I want to again thank everyone for your kindness, support, and prayers for my wife Suzanne. She received a heart transplant on October 3, and returned home to Emerald Isle on October 11.  She is recovering well at home, and we look forward to a full recovery in the coming weeks and months.  We are completely overwhelmed by the support from the community in and around Emerald Isle, and are so thankful to everyone!

The Town, in conjunction with the Carteret County Shore Protection Office and other municipalities on Bogue Banks, is awaiting a decision by FEMA on the Town's request for assistance to replace approximately 950,000 cubic yards of sand lost from Emerald Isle's beach during Irene.  A decision is expected within the next month, and if approved, the Town will begin the permitting process to re-nourish the most severely impacted areas along the oceanfront.  The Town will be working to schedule the next beach renourishment project for winter 2012-13.

Due to beach erosion concerns, the entire area of the beach located east of the "dog-leg" vehicle ramp in the 3000 block is closed to beach driving indefinitely.  Beach drivers are only permitted to travel to points west of the "dog-leg" vehicle ramp.

Additionally, the area of the beach in the 9400 - 9500 block is also closed to beach driving indefinitely.  Beach drivers using the Black Skimmer Drive vehicle ramp are not permitted west beyond the 9400 block.  Beach drivers using the ramp at The Point are not permitted east beyond the 9500 block.  

The Town will begin accepting golf cart registration renewal applications for 2012 on December 1. Please note that golf cart owners are required to secure a renewal sticker for 2012, or face penalties for illegal operation of a golf cart. The annual golf cart registration fee is $75. 

The Town has issued a total of 138 golf cart permits since the inception of the local golf cart program in January 2011.

Please contact Town offices at 252-354-3424 for more information about renewals.

The ever-popular Emerald Isle Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, November 26 at 3 pm.  The parade route is identical to previous years, and will run along NC 58 from Mangrove Drive (near CVS) to the Emerald Isle Town Hall complex. 

Join us after the parade at Merchants Parks for the lighting of the Town's Christmas tree, refreshments, and a visit with Santa Claus!

The Town is currently accepting contributions to extend the Coast Guard Road Bicycle Path, construct a new Veterans Memorial, and build a future dog park. All of these are great projects, but will likely not be possible without significant fundraising efforts. Fortunately, there are great volunteer groups leading the way! To learn more and/or make an online contribution, visit www.emeraldisle-nc.org and look under "Latest News and Info".

The Town of Emerald Isle will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25.  The Community Center will be closed on Thursday, November 24, but will be open on Friday, November 25.

Recyclables will be collected on Wednesday, November 23, but no trash will be collected on Thursday, November 24 or Friday, November 25.  Regular trash collection will resume on Monday, November 28. 

Happy Thanksgiving!