannot afford marina prices and rely on public boat ramps as their way to the water. “This is the area with the biggest need,” Faircloth said. NCWRC Commissioner Steve Windham said the six boat ramps operate at over 150% capacity. “We need a whole lot more boat ramps,” Windham said, noting the need has only increased in recent years as the number of boat registrations and fishing licenses in the state grows. The lack of boat ramps and parking for vehicles with trailers around Holden Beach are infrastructure shortfalls, Faircloth said. Parking at boat ramps in Brunswick County is “crowded,” Windham said. There are 15 parking spaces at the Holden Beach Boat Ramp and people are fighting for a place to park on a regular work day. Some boaters are being forced to awkwardly park their trailer upwards on a hill. Captain Ryan Williams runs Catch 22 Charters. Williams and Faircloth are regular users of the Holden Beach Boat Ramp for recreational and business uses. Both captains said challenges that come with using the Holden Beach Boat Ramp impact their work life. Local captains have to get to the boat ramp before sunrise so they can avoid wait times and have a parking spot for both their vehicle and boat trailer, Faircloth said. Like Faircloth, Williams said his biggest fight is getting access to the ocean. “I’ve waited over an hour before,” said Williams, noting other charter boat captains use the boat ramps to make a living too. Paid parking programs have also caused hardships for boaters, Faircloth said. Paid parking programs at Brunswick beach towns have forced many people to pay double when all boat trailer parking spaces are full due to their vehicle and boat trailer taking up two parking spaces, he explained. “Most of your working class people can’t afford to pay $40 to go take their Jon Boat out and their two small kids to go fish in the waterway. … It’s just not feasible,” Faircloth said.

Opportunities ahead with state support
Holden Beach commissioners have different ideas for Block Q, a chunk of property located near the boat ramp. As previously proposed, Block Q could have been a new, paved boat trailer parking lot. However, plans have changed, and the paved boat trailer parking design has been scratched. Williams hopes to see the demand for boat ramp parking met soon as more residents and visitors flood the boat ramp at Holden Beach. “We’re so far behind. … It really puts a strain on the fact that we have far outgrown the 15 spots 30 years ago,” Williams said. There are few available properties around Holden Beach that could be used for an additional public boat ramp and boat trailer parking but the NCWRC is working on building a new one, the captains said. “Right now, we are in the process of trying to secure funding for a boat ramp in Holden Beach,” Windham said. The NCWRC’s goal is to purchase a four-acre property and build a boat ramp and kayak/canoe launch near Holden Beach, Windham said. The whole project, including purchasing the property, is expected to cost around $8 million, he said. Local and state officials have seen the need and shown support for a new ramp in the Holden Beach area, Windham added. If people want to show their support, Windham encourages people reach out to local legislatures and Brunswick County commissioners.
Read more » click here 

Corrections & Amplifications –

Brunswick County has grown nearly 50% since 2015, state data show
The North Carolina Budget and Tax Center has released its 2025 Economic Snapshot for Brunswick County, which is now estimated to have a population of 175,000 residents — a 48% increase over the past decade. The state Budget and Tax Center (BTC) Economic Snapshots are released annually and “provide key economic and social indicators from publicly available sources for all 100 counties in North Carolina, along with a comparison to state-level data, with measures for employment, poverty and income, affordable housing, health, education and more.” Much of the data used in the Snapshots come from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) and the data in the 2025 Economic Snapshot for Brunswick County covers 2019 through 2023. The snapshot indicates Brunswick County’s population has ballooned by nearly 50% since 2015. For comparison, North Carolina’s population has increased by 11% over that timeframe. Based on BTC data, the county has gained over 15,000 residents since the most recent U.S. Census estimate in 2023. Carolina Demography found that Brunswick County has seen the largest population increase in North Carolina from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, growing by 4.6% over that time with a net migration, which is total move-ins subtracted by total move-outs, of 7,821. However, Brunswick County’s natural increase — the number of births subtracted by the number of deaths — from 2022 was -794. Nearby Pender County was the second fastest growing county over that timespan at 4.3%, but its net migration, 2,885, is significantly lower, according to Carolina Demography. Only Mecklenburg and Wake counties had a higher net migration than Brunswick County from 2022 to 2023, though the% change was smaller, at 1.7% for both counties. Of the 175,000 Brunswick County residents, 55,300 residents are employed and 2,400 are unemployed but actively seeking employment, creating an unemployment rate of 4.2%, the snapshot notes. The county’s working population is roughly 57,700 — just 32% of the overall population. The snapshot found fair market rent in Brunswick County in 2025 is $1,280 for a two-bedroom home, slightly more than the U.S. Census’ median gross rent of $1,267 from 2019 to 2023. The Living Income Standard — a measure of what a family consisting of one adult and two children needs in order to cover basic expenses — for Brunswick County is $78,400, compared to $87,700 for the state, the BTC found. From 2019 to 2023, the median Brunswick County worker’s yearly income was $43,800 and the median household income was $74,000. The median worker income in Brunswick County is lower than in neighboring New Hanover ($48,500) and Pender ($46,800) counties but is higher than in western neighbor Columbus County ($38,100). The median household income in Brunswick County ($74,000), however, is higher than in New Hanover County ($72,900) and Columbus County ($48,200) but lower than in Pender County ($76,800). 51% of Brunswick County renters cannot afford rent, according to the snapshot, as that percentage pay more than 30% of their incomes in rent, while 27% of renters pay more than 50% of their incomes in rent. The percentage of Brunswick County renters who pay more than 30% of their income in rent increased 2% from 49% from 2018 to 2022, but the percentage who pay more than 50% decreased slightly from 28% from 2018 to 2022. 9% of Brunswick County residents live in poverty, snapshot data show, and 13% of children live in poverty — down 1% from its rate of 14% from 2018 to 2022. Brunswick County’s high school graduation rate in 2024 was slightly lower than the overall state rate, with the county’s sitting at 85% and the state’s at 87%. Black county residents have the highest graduation rate at 90% followed by Latine residents at 87% then white residents at 85%. The NC Budget and Tax Center Economic Snapshots, including for Brunswick County, can be found here:
https://ncbudget.org/2025-economic-county-snapshots-for-north-carolina/.
Read more » click here

North Carolina breaks records as tourism spending exceeds 2023 numbers
Tourism spending in North Carolina exceeded 2023 numbers, according to NC officials. In a press release, the Office of the Governor says in 2024, tourists spent “more than $36.7 billion on trips to and within the state.” The previous record was $35.6 billion, which was set in 2023. “Today’s news underscores what we all know: North Carolina is a fantastic place to visit,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As our mountain economies worked to recover from Helene, our Piedmont and coastal destinations remained popular and contributed to the growth of North Carolina’s tourism economy. We must continue to support tourism and small businesses in western North Carolina to help them come back stronger.” According to the economic impacts study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, the state tourism workforce increased 1.4% to 230,338 jobs in 2024. The study also found the payroll increased 2.6% to $9.5 billion. “As a result of visitor spending, state and local governments saw rebounds in tax revenues to nearly $2.7 billion,” Officials explained in a release. Additionally, North Carolina was found to rank No. 5 behind California, Florida, Texas, and New York in domestic visitation. “North Carolinians in all 100 counties benefit from the money that visitors spend,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “From our smallest towns to our largest cities, tourism means jobs for more than 50,000 small businesses and our first-in-talent workforce. These workers address travelers’ needs for transportation as well as lodging, dining, shopping, and recreation.” Officials say that as a result of an uptick in travelers, North Carolina residents saved $593 on average in state and local taxes.
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Odds & Ends –

What will summer be like in Wilmington?
Here’s what the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts
Spring in the Wilmington area can be so unpredictable. One day its beautiful and warm, the next day it’s cold and rainy. Temperatures fluctuate all the time. Lately it has been warmer than usual, and summer hasn’t even started. With the weather being hot and humid already, what will temperatures reach doing the summer? Here’s what to know about The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s summer weather predictions.

When does summer start?
The first day of summer arrives with the solstice on Friday, June 20 and occurs at the moment Earth’s tilt toward the sun is at a maximum.

What does the Old Farmer’s Almanac predict for summer in the Wilmington area?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts that summer will be warmer than normal, temperatures will generally be about average with the warmest periods occurring especially in July and August. While rainfall is expected to be below normal, watch for a tropical storm in mid-July.

What is The Old Farmer’s Almanac?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been around for more than 225 years. It is an almanac containing weather forecasts, planting charts, astronomical data, recipes, and articles. An almanac is an annual calendar containing important dates and statistical information such as astronomical data and tide tables.

How accurate is The Old Farmer’s Almanac?The Old Farmer’s Almanac claims an 80% accuracy rate on its predictions. 

National Weather Service Wilmington, NC
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center is forecasting increased chances for above-normal temperatures this summer across most of the country including Wilmington. Average highs for the three months of summer, June, July and August are 87, 90, and 88 degrees, respectively, and with this forecast it’ll likely exceed those values this summer, according to Tim Armstrong, Meteorologist and Climate Program Leader.
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This and That –

Bird Nesting Area
NC Wildlife Commission has posted signs that say –  Bird Nesting Area 
The signs are posted on the west end beach strand around 1335 OBW.
People and dogs are supposed to stay out of the area from April through November
.     1) It’s a Plover nesting area
.     2) Allows migrating birds a place to land and rest without being disturbed

Shorebirds among species in steepest decline in latest count
As the weather and water warm, beachgoers will flock to the North Carolina coast just as many of the native shorebirds and seagoing avian residents begin to nest. Piping plovers skittering up and down the sand with the surf, gulls loitering for picnic castoffs and tossed fish bait and pelicans soaring overhead or skimming the swells are all well-known and welcome sights for tourists to the North Carolina coast. The annual nesting sanctuary closure window from March 1 to Sept. 15 helps both early and late-season nesters like brown pelicans and black skimmers. Least terns have already begun their courting and nesting rituals and American oystercatchers have started hatching chicks. While almost any sandcastle builder, surfer or fisherman can expect to share the shore with these birds, almost all of them are in steep decline from habitat loss, rising sea levels, pollution and other threats, a new study led by the Audubon Society shows. The 2025 State of the Birds Report shows sharp declines in shorebirds and other species along the Atlantic Coast, including least terns, American oystercatchers and piping plovers. In North Carolina, black skimmers have also seen a drop in documented nests, leading to their designation as a state-threatened species. “The issues facing shorebirds are complex,” Audubon North Carolina spokesperson Brittany Salmons told Coastal Review. “The combined effects of sea level rise due to climate change and how we respond to that by choosing natural solutions versus shoreline hardening play a central role in the long-term hope for these species. Development brings more people and more alterations — like dredging, beach nourishment, terminal groins — to the habitats birds need. For shorebirds in particular this can be catastrophic. Having inlets with natural oscillation and broad flats are critical, along with water quality and prey abundance.” If shorebirds can rise above all of that, many species also have to endure lengthy, challenging migrations from their nests on the Arctic tundra to wintering grounds in South America and places in between. The quality of each of the habitats they will encounter on their multi-thousand-mile annual odysseys is critical to their survival and ability to return to their nesting grounds to breed once more, Salmons said. Nationally, about a third of all bird species – Audubon kept count of 229 individual species from coast to coast – are considered of high or moderate concern because of declining populations. Of those, 42 species are listed as red-alert tipping point species, or “birds with perilously low populations and steep declining trends.” Another 37 species are considered orange-alert, populations that show long-term population losses and accelerated declines within the past decade. Thirty-three species qualify for yellow-alert status, showing long-term population losses that have stabilized in recent years yet still require conservation to sustain that tenuous recovery, Audubon said. All of those species, regardless of their color coding, have one thing in common: They have each lost more than half of their measurable populations in the past 50 years. “Some of these species lack sufficient monitoring to thoroughly investigate losses,” states the report. “Tipping point species require focused scientific research to pinpoint drivers of declines, paired with fast action on conservation measures to bring these birds back.” As a group, shorebirds fared worst among the bird populations outlined in the report. Since 1980, shorebirds have suffered a 33% decline in overall population, which the report characterizes as “widespread declines with accelerating losses.” Of 28 species of shorebirds measured, 19 showed “definitive negative population trends,” with 18 of those showing accelerated losses in recent years. Shorebirds are most heavily represented among the species listed as at a tipping point. “Surveys show steep shorebird declines at migratory staging sites along the Atlantic Coast from North Carolina to Nova Scotia, as well as the Gulf Coast,” the report says. “Conservation actions to restore these critical coastal habitats will protect shorebirds, people and property from storms, flooding and sea level rise.”

Targeted efforts needed
Targeted conservation efforts are needed to protect shorebirds along the North Carolina coast and elsewhere along the Eastern Flyway, Audubon said. The report highlights efforts to protect the American oystercatcher, the black, white and brown shorebird notable for its thick, sturdy orange bill. Fifteen years ago, the oystercatcher was in serious decline throughout its Atlantic Coast range. In 2009, Manomet Conservation Sciences, in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, launched the American Oystercatcher Recovery Initiative composed of state, federal and private groups across 16 states all along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The coordinated conservation effort has resulted in a 43% increase in oystercatcher populations, from about 10,000 individuals in 2009 to nearly 15,000 in 2023, according to the report. Targeted management and monitoring along the coast, including protecting areas for oystercatcher use paid off, the report says. Remote islands and portions of public beaches were also roped off to keep the public from interfering with the birds’ natural behavior and reproduction. “This coordinated, multi-state effort saved this iconic, orange-billed bird from irreversible loss,” Audubon Coastal Biologist Lindsay Addison said. “People visiting the coast this summer can do their part by respecting posted sanctuaries and keeping a safe distance from beach-nesting birds. We’ve already limited available habitat with development, the least we can do is share the shore.” Seabirds – gulls and similar species that spend much of their time soaring over ocean waves – were also found to be in freefall. Audubon characterized seabird populations as suffering “cascading declines, but recovery efforts show great promise.”

Seabirds face numerous threats
Rising sea levels coupled with booming coastal development have wreaked havoc on natural seabird habitat and roosting sites, the report says. Seabird colonies on low-lying islands, like North Carolina’s barrier islands, are flooding more often. Marine heat waves are shocking their food sources. Ravenous invasive species consume seabirds and their eggs in many coastal areas. They also become bycatch in many coastal fisheries and fall prey to plastic pollution and infectious disease, Audubon says. “Protected nesting colonies and marine foraging areas can provide refuges for seabirds during extreme storm events,” the report says. “Policies that reduce fishing bycatch and plastics pollution can help mitigate direct human-caused stressors. Most of the shorebird species highlighted in the report are long-distance migrants, which face a somewhat different set of challenges than temperate-nesting, shorter distance migrants like the American oystercatcher, Salmons said. “To get between breeding and wintering grounds, these long-distance migrants must navigate a series of steppingstone sites where they stopover before continuing on,” Salmons wrote in an email. “Many of these are impacted by human presence on the coast, be it from beach renourishment or other coastal engineering projects that degrade habitat quality and prey availability.” Waterfowl and waterbirds — ducks, rails, egrets, heron and the like — showed some of their long-term population gains level off but have fared better than their seaside cousins, according to the report. In general, duck populations have grown 24% in the past half century and waterfowl were the only group of birds in the report that showed population gains. Of 20 species of duck measured, 14 were found to be increasing in population while one was stable and just five are declining. Large-scale conservation policies and efforts from legislation like the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the Duck Stamp program are partially responsible for the health of duck species in particular. “But today, this legacy is in jeopardy,” the report said. “Loss of wetlands and grasslands is accelerating in key regions for waterfowl and wetland protections are being weakened. Environmental land-use changes are driving recent duck and marsh bird declines in many areas.” Declining bird populations were laid bare in a 2019 study published in the journal Science that showed a net loss of 3 billion birds in North America over the past half-century. The 2025 State of the Birds report shows those losses are continuing. But, Audubon stresses, conservation works. Coastal restoration, conservation ranching, forest renewal and seabird translocations “show how proactive, concerted efforts and strategic investments can recover bird populations,” the report says. “The science is solid on how to bring birds back,” according to the report. “Private lands conservation programs, and voluntary conservation partnerships for working lands, hold some of the best opportunities for sparking immediate turnarounds for birds.”

