Good morning Wilmington!

Town leaders in Carolina Beach are considering a social district that would allow people to buy drinks and carry them through the central business district and along the boardwalk.

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In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Drinks on CB Boardwalk?

• UNCW Partnership Launches Fish Bank

Town Leaders Consider Letting Visitors Carry Drinks on Boardwalk

WECT Carolina Beach leaders are exploring the creation of a social district that would allow visitors to purchase alcoholic beverages and carry them through the central business district and boardwalk. Supporters say it could boost off-season business, while others urge caution, citing concerns about safety, litter, and maintaining the town’s family-friendly atmosphere. Officials plan further research and could consider a trial run later this year.

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UNCW Partnership Launches Fish Bank to Feed Local Families

UNCW News A new partnership between UNCW’s Center for Marine Science and Chef Dean Neff is turning small-grade, sustainably raised black sea bass into a reliable food source for local families. The program, launched in January, distributes weekly fish through Zora’s Seafood Market, addressing gaps in access to safe seafood while supporting aquaculture research and reducing waste at UNCW’s Aquaculture Facility.

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News Roundup

Local News

A community rally and vigil supporting Ukraine will be held Sunday, February 22 at Innes Park in Wilmington, as Ukrainians in the Carolinas gather to mark the anniversary of Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion and honor Ukraine’s resilience. Local leaders and a Ukrainian war refugee are scheduled to speak, and attendees are encouraged to bring flags and wear blue and yellow in solidarity. WWAY

The North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled that regulators violated state law when approving Duke Energy’s 2024 fuel rate hike, but customers will not receive refunds, because lawmakers changed the statute while the case was pending. The court found the Utilities Commission exceeded its authority in allowing Duke to recover nearly $1 billion in past fuel costs from 2022 through a rate increase. WRAL

What You Should Know

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, with police detaining the King’s brother at Sandringham Estate as part of an investigation linked to alleged sharing of confidential material connected to Jeffrey Epstein. King Charles said he learned of the arrest “with the deepest concern” and that “the law must take its course,” while searches are underway at properties in Norfolk and Berkshire. BBC News

Newly released Justice Department documents show Naomi Campbell maintained contact with Jeffrey Epstein for years, inviting him to high-profile parties and fashion events even after his 2008 conviction, though he declined a 2016 request from the supermodel to use his private jet. Emails indicate the two communicated and met in person over two decades, including invitations to events in St. Tropez, Paris and Moscow while Epstein was under legal restrictions. People

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