November 2025 Sunshine News

Small Business Saturday 2025

WHEREAS, small businesses are the backbone of the Town of Beaufort’s economy, representing the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community that make Carteret County unique; and



WHEREAS, small businesses create jobs, keep dollars circulating locally, and strengthen the civic fabric of our neighborhoods through philanthropy, volunteerism, and public service; and


 WHEREAS, supporting small, independently owned businesses helps preserve the distinct character of Beaufort that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike; and

 

WHEREAS, small business owners in Beaufort have demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and dedication to customer service, continuing to invest in our community’s future; and

 

WHEREAS, the Saturday following Thanksgiving has become nationally recognized as Small Business Saturday, encouraging residents to “Shop Small” and support local small businesses during the holiday season and throughout the year; and

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Beaufort seeks to join our partners across Carteret County in amplifying the call to support local merchants, makers, and service providers.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED, I, Sharon E. Harker, Mayor of the Town of Beaufort, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim

November 29, 2025, as

 

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

 

On behalf of the Board of Commissioners and the citizens of Beaufort, I encourage all residents and visitors to Shop Small, dine locally, and share their experiences to inspire others to support our community’s small businesses. Let this day serve as a kickoff to a season of sustained commitment to small businesses in Beaufort and across Carteret County.

Town News

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners took the following actions:

BOC October 27, 2025, Work Session

  • Directed staff to apply for a 12-month extension of the Resilient Coastal Communities Program Grant. This specifically applies to the UDO Coastal Resilience Overlay District Draft/Module 1 of the UDO project.
  • Approved a workforce housing agreement with TAFT Family Ventures & the associated sewer reservation for 16,380 gallons per day.
  • Approved the Beaufort Food & Wine Spring event scheduled for April 16, 2026, in downtown Beaufort.
  • Selected a logo for the Beaufort Town Docks.

BOC November 10, 2025, Regular Meeting

  • The Mayor and Board presented a Proclamation for Small Business Saturday 2025.
  • The Mayor and Board presented a Proclamation honoring Baptists on Mission for their Disaster Relief in the Town of Beaufort.
  •  Discussed the proposed Draft F3 Marina Budget. Formal approval is expected at the Dec. 8, 2025, Regular Meeting.
  • Approved Meeting Minutes: October 13 & 27, 2025
  • Approved Ordinance Amendments: Section 96.03 and Section 130.07
  • Approved FY 26 Budget Amendment #2
  • Approved a Resolution: Authorizing Application for PNC Financing ($6,469,000) for USDA water line project, contingent on USDA and LGC Approval

 

Volunteer Board Announcement

The Town of Beaufort is currently accepting volunteer board applications for the Planning Board and the Historic Preservation Commission. These are three-year terms set to begin in February 2026. If you are interested, please apply online: https://www.beaufortnc.org/bc. You must live within the Town of Beaufort to apply for these positions. The deadline to submit your application is Jan. 20, 2026, at 5 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact the Town Clerk at 252-728-2141, ext. 233 or at e.lewis@beaufortnc.org.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission met on Nov. 4 and took action on the following items:

Case #25-27: 201 Front St: Request by Owens Construction to replace the existing shingle cedar shake with a metal roof. Approved.

Case #25-29:  99 Ann St: Request by the Town to install a public park, walking path, landscaping, and observation deck at the west end of Ann Street. Approved with a condition that the Commission Chair review the final landscape plan and that Commission members receive a copy.

Case #25-30: 100 Sunset Ln: Request by DJ Rose & Son Contractors to install a new porch roof over the west side 3rd floor deck area. Approved.

Case #25-31: 113 Turner St: Request to replace the existing storefront sign with a new sign. Approved.

Case #25-32: 215 Ann St: Request by the Episcopal Church to install a new ADA ramp with a Beaufort-style fence. Approved.

Case #25-33: 110 Orange St: Request to construct a new covered side entrance and replace the existing window with a door. Approved.

Case #25-34: 113 Orange St: Request to replace the existing fence with a Beaufort-style fence and replace the existing steps with wooden steps. Approved

Case #25-35: 306 Ann St: Request to install a new brick walkway and landscaping. Approved with a condition that the applicant review their plans with the Town engineer, as an encroachment agreement may be required.

 

If you have any questions about Beaufort’s Historic District, please contact Kyle Garner, Planning Director, at 252-728-2142 or at k.garner@beaufortnc.org


Beaufort Emergency Alerts & Community Notification System

Sign up today!

Sign up today to receive real time emergency alerts, road closure and water/sewer outage notifications from the Town of Beaufort. These notifications will advise the recipients what the emergency or situation is, the appropriate actions to take, and provide ongoing updates as the situation progresses or is resolved. 

Town Events

Community Events

www.beaufortnc.org/calendar

Wobble Down Front

5K Race & 1 Mile Fun Run

Date: Thanksgiving Day

Time: 8 a.m.

Register: wobble2025.racewire.com

  • Electronically timed and recorded.
  • DJ entertainment and a live singing of the national anthem
  • All proceeds from the race directly benefit students at Beaufort Elementary School and Beaufort Middle School.


Beaufort Historical Association

www.beauforthistoricsite.org

Olde Beaufort Farmers Market

www.oldebeaufortfarmersmarket.org

Beaufort Ole Towne Rotary

www.beaufortoletownerotary.com

Beaufort Lions Club

https://beaufortnclionsclub.org

Ann Street United Methodist Church

Beaufort & Beyond

Make Waves This Spring & Summer at Carteret Community College

Big things are happening at Carteret Community College — and you’re invited to be part of it! Registration is now open for our Spring and Summer 2026 classes, and there’s no better time to take the next step toward your goals. Classes kick off Jan. 7, 2026, so now’s the time to plan ahead and secure your spot!

Whether you’re continuing your education or starting fresh, Carteret CC is the place where futures take shape. Our small class sizes, hands-on learning, and caring instructors make it easy to find your rhythm, reach your goals, and truly make waves in your career or personal journey.


Build Real Skills That Work for You

If you’re ready to learn something new, change careers, or pick up a new trade, our Workforce Continuing Education (WCE) programs are the perfect place to start. These short-term, affordable courses are designed to get you trained and working fast — no lengthy degree required!



Explore programs like:

  • Welding (now available in Spanish!)
  • Dental Assisting (New)
  • Surgical Technology
  • HVAC and Electrical Trades
  • Marine Trades and Boat Building
  • Healthcare Training (Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, and more)
  • Notary Public & NC Loan Signing Agent
  • Fire and Emergency Services

Whether you’re passionate about building, caring for others, or starting your own business, Carteret CC has a program that fits your goals and lifestyle.


Scholarships That Help You Stay on Course

We believe cost shouldn’t hold anyone back from chasing their dreams. That’s why Carteret CC offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options — including the Next NC Scholarship, created specifically for North Carolina residents.

If your household makes $80,000 or less, you could qualify for this scholarship and receive:

  • At least $3,000 to attend community college
  • At least $5,000 to attend a UNC System university

This funding can help cover tuition, books, food, housing — even the little things that help you stay focused on your education. And the best part? There’s no separate application — just complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to get started.


Your Future Starts Here

Whether you’re looking to level up your career, start something new, or simply learn a skill you’ve always wanted to master — Carteret Community College is here for you.

Facebook  YouTube