Scams, Schedules, and Safe Planning

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

In today’s LLLLeland:

• Jury Duty Scam - Beware!

• Southport - Fort Fisher Ferry Running An Alternate Schedule Today

• Storm Season - Make a Kit for Your Kiddos

• Leland Hazard Mitigation Plan Needs Input

THE NEWS

Jury Duty Scam - Beware!

The FBI Charlotte Field Office, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina, is alerting the public to a widespread jury duty scam affecting residents across the state.

Scammers are contacting individuals by phone, email, or text, falsely claiming they’ve missed jury duty and that a federal warrant has been issued for their arrest. Victims are then pressured to pay a fine to avoid jail time.

In some cases, scammers are sending fake arrest warrants with the victim’s name and using spoofed contact information to appear legitimate.

The FBI emphasizes that real arrest warrants are never sent by email or text and do not involve payment to avoid jail time. They are served in person by law enforcement or court officials.

To avoid falling victim to this scam, the FBI advises:

• Be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or texts.

• Never share money or personal information with strangers.

• Trust your instincts—hang up if a caller pressures or threatens you.

• Always verify legal claims with official court or law enforcement agencies.

To report this scam, visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. (WECT)

Southport - Fort Fisher Ferry Running An Alternate Schedule Today

The Southport–Fort Fisher ferry will operate on a one-boat schedule Wednesday, July 30, due to mechanical issues, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

Revised Ferry Schedule

Departing Southport:

5:30 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:15 p.m.

Departing Fort Fisher:

6:15 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 7:00 p.m.

For additional details, contact ferry operations at 910-477-5200. (

Storm Season - Make a Kit for Your Kiddos

Smart Start New Hanover and the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition are encouraging parents of young children to prepare SAFE Sanitation Kits for emergencies. The kits include essential items like bleach, dish soap, a brush, mini cups, and a syringe to help maintain hygiene when access to clean water, electricity, or medical care is disrupted. Norma Escobar of the coalition emphasized that children are especially vulnerable during disasters, and shelters may not meet their needs. The kits proved effective during Hurricane Helene in Western NC, and families can access them through the coalition or follow a guide to make their own. (WECT)

Leland Hazard Mitigation Plan Needs Input

Help make our community more resilient! NC Emergency Management is updating the Southeastern NC Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan—which includes Leland—and they need your input. Share your thoughts on how we can better prepare for hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters by taking a quick survey: https://ow.ly/oTjE50Wtox9

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Dollars for Dogs at BBX Tomorrow Evening

Brunswick Beer XChange (BBX) and Paws Place Dog Rescue are hosting a fundraiser on Thursday, July 31 from 5–7 p.m. at 113 Village Rd, Leland, NC. For a minimum $2 donation, guests receive a free hot dog, with proceeds supporting The Big Paw Project. Attendees can bring their dogs for professional Christmas in July-themed photos by Drew Stevens Photography, with part of the proceeds going to Paws Place. Dog-themed trivia begins at 7 p.m.

Throughout July, BBX is also collecting dog and cat supplies. Donors are entered to win a BBX gift card. Requested items include pet food, cleaning products, paper goods, and gift cards. Cash donations are also welcome.

Also - Trivia Night starts at 7:00 pm after the dogs are done!

Bingo at Gio Fund

The Gio Fund Event Center in Leland (117 Village Rd NE Unit G) hosts Wednesday Night Bingo open to the public. Doors open at 5 p.m., with early bird games at 6 p.m. and regular Bingo starting at 6:30 p.m. A six-pack of ten games costs $20, with additional game sheets, food, and drinks available for purchase. Prizes vary based on game card sales, with a top prize of up to $500 for Game 10. Outside food or drinks and Gio Card discounts are not allowed.

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

WEATHER

Wednesday

86 🌡️ 75 | ☀️ | 60% | 🌬️ E 6 mph | Humidity 80%

Thursday

87 🌡️ 77 | ⛅ | 55% | 🌬️ SW 9 mph | Humidity 78%

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

Forward this to a friend and ask that they sign-up! Have ideas, suggestions or comments? Send them to [email protected]

See you tomorrow!