Hurricane Alert

Submit Your Comments to the NC Department of Insurance by the end of today!

The NC Rate Bureau, the entity representing NC insurance companies, has filed for ANOTHER significant rate increase (39.6%) for dwelling insurance policies that cover wind damages to second homes and vacation rental units.  This requested increase is different and separate from a previously requested 25% - 40% increase for homeowners and condominium unit owners insurance that was requested by the Rate Bureau in late 2017, was initially denied by NC Insurance Commissioner Causey, and will be subject to further negotiations later in 2018. 

ACTION on the new requested rate increase for second homes and vacation rental units is required TODAY, as the deadline for comments is at the end of business today (March 23). Please take a quick moment to cut and paste the comment below, and email it to:  2018DwellingandFire@ncdoi.gov .

Dear Commissioner Causey:

I am writing to you as a property owner in Emerald Isle to request that you completely reject the requested 39.6% increase in wind premiums for dwellings in Territory #120, and that you also work toward a fairer rate structure for wind insurance in coastal North Carolina.

Dwelling policy holders in Emerald Isle and other coastal areas already pay unreasonably high premiums for wind insurance, and the requested 39.6% increase for our area will further increase the disparity between the coastal region and other areas of North Carolina.  The requested increase will place additional economic burdens on us, and will harm the coastal tourism economy that is vital to our Town, region, and the entire State of North Carolina.

We greatly appreciate your consideration of our concerns, and again request that the NC Department of Insurance undertake serious efforts to develop a fairer rate structure for wind insurance in coastal North Carolina. 

Thank you for your concern and attention to this issue.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Your Address

To learn more, and to review a copy of the NC Rate Bureau filing, please visit  http://www.ncdoi.com/media/news2/year/2018/020818a.asp .

NCDOT has prepared the attached graphic to better illustrate proper lane usage in the new NC 58 roundabout at Mallard Drive in Emerald Isle.  Drive safely!”

USA TODAY 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards has nominated Emerald Isle as a "Favorite Beach in North Carolina", and we are currently in first place! 

Please help keep us in the top spot by voting each and every day at the link below!  The poll closes on April 2.

http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-north-carolina-beach/

27th Annual Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Festival!

Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17

Proudly Presented by Transportation Impact

There's no better way to spend a beautiful spring weekend than at the annual Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Festival!  Emerald Isle's signature event is back for its 27th year, gets started on Friday night, and continues all day long on Saturday! 

Kids rides will operate from 5 pm - 10 pm on Friday night, with a low, all-inclusive fee. Come back on Saturday for all the traditional live music, kids rides, arts and crafts vendors, specialty foods, beer tent, and much more from 9 am - 6 pm!

 The weather is expected to be clear in Emerald Isle this weekend, with temperatures in the 60s forecast for Saturday. Bring your family and friends, and head to the beach this weekend!

Flyer Print View!

The 5th Annual Emerald Isle Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5K takes place on March 10, 2018.

View Important Race Participant Information

The cargo ship Maersk Shanghai lost 70+ containers near the North Carolina Outer Banks over the weekend.  These containers present significant navigation threats, as well as potential human health risks.  Some of the cargo included hazardous materials.  

If you encounter any washed up drums or larger fiberboard boxes, please avoid the area and report this marine debris to the US Coast Guard National Response Center (800-424-8802), Emergency Operations Center (800-858-0368), or your local law enforcement.  

Please be advised that the restrooms at the Public Boat Launch Facility are temporarily closed due to high winds. 

The new NC 58 roundabout at the Mallard Drive intersection is scheduled to open for traffic on the evening of March 1.  The new roundabout was constructed by the developer of the new Publix grocery store in lieu of a proposed new traffic signal, and also serves as a "pilot project" for Emerald Isle to evaluate the potential for future roundabouts recommended by NCDOT.  

Roundabouts are increasingly more common all over the United States, and there are now nearly 300 roundabouts in use in North Carolina.  Despite understandable initial fears, roundabouts are safe and easy to use!  The key things to keep in mind are:  1) just like any other street intersection, drivers need to be aware and exercise good judgment when moving through the roundabout,  2) always YIELD to the vehicle already in the roundabout, and  3) as you approach the roundabout, simply move into the correct lane for your desired turn (just like you do at the four signalized intersections in Emerald Isle).  

The new roundabout includes safer pedestrian crossings across NC 58 and Mallard Drive, with a "safe" island halfway through the crossings.  The new roundabout is also designed to accommodate tractor-trailers, boat trailers, and emergency vehicles, so these vehicles shouldn't have any trouble traveling through the roundabout. 

Drive safe!  

With the opening of the new NC 58 roundabout, the Reed Drive and Crew Drive detour routes will be discontinued.  The Town has already resurfaced Crew Drive between Coast Guard Road and Mallard Drive, and will also be resurfacing portions of Reed Drive, Islander Drive, and the remainder of Mallard Drive in early March (after the roundabout opens).  This street resurfacing, combined with the construction of the new roundabout and Crew Drive improvements near Publix and Emerald Plantation, will result in a completely brand new street network in this heavily traveled area of Emerald Isle.  This street resurfacing is funded entirely by State "Powell Bill" funds, along with a contribution by the developer of the new Publix.  

The Town recently solicited proposals for the purchase and redevelopment of the abandoned go-kart track property (1.8-acre Town-owned tract) on Islander Drive, and has received a total of 6 proposals from 3 interested parties.  Town staff and the Board of Commissioners are currently reviewing the proposals, and the Board will formally consider the proposals at a public meeting in the coming weeks.  

The Town will ultimately convey the 1.8-acre property to the private developer offering the best overall proposal, and will ensure that any new development is consistent with the Town's small-town atmosphere, family beach image, and the Town's current zoning regulations.  The Town looks forward to continued positive improvements in the Islander Drive area in the future.