UPDATE: Water line break in between Avon and Buxton has been repaired

A water line break that occurred in between the villages of Avon and Buxton on Thursday, July 21, has been fixed, with no interruptions in water service for Avon residents and visitors. Dare County Water Department personnel began repairs at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, and the break was repaired by 3:00 a.m. on Friday […]

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Water line break reported in between Avon and Buxton

FRIDAY UPDATE: A water line break that occurred in between the villages of Avon and Buxton on Thursday, July 21, has been fixed, with no interruptions in water service for Avon residents and visitors. Click here to read more.  A water line break has been reported in between the villages of Avon and Buxton as of […]

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Water line break reported in between Avon and Buxton; Repairs underway

A water line break has been reported in between Avon and Buxton, and crews are at the site as of 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon to conduct repairs. Per the Dare County Water Department, the water supply for Avon residents should not be drastically impacted or shut off, however, water pressure may be reduced. Though […]

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Dare County Asks Avon Water Users to Conserve Water Due to Water Line Break

Due to a water line break between the villages of Avon and Buxton, the Dare County Water Department is requesting that all water users in the Village of Avon reduce their consumption in an effort to sustain a pressurized water system in the Village of Avon. The repair crews are currently working on the water […]

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Water line break fixed; Boil Water Advisory in effect for Avon

The water line break in between Avon and Buxton has been fixed, and water will be restored by Sunday afternoon, however, a Boil Water Advisory is in effect for the village of Avon, and it may take up to 24 hours for the water pressure to return to full force, per a recent update from […]

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Avon will likely run out of water on Sunday due to water line break; Repairs in process

Sunday 2:30 p.m. update: The water line break in between Avon and Buxton has been fixed, however, a Boil Water Advisory is in effect for the village of Avon, and it may take up to 24 hours for the water pressure to return to full force, per a recent update from the Dare County Water Department. […]

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Avon residents and visitors asked to reduce water usage due to water line break

UPDATE: The water line to Avon was repaired by 8 p.m. on Thursday and water flow has been restored to normal. Due to a water line break in between Avon and Buxton, the Dare County Water Department is requesting that all water users in the village of Avon reduce their consumption on Thursday, June 3, […]

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Water line break in Frisco expected to be fixed by Friday afternoon

A break in the underground water line in Frisco led to traffic delays and interrupted service for some Frisco property owners, but the water line is expected to be fixed by Friday afternoon,  per the Dare County Water Department. Repairs to the water line were delayed due to a car accident at the site involving […]

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Emergency dredging in Hatteras Inlet will continue through March as Waterways Commission seeks to make dredging easier in the future

After desperately needed emergency dredging in the Hatteras Ferry Channel was nearly impeded last month by a time-consuming permit requirement, members of the Dare County Waterways Commission on Monday applauded the remarkably fast resolution that allowed the project to start. “I think this was a very productive couple of months, or couple of weeks, especially,” […]

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N.C. Highway 12 will remain closed on northern Ocracoke Island until Thursday; Soundside flooding has receded, but standing water remains

N.C. Highway 12 on northern Ocracoke Island will be closed until Thursday, January 11, due to significant ocean overwash in the area, as well as the potential for more overwash with Wednesday evening’s high tide at approximately 6:30 p.m. Ferry operations for the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry have also been suspended until the highway reopens. Wednesday afternoon […]

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Work officially begins on the new Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Pathway with groundbreaking ceremony

After years of planning, a new multi-use pathway in Buxton took a big step forward on Wednesday, November 15, as stakeholders celebrated the imminent construction of the first 1.25-mile-long phase of the project with a groundbreaking ceremony steps away from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. In 1984, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) prepared a General […]

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Waterspouts spotted off Rodanthe, Ocracoke on Wednesday afternoon

 Video from Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue Offshore waterspouts were reported near Rodanthe and Ocracoke Island on Wednesday afternoon per multiple reports, including an update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office. “We have received several reports of waterspouts associated with thunderstorms impacting the area today,” stated the NWS Newport/Morehead City office in an […]

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Precautionary swimming advisory lifted for all N.C. ocean waters; Advisory issued for Sandy Bay soundside access north of Hatteras

State officials today lifted the precautionary advisory against swimming issued due to Tropical Storm Idalia more waters, but a few areas remain under advisory. Also, an advisory was issued at a sound-side site in Dare County. The precautionary advisory is lifted for all ocean-side swimming sites in Brunswick and Dare Counties and for estuarine river […]

