Happy Valentine’s Weekend, Wilmington 💕

Whether you’re planning a romantic night out, a sweet afternoon treat, or something a little more creative, this weekend is packed with ways to celebrate. From vinyl dance parties and chocolate tastings to tree giveaways and black-tie galas, there’s no shortage of ways to mark the occasion around town.

And beyond the flowers and festivities, there’s also an opportunity to show up for one of our own. More on that below. 👇️ 

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• “Wilmywood” Struggles

• Wilmington Machinery Plans Major Expansion

“Wilmywood” Struggles: Production Spending Plummets in Wilmington

WECT – Wilmington’s film industry, long dubbed “Wilmywood,” saw production spending drop to an estimated $30 million in 2025, compared to $200 million the year before. Local leaders blame lingering COVID effects, past writers’ and actors’ strikes, and productions moving overseas for cheaper costs, causing concerns for the local economy, which relies heavily on film production jobs and spending. Only a handful of films, including “Driver’s Ed,” were shot in the city last year.

Read More >>

Wilmington Machinery Plans Major Expansion at Northchase Facility

WilmingtonBiz Wilmington-based manufacturer Wilmington Machinery is planning a significant expansion that would add more than 33,000 square feet to its Northchase Parkway facility, growing the building from 57,600 square feet to nearly 91,000 square feet. The proposal is scheduled to go before New Hanover County’s Technical Review Committee on Feb. 18 and reflects continued investment in local manufacturing. Founded in 1972, Wilmington Machinery designs and produces large-scale plastics processing equipment used to manufacture everything from pallets and industrial containers to single-serve and handleware bottles.

The expansion follows the company’s acquisition by a local private investor in 2025 and its transition to operating as Wilmington Machinery LLC. State records list Linda Sayed as the registered owner and her husband, Yousry Sayed, as a manager. Sayed is a longtime Wilmington leader, entrepreneur, and former UNCW professor who later founded Quality Chemical Laboratories, where he continues to serve as president and CEO. The Sayeds are also major philanthropists, having made a historic $25 million gift to UNCW in 2025, underscoring their long-term commitment to education, innovation, and economic growth in the region.

Read More >>

News Roundup

Local News

A Topsail High School booster club treasurer has been charged with embezzling more than $50,000 from the organization, prompting the suspension of the athletic boosters. According to the Pender County Sheriff’s Office, Erin Coleen Schmidt faces felony charges including embezzlement and money laundering, while the Pender County Schools Board of Education says it will strengthen oversight policies for nonprofit groups supporting schools. Schmidt has posted bond and is scheduled to return to court in March. WECT

The death of actor James Van Der Beek at 48 has drawn attention to the rising rates of colon cancer among young adults. Diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2023, Van Der Beek used his platform to encourage screenings, as medical experts note that one in five colorectal cancer cases now occurs in people under 55, with symptoms often going unnoticed. WECT

A Dollar General in Bolivia, N.C., was fined $9,300 for repeated price scanner errors, the largest penalty among 10 stores cited last year. Inspections in July, September, and November 2025 revealed overcharge error rates between 7.67% and 10%, prompting escalating fines and the requirement for follow-up inspections until the store meets a 2% error rate. WECT

What You Should Know

A “do not drive” warning has been issued for about 225,000 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles due to unrepaired Takata air bags that can explode and cause serious injury or death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges owners of affected models, including certain Dodge Ram, Charger and Jeep Wrangler vehicles, to stop driving them until free air bag repairs are completed, noting the defective inflators have been linked to 28 deaths and hundreds of injuries nationwide. WECT

The Trump administration will end its federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, according to White House border czar Tom Homan, who announced the drawdown of 700 agents from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area while leaving roughly 2,000 officers in place. The decision follows weeks of operations and high-profile deaths that sparked controversy and political debate in the state. CNBC

Winter Olympics

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was banned from competing in the Winter Olympics for wearing a helmet honoring athletes killed in the Ukraine War. The IOC and the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation upheld the ban despite discussions with Heraskevych after he first wore the helmet during a qualifying race, citing rules against political statements during competition. Deadline

A French judge at the Winter Olympics is facing accusations of rigging the figure skating competition, raising questions after Team USA’s Madison Chock and Evan Bates were narrowly denied gold. The controversy centers on Judge Jezabel Dabouis, who awarded French skaters Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron high marks while scoring Team USA lower than other judges, sparking debate over fairness in the event. Daily Mail

Friday

Saturday

Sunday