Water and Fireworks

Good Morning, Leland, Winnabow, Belville and more! Happy last day of the month!

In today’s LLLLeland:

• Fireworks Safety

• Local Spay/Neuter Clinic Almost Ready

• Water Conservation Alert Active

• Final Vote on Flood Development Ready

THE NEWS

Fireworks Safety

As Independence Day approaches, fireworks vendors like Sabrina Jarman of TNT Fireworks in Leland are reminding residents about what is legal in North Carolina. Her stand, open through July 6 at Ocean Gate Plaza, only sells ground-based fireworks that comply with state law. North Carolina prohibits fireworks that explode or shoot into the air, such as roman candles and mortars. Jarman notes customers often ask about banned items but emphasizes that legal options remain colorful, fun, and safer.

Residents are encouraged to check with their homeowners associations before setting off fireworks, even if they are legal. The North Carolina Department of Insurance reports that 72% of fireworks-related injuries occur in July, with nearly 1,000 injuries recorded between 2020 and 2024.

Southport Fire Chief Charles Drew urges the public to attend professional displays instead of attempting their own, especially due to dry weather conditions. Jarman’s tent also offers nostalgic novelty items and discounts for veterans and first responders. (WWAY)

Local Spay/Neuter Clinic Almost Ready

Fix A Friend, a Brunswick County spay and neuter clinic in Winnabow, is preparing to reopen after 10 months of operating from mobile units due to flooding caused by a potential tropical cyclone last September. The facility, now elevated 6–7 feet and featuring a drainage-supporting basement, is nearing completion.

Jill Jones of Adopt an Angel, the nonprofit that runs the clinic, emphasized its importance as the largest spay and neuter clinic in southeastern North Carolina, especially as shelters face overcrowding. Once reopened, the clinic will again be able to treat larger dogs over 75 pounds—something not possible during mobile operations. The updated building has a more efficient layout but is not larger in size.

Construction should wrap up within one to two weeks, pending final approvals from the county and the state veterinary board. (WWAY)

Water Conservation Alert Active

Brunswick County has issued a voluntary water conservation alert due to water demand exceeding 80% of available system capacity. The alert is aimed at ensuring sufficient supply for essential needs, especially with expected increases during the Independence Day holiday.

The alert affects Brunswick County Public Utilities customers in both unincorporated areas and several municipalities, including Southport, Shallotte, and Sunset Beach, as well as utilities customers in Bald Head Island, Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Ocean Isle Beach. It does not apply to Brunswick Regional H2GO customers or those using private wells or reclaimed water.

Residents are urged to reduce non-essential water use, particularly during peak hours (5 a.m. to 11 a.m.), and follow an irrigation schedule based on address numbers. Additional tips include avoiding watering pavement, not overwatering lawns, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and storing drinking water in containers.

The county will issue updates if further measures become necessary. Questions can be directed to [email protected] or (910) 253-2657. (WECT)

Final Vote on Flood Development Ready

The Town of Leland, Brunswick County’s fastest-growing municipality, is preparing to adopt stricter development regulations in flood-prone areas. On June 24, the town’s planning board unanimously approved amendments to its flood damage prevention ordinance, with final approval expected from town council on July 17.

The proposed changes aim to reduce flood risks and improve resilience following significant damage caused by Potential Tropical Cyclone #8 in September 2024. Key amendments include:

• Increasing the required building elevation (freeboard) from 2 to 4 feet above base flood level.

• Limiting residential density in 100- and 500-year flood zones to two units per acre.

• Banning the use of fill to elevate land for residential structures, to prevent negative impacts on neighboring properties.

• Expanding regulations to apply to both 100- and 500-year flood zones.

Exceptions to the fill ban would allow fill for non-residential purposes and for mound septic systems in rare cases.

Currently, about 3,850 acres in Leland fall within designated flood zones, with over 280 homes already built or under construction in those areas. If passed, the ordinance will immediately affect new development plans, although existing permitted projects will remain under old rules unless substantially damaged and rebuilt.

Town leaders say the move reflects a proactive approach to managing growth and protecting public safety amid increasingly severe weather events. (Port City Daily)

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Book Club Meeting Tonight

The June Book Club meeting will take place on June 30th and will feature a discussion of The Measure by Nikki Erlick. The meeting will be held at Unwined on the Square Yoga Studio, located at 2163 Britton Rd., Suite #120, beneath the Harrington Square Apartments inside OTB Nutrition. A $5 per person contribution will be collected to help cover the rental cost of the space. For any questions or concerns, attendees are encouraged to contact the organizers at [email protected].

Tuesday Trivia

Tonight, starting at 6:30 pm at Locals Tavern, enjoy Trivia with Sherri! Locals is located at 1107 New Pointe Blvd in Leland.

Poker Night Tomorrow

World Tavern Poker League at Gio Fund Event Center Tuesdays, starting at 6:00 pm. The event center is located at 117 Village Rd NE Unit G in Leland.

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

WEATHER

Monday

89 🌡️ 76 | ⛅ | 20% | 🌬️ SSW 13 mph | Humidity 64%

Tuesday

87 🌡️ 77 | ⛅ | 40% | 🌬️ SSW 16 mph | Humidity 65%

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

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See you tomorrow!