EMERALD TIDINGS - May 2023 |
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Emerald Tidings, composed monthly by Town Manager Matt Zapp,
is the official newsletter of the Town of Emerald Isle, NC.
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Greetings to all residents and visitors of the beautiful Town of Emerald Isle! As the warm spring weather gives way to the hot and sunny days of summer, we welcome you to the May edition of our monthly newsletter. This month, we have exciting news to share about upcoming community events, updates on town projects, and important information on local initiatives. So sit back, relax, and read on to stay informed and connected with all that's happening in our wonderful town.
At the heart of our town's values is the belief that "Nice Matters." We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community for all who call Emerald Isle home. One way to stay informed and engaged with our town's progress is to attend town council meetings, which are open to the public and provide opportunities for community members to share their thoughts and ideas. Additionally, our website and social media channels offer regular updates on town initiatives, events, and news. By staying informed and involved, we can work together to make Emerald Isle an even nicer place to live, work, and play for everyone.
As we enter the busy season, we remind everyone to prioritize beach safety. Follow posted rules and regulations, keep a close eye on children, and respect the natural environment by properly disposing of trash and not disturbing the dunes or wildlife. By working together, we can all enjoy the beauty of Emerald Isle's beaches.
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Crews Named Public Information Officer
We are thrilled to announce that the town of Emerald Isle has recently hired Mark Crews as our new Public Information Officer. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Mr. Crews brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to our town's communication efforts.
In his new role, Mr. Crews will be responsible for keeping residents, visitors, and stakeholders informed about town initiatives, news, and events through various channels, including social media, press releases, and newsletters.
We are confident that Mr. Crews' skills and experience will help us improve our communication and outreach efforts, and ultimately make Emerald Isle an even more connected and engaged community. We look forward to working with him to share our town's progress, showcase our unique features and attractions, and strengthen our relationships with residents and visitors alike. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Crews to the Emerald Isle team! Introduction Video
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Chief Walker Celebrates 36 Years Working in EI
The Town of Emerald Isle is pleased to recognize Chief Bill Walker of the Emerald Isle Fire Department for his 36 years of community service.
May 2023 marks his work anniversary, and we appreciate his continued leadership.
Please join us in recognizing Chief Walker for his years of dedication! Public floating reception with light finer foods and snacks is invinited to join us on Tuesday May 9th from 4:30- 5:30 pm at the Town Board Room, prior to the Board of Commissions meeting
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Town Releases Leave No Trace PSA’s
The Town of Emerald Isle is excited to release a series of videos highlighting our "Leave No Trace" program, which promotes responsible and sustainable practices to keep our beaches clean and pristine.
This program includes the PACK-IT-IN/PACK-IT-OUT policy, which encourages visitors to carry out all trash and recyclables they bring to the beach and place them in the trash receptacles at the beach access points.
Additionally, we remind visitors not to bring glass to the beach, to pick up after their pets, and to fill in any holes they dig. We also encourage reducing the use of plastic to protect our environment.
By adopting these practices, we can all work together to keep our beaches beautiful and enjoyable for everyone. So let's keep our beaches clean, follow the "Leave No Trace" principles, and enjoy all that Emerald Isle has to offer!
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Ocean Rescue Lifeguards on the Beach |
The season was officially launched on the beach by Emerald Isle's Ocean Rescue Lifeguards.
This year, there will be a total of 20 USLA-certified lifeguards on duty from April through September.
As always, we ask that you show courtesy to our lifeguards, the water, and yourself.
Before entering the sea, review these crucial beach safety guidelines, and if you see red or double red flags flying, stay out of the water. The National Weather Service has coordinated the current flying of the Beach Warning Flags.
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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:
Part-time:
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Paid Parking Underway; Passes Available
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.
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Bike the Banks Returns May 6
The 8th annual Bike the Banks/Crystal Coast Lighthouse Challenge is back, and there is still time to register! The rides will be held Saturday, May 6th.
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.
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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 7:30 a.m. The 10-mile ride starts at 8:00 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. 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.
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1st Annual Emerald Isle Golf
Cart Show and Tell Event
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The EI Golf Cart Show and Tell Event is happening May 13th, 2023, from 5 to 7 pm at the Western Regional Ocean Access. Where you can showcase your golf cart and learn everything you need to know about these vehicles.
During the event, you'll have the opportunity to learn about important topics like golf cart vs. low-speed vehicles, lithium vs. conventional batteries, safety requirements, and the consequences of violations.
You'll also get hands-on experience with a simulated impaired driving test and learn tips for driving your golf cart safely and responsibly.
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We'll also discuss where you can and can't go with your golf cart, where you can park, and where to go for repairs and inspections. And for those of you who still have questions, there will be plenty of experts on hand to answer them.
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 2023 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.
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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:
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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.
Contact Emerald Isle EMS at 252-354-2249 if you have additional questions, or would like to register with the Medically Fragile list.
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Secure Your Ambulance Subscription
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, 2023. 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.
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Town of Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners Public Hearing
The Town of Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings in the Town Board Meeting Room, 7500 Emerald Drive, on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The purpose of the hearings are to consider amendments to Chapter 10 Business Regulations and Appendix A Unified Development Ordinances of the Emerald Isle Code of Ordinances.
The public is hereby advised and may make comment at that time. The proposed changes may be reviewed in the Planning and Inspections Department, 7509 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or by calling the department at 252-354-3338.
Michelle Eitner, Planning Director
Town of Emerald Isle
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Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative Information
Attention Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative Members: Mark your calendars for our 83rd Annual Meeting on May 4! Come have a meal with your board members, your neighbors and your co-op employees at Glad Tidings Church in Morehead City. Registration and meal service begins at 5 p.m. Entertainment from the Broad Creek Middle School Jazz Band and Croatan High School Chorus will begin at 6:15 p.m. followed by our business meeting at 7 p.m.
The first 600 members to register on May 4 will receive a special edition CCEC 5-gallon bucket. All registered members will be eligible to win cash prizes, free electricity, and a retired co-op Ford F-150! We hope to see you there!
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Bogue Banks Water Corporation
Dear BBWC valued customers,
In an effort to combat potential lead exposure in public drinking water systems, the EPA has requested that all water systems across the US document the materials that each one of our service lines are made of.
We here at Bogue Banks Water Corporation are fortunate that all our service lines (from the main line to your meter) are plastic polyethylene tubing. While this is great news all around for the residents of Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, and Salter Path, we are still required to document the customer owned portion of the service lines and their material makeup.
This is the line that runs from your customer valve at the street into your home. The most common material is PVC, but some older homes may have galvanized pipe or another type of metal piping. Please help us by completing the short survey inserted with your next bill or online at bogebankswater.com.
If you’re unsure, that’s okay, let us know that too! Any customer owned lines we are unable to identify the material of will have to be categorized as ‘unknown-unlikely lead’ or ‘unknown-likely lead’ based on the age of the home.
We have until October of 2024 to compile the information, but we are starting early to get ahead as there are almost 6,600 connections in our system.
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