2010 4th of July Festivities - Southport, NC

June 22, 2010 – Southport, North Carolina (NC) - Families looking for a unique July 4th destination need look no further than Southport, NC. The town’s annual Independence Day celebration is the official state of North Carolina’s celebration. Highlights include picnics, arts and crafts in the park, a car show, parade, fireworks, firemen’s competition, children’s games, live entertainment nightly, great food and of course lots of red, white and blue.

The history of Southport's Fourth of July Festival celebration was first recorded in a newspaper in 1795. Now the event has grown to attract over 60,000 visitors each year.

Through the years it through efforts of civic groups and citizens the festival has evolved to encompass a wide variety of America celebration traditions. And what could be more American than a Naturalization Ceremony which was incorporated into the N.C. Fourth of July Festival in 1996 and administered by what is now the United States Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Holding true to its mission of promoting patriotism, the festival also holds a Veterans Recognition Ceremony, Flag Retirement Ceremony and Flag Raising Ceremony.

Parade enthusiasts can watch the golf cart parade marshaled by NBC’s biggest losers 2008, Ed & Heba on Sunday, July 4th and the Southport parade on Monday, July 5. This year’s Southport parade, hosted by WECT-TV, will be marshaled by Captain Anthony Popiel, USCG Commander, Coast Guard Sector North Carolina. New to the festival parade line-up is The Burlington Teen Tour Band, a top award-winning band they have a membership of 170 plus, all between the ages 13 – 21. Festival events culminate this year on July 5th with a brilliant display of fireworks.

We invite you to join us July 1-5, 2010, celebrating our 215th year. View the entire Festival schedule and daily waterfront entertainment schedule at http://www.nc4thofjuly.com/.

Should your trip to Southport involve an overnight stay please visit the Chamber’s Web site at http://www.southport-oakisland.com/.  The area is known for its coastal cuisine, boutique shopping and antique stores. Tucked away on the southeastern coast of the Brunswick Islands, Southport and the surrounding area offering both the vacationer, resident and investor a pleasant coastal experience.

Cambridge Crossings Revived

Dear Editor,

Thank you for the opportunity to acquaint you with the new Cambridge Crossings Townhomes. As you are aware from your research for your previous article, the original owner/developer, Stratland Homes lost this project in a foreclosure action to Regions Bank. New owners have emerged and Cambridge Southport, LLC, a North Carolina based builder/developer from the Charlotte area, purchased Cambridge Crossings at the beginning of this year. The abandonment of this community was so sad and so symbolic of the real estate collapse in our area, particularly for the three homeowners who had already purchased their home, and for the South Harbour Village community at large. Yet, as we all watched it sit for months (almost 2 years), we also knew that before Regions Bank took it over, there were 47 contacts for purchase in place. Cambridge Crossings is a place where people who love this coastal area want to live.

How wonderful it is to market the “Good News”! Things are changing! Things are getting better! Look at these lovely homes that were for so long a ghost town, and now it is so uplifting to see it being revived. The new owners have given us a beautiful entrance, improved the grounds with abundant landscaping and are in the process of completing units for new buyers who have already decided to make Cambridge Crossings their home. With ties to the South Harbour Village POA, Cambridge Crossings residents will share the completed amenities that include Clubhouse, Pool, Tennis Courts and Parks, as well as enjoying the South Harbour Links Golf Course, full service Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway, the Wildlife Boat Launch and Dutchman’s Creek Park.

The best news yet is that the new owners have no debt on this property and are not subject to bank loans in order to finish the remainder of the 88 Townhomes. Now, Cambridge Crossings will be symbolic, not of local real estate problems, but a perfect example of the revival of our local real estate market; as buyers who want to enjoy our coastal community find a well built, maintenance free home in an established, successful neighborhood.

Pam Lawrence
Managing Partner
Lawrence Sales & Marketing

Playhouse 211 is Back!!!

May 25, 2010 – Southport, North Carolina (NC) - Playhouse 211 Theater is back! Now that zoning and building issues have been resolved, Playhouse 211 Theater is pleased to announce that it's opening, finally! The theater will open by hosting Cape Fear Repertory Theatre's production of the Michael Parker farce "The Sensuous Senator". The show is slated to open June 10, 2010 and run through June 20th.

Anyone interested in purchasing tickets should visit http://www.playhouse211.com/, http://www.capefearrep.com/, or stop by Playhouse 211 Theater, Monday through Friday 10:00 am-6:00 pm.

Playhouse 211 Theater is located at:

4320-100 Southport-Supply Rd.
Southport, NC 28461

Capacity Crowd Attends First Brunswick Civil War Round Table

May 21, 2010 – Southport, North Carolina (NC) - Over 90 people attended this new organization’s first monthly meeting. The audience included Civil War enthusiasts as well as those interested in knowing more about the Civil War. The audience included males and females, young and old, and attendees came from as far away as Ocean Isle Beach, Leland, Bolivia and Supply... Read More >>>

NC 4th of July Festival Updates Look

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Southport Woman Arrested For Smuggling Drugs Inside Bible

Nicoll Christine Brennan of Southport was arrested last Friday and was charged with attempting to smuggle contraband into the Brunswick County Jail by packing them in a Bible.