Share their habitats
Policies aimed at reversing bird population decline can also benefit humans who share their habitats by creating healthier agricultural land, cleaner water and natural landscapes that better resist flooding, wildfire and drought, Audubon says. Birds are also the natural foundation for a soaring outdoors industry. Around 100 million Americans are avid birdwatchers, not to mention hunters and anglers, all activities to which healthy bird populations are a keystone feature, Salmons said. Audubon puts the total economic impact of birding activity at $279 billion annually. Regular folks can help support healthy bird populations by giving them room this summer, as they roost and lay their eggs along the North Carolina coast. Getting too close to a nest can scare parents away from eggs or hatchlings, Salmons said. Human disturbance, in which recreational or other activities disrupt shorebirds’ survival behaviors, she said. Such activities include people walking through resting or foraging flocks and allowing dogs or children to chase birds which wastes their energy and makes otherwise suitable habitat unavailable for their use. Repeated disturbance has a cumulative impact on birds at the coast. “Just as running once to catch the mailman won’t cause a person to be too exhausted to cook dinner and clean the house but doing it all day can, being repeatedly disturbed over and over impacts the health of shorebirds,” Salmons said. “Compounding these challenges which relate to the heavy development and recreational use of coastal sites are issues related to climate change, such as impacts to Arctic nesting grounds, timing of resource availability, and other factors.”
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Previously reported – June 2023
Wildlife Commission asks beachgoers to be mindful of nesting birds
Waterbirds are nesting and brood-rearing now through Aug. 31
Before hitting the beach this summer, visitors should remember to “share the shore” with beach-nesting birds, giving them, their eggs and chicks a wide berth. Waterbird nesting is now under way along the coast, and biologists with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission urge people to watch where they step on the beach because these birds are very sensitive to human disturbance. Eggs and chicks are well camouflaged and can be unintentionally stepped on and crushed by humans and pets. Getting too close to a nesting bird can cause it to fly off, leaving the eggs or chicks vulnerable to the elements or to predators. “Birds have their ways of letting you know when you’re too close,” said Carmen Johnson, the Wildlife Commission’s waterbird biologist. “They’ll call loudly and dive at you. Some species will pretend to have a broken wing to lure you or other perceived predators away from the nest and chicks.” Because beachgoers may not recognize bird-nesting habitats, the Wildlife Commission asks the public to observe the black-and-white signs posted by the agency and signs posted by agency partners around important beach-nesting areas and islands. The signs help people avoid nesting grounds from April 1 through Aug. 31, the sensitive nesting and brood-rearing season, and advise that entering an area can result in the loss of eggs or chicks. Wildlife Commission staff also remind boaters to be mindful of nesting birds on islands, particularly if they approach an island posted with the black-and-white signs. “You can help North Carolina’s waterbirds have a successful nesting season by observing them from outside the posted areas, and avoiding islands marked as bird-nesting areas, or unmarked islands where you see nesting birds,” Johnson said. “Some birds nest near the high tide line, and the likelihood of disturbing nests and stepping on flightless chicks is high.” Johnson added that it is especially important to adhere to the “no dogs” rule on the signs. Not only is it the law, but one dog can destroy an entire bird nesting colony in minutes. Some islands that serve as beach-nesting habitat are not marked with black-and-white signs, such as many of the state’s marsh islands in the sounds. Johnson recommends that people give these islands a buffer between their activities and any nesting birds. Likewise, not all nesting areas on the beach are posted, so coastal visitors and residents should always be aware of their surroundings. Beachgoers can help protect nesting shorebirds by: Keeping dogs on a leash at all times. Dogs may chase and harass birds, as well as trample nests, killing chicks or crushing eggs. Following the beach driving regulations. If driving is permitted, only drive on the lower part of the beach and drive slowly enough to avoid running over chicks. Disposing of trash properly when leaving the beach, including bait and scraps from cleaned fish, which can attract predators such as gulls, raccoons, feral cats and foxes. Discarding fishing line and kite string in an appropriate receptacle. These materials can entangle and kill birds and other wildlife if left on the beach. Abstaining from feeding gulls. Gulls are a major predator of young chicks and eggs. Avoiding flying drones and kites near nesting colonies. They may be mistaken for a predator. Cooperating with these simple steps and observing the posted signs will protect valuable bird resources and preserve our amazing beaches and wild waterfronts. For more information about beach-nesting waterbirds and how to protect them, down-load the “North Carolina’s Beach-Nesting Birds” document or visit the Wildlife Commission’s conserving webpage
(https://www.ncwildlife.org/Conserving/Conserving-North-Carolinas-Wildlife-Resources)
Beacon

Turtle Watch Program –

Turtle Watch Program – 2025

The first nest of the 2025 season was on May 22^nd

Average annual number of nests is 57

Current nest count – (12) as of 06/20/25

Members of the patrol started riding the beach every morning on May 1 and will do so through October looking for signs of turtle nests.
For more information » click here.

.Turtle Talks
The Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program conducts weekly educational programs on selected Wednesday evenings in June, July and August. Please check our Events Calendar for details on dates, times and locations. Seating is limited.

Children’s Turtle Time
Special programs for younger turtle enthusiasts are held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons in June, July and August on select dates.

Both programs are free of charge and will be held at the Holden Beach Chapel.

Holden Beach Turtle Patrol readies for summer programming
Volunteers with the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program are getting ready to offer weekly educational sea turtle programs this summer. Often called the “Turtle Patrol,” the program was founded in 1989 to monitor and protect the sea turtle population on Holden Beach, a seaside town in Brunswick County. This all volunteer, nonprofit conservation organization operates under the authority of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The family-oriented Turtle Talks are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. June 18 and be held each Wednesday until Aug. 13. A volunteer will speak, a slideshow and film will be shown, and the night will close out with a time to ask questions. The evening program “focuses on the life cycle of the sea turtle and how the Turtle Patrol aids in the preservation of sea turtles, a volunteer will speak about nesting sea turtles, what to look for when visiting the beach, and current nest information,” organizers explained in a release. The first Children’s Turtle Time for the summer is scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, and is to take place every Wednesday through Aug. 6. “The program introduces young children to the world of sea turtles through hands-on play, games, books and puzzles,” organizers said. This program is designed for two age groups, 3-4 and 5-6. An adult should remain with their child during the 45-minute program. If a family has two or more children that fall within both age groups, organizers advise that two adults attend. Volunteers are available to speak to clubs, classrooms and organizations to promote awareness during the educational outreach program “Turtle Talk on the Road.” Contact the outreach program coordinator by email at outreach@hbturtlewatch.org for more information or to schedule a program. Sea turtles nest on Holden Beach from mid-May through August, and their nests hatch July through October. When the 2025 turtle season began May 1, Turtle Patrol members started patrolling the island each morning looking for signs of a nesting sea turtle crawl on the beach. For details about these educational programs, number of nests, and recent news, https://www.hbturtlewatch.org/.
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Fort Fisher Aquarium offers tips to protect sea turtles during nesting season
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) has provided the community with tips on how to protect sea turtles during their nesting season beginning this month. “The Aquarium team is passionate about sea turtle conservation and we hope that our work in protecting these species inspires the community to find their own way to protect them,” said NCAFF education curator, Karissa Bearer.

NCAFF suggests a variety of tips, including:

• • • Reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics.
    • Never release balloons. Pop them and put them in the trash.
    • Never release sky lanterns. Try alternatives like bubbles or planting trees in celebration.
    • Pick up trash and share that data with scientists studying marine plastics.
    • Organize or participate in a beach cleanup or local trash pickup.
    • Write a letter to the editor or local government officials about the dangers of marine debris.

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Sea turtle nesting has begun at Holden Beach
After two false crawls in early May, and after all the other barrier islands around them already reported nests, the Holden Beach Turtle Patrol, also known as the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program, finally found two Loggerhead sea turtle nests on Thursday, May 22. Patrol members marked the nests and expect to see hatchlings from these nests in mid- to late-July. Last year, the first nest was found on May 18. There was a total of 67 sea turtle nests, with 7,278 known sea turtle eggs, and 5,385 hatchlings that went into the ocean. Their most frequent first date (4 times) is May 20, and their earliest date was May 8, when a Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle nested there. Nesting runs from May 1 through August and hatching runs from mid-July to October. With the nesting season in full swing now, the Patrol asks that residents (and guests) turn off ocean front lights, and if walking on the beach at night, keep lights at a minimum. If you see a momma turtle on the beach, call the HBTWP Stranding Team at (910) 954-0766. Do not shine a light on her, or take flash photos, or approach her or inhibit her movement in any way. For more information on HBTWP, visit their website at hbturtlewatch.org or visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
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Loggerhead sea turtle nests marked on Holden Beach by Turtle Patrol
The Holden Beach Turtle Patrol has announced that sea turtles are back at the beach. Two Loggerhead sea turtle nests were spotted on May 22 and two more nests were laid out on May 28. The Turtle Patrol has marked the nests and expect to see hatchlings in mid-to-late July. “With the nesting season in full swing now, please turn off oceanfront lights and if walking on the beach at night, keep lights at a minimum. If you see a momma turtle on the beach, please call the HBTP Stranding Team at 910-954-0766. Do not shine a light on her, or take flash photos, or approach her or inhibit her movement in any way,” Holden Beach town officials wrote on their Facebook page. More information on Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program can be found here.
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Fauna & Flora –

NC State Native Plant Resources » click here

NC Sea Grant Coastal Landscapes » click here

New Hanover County Arboretum Native Plant Garden » click here

Audubon Native Plant Database » click here

Fauna & Flora » click here
Holden Beach recommended plant list – deer resistant & salt tolerant

Factoid That May Interest Only Me –

Amidst FEMA staff cuts, worries grow about summer hurricane, tornado seasons
The Trump administration wants to rethink FEMA’s role in disasters. So far it’s mostly ’caused a lot of confusion.’
Federal Emergency Management Agency employees are trained to respond to disasters but have struggled this spring with the situation unfolding at their agency. While they’ve been deployed to wildfires in Los Angeles, flooding along the Kentucky River and throughout the southeast in response to Hurricane Helene, FEMA workers have watched a roiling turmoil of staff cuts, slashed budgets and threats to dismantle their agency. They’re fielding difficult questions from friends, co-workers and disaster victims about what the future holds. “It’s caused a lot of confusion,” said Michael Coen, a FEMA veteran of more than 15 years who left his position as chief of staff on Inauguration Day. At least 2,000 of the agency’s roughly 6,100 full-time employees have either left or plan to leave under the waves of terminations and voluntary retirements ordered by Elon Musk’s Department of Governmental Efficiency, Coen told USA TODAY. That doesn’t include a reduction in force expected to take place in the federal government in the coming weeks. President Donald Trump also has launched an agency review and cut funds for some FEMA grant programs, outraging officials in states where those funds already had been committed. The controversy taps into a long-running debate over the role of states and the federal government in disaster response. It’s hard to find a public official who doesn’t think the way the nation responds to disasters could be improved, but the 30% cut in its full-time staff raises concerns about whether FEMA will be able to respond to major disasters during the approaching summer storm season that could bring hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires. Jay Inslee, whose term as the Democratic governor of Washington State ended in January, is among those gravely concerned about FEMA’s ability to respond. “Gutting FEMA is just going to make more and more families have to be living under blue tarps for years, and not to have the financial assistance they deserve when they pay their taxes,” Inslee said. “I’m outraged on their behalf.”

States can’t go it alone, workers are worn out
Major disasters require federal resources, and state and local governments cannot cope on their own, said Shana Udvardy, senior climate resilience policy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists “With the summer danger season of extreme weather, including climate-fueled disasters, getting underway soon, these attacks on FEMA could not come at a worse time,” Udvardy said. “Congress must push back assertively on these egregious plans in a bipartisan way ‒ disasters do not discriminate based on politics.” When enormous natural disasters befall communities, especially small ones, they just don’t have the local resources, Inslee said. “It’s basically everybody pitching in together from the county to the Red Cross to the state, to the federal government.” FEMA’s remaining full-time employees, even those who work at headquarters and don’t typically deploy, have been warned to be ready to deploy to disasters this summer. The agency has been short-staffed for years, federal documents show. The staff flexes up and down as the need arises, with roughly 12,000 employees who respond as reservists or local temporary hires. Among the cuts this year to the permanent employees were 200 probationary staff, dismissed because they had been either recently hired or recently promoted. Coen said another 800 took the “fork-in-the-road” plan that placed employees on administrative leave with pay until the end of the summer, when they’d lose their jobs. “A lot of people with the agency were just exhausted,” he said. “Last year was a very challenging year for FEMA employees with all the disasters that took place, plus all the (Hurricane) Helene misinformation.” In the aftermath of Helene, some FEMA officials found their personal information had been made public on the web, and some were threatened. The inauguration opened a new chapter. Trump had been critical of FEMA during the campaign, and his first official trip was to visit the Helene disaster zone in western North Carolina, where he said the administration was “very disappointed” in FEMA. After information was leaked from one early meeting with the new FEMA officials, at least a dozen staff members were asked to submit to lie detector tests, Coen said. Employees are afraid to talk, even to former colleagues, because they’re afraid they might be subjected to a lie detector, Coen said. “If the head of the agency isn’t even respected by the Secretary’s office, if he’s being subjected to a lie detector test, you know, why would I stay here?” Even some of the younger staff are thinking, “I don’t need this anxiety,” he said.

FEMA’s role in disaster response
FEMA responds to every major natural disaster, assessing damage and providing assistance under pre-established guidelines and state agreements. In Washington State, “FEMA has been a tremendous, absolutely essential partner,” Inslee said. “From a boots-on-the-ground perspective, FEMA has been incredibly valuable.” In recent years, FEMA has seen an enormous increase in the number of disasters that require a response. That’s, in part, because the number of extreme weather events is rising, with more intense rainfall and larger wildfires brought on by climate change, Inslee said. That’s backed up by numerous federal reports. The scope and complexity of disasters are also growing because more people live in vulnerable areas, where they’re more exposed to storms and fires. In the current fiscal year, the agency carries financial obligations for 30 major disasters, dating back to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, according to its February 2025 monthly report. Its actual and estimated total obligations for those disasters are around $57 billion. Its budget authority for this year was $33 million.

FEMA’s reputation problems
The agency’s reputation has struggled in part because FEMA meets people when they are likely to be at their lowest, most desperate point, and, in part, because its mission is often misunderstood, Coen said. FEMA is supposed to function primarily as a backstop for people who don’t have insurance. It covers uninsured losses, so if you have homeowners insurance, “you’re probably not going to be eligible,” he said. “That frustrates people who feel like they did everything right.” Victims often expect FEMA to be there first, even though the agency must wait to be requested by state government. That message is often hammered home by emergency management officials, who remind residents to store enough supplies for five to seven days after a disaster. The agency’s mission has evolved and it walks a tightrope at times between trying to battle fraud and not attach so many rules that money can’t get where it needs to. State and local officials often refer to the recovery phase as the “disaster after the disaster.” A General Accounting Office Report in 2022 made numerous suggestions for addressing “red tape” in disaster recovery. Coen said a prime example of the misunderstandings is the frustration from states where the Trump administration recently denied claims for disaster assistance and denied extensions of certain assistance in others. “I’m personally not critical of that,” he said. When the federal government takes the bulk of the financial responsibility, it often slows down recovery, he said, adding that when new bridges or other infrastructures are complete, other officials and organizations sometimes take credit and forget to acknowledge FEMA’s role.