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Precautionary swimming advisory lifted for most N.C. waters; Sandy Bay and Salvo Day Use Area remain under pending advisory

State officials today lifted the precautionary advisory against swimming issued due to Tropical Storm Idalia is in most ocean and sound-side waters of the state. but a few areas remain under advisory. In general, the precautionary advisory is lifted for swimming sites in Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, Carteret, Dare and Hyde counties. Test results […]

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State officials advise against swimming in coastal waters impacted by Tropical Storm Idalia

State recreational water quality officials are advising the public to avoid swimming in North Carolina coastal waters from Wright Memorial Bridge in Kitty Hawk south to the South Carolina State Line affected by Tropical Storm Idalia. Heavy winds and rain have negatively impacted coastal waters. Waters affected by stormwater runoff can contain elevated levels of […]

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Waterways Commission eyes Avon Harbor and Hatteras Harbor dredging projects, but challenges persist

The Dare County Waterways Commission discussed two upcoming projects to dredge Avon Harbor and the entrance to Hatteras Harbor at their June 12 monthly meeting, but the path to complete both projects has several challenges. The Waterways Commission recently requested emergency dredging by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address the Hatteras Harbor shoaling, […]

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Waterways Commission focuses on future Hatteras Inlet, Avon, and emergency ferry route projects

With crisis conditions in Hatteras Inlet becalmed for the time being, members of the Dare County Waterways Commission are keeping a keen eye on the horizon to forestall planning kinks while turning its attention elsewhere to long-discussed projects in Avon Harbor and the Stumpy Point emergency ferry harbor. During a low-key commission meeting on May […]

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Project to replace water line between Avon and Buxton begins November 1

The project to replace a large portion of the water line between the villages of Avon and Buxton will begin on November 1, 2022. Approximately 1.5 miles of the existing water line will be replaced with brand-new, stronger C900 PVC piping, resolving a longstanding issue of water line breaks that have intermittently occurred over the […]

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Hatteras Island Meals announces the winners of its record-breaking raffle

Volunteers with the local organization Hatteras Island Meals (HIM) gathered at NC 12 Realty in Buxton on Saturday afternoon to announce the winners of their annual raffle, which is the non-profit’s primary source of fundraising. 2022’s raffle featured a total of seven packages – all worth more than $1,000 each – and the number of […]

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Dare County to replace Avon-Buxton Water Line starting in November

The Dare County Water Department has announced that construction to replace the water line that is located between the villages of Avon and Buxton on Hatteras Island is currently scheduled to begin on November 1, 2022. Approximately 1.5 miles of the existing water line will be replaced with brand-new, stronger C900 PVC piping. The expected […]

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UPDATE: Avon water conservation notice no longer in effect

UPDATE MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2022 – 10:30 AM The water conservation notice is no longer in effect for Avon water customers. The Dare County Water Department appreciates users’ cooperation in reducing the water consumption until the equipment is repaired and production is restored to full capacity. —————————————– Due to a leak in the water line […]

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What’s on the line: Atlantic tarpon, the ‘silver king’

The word “Tarpon” conjures images from fishing lore of large, silvery fish making spectacular leaps out of the water when hooked. Atlantic tarpon are actually closely related to eels. They may not look at all like their cousins when adults, but their larval stages are considerably more similar. Also known as “the silver king,” tarpon […]

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Repairs to water line in between Avon and Buxton complete; Normal water service has been restored

Repairs are complete to a water line break that occurred between the villages of Avon and Buxton on Thursday, and the Dare County Water Department reports that normal service has been restored to all water users in the village of Avon. The break was reported on Thursday morning, and Avon residents and visitors were asked […]

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Boil Water Advisory no longer in effect for Avon

The bacteriological sample taken from the Avon water system to inspect for possible contaminants following a water main break has passed that inspection, and the 24-hour water boil water advisory, or system pressure advisory, has now been lifted. Customers in Avon are no longer required to boil water used for human consumption. The advisory was issued […]

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Dredging in Hatteras Inlet has had little progress, per Waterways Commission Meeting

Dredging in the now-impassable South Ferry Channel in Hatteras Inlet has been making far less progress than expected, leaving members of the Dare County Waterways Commission at Monday’s virtual meeting reacting in stunned silence after a project update. “I wish I had good news to tell you that we busted through the shoal,” U.S. Army […]

