Hazard, Help, and Homemade

Good Morning, Leland, Winnabow, Belville and more! Make today a great day!

In today’s LLLLeland:

• Rip Tide Hazard for Brunswick County Beaches

• Brunswick County Neighbor Helps Find Precious Jewelry

• Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey

• Town of Leland Art Market Next Week

THE NEWS

Rip Tide Hazard for Brunswick County Beaches

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a moderate rip current risk for all Brunswick County beaches on Wednesday, July 9. Yellow flags, which signal the possibility of life-threatening rip currents, are being flown from Bald Head Island to Sunset Beach. The NWS advises beachgoers to take precautions and provides the following safety tips if caught in a rip current: call for help, stay calm, avoid exhausting yourself, and swim parallel to the shore if necessary. Meanwhile, beaches in Pender and New Hanover counties currently face a low rip current risk. (WECT)

Brunswick County Neighbor Helps Find Precious Jewelry

A family vacation to Oak Island took an emotional turn for Lillie Blankenship when she lost a charm with deep personal significance. Just after arriving, she stepped into the water and felt the charm—engraved with her late grandmother’s fingerprint—slip from her necklace. Devastated, she believed it was gone forever. Her grandmother had been a generous, people-loving woman, and the charm was a cherished reminder of her.

Blankenship shared her story on Facebook, where she connected with John Connor, a local historian and recovery specialist. Moved by her words, Connor set out with his metal detector just after midnight, timing his search with low tide. Recalling her nickname, “Lillie Bug,” he called out to the ocean, saying, “I’m here to help Lillie Bug,” and remarkably found the charm within 20 minutes.

Blankenship admitted she hadn’t realized how much the charm meant until it was lost, and receiving the photo of its recovery left her overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. Connor later shipped the charm back to her, happy to help a stranger who quickly became a friend. Reflecting on the experience, he shared a simple belief: “Instead of having a tough heart and soft skin, we just need to have tough skin and a softer heart.” (WWAY)

Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey

Residents of Southeastern North Carolina are encouraged to help shape a safer, more resilient region by taking a few minutes to complete the Hazard Mitigation Public Survey, available here. This survey is a key opportunity for the public to directly influence how the community prepares for and reduces risks from both natural and man-made hazards. Hazard mitigation involves long-term strategies designed to protect people and property from disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. ESP Associates and North Carolina Emergency Management are currently updating the Southeastern NC Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan for 2025, which includes Onslow, Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick Counties. This plan is essential for securing FEMA funding and ensuring communities are prepared and protected. It focuses on several core areas: prevention, property protection, natural resource protection, structural projects, emergency services, and public education and awareness. Community participation is vital to the success of this plan and the safety of the region. (Town of Wrightsville Beach Facebook)

Town of Leland Art Market Next Week

The Town of Leland invites the community to celebrate local art and creativity at the Summer Art Market on Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, located at 1212 Magnolia Village Way. This free, family-friendly event will showcase more than 20 vendors from across North Carolina, offering handcrafted goods such as pottery, jewelry, stained glass, woodworking, and more. New features this year include a build-your-own bouquet experience at Rooted Petal’s on-site flower bar and fresh treats from Mimi & Papas Gourmet Popcorn. Whether you're searching for a unique gift or an original addition to your home, the Summer Art Market promises something special for everyone.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Learn Watercolor in 6 Weeks

Learn the fundamentals of watercolor painting in this beginner-friendly class, where you'll explore essential techniques such as positive and negative space, value scale, wet-on-dry and wet-on-wet methods, and how to create washes. Participants will practice using assigned subjects as well as personal photos or sketches. A supply list is provided on your receipt or available online. Classes will be held at the Leland Cultural Arts Center located at 1212 Magnolia Village Way. Pre-registration is required. Fee is $144 for Leland residents and $160 for non-residents.

Tasting and Trivia Tomorrow at Brunswick Beer XChange

Sunny Dayz Seltzers will have THC and CBG infuses seltzers to sample tomorrow starting and 6:00 pm and trivia will begin at 7:00 pm. Should be a great time! Food Trucks will be there! BBX is located at 113 Village Road in Leland.

Music Bingo Tonight at Local’s Tavern

Music Bingo with Sherry so Very starts at 6:30 pm. Local’s is located at 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

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

WEATHER

Wednesday

86 🌡️ 71 | ⛅ | 25% | 🌬️ SSW 13 mph | Humidity 71%

Thursday

87 🌡️ 76 | 🌧️ | 45% | 🌬️ SW 11 mph | Humidity 70%

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See you tomorrow!