Agents say Brennan cut holes in the pages of a Bible and inserted the contraband inside.

Brennan is currently being held in the Brunswick County Detention Facility under a $30,000 bond.

This brings a new meaning to the phrase "Salvation lies within."

Brunswick County Sheriff's Office Arrests 13 on Drug Charges

Kudos to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Department for keeping Brunswick County a nice place to live.

According to a December 8, 2009 article in The Sun News... "Thirteen people have been arrested on drug charges after an operation in Southport, N.C., last week, according to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office.

The special operation spanned over four days and netted 13 arrests for 22 felony and misdemeanor drug charges, authorities said.

The operation was conducted in response to several complaints from residents of ongoing drug activity throughout the community. Several vehicle stops were made in conjunction with surveillance, and officers seized amounts of marijuana, illegal prescription pills, ecstasy, powder cocaine and crack cocaine, authorities said."

One would not think such a drug operation would exist in sleepy Brunswick County. Unfortunately, it does and it would be a lot worse if not for the efforts of the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office and local law enforcement agencies.

Next time you see an officer thank them for making Brunswick County a nice place to live!!!

Good Deed At Walmart

An employee identified only as "Al" recently found $60 in cash (probably almost a day's pay after Uncle Sam gets his) lying on the floor in the electronics section at Walmart in Southport. Instead of pocketing the money, which many, myself included, would have done, Al took the money to the Customer Service desk to be held in the safe in case anyone should come looking for it.

Congratulations Al, you did the right thing.

I would have taken the money and justified it by thinking... "anyone who is dumb enough to lose $60 in cash doesn't deserve the money in the first place." But not Al. Al probably thought... "man I bet it feels terrible to lose $60. Let me take this to a safe place in case the person comes looking for it."

Now, before you go on thinking I am some uncaring, rotten human being, I have found several wallets full of money and credit cards in my lifetime. I have without question gone way out of my way to return these wallets, with the cash, to their rightful owners. Losing your credit cards, driver's license, Social Security Card, etc., now that is bad news. Losing a few dollars because of your own carelessness, that is just a minor penalty.

Finders keeper!

2009 U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament Winner

Wining Team: Larry Deal

Boat: Mako Warrior

Fish Weight: 40.30lbs.

More U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament Coverage>>>

Dog Days of Summer

I think I know what they mean by the "Dog Days of Summer," as they are now upon us. The temperature has been running in the high 80s to low 90s everyday for over a week now. The humidity is nearly 100% even in the overnight hours. Air conditioners struggle to keep up and really are only making the temperature bearable. It is so hot, you can break a sweat just watching TV!

At least we have the wonderful fall season to look forward to. The fall is perhaps the most pleasant time of the year in the Southport area. The temperatures moderate, the humidity falls and a nice autumn breeze seems to roll in from the ocean perpetually.

Fall is the perfect time of year for golfing, fishing, antiquing, garage sales and just about any other outdoor activity you can think of.

If the "Dog Days of Summer" have you feeling a little blue, don't despair, Labor Day weekend and the start of the fall season is just around the corner!!!

Maritime Museum T-Shirts

The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport has a new supply of your favorite lighthouse and pirate t-shirts.

Youth shirts are $10.00 and adult shirts are $16.00. Stop by and pick up a souvenir of coastal Carolina.

The NC Maritime Museum is located at 116 N. Howe Street in Southport. The museum is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Free admittance.

Help ensure the NC Maritime Museum is there the next time you want to visit... show your support by purchasing a T-Shirt!!!

Elmer Norwood, Local Robert Ruark Historian, To Speak on "Robert Ruark's Maritime Connection"

The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport with The City of Southport Department of Tourism will present Elmer Norwood, local Robert Ruark historian, to speak on "Robert Ruark's Maritime Connection". Ruark, noted journalist, novelist and sportsman is a member of the NC Literary Hall of Fame. He spent much of his childhood in Southport with his grandparents and his best-selling book "The Old Man and the Boy" is based on his Southport experiences.

Elmer Norwood has taught many classes on the life of Robert Ruark through Brunswick Community College. Norwood has a personal collection of Robert Ruark artifacts.

The program will be presented on Tuesday, August 18 at the Southport Community Building from 7:00 until 9 p.m. The program is free and open to the public, but please call 457-0003 in advance for reservations.

Richard Triebe to Speak on Confederate P.O.W.’s

May 29, 2009 – Southport, North Carolina (NC) - Richard Triebe, author of "On a Rising Tide: a Tale of Running the Civil War Blockade" will speak on "Confederate P.O.W.’s" at the Friends of the Maritime Museum’s Third Tuesday program on Tuesday, June 16. More>>>

It's a Beautiful Day in Southport!!!

What a difference a week makes!

Last week at this time, Southport was a ghost town. This week the tourists have arrived en masse.

If you are looking for something to do in Southport today there will be no shortage of sales to keep you busy. Yard sales, garage sales, side-of-the-road sales, store sales, tent sales, sidewalk sales... everything is on sale this weekend!

What a great way to kick-off the summer season!!!

