EMERALD TIDINGS - April 2022
Emerald Tidings, composed monthly by Town Manager Matt Zapp,
is the official newsletter of the Town of Emerald Isle, NC.

Town Reveals New Website
You can now view our new website at the same location - www.emeraldisle-nc.org.

Our new website, designed with CivicPlus, was created with you in mind. This website aims to provide a higher level of customer service and includes several important items on the homepage, including all permits applications from Planning and Inspections to beach driving and parking; our Yard Debris Truck Tracker; latest videos, news and more.

Be sure to visit www.emeraldisle-nc.org to have all of your Emerald Isle questions answered!

We appreciate your patience as some items may still be in the process of being transitioned to this new platform and our free Emerald Isle, NC app in the coming days.
Town Offices Closed for Good Friday

The Town Administration Building and Community Center will be closed on Friday, April 15, in observance of Good Friday. Regular business hours at these locations will resume on Monday, April 18.

The American Red Cross Blood Drive will still be held at the Community Center from 1-5:30 p.m. on this date.

The Town Administration Building is open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., on weekdays.
The Community Center is open 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Emergency Services, including Police, Fire and EMS, will continue to operate on their regular schedules to best serve the community.
Retirement Drop-by Event for Alesia Sanderson

The community is invited to drop by a retirement recognition for Alesia Sanderson, Director of Parks and Recreation, on Tuesday, April 12.

Come to the Community Center, 203 Leisure Lane, between 2-5 p.m. on April 12 to give Alesia your best wishes as she retires after serving as a wonderful leader in Emerald Isle since 1989. Light refreshments will be available at this event.

She will be recognized for her years of service by the Board of Commissioners at their regular monthly meeting that begins at 6 p.m. that day in the Board Room at 7500 Emerald Drive. If you are unable to attend this meeting in person, it can be viewed via livestream on the Town's official Facebook page or via Zoom.
Ocean Rescue Lifeguards on the Beach Starting April 1

Emerald Isle's Ocean Rescue Lifeguards will be on the beach strand starting Friday, April 1, to meet the needs of our growing seasonal population. A small crew will begin the season, and you will notice more lifeguards on the beach throughout the summer.

In all, 20 USLA-certified lifeguards will be on the beach April through September this year.
As always, we encourage you to respect the ocean, yourself and our lifeguards. Review these important beach safety tips before you head to the ocean, and stay out of the water if you see red or double red flags flying. The Beach Warning Flags will begin flying on Friday, April 15, in coordination with the National Weather Service.

Did you know that returning lifeguards go through 30 hours of classroom and on the beach training before the season starts? In addition, new lifeguards have to undergo a rigorous 72 hours of training before they can begin. You can watch a video for a glimpse into this year's training for returning lifeguards.

There are still a few spots available and you, or someone you know, may be a good fit to join our team. Watch our short lifeguard recruitment video below, and apply online today on the Town's website.
Job Opportunities with the Town of Emerald Isle

The Town of Emerald Isle is seeking applicants for a variety of full-time, part-time and seasonal positions.

You can find full details and applications online on the Town's website for the following positions:

Full Time:
  • Assistant Chief of Police
  • Director of Parks and Recreation
  • Fire Engineer
  • Paramedic

Part-time:
  • EMT/AEMT/Paramedic
  • Police Officer
  • Firefighter

Seasonal:
  • Ocean Rescue Lifeguard
  • Park Attendant
Paid Parking begins April 15; Passes available

Paid parking will begin on April 15, and two free passes are available for Emerald Isle taxpayers. Paid parking will be at the Eastern and Western Ocean Regional accesses.

In addition, Handicapped/100% Disabled Vet, Purple Heart or Emerald Isle Business Owners are eligible for one free permit. Supporting documentation must be uploaded when applying for this one free permit in these categories. You must have this permit in hand before going to the access points to be eligible. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, same day service is not available.

Parking pass applications are available online, or you may stop by the Police Department at 7500 Emerald Drive to apply in person. You will need a current vehicle registration and driver’s license when applying for your permit. If you have questions, please call EIPD at 252-354-2021.

Emerald Isle taxpayers are eligible to receive two annual free parking permits that can be used at the Eastern Ocean Regional and Western Ocean Regional accesses. These parking permits will be granted only for vehicles registered in the name of the taxpayer and are non-transferable.

