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EMERALD TIDINGS
November 2026
Electronic Distribution - November 2, 2026
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Emerald Tidings, composed monthly by Town Manager Frank Rush,
is the official newsletter of the Town of Emerald Isle, NC.
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Beach Nourishment Work Expected to Begin in Emerald Isle in Late November
Manson Construction, under contract to Carteret County and in coordination with the Town, is expected to begin beach nourishment work in Emerald Isle in late November.
Tentative plans call for work to occur in western Emerald Isle (between Pebble Beach and Sea Oats Drive, approximately 1.25 miles) beginning around November 25 and continuing until mid-December. Upon completion of that segment, crews are expected to complete nourishment in central Emerald Isle (between Elizabeth Street and Pier Pointe, nearly 1.5 miles) between mid-December and the New Year's holiday. Work on the final segment in Emerald Isle (between 19th St and 3rd St, approximately 1.5 miles) is expected to occur in January 2027 and be complete by the end of January. Please note that this schedule is tentative at this time, and may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and other factors.
Equipment staging will occur in isolated locations along the beach strand in the next few weeks in anticipation of the upcoming beach nourishment work. Project activities will result in temporary, isolated beach closures in Emerald Isle over the next few months, and closed areas will be identified appropriately on the beach strand and updated information will be posted on the Town's digital platforms during construction. We expect to keep the vast majority of the beach strand open for recreational use and beach driving during construction, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation in the temporary closure areas where and when work is actively occurring.
The Town is pleased to coordinate with Carteret County on this important project, and looks forward to the storm protection, recreational, and environmental benefits resulting from this project!
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Town to Begin Issuing Building Permits, Performing Building Inspections on November 16
The Town will assume responsibility for building permit issuance and associated building inspections within Emerald Isle beginning Monday, November 16. Contractors and property owners will now be able to coordinate all aspects of new development with Town staff, resulting in a streamlined application and approval process and improved Town oversight for development activities in Emerald Isle.
Applications for new projects should be submitted to Town staff beginning November 16, and plan review, permit issuance, and building inspections will be performed by Town staff going forward. Projects permitted prior to November 16 and still in progress will continue to be coordinated by Carteret County staff to ensure consistency and bring these projects to conclusion in the coming months.
Permit applications will be able to be submitted online on the Town's website or in person at the Town Administration Building (located at 7509 Emerald Drive) beginning November 16. Town zoning and other development permits are currently submitted to Town staff, and in most cases the new process will simply involve the submission of building plans and appropriate building permit applications to Town staff at the same time as required zoning and other development permits.
The Town's Planning and Inspections staff is happy to help our customers with these processes, and can be reached at 252-354-3338 or via EMAIL .
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Street Resurfacing Work to Occur in Mid-November
The Town's contractor, Coastline Contracting, is expected to begin street resurfacing activities on several Town streets in mid-November, with all work hopefully completed prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.
The following street segments will be resurfaced as part of the 2026 contract:
- Sound Drive, between Bogue Inlet Drive and Hancock Drive,
- Hurst Road, between Ocean Drive and Sound Drive,
- Sound Drive, from Fredeen Street west to the cul-de-sac,
- Clark Road, between Ocean Drive and Emerald Drive,
- Beachview Lane, the entire length, and
- all streets in the Osprey Ridge subdivision.
The 2026 street resurfacing contract includes a total of 1.25 miles of street segments, and the ~ $223,000 contract is primarily funded by Powell Bill revenues restricted to street maintenance activities.
Property owners on the impacted streets will have continuous access to their property, however, temporary delays may occur for vehicles travelling in these areas during construction. We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation!
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New Outdoor Exercise Equipment to Be Dedicated on November 10
The Town will formally dedicate new outdoor exercise equipment at a special ceremony at the Welcome Center on Tuesday, November 10 at 3 pm. The public is invited to attend as we honor the memory of Dr. Paul W. Ambrose, son of Emerald Isle residents Ken and Sharon Ambrose.
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Board to Discuss Proposed Drone, Camera Use Again at November 10 Meeting
The Board of Commissioners will continue discussion regarding the proposed acquisitions of a Police drone and automated license plate reader cameras at its November 10 meeting. The additional Board discussion follows previous discussion at the September 8 meeting and three well-attended public information and input sessions held in October.
