Swimming and Shrimp

Good Morning, Leland, Winnabow, Belville and more! Hopefully you have your green ready today!

In today’s LLLLeland:

• Storms and the Water

• Shrimping Trawling Bill Belly Up

• Fayetteville Woman Sentenced to Five Years for FAFSA Fraud

THE NEWS

Storms and the Water

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that lightning kills 20 to 30 people annually in the U.S. and injures hundreds more. Oak Island Water Rescue Chief Terry Hoben stresses that if you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck and should immediately exit any water. Lightning can send deadly currents through lakes, oceans, or pools. Even boats with grounding rods don't guarantee full protection, so seeking shelter in a solid structure is best. Hoben urges people to check the weather forecast before heading out and to follow the 30-30 rule: if thunder is heard, get out of the water within 30 seconds and stay out for at least 30 minutes after the last sound or sight of lightning. Beachgoers, like Anthony Antiles Eckenrode, echo the advice: when thunder roars, go indoors. (WWAY)

Shrimping Trawling Bill Belly Up

A Senate-approved bill to ban shrimp trawling in North Carolina’s inland waters will not move forward in the House this session, lawmakers confirmed Tuesday. The announcement was met with cheers from about 100 shrimpers and opponents of the ban who had gathered at the state legislative building. The proposed ban, which passed the Senate 41-4 along with a three-year relief plan for affected shrimpers, sparked protests from hundreds, with many returning the following day. Mark Hewett, Chief of the Civietown Volunteer Fire Department and a commercial fisherman, expressed gratitude, saying the decision preserved numerous jobs and families in Brunswick County. (WECT)

Fayetteville Woman Sentenced to Five Years for FAFSA Fraud

A Fayetteville woman, Cynthia Melvin, 60, has been sentenced to five years in prison for orchestrating a scheme that defrauded the federal student aid program of millions of dollars. Between 2016 and 2023, Melvin used the personal information of 80 fake "straw students" to submit fraudulent admissions and financial aid applications at several North Carolina community colleges, including Cape Fear Community College. The scheme led to over $4.7 million in awarded aid, with approximately $3.5 million actually disbursed. (WWAY)

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Brunswick Beer XChange Happenings

Tonight at 7:00 pm enjoy food trucks and trivia at BBX. Prizes for first and second place.

Tomorrow night at 6:00 pm - Music Group Eric and Karen Peterson will be playing at BBX. Coastal 523 Food Truck will be on site starting at 5:00 pm.

BBX is located at 113 Village Rd in Leland.

Oak Island Loggerheads Game Tomorrow Night

First pitch is at 7:00 PM, and gates open at 5:00 PM at Bill Smith Park in Oak Island, where the Loggerheads will face off against the Carolina Yankees.

It’s Thirsty Thursday, Loggerheads-style. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a relaxed evening of baseball, drinks, and beachside atmosphere at the beer garden, which opens at 6:00 PM. Drink specials include $1 Michelob Ultra drafts, selections from Carolina Crab Brewing Company, Michelob Ultra Seltzers, and Pinot Grigio.

Guests can catch Loggerheads batting practice, enjoy classic ballpark food, play games between innings, and listen to great music throughout the night.

Bill Smith Park is located at 4446 Fish Factory Road SE in Southport.

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

WEATHER

Thursday

93 🌡️ 71 | ☀️ | 15% | 🌬️ WSW 10 mph | Humidity 59%

Friday

90 🌡️ 75 | ☀️ | 15% | 🌬️ SW 10 mph | Humidity 61%

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

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See you tomorrow!