All About the Beac

Good Morning, Leland, Winnabow, Oak Island and more! Time to Monday!

In today’s LLLLeland:

• Oak Island Wants Less Holes on the Beach

• New Flag System in Place in Ocean Isle Beach

• Ocean Isle Beach Slows Down Erosion with Sandbags

THE NEWS

Oak Island Wants Less Holes on the Beach

Oak Island, a beach town in Brunswick County, has tightened its beach safety rules to address the growing issue of large holes being dug along its shoreline. The Oak Island Town Council unanimously approved stricter amendments to Ordinance 14-142, which now prohibits:

• Holes deeper than 12 inches

• Use of anything other than toy shovels (except by authorized staff)

• Any unattended holes, all of which must be filled by 6:00 pm daily

Violators could face $50 fines, though there will be a one-month grace period for public education before enforcement begins.

Oak Island Fire Chief Lee Price reported a surge in hazardous holes this year, including one instance where a man was buried with only his head visible. Since May, the town has filled 205 large holes left by beachgoers, posing risks to children, pets, wildlife (especially sea turtles), and emergency responders. Price emphasized the danger of sand collapse and noted that rescue teams are averaging two emergency responses per day.

Town leaders voiced concern about effectively informing tourists, who change weekly. However, beach safety teams have been proactive, making 750 contacts last month to educate the public. The focus will initially be on outreach and awareness, but the new ordinance is now officially in effect. (Port City Daily)

New Flag System in Place in Ocean Isle Beach

Nearly a year after a teenager drowned, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach has implemented a beach safety flag and sign system at 11 beach access points to warn visitors about rip currents and other water hazards.

The color-coded flag system is designed to better inform and protect beachgoers in the absence of active lifeguards, which are not currently present along Ocean Isle or other Brunswick County beaches.

Mayor Debbie Smith acknowledged the delay in implementing the system, calling it “way past time,” while Fire Chief Blue Born emphasized the importance of public education in reducing water-related emergencies. The Ocean Isle Fire Department has already responded to over 10 such incidents this season.

Officials hope the new signage will raise awareness and encourage safer behavior. Smith called the move a critical first step toward improving beach safety and reminded visitors to exercise caution near all water areas. (WECT)

Ocean Isle Beach Slows Down Erosion with Sandbags

Ocean Isle Beach in Brunswick County is facing worsening beach erosion, especially on its east end, prompting property owners to install sandbags to protect their homes. Longtime resident Mickey Cochran described the erosion as the worst he’s seen and supports homeowners taking action to safeguard their investments, as long as it doesn't burden taxpayers.

Town Administrator Justin Whiteside explained that a planned sand dredging project by the Army Corps of Engineers was delayed this winter, but they hope to move forward when the environmental window opens in mid-November. The project would pump sand onto the eroded areas to stabilize the shoreline.

Whiteside emphasized that the long-term goal is to stabilize the area through beach nourishment, planting vegetation, installing sand fencing, and rebuilding dunes. He also noted how severe the erosion has become—what used to be third street is now oceanfront, with first and second streets lost to the sea. (WWAY)

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Poker BBX and Gio Fund

Brunswick Beer XChange in Leland, NC (113 Village Rd, Leland, NC 28451) hosts World Tavern Poker League events every Monday, offering two free live poker tournaments at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm On Tuesday nights - a 6:00 pm game is hosted at the Gio Fund Event Center (117 Village Road, Unit G). Players can compete for points, prizes, and the opportunity to qualify for regional and national championships, which award over $100,000 in prizes annually. Registration is available at www.WorldTavernPoker.com.

Trivia at Local’s Tavern Tomorrow

Local’s Tavern (1107 New Pointe Blvd, Leland, NC 28451) hosts Trivia Tuesday every week at 6:30 PM. The 1 hour and 45-minute event is led by Sherri and features a fun night of trivia, food, drinks, and laughs. Guests can test their knowledge across various topics for a chance to win prizes and claim bragging rights as trivia champion. The event is open to the public.

Do you have an event? Reach out to us! [email protected]

WEATHER

Monday

90 🌡️ 72 | ⛅ | 15% | 🌬️ SE 9 mph | Humidity 66%

Tuesday

87 🌡️ 77 | 🌧️ | 55% | 🌬️ SSE 10 mph | Humidity 72%

Thank you for taking the time to read this issue of Live, Laugh, Love Leland!

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See you tomorrow!