The permit decal must be for the current year and be permanently affixed to the driver’s side windshield. Improper placement of decals may result in paying the parking fee, confiscation or possible citation. Lost or confiscated permits will not be reissued. You are required to remove decals from previous years.

Like last year, paid parking will range from $2-$4 per hour, with a maximum amount paid up to four hours. If you stay longer than this, you will only pay the four-hour price.
Jr. Lifeguard Program Registration Opens Mid-April

Registration for the 2022 Jr. Lifeguard Camps will open in April 2022 - stay tuned to our official social media accounts and emeraldisle-nc.org for updates! Registration forms and payment will be due to Emerald Isle Fire Department, Station 1. This program is first-come, first-serve and spots will go quickly.

These camps are held in two different age groups: 9-12 and 13-17 years old. Participants are taught by staff in the Emerald Isle Fire Department, which includes our Ocean Rescue Lifeguard team. Participants will learn a variety of safety measures on the beach strand and in the water.

New this year: There will two different weeks offered for the 9-12-year-old age group. All camp dates are held from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Dates are as follows:
  • Ages 9-12 (Class 1): July 11-14
  • Ages 13-17: July 18-21
  • Ages 9-12 (Class 2): July 25-28

You can watch our video below for an inside look at the Jr. Lifeguard Program for ages 9-12. Watch a video on the 13-17 age bracket camp here.
Beach Driving Season Concludes in April;
Holiday Schedule Applies

Beach driving season continues through April, and permits are available online at or in person at the Police Department, at 7500 Emerald Drive.

Please note, there is a ten-day period around Easter when beach driving is not allowed. Details are listed in the sidebar on the right.

In order to secure a beach driving permit, you will need to watch a short educational video, take the brief quiz and fill out the application form.
April Beach Driving Hiatus

Beach Driving is closed to the general public for 10 days around Easter, which means no beach driving will be allowed between April 15-24 this year. You will continue to see Town employees in their marked vehicles on the strand during this time.

The final day of beach driving for this season will be April 30. The new season will begin in September.

Stay tuned to the Town's website and official social media pages this summer for information on when seasonal passes will be available again.
Louise Avenue Improvements Taking Place

Work to widen Louise Avenue began a few days ago. Please note you may encounter temporary delays in the area between Islander Drive and Boardwalk Avenue during this time. Thomas Simpson Construction aims to have the project complete by Easter, weather permitting. 

This work will widen this section of roadway to 25 feet, and will improve vehicular and pedestrian safety. The project was approved at the March 8 Board of Commissioners Meeting.
Sea Oats Planting Underway in April

From April 4-24 you will notice sea oats being planted along Emerald Isle's dune infrastructure.

The project will be conducted by Aquatic Plants of Florida, and will supplement the plantings that were placed last year at the end of the Florence Renourishment Project - Phase III.

This update was approved by the Board of Commissioners in October 2021, for 300,000 dune plantings, at a cost not to exceed $250,000. This project is funded through occupancy tax money, not Emerald Isle tax dollars.

The public is reminded to stay off of the dunes year-round along the Emerald Isle beach strand.
Fishing Tournament Scholarships Available

The Emerald Isle Fishing Tournament is accepting applications for the 2022 Emerald Isle Tournament scholarships. This year, up to six scholarships, valued at $3,000 apiece, will be awarded. The application deadline is this month, so don't delay!

Application criteria and materials can be found on the Town's website, under the Emerald Isle Fishing Tournament Committee page.

Graduating seniors from Swansboro, Croatan and East and West Carteret high schools and the MaST Early College High School may apply. Applicants must have been accepted by an accredited two-year community or technical college, or a four-year college or university. They must have expressed interest in some aspect of Marine or Coastal Science or Engineering, by planning to major in marine biology, ecology, oceanography, fisheries biology, geology, environmental science, climate change, marine policy, ocean engineering, ship-building, or the chemistry or physics of the ocean. One long-term desire of the Committee is that successful scholarship recipients might return to Eastern/Coastal North Carolina to pursue their post-graduate career.

Eligibility: Any graduating senior from these local high schools with an interest in a marine-related career, except the children of Tournament Committee members.

