NOTICE FROM THE TOWN OF WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH

Dear Wrightsville Beach Community,

On the evening of Wednesday, May 21, a night training drill will be conducted on the beach near the Jetty Wall, beginning around 8:00 PM, lasting approximately an hour and a half.

This annual exercise is a coordinated effort between Town, County, and Federal agencies and is a vital part of our preparation as we head into the busy summer season. The goal is to ensure our teams are fully ready to respond to any potential night rescues quickly and effectively.

We understand and deeply value the quality of life our residents and visitors enjoy here in Wrightsville Beach. While you may notice some activity during this time, please know it is a routine and necessary part of keeping our community safe and well-prepared.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Kure Beach Renourishment Set for 2025

• Wilmington to benefit Qatar Airways engine order

Narrowing Shoreline, Growing Concern: Kure Beach & Carolina Beach Renourishment Set for 2025

[WECT] After three years without renourishment, Kure Beach & Carolina Beach will finally see much-needed sand restoration—just not until late 2025. Erosion has left parts of the beach dangerously narrow, prompting concern from residents and local officials. A $23.5M contract has been awarded to Norfolk Dredging Company, with most funding coming from federal, state, and tourism sources. While the bulk of Kure Beach remains in decent shape, residents near the southern end are increasingly vulnerable, especially as another hurricane season approaches.

Read More »

Qatar Airways Mega Order Powers Up NC GE Aerospace Facilities

[WWAY] Wilmington’s GE Aerospace facility will play a major role in fulfilling Qatar Airways’ record-breaking order for more than 400 aircraft engines — the largest widebody engine deal in the company’s history. These engines will power Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft, and Wilmington workers will produce advanced rotating parts essential to engine performance. Nearly 2,000 GE Aerospace workers across North Carolina, including in Asheville and Durham, are expected to benefit.

Read More »

News Roundup

Local

• Over 40 Marines from Camp Lejeune joined an archaeological dig in downtown Wilmington, helping uncover artifacts that reveal pieces of the city’s maritime past. The dig, led by the Public Archaeology Corps, is part of an effort to connect the community to its hidden history. WECT

• Governor Josh Stein proposed an additional $891 million budget for Hurricane Helene recovery, focusing on rebuilding infrastructure, boosting local economies, and enhancing emergency preparedness across affected counties. WECT

• A Brunswick County deputy rescued a baby alligator from a community pool, safely relocating it and preventing potential danger to residents. The humorous encounter was captured on bodycam and shared by the sheriff’s office. WECT

What you need to know

• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that Israel is "over" Gaza, signaling a potential end to the nation’s military involvement there as pressure mounts from international allies over the humanitarian toll. Yahoo Finance

What Might Surprise you

• A UFO crashed into a U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet over Arizona, cracking the pilot's canopy and forcing an emergency landing, according to newly released FAA documents. The incident occurred on January 19, 2023, when the jet collided with an “orange-white UAS” (uncrewed aerial system) in restricted airspace near Gila Bend. Daily Mail

• Kevin Spacey is being honored at Cannes’ Better World Fund gala, a controversial move that has sparked debate about public redemption after past sexual assault allegations derailed his career. The Guardian

• Scott Adams, the influential author, cartoonist, and pundit, revealed Monday that he is suffering from metastasized prostate cancer. “My life expectancy is maybe this summer,” he said. Breibart

Tuesday

Wednesday