At the May 10, 2022, Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board unanimously appointed Jim Normile to fill an unexpired term on the Board. He will serve until the November 2023 election, at which time the seat will be available again. He is filling a seat previously held by Candace Dooley, who stepped down to pursue becoming the Town's Parks and Recreation Director, a position she began in mid-May.

Commissioner Normile was previously appointed in 2014 to fill an unexpired term following the passing of Commissioner Nita Hedreen. He then was re-elected and served until 2021.

Here he is seen taking his oath of office on May 11 at the Town’s Administrative offices. Town Clerk/Public Information Officer Anna Smith, left, administered the oath, and his wife, Elaine, held the Bible.

The towns of Bogue, Cape Carteret, Cedar Point, Emerald Isle and Peletier are pleased to present the inaugural Western Carteret Fireworks Celebration on Sunday, July 3, co-sponsored by Emerald Isle Realty and presented by Mac Daddy’s.

Events kick off at 6 p.m., with live entertainment by Spare Change at Mac Daddy’s and a variety of food trucks selling delicious food and drinks: Meraki Kafe, Sunshine Girls Lemonade, LaCocina Del Coqui, Funnels of Love, R.L. Street Dogs and Dirty Tacos Mas. In addition, Kona Ice will be selling treats at the White Oak Elementary School viewing site.

At 7:30 p.m., the National Anthem will be played, and the U.S. Marine Corps will conduct a military fly over. The National Anthem will once again be held at 8:55 p.m. leading up to the grand fireworks celebration at 9 p.m.

There are several planned viewing zones for the Emerald Isle Realty Western Carteret Fireworks Celebration Presented by Mac Daddy’s. The map shows highlighted zones where your family and friends can watch the show together.

If you are traveling to Cape Carteret from all areas west of NC 58, you are encouraged to park in Site 1/Western Park, at 259 Old NC-58 in Cedar Point.

For anyone coming from Bogue Banks, including Emerald Isle, you are asked to park at areas 2 or 6, as shown in the map in Cape Carteret. This includes the Lowes Home Improvement Parking Lot and the areas by Cape Carteret Town Hall and Cape Carteret Baptist Church.

For those traveling west on Highway 24, such as from Bogue, Newport or Morehead City, please consider parking at the White Oak Elementary School, Site 3 on the map, or at The Gym Cape Carteret Aquatic & Wellness at 300 Taylor Notion Road.

This event is made possible through Emerald Isle Realty, Mac Daddy’s, and the towns of Bogue, Cape Carteret, Cedar Point, Emerald Isle and Peletier.

For full information, including the viewing zones map, visit www.emeraldisle-nc.org.

The Town of Emerald Isle is pleased to announce Chad Edwards as the new Assistant Chief of Police. He begins his role on June 1.

Assistant Chief Edwards has nearly 20 years of law enforcement experience and has been employed with the East Carolina University Police Department since 2006. Prior to that, he worked with the City of Washington Police Department. His passion for community policing is one of several reasons he was selected for the role in Emerald Isle.

“Assistant Chief Edwards brings a wealth of knowledge to our team,” said Emerald Isle Chief of Police Michael Panzarella. “His passion for community policing will continue to strengthen the relationship our team has built with our residents, business owners, and visitors. Assistant Chief Edwards will be an asset to our team and the Town of Emerald Isle.”

Assistant Chief Edwards holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice: Homeland Security from Liberty University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He is also an FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award recipient and completed the West Point Leadership Program through Methodist University.

He holds an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate and is an instructor in Specialized Firearms and Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) and teaches in the law enforcement academy at Pitt Community College.

The Assistant Chief role was previously held by Michael Panzarella, who elevated to the role of Chief of Police in Fall 2021, following the retirement of Tony Reese.

Emerald Fest returns for another great series in 2022. Join us on Thursdays throughout the summer for free live music at the Western Ocean Regional Access from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. No alcohol, please.

The towns of Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Pine Knoll Shores and Atlantic Beach want you to ensure you know what the unified beach warning flag system stands for along Bogue Banks. This collaborative video explains the flag colors and what each one represents.

In addition, a video was created highlighting important rip current safety information. Both of these videos were shared recently across the Town's social media feeds, in addition to other information, for National Beach Safety Week, which ran up until Memorial Day.

You can find more official beach safety information on the Town of Emerald Isle website, and through the free Emerald Isle, NC app.

Thank you to our Bogue Banks neighbors for partnering with us in this safety messaging. Help us spread the word!

The Town of Emerald Isle is also promoting its beach safety messaging in several new ways. The joint safety videos are playing on televisions located at the Western and Eastern Ocean Regional accesses, and new QR code stickers are being placed on to-go orders at several area restaurants. Thank you to 4 J's, Stir it Up, Muttigans, Michelangelo's, Sharks Den, Giovanni's Bagels, Flip Flops Donut Shop and the Mini Mart for helping us distribute these materials! If you have an area business and are interested in helping us spread the beach safety message, please contact Anna Smith, Town Clerk/Public Information Officer, at [email protected].