What happens next with FEMA?
By executive order on Jan. 24, Trump ordered a “full-scale review” of FEMA. Federal responses to Helene and other disasters “demonstrate the need to drastically improve” the agency’s efficiency, priorities and competence, his executive order stated. Appointees to the review council, announced April 28, will be tasked with taking a sweeping look at everything from disaster aid during periods before and after FEMA, the traditional role of states and citizens in securing life, liberty and property and how FEMA could serve as a support agency if the states were in control of disaster relief. They’re expected to make recommendations to Trump for improvements or structural changes to promote the national interest and enable national resilience. Members include Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Florida’s emergency management chief Kevin Guthrie and Tampa, Florida, Mayor Jane Castor. Noem already has stated she wants to eliminate FEMA. On Truth Social, Trump posted: “I know that the new Members will work hard to fix a terribly broken System and return power to State Emergency Managers.” Udvardy, with the Union of Concerned Scientists, is among many who agree there’s room for reform at the federal agency. Genuine reforms, she said, “should be informed by science, expertise, and the experiences of disaster survivors.” Meanwhile, the clock is ticking. The start of the Atlantic hurricane season is just a month away.
Read more » click here

States and Cities Fear a Disaster Season Full of Unknowns Amid Federal Cuts
President Trump’s efforts to downsize the government threaten essential functions that Americans have come to rely on before, during and after natural disasters. States and cities along ​the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are ​heading into hurricane season​ with an extraordinary level of uncertainty, unable to ​g​auge how significant cuts at vital federal agencies will affect weather forecasts, emergency response and long-term recovery. They are bracing for the likelihood that fewer meteorologists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will lead to less accurate forecasts, and that the loss of experienced managers at the Federal Emergency Management Agency will lead to less coordination and more inaction. Governors and mayors are also anticipating less financial aid, as the Trump administration shifts the burden of response and recovery away from the federal government. Exactly who will pay for what moving forward is a gaping question as disasters become bigger and costlier. “There’s no plan in writing for how FEMA intends to respond during this disaster season,” said Trina Sheets, the executive director of the National Emergency Management Association, which represents state emergency managers. “Things seem to be changing on a daily basis. But there’s no road map for states to follow or to be able to plan for.” The Department of Government Efficiency, the cost-cutting initiative led by Elon Musk, has left agencies that would normally be preparing for a run of extreme weather at this point in the year trying instead to find their footing after leadership changes and staffing cuts. FEMA has lost about a quarter of its full-time staff, including one-fifth of the coordinating officers who manage responses to large-scale disasters, according to a former senior official. Many of those employees made their own decision to leave. NOAA has lost about one-fifth of its staff, including hundreds of people from the National Weather Service. The thought of a shrunken FEMA — or eliminating the agency altogether, which President Trump has raised — is unnerving coastal residents like Trasi Sharp, of Sanibel Island, Fla. Her business, Over Easy Cafe, was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. “To just get rid of it with no plan is frightening,” Ms. Sharp said of the agency. It took her 18 months to rebuild, and then she lost $60,000 worth of equipment in Hurricane Milton last year, after the low-lying restaurant took on two-and-a-half feet of water. She did not receive FEMA assistance to repair her restaurant or her home, but she said the agency’s debris removal services were essential to the island’s recovery. “It’s just such a confusing time,” she added. “We’re all on pins and needles this season.” The agency did not respond to requests for comment before this story was published online. In an email after publication, a spokesperson for FEMA said that it was “shifting from a bloated, DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers state actors to provide relief for their citizens.” Kristi Noem, the Department of Homeland Security secretary, whose department includes FEMA, said on Tuesday that the agency was prepared for hurricane season, which extends from June through November. Some of the other federal agencies involved in disaster response agreed, in responses to emailed questions. But the Army Corps of Engineers, which is often called on to help communities after storms, acknowledged that it did not know “the full impact that staff departures or other reductions will have.” The unknowns extend beyond hurricanes. States and cities in the West, going into peak wildfire season, say they are concerned about how much they will be able to lean on the federal government after the Trump administration reduced the ranks of United States Forest Service personnel who support frontline firefighters. The domino effect may be that more local firefighters are deployed to help other jurisdictions fight wildfires sooner and for longer — leaving fewer available back at home, Chief Leonard Johnson of the McLane Black Lake Fire Department near Olympia, Wash., said in a news conference this month. Several state officials in the West said all the uncertainty affirmed their decision to devote more resources to their own firefighting efforts in recent years. “We have made the effort to try to take our fate back,” said Stan Hilkey, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Safety. There is no historical comparison since no other administration has made such deep cuts to FEMA or other disaster-response agencies. In the recent past, the nightmare scenario came in 2017, when FEMA struggled to respond to three devastating hurricanes in quick succession — Harvey, Irma and Maria — as well as widespread wildfires in California. The agency came close to running out of staff to deploy. At the start of that year’s hurricane season, FEMA had 6,588 trained staff members available to deploy to disasters, according to agency records. As of Wednesday, it had 1,952. States with robust budgets and considerable experience with disasters, such as Texas and Florida, may be better suited to working with less federal help than less affluent, more rural states that have fewer funds to tap into. Climate change has not only made extreme weather more frequent and deadlier, but also more likely to hit where it rarely did before. Even some who believe that FEMA needs an overhaul have acknowledged that the speed and volume of the changes could make this disaster season bumpy. “We’re going to be massively transforming the response system while that response system has to be effectively responding,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia, a Republican, said on Tuesday at the inaugural meeting of a Trump-appointed council that will make recommendations on FEMA’s future. Few question the need for improvements to the nation’s disjointed disaster response system, especially when it comes to long-term recovery. FEMA employees say they are often buried in months of paperwork. States and cities may submit a rebuilding proposal, only to find themselves caught in a lengthy back-and-forth after FEMA underestimates its price tag. Disaster victims often complain that FEMA takes too long, and offers too little, to be of real help. “They need to be revamped,” said Karen Small, 54, whose elevated home on Sanibel Island suffered damage during Hurricane Ian. That storm caused more deaths in Florida than any in almost 90 years. After her property insurance payout fell short, Ms. Small turned to FEMA to help cover some of her repairs. Agency officials insisted on meeting in person four times to review her application, while she was staying more than three hours away. In the end, she received $700, the standard amount that FEMA offers disaster victims. “That $700 covered my gas just to meet them,” she said. “It was almost an insult.” Yet few can fathom disaster recovery without the federal government. “My God where would this community be without FEMA?” said Nic Hunter, the outgoing mayor of Lake Charles, near the Louisiana coastline, who steered the city through Hurricane Laura in 2020. His city alone claimed more than $200 million after that storm and Hurricane Delta that year, he said. Had the federal government not stepped in, the city would have had to raise taxes and cut back services to make up the difference. “By and large, my experience with FEMA has been a positive one,” he said. FEMA is weighing whether to make it more difficult for states to qualify for financial assistance, and whether to reimburse state and local governments at a lower rate. The Trump administration wants states and cities to bear the brunt of the response and cost, saying they can be quicker and more effective. One possibility is to give states block grants to disburse as needed. “He wants us to be there in a time of need, but he wants the response to be led by those who know best,” Ms. Noem told the advisory council on Tuesday. She asked members to think of a new name for the restructured agency. In previous administrations, both Republican and Democratic, new presidents had appointed permanent, Senate-confirmed administrators of FEMA by the onset of hurricane season. Mr. Trump has not. The administration pushed out Cameron Hamilton, its first acting head, after he told lawmakers this month that the agency should not be eliminated. He was replaced by David Richardson, who has no emergency management background and on his first full day told FEMA employees during a town hall that if any of them tried to get in his way, “I will run right over you.” On Wednesday, Mr. Richardson told employees that he was rescinding the agency’s previous strategic plan. He added that a new plan would be developed “this summer,” according to a copy of the memo reviewed by The New York Times. When Arkansas was struck by tornadoes in March, FEMA surprised the state by initially denying its request to help victims cover housing, rental and other expenses. The federal government approved the request this month after Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican who served as press secretary during Mr. Trump’s first term, sent a personal appeal to the president. Mayor Cara Spencer of St. Louis pleaded for help after a tornado ripped through her city on Friday, killing at least five people and causing an estimated more than $1.6 billion in damage. “We’re going to run out of resources here pretty quickly,” she said in an interview, calling it a “classic” example of when the federal government needs to step in. Beyond concerns about funding, emergency managers fear that sharp cuts to federal weather forecasting may give them less precise information to make decisions on evacuations, shelters and positioning of aid materials. “Having an accurate forecast is one of the most critical pieces of information for effective warning and alerting of populations,” said David Merrick, who runs the emergency management and homeland security program at the Center for Disaster Risk Policy at Florida State University. NOAA did not respond to a request for comment. James Franklin, a meteorologist who retired in 2017 from the National Hurricane Center, which is part of the National Weather Service at NOAA, has seen administrations come and go and federal budgets grow and shrink. What is happening now, he said, is more alarming because it amounts to “hostility to gaining knowledge about how the atmosphere works and how to make forecasts better.” “We are largely giving up on the next 20 years of improvements that we could have had,” he said. “The best we can kind of hope for right now is that we stagnate in our abilities to keep people safe over the next couple of decades.”
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America is becoming less ready for natural disasters
The president is destroying programs that help communities prepare for climate effects.
President Donald Trump’s administration is on a crusade against efforts to grapple with climate change. From the start of Trump’s second term, officials have halted clean energy projects or attempted to claw back funding for them, and, at the same time, they have fast-tracked permitting for fossil fuels. The administration has also been tearing down federal programs that protect Americans against the kind of extreme weather that climate change brings, making it harder for communities to prepare for and recover from natural disasters. These decisions will weaken the economy and — more importantly, could cost lives. Start with the administration’s gutting of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The agency, which is part of the Commerce Department, monitors weather, conducts climate research and maintains intricate forecast models that are essential to much of the economy. Farmers use the models to decide which crops to plant and when, and the shipping and aviation industries use them to steer around hazardous weather. Nevertheless, many people in the administration see the agency as a source of “climate alarmism,” as Russell Vought, who is now director of the Office of Management and Budget, put it in a proposal for Project 2025. Commerce officials slashed hundreds of employees from NOAA’s workforce. The administration’s budget framework released this month also proposed cutting $1.3 billion from the agency by targeting “climate-dominated research, data, and grant programs, which are not aligned with Administration policy-ending ‘Green New Deal’ initiatives.” A NOAA spokesperson said it is “actively enhancing disaster readiness and lifesaving capabilities” through “transformation and strategic investments in advanced technology.” But the layoffs alone will make it difficult to maintain the agency’s vast network of weather radars. Thirty of the National Weather Service’s 122 local forecast offices now operate without a chief meteorologist, CNN has reported. As extreme weather events become more common — and more expensive — this could prove disastrous. Then there’s the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which the president and many of his advisers repeatedly have threatened to eliminate. In 2023, the Government Accountability Office determined that understaffing at FEMA was impeding disaster responses. Yet Trump’s Department of Homeland Security has reduced its workforce by 20 percent through layoffs and voluntary buyouts. Trump this week also fired the acting head of the agency a day after the administrator told Congress that he didn’t believe FEMA should be eliminated. Meanwhile, the administration has repeatedly denied federal aid to disaster-stricken regions, arguing that states should lead response efforts. This earned a rebuke from Republicans in Arkansas, who pushed the administration to reconsider its denial of funding after deadly storms in March. “Given the cumulative impact and sheer magnitude of destruction from these severe weather events, federal assistance is vital to ensure that state and local communities have the capabilities needed to rebuild,” a group of Republican lawmakers from the state wrote in a letter to Trump. The administration’s aversion to FEMA stems partly from misinformation, amplified by the president. He has claimed that the agency intentionally withheld aid to Republican residents in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene last year. This falsehood has undermined the agency’s difficult work and led to threats against relief workers. Last month, the administration also announced it would end FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, which was created during the first Trump administration and expanded under President Joe Biden to help communities harden themselves against disasters, such as by raising roads prone to flooding. The White House has also been scaling back FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance program, which awards post-disaster grants to help communities rebuild in ways that make them more resilient. Also in April, the administration dismissed all the scientists working on the next National Climate Assessment. The congressionally mandated report, which is due to be released by 2028, is meant to synthesize the latest climate research to help state and local governments respond to climate change. Contributors to the report said it would place a new emphasis on adaptation strategies. Each of these decisions has been reckless. Taken together, they reveal a basic disregard for the scientific programs and government infrastructure that have kept Americans safe for decades. The president almost seems to be daring Mother Nature to strike while the country’s defenses are down. Lawmakers — especially Republicans, who are no doubt nervous about their party’s political future — need to speak up for their constituents and press for climate mitigation programs to continue. So should business leaders who rely on government data to protect their investments. Americans need a government that cares about their safety.
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Beach Strand –

As weather warms, nesting shorebirds and sea turtles join people heading to NC’s beaches
With people flocking to the coast, officials hope education and outreach can help efforts to share the sand with nesting birds and sea turtles.
As the weather warms, sun-seeking tourists aren’t the only ones drawn to North Carolina’s rich necklace of barrier islands along its 320 miles of coastline. If you’re visiting the beach this summer, there’s a good chance you’ll see wildlife mixed in with visitors and the occasional resident. But sharing valuable beach real estate with nesting shorebirds and sea turtles can be challenging. Mix in the loss of habitat on many islands to development, the growing risk from climate change, and the increased threat of disturbance tied to human activities, dogs and even predators and the odds are often stacked against the native fauna. The eggs and chicks of nesting shorebirds often blend in perfectly with the sand, making it easy for people or pets to accidentally step on them. Getting close to the nests or babies can be just as bad, scaring the parents off and leaving the eggs and chicks at the mercy of predators and the summer heat. That’s where groups like the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Audubon North Carolina come in to help level the playing field. Hundreds of signs ring the state’s coastal nesting sanctuaries from Currituck Sound in the north to Sunset Beach in the south, warning visitors to respect nesting areas. In some locations, including Wrightsville Beach, volunteers help reinforce that message. Hope Sutton, eastern wildlife diversity supervisor with the wildlife commission, said education and outreach efforts are some of the most powerful tools officials have to raise awareness about the birds’ requirements. “It’s a critical component, whether its students at Wrightsville Beach Elementary making cute signs to warn beachgoers to stay out of the refuge or adults learning about these birds through one of our outreach activities,” she said. “Our behavior patterns can really impact the chance of success many of these birds species have.” The helping hand comes as regulators worry about the future of some of the state’s shorebirds. North Carolina’s 2023 waterbird survey, which is conducted every three years and is a collaborative effort among government agencies and environmental groups, showed substantial dips in the numbers of many nesting shorebirds. Among wading birds, that list included cattle egrets, tricolored heron, little blue herons, snowy egrets and glossy ibis. Beach-nesting species showing substantial declines included the common tern, gull-billed tern, and Caspian tern. Another species that is in trouble is the black skimmer, with North Carolina’s population decreasing by half since 1999. Because skimmers nest directly on the open sand, they are especially vulnerable to disturbance and loss of nesting sites. But the survey wasn’t all bad news. Least tern numbers were found to be increasing, with many of the nests found on the beaches at the south end of Wrightsville Beach and on Lea-Hutaff Island in Pender County. Brown pelicans also are doing well, with 5,227 nests reported in 2023, well above the 15-year average of about 4,000 nests. Many of the shorebirds holding their own nest on spoil islands, like those in the Cape Fear River or Intracoastal Waterway, or on sections of protected natural areas like Masonboro Island that are hard to access. But climate change is an unknown variable that could add to the pressure many species face. On low-lying manmade dredge islands, for example, rising seas and stronger tropical storms tied to warming temperatures could increase erosion and over wash threats. “And the competition for sand is already tough and is likely to get worse in the coming decades,” Sutton said, referring to the limited nearshore sand resources and many coastal towns now seeking nourishment projects to boost their eroding beaches. A warming climate also could prompt some birds to nest sooner. Lindsay Addison, a coastal biologist with Audubon North Carolina, said learning to share the beach and knowing when to back away, such as when a shorebird starts acting irritated, can go a long way to help. “Anyone who has lived down here for a while knows that there are more and more people now, and sometimes it’s really hard to go anywhere along the coast and not run into a lot of people,” she said. “The birds also are experiencing that, and there are a lot of opportunities for people to disturb them and impact their survival. “But if we just keep our distance and take some other steps, like keeping our dogs on a leash during certain times, it can make a really huge difference.” Shorebird nesting season runs from March through mid-September.

