From Ocracoke Observer South Point on Ocracoke is virtually closed to the public and is expected to remain so through next month. That’s because of the more than 100 nests of birds in this area of the island. These are mostly Least and Common Terns, Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers, and Piping and Wilson’s Plovers. Meaghan […]
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From Ocracoke Observer The Hyde County commissioners have asked federal and state authorities to take immediate action to ensure sustainable access to and from Ocracoke. The commissioners at their Wednesday night meeting approved a resolution seeking immediate help with repairing and shoring up NC 12 at the north end, for money to dredge and continue […]
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By Connie Leinbach – Ocracoke Observer Ocracoke received some good news recently when Catherine Peele, a planning developer with the NC Ferry Division, reported to the Ocracoke Waterways Commission that the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) has approved Sloop Channel in the Hatteras Inlet for dredging. This is the area in the “horseshoe” where two […]
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By the Ocracoke Observer A meeting with the Ocracoke Community on the future of the Ocracoke pony herd showed that islanders care about the herd and would like to see it maintained. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore staffers are studying the situation and gave a preliminary report at a meeting Nov. 29 in the […]
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Here are some of the important issues that have been covered in recent Hyde County Commissioners monthly meetings. Ferry funding, dredging In their $30 billion, two-year spending plan finalized late September, the North Carolina General Assembly has allocated $74 million to the Ferry Division, up from last year’s $58.5 million. But in 2024-2025, that appropriation […]
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After having been sidelined since July 7, the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry resumed service July 19, but it will only go until July 31 since funding beyond that is uncertain. That was the report from Jed Dixon, N.C. Ferry Division deputy director, at the Ocracoke Civic & Business Association (OCBA) meeting Tuesday evening. Dixon said […]
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A recent increase in nesting Least Terns on Ocracoke’s South Point prompted National Park Service staff to close that section of the beach from near to the entrance at Ramp 72 to the end of the island. The closure, in effect July 3, begins just .11 miles south of the ramp entrance, said Meaghan Johnson, […]
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Citing low pay, inadequate funding and many other issues, the Hyde County EMS director and deputy director have submitted their resignations. EMS chief for the county, David White, said in an email to the Ocracoke Observer, his staff and several others that his last day will be June 17 and he has found employment outside […]
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The OCBA May 16 meeting at 6 p.m. will be devoted to Hatteras ferry issues. See agenda below. Ocracoke Islanders are concerned about uncertainties this spring and summer with the passenger ferry and the vehicle ferries. An official start date for passenger ferry service this year has not been announced, said Jamie Kritzer, assistant director […]
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A Scotch bonnet found by an Ocracoke resident broke the state record Friday night during the North Carolina Shell Club’s spring meeting on Ocracoke. Islander Felicity Gage is an avid beach walker and brought three large Scotch bonnets to the meeting for official measurement. One of hers measured 91.35 millimeters, which beat the previous record […]
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