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Outer Banks breaks early voting records; Where to vote on Nov. 3

With early voting wrapping up on Saturday, October 31, the Outer Banks has already reported a record-breaking turnout that mirrors statewide results across North Carolina. As of Monday morning, 62.6% of eligible Dare County voters have already cast a ballot, while across the state, 61.8% of North Carolina residents have taken advantage of the early […]

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Know What’s On the Line: Sheepshead

by Robert Michelson Sheepshead are not the first fish that comes to mind for recreational fishers, but anglers love these saltwater fish because they are a lot of fun to catch. They are known for putting up quite the fight. They are also a pretty fish that, with their dark, vertical bars, look very much like […]

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NCDHHS Offers New Online Resources to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 in North Carolina

On Thursday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) launched new initiatives to expand COVID-19 testing and contact tracing across the state and to help North Carolinians protect their families and neighbors. Testing and tracing are core public health measures and key components of North Carolina’s strategy to responsibly ease restrictions, while […]

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Dare County posts FAQs for visitors on local guidelines, and what to expect during an upcoming OBX vacation

With visitors returning to the Outer Banks on May 16, Dare County has posted a list of frequently asked questions that outline what visitors should know and expect on an Outer Banks vacation during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Complete information from the county on the COVID-19 response and local guidelines can be found on the […]

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Earth Day, Coastal Education Go Online

With the 50th anniversary of Earth Day Wednesday, environmental and educational groups are offering creative ways to celebrate while maintaining social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The first Earth Day was held in 1970, marking the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement, according to the Earth Day global organizer, the Earth […]

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State: Tests of local waters continue to show high bacteria levels

State officials continue to advise against swimming in area waters, both on the ocean and soundside from the state line to Ocracoke, due to high bacteria levels. The precautionary advisory against swimming remains in effect for all ocean and sound-side sites in Hyde, Dare, and Currituck counties, according to a press release from the N.C. […]

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Excessive rains, flooding from Hurricane Dorian may cause high bacteria levels in coastal waters

State recreational water quality officials are advising the public to avoid swimming in all coastal waters of North Carolina following Hurricane Dorian. “Severe weather events like hurricanes can bring excessive amounts of rain and cause extreme flooding.  These conditions increase levels of harmful bacteria in our coastal waters that can cause illness,” said Erin Bryan-Millush, […]

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EDITOR’S BLOG: The 8th Annual Shore Break 5k is Coming; Here’s Why You Should Go

Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner, and while the unofficial start of the summer season tends to feature stop-and-go traffic on N.C. Highway 12, dizzyingly crowded stores, and back-ups at the island’s ORV ramps, there’s also another annual Memorial Day tradition that’s far more appealing. 2019 marks the eighth year for the annual […]

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The Bonner Bridge Replacement Timeline: A Look at the Many Obstacles Along the Way

The Bonner Bridge replacement project is an endeavor that has spanned decades. With the current Bonner Bridge passing its 30-year lifespan in 1993, the road to reach a new bridge was crowded with red tape, lawsuits, and unexpected obstacles during the building process – which included runaway barges and an island-wide power outage. Take a […]

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South Ferry Channel Clear, Waterways Commission Turns Attention to the New Outer Banks Dredge

To the relief of Hatteras Inlet mariners, the new year is starting with clear passage on the South Ferry Channel and pending dredge work at the breakwater in Hatteras village, resolving two stubborn problems and providing an upbeat backdrop for the changing of the guard at the first 2019 meeting of the Dare County Waterways […]

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First Annual Hatteras Village Waterfowl Festival Coming in February

Locals and residents who want to discover the wild landscapes of Hatteras Island in the wintertime will have a prime opportunity to explore, thanks to the launch for the first-ever Hatteras Village Waterfowl Festival. The Hatteras Village Civic Association, along with the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, is sponsoring the first annual Hatteras Village Waterfowl Festival, […]

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Frustration Mounts for Multiple Dredging Projects at Waterways Commission Meeting BY CATHERINE KOZAK

With waterways still clogged as a result of hurricanes Florence and Michael, and several projects on the horizon, the Dare County Waterways Commission on Tuesday had a full plate to discuss at its monthly meeting. Mariners have been bumping on shoals in Oregon Inlet and Sloop Channel in Hatteras Inlet, but the South Ferry Channel […]

