Emerald Tidings,

composed monthly by

Town Manager Matt Zapp,

is the official newsletter of

the Town of Emerald Isle, NC.

Town of Emerald Isle Project List

Emerald Isle continues to grow and thrive with an array of projects enhancing our beautiful town. From critical infrastructure updates like stormwater pump installations and road paving to community-focused improvements like gym floor renovations, native plant initiatives, and beach access upgrades, there’s something for everyone to celebrate.

Recently completed projects, including walkway repairs and emergency vehicle upgrades, showcase the dedication to safety and sustainability.

With many initiatives still underway, 2025 promises even more progress, ensuring Emerald Isle remains a premier destination and a wonderful place to live.

TOWN OF EI PROJECTS LIST - January 1, 2025

ACTIVE EMERALD ISLE PROJECTS

The following is a list of the active capital and grant funded projects underway within Emerald Isle. 

The “Current Projects” icon on the Town’s website:  https://www.emeraldisle-nc.org/403/Current-Projects

1. FY 24/25 Asphalt Paving of local roadways (POWELL BILL $200,000). 

2. Replacement of two Ambulances (FEMA $909,000)

3. Replacement of two Fire Engines (FEMA $1.8 M)

4. Redesign and rebuild of Fire Station 2 (FEMA $3.0 M) 

5. Remove and replace 13 Beach Access Walkways (FEMA $825,000)

a. 50% complete as of this update. 

b. Target goal is April 2025 

6. Lands’s End Dune Infiltration Project (FEMA $850,000) 

7. Stormwater Pump Generators (FEMA $500,000) 

a. Six units (of 7) are online; Island Circle is anticipated to be done Q1 2025. 

8. EIPR Generator (FEMA $81,000)

a. Anticipated completion Q1 2025 

9. East Reed, Cedar Street, and Lee Ave (FEMA $535,000)

a. Lee Ave is complete 

b. East Reed is pending FEMA approval 

c. South Cedar Street is pending FEMA Approval 

 Following is a list of projects recently completed: 

1. Fire Station 1 Generator Replacement ($18,000)
2. EIPD replaced 100% of the fulltime officer duty weapons. 
3. The EI Planning Department implemented iWorQ Portal Home for public use. 
4. EIPR Gym Floor Replacement 
5. EI Woods Bridge Repairs (completed inhouse by EIPWs)
6. Old Ferry Culvert Replacement (FEMA $168,088)
7. Cedar Street Culvert Replacement (FEMA $212,865)
8. Bogue Inlet Drive Culvert Replacement (FEMA $200,000)
9. Tennis Court Resurfacing (ARPA $20,000)
10. Three Phase Power/ Underground Installation (FEMA $291,500)
11. Stormwater Vac Trailer (ARPA $67,000)
12. Peletier Yard Debris Site (FEMA $100,000) 
13. F450 Dump Truck (FEMA $68,000) 
14. 4 x 4 Loader (FEMA $40,000)
15. Emergency Radios (FEMA $450,000)
16. Jet Skis with trailers (FEMA $43,000)
17. Tennis Court Fencing (ARPA $17,000)
18. Stormwater drainage improvement on Melaine and Ocean ($7,500)
19. Replacement of the Howe Street Beach Access Walkway (Donation $29,500)
20. 406 Holly St. drainage improvement (swale with infiltration, porous concrete apron)
21. 115 Fawn Drive drainage improvement (swale, porous concrete apron)

EIPD Conducts 3rd Shop With A Cop

The Emerald Isle Police Department had an incredible evening during the 2024 Shop with a Cop event! We were joined by amazing partner agencies:

Carteret County Sheriff’s Office

Cape Carteret PD

Newport PD

US Coast Guard Emerald Isle Station

NCIS from Camp Lejeune

NC Marine Patrol

A special thank you to the volunteers from TransImpact, Wal-Mart, Emerald Isle Neighborhood Watch and Emerald Isle PD CSRs for their time and generosity. Together, we made the holidays brighter for local families.

Exciting News: The New Gym Floor Is Open

We’re thrilled to announce that the Emerald Isle Community Center gymnasium is officially open and ready for you! The brand-new flooring is designed to enhance your experience, providing the perfect space for sports, fitness, and community activities.

