Monday July 4th, 2011 Bogue Inlet Pier will once again host the fireworks for those visiting Emerald Isle on the holiday. For a couple years the relationship between Mike Stanley (owner of the pier) and the Town of Emerald Isle kind of went south. It all started when the town made Mike remove his long standing sign at the end of Bogue Inlet Dr. and replaced it with a sliver of a sign.

Well this didn’t sit well with Mike, and I can’t say I blame him. The sign had been there for what seemed like forever to me. But a storm (I forget which one) badly damaged the sign. When Mike put it back up, the town said it was “non-conforming” and forced its removal. unfortunately for Mike the old saying “You can’t fight city hall” rings true.

Nonetheless, I’m glad to report Mike and the Town of Emerald Isle have reconciled and the fireworks will be returning to Bogue Inlet Pier. Its so much better to watch the fireworks display on the beach vice McLean Park.

Fireworks will be at 9pm on the end of the pier. Hope you enjoy.

Emerald Isle recently (a few years ago I think) paved the lot, built bathrooms and a nice walkway,  and volleyball courts at their Western Access near the Islander. When I first moved here this western access was a sand parking lot. While the parking was a little unorganized at times, it sure seemed to hold a lot more cars.

The improvements they have made are really nice to have. However, if it means charging people to park there, are they really that necessary? Why would the town add all of these “improvements” if there would be trouble funding their maintenance?

Atlantic Beach has stated they could use the money to help pay for things like lifeguards and trash pickup. How do these towns run out of money to pay for something that is as predictable as the tide? It’s not like this is some unexpected crisis that no one saw coming. Every year the beach is invaded by tourists and it costs money to keep it safe and clean.

Luckily I don’t have to worry about losing the free parking at the beaches. I have plenty of friends willing to let me use their driveway. I can’t help but feel bad for the families that live an hour or so away and used to be able to come to the beach for the day with very minimal expense.

I always thought the beach nourishment projects along the coast were funded with money from the state and federal governments and by accepting funding for these projects the beach towns agreed to provide a certain number of free and public accesses. I have to wonder what’s next. Will we soon be expected to purchase tickets for admission to the beach as well?

Being that Ballyhoos is one of my favorite restaurants in Emerald Isle, I get in there often enough to know any night is a good night there, however, Surf Night is totally off the hook.

The festivities kick off at 9:30pm Saturday night. Selah Dubb will be throwing down some hot tunes. Of course don’t forget to get there early and get your raffle tickets. Each Surf Night there are plenty of sweet prizes given away.

Ballyhoos is the perfect venue for an event such as this. I’m sure they will have some kind of drink specials and of course good food. Ballyhoos is a great example of some quality Emerald Isle nightlife.

There’s not too much to do this time of year, and Surf Night really helps make for a fun evening on the town even in the off-season. So if you’re looking for something to do this weekend mark Saturday at 9:30 for Surf Night and come win some stuff or at least listen to good music.

And boy was I glad we went for it. The skies were gloomy over Emerald Isle, threatening rain at any moment. But we skated on anyway, and as you can see from the video we had ourselves a grand time.

Granted the sun really never made an appearance, but the temperatures were quite balmy compared to what we’ve been getting. I think that’s why Steve and I felt so compelled to get out and enjoy it before winter regains its icy grip on the Crystal Coast.

We’re riding our trusty longboards that were likely purchased at a local Emerald Isle Surf Shop. These boards are awesome, they’re easy to ride, and they haul some serious butt. Plus it’s an excellent way to get a little exercise.

We usually skate down the bike path a few miles and then hit Ocean Dr. and come back up Periwinkle Dr. That’s where we filmed Steve on his long ride above. We also like to hit Lee St. and bomb down it from Emerald Dr. because it really does launch you down the street.

Below is a really high quality video of some other longboarders ripping it up.

Authorities say they spotted a vehicle of suspicious nature somewhere near Craig St. on December 9th. Police then located the driver,  Isaac James Bridger, of the Cape Carteret area. Mr. Bridger was on foot and breaking into vehicles.