The Town of Emerald Isle has cross-trained several employees to be USLA-certified lifeguards in the beginning and end of the tourism season, to assist on the beach strand with other lifeguards.

Tucker Robison in the Police Department, Kyle Scantlin and Austin Antinori in the Fire Department have recently earned their certifications, and will join three other Town employees who are lifeguards. Lindsay Lewis in EMS and Chris Keiser and Jason Rife in the Fire Department have all previously been certified as a part of the Ocean Rescue Program through the Emerald Isle Fire Department.

Emerald Isle's Ocean Rescue Lifeguards have been assisting the public along the beach strand since April 1 this year, and there is still space available on this team - apply today!

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 are now flying in coordination with the National Weather Service.

The Town is still seeking a lifeguard for this season - if you or someone you know may be a good fit, watch the video below and apply online.

The Town of Emerald Isle will welcome Michelle Eitner as the new Planning Director, effective July 1, 2022.

She will fill the role that has been held by Josh Edmondson since April 2015. Mr. Edmondson concluded his role with the Town in late May, and is moving on to a new position elsewhere. The Town’s Planning and Inspections Department will be fully staffed leading up to the new Planning Director’s arrival.

Originally from Greenville, she attended East Carolina University and graduated magna cum laude in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography with a minor in Planning. She continued her education at UNC Wilmington and received a Master of Science in Coastal and Ocean Policy in 2015. Since 2016, Mrs. Eitner has served as the Director of Planning for The Town of Atlantic Beach.

"I am excited and appreciative for the opportunity to serve the residents and visitors of Emerald Isle,” she said. “The Town of Emerald Isle has a stellar reputation because of the citizens, town staff, and elected officials. My time in Atlantic Beach was, without a doubt, fulfilling career-wise, because of the people I had the opportunity to work with in many different capacities. It was an honor to be selected to serve in this new role and continue to be part of the success of another wonderful Bogue Banks community.”

Mrs. Eitner lives in Morehead City with her husband, Jarrett, and daughter, Dagny. She is a member of St Francis By the Sea Episcopal Church.

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:

The 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins today, and you are encouraged to make your preparations before a storm arrives.

You can always find hurricane preparedness information on our website, which includes a registration form for a disaster re-entry permit, in the event you do not have one. You should have your re-entry permit on hand before a storm is coming toward North Carolina.

The American Red Cross and has a critical need for donations. A blood drive will be held from 1-5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 17, at the Emerald Isle Community Center, at 203 Leisure Lane. You can donate blood and make a difference in the lives of others.

To schedule an appointment, please contact 1-800-red cross, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call Kristin Willis at 252-341-1325.

Paid parking is underway and two free passes are available for Emerald Isle taxpayers. The Town's paid parking is 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.

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.

Important reminder: Golf Carts are not permitted to be operated along the length of Highway 58.

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 [email protected] 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 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.

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 wants to feature our members' best photos in our 2023 wall calendar. Submit high-quality digital photos depicting the cooperative’s service area. Fourteen photos will be selected.

The winning photographers will be entered in a drawing for a $100 gift card. The deadline is August 15. Get details at www.ccemc.com/PhotoContest.

BBWC's new irrigation policy is 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!

Happily I can report that bright and early on May 21, 2022, Emerald Isle got it’s first sea turtle nest of the season. Walker Jim Farmer found the tracks and Nest Response Team members, Zone Coordinators and Jim helped dig to find the top egg. Once an egg is found in the pit, it is officially a nest! We are hoping for many more nests this summer. Usually we have a three year cycle of large nest counts - and 2022 is that year!

In addition to nests on the beach, we also provide other services. Our Beach Avian Team (BAT) has been busy. Don’t let the team title fool you though. Just from May 1-May 20 the team has made 14 rescues of birds and even a baby bunny. Always, lots of thanks to BAT members Carla Aldridge, Kim Henry and Laurie Conrad.

Members of our team have also been providing, or will provide this summer, sea turtle information sessions to local children’s groups. These sessions can include story time, craft activities, screen shows, movies and special visits from our mascot Emmie etc.

In early April NRT Dale Baquer presented general information to Weeblo’s Pack 3. As a follow up , members of the Pack will meet with NRT Liz Cox to do a beach clean up. Thanks to the members of Weeblo’s Pack 3 and their families.

June 24 will have NRTs presenting “A Turtles Tale” to the children attending the EI Summer Camp. There is also a plan to present the movie again at the August Friday Flicks.

Want some Summer fun for the kids? Check out our website at eiseaturtlepatrol.org for a word find puzzle and scavenger hunts for all ages. You can just print and go!

This conservation work for sea turtles in Emerald Isle is authorized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (ES Permit 22 ST13)

Please remember...Leave nothing behind on the beach but your footprints!