Cape Fear Cruisers 4th Annual Spring Car & Truck Show

View More Pictures From The Car & Truck Show

Captain Henry's Country Buffet - Southport, NC

Captain Henry's Country Buffet located at the intersection of Southport-Supply Road and Long Beach Road in Southport, NC has officially closed. Located in the former Golden Corral building, Captain Henry's only survived 4 months in this tough economic environment. It's a shame they could not hold on a little longer as the busy tourist season looms just ahead.

The consensus around town and on Internet Restaurant Review Sites is that this restaurant is essentially the same as the former Golden Coral, just a different name. If the Golden Corral could not make it, it should come as no surprise that Captain Henry's would fare the same.

This business closing is one of many local businesses that have closed in the Southport area due to the economic downturn.

Unfortunately, I think there are still more to come.

Fruit and Vegetable Stands in Southport

This blog is not meant to be mean or disrespectful, but rather just a simple observation.

How many fruit and vegetable stands do we need in the Southport area? While many businesses in the Southport area are failing during these trying economic times, fruit stands seem to be proliferating. Just in the past few months 2 new storefront fruit and vegetable stands have opened in the Southport area: 1 on the right as you go over the bridge to Oak Island and 1 on Hwy. 211 in the Dollar General shopping center. Not to mention the rotating selection of fruit and vegetable vendors near the intersection of Hwy. 211 and Dosher Cutoff.

Do we eat more fruit and veggies during an economic slowdown? Are these just hard-working folks trying to make ends meet?

You can also buy fruits and vegetables at any of the 4 groceries in our area and you can even buy fruits and vegetables at the Farmer's Market that is held on the Garrison lawn each Wednesday morning during the summer season.

That is a lot of fruits and vegetables for one small town... just wondering out loud!

Myrtle Beach, SC Wildfire

Southport, NC woke up this morning to the smell of smoke. Interestingly, there is nothing on fire in the Southport area. The cause of the smoke is a wildfire that started yesterday in Myrtle Beach, SC, a good 30-40 miles to the Southwest of Southport, North Carolina.

The smoke was so dense in some parts of Southport that it made breathing difficult. The smoke settled in, like a fog, in low lying areas. Reports indicate that it could take months to extinguish the Myrtle Beach fire and may even require the hand of Mother Nature, in the form of a tropical storm. Until the flames and smoldering are fully extinguished the surrounding areas will be at the mercy of the wind with regard to the smoke.

At this time over 15,000 acres and 70 homes have burned in the popular Barefoot Landing subdivision and to the West. Over 2,500 people have been evacuated and more evacuations are expected as the fire continues to march Eastward towards the more densely populated beach areas of Myrtle Beach. A fire of this magnitude has not been seen in this area since 1976 when over 30,000 acres burned.

Officials are unsure of the cause of this recent fire at this time. Yesterdays strong winds, however, certainly contributed to the size of this fire and the speed in which it spread. Winds gusted to 30-40 mph yesterday which made fighting this fire even more difficult. Firefighters were hoping the Intracoastal Waterway would act as a natural firebreak. If the fire jumps the Waterway the more populated areas and tourist attractions of Myrtle Beach will be in grave danger.

About Myrtle Beach:

Myrtle Beach is a very popular tourist destination located on the coast of South Carolina, just South of the North Carolina and South Carolina Border. Tourists from all over the country flock to Myrtle Beach year round for the warm climate and availability of restaurants and attractions. Myrtle Beach is widely known for it's World Class Golf Courses, Broadway Style Shows and, of course, The Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Rally, more affectionately known as "Biker's Week." Myrtle Beach is also home of the newest amusement park in the United States, Hard Rock Park, which, unfortunately, closed in September of 2008, citing financial problems, after only 9 months of operation.

Tanker Ship on The Cape Fear River

While driving to the post office today I could not help but notice the giant tanker ship heading up the Cape Fear River. Compared to the tiny buildings in downtown Southport, this tanker ship looked like the New York City Skyline floating by.

Whenever I see a ship heading up the river I always wonder where they came from... how long have they been at sea... what kind of goods or products are they carrying on board... how do their families feel about them being gone for weeks at a time? The reverse is true when I see a ship heading out to sea... where are they heading... how long will it take to get there... are their families anxiously awaiting their return?

It seems many others in downtown Southport share my curiosity. Whenever a large ship sails by people stop to point and stare. The parking lot at Waterfront Park fills ups instantly. Binoculars are at the ready. Old men turn into little boys just for a moment. Then the ship is off to points unknown.

Azaleas in Full Bloom

On the way to work this morning I noticed that most azaleas are in full bloom now. 2 weeks late, as it turns out for the Azalea Festival in Wilmington, but spectacular none the less.

If you have never seen the azaleas in bloom at Orton Plantation you must stop what you are doing and drive over there right now. It is a sight to see!

It seems to me that people either love or hate azaleas. They spend 50 weeks or so a year as a boring green bush. The other 2 weeks are a vibrant display of color and beauty.

You don't realize just how many azaleas are in the Southport area until they burst with flowers and mark the beginning of Spring.

Perhaps that 2 week period is all it takes to remind us of the true beauty of nature.