So far 4 victims have been identified, but police believe more victims just haven’t been located or reported their incidents. So if you’re an Emerald Isle resident and have recently had your car broken into contact the police department and report it.

Police found prescription pills, stolen credit cards, loose change, and electronics in Mr. Bridger’s vehicle. The crime rate in Emerald Isle is very low and incidents like this are very uncommon.

When I lived in Emerald Isle I used to leave my car doors unlocked, and I don’t think anyone ever stole any loose change, etc. from my vehicle. The EIPD does a great job of keeping the island free of most crime.

At this point the details are still a little sketchy. I’ve heard some conflicting reports from both local residents as well as the media. What we do know for sure is that around 9:25pm on Friday Staff Sgt. Vincente Gomez was driving his 2000 Jeep Cherokee, and while attempting to pass another vehicle he struck a FedEx van head-on. His injuries were fatal.

No one was injured in the vehicle he was trying to pass. The driver and passenger of the FedEx van were injured, but they are not life-threatening. The driver of the van, Stephen Menard from Wilmington was travelling north on NC 58. He sustained extensive leg injuries and has been transferred to New Hanover Regional Medical Center. His passenger, Michael Stanley was treated at Carteret General Hospital.

From what I have read Gomez was a good marine and devoted father. He leaves behind two children.

While travelling to Emerald Isle or anywhere on the Crystal Coast, please drive safely. I know it is annoying to get stuck behind someone not driving fast enough for you. But before you go passing them make absolutely certain you can do so safely. On the same token, please go the speed limit so other drivers are not as inclined to pass you.

Please keep all those involved in the crash in your prayers and thoughts, especially given this is the holiday season. It has to be real tough for everyone close to the matter.

The parade is set to start at 3pm on Saturday November 27th. The route is the same as in years past. Below is a map of the parade route to assist you in finding a good place to view the parade from. I believe this will be the 7th year of the Christmas parade. Entry forms for the parade are available on the town’s website. There is no fee to enter your float. It may be a good idea to promote your business by making a float. I will try to make it to the parade and gather some photos of the various floats.

View Emerald Isle Holiday Parade in a larger map

I was only at the pier for a minute and still managed to snap some nice photos of the surfing action. The wind was blowing offshore at about 10mph. This only helped to jack up some of the waves.

It’s not everyday that Emerald Isle is blessed with such amazing waves.

The waves will likely be here tomorrow as well, though I suspect they will begin to subside as Igor pushes North. Have fun everyone, and be safe.

Max winds in the Carteret County/Crystal Coast area are anticipated to reach near 50mph. The town of Emerald Isle has issued an evacuation order and will be closing the bridge at 5pm.

Current models predict the storm will proceed in a northerly direction narrowly missing the Crystal Coast. Either way many area residents are taking precautions to protect their property.

Many windows are boarded up and I’ve seen a few places bring out the storm shudders. I can already see and hear that the wind has picked up to a steady 30mph or so sustained wind along with higher gusts.

More details will be forthcoming as the storm approaches.

I was down there at the Western Regional access in Emerald Isle and noticed a lot of beach patrol vehicles mobilizing to a spot just down the beach from us. Then I noticed the fire truck towing the wave runner and saw them launch and begin searching for Crandall’s body. Later I asked one of the beach patrol members if they found him. The officer said yes and shook his head and said it didn’t look good.

After this it kind of set a solemn mood on the beach. It seemed fewer people were in the water. Anytime someone drowns it is a tragic event. But when someone drowns trying to save another person, it feels even more tragic to me. Because you know we have just lost a true hero. Someone willing to risk their life to save another’s that they likely didn’t even know.

My prayers and condolences go out to Jeremy’s family and friends. I’m sure it hurts to lose someone that must have been a great father, wonderful son, and heroic friend.  

Hopefully this tragic event will remind visitors to Emerald Isle that no matter how inviting the water looks, it can become a deadly place in an instant. Please be safe out there.