Since The Island Free Press (IFP) was launched 16 years ago, it has become an annual tradition to look back on the stories that grabbed our islands’ attention and left a permanent mark. Started by our co-founder and original editor, Irene Nolan, it’s a tradition that we’ve been proud to carry on since she passed away […]
Editor’s Blog | Full Article
A coastal storm that impacted the Outer Banks on Sunday and Monday, temporarily closing N.C. Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island and between Frisco and Hatteras Village, has brought waves of debris to the beaches near Hatteras Inlet, on the southern end of Hatteras Island. Per multiple reports, the debris is a collection of whelks, live […]
Local News | Full Article
Despite chilly temperatures that will linger for the next several days, a dusting of Christmas snow is highly unlikely for the Outer Banks in 2023, per an update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office. “For those hoping for a white Christmas this year, we are not bearing any gifts here at NWS […]
Local News | Full Article
Despite an imminent coastal storm and an off-season timeframe, the second annual Shuck Hatteras Festival, held on December 15-16, was arguably one of the biggest events of the year, with hundreds of people flocking to the Tri-villages to shuck away the day. Framed around the Outer Banks’ love of oysters, but featuring many corresponding events […]
Island Features | Full Article
A sailboat that ran aground just south of Oregon Inlet in early November has been successfully removed from the Pea Island shoreline as of Friday, December 15. The vessel – named the Monolow Captain – was grounded on the night of November 5, 2023, approximately one mile south of the Basnight Bridge. Six members of […]
Local News | Full Article
For the first time ever, the Bodie Island Lighthouse has opened for adventurous climbers on two dates in December, and while the first climbing event was already held on Dec. 2, visitors have a second chance to climb the lighthouse this Saturday, December 16. The first December 2 climb included representatives from the Cape Hatteras […]
Seashore News | Full Article
In the fall of 2023, organizers behind the annual Independence Day fireworks show in Avon were very concerned that, for the first time in memory, the show would be canceled in 2024 due to a lack of funds. With rising costs and dwindling donations, there was a big gap between expected funds and the estimated […]
Local News | Full Article
A fishing vessel that became disabled over the weekend is in the process of being towed away from the spot where it was intentionally grounded on Monday, December 11, near the south side of Oregon Inlet. The vessel, the F/V Lady Denise, became disabled off of Hatteras on Sunday afternoon when one of its outriggers broke. […]
Local News | Full Article
One of the biggest shows of the year for sky watchers, the Geminid Meteor shower, is forecast to peak on Wednesday, December 13, and Thursday, December 14, 2023. During peak activity and perfect weather conditions, the Geminids can produce approximately 100-120 meteors per hour, which can be visible by the naked eye. Geminid meteors tend to […]
Island Features | Full Article
The grand success of the first-ever Shuck Hatteras Oyster Festival – held in mid-December 2022 – was somewhat surprising. Featuring two days of music, food, art, and entertainment, the event attracted an estimated 500 attendees during a time of year when the island is typically dormant. As a result of the first festival’s community support, […]
Island Features | Full Article