Turtle time
Shorebirds aren’t the only ones looking to nest on area beaches. Peak sea turtle nesting season begins May 1 and continues through the end of October. Most local beaches are monitored daily during sea turtle nesting season to look for evidence of nests, which are then monitored and protected if needed during the roughly two-month incubation period. While sea turtle nesting numbers have been showing increases in recent years, regulators and environmentalists warn the marine reptiles still face many threats − especially during the decades they navigate the oceans before females return to their birth beach to nest. While on the beach, threats dangers include holes dug in the sand and left by beachgoers, which can trap hatchlings after they emerge from the nest, and bright lights from homes and businesses that can distract nesting mothers and hatchlings and lead them away from the ocean.

Sharing the beach
Tips from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission on how to share the beach with nesting wildlife this summer:

• • • Respect the boundaries of the roped-off nesting areas
    • Keep dogs on a leash
    • Follow beach driving regulations
    • Throw away trash properly, including fishing line and kite strings
    • Don’t feed sea gulls or least terns
    • Don’t fly drones or kites near nesting sites

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Most rip current deaths are preventable. Yet people keep drowning.
Beach-safety experts are frustrated by the mounting fatalities despite awareness campaigns and improved forecasts
Rip-current deaths in the United States are running ahead of last year’s pace — at least 29 since the beginning of the year — with peak beach season yet to come. Experts are warning the public to be aware of this largely hidden hazard ahead of Memorial Day weekend, traditionally one of the busiest beach weekends of the year. The risk of dangerous rip currents is expected to be particularly high this weekend along portions of the Southeast coast where a storm could produce heavy rain, gusty winds and rough seas. Experts say most rip-current fatalities can be prevented. Still, the number of annual rip-current deaths has steadily climbed since the National Weather Service began tracking them in 2010, reaching a record of 130 in 2021, then dipping to 85 last year. Rip currents were the third-leading cause of weather-related deaths from 2012 to 2021, behind only heat and flooding, according to the Weather Service, and in a typical year they kill more people than lightning, hurricanes or tornadoes. Rip currents are strong, narrow streams of water that flow away from the shoreline and can suddenly sweep swimmers out to sea. They can form on almost any beach with breaking waves, especially near low spots or breaks in sandbars, and near jetties or piers. Predicting where and when a rip current will form is difficult because of the many weather and ocean factors involved. The Weather Service cautions that “rip currents often form on calm, sunny days.” The Weather Service lists 26 rip-current deaths this year through April 27, not including three deaths believed to be caused by rip currents on April 28 in Destin, Fla., May 6 in Ocean City, Md., and May 12 at Cannon Beach, Ore. At this point last year, there were 19 total such deaths. Beach-safety experts are expressing frustration as fatalities trend higher again this year despite annual awareness campaigns, such as the United States Lifesaving Association’s National Beach Safety Week held every year during the week before Memorial Day, and recent improvements to rip current forecasts. “It is frustrating when we produce videos and graphics and educational information and release it at the beginning of each beach season, and it still misses so many people,” Scott Stripling, a senior meteorologist at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, said in an email. “The problem seems to be one of communication and/or lack of attention by the general public.”
Rip-current forecasts and warning signs
The Weather Service issues daily rip-current forecasts for beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf Coast, Southern California, Great Lakes, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The forecasts categorize the rip-current risk as low, moderate or high, and are informed by a rip-current model recently developed by NOAA that has made it possible to differentiate the risk between adjacent beaches. Previously the same forecast could span 100 miles or more. However, the model doesn’t enable reliable forecasts of the exact location and time of rip currents. These are influenced by a number of factors including wave characteristics, water levels, winds and the shape of a beach. Advances in artificial intelligence could help with rip-current detection — NOAA is partnering with the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association on a project using AI to detect rip currents in webcam imagery — but such efforts are still in their infancy. In some cases, there are visible clues to the existence of a rip current, such as a break in the waves, foamy water or objects being carried offshore, or darker water that is due to a break in a sandbar. Often, though, rip currents are difficult to see, or are best seen from a high point such as a dune line or the top of a beach access. Rip currents are particularly hard to spot in South Florida, where, the Weather Service says, they “consistently rank at or near the top of the list of deadliest weather-related hazards,” because there is not much sediment to darken or muddy the current at the shoreline. In Brevard County alone, home to nearly 72 miles of sandy beaches, there have been eight apparent rip-current drownings since November, all at beaches without lifeguards. “We have clear-water rips, so these offshore-flowing currents are very hard to detect,” Stephen Leatherman, a professor in the department of earth and environment at Florida International University, said in an email. “The best thing is to have lifeguards and for people to swim close to lifeguards. But lifeguards are very expensive, and Florida has 825 miles of good quality sandy beaches which are swimmable for most of the year.”
Warnings and tips for surviving a rip current
Rip currents flow at speeds up to 5 miles per hour. That may not sound fast, but it’s faster than many Olympic swimmers. If you are caught in a rip current, experts say not to swim directly back to shore against the current, which can quickly exhaust and drown you. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, which is typically no wider than about 50 to 100 feet. You might also escape by floating or treading water, allowing the current to take you out just past the breaking waves where many rip currents tend to dissipate, and then circulate you back toward the shore. However, some rip currents can extend hundreds of yards offshore. If you see someone caught in a rip current, experts urge you not to risk your own life to attempt a swimming rescue unless you have been trained to do so and have a flotation device to assist you and the person in distress. Instead, you should get help from a lifeguard or call 911 if no lifeguard is present. You should also throw the victim something that floats, such as a lifejacket, body board, cooler or a ball, and yell instructions on how to escape. Experts agree that the best way to survive a rip current is to avoid it in the first place. That means checking the rip-current forecast before you enter the water, heeding warnings for rip currents or rough surf, and only swimming close to a lifeguard. The United States Lifesaving Association estimates the chance of someone’s drowning at a beach with a lifeguard at 1 in 18 million. “Lifeguards are trained to spot rip currents and other beach hazards and intervene as and when needed,” Chris Houser, a professor at the University of Windsor School of Environment and a longtime beach-safety researcher, said in an email. “While there is some evidence that individual beach users can be trained to spot rips, most beach users are not aware of what to look for.” U.S. lifeguards make an estimated 80,000 or more rip-current rescues each year, which suggests that education and warning messages are not reaching or are not resonating with as many people as experts would like. “If the lifeguards are flying precautionary flags, and there are signs on the lifeguard stand identifying the potential for rips in that area, and the National Weather Service and media have advertised that there is at least a moderate risk for rip currents to be present at your local beach, what else can we do?” the Weather Service’s Stripling said.
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 Jellyfish Guide

Staying safe at the beach: Rip currents, jellyfish, sharks, and other hazards
A trip to the beach can turn deadly (or painful) due to natural hazards but being aware of risks and mitigating hazards is a good way to prevent problems.
Picture this: warm weather, blue skies, and your toes in the sand — it sounds like a perfect lazy summer day at the beach. Maybe you decide to cool down in the ocean and find yourself bobbing around when suddenly you realize you are a little too far out. As panic sinks in and you start to swim towards dry land you realize your efforts are in vain and your whole body is getting tired, all the while you are drifting further into the Atlantic — you have gotten stuck in a rip current. It’s not the only potential danger in the ocean, though. There are also sharks. And, of course, there are some things on shore that ruin your day at the beach, too, including stepping on jellyfish and, of course, good old-fashioned sunburn.

Rip currents
According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association (USLA), 80 percent of all ocean rescues are related to rip currents and annually more than 100 fatalities across the country are due to rip currents. While it is obvious that swimming at a beach with lifeguards is one of the safer options, there are plenty of area beaches that lack lifeguards or maybe ocean rescue season has not started just yet. So, what is the best course of action for surviving a rip current? According to the National Weather Service, there are several things swimmers should keep in mind when dealing with these often-unseen dangers.

• • Relax. Rip currents don’t pull you under.
  • A rip current is a natural treadmill that travels an average speed of 1-2 feet per second but has been measured as fast as 8 feet per second — faster than an Olympic swimmer. Trying to swim against a rip current will only use up your energy; energy you need to survive and escape the rip current.
  • Do NOT try to swim directly into to shore. Swim along the shoreline until you escape the current’s pull. When free from the pull of the current, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore.
  • If you feel you can’t reach shore, relax, face the shore, and call or wave for help. Remember: If in doubt, don’t go out!
  • If at all possible, only swim at beaches with lifeguards.
  • If you choose to swim on beaches without a lifeguard, never swim alone. Take a friend and have that person take a cell phone so he or she can call 911 for help.

Sharks
Sharks are a fear on most every swimmer’s mind, regardless of the actual dangers posed by the large predatory fish. “NOAA states that while shark attacks are rare, they are most likely to occur near shore, typically inshore of a sandbar or between sandbars where sharks can be trapped by low tide, and near steep drop-offs where sharks’ prey gather. While the risks are small, it’s important to be aware of how to avoid an attack,” according to previous reporting.

Suggestions from NOAA for reducing the risk of a shark attack include:

• • Don’t swim too far from shore.
  • Stay in groups – sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual.
  • Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight when sharks are most active.
  • Don’t go in the water if bleeding from a wound – sharks have a very acute sense of smell.
  • Leave the shiny jewelry at home – the reflected light resembles fish scales.
  • Avoid brightly-colored swimwear – sharks see contrast particularly well.

Sunburns
Most everyone has experienced a sunburn at one point in their life and while not often thought as a major concern for many, overexposure to UV light can cause serious long-term problems including skin cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using at least S.P.F. 15 sunscreen at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Wearing a hat, long sleeves, and other protective clothing is also recommended to keep skin protected.

Jellyfish
Jellyfish and Portuguese Man of War have been spotted along the beaches of New Hanover County and surrounding area beaches already this season and the little floating creatures can pack a punch. Often times beachgoers will spot them washed up on shore and other times they can be spotted in the water, but it is best to avoid them when you can. “While all jellyfish sting, not all contain poison that hurts humans. Be careful of jellies that wash up on shore, as some can still sting if tentacles are wet. NOAA recommends that if you are stung by a jellyfish to first seek a lifeguard to give first aid. If no lifeguards are present, wash the wound with vinegar or rubbing alcohol,” NOAA suggests. And what about that … other method of treating stings? Turns out, it’s a myth. In fact, urine can actually aggravate the stinging cells of jellyfish, making things worse. These cells, which detach and stick into the skin of prey, can continue to inject venom. Urine, as well as fresh water, can cause an imbalance to the salt solution surrounding the stinging cells, causing them to continue to fire. According to Scientific American, if you don’t have vinegar or rubbing alcohol, rinsing with salt water may be your best bet.
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Beachcombing Guide

Storm Events –

Hurricane Vehicle Decals
Property owners were provided with four (4) decals  that were included in this month’s water bill. It is important that you place your decals in your vehicle or in a safe place. A $10 fee will be assessed to anyone who needs to obtain either additional or replacement decals. Decals will not be issued in the 24-hour period before an anticipated order of evacuation.

The decals are your passes to get back onto the island to check your property in the event that an emergency would necessitate restricting access to the island. Decals must be displayed in the driver side lower left-hand corner of the windshield, where they are not obstructed by any other items. Officials must be able to clearly read the decal from outside the vehicle.

Property owners without a valid decal will not be allowed on the island during restricted access. No other method of identification is accepted in an emergency situation. Click here to visit the Town website to find out more information regarding decals and emergency situations.

EVACUATION, CURFEW & DECALS

What is a State of Emergency?
A proclamation by the Town which enacts special ordinances and/or prohibitions during emergency situations to protect the public, public health and property. These prohibitions can include limitations on movement, curfews, directing of evacuations, controlling ingress and egress to the emergency area, alcoholic beverages, and more. State of Emergencies are issued in accordance with N.C.G.S. 166A-19.22.

What is a curfew?
A curfew is an order, typically during a State of Emergency, which requires all persons in the affected areas to remain on their own property. During a curfew, you are not free to move about public domain areas or on others’ property. Violations of a curfew could lead to arrest in certain situations.

What is a voluntary evacuation?
A voluntary evacuation creates a recommendation for all parties in the affected area to get their affairs in order hastily and evacuated.

What is a mandatory evacuation?
A mandatory evacuation means you must leave the area in which an order has been issued. With recent changes to the laws in North Carolina, you no longer have the option of staying in an area under an order of mandatory evacuation.

Why is the sewer system turned off during a storm/event?
Often the sewer system is turned off during storms which have the potential to create significant flooding on the island. The system is turned off to protect its integrity. If it were left on, it could pose a significant threat to the public health. When the system is manually shut down, it also greatly reduces the time needed to bring it back up after an event which equates to getting residents and guests back on the Island much faster.

Why is there a delay for decal holders to get back on the island once a storm ends?
After a storm, many things must occur before even limited access can be allowed. Some of those things include making sure the streets are passable; the sewer system must be restarted to comply with State laws; the utilities (water, sewer, electricity, propane supplies) must be checked to ensure no safety risk are present; and the post-storm damage assessment team needs to perform an initial assessment.

Where can I get up-to-date information during and after a storm or State of Emergency?
You can sign up for the Town email service by clicking here. The newsletter, along with the Town’s website will be the main sources of information during an emergency situation. Links to the Town’s official Facebook and Twitter pages can be found on the website. You can also download our app for Apple and Android phones by accessing the app store on your smart phone and searching Holden Beach.

Please refrain from calling Town Hall and Police Department phone lines with general information questions. These lines need to remain open for emergencies, storm management and post-storm mitigation. All updates concerning re-entry, general access, etc. may be found on the Town’s website and other media outlets.

Why do I see others moving about the island during a curfew?
If a curfew order is in place, you must stay on your own property. You may see many other vehicles moving about the Island. We often receive assistance from other local, state, federal and contract personnel during events. It is likely these are the personnel you are seeing, and they are involved in the mitigation process for the event. Please do not assume that a curfew order has been lifted and/or you are free to move about the island.

Can I check my friends’ property for them?
If a curfew order is in place, you may ONLY travel to your personally owned property. Traveling about the Island to check on others’ property is not allowed. is in place, you may ONLY travel to your personally owned property. Traveling about

Who can obtain decals?
Only property owners and businesses who service the island can obtain a decal.

How do I get decals for my vehicle…?

If I am an owner?
Decals will be mailed out in water bills to property owners before the season starts. Those owners who need additional decals can contact Town Hall. A fee may apply, please check the current fee schedule.

If I am a renter?
You must contact the owner of the property to obtain a decal.

If I am a business owner on the Island?
You must contact Town Hall to obtain a decal.

If I am a business owner off the Island that provides services on the Island?
You must contact Town Hall for eligibility and to obtain a decal.

When does my decal expire?
All decals expire on the last day of the calendar year as indicated on the decal.

Where do I put my decal on my car?
Decals must be displayed in the lower left-hand corner of the windshield, where they are not obstructed by any other items to include window tinting, other decals, etc. Officials must be able to clearly read the decal from outside the vehicle. Please note that re-entry will not be allowed if a current, intact decal is not affixed to the windshield as designated.

How do I replace a decal if I get a new vehicle?
If you trade a vehicle or otherwise need a replacement decal, you may obtain them from Town Hall during normal business hours. A fee may apply, check the current fee schedule.

Can I obtain a decal right before an emergency occurs?
While most of the storms we deal with are tropical in nature with some type of advanced warning, we do experience many other types of events that could create a State of Emergency without warning. All eligible parties should obtain decals as early as possible each year to avoid being denied access to the Island. Decals shall not be issued during the 24-hour period prior to an anticipated order of evacuation so staff can concentrate on properly preparing the Town for the storm/event.

Can I use a tax bill or another document for re-entry?
No. You MUST have a decal to re-enter the Island until it is open to the general public.

