Brunswick County in the News

August 2007.
Lighthouses and Pirates.
Since Southport and its surrounding areas are home to three lighthouses and one light tower, it's no wonder that a big celebration for National Lighthouse Day was held in front of the Bald Head Island Lighthouse on August 1st. The Bald Head Island Lighthouse, affectionately nicknamed "Old Baldy" by coastal enthusiasts, is the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina. Marilyn Ridgeway, chair of the Old Baldy Foundation, expected over five thousand people to attend. Pirate festivities abounded, and a wonderful time was had by all. Source: Website of WWAY Newschannel 3. "Bald Head Island Prepares for National Lighthouse Day." August 1, 2007.

August 2007.
Second Oak Island Bridge.
Work on the highly anticipated second Oak Island bridge has finally begun! The initial bridgework will focus on obtaining Intracoastal Waterway access from Highway 211. The excitement of high-rise cranes and huge construction trucks should begin in late 2008. Expect photos of this. The bridge is scheduled to be completed December 31, 2009. Source: Wilmington Star News. "Work set to start Monday on 2nd Oak Island bridge." August 4, 2007.

July 2007.
The Washington Post.
The Washington Post has recently termed our islands and their surrounding areas as the Inner Banks. These Inner Banks were featured in the Post's travel section at the end of July, and Bald Head Island and Oak Island were singled out as low-key and minimalist vacation spots with pristine and unspoiled beaches. Who, then, wouldn't want to live here? Source: Website of The Washington Post. "Why Stop at Outer?" "IBX?" "If You Like Okracoke, Try Bald Head Island." "If You Like Duck, Try Oak Island." July 29, 2007.

July 2007.
Southport's Waterfront Boardwalk to Be Extended.
One of the city's most popular attractions, Southport's Waterfront Park, is scheduled to have its boardwalk extended. Since the nearby Fort Johnston was deeded to the City of Southport a year ago, Southport city officials have been eager to extend the pre-existing boardwalk to the Fort. Possible amenities for the boardwalk extension include elevated and covered observation platforms. At least two sets of steps that allow easy access to the Cape Fear River shoreline are planned as well. Construction should begin next month, and the project will take approximately a year to complete. Source: The State Port Pilot. "Grant to extend boardwalk." July 25, 2007.

May 2007.
Brunswick Nature Park.
In 2004, the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust gave over nine hundred acres of land to Brunswick County to be used as a nature and recreation park. This parcel of land, larger than many state parks, is located on N.C. 133 between Southport and U.S. 17. Details are not final, but horse, bike, and walking trails and canoe and kayak access points are planned. This is a wonderful opportunity for Brunswick County, and a final master plan for the Brunswick Nature Park should be completed by the end of this year. Source: "Residents can tour new park in June" by Steve Jones. The Sun News of Myrtle Beach, 05.26.07.

May 2007.
Little City, Big Traffic.
Once the Bald Head Island passenger ferry terminal is relocated next year, downtown Southport traffic will most likely increase. Committees have been appointed, experts have been sought, and engineers have expressed interest in this impending traffic situation. The Bald Head Island ferry's present location allows ferry traffic to miss downtown Southport; however, traffic to its future location would most likely use Moore Street, which is right in the heart of downtown Southport. Click here for our graphic representation of these traffic flows. Source: "Southport looks for traffic options" by Shelby Sebens. The Star News of Wilmington, 05.26.07.

May 2007.
The Beat Goes On in Boiling Spring Lakes.
After months, months, and more months, Boiling Spring Lakes will finally be able to develop a habitat conservation plan that will be centered around the red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species that has, in the past year, taken Boiling Spring Lakes by storm -- or, rather, by flurry. In mid-May, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded full funding to develop a habitat conservation plan for Boiling Spring Lakes. Source: "Habitat plan lands funds" by Jonathan Spiers. The State Port Pilot of Southport, 05.23.07.

May 2007.
It's a Birdie!
The newest course at St. James, the Nicklaus-designed Reserve Club Course, has been designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Less than five percent of all North Carolina golf courses are Audobon-certified, and this five percent also includes the three additional golf courses found in St. James. Chemical reduction, water conservation, and environmental planning are examples of the Audubon's requirements.Source: "Audubon Certification Awarded for St. James Plantation's Fourth Golf Course." Press Release, 05.29.07.

April 2007.
Fishing Licenses.
Saltwater fishing now requires a license for anyone over 16. Owners of piers and charter boats have already paid the licensing fee for their customers. A Coastal Recreational Fishing License can be purchased from most boating and fishing stores. Fees range from $15 to $30. (Source: Star News, Sunday, April 21, 2007.)

April 2007.
St. James' Tax Rate.
Town officials in St. James are considering maintaining the same tax rate for the coming fiscal year. The Brunswick County Tax Office reports the recent tax revaluation increased the property value of St. James by 98%. The additional funds generated will provide the revenue needed to purchase the 13 acres across Hwy 211 for a proposed community center. More discussion planned for the May 16th Council Meeting. (Source: Star News, Saturday, April 20, 2007.)

