Dare County releases 2025 State of the County video
Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robert L. “Bob” Woodard Sr. delivered the annual State of the County presentation at Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, providing an overview of Dare County projects and initiatives that have been completed over the past year and also outlining several projects that are currently underway or slated to begin in the near future.
The annual State of the County presentation serves as an opportunity for Dare County officials to inform citizens about current and upcoming projects and initiatives—and to showcase the county’s vision and plans for continuing to improve and enhance the wide array of essential services Dare County provides to our residents, visitors and property owners.
More than 200 community members from throughout Dare County attended the 2025 event, representing industries that ranged from tourism and real estate to hospitality and construction, among many others, as well as numerous local, state and federal officials. During the presentation, Chairman Woodard—along with several special guest speakers—provided updates on a variety of projects and initiatives and touched on an array of topics of importance to the citizens of Dare County.
2025’s State of the County is now available on Dare County’s YouTube Channel, and can be viewed here.
2025 State of the County Topics:
Chairman Woodard began his 2025 State of the County presentation with an update on the countywide revaluation that took effect on January 1, 2025, as required by state law. He highlighted that, although Dare County’s tax base increased by 67%, not all properties saw the same level of change, with variations depending on location. Woodard also emphasized that a higher assessed property value does not necessarily mean an increase in property taxes and reminded property owners that they will begin receiving notices in the mail with their updated values in the next few weeks.
Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS):
Chairman Woodard, joined by two special guests—Buxton Civic Association President Heather Jennette and Co-Vice President Brian Harris—provided an update on the current status of the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The update also included a look into the remediation work that has been completed thus far, as well as the ongoing efforts to fully restore the site.
Dare Community Housing Task Force:
Chairman Woodard and Dare Community Housing Task Force Chair Donna Creef provided updates on the task force’s ongoing efforts to address the county’s housing shortage. They highlighted key initiatives, including partnerships, development projects and policy recommendations to increase housing availability. Creef encouraged residents to participate in the housing survey issued by East Carolina University, emphasizing its importance in shaping future housing strategies based on community needs.
Dare County Parks & Recreation Department:
Chairman Woodard continued his presentation by sharing a look back at the success of the Dare County Parks & Recreation Department’s programming throughout its three geographic divisions in Dare County over the past year. He was then joined by Dare County Public Services Director Spencer Gregory, who provided an update on the various facilities and field improvements that have recently been completed, as well as those that are currently in progress or planned to be completed in the near future.
Chairman Woodard provided a look back at the three new Dare County EMS stations that were completed in 2024—EMS Station 4 in Southern Shores, EMS Station 7 (Dare MedFlight) on Roanoke Island and EMS Station 1 in Kill Devil Hills. Woodard also offered updates on the progress being made in the construction of the new Dare County EMS Station 8 in Manns Harbor and the new Dare County EMS Station 9 in Kitty Hawk. He was then joined by Dare County EMS Deputy Director Terence Sheehy and Paramedic Cara Hanrahan, who spoke about what the new facilities mean to the community they serve.
Chairman Woodard also shared details about Dare County’s plans for the America 250 celebration, which will commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. In addition to highlighting the significance of this historic milestone and outlining the county’s efforts to plan meaningful events, Woodard also encouraged residents and visitors to stay tuned for updates and actively participate in the celebrations when they take place.
To view a recording of the 2025 State of the County presentation that was delivered on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, visit YouTube.com/DareCounty. To view a slideshow of presentation, please click here.
