Fire, Water, Earth

Good Morning, Leland, Town Creek, Navassa and more!

In today’s LLLLeland:

• Lighting Causes Home Fire in Bolivia

• Delays in Water Treatment Plant Results in a Filed Lawsuit

• Accessibility Mat Damaged by Trespassers on Oak Island Beach

THE NEWS

Lighting Causes Home Fire in Bolivia

A lightning strike caused a house fire in the Eagle Creek neighborhood of Bolivia around 6:30 p.m., shaking the home of Melissa Johnson and her husband. Moments after the strike, they smelled smoke and discovered flames in the attic. Firefighters from multiple districts responded after a mutual aid call from the Supply Fire Department. The Brunswick County Fire Marshal confirmed the fire was caused by the lightning strike, originating in the attic. The family escaped safely with only the clothes on their backs, and while most of their belongings were destroyed, Johnson said she is grateful her family is safe. (WECT)

Delays in Water Treatment Plant Results in a Filed Lawsuit

Brunswick County has filed a lawsuit against Oscar Renda Contracting, Inc. (ORC) for breaching its contract to complete an expansion and reverse osmosis (RO) filtration system at the Northwest Water Treatment Plant. The $122.6 million project, which began in June 2020, has faced repeated delays. Although originally scheduled for completion by December 2023, the latest estimates placed completion in late spring 2025.

The county alleges ORC failed to meet multiple deadlines due to issues within its control, such as inadequate staffing, and has not met project milestones—even after receiving deadline extensions. As of July 25, the county had paid ORC nearly $100 million, but much of the work reportedly fails to meet contractual standards and requires correction. The county officially terminated the contract on July 26 and is seeking damages exceeding $25,000, plus $5,500 in daily liquidated damages dating back to June 30, 2023.

Brunswick County officials say they are pursuing a new contractor and remain committed to delivering clean, PFAS-free drinking water. Residents and advocacy groups, frustrated by the ongoing delays, emphasize the urgent need for the project’s completion, especially given the years-long contamination concerns related to PFAS chemicals like GenX. (WECT)

Accessibility Mat Damaged by Trespassers on Oak Island Beach

Three vehicles — a truck, a passenger car, and a Low Speed Vehicle — illegally drove onto the beach near SE 40th Street in Oak Island overnight into Monday, violating Town Ordinance 28-5, which prohibits motor vehicles on the beach strand. All three became stuck and required assistance to be removed. One was towed privately, while town staff helped with the others. Citations were issued to the drivers.

During removal, the vehicles severely damaged the Mobility Access Mat (Mobi-Mat) at that beach access, which has now been removed for repairs or replacement. Due to high seasonal demand and limited supply, a replacement timeline is uncertain. The SE 40th Street Mobi-Mat site is one of only ten designated accessible locations in Oak Island, and restoring it is a high priority. The Public Works Department is working on solutions. (WWAY)

Brunswick County Schools Registration Has Opened

Brunswick County Schools has launched its new online enrollment portal through Infinite Campus. Registration for the 2025–2026 school year is now open. Families who haven’t enrolled yet are encouraged to do so. Visit bcswan.net to get started.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Music Bingo at Local’s Tavern

Every Wednesday at Local’s Tavern Sherri so Very hosts music trivia starting at 630pm. They are located at 1107 New Pointe Blvd. (The strip in front of the Leland Wal-Mart).

Board Game Night at Mimi and Papa’s!

Mimi & Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop (324 Village Rd NE Unit D, Leland, NC) is hosting its first-ever Board Game Night on Tuesday, July 29 from 6:30–9:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite games and enjoy snacks from the shop. The event is open to the public, and RSVPs are appreciated for planning purposes.

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

WEATHER

Tuesday

90 🌡️ 75 | 🌧️ | 50% | 🌬️ E 7 mph | Humidity 78% HEAT ADVISORY

Wednesday

91 🌡️ 72 | 🌧️ | 50% | 🌬️ SE 8 mph | Humidity 76% HEAT ADVISORY

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

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See you tomorrow!