Taking place Sept. 20-21, tickets for Ocean Fest in Surf City range from $25 to $70 per person.
Outrigger canoe club set to embark on third year, final leg
The We the Water initiative, which aims to shed light on the need for clean water and support work to improve water quality, begins on Friday the last stretch of its paddling journey along the entire North Carolina coast.
State issues swimming advisory for Buxton, Rodanthe
N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program officials have issued a precautionary advisory warning against swimming in ocean waters near Corbina Drive in Rodanthe and near Cottage Avenue and Tower Circle in Buxton.
Celebrate Jockey’s Ridge at sandcastle-building contest
The Friends of Jockey’s Ridge are calling for artists of all ages and skills to join them at the state park Saturday, Sept. 14.
‘Strong petroleum smells’ lead to expanded beach closure
The odors Thursday prompted Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff to temporarily broaden the closed area of Buxton Beach near a former military and Coast Guard site.
Swim advisories posted for Carteret, New Hanover sites
Routine water testing revealed that bacteria levels at the accesses on sounds in Carteret County and New Hanover County exceed state and Environmental Protection Agency recreational water quality standards.
Public may comment on requested interim PFAS limits
The state Division of Water Resources is accepting comments through Oct. 4 on a request to set interim maximum allowable concentrations in groundwater for eight PFAS.
UNCW Blue Economy Index rises 3.07% during August
The University of North Carolina Wilmington Blue Economy Index, a measure of economic activities in the oceans, slightly underperformed its closest benchmarks.
Blaze the plover returns from Illinois after rearing chicks
Blaze, a piping plover shown here on the beach in Waukegan, Illinois, has returned for the second consecutive year to winter at Masonboro Inlet in New Hanover County. The small, but determined piping plover was abandoned before she hatched and became among the first captive-reared chicks to be released from the University of Michigan Biological Station in 2023. Within about two months of her release into the wild, Blaze migrated south to spend the winter at Masonboro Inlet, according to Audubon North Carolina. Audubon officials spotted Blaze Aug. 15 at the inlet, returning from Waukegan, where she successfully raised three chicks. Photo courtesy of the Lake County (Illinois) Audubon Society.
Park projects in 3 coastal counties chosen for state grants
Of the nearly $18 million in grants being awarded through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, about $1.5 million will go to efforts in Chowan, Hyde and Brunswick counties.
Town council puts Hotel Hinton permit decision on hold
Edenton officials have tabled action on a requested permit related to SAGA Realty and Construction’s $9 million plans for the historic Hotel Hinton.
Fisheries aligns with Wildlife Resources’ flounder season
The Division of Marine Fisheries has lined up its rules with those of the Wildlife Resources Commission for recreational flounder fishing by hook-and-line in joint waters.
State outdoor recreation plan online survey closes Sept. 30
The online survey is to help the state guide its comprehensive outdoor recreation plan that must be updated every five years.
Swim warnings remain in effect for handful of coastal areas
State water quality officials have lifted most of the precautionary swimming advisories issued earlier this month when Tropical Storm Debby made its way to North Carolina.
Team to study erosion’s impact on Ocracoke transportation
This multiyear study aims to answer questions on adaptation and mitigation strategies to improve transportation reliability and management of natural barrier island processes.
Harkers Island bridge replacement earns national award
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials recognized the bridge project during its annual America’s Transportation Awards contest.