How does re-entry after a storm during a State of Emergency work?
The bridge is closed to all vehicle access, except for official vehicles. Once those with proper decals are allowed access, they must conform with the current rules in place by the specific State of Emergency Order. After all hazards have been rendered safe, the bridge will be opened to the general public. A curfew could remain in effect however, to ensure the safety and security of the Island and its residents and guests. Please understand this process typically takes days to evolve and could be significantly longer, depending on the amount of damage sustained. Please refrain from calling for times for re-entry, as those are often not set on schedule. Instead, stay tunes to local media outlets and official social media accounts for accurate updates.

How can I check on my property if access is limited to the Island?
Once it is safe, property owners with valid decals will be allowed back on the Island after a storm/event. At this point, you can travel to your property, in accordance with the rules of the specific State of Emergency Order currently in place.

If you live out of the area, please do not travel to the Island until you are certain you will be allowed access. Stay tuned to those media outlets and email services that are of official nature for this information. Also, be certain you have your current, valid decal properly affixed to your vehicle.

It is a good idea to be sure your contact information is current with the Town tax office as this is the location Town officials will use in the event you need to be contacted.
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NC General Statute 166A-19.22
Power of municipalities and counties to enact ordinances to deal with states of emergency.

Synopsis – The governing body may impose by declaration or enacted ordinance, prohibitions, and restrictions during a state of emergency. This includes the prohibition and restriction of movements of people in public places, including imposing a curfew; directing or compelling the voluntary or mandatory evacuation of all or part of the population, controlling ingress and egress of an emergency area, and providing for the closure of streets, roads, highways, bridges, public vehicular areas. All prohibitions and restrictions imposed by declaration or ordinance shall take effect immediately upon publication of the declaration unless the declaration sets a later time. The prohibitions and restrictions shall expire when they are terminated by the official or entity that imposed them, or when the state of emergency terminates.

Violation – Any person who violates any provisions of an ordinance or a declaration enacted or declared pursuant to this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Hot Button Issues –

Subjects that are important to people and about which they have strong opinions

Climate
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There’s something happening here
What it is ain’t exactly clear

Hottest decade
The latest “State of the Global Climate” report has been released and the news is pretty dire: our world has just experienced its hottest decade. According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2024 was the hottest since record-keeping began and was likely the first time global temperatures exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above the baseline set in 1850-1900. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide were at the highest levels in the last 800,000 years. Such record levels of greenhouse gases — along with the El Niño weather pattern — were mostly to blame for the higher temperatures.

Earth’s 10 Hottest Years Have Been the Last 10
A report from the World Meteorological Organization confirms that 2024 was the hottest year on record and the first year to be more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial era.
With the addition of 2024, yet another record-hot year, the past 10 years have been the 10 hottest in nearly 200 years of record-keeping, the World Meteorological Organization reports. “That’s never happened before,” said Chris Hewitt, the director of the W.M.O.’s climate services division. It marks the first time since record keeping began that all of the 10 hottest years have fallen within the most recent decade. 2024 was the single warmest year on record, surpassing even 2023’s wide lead over other recent years. The planet’s surface was approximately 1.55 degrees Celsius warmer than its average during a reference period that approximates the preindustrial era, from 1850-1900. The annual report from the W.M.O., a United Nations agency, includes input from dozens of experts and institutions from around the world and sheds further light on the record-breaking heat of 2024 and places it in the context of Earth’s long-term warming from climate change. The extra energy in the atmosphere and the oceans helped fuel climate-related disasters around the globe. Extreme weather events like drought, storms and wildfires displaced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, the report says. Atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases released from fossil fuel combustion continue to rise. In 2024, the concentration of carbon dioxide hit amounts unseen in at least two million years, according to the report. Concentrations of two other important greenhouse gases, methane and nitrous oxide, reached levels unseen in at least 800,000 years. Homo sapiens, or modern humans, emerged around 300,000 years ago, so our species has never before experienced an atmosphere so laden with planet-warming greenhouse gases. When countries signed the Paris Agreement in 2015, they agreed to try to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. “While a single year above 1.5 degrees C of warming does not indicate that the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement are out of reach, it is a wake-up call that we are increasing the risks to our lives, economies and to the planet,” Celeste Saulo, the secretary general of the W.M.O., said in a statement. The new report estimates that long-term warming has reached 1.25 to 1.41 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, although the margins of error for some estimates extend beyond 1.5 degrees. The report authors estimate that last year, El Niño and other factors contributed an additional 0.1 or 0.2 of a degree of temporary warming. El Niño is a natural climate pattern that tends to slightly raise the overall surface temperature of the planet. Record warmth, however, continued into 2025, even through El Niño’s transition into the opposing pattern, La Niña. “It’s been really quite extraordinary to see that warmth continue for so long,” John Kennedy, the scientific coordinator and lead author of the report, said during a call with reporters. This warmth is especially apparent in the oceans, where key indicators of climate change are now accelerating. The oceans have so far absorbed around 90 percent of the additional heat trapped inside Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases. The oceans’ heat content — a way to measure this warmth throughout different depths — also reached a record high last year. Over the past two decades, from 2005 to 2024, the oceans warmed more than twice as fast as they did from 1960 to 2005, according to the report. Increased ocean temperatures have had devastating consequences for marine life. By April 2024, warm-water corals had been bleached in every ocean basin where they grow. Global average sea-level rise also reached a record high in 2024, according to the report. The speed at which the seas are rising has also more than doubled in recent years: 4.7 millimeters per year in the past decade, from 2015 to 2024, compared with 2.1 millimeters per year from 1993 to 2002. The World Meteorological Organization’s work depends on international cooperation among its 101 member countries, including the United States. “If you look at how weather has progressed since the initiation of the W.M.O. in 1950, you can now see that you can have the forecast on your smartphone,” said Omar Baddour, the W.M.O.’s chief of climate monitoring. “You cannot believe how much collaboration is behind this.” Data from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which recently lost hundreds of staff positions as part of the rapid, large-scale cuts to the federal bureaucracy the Trump administration undertook beginning earlier this year, are included in the W.M.O.’s new report.
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Flood Insurance Program
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National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On March 14, 2025, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2025. 

Congress must now reauthorize the NFIP
by no later than 11:59 pm on September 30, 2025.

GenX
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Homeowners Insurance
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Homeowners’ insurance rates going up Sunday, with some Cape Fear areas seeing a 10% spike
Homeowners in the Cape Fear should be prepared for an insurance rate spike over the weekend. On January 17, 2025, Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced the end of a legal dispute between the N.C. Department of Insurance and insurance companies about their proposed homeowners’ insurance rate increase filed in January 2024. The N.C. Rate Bureau originally requested an average 42.2% increase last year, with proposed increases of up to 99.4% in some areas, like the eastern coastal areas of Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender Counties. Under the agreement signed by Commissioner Causey and the Rate Bureau, the average statewide base rate will increase by 7.5% on June 1, 2025, and 7.5% on June 1, 2026. You can see your insurance rate bump here, with those eastern coastal areas of Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender Counties seeing an increase of 10.5%. The Rate Bureau is not a part of the Department of Insurance and represents homeowners’ insurance companies in North Carolina. “The insurance companies wanted to raise our homeowners’ rates up to 99.4% in some areas and an average 42.2% statewide in a single year,” Commissioner Causey said back in January. “I fought for consumers and knocked them back to 7.5% increases over two years with a maximum of 35% in any territory. We consider this settlement a big win for both homeowners and North Carolina.” In addition, the agreement prohibits the Rate Bureau from undertaking an effort to increase rates again before June 1, 2027. “North Carolina homeowners will save approximately $777 million in insurance premiums over the next two years compared to what the insurance companies requested. This also protects homeowners from future base rate increase requests until June 2027,” said Commissioner Causey. “These rates are sufficient to make sure that insurance companies, who have paid out large sums due to natural disasters and face increasing reinsurance costs due to national catastrophes, have adequate funds on hand to pay claims.
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Hurricane Season
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Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30

Prepare now for hurricanes, Trump warns.
Here’s what NC residents, others should do.
NOAA says the best time to prepare for oncoming storms is now – well before the official start of Hurricane season.
National Hurricane Preparedness Week was designated by President Donald Trump on May 5, a reminder that deadly hurricanes will soon be brewing. The Atlantic Hurricane season starts June 1. Presidents dating back to at least George W. Bush have issued proclamations about the preparedness week tradition, which warns of danger ahead. According to Trump’s latest proclamation, this is “a time to raise awareness about the dangers of these storms and encourage citizens in coastal areas and inland communities to be vigilant in emergency planning and preparation.” Yet another active year is predicted, with as many as 17 named storms possible, according to a forecast from Colorado State University experts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says the best time to prepare for oncoming storms is now – well before the official start of the season. “Take action TODAY to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes and begin pre-season preparations now.” Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it’s too late. “Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period,” NOAA recommends. NC braces for hurricane season North Carolina is No. 2. That’s not good when it comes to hurricane season predictions

Here are five things you should do now:

1. Develop an evacuation plan
If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles. Your destination could be a friend or relative who lives in a well-built home outside flood prone areas. Plan several routes and be sure to account for your pets.

2. Assemble disaster supplies
Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of three days (store a longer than 3-day supply of water, if possible). Electricity and water could be out for weeks. You’ll need extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights. You may need a portable crank or solar-powered USB charger for your cell phones. And lastly, don’t forget your pets!

3. Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions
Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. Also take the time before hurricane season begins to document your possessions: photos, serial numbers, or anything else that you may need to provide your insurance company when filing a claim.

4. Create a family communication plan
NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation. Write down on paper a list of emergency contacts, and make sure to include utilities and other critical services – remember, the Internet may not be accessible during or after a storm.

5. Strengthen your home
Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand hurricane-force winds. Many retrofits are not as costly or time consuming as you may think, NOAA said. If you’re a renter, work with your landlord now to prepare for a storm. And remember – now is the time to purchase the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to have on hand if you need to board up the windows and doors ahead of an approaching storm.
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Will hurricane season start early this year? Recent trends suggest yes
Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, but Mother Nature does not always follow that calendar – and it looks like this year could also defy the timeline. In recent days, some forecasting models have hinted at the possibility of a head start to the 2025 season, showing the potential for storm development—specifically in the western Caribbean where conditions appear more favorable. In seven of the last 10 years, at least one named storm has formed before June 1. For comparison, there were only three years with early named storms from 2005 to 2014. After six years of storms forming early, the National Hurricane Center decided in 2021 to start issuing tropical weather outlooks beginning May 15—two weeks earlier than previously done. Some years have even seen multiple prior to the season’s start. There were two ahead-of-schedule named storms in 2012, 2016 and 2020 – and 2020 nearly had three, with Tropical Storm Cristobal forming on June 1. When a hurricane season starts early, it doesn’t necessarily mean there will be more storms. But there could be cause for concern this year, as the season’s poised to be a busy one, with an above-average 17 named storms predicted, according to hurricane researchers at Colorado State University. Early activity has largely been thanks to unusually warm waters in the Atlantic, Caribbean or Gulf basins during the spring. It’s a trend meteorologists and climate scientists have been watching for years. As our climate continues to warm, so do the oceans, which absorb 90% of the world’s surplus heat. That can have a ripple effect on tropical systems around the globe. Warm water acts as fuel for hurricanes, providing heat and moisture that rises into the storm, strengthening it. The hotter the water, the more energy available to power the hurricane’s growth. And a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, which in turn means more fuel for the tropical systems to pull from. Sea surface temperatures are already incredibly warm for this time of year, especially in the Gulf and southern Caribbean. This means any system passing through those regions could take advantage if other atmospheric conditions are favorable and develop into an early named storm. In the Caribbean, water temperatures are among some of the warmest on record for early May, and more in line with temperatures found in late June and July. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season has also seen some preseason activity in recent years, though not as frequent as the Atlantic. Part of the reason is because the Eastern Pacific season begins two weeks earlier, on May 15. In the last 20 years, the Eastern Pacific basin has only had three named tropical systems prior to that date—Andreas in 2021, Adrian in 2017 and Aletta in 2012. Another reason is the relationship between the two basins and storm formation. Generally, when the Atlantic basin is more active, the Pacific is less so due to a number of factors, including El Niño and La Niña.
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NOAA 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
The 2025 North Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook is an official product of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center (CPC). The outlook is produced in collaboration with hurricane experts from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) and Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML). The Atlantic hurricane region includes the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of America.

Interpretation of NOAA’s Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook:
This outlook is a general guide to the expected overall activity during the upcoming hurricane season. It is not a seasonal hurricane landfall forecast, and it does not predict levels of activity for any particular location.

Preparedness:
Hurricane-related disasters can occur during any season, even for years with low overall activity. It only takes one hurricane (or tropical storm) to cause a disaster. It is crucial that residents, businesses, and government agencies of coastal and near-coastal regions prepare for every hurricane season regardless of this, or any other, seasonal outlook. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through Ready.gov (English) and www.listo.gov (Spanish), the NHC, the Small Business Administration, and the American Red Cross all provide important hurricane preparedness information on their web sites.

NOAA does not make seasonal hurricane landfall predictions:
NOAA does not make seasonal hurricane landfall predictions. Hurricane landfalls are largely determined by the weather patterns in place as the hurricane approaches, and those patterns are usually only predictable when the storm is within several days of making landfall.

Preparedness for tropical storm and hurricane landfalls:
It only takes one storm hitting an area to cause a disaster, regardless of the overall activity for the season. Therefore, residents, businesses, and government agencies of coastal and near-coastal regions should prepare every hurricane season regardless of this, or any other, seasonal outlook.

Nature of this outlook and the “likely” ranges of activity:
This outlook is probabilistic, meaning the stated “likely” ranges of activity have a certain likelihood of occurring. The seasonal activity is expected to fall within these ranges in 7 out of 10 seasons with similar conditions and uncertainties to those expected this year. They do not represent the total possible ranges of activity seen in past similar years. Years with similar levels of activity can have dramatically different impacts.

This outlook is based on analyses of 1) predictions of large-scale factors known to influence seasonal hurricane activity, and 2) long-term forecast models that directly predict seasonal hurricane activity. The outlook also takes into account uncertainties inherent in such outlooks.

Sources of uncertainty in the seasonal outlooks:

• • Predicting the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases, which include El Niño and La Niña events and ENSO-neutral and their impacts on North Atlantic basin hurricane activity, is an ongoing scientific challenge facing scientists today. Such forecasts made during the spring generally have limited skill.
  • Many combinations of named storms (tropical and subtropical storms), hurricanes, and major hurricanes can occur for the same general set of conditions. For example, one cannot know with certainty whether a given signal may be associated with several shorter-lived storms or fewer longer-lived storms with greater intensity.
  • Model predictions of sea-surface temperatures (SSTs), vertical wind shear, moisture, atmospheric stability, and other factors known to influence overall seasonal hurricane activity have limited skill this far in advance of the peak months (August-October) of the hurricane season.
  • Shorter-term weather patterns that are unpredictable on seasonal time scales can sometimes develop and last for weeks or months, possibly affecting seasonal hurricane activity.

2025 North Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook Summary

 a) Predicted Activity

NOAA’s outlook for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season indicates that an above-normal season is most likely, with a moderate probability that the season could be near-normal and lower odds for a below-normal season. The outlook calls for a 60% chance of an above-normal season, along with a 30% chance for a near-normal season and only a 10% chance for a below-normal season. See NOAA definitions (https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/Background.html) of above-, near-, and below-normal seasons.

