The ongoing Cape Hatteras Lighthouse restoration project reached a milestone this past week. 99.9% of the interior paint removal was completed, (an endeavor that started in the spring of 2021), and multiple tests confirmed that the interior air quality was safe and free of lead-based paint, eliminating the need for the hazmat suits that workers [...] Island Features |  Full Article

Before “Jaws” with its depiction of a giant, vengeful, man-eating creature of the deep; before Shark Week, Discovery Channels’ eight-day ode to all things sharks; and well before the over-the-top gratuitous sci-fi series “Sharknado” films, there was, just off the coast of North Carolina, “shark survey.” Not as glamorous, perhaps, as the mindless entertainment evoked [...] Island Features |  Full Article

While “shark attack” is an often-used term, it’s not really accurate because sharks don’t seek out humans to “attack,” they’re just doing what comes naturally in the wild. Sharks are opportunistic feeders and occasionally bite a surfer or swimmer if they venture into murky waters and splash a lot at the surface. This splashing action [...] Island Features |  Full Article

New residents on Hatteras Island often wonder how they can get involved in the local community. Luckily, the Outer Banks is home to a number of non-profit organizations, which both foster new and stronger relationships with neighbors, and also work to benefit the island in innumerable ways. From the local volunteer fire departments, to beloved [...] Island Features |  Full Article

On the morning of Sunday, July 4, Ocracoke Island held its annual Sand Sculpture Contest, which has been a local Independence Day tradition for roughly 43 years. The Island Free Press’s Rory Kelleher was at the heart of the action, capturing the numerous participants as their creations came to fruition, as well as the eventual [...] Island Features |  Full Article

Organizers of the Ocracoke Fig Festival recently announced the schedule of events for the multiple-day event, which is being held on August 5 through August 7, 2021. The 8th annual Ocracoke Fig Festival will take place at the Berkley Barn and on the grounds of the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum. The festival, which is sponsored [...] Island Features |  Full Article

Independence Day has arrived, and there are a number of patriotic events lined up on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands to celebrate the holiday. A closer look at the festivities planned throughout the day is listed below by community. Avon The Avon Fishing Pier will once again host the fireworks display on Hatteras Island, which is [...] Island Features |  Full Article

The Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) is a +7.40 emission nebula that’s about 5.5 thousand light-years away from us. William Herschel discovered the Crescent Nebula in 1792. The Crescent Nebula is believed to be the remains of gas that once belonged to the bright star, HD 192163, near the center of the image. About 400,000 years [...] Island Features |  Full Article

Hatteras Island is fortunate enough to have two water rescue squads. Today, we are introducing you to the Hatteras Island Rescue Squad Buxton Station crew. These are the folks you see cruising the beach in the tricked-out white trucks, towing a jet ski or utility terrain vehicle, carrying a rescue board on top. Manned by men and [...] Island Features |  Full Article