Officials at the state level and in coastal counties have announced measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus as residents and business owners face increasing anxiety over their health and finances.
Archives
CRC Cancels Meeting Over Virus Concerns
The state Coastal Resources Commission meeting scheduled for April 8-9 in Manteo has been canceled based on the current guidance to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
National Parks Close Visitor Centers
While the grounds of many of the coast’s National Parks remain open, the visitor centers will be temporarily closed to minimize potential spread of the coronavirus disease.
Dare County Restricts Visitor Access
Dare County officials announced that visitor access to the county will be restricted beginning at 2 p.m. Tuesday in response to updated federal guidelines to avoid discretionary travel to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Rezoning Request For Sand Mine Tabled
The Pender County Planning Board has tabled indefinitely a rezoning request for hundreds of acres proposed to be a sand mining site in Hampstead.
Researchers, Officials Discuss Runoff Study
A three-year study of how polluted runoff affects the Rachel Carson Reserve in Beaufort is the inspiration for a plan in the works for a more collaborative effort to address stormwater problems all along the North Carolina coast.
Coast Guard Crew Releases 30 Turtles
Crew members from Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet recently released 30 sea turtles back into the ocean after the turtles made a full recovery at the NEST Rehabilitation Center at the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island,
Indian Beach Opposes Offshore Drilling
Indian Beach commissioners have unanimously adopted a resolution opposing offshore oil and gas exploration and offshore seismic testing, joining 44 other coastal communities in opposition.
NCDOT Investment Commission Seeks Input
NC FIRST Commission has launched a 15-question survey looking for input on future transportation investment strategy.
Corps Pulls Sunset Beach Dredge Application
The Army Corps of Engineers has withdrawn Sunset Beach’s permit application for dredging Jinks Creek because the placement area for sand removed from the channel has not been determined.
NTB Kicks off Sea Oats Cost-Share Program
North Topsail Beach will begin accepting orders Monday for this year’s sea oats cost share program, when the town covers half the cost of the plants used to help protect the existing dunes and berms with vegetation.
Log Fumigation Rules Hearings Postponed
The revised log fumigation rules public hearings scheduled for next week in Raleigh and Wilmington have been postponed based on the current guidance to avoid gatherings of over 100 people to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Waterways Commission Looks to Dredge Inlet
Dare County Waterways Commission is working out how to have a shoaled area on the west end of the South Ferry Channel dredged before the busy season.
Museum to Celebrate Women’s Suffrage
The History Museum of Carteret County and the League of Women Voters are set to host a reception and celebration of the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote and the opening of an exhibit recognizing notable females.
UNC System Prepares for Coronavirus
University of North Carolina System institutions, including those on the coast, are moving to alternatives of in-person instruction in preparation for coronavirus.
Oregon Inlet Boat Ramp to be Closed
Cape Lookout National Seashore’s Oregon Inlet boat ramp and parking lot will be closed for up to a week starting March 23 while the parking lot has a 3/4-inch layer of asphalt pavement overlay placed on top of existing pavement.