The 2025 outlook calls for a 70% probability for each of the following ranges of activity during the 2025 hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1st through November 30th:

• • 13-19 Named Storms
  • 6-10 Hurricanes
  • 3-5 Major Hurricanes
  • Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) range of 95 to 180% of the median

The seasonal activity is expected to fall within these ranges in 70% of seasons with similar conditions and uncertainties to those expected this year. These ranges do not represent the total possible ranges of activity seen in past similar years. These expected ranges are centered above the 1991-2020 seasonal averages of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. Most of the predicted activity is likely to occur during August-September-October (ASO), the peak months of the hurricane season.
The North Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1st through November 30th. This outlook will be updated in early August to coincide with the onset of the peak months of the season (ASO).

b) Reasoning behind the outlook

This 2025 seasonal hurricane outlook reflects the expectation of factors during ASO that have historically produced active Atlantic hurricane seasons, though some were not as active, resulting in a range of activity. The main atmospheric and oceanic factors for this outlook are:

• • • • The set of conditions that have produced the ongoing high-activity era for Atlantic hurricanes which began in 1995 are likely to continue in 2025. These conditions include warmer sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) and weaker trade winds in the Atlantic hurricane Main Development Region (MDR), along with weaker vertical wind shear, and a conducive West African monsoon. The oceanic component of these conditions is often referred to as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), while the ocean/atmosphere combined system is sometimes referred to as Atlantic Multidecadal Variability (AMV). The MDR spans the tropical North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Currently observed SSTs in the MDR are similar to those normally observed in mid-June. Saharan Air Layer outbreaks typically mitigate some of the activity early in the season, but it is not known if this will significantly affect activity during the peak months. Tradewinds are weaker than normal which contributes to lower vertical wind shear. The upper-level circulation with the West African Monsoon is near average, though monsoon rainfall is predicted to be shifted northward and be potentially above-average for the entire season.
        
    • The most recent forecast from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center indicates ENSO-neutral conditions are likely through the hurricane season. During the peak months (ASO), the odds are highest for ENSO-neutral (54%), with moderate probabilities for La Niña (33%), and low chances of an El Niño event (13%) occurring. During a high-activity era, ENSO-neutral is typically associated with above-average levels of hurricane activity. La Niña events tend to reinforce those high-activity era conditions and further increase the likelihood of an above-normal hurricane season, while most of the inactive seasons are associated with El Niño events.
      

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NOAA predicts above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season
Above-average Atlantic Ocean temperatures set the stage
NOAA’s outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 30% chance of a near-normal season, a 60% chance of an above-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. The agency is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3-5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges. “NOAA and the National Weather Service are using the most advanced weather models and cutting-edge hurricane tracking systems to provide Americans with real-time storm forecasts and warnings,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. “With these models and forecasting tools, we have never been more prepared for hurricane season.” “As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,” said Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm. “NOAA is critical for the delivery of early and accurate forecasts and warnings, and provides the scientific expertise needed to save lives and property.” 

Factors influencing NOAA’s predictions
The season is expected to be above normal – due to a confluence of factors, including continued ENSO-neutral conditions, warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear, and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon, a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes. All of these elements tend to favor tropical storm formation. The high activity era continues in the Atlantic Basin, featuring high-heat content in the ocean and reduced trade winds. The higher-heat content provides more energy to fuel storm development, while weaker winds allow the storms to develop without disruption. This hurricane season also features the potential for a northward shift of the West African monsoon, producing tropical waves that seed some of the strongest and most long-lived Atlantic storms. “In my 30 years at the National Weather Service, we’ve never had more advanced models and warning systems in place to monitor the weather,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “This outlook is a call to action: be prepared. Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you’re ready before a storm threatens.”

Improved hurricane analysis and forecasts in store for 2025
NOAA will improve its forecast communications, decision support, and storm recovery efforts this season. These include:

• • NOAA’s model, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System, will undergo an upgrade that is expected to result in another 5% improvement of tracking and intensity forecasts that will help forecasters provide more accurate watches and warnings.
  • NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) and Central Pacific Hurricane Center will be able to issue tropical cyclone advisory products up to 72 hours before the arrival of storm surge or tropical-storm-force winds on land, giving communities more time to prepare. 
  • NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center’s Global Tropical Hazards Outlook, which provides advance notice of potential tropical cyclone risks, has been extended from two weeks to three weeks, to provide additional time for preparation and response. 

Enhanced communication products for this season

• • NHC will offer Spanish language text products to include the Tropical Weather Outlook, Public Advisories, the Tropical Cyclone Discussion, the Tropical Cyclone Update and Key Messages. 
  • NHC will again issue an experimental version of the forecast cone graphic that includes a depiction of inland tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings in effect for the continental U.S. New for this year, the graphic will highlight areas where a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are simultaneously in effect. 
  • NHC will provide a rip current risk map when at least one active tropical system is present. The map uses data provided by local National Weather Service forecast offices. Swells from distant hurricanes cause dangerous surf and rip current conditions along the coastline.

Innovative tools for this year

• • NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Services (NESDIS), in collaboration with NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and NOAA Research, is deploying a new, experimental electronically scanning radar system called ROARS on NOAA’s P-3 hurricane hunter research aircraft. The system will scan beneath the plane to collect data on the ocean waves and the wind structure of the hurricane. 
  • NOAA Weather Prediction Center’s experimental Probabilistic Precipitation Portal provides user-friendly access to see the forecast for rain and flash flooding up to three days in advance. In 2024, Hurricane Helene caused more than 30 inches of extreme inland rainfall that was devastating and deadly to communities in North Carolina. 

NOAA’s outlook is for overall seasonal activity and is not a landfall forecast. NOAA also issued seasonal hurricane outlooks for the eastern Pacific and central Pacific hurricane basins. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center will update the 2025 Atlantic seasonal outlook in early August, prior to the historical peak of the season.
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Atlantic Hurricane Season Could Go ‘0 For June.’
Does That Matter For The Rest Of The Season?
Unlike one year ago, this June has been dead quiet in the Atlantic. Our deeper dive examines whether this is unusual and whether that provides anything meaningful about what the rest of the season holds.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season may fail to produce its first storm through the rest of June for the first time in 11 years. But that doesn’t mean the rest of the season won’t pose dangers to the U.S. and Caribbean.

‘0 For June,’ Unlike Last Year
While the Eastern Pacific has already generated five storms and two hurricanes, including Erick, we’re still waiting for the first named storm, “Andrea”, to develop in the Atlantic Basin. -One year ago, Alberto first became a tropical storm on June 19 in the Gulf, then Beryl exploded from a tropical storm to a Cat 4 hurricane by June 30 in the eastern Caribbean Sea.

Is This Unusual?
The short answer is, “For recent years, yes, but in general, not really.” Since the satellite era (1966), the season’s first storm arrived, on average, around June 10. Over a 30-year period from 1991 through 2020, that average date was June 20, according to the National Hurricane Center. Twenty-seven of 59 hurricane seasons since 1966 have failed to generate a June storm. That last happened in 2018 and 2019. This may be the first season to not produce a single storm in June, or before June, since 2014. But the last five seasons from 2020 through 2024 each produced at least one June storm. Four of those seasons, including the past two, produced multiple June storms.

Why So Quiet?
June and November are typically the two quietest months of hurricane season. By a measure known as accumulated cyclone energy or ACE, only about 2% of the Atlantic hurricane season’s activity occurs through June. This year, a combination of strong wind shear over the western Gulf and Caribbean Sea, higher than average surface pressure, more stable air suppressing thunderstorms, and less ocean heat than last year are keeping a lid on development, so far.

Does This Matter For The Rest Of The Season?
Given this “0 for June,” there is less of a chance that 2025’s season will be as frenetic as, say, 2020, 2017 or 2005. Since 1993, Junes with multiple storms correlate to hyperactive seasons, averaging 18 more storms, nine hurricanes and four major (Cat 3-plus) hurricanes, according to Todd Crawford, Vice President of Meteorology at Atmospheric G2. Crawford also found that seven of eight seasons with at least 10 hurricanes also had at least one June storm.

‘It Only Takes One’
Here’s what happened in the last two seasons without a June storm:

 2019: Another 17 storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes formed, including Cat 5 Dorian’s catastrophic raking of the northwest Bahamas.

 2018: Another 14 storms, eight hurricanes and two major hurricanes formed, including Florence’s catastrophic rainfall in the Carolinas, followed by Michael’s Cat 5 landfall in the Florida Panhandle.

Each of those three hurricanes was so destructive and/or deadly that their names were retired from future use.

Despite potentially somewhat reduced numbers for the season overall, the Atmospheric G2 team is forecasting three hurricanes to make a U.S. landfall in 2025. And it only takes one storm to strike where you are to make any season memorably bad.

Prepare Now, Regardless
The bottom line is we’re still very early in the season, with the most active months of August and September ahead. Now, not in the days before a hurricane strikes, is a good time to refresh or develop a plan. That includes knowing if you live in an evacuation zone, assembling a disaster kit at home, making your home as resilient as possible, checking on your insurance policy and making an inventory of your belongings.
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Inlet Hazard Areas
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Lockwood Folly Inlet
For more information » click here.

Army Corps to dredge Lockwood Folly Inlet
The United States Army Corps of Engineers is set to dredge the Lockwood Folly Inlet navigational channel this summer, and though the bulk of the project cost will be covered by state grant funds a local match is required from Brunswick County and the towns of Holden Beach and Oak Island. The $744,500 dredging project will dredge the navigational channel of the Lockwood Folly Inlet, located between the east end of Holden Beach and the west end of Oak Island, to a depth of eight-feet and be done by the Corps’ sidecast dredge Merritt, as that is the only U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) dredge currently available. The bulk of the project cost — $558,375 or 75% — will be covered by the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging and Aquatic Weed Fund, with the remaining 25%, or $186,125, required to be split between the county and the two towns. During the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners May 19 meeting, Assistant County Manager Niel Brooks said with previous similar projects, Brunswick County covers 50% of the local match, totaling in this case $93,062.50, with the remaining 50% of the local match to be split between local jurisdictions, leaving Holden Beach and Oak Island to cover $46,531.25 each. Brooks said the town of Holden Beach said it is on board with the project, but noted the town of Oak Island had not confirmed its willingness to provide a local match. “But in order to keep this project moving forward and meeting the schedule that the Corps has that the dredge is available, staff would recommend that we go ahead and have you authorize the county to pay the entire match, $186,125, and then that we get look to get the reimbursement from the two jurisdictions.” Commissioner Randy Thompson asked staff were the funds are coming from. In response, County Finance Director Aaron Smith said, “We have a reserve that we set aside for these type of projects and we’ve got more than enough available to cover what he’s proposed.” The county commissioners voted unanimously to approve allocating the funding, though some expressed concerns with undertaking the project will a sidecast dredge, which does not place any dredged sand onto beaches but instead scoops material and ejects it off either side back into the inlet. “It’ll shoal back in within two weeks,” Chairman Mike Forte said. “Well, hopefully not but, yeah — it’s better than nothing,” Commissioner Marty Cooke said in response, to which Forte agreed. Following the county’s May 19 approval, Holden Beach Interim Town Manager Christy Ferguson during its May 20 Board of Commissioners meeting confirmed the town of Holden Beach’s intention to provide its share of funds for the project. The town had already budgeted funding for dredging Lockwood Folly this fiscal year, she said. “We do stand ready to pass those funds along to the county,” Ferguson said, “and we’ll be doing that for our part.” As noted above, Brooks during the May 19 meeting said the town of Oak Island has not provided the county with a “firm yes” regarding the project. Oak Island just completed the first round of its own dredging of the Lockwood Folly, separate from the Corps’ dredging, town leaders said during the May 21 Brunswick County Shoreline Protection Consortium meeting. Oak Island Mayor Elizabeth White during the recent consortium meeting expressed concerns about USACE’s plans to dredge the Lockwood Folly Inlet navigational channel with a sidecast dredge. “A sidecaster doesn’t put sand where we need it,” she said. “So, the next dredge that they’re doing at Lockwood Folly casting the sand off to the side, that sand could go to the beach.” Also, during the recently Shoreline Protection Consortium, Commissioner Cooke said the county has been considering purchasing a dredge. He said the county would look for something similar to the Miss Katie dredge, a hopper dredge — which collects dredged material and transport it to another location.
Read more » click here

Seismic Testing / Offshore Drilling
For more information » click here.

Offshore drilling still has no place on the Atlantic Coast
It’s a story Carolinians already know: The Trump administration is once again pushing to expand offshore drilling along America’s coasts. It claims to have a mandate, insisting that “America spoke” in last November’s election and that those results endorse the administration’s energy agenda and “national energy emergency” claims. When America last had a real chance to weigh in on offshore drilling during the first Trump term, it spoke loudly and clearly in opposition. Nowhere was this more evident than in the Carolinas, where communities, local leaders and even Republican lawmakers stood up and firmly said, “No.” In 2018, the first Trump administration proposed opening up vast stretches of the Atlantic Coast to offshore drilling, including waters off North and South Carolina. That plan ran headfirst into a wall of resistance built by residents from coastal towns and inland cities who came together to protect their way of life. Environmental groups, fishermen, small business owners and tourism industry leaders formed unlikely alliances to stop the drilling. More than a hundred coastal communities passed formal resolutions against Atlantic oil drilling. Those unlikely alliances bloomed into rallies, marches and protests for months on end. Their message was simple: Environmentally and economically, the risks were too high. That opposition was echoed by elected officials, regardless of their side of the aisle. Republican governors and lawmakers broke ranks with the administration to defend their states’ coastlines. Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and South Carolina’s Henry McMaster both called for their states to be excluded from the drilling plan. Coastal communities passed resolutions opposing drilling off their shores. It was a rare display of bipartisan unity, driven by the urgent need to protect local economies, natural heritage and public safety. The high stakes haven’t changed. The Atlantic Ocean is home to fragile marine ecosystems including species like endangered North Atlantic right whales, sea turtles and countless fish species. Those species and ecosystems are under constant pressure from overfishing, climate change, as well as plastic, chemical and noise pollution. Habitat destruction from coastal development, bottom trawling and dredging further disrupts vital ecosystems. The oil industry could very well be the tipping point for our Atlantic species. The damage doesn’t stop at the drill site. Seismic testing — the method used to locate oil beneath the ocean floor — blasts powerful sound waves through the water, disorienting and sometimes killing marine animals. Infrastructure to support offshore drilling brings onshore pollution, industrialization of coastal areas, and heightened risk of oil spills. And the closer the drilling moves to shore, the greater the danger to beaches, estuaries, as well as the tourism and fishing industries that rely on clean water and healthy ecosystems. Additionally, due to the proximity of the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic, spilled oil could rapidly travel thousands of miles, creating widespread ecological damage that would be incredibly difficult to mitigate. That’s thousands of miles of chances for oil to get on and inside the bodies of wildlife, leading to everything from hypothermia to ulcers and a gruesome death. Now, the first public comment period is open in the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which the Department of the Interior will use to create a process for selling leases for drilling off our coasts. The people of North and South Carolina stood up to offshore drilling once before, and we must do it again: Submit comments to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and demand that our coast be kept free from new drilling. Offshore drilling has had no place on the Atlantic Coast before, and it has no place here now. America didn’t ask for oil rigs off its beaches — and the Carolinas are once again ready to lead the fight to keep them out.
Read more » click here

NC, SC governors push to keep offshore lease moratorium
The two Carolina governors are urging the Trump administration to maintain the moratorium on offshore drilling the president set during his first term, citing possible disruptions to the coastal economy from a disaster without the existing protection. Trump issued in September 2020 memoranda preventing leases for oil and gas drilling off the coast of North Carolina and South Carolina until June 30, 2032. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced plans in April to begin the process of developing a new schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales for the outer continental shelf. Called the “11^th National Outer Continental Shelf Program,” the public comment period opened April 29. The 45-day comment period closes Monday, June 16. In the letter to BOEM dated June 16, Gov. Josh Stein and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster urge removing North Carolina and South Carolina’s outer continental shelf from consideration for the program. “Because of the significant risks associated with offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production off the Carolina coasts, every North Carolina and South Carolina coastal municipality has passed a resolution opposing offshore drilling and seismic testing,” the governors wrote. “This position has been reaffirmed by other municipalities and counties, as well as state legislators and members of our Congressional delegations from both parties. We ask you to respect the wishes of our states and our coastal communities and reaffirm President Trump’s decision to protect our coastlines and the industries they support.” North Carolina and South Carolina have a combined 513 miles of ocean beaches and 6,251 miles of coastline that are home to more than 2.7 million people and include numerous national wildlife refuges. The coastal economy for the two states in 2021 contributed $9.6 billion to the gross domestic product, supported more than 125,000 jobs, and provided $3.8 billion in wages, led by tourism and recreation, shipbuilding, fishing, and marine transportation industries. “These industries would be highly vulnerable to disruption from offshore drilling,” according to the governors’ offices.
Read more » click here

Offshore Wind Farms
For more information » click here

Things I Think I Think –

Eating out is one of the great little joys of life.