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North Carolina Lawmakers Enable Use of Living Shorelines for Hurricane Recovery

At the suggestion of the North Carolina Coastal Federation, the North Carolina General Assembly acted this week to encourage the use of living shorelines along estuarine shorelines as property owners take steps to recover from Hurricane Florence. Lawmakers enabled the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission to adopt a temporary rule to provide a more streamlined […]

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Blessing of the Fleet Draws a Crowd to Honor N.C. Watermen…WITH SLIDE SHOW

  On a bright and crisp Saturday evening, a line of local vessels made a slow procession along the Hatteras waterfront before heading out into the open water for a somber but uplifting moment of gratitude, prayer, and remembrance. The on-the-water gathering was due to the annual Blessing of the Fleet, an event that has […]

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Images from NASA Show how Coastal Waters are Affected by Florence; Dare County Waters Safe for Swimming By JOY CRIST

An aerial image recently taken by a NASA satellite shows how excessive flooding may be impacting sound and ocean waters all along the coast of North Carolina. Captured on September 19, the satellite image shows how the inland flooding has affected water quality in the White Oak River, New River, Adams Creek, as well as […]

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UPDATE : Precautionary Swimming Advisory Lifted for Hatteras Island and Most Dare County Waters

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a precautionary swimming advisory for all coastal waters in Dare County except where signs are posted. Test results of water samples taken at swimming sites from Hatteras Inlet to Southern Shores found that bacteria levels for most waters meet the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s standards set for […]

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North Carolina Watermen United Elect New Board President and Vice Presidents

The Board of Directors of the North Carolina Watermen United (NCWU) elected a new President and two Co-Vice Presidents at a recent meeting to kick off 2018.  Elected to the position of Board President is Perry Wood Beasley, originally from Currituck County and now resides in Columbia, NC with his wife Penny Copeland, for more […]

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Water Break Causes Temporary Loss of Water in Frisco

A waterline leak at Lullaby Lane and NC Highway 12 in Frisco has led to water being temporarily shut off for Frisco residents as crews make repairs. As of 8:30 a.m., crews from the Dare County Water Department were on site and were working on resolving the issue. During the process, a new valve will […]

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Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival Begins with Nearly 100 Events

Tuesday marked the opening day of the Wings Over Water Festival, and the next few days present a stellar opportunity for locals and visitors to get out and explore the local landscape. Now celebrating its 21st year, the 2017 fall session of Wings Over Water has roughly 100 scheduled events from October 17 until October […]

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Island Watersports: A Primer on Finding the Best Surf Spots

Hatteras Island is a natural haven for some of the best, and most surfable, waves on the East Coast. Indeed, Hatteras’ various surf spots are one of the major reasons the island welcomes more than two million visitors each year from all across the country. For year-round locals and visiting tourists alike, there is an […]

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Immediate Dredging Needs Covered at Waterways Commission Meeting

After being diverted for emergency dredging in the Hatteras ferry channel, the dredge Merritt was finally back at work Thursday morning at the Connecting Channel in Hatteras Inlet. To the dismay of charter boat captains and village business owners who had been waiting many anxious months for dredging to begin, the sidecaster dredge had been […]

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Chicamacomico Banks Water Rescue’s 30th season is a busy one

It’s a surprisingly hot late September afternoon on Hatteras Island, and a trio of beach-goers on the Rodanthe shoreline near Sea Isle Hills Drive have decided to cool off by jumping into the ocean for a swim – right in front of a posted sign that warns of rip currents in the immediate area. Chet […]

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Waterspouts and other wicked weather

Everybody is talking about the weather, so I thought I might as well go with the flow — so to speak — and write about it this week. It’s August, so it’s supposed to be hot — the “dog days” of summer and all that. However, if you think it’s been hotter than normal on […]

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UPDATE: State tosses cold water on NPS  plan to address flooding

Stormwater at Cape Point has finally dried up, but so has the hope that the state will approve a National Park Service proposal to counter further flooding at the campground and ORV access ramps. Officials with the state Department of Environmental Quality and the Division of Coastal Management told NPS Outer Banks Group Superintendent Dave […]

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Saltwater intrusion is changing the coast

While the ocean is knocking at the front door of some beachfront homes and hotels in North Carolina, the forests across the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds are retreating from the shoreline. They’re being driven back by saltwater. It’s seeping into the soil and surface waters of the coastal plain. What scientists call “saltwater intrusion” has […]

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