Friendly City News September 2023

This edition was composed by Town Manager, Paula Webb and is the official newsletter for the Town of Swansboro, North Carolina.

Town Receives Additional $3 Million in State Budget

In late 2021, State Legislators granted the Town $6 Million in SCIF Funding towards the construction of a new Public Safety Building/Emergency Operations Center. Following adoption of a workplan, the Board of Commissioners appointed a Committee to work with the Town Staff to select the firm that would develop a feasibility study, design and construct this facility. Becker Morgan, an architectural firm out of Wilmington was selected. The Feasibility Study was completed and provided to the Board of Commissioners in August. Four options were reviewed and Option C was selected.

The cost estimate for Option C-$9.3M to $12.6M. At the request of the Board of Commissioners Staff sent a request to our local legislators to see if additional funds were available. Although, we have not received official notice of award from the state, we see in the Committee Report adopted as part of the States Budget that Swansboro was awarded an additional $3 million towards this project. We are grateful to our local legislators for their support.

Stay tuned for future updates on project progress through the newsletter and other constant contact posts/blasts.

CANDIDATES FORUM

OCTOBER 18TH

On election day November 7th, Swansboro residents will have six candidates to choose from for three seats. Those candidates are:

Joe Brown

Scott Chadwick

Douglas Eckendorf

Billy Justice

PJ Pugliese (incumbent)

Pat Turner (incumbent)

The forum will be held at Swansboro Town Hall on October 18th. Doors will open at 5:30pm for a meet and greet and the forum will begin at 6:00pm. The Swansboro Chamber of Commerce will host the event.

Election Day Details: ID requirements per NCSBE website Click Here

Polling place:

Rotary Civic Center

1104 Main St Ext

Swansboro, NC 28584

Handicap Accessible

Voting Hours -6:30AM - 7:30PM

Stay Prepared

Hurricane Season Runs Through November 1

While we fared well from Hurricane Idalia, and Tropical Storm Ophelia residents are encouraged to take action to ready your home and family during the height of Hurricane Season.

Make sure you understand how to interpret forecasts, alerts, and know what to do before, during and after a storm.

https://www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep provides information on checklist tips, how to read emergency notifications and more.

Nominations for the Annual Samuel Swann Bland Outstanding Community Service Award are Sought

This award honors the diligence, hard work, leadership, and dedication that characterized the outstanding contributions of Sam Bland, the former superintendent of Hammocks Beach State Park.

Given annually to a civic leader, or community volunteer that has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the improvement of community services, the honor is awarded by the Swansboro Board of Commissioners based on five criteria: impact, effort, stewardship, initiative, and innovation.

Nomination information/application forms are available at Town Hall or online (found under the “Community” tab, then click on the “Community Service Award” button). Applications will be accepted through October 31st and should be returned to Alissa Fender, Town Clerk at Town Hall or by email at afender@ci.swansboro.nc.us

Live Burn Training Beneficial to Multiple Agencies

The Town of Swansboro Fire Department was graciously allowed to conduct live burn training in an abandoned structure. The home, constructed in the 1940s and roughly 900 square feet, provided a rare opportunity for Volunteer and Career members to gain valuable fire suppression training. Due to the location, the training also allowed for mobile water supply operations, enhancing rural water supply abilities. All valuable skills are needed to help protect lives and property in the communities we serve.

The participation from our Automatic Aid partners and the use of alternative water supply operations is a strengthened initiative for potentially lowering our agency's ISO rating. Other agencies involved included Onslow County Fire, Hubert Fire, Piney Green Fire, Pumpkin Center Fire, Maysville Fire & EMS, Emerald Isle Fire, Western Carteret Fire & EMS, and Onslow County EMS. Thank you to all involved for making this an extremely successful and safe training experience.

Fire Personnel Involved: 46 personnel were present, including instructors.

EMS: 2 personnel from OCEMS provided rehabilitation

Departments Involved: 9 Agencies

Town of Swansboro Fire Department
Onslow County Fire (Bear Creek & Freedom Way)
Hubert Volunteer Fire Department
Piney Green Volunteer Fire Department
Pumpkin Center Volunteer Fire Department
Maysville Fire & EMS
Western Carteret Fire & EMS
Emerald Isle Fire Department
Onslow County EMS

Article by Fire Chief Jacob Randall

Mullet Festival of North Carolina

Join us for the 69th annual Mullet Festival of North Carolina in Historic Downtown Swansboro. It's so much fun, we bet you'll become a "Mulleteer Forever" and Feelin' Fine! What began as a small event to celebrate the completion of the bridge over the White Oak River has become a highly anticipated part of Eastern North Carolina culture. The weekend features two stages for live entertainment, a community parade on Saturday morning, food and shopping vendors, a fish fry, a military display, and more! Admission is free!

Everyone Loves a Parade

The annual Mullet Parade will kick off at 9:00am on October14th. To participate in the parade applications are available at Town Hall or click here to apply.

Multiple Events and Activities with a Mullet Theme

Whether you like arts/crafts, running, cycling, this year we have something for everyone with a Mullet Theme. Check out all these activities.

Mullet Gnome Door Hanger Workshop

October 13 6:00pm-8:00pm

It’s Mullet Festival time! To celebrate, Susan from Hammer and Stain Crystal Coast will be creating a door hanger featuring an Old Salt Gnome dressed in yellow slicker and white boots while holding a bucket of Mullet. Painting techniques will be introduced to make your one of a kind 10-12” door hanger.

Movin’ Mullet 5k Run

October 7

When you hear the word mullet, do you think of the fish or the rockin’ hairstyle? With our race, we hope your future answer will be both. To help Swansboro kick off their Mullet Festival, we will hold the Movin’ Mullet 5K the Saturday before the festival on October 7^th.

Blessing of the Fleet

October 13 6:00pm

This is a very festive occasion, for both spectators and boat owners. All are welcome to participate. As the tradition continues, a wreath will be dropped in memory of the boat owners who have passed on.

Mullet Mash Metric

October 15

The Down East Cyclists, in collaboration with the iconic Swansboro Mullet Festival, are thrilled to announce the inaugural Swansboro Mullet Metric ride! This is a 100k bike route!