Restaurant Review:
The Dinner Club visits a new restaurant once a month. Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, ambience and service, with price taken into consideration.

Top 10 Wilmington restaurants from OpenTable’s Diners Choice awards
The online restaurant-reservation service company OpenTable uses the data from the 60,000 eateries on their site to put together lists of brunch spots, hot spots and most booked restaurants. Some also land on a list best overall restaurants and earn Diner’s Choice awards.  “This is a living, breathing list,” said Jenna D’Aniello, with OpenTable. Which means they are frequently analyzing the millions of reviews for the ever changing top 10. But here are some Wilmington-area spots that were earning rave reviews in early 2025. 

1) Seabird
James Beard Outstanding Chef finalist Dean Neff and his team offer a hyper local approach to seafood and product at 1 S. Front St. in Wilmington.

2) Farfalla
The We Are True Blue restaurant group opened Ellipsis at 1502 S. Third St. in Wilmington with an evolving theme. Lately, that’s been their Farfalla concept with an innovative Italian menu. 

3) Catch – Modern Seafood Cuisine
Another local James Beard semi-finalist, Chef Keith Rhodes, offers local seafood prepared in both Southern-inspired dishes and with global flavors at 6623 Market St., Wilmington.

4) Solstice Kitchen & Cocktails
Take in chef-prepared meals and ocean views at this restaurant at Holiday Inn Resort Lumina at 1706 N. Lumina Ave. in Wrightsville Beach. 

5) Port Land Grille
Look for progressive American regional cuisine in a casual-but-elegant restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining at Lumina Commons. 

6) Jerry’s Food, Wine and Spirits
This restaurant at 7220 Wrightsville Ave., Wrightsville Beach, has been a favorite since 1992. Since then, they’ve served actors, politicians, athletes and locals. 

7) Genki Sushi Japanese Restaurant
This spot at 4724 New Centre Drive in Wilmington has been a longtime local favorite for sushi and more in a warm, welcoming environment.  

8) G Prime Steak & Cellar
Newer to the scene near Wrightsville Beach is this classic steakhouse with an upscale coastal vibe and an extensive wine list at 1981 Eastwood Road.

9) PinPoint Restaurant
One of Southern Living’s suggestions for must-try Wilmington restaurants, this restaurant has a farm-to-table menu in downtown at 114 Market St. 

10) Brent’s Bistro
This popular restaurant at 7110 Wrightsville Ave. near Wrightsville Beach has the atmosphere of an upscale neighborhood gem with a menu that changes weekly. 

Read more » click here

Most of these Wilmington restaurants are on my favorites list

Dining Guide – Favorites * Lou’s Views

Only Caprice Bistro and Manna are not, which is a little surprising to me       

Dining Guide – Local

Old places, New faces

Name:            Salty Dogs Cafe & Bark Bar
Location:      2991 Holden Beach Road, Supply NC
Archibald’s Deli established in 1991 has permanently closed. Salty Dogs Café opened at this location at the end of April. They have rebranded the Archibald’s Deli menu and added a full bar, fenced dog area, live music, and special events.

Editor’s note –
Lora Smith is still the owner and they will be operating the deli much as it has been before.

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

THE NIGHTINGALE by Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale narrates the experiences of two sisters in France during World War II, highlighting their struggles to survive and resist the German occupation. The story emphasizes the resilience and significant roles of women in the resistance efforts, drawing inspiration from real-life events and figures.

A blast from the past

That’s it for this newsletter

See you next month

Lou’s Views . HBPOIN

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.                                    • Identify the issues and determine how they affect you
.                                    • Act as a watchdog
.                                    • Grass roots monthly newsletter since 2008

https://lousviews.com/

Lou’s Views

“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments

BOC’s Public Hearing / Regular Meeting 05/20/25

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet click here

Audio Recording » click here 

BOC’s Public Hearing

THB Newsletter (04/23/25)
TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
May 20, 2025

Take notice that there will be a public hearing on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter, in the Holden Beach Town Hall Public Assembly, 110 Rothschild Street, Holden Beach, NC 28462 to hear public comments on proposed Ordinance 25-05, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 157.006 Definitions, Ordinance 25-06, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 157.060 Residential District (R-1) and Ordinance 25-07, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 157.085 Relocation of Buildings.

All interested persons are invited to attend. Any person wishing to comment in writing should do so by submitting comments to Town Hall, 110 Rothschild Street, Holden Beach, NC 28462, Attention: Town Clerk, or heather@hbtownhall.com. Written comments must be submitted between the date of publication of this notice and 24 hours before the public hearing.

Public Hearing 05/20/25

• • • §157.006 / Parking Spaces
    • §157.060 / Cargo Lift
    • §157.085 / Relocation of Buildings 

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Ordinance 25-05, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section §157.006 Definitions

Ordinance 25-06, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section §157.060 Residential District (R-1)

Ordinance 25-07, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section §157.085 Relocation Of Buildings

157.006 Definitions » click here 

157.060 Residential District » click here

157.085 Relocation of Buildings » click here

Update –
The Public Hearing was held to hear comments on  the three (3) proposed zoning changes.  

1.   Conflict of Interest Check

2024 Rules of Procedure for the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners
(e) Conflict Check. Immediately after the approval of the agenda, the Presiding Officer shall poll each member to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. In the event that a potential conflict is disclosed, the members will vote on a motion to allow or excuse that member with respect to the agenda item. If excused, the member may not participate in any discussion, debate, or vote with respect to the agenda item.

The Board was polled by Heather our Town Clerk. All of them declared that there was no conflict of interest with any agenda item at this meeting. 

2.   Discussion and Possible Action on Securing Bond Counsel and a Financial Advisor for a Possible Referendum – Scott Leo, Parker Poe & Andrew Carter, DEC Associates (Interim Town Manager Ferguson)

Agenda Packet – pages 20 – 28

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on securing bond counsel and a financial advisor for a possible referendum.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Following discussions in the budget workshops about potentially moving forward with a referendum for the pier rebuild, staff coordinated with our bond counsel and financial advisor. Bond counsel will be present to lead you through what would be involved in this process.

Bond Attorney and Financial Advisor Services
At the April meeting and at a subsequent budget workshop, there was a reference to a possible referendum regarding the pier. At the budget workshop, I stated I had  been  in contact  with our financial advisor and bond attorney and there was a lengthier process involved than what had been discussed. Scott Leo, with Parker Poe, has prepared an engagement letter and  included  sample calendars with required actions for board  consideration of entering this process.  He will  be available to answer questions.

Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina General Obligation Referendum
(Pier Project)

Scope of Engagement.
Our understanding is that the Town is considering holding a general obligation bond referendum for the authorization of the Bonds in either 2025 or 2026. As bond counsel, the Firm will provide certain legal services for the Bonds related to referendum process. Specifically, our services include:

• • participation in meetings with Town staff and the Town Board of Commissioners, as required;
  • preparation of various resolutions, bond orders and public hearing notices relating to the authorization of the referendum on the question as to whether to approve the issuance of the Bonds; and
  • participation with the Local Government Commission in the approval of the Bonds;

If the voters of the Town approve the Bonds at the referendum and the Town proceeds to  Issue the Bonds, the Town and the Firm will determine at that time the services to be rendered related to the issuance of the Bonds.

I would expect that the total costs for the referendum process would range from $25,000 to $30,000

DEC Associates Inc is a financial advisory firm based in Charlotte, NC, specializing in providing worry-free and fast digital or printed financial document services. With a commitment to accessibility, they offer 24/7 support to their clients, ensuring efficient handling of their financial needs.

As experts in their field, DEC Associates Inc assists clients in various financial matters, including the issuance of special obligation bonds. They work closely with reputable institutions like BofA Merrill Lynch and Parker Poe Adams Bernstein LLP to provide comprehensive financial advice and support. With a team of experienced professionals, DEC Associates Inc is dedicated to delivering reliable and efficient financial solutions to their clients.

HDR Executive Summary » click here

In summary, the overall condition of the existing fishing pier was assessed to be in POOR condition and HDR recommends replacing the timber superstructure in its entirety. The pier approach (superstructure and substructure) will also be required to be replaced in its entirety to satisfy federal ADA requirements. The existing substructure has many structural deficiencies which would require extensive repairs and is currently at the end of its useful service life. This coupled with the fact that the recommended construction methods would be similar for both repair and replacement options supports the conclusion that repairing the existing pier would not be structurally cost effective, nor would it provide the longevity or service life that results from replacing the timber fishing pier. Therefore, it is HDR’s recommendation that the Town of Holden Beach consider a pier replacement option only.

Update –
A presentation was made by Scott the Town’s bond counsel on a possible bond referendum to fund the pier project. He explained what a general bond obligation is, that is to  issue debt for a capital project. Since we signed over the land rights of the pier property for grant money we have no collateral to borrow against. That said, the only viable financing option is a general obligation bond. The key is that we are pledging the taxing power of the town. In order to do that the taxpayers must approve the pledging of that taxing power therefore the referendum on the general election November ballot. The main issue with a referendum is that a majority of property owners are not registered to vote here and will not be able to participate. Unfortunately, the referendum is the only option that meets statuary requirements.at is We will need to state what we are doing the bond for and for how much money. There are very specific protocols that spell out the required actions the Board will need to take. He proceeded to walk them through the proposed calendar that they would need to adhere to.  The statute tells us the prescribed language that is required to be put on the ballot. If the referendum is approved by the voters, the bond order will then need approval from North Carolina’s Local Government Commission. When the Town was pursuing the purchase of the pier property in 2022 we were told not come back and ask for more money for the pier and we told them that we wouldn’t but now we are going to have to ask for additional funding approval .  The LGC typically tend to defer to the voters will. Voter-approved General Obligation bonds are pretty much the only viable way for us to get approval from the LGC to borrow money for funding a new pier. The town retains flexibility, as it is not obligated to issue bonds even if the referendum passes, and additional funding sources can supplement the pier project. We knew that paying for the pier was going to be challenging, if we want to move forward with a building a new pier this is what we have to do. Commissioner Thomas made a motion to secure bond counsel and a financial advisor and possible referendum for a pier rebuild and to move ahead with the second schedule in the agenda packet.

A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion

Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion. The two (2) commissioners appear to oppose any and all proposals made by the three (3) new commissioners. The new Board members have taken a pragmatic approach to moving the pier project forward. We are at the point in the process where we need to determine how to pay for a new pier. Since the property is already obligated we have no collateral to borrow against. The only way we get LGC to approve the financing is with a referendum. The two (2) commissioners have been whining about getting the pier built. Yet they both voted against the only viable financing option to make that happen. 

Holden Beach plans referendum to decide pier project’s future
The Holden Beach Board of Commissioners is planning to hold a referendum in November to let voters decide if they are willing to pledge their tax dollars to fund the cost of a new pier. During its May 20 meeting, the board voted 3-2 to secure the services of a bond counsel and financial advisor. The board may now move forward in the process of creating a bond order and referendum to fund the pier. “If we want a pier, we’re going to have to build a new one,” Commissioner Tracey Thomas said. “The only way we can do that is to take on debt.” Partner Scott Leo from the Parker Poe law firm in Charlotte attended the meeting to give an overview of the process and answer commissioners’ questions. He estimated the firm’s legal fees up to the date of the election will cost the town between $25,000 and $30,000. DEC Associates’ Director Andrew Carter, who attended the meeting remotely, said it will cost about $10,000 for financial advising. If the referendum is approved, there will be additional fees for further counsel and advising. Earlier this year, the board hired an engineering firm to assess the condition of the existing pier, which recommended that the pier be demolished and fully reconstructed. The firm, HDC Engineering, will provide an estimate of reconstruction costs prior to June 17, Interim Town Manager Christy Ferguson said. After receiving the estimated costs, the board will choose an amount for the general obligation bond. It must add a level of contingency funding to the estimate to determine the maximum principal balance of the bonds, which must be included on the ballot, Leo said. “I think paying for the pier is going to be challenging,” Commissioner Rick Paarfus said. “I mean, we’re probably going to have to borrow some money, and I think the bond route may be the most likely successful route.” The board will consult with Carter to determine how the town will fund the bonds. Discussions will include whether the bonds will require a tax increase, Carter said, as that information is legally required to be included on the ballot. If additional funding sources for the pier arise, the board can use those sources. Additionally, the town is not obligated to issue the bonds if approved, Leo said. “So basically, if we get this approved,” Paarfus said, “it becomes a financial tool we could deploy. We don’t have to. In other words, we can still go seek grants or other ways to fund this project.” When a town issues a general obligation bond, it pledges the full faith and credit of the taxing power of the town. The citizens must approve the pledging of that taxing power, hence the referendum. If approved, the board will have seven years to issue the bonds, Leo said. “You’re asking the voters, do you approve this bond order and authorize the town to issue up to this amount of bonds for this purpose?” Leo said. After deciding on a maximum principal amount and purpose for the bond order, the board must set and hold a public hearing. It may hold more than one, but North Carolina statute requires at least one. The draft calendar Leo presented at the board meeting set the hearing for Aug. 19. At the end of the future public hearing, the board will adopt the bond order and a resolution to set the referendum. Commissioners will then no longer be allowed to increase the amount of the bond, but it may decrease it, Leo said. Commissioner Rick Smith expressed concern about how the referendum would be received by the citizens. He recalled that when the town initially bought the pier, citizens warned the board not to come back around asking to borrow money. “At that time, we said, ‘Well, we’re going to start paid parking on the island, and that’s how we’re planning to finance it,’ ” Smith said. Smith and Commissioner Page Dyer voted against the motion to move forward with the bond counsel and financial advisor. Commissioner Tom Myers, Paarfus and Thomas voted for it. Myers called the motion a “no-regrets action,” stating that if the town moves forward with constructing the pier, it is an essential step. Dyer brought up the large portion of taxpayers who are not able to vote in Holden Beach and wanted to make sure that their input will be taken into consideration. “With the majority of people that might see a tax increase not being able to vote, certainly their information is going to have to be considered at a public hearing because they can’t vote,” Dyer said. If the referendum is approved by the voters, the bond order will then need approval from North Carolina’s Local Government Commission.
Read more » click here

“At that time, we said, ‘Well, we’re going to start paid parking on the island, and that’s how we’re planning to finance it,’ ” Smith said.

.
Frankly,  that is not what was said. Paid parking was not meant to be the only revenue stream to pay for the pier property and pier repair. At no point was there any discussion about paid parking paying for a pier rebuild that will cost us millions of dollars. Commissioner Smith remarks that they use the paid parking revenue to finance the pier rebuild project is preposterous since paid parking revenue does not even cover the debt obligation to obtain the pier property. Aparently, a pier tear down and rebuild needs a different funding approach like a bond which he just voted against.

3.   Update on Town Manager Recruitment Process from S. Renee Narloch – Town Clerk Finnell (Interim Town Manager Ferguson)

Agenda Packet – page 29

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Update on Town Manager Recruitment Process with S. Renee Narloch

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Renee Narloch will attend via conference call to provide an update to the Board on the status of the town manager recruitment process and will answer questions on the process moving forward.

Update –
Renee via conference call provided an update on the Town Manager recruitment process. They have received forty-five (45) applications and are in the process of reviewing them. The Board agreed to schedule a Special Meeting/Executive Session on June 3^rd at which time Renee will make recommendations of candidates to the Board. At that meeting they will review the candidates and then come to a consensus in order to narrow the field to just three (3) to five (5) candidates. On June 16^th after the Budget Meeting, they will interview candidates for the position.

4.   Police Report – Chief Jeremy Dixon

Agenda Packet – pages 30 – 35

Police Report » click here 

Jeremy reviewed the actions that were taken by them last month

.
Business as usual, normal amount and type of activity for this time of year.