Stop by and check out the updated space—it’s the ideal spot to kick off your new year’s health and wellness goals.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to everyone who worked hard to make this project a reality. Come see it for yourself! 

Do you have what it takes to be an Emerald Isle Ocean Rescue Lifeguard,

or know someone who does?

Applications are now open for lifeguard positions in 2025. You can find the job

description and application on the Town's website.

The Emerald Isle Fire Department will begin testing in January, and training will start mid-March. Lifeguards will be on the beach strand in phases, beginning April 1.

Apply For Your 2025 Golf Cart Permit

Golf cart permits are now available for 2025 through the Emerald Isle Police Department. These permits expire on December 31 of each year, no matter when you last purchased a permit.

You can find the full list of golf cart rules and regulations on our website, along with your permit application. In addition, watch our video below for an overview of Emerald Isle's golf cart rules.

Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) parking permits

Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) parking permits are now available for our residents.

These permits allow LSV owners the ability to park in golf cart designated parking spots all around Emerald Isle. It can be conveniently obtained online.

Here are the simple steps to get your LSV permit:



-Visit our online registration portal.

-Provide the necessary information.

-Complete the registration process.

Ensuring a smooth experience for our residents is our priority. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to the EIPD.

Link for online registration.

St. Patrick's Festival Set to Return

March 15

Gather your family, friends and best green attire - the Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Festival is slated to return on Saturday, March 15th at the Emerald Plantation Shopping Center.

On this date, you can enjoy the festival, which includes arts and crafts vendors, nonprofits, food and drink vendors, a beer tent, amusement rides, live music and more! Please note, applications have closed for all event vendors.

On Saturday, amusement rides will be operating from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. In addition, food vendors, 75 arts and crafts vendors, beer garden and live entertainment will run from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

On Friday, March 14, join us for amusement ride armband night from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. There will be no food and drink vendors on this date.

Stay tuned for additional information!

Beach Driving Permit Applications Available

There are still a few months remaining in this beach driving season, and applications for the season are available online at www.emeraldisle-nc.org, or in person at the Police Department, at 7500 Emerald Drive.

You will receive an email alerting you when your permit is ready to be picked up at the EIPD.

The official beach driving season began Thursday, September 15th, and will conclude on April 30. There is a ten-day period around Easter when beach driving is closed.

Watch the video below for information on the beach driving application process.

Emerald Isle Neighborhood Watch



Join the Emerald Isle Neighborhood Watch in 2025! You can learn more information and helpful hints about keeping yourself

and your neighborhood safe on our Neighborhood Watch webpage.

Register for the Medically Fragile List

The Town's Fire Department provides for special medical care and/or help evacuating during disasters, including hurricanes, to those who are registered under the Medically Fragile List. This is a voluntary program. 

It is important to note that this form should be completed and submitted to Emerald Isle FD 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.

Contact Emerald Isle FD at 252-354-8595 if you have additional questions, or would like to register with the Medically Fragile list. Register online here.

New Year, New You!

Kick Off 2025 at the Emerald Isle Gym!

Happy New Year! Let’s make 2025 the year of health and wellness. The newly renovated Emerald Isle Gym is ready to help you crush your fitness goals!

What’s New?

🏋️ A refreshed, inspiring space for your fitness journey

💪 Supportive community and expert guidance

🌟 A perfect setting for beginners and fitness pros alike

Start the year strong and discover a healthier, happier you. Visit the Community Center today to learn more!

Stay Up To Date: Follow Us Online

Stay connected with everything Emerald Isle through our official online platforms! Get updates on town news, upcoming events, Parks and Recreation calendars, live beach and traffic cams, and more.

Don’t miss our monthly Board of Commissioners meetings, streamed live on Facebook the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. Stay informed and be part of our vibrant community!

Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative Information

Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative (CCEC) will give two local middle school students the opportunity to play college basketball alongside their favorite athletes and coaches this summer, thanks to Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships. 

Beginning January 1, CCEC will accept applications for full scholarships to basketball camps at two North Carolina universities this summer. Young men can apply for a scholarship to attend the Carolina Basketball School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and young women can apply for a spot at the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp at N.C. State University in Raleigh. Both camps will be held in June. Students in the sixth or seventh grade during the 2025-2026 school year are eligible to apply. Full details and the online application can be found at ccemc.com/SportsCamps. The application deadline is March 31.