Applications and supporting documents must be turned in to Mrs. Nicole Rains (Swansboro), Mr. Mark James (Croatan), Ms. Pam Roberson (East), Ms. Melissa Smith (West) or Ms. Lisa Nathan (MaST) no later than April 18, 2022. Scholarship winners will be notified the first week of May.
NCDOT Continues Bridge Improvements

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has released the following information:

Rehabilitation work on the Emerald Isle bridge continues, and the contractor will be adding a lane closure overnight. A contractor may now close one lane on the bridge between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. now through April 7.

There will not be a lane closure April 8-24 for the Easter holiday.

Then, between April 25-May 20, the contractor will restart an overnight lane closure between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

There will not be lane closures during the summer months; they will resume after Labor Day.

N.C. Department of Transportation encourages drivers to plan for their travel when a lane closure is in place and remain alert while crews are working.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
Bike the Banks Returns May 7
The 7th annual Bike the Banks/Crystal Coast Lighthouse Challenge is back! The rides will be held Saturday, May 7th. Sponsored by the Emerald Isle Bike and Pedestrian Committee, the event features three rides; 10, 50 and 100 miles to challenge bikers of all skill levels.

The premier event of the day is the century ride, at 100 miles, which is an out-and-back ride that will take the participants from the Emerald Isle Community Center down Bogue Banks to Fort Macon, then back to Atlantic Beach, over to Morehead City, through Beaufort and Down East Carteret County to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse - at least as close as you can get on a bicycle.

There is also a 50 mile out-and-back ride to Fort Macon. This ride begins at the Community Center, goes to the Point in Emerald Isle, then down the island to Fort Macon and back.

The final ride, a 10-mile fun ride, is designed as a more leisurely ride for adults and families. That ride begins at the Community Center and follows the Emerald Isle Bike and Pedestrian Path to the Eastern Ocean Regional Access parking lot in Emerald Isle, near mile marker 15.

The ride is held to promote bike riding in Carteret County and to raise funds to support the Emerald Isle Bike and Pedestrian Path that runs for 12 miles throughout town.

Both the century ride and the 50-mile rides begin at 8 a.m. The 10-mile ride starts at 8:30 a.m. All three rides begin and end at the Emerald Isle Community Center at 203 Leisure Lane, which is located near mile post 19 on Emerald Drive (NC 58).

Registration is $40 per rider for the 100 and 50 mile-rides and $25 for the 10-mile event. Those who pre-register for the ride by April 3rd are assured a Bike the Banks t-shirt.

Registration is available online. Registrations will also be accepted on the morning of the ride beginning at 6:30 a.m. at the Emerald Isle Community Center. At that same time, riders who are pre-registered can pick up their t-shirt.

A brief meeting will be held shortly before each of the rides. The century ride course will close at 2:30 p.m. All riders should wear helmets, and the use of rear flashers are encouraged to improve visibility. Rest stops with drinks and snacks are strategically located for all three rides.

Parking for participants is available at the Community Center, and at the Emerald Isle Town Hall at 7509 Emerald Drive. To reduce traffic and for safety purposes, personal SAGs are not encouraged. There is no rain date.
Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection Day

Carteret County is holding a household hazardous waste and electronics collection day twice this year. Both events will be held at the Carteret County Health Department, at 3820 Bridges Street in Morehead City.

April 30th 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
September 24 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Do You Have Unclaimed Funds?

Did you know – that the North Carolina State Treasurer’s Office oversees the Unclaimed Property Division, known as NCCash.com.  The State is holding approximately $940 million dollars in unclaimed funds. The funds are often the result of utility deposits, or tax refunds, where the company or agency loses track of the owner due to incorrect mailing addresses or other missing information.

You can check on line by name or business name at their website:  https://www.nccash.com/. Check it out today, there are several listings for residents and businesses listed right here in Emerald Isle.
Golf Cart Safety, Rules and Regulations Class

The Emerald Isle Golf Cart Safety, Rules & Regulations Class is available online. You can find out information concerning this online class and save $25 off your registration/ renewal for 2022 by visiting our website.

