WEDNESDAYS TOGETHER WITH YOU

Good morning Wilmington!

It’s amazing to think we’re already in 2025—until you catch a glimpse of the innovations unveiled at CES2025. Suddenly 2025 feels about right.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Helene Ravages 187K Acres in NC Forests

• Wrightsville Beach Increases Daily Parking Rates

Helene Ravages 187K Acres in NC Forests, Recovery Will Take Years

[USDA Forest Service] Helene caused widespread damage to over 187,000 acres in North Carolina’s Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, including 117,000 acres of vegetation loss. Pisgah National Forest saw the worst impact, with roads, trails, and ecosystems severely affected. The Forest Service continues recovery efforts, warning of wildfire risks, habitat loss, and invasive species threats. Access to many areas remains restricted as crews clear debris and assess damage.

Read More »

Wrightsville Beach Increases Daily Parking Rates—Regular Now $30, Premium $35

[Town of WB] Wrightsville Beach is raising its daily parking rates starting March 1. Regular spots increase from $25 to $30, while premium spots go from $30 to $35. Hourly rates remain unchanged. Paid parking runs daily from March 1 to October 31, managed by Pivot Parking. Truck and trailer parking is restricted on specific streets, and digital wallet apps are not accepted for payment.

Read More »

News Roundup

Local News:

• Tax preparation services to be offered free of charge in New Hanover County

• Live Oak Bank to expand commercial banking in Wilmington

Western North Carolina:

• Buncombe County Helene victims can now apply for home heating assistance

What you should know:

• NC State Forest Service puts high fire danger alert for this week

What might surprise you:

• Trump says he will create the External Tax Revenue Service

• FDA Bans Red Food Dye

National & World News:

• Playstation to add smells to games

• EPA details health risks from PFAS at farms

• Biden-Harris administration offers $750 to hurricane victims for immediate needs

• Hegseth survives Senate hearing

Subscribe to Port City Pulse!

To-Do!

✅ Watch President Biden’s farewell address to the nation @ 8PM

Weather Forecast

Wed 15 Sunny | 41°/28° | 1% | NNW 14 mph
Thu 16 Sunny | 51°/33° | 0% | WSW 13 mph
Fri 17 Sunny | 51°/42° | 3% | ENE 8 mph

Provided by weather.com

Tide Forecast

Wednesday, January 15

• 1:47 AM: -0.70 ft (Low Tide)

• 8:06 AM: 4.44 ft (High Tide)

• 2:36 PM: -0.42 ft (Low Tide)

• 8:27 PM: 3.53 ft (High Tide)

Thursday, January 16

• 2:29 AM: -0.55 ft (Low Tide)

• 8:50 AM: 4.20 ft (High Tide)

• 3:12 PM: -0.34 ft (Low Tide)

• 9:15 PM: 3.50 ft (High Tide)

Friday, January 17

• 3:09 AM: -0.33 ft (Low Tide)

• 9:34 AM: 3.92 ft (High Tide)

• 3:47 PM: -0.21 ft (Low Tide)

• 10:02 PM: 3.46 ft (High Tide)

Provided by Marineweather.net