The Town has received a generous donation for the acquisition of this equipment, which would only be utilized for public safety purposes. It ultimately implemented, a Police drone would be utilized for search and rescue operations, large event monitoring, and critical incident monitoring. Automated license plate reader cameras would be installed near the base of the Emerald Isle bridge, and would assist the EIPD with stolen vehicles, felony warrants, missing / endangered persons, and other criminal investigations. The cameras would not be utilized for traffic enforcement. It is important to note that the proposed cameras are not Flock cameras, and would operate within a closed environment controlled by the EIPD. Similar cameras are currently operating in other municipalities on Bogue Banks.
Additional information about the proposed equipment is available for public review:
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Board to Continue Review of Paid Parking Options at November 10 Meeting
The Board reviewed a total of 8 proposals for paid parking services at its October 13 meeting, and will continue its review at the November 10 meeting.
The Town's current contract with Towne Park expires in March 2027, and the Town is seeking to implement an improved service model for the 2027 beach parking season (and beyond) that maximizes Town revenues, includes a more favorable revenue-sharing model for the Town, simplifies contract terms, includes a simple and easy customer experience, and minimizes the burden on Town staff.
At its October 13 meeting, the Board narrowed the proposals, with two proposals still under consideration. One is a new proposal for Towne Park to implement, own, and manage an electronic gate system at the Town's two regional beach access facilities, and the other is a proposal for the Town to purchase, own, and manage its own parking gate system with Town staff. There are pros and cons associated with each proposal, however, the implementation of either proposal is expected to generate an additional $100,000 or more of additional annual paid parking revenue annually for the Town to invest in the Town's beach facilities.
Paid parking fees would be charged to visitors only, and Town residents and property owners will continue to receive two free parking permits under either proposal.
A PowerPoint presentation by Town Manager Frank Rush is available by clicking HERE. A summary analysis of the proposals is available by clicking HERE .
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Beach Warning Flags Removed Until April
The Emerald Isle Fire Department reminds residents and visitors that beach warning flags have been removed from the beach strand, effective November 1. The flags will return in April as we prepare for the upcoming 2027 beach season.
While the flags may be down, ocean hazards do not take a seasonal break! Rip currents, rough surf, changing tides, and dangerous swimming conditions can occur throughout the year, so please be vigilant and exercise caution while enjoying the ocean in Emerald Isle!
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Town Recognized Again for Excellence in Financial Reporting
The Town prides itself on prudent financial management and financial transparency, and is pleased to have again received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) - for the 13th consecutive year!
The GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 28,000 members and the communities they serve.
GFOA has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
to the Town of Emerald Isle for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2025. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high
standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full
disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and
user groups to read the report.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of
governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a
significant accomplishment by the Town government.
The Town greatly appreciates the dedicated efforts of all Town leadership to ensure prudent financial management and achieve this recognition, especially Finance Director Laura Rotchford!
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Fire Station 2 Construction Ongoing
Construction of the new Fire Station 2 is ongoing, with much of the demolition and site work now complete and new building components delivered and on premises. The Town's contractor, DR Reynolds, continues to work diligently to complete the new station, which is expected to be complete by summer 2027.
The new station will include 3 vehicle bays and modern living quarters and office space for EIFD firefighters and emergency medical service providers. The new station is approximately 6,600 sq. ft, and is funded exclusively by approximately $3.5 million of FEMA funding.
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Installation of Reed Drive Pipeline Continues
The Town's contractor, SunLand Builders, is still working to install a new storm water pipeline from Reed Drive, under NC 58, and along Old Ferry Road. Pipeline installation has been delayed slightly due to mechanical issues, and is now expected to be complete within the next few weeks.
Upon completion of pipeline installation, the Town will solicit construction bids for the installation of a new storm water pump station on Reed Drive. The new pump station will connect to the new pipeline, and is expected to resolve long-standing flooding concerns at the Reed Drive location once operational.
