Did You Ever Just Want to Count Turtles?

Good Morning, Leland area friends! TGIF! We made it through the first week together 😀 

In today’s LLLLeland:

• Wawa In Wilmington?

• Uber Driver Needs a Kidney

• Learn How to Count Turtles

THE NEWS

WaWa Wilmington Will Be a Thing

Yes, it’s Wilmington, but it’s WaWa. We know how excited some of you are over that! An 8-pump store proposal plan has been submitted. No date established yet. Read more at wwaytv3.com.

Uber Driver Needs a Kidney

Elliott Roberts of Hampstead is on the national organ transplant waiting list for a kidney due to inherited kidney disease, which has reduced his kidney function to just 19%. With a B+ blood type, his wait for a donor could take five to seven years, but he is trying to speed up the process by spreading awareness. As an Uber driver, he has written a plea for a kidney donor on his car’s back windshield, including his blood type and phone number. His efforts have gained public attention and support, though he is still searching for a donor. Those with blood types B+, B-, O+, or O- can potentially help. You can reach Roberts at 910-599-6077 or his web page at the National Kidney Registry. Read the whole story on WECT’s website.

Avelo Airlines Establishes Base at ILM

Avelo Airlines has launched a new base at Wilmington International Airport (ILM), its eighth operational hub. The airline will station two aircraft, introduce three new flight routes, and create up to 50 jobs. ILM Airport Director Jeff Bourk highlighted the local impact, emphasizing that airline staff are part of the community.

Governor Josh Stein praised Avelo for driving economic growth by attracting tourists and supporting local businesses. The airline has also launched three nonstop routes:

- Boston/Manchester, N.H. (MHT) – Starts April 3, with flights on Thursdays and Sundays.

- Nashville, Tenn. (BNA) – Starts April 3, with flights on Thursdays and Sundays.

- Rochester, N.Y. (ROC) – Starts April 4, with flights on Fridays and Mondays.

ILM officials expressed gratitude for Avelo’s investment, seeing the partnership as a boost to regional connectivity. The expansion was first announced in December 2024.

The whole story can be found on WECT.com

Learn How to Help Count the Diamondback Terrapin

The Terrapin Tally is a community science project led by the NC Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to study the diamondback terrapin population in North Carolina. Due to limited data on this marsh-dwelling turtle, which is classified as a Species of Special Concern, the project was piloted in 2014 at Masonboro Island Reserve. Volunteers conduct kayak surveys along designated routes to track terrapin numbers, helping identify population trends over time. Now in its 11th year, the project continues to gather crucial data to aid conservation efforts.

There is a training session next Saturday the 12th from 10am to noon and will be held at Carolina Beach State Park visitor center, the Hammocks Beach State Park, and VIRTUALLY via Zoom. The data collection dates are later in April, and in May and June. Get all the information and register here.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Samantha Spalti Art Gallery Reception

The Leland Cultural Arts Center is hosting an exhibition for Samantha Spalti this Saturday from noon to 2pm. Through her artwork, Spalti explores complex emotions and ideas using shapes and colors to create her own unique universe. This event is free and open to the public. The Leland Cultural Arts Center is located at 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

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

WEATHER

Friday

82 🌡️ 67 | 🌧️ | 25% | 🌬️ SW 13 mph

Saturday

79 🌡️ 68 | ⛅ | 10% | 🌬️ SSW 16 mph

Sunday

81 🌡️ 69 | ⛅ | 20% | 🌬️ SSW 19 mph

Thank you for taking the time to read this and every issue of Live, Laugh, Love Leland! Have a GREAT weekend! We’ll see you Monday!

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