Public Service announcements

• • Pets not allowed on the beach strand during the day ordinance is in effect 
  • Golf carts are considered a motor vehicle and subject to all laws, rules and regulations that govern motor vehicles

Staffing –
Chris Thompson was moved from part-time status to full-time status
John B has been given a conditional offer of employment
Of the three officers that were on medical leave – one is back to work 

 Having the full complement of eleven (11) police officers seems to be an elusive goal.

Chief Dixon encourages everyone to download the app

NC Police Connect on the App Store

What he did not say –

It’s the beginning of the busy season on Holden Beach
Memorial Day is the official kickoff for the 100 fun days of summer
Remind everyone its 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.

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.

5.   Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans

Agenda Packet – pages 36 – 39

Inspections Report » click here

ACTIVE NEW HOME PERMITS                                                               = 22
OTHER ACTIVE PERMITS                                                                         = 494
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $30,000                                                             = 75
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $100,000                                                           = 5
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS                            = 1
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED WAITING PICK UP                                                     = 41
TOTAL PERMITS                                                                                         = 557

PERMITS IN REVIEW                                                                                = 5
CAMA ISSUED                                                                                             = 6
ZONING ISSUED                                                                                         = 10

PERMITS SERVICED FOR INSPECTIONS FROM 04/07 – 05/09            = 130
TOTAL INSPECTIONS MADE                                                                 = 281

Update –
Timbo briefly reviewed department activity last month, the department is staying busy.

6.   Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey

Agenda Packet – pages 40 – 42

Finance Report » click here 

Update –
Daniel briefly reviewed the Finance Report 

7.  Town Manager Report – Interim Town Manager Ferguson 

Agenda Packet – page 00

Town Manager Report » click here

Christy reviewed the Town Manager Report

Greensboro Street / Sewer Lift Station #2
Work is progressing, currently the project is about 62% complete
The State is lagging on reimbursements
The Federal Government now requires some  additional justification 

Previously reported – April 2025
Construction schedule anticipates completion in August
Buy America Build America waivers granted by EPA

Block Q Restrooms & Parking
The bathroom on Block Q is scheduled to be completed by August 20^th
There will be a Ground Breaking ceremony on June 4^th  at 10:00am

Previously reported – April 2025
Extension applied for with the state

Ocean Boulevard Stormwater
USACE will attend the June meeting to brief the Board

Previously reported – April 2025
Staff met with the USACE regarding understanding timeline/scope of project funding

Previously reported – March 2025
Our lobbyist Ward and Smith met with the State regarding Federal funding for Ocean Blvd. stormwater issues.

Previously reported – February 2025
More to come on a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) and the required Board Action to engage in the $2.2 million in federal funding.

Pier Site
Second meeting with staff and HOR was held May 15^th

Previously reported – April 2025
Building was removed per last month’s bid award

THB Newsletter (04/15/25)
Work has been completed and the pier parking lot and walkways are now open.
Please be mindful not to stand or sit under the pier structure.

FEMA
Memo released from FEMA recommending that beaches should be removed from eligible disaster assistance. What that means is that beach nourishment will no longer be part of federal recovery efforts after storm events.

The state’s rainy-day fund is taking a hit from Hurricane Helene and legislators fear hurricane season impacts. Tourism industry suffered statewide after Helene because of misunderstanding about the status of the state.

States and Cities Fear a Disaster Season Full of Unknowns Amid Federal Cuts
President Trump’s efforts to downsize the government threaten essential functions that Americans have come to rely on before, during and after natural disasters. States and cities along ​the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are ​heading into hurricane season​ with an extraordinary level of uncertainty, unable to ​g​auge how significant cuts at vital federal agencies will affect weather forecasts, emergency response and long-term recovery. They are bracing for the likelihood that fewer meteorologists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will lead to less accurate forecasts, and that the loss of experienced managers at the Federal Emergency Management Agency will lead to less coordination and more inaction. Governors and mayors are also anticipating less financial aid, as the Trump administration shifts the burden of response and recovery away from the federal government. Exactly who will pay for what moving forward is a gaping question as disasters become bigger and costlier. “There’s no plan in writing for how FEMA intends to respond during this disaster season,” said Trina Sheets, the executive director of the National Emergency Management Association, which represents state emergency managers. “Things seem to be changing on a daily basis. But there’s no road map for states to follow or to be able to plan for.” The Department of Government Efficiency, the cost-cutting initiative led by Elon Musk, has left agencies that would normally be preparing for a run of extreme weather at this point in the year trying instead to find their footing after leadership changes and staffing cuts. FEMA has lost about a quarter of its full-time staff, including one-fifth of the coordinating officers who manage responses to large-scale disasters, according to a former senior official. Many of those employees made their own decision to leave. NOAA has lost about one-fifth of its staff, including hundreds of people from the National Weather Service. The thought of a shrunken FEMA — or eliminating the agency altogether, which President Trump has raised — is unnerving coastal residents like Trasi Sharp, of Sanibel Island, Fla. Her business, Over Easy Cafe, was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. “To just get rid of it with no plan is frightening,” Ms. Sharp said of the agency. It took her 18 months to rebuild, and then she lost $60,000 worth of equipment in Hurricane Milton last year, after the low-lying restaurant took on two-and-a-half feet of water. She did not receive FEMA assistance to repair her restaurant or her home, but she said the agency’s debris removal services were essential to the island’s recovery. “It’s just such a confusing time,” she added. “We’re all on pins and needles this season.” The agency did not respond to requests for comment before this story was published online. In an email after publication, a spokesperson for FEMA said that it was “shifting from a bloated, DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers state actors to provide relief for their citizens.” Kristi Noem, the Department of Homeland Security secretary, whose department includes FEMA, said on Tuesday that the agency was prepared for hurricane season, which extends from June through November. Some of the other federal agencies involved in disaster response agreed, in responses to emailed questions. But the Army Corps of Engineers, which is often called on to help communities after storms, acknowledged that it did not know “the full impact that staff departures or other reductions will have.” The unknowns extend beyond hurricanes. States and cities in the West, going into peak wildfire season, say they are concerned about how much they will be able to lean on the federal government after the Trump administration reduced the ranks of United States Forest Service personnel who support frontline firefighters. The domino effect may be that more local firefighters are deployed to help other jurisdictions fight wildfires sooner and for longer — leaving fewer available back at home, Chief Leonard Johnson of the McLane Black Lake Fire Department near Olympia, Wash., said in a news conference this month. Several state officials in the West said all the uncertainty affirmed their decision to devote more resources to their own firefighting efforts in recent years. “We have made the effort to try to take our fate back,” said Stan Hilkey, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Safety. There is no historical comparison since no other administration has made such deep cuts to FEMA or other disaster-response agencies. In the recent past, the nightmare scenario came in 2017, when FEMA struggled to respond to three devastating hurricanes in quick succession — Harvey, Irma and Maria — as well as widespread wildfires in California. The agency came close to running out of staff to deploy. At the start of that year’s hurricane season, FEMA had 6,588 trained staff members available to deploy to disasters, according to agency records. As of Wednesday, it had 1,952. States with robust budgets and considerable experience with disasters, such as Texas and Florida, may be better suited to working with less federal help than less affluent, more rural states that have fewer funds to tap into. Climate change has not only made extreme weather more frequent and deadlier, but also more likely to hit where it rarely did before. Even some who believe that FEMA needs an overhaul have acknowledged that the speed and volume of the changes could make this disaster season bumpy. “We’re going to be massively transforming the response system while that response system has to be effectively responding,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia, a Republican, said on Tuesday at the inaugural meeting of a Trump-appointed council that will make recommendations on FEMA’s future. Few question the need for improvements to the nation’s disjointed disaster response system, especially when it comes to long-term recovery. FEMA employees say they are often buried in months of paperwork. States and cities may submit a rebuilding proposal, only to find themselves caught in a lengthy back-and-forth after FEMA underestimates its price tag. Disaster victims often complain that FEMA takes too long, and offers too little, to be of real help. “They need to be revamped,” said Karen Small, 54, whose elevated home on Sanibel Island suffered damage during Hurricane Ian. That storm caused more deaths in Florida than any in almost 90 years. After her property insurance payout fell short, Ms. Small turned to FEMA to help cover some of her repairs. Agency officials insisted on meeting in person four times to review her application, while she was staying more than three hours away. In the end, she received $700, the standard amount that FEMA offers disaster victims. “That $700 covered my gas just to meet them,” she said. “It was almost an insult.” Yet few can fathom disaster recovery without the federal government. “My God where would this community be without FEMA?” said Nic Hunter, the outgoing mayor of Lake Charles, near the Louisiana coastline, who steered the city through Hurricane Laura in 2020. His city alone claimed more than $200 million after that storm and Hurricane Delta that year, he said. Had the federal government not stepped in, the city would have had to raise taxes and cut back services to make up the difference. “By and large, my experience with FEMA has been a positive one,” he said. FEMA is weighing whether to make it more difficult for states to qualify for financial assistance, and whether to reimburse state and local governments at a lower rate. The Trump administration wants states and cities to bear the brunt of the response and cost, saying they can be quicker and more effective. One possibility is to give states block grants to disburse as needed. “He wants us to be there in a time of need, but he wants the response to be led by those who know best,” Ms. Noem told the advisory council on Tuesday. She asked members to think of a new name for the restructured agency. In previous administrations, both Republican and Democratic, new presidents had appointed permanent, Senate-confirmed administrators of FEMA by the onset of hurricane season. Mr. Trump has not. The administration pushed out Cameron Hamilton, its first acting head, after he told lawmakers this month that the agency should not be eliminated. He was replaced by David Richardson, who has no emergency management background and on his first full day told FEMA employees during a town hall that if any of them tried to get in his way, “I will run right over you.” On Wednesday, Mr. Richardson told employees that he was rescinding the agency’s previous strategic plan. He added that a new plan would be developed “this summer,” according to a copy of the memo reviewed by The New York Times. When Arkansas was struck by tornadoes in March, FEMA surprised the state by initially denying its request to help victims cover housing, rental and other expenses. The federal government approved the request this month after Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican who served as press secretary during Mr. Trump’s first term, sent a personal appeal to the president. Mayor Cara Spencer of St. Louis pleaded for help after a tornado ripped through her city on Friday, killing at least five people and causing an estimated more than $1.6 billion in damage. “We’re going to run out of resources here pretty quickly,” she said in an interview, calling it a “classic” example of when the federal government needs to step in. Beyond concerns about funding, emergency managers fear that sharp cuts to federal weather forecasting may give them less precise information to make decisions on evacuations, shelters and positioning of aid materials. “Having an accurate forecast is one of the most critical pieces of information for effective warning and alerting of populations,” said David Merrick, who runs the emergency management and homeland security program at the Center for Disaster Risk Policy at Florida State University. NOAA did not respond to a request for comment. James Franklin, a meteorologist who retired in 2017 from the National Hurricane Center, which is part of the National Weather Service at NOAA, has seen administrations come and go and federal budgets grow and shrink. What is happening now, he said, is more alarming because it amounts to “hostility to gaining knowledge about how the atmosphere works and how to make forecasts better.” “We are largely giving up on the next 20 years of improvements that we could have had,” he said. “The best we can kind of hope for right now is that we stagnate in our abilities to keep people safe over the next couple of decades.”
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NCBIWA Spring Meeting
The NC Beach Inlet and Waterway Association Spring Meeting was held May 8^th and 9^th at Emerald Isle.

Public Service Appreciation Week
May 5^th – 9^th  was Public Service Appreciation Week
Christy recognized the staff’s hard work
Amazing that the amount of work that gets done in the Town
There are only 26 employees of the 31 staff positions available

We have five (5) vacant positions as follows:

1)  Town Manager
2)  Public Services Supervisor
3)  Senior Public Services Tech
4) Police Detective
5)  Police Officer

Less than half the staff have more than five years’ of experience
Longevity pay should be considered in the future

Tracking Tool
The BOC’s are looking for a status report on a monthly basis in order to track the progress of projects that they have prioritized.

• • • #2 ADA Self-Assessment
    • #6 ADA bathroom (at block Q)
    • #7 Fire station Upgrades
    • #8 Improve Audio/Video for Town Meetings
    • #14 Block Q Site Plan
    • #18 Update Town Website
    • #19 Pier Repair/Replacement
    • #26 Investigate vacuum bypass system
      

The current status of each of the eight (8) items listed is in the Town Manager Report

What she did not say –

Beach Rangers
They began the  patrols on Monday, May 20^th. That is the same day that the ordinance takes effect for the summer season with no pets on the strand between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Previously reported – 2017

Target Ordinances –

• • • Fill holes
    • Remove gear
    • Stay off dunes
    • No glass
    • Control pets – leash / waste

Purpose –
Put a friendly face out there to interact with guests
Educate guests about targeted ordinances to get compliance
Explain the purpose of the ordinance and consequences for non-compliance

Goals – keep beach protected, clean and safe

Beach Rangers are out there from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Rangers are on the beach strand during the busiest time frame from roughly 8:30am till 7:30pm. They are out there to educate, provide information and assist folks. Beach strand ordinance compliance is a real quality-of-life issue. They need to be on the beach strand to enforce ordinances and to ensure public safety. 

In Case You Missed It –

THB Newsletter (05/15/25)
Pets on the Beach Strand
Pets are not allowed on the beach strand starting May 20^th – September 10^th
Please make sure to always clean up after your pet and keep them on a leash at all times

THB Newsletter (05/15/25)
Pilates Interest List
There is no need to submit your name if you are interested in our upcoming Pilates class due to the overwhelming response. Thanks to everyone who responded. Stay tuned for the official start date!

THB Newsletter (05/22/25)
Solid Waste/Recycling
Saturday solid waste collection begins this weekend. Pick-ups up are scheduled for every Tuesday and Saturday through the end of September. All carts must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. on collection days. Weekly recycling begins on Tuesday, June 3rd. Visit https://hbtownhall.com/solid-waste%2Frecycling if you are interested in this service, but have not yet signed up.

THB Newsletter (05/23/25)
Concerts
Our free concert series is scheduled for Sundays throughout the summer. Click here to view the full schedule.

THB Newsletter (05/23/25)
Public Safety Outreach Program
Members of the HB Police Department and Tri-Beach Fire Department will engage with the public to provide important safety and community oriented tips on Sundays from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Bridgeview Park.

THB Newsletter (05/23/25)
Block Q Groundbreaking Ceremony
You are invited to the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Block Q Restrooms on Wednesday, June 4th at 10:00 a.m. Light refreshments will be provided after the ceremony.

THB Newsletter (05/23/25)
Tide Dye Tuesday
The Tide Dye program will be held on Tuesdays , 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. beginning June 10th  at Bridgeview Park.  Participants must be in line by 2:00 p.m. to participate because the process takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Fee is $7 per shirt for youth sizes through adult XL and $10 per shirt for 2XL. Payment via cash or check only.  

THB Newsletter (05/23/25)
Multipurpose Court Update
The multipurpose court at Bridgeview Park is reserved for open pickleball play on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The multipurpose court will close at 3:00 p.m. on Sundays during concert season. We are anticipating court repairs will be made towards the end of next week. Currently, the multipurpose court is scheduled to be closed next Wednesday – Saturday, but additional updates will be communicated.

THB Newsletter (05/23/25)
Yoga Schedule Update
Starting June 1st, yoga classes will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the picnic shelter at Bridgeview Park. Classes begin at 9:00 a.m. Yoga sculpt classes will be held on Mondays and Fridays, starting at 10:00 a.m. in the Town Hall Public Assembly.

THB Newsletter (05/23/25)
Splash Pad Open
The splash pad at Bridgeview Park is officially open for the summer!

THB Newsletter (02/22/25)
Dog Reminders
Please remember that any time your dog is off your premise, they must be on a leash, cord or chain at all times. Also, dog owners must remove dog waste immediately after it is deposited by the dog when on public property or any private property, including vacant lots, without the permission of the private property owner. Dog waste stations are conveniently located throughout the island.