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Injured Green Sea Turtle Returned to Atlantic Ocean
Contributed by Jami Thomas, EI Sea Turtle Program
On May 22, a small, struggling visitor arrived at the water's edge of Emerald Isle: a juvenile green sea turtle, estimated to be between three and five years old, that had washed ashore weak and severely malnourished due to being cold stunned over the winter. Instead of the clean shell typical of a healthy young green, its carapace was crusted with barnacles, a telltale sign of a turtle too weak to fend for itself. Responder, Dale Baquer, transported the turtle to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, just up the island, where it began a long road to recovery.
Rehabilitation started with the basics. Aquarium staff carefully removed the barnacles that had built up on the turtle's shell and skin. Heavy barnacle growth is common in sick or debilitated sea turtles. Healthy turtles stay active enough to keep it in check, but a weakened turtle drifting near the surface becomes an easy place for barnacles to settle.
From there, the focus shifted to nutrition. The turtle received nutritional supplements alongside a carefully managed diet designed to help it regain weight and strength. Rebuilding a malnourished body takes patience, and over four months the team monitored its progress, gradually nursing it back to a healthy, active condition.
Once the turtle was eating well, gaining weight, and swimming strongly, it was cleared for release. In a fitting full-circle moment, it was returned to the same stretch of coastline where it was found: the beach of Emerald Isle. Beach leaders and selected volunteers were invited to witness the sea turtle’s return home. The sea turtle’s return home also coincided with Dale’s birthday, making the day extra special. This was only the second release of an injured sea turtle on EI’s shores.
Releases like this are a reminder of how much the Crystal Coast depends on the people who watch over its wildlife. Green sea turtles are a federally protected species, and every individual that makes it to adulthood matters for the future of the population. Young greens like this one spend years foraging in coastal waters, grazing on seagrass and algae, long before they reach maturity.
If you see a sea turtle on the beach that is stranded, injured, or appears to be in distress, don't push it back into the water or try to move it. Keep a respectful distance, note the location, and report it right away to the Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol (252-363-0011). Quick reporting gives trained responders the best chance to help.
Thanks to an alert beachgoer, dedicated volunteers and months of dedicated care, one more green sea turtle is back where it belongs, swimming free off the shores of Emerald Isle.
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Emerald Isle Car Show - Saturday, November 14
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Vaccine Clinic Offered on November 17
The Town of Emerald Isle will be hosting a CVS Vaccine Clinic on Tuesday, November 17 from 9 am - 12 noon in the Community Center.
Available vaccines include Influenza, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR), Meningitis, Pneumonia, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), Shingles, and Tdap/Whooping Cough.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please register in advance by clicking HERE . A reservation is required to participate in the clinic.
Please remember to bring your insurance card with you to the clinic.
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Join Us for the Emerald Isle Christmas Parade! - Saturday, November 28
The annual Emerald Isle Christmas Parade, highlighting the wonderful community spirit of the people of Emerald Isle, will be held on Saturday, November 28 at 2 pm. The parade travels along NC 58 through the main commercial area, from Black Skimmer Drive to Mangrove Drive.
We'd love to have you be a part of this special annual event in EI - either by entering a float or simply coming out to enjoy this special day as Emerald Isle kicks off the 2026 Christmas season!
Interested individuals, groups, and businesses can enter a float in the parade by clicking HERE .
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Veterans Day Holiday Schedule
The Town expresses its sincere thanks and appreciation to all veterans for their service to our country, and recognizes Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11.
Town offices and the Community Center will be closed on November 11. Town-wide recycling collection will occur on November 11.
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Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule
The Town looks forward to a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday weekend in Emerald Isle, and wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We all have much to be thankful for in Emerald Isle.
Town offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and the Friday following Thanksgiving. The Community Center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but open on Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving.
Trash will not be collected on Thanksgiving Day or the Friday following Thanksgiving. Trash collection will otherwise occur on the normal schedule - on Monday and Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving, and again on Monday and Tuesday following Thanksgiving.
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Did You Know?
The Town hosts approximately 47,000 paid parking visitors at the two regional beach access facilities annually between April 1 and September 30. Approximately 60% of paid parking visitors utilize the Western Ocean Regional Access, and 40% utilize the Eastern Ocean Regional Access. Parking fees depend on the amount of time spent at the facility, and the average parking fee is nearly $14 per visit.
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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.
The Discover Emerald Isle App is also available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
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.
NICE MATTERS!
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