Good morning Wilmington!

There’s nothing quite like a Carolina Beach summer—warm sand, cool drinks, and music that gets the whole crowd dancing. The Boardwalk Blast returns Memorial Day weekend with a full summer of free shows and fireworks. Scroll down for the full lineup, a few local tips, and more ways to catch the rhythm of the coast.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Wilmington’s Cargo District Booms

• Give Blood

Wilmington’s Cargo District Booms—But Locals Demand Safer Streets and More Parking

[WWAY] Wilmington’s popular Cargo District—known for its small businesses, bars, and unique culture—is facing infrastructure challenges. Locals and workers like Ruby Lord of Cargocade say there’s simply not enough parking, and pedestrian safety is a growing concern. The lack of crosswalks, lighting, and traffic signals has led to at least four pedestrian-related incidents since 2023. Fortunately, the NCDOT plans to add safety upgrades including new crosswalks, lights, and traffic signals—though no clear timeline has been set.

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The American Red Cross is hosting several blood drives throughout the summer

You can make an appointment online here or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

New Hanover County:

Wilmington

• May 22: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Independence Mall, 3500

• May 27: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Country Club of Landfall, 800 Sun Runner Place.

• May 29: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 4610 Carolina Beach Rd.

Kure Beach

• June 16: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kure Beach First Baptist Church, 208 S 6th Ave.

• July 11: 12 to 4:30 p.m. at the Kure Beach Community Center, 118 N 3rd Street.

Carolina Beach

• June 9: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s UMC, Carolina Beach, 300 Harper Ave.

• June 11: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Carolina Beach Recreation Center, 1121-B, 112 N Lake Park Blvd.

• July 14: 1 to 5 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge #753, Carolina Beach, 415 Harper Ave.

Brunswick County

Southport

• June 9: 12 to 6 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E Nash St.

• June 17: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church. 4843 Hwy 211 Southport-Supply Rd.

• June 27: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the JayCee Building, 309 N Fodale Ave.

• June 30: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Southport Presbyterian Church, 1025 E Moore St.

• July 1: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Homer E. Wright Event Center, 4136 Hwy 211 SE.

• July 11: 12 to 4 p.m. at Generations Church, Southport, 4019 Executive Park Blvd SE.

• July 16: 12 to 5 p.m. at the Southport Fire Department, 1011 N Howe St.

Oak Island

• July 10: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Ocean View United States Methodist Church. 8400 E Oak Island Dr.

• July 14: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oak Island Elks Lodge, 106 E Dolphin Dr.

Pender County

Hampstead

• June 6: 1:30 to 6 p.m. at Topsail Presbyterian Church, 16249 US Hwy 17

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