April 2007.
Oak Island Second Bridge News.
After decades of efforts to get a second crossing from the mainland to Oak Island, the NC Department of Transportation is less than a month away from opening bids for the project on May 15. Included in this multi-faceted proposal will be navigable tunnels so that deer, raccoons, rabbits and black bears can safely cross under the approach road. (Source: Friday, April 20, 2007.)

April 2007.
Oak Island Goes Underground.
The electric power lines on Oak Island are now underground, well ahead of storm season. Brunswick Electric Membership Corp completed this project that was started three years ago. This multi-million dollar project to bury power lines on the county's barrier islands was funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The switch from overhead power to underground power should be complete by mid-June. (Source: Star News, Thursday, April 26, 2007.)

April 2007.
Oceanfront Re-buildable News.
Currently on Oak Island there are an estimated 475 beachfront homes and 100 lots that can not be re-built or built on at all. The setback line, which determines how far back from the water homes may be built or rebuilt, now excludes many of the frontline homes on the beach. A bill was released from NC House Committee for a House vote that would move that benchmark in the sand and allow property owners to "use their land." (Source: Star News, Thursday, April 26, 2007.)

April 2007.
Taxes, Taxes, Taxes: An Update.
As we told you last month, many property owners found the recent Brunswick County tax revaluations newsworthy. North Carolina state law requires the adoption of revenue-neutral tax rates by local governments after revaluations. The current rate for Brunswick County is 54 cents per $100 valuation. A revenue-neutral adjustment would lower the rate to approximately 29.5 to 30 cents per $100 valuation. (Source: The Sun News of Myrtle Beach. "Brunswick Revaluation Appeals on Track" by Steve Jones, April 1, 2007. Additional Source: Wilmington Star. "Oak Island to Fight Tax Assessment" by Shelby Sebens, March 22, 2007.)

April 2007.
Congestion Questions: Southport's Planned International Port.
As you've most likely heard, the North Carolina Port Authority is planning for an extremely large commercial port near Southport. The first phase of this billion dollar project should be completed by 2016. Southport residents hope this will allow enough time for the North Carolina Department of Transportation to develop and execute a plan of action that will relieve the future traffic congestions to be brought about upon the port's completion. Since highways and roads are typically the last structures to catch up with a population explosion, we in Brunswick County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, are fortunate to have traffic studies in the works at present. (Sources: Wilmington Star. "New Port Would Bring Big Traffic Challenges" by Patrick Gannon, March 15, 2007. "Port's Impact Would Be Felt Throughout Region" by Shelby Sebens, March 15, 2007. "Bill Requests Study for New Highway" by Patrick Gannon, April 3, 2007.)

March 2007.
County Culture.
Southport has long been our county's cultural center, with scores of successful art galleries and upscale antique shops galore. You may not know, however, that other Brunswick County locations are home to interesting exhibits and events as well. Not only does Silver Coast Winery, found in Ocean Isle Beach, boast award-winning wines, but it is also home to a brand-new performance stage as well as an art gallery.

Brunswick Community College in Supply is home to the Odell Williamson Auditorium. The auditorium hosts a wide variety of performances, including big band and world music concerts, ballet, musicals, and holiday shows. Only minutes from St. James and Southport, the cultural activities at the auditorium are quite popular. (Source: Currents of Wilmington. "The Faces of Brunswick County Arts" by John Staton, March 15, 2007.)

March 2007.
The Certainties of Life: Taxes, Taxes, Taxes.
Since Brunswick County's property values as a whole have more than doubled since the last tax revaluation in 2003, many residents have begun to worry about the "T" word. However: a revenue-neutral tax rate was presented to the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners last week. If this revenue-neutral rate is adopted by Brunswick County, it would mean that most residents would pay the same -- or even less -- in property taxes. (Source: Wilmington Star. "Brunswick Tax Rate Projected Lower" by Shannan Bowen. March 1, 2007.)

February 2007.
Bridgework Continues.
The second Oak Island bridge project continues to move along. Power poles found near intersection of Midway Road and NC 211 are being moved as I type this in order to make way for the bridge's approach road. This bridge will connect to Middleton Avenue on Oak Island. (Source: Brunswick County Neighbors. "A Hopeful Sign." February 28, 2007.)

February 2007.
Shopping, Shopping, Shopping!
Although Wilmington and Myrtle Beach are popular and convenient shopping destinations for Brunswick County residents, it's even better to have great stores less than ten minutes away. It's good news, then, to learn that business may soon start booming near St. James. St. James Square, just outside of St. James, is scheduled to be completed in May; a large parcel of commercial land adjacent to St. James Square may become home for upscale shopping; and commercial property at the intersection of Midway Road and NC 211 is being scouted by various businesses. (Source: The Sun News of Myrtle Beach. "St. James Braces for Expansion: Businesses Expected to Flock to Shopping Center in Town" by Jason M. Rodriguez. February 7, 2007.)