To renew for your 2022 registration, you will first watch a video that explains some golf cart rules and regulations, and review the PowerPoint presentation before taking your short test to receive the $25 discount. Once you have taken the test, you will need to fill out and submit the registration application form.
Stay Up To Date: Follow Us Online

The Town of Emerald Isle has a number of official online platforms you can use to stay connected to the latest news, our live beach and traffic cameras, and more. You can also view the monthly Board of Commissioners meetings, which are live streamed on our Facebook page. These meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Follow us on the following platforms:

On Fridays we share pictures from the community - and we need your help. Send your best Emerald Isle pictures to Anna Smith, Town Clerk/Public Information Officer, at asmith@emeraldisle-nc.org for consideration. Please include "Friday Features" in the subject line, and the name of the photographer. You can also use #EmeraldIsleNC in your Instagram photos.
Emerald Isle EMS Subscriptions Available

Did you know? Emerald Isle EMS offers a subscription program to help offset the cost of an ambulance transport. You can view our video for a quick explanation on why this program is beneficial to you and your family.

This optional annual subscription of $50 covers the direct costs of ambulance services not paid by your insurance. The $50 covers two people: the head of household, along with one other person. You may include others living in the household for an additional $10 each. Your subscription begins two days after receipt of application, payment, and acceptance by the Town of Emerald Isle's EMS Department and expires on June 30th, 2022. Please note, these subscriptions run from July 1 - June 30. There will be no refunds for cancelled or forfeited memberships.

You can register online for the subscription program or call the EMS Department at 252-354-2249 to complete the information over the phone.
Register for the Medically Fragile List

Emerald Isle EMS provides for special medical care and/or help evacuating during disasters, including hurricanes, to those who are registered under the Medically Fragile List.

It is important to note that this form should be completed and submitted to Emerald Isle EMS well in advance of impending disasters. If you or your family member are not already on this list, please take the time today to register.

This form is available online.

Contact Emerald Isle EMS at 252-354-2249 if you have additional questions, or would like to register with the Medically Fragile list.

Please note, this registration service was previously handled through Carteret County Emergency Services. If you previously signed up through the County, you will need to register with Emerald Isle EMS.
Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative Information

Mark your calendar for Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative’s 2022 Virtual Annual Meeting! Tune in to ccemc.com at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 5 to learn more about your cooperative, the director election results and the winners of...
 • Up to $1,000 in free electricity
 • A retired co-op vehicle
 • One of several cash prizes

Register for prizes by returning the postcard on the cover of April’s Carolina Country magazine that will arrive in member’s mailboxes around April 1.
Bogue Banks Water Corporation

BBWC new irrigation policy will be effective June 1, 2022.

You can find details online at https://boguebankswater.com/documents/175/2022-03-09___BBWC_Irrigation_Policy_FV.pdf. These changes are designed to keep our "Quality on Tap" flowing as we endeavor to conserve and preserve our precious natural water resource.

Be sure to read this month's newsletter, enclosed in your bill, or read it on our website at boguebankswater.com. All of our newsletters contain valuable information that can answer a lot of your questions. Thank you for being our valued customer!
Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol

Welcome to the Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol (EISTP) 2022 Season. Even before the first walkers step onto the sand for their first steps of the season on May 1st, members have been busy through the winter months. Nest Response Team (NRT) members have been rescuing sick and injured turtles, trying to save turtles who were caught in waters turned way too cold for sea turtles to survive and transporting sea turtles to C-MAST in Morehead City and to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City.

In addition to turtle rescues, members have been busy with other tasks during the off season. Over the past few years several of our members have also taken on the responsibilities of bird rescues. This group is aptly called BAT (Beach Avian Team). Carla Aldridge, Kim Henry and Laurie Conrad do most of the rescues for this team.

EISTP became a 501c3 (nonprofit) organization a few years ago. Board members meet monthly and discuss ways to improve our program and address issues related to sea turtle preservation.

In an effort to keep residents and visitors informed, our program has several social media programs. Please visit our website at eiseaturtlepatrol.org. There you can find information, book lists, photos and so much more. You can also find us on Facebook by searching for Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol. We also have a gmail account at: dale.baquer@emeraldisleseaturtlepatrol.com
Feel free to submit questions you might want answered about sea turtles. We will try to get answers for your questions.