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!!!

Christmas By The Sea Festival - December 4th-18th, 2009

No snow, no ice, no freezing weather, how do residents of North Carolina’s Coast get in the holiday spirit? The Christmas by the Sea Festival is how. The numerous events held throughout Boiling Spring Lakes, Oak Island and Southport during the Christmas by the Sea Festival would warm any heart including one E. Scrooge, Esq. The festival begins Friday, December 4th and runs through Friday, December 18th.

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Thrifty Car Rental Named the Official Rental Car Company of The Brunswick Isles Golf Trail

Are you serious?

(I could not resist the urge to talk about this headline when I saw it on Newswire.)

How does one come to win this prestigious award? Were the other car rental companies aware of this award? Were they in the running? Who voted? What was the criterion? Why is this award even necessary? Was there an official award ceremony?

Is it just me or are product endorsements and sponsorships completely out of hand these days? The Smucker's Halftime Report, the Bud Light post-game show, the Miller pre-game show, the Snickers player of the game.

Even the weather on the weather channel is now sponsored by such and such company! Sorry, I thought the Weather Channel was sponsored by my $100 and something a month cable bill!!!

Seems to me that endorsements and sponsorships is just another way for companies to extort more money out of advertisers and to discreetly put more advertising in front of us!

Give me a break!

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!

Cyber Parlors Springing Up Like Weeds in Brunswick County

Photo By Paul Stephen

Come on folks! Let's call a duck for what it is!

These lowlife gaming parlors are invading our communities under the guise of some simple minded sweepstakes game. By playing with words and definitions these hucksters are slipping through the cracks of local laws with little or no regulation. In fact, in knee-jerk fashion, many localities are attempting to control these gaming parlors through zoning regulation until further legislation can be passed to legally control these new menace to our society.

If you remember back to the nineties Myrtle Beach faced a similar problem of the quick-buck vermin opening gambling parlors under similar word playing games. If I recall the operators of theses parlors insisted their games were games of luck and not skill. This somehow eased through the laws of Myrtle Beach at the time. Those parlors lasted no more than a year or two before the laws were tightened up and the shady operators packed there stuff and moved on to the next get-rich scheme. Myrtle Beach said "NO" to these undesirable establishments and in time so will Brunswick County.

Don't get me wrong. I am all in favor of legalized gambling, but let's do it legitimately, instead of some marginal business on the outskirts of society. Let's make Myrtle Beach the Las Vegas of the East. Myrtle Beach all ready has the shows, the restaurants, the golf, the beach, the lodging, the housing and the infrastructure to support legalized gaming. Add gambling to this already impressive resume and we will have quite a nice playground right in our own backyard.

But let's do it right. Let's not play word games and skate around the law. This will only attract low-end operators and a low-end clientele, something I do not want in my backyard!

Lawsuits Run Rampant in Death Hispanic Worker

Jose Antonio Montalvo.

Does this name mean anything to you? Probably not.

Jose was a hard working young man that rose early each morning at his home in Sumter, South Carolina and rode to the construction site of the new bridge to Oak Island. Jose worked hard to support his wife and three children.

When I first heard the story of his fateful day of December 3rd, 2008 I admit I got choked up. I could not help but to think of his wife and kids. What would they do?

Now almost a year later, the lawyers are still duking it out in the court rooms. Leave it to the attorneys to straighten things out.

A lawsuit was filed in Craven County Superior Court against the general contractor seeking $10,000 worth of actual damages and an unspecified amount of punitive damages.

A second suit was filed on behalf of another injured worker.

A tort claim was filed by another attorney against the N.C. Department of Transportation.

A worker's compensation claim has been prepared and filed.

There are attorneys from Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, Raleigh, New Bern and beyond involved with these various suits. All looking for a piece of the pie.

The claims and suits will likely go on for years before being settled out or court for an unspecified amount. The attorneys will make a bunch of money.

Do you think this benefits Mrs. Montalvo in any way? Do you think she cares about the money?

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!!!

Tips For Preparing For Hurricanes

Hurricane Facts:

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1-5 rating on a hurricane’s intensity.

• Category 1 Hurricane – Winds 74-95 mph
• Category 2 Hurricane – Winds 96-110 mph
• Category 3 Hurricane – Winds 111-130 mph
• Category 4 Hurricane – Winds 121-155 mph
• Category 5 Hurricane – Winds 156 and greater

2009 Hurricane Predictions:

# Named/# Hurricanes/# Major Hurricanes

Colorado State/Bill Gray - 14 Named, 7 Hurricanes, 3 Major
Weather Research Center - 7 Named, 4 Hurricanes, 0 Major
Weather Services Inc. - 13 Named, 7 Hurricanes, 3 Major
Accuweather - 13 Named, 8 Hurricanes, 2 Major



Before the Storm - Preparing Your Family:

• Develop and practice a family emergency plan.
• Create a disaster supply kit for the home and a separate one to take in case you must evacuate.
• For your “stay at home” emergency kit include flashlights, batteries, tarps, duct tape, non-perishable foods and water for the entire family and pets. Don’t forget a battery operated radio, disposable camera, medicines and critical paperwork.
• For your “evacuation” emergency kit, include the following in a watertight container: prescription and over-the-counter medicines, important papers (i.e. passports, birth certificates, copies of insurance papers and wills, health insurance paperwork, pictures of furnishings, listing of medications, policies, deeds, stocks and bonds, titles to cars), checkbooks, record of all bank numbers, inventory of valuable household goods, address book with contact information for doctors, insurance agents and relatives, safety deposit box keys, evacuation map of area.
• Make sure your homeowner policy is updated and includes flood insurance.
  
  

When a Storm is Forecast for Your Area:

• Fuel your car.
• Fill bathtubs and sinks with water.
• Review your evacuation route.
• Get cash in case you must evacuate.
• Have a battery-powered NOAA weather radio available.
• Use your family’s evacuation and family emergency plans.
• Make sure all family members wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers.
• Make arrangements to board or evacuate pets. Take shot records, rabies certificates and tags and vet information.
• Have supplies and basic foods available. For comprehensive checklists of basic foods, supplies and emergency home repair items to have on hand if you live in a coastal area, visit the “Shopping List” section of the Weather Research Center’s Family Hurricane Survival Kit at http://www.wxresearch.org/family/hur2.html

Safeguarding Your Home:

• Secure all loose objects (such as lawn furniture, garbage cans and planters) that can become flying missiles when hurricane winds intensify.
• Turn off your gas, water and electricity before evacuating.
• Unless you have impact-resistant glass in your windows, make sure to shutter up or board up windows and doors.
• Tape over and seal all soffit vents and roof vents to prevent wind-driven rain from splashing into the vents and flooding the attic.
• Add bracing to the interior of garage doors to reinforce them against wind damage.
• For “after storm” cleanup, have the following items available: tarps, duct tape, heavy work gloves, gas cans, batteries, chain saws, shovels, rakes, water filters, cleaning supplies, first aid kits and extra strength large garbage bags.
• Trim tree limbs near or touching the home.
  
  

Creating a Secure Home:

• Windows – The biggest cause of devastation during a hurricane is the ability of wind to enter a structure through a broken door or window. This causes a build-up of pressure inside the structure that can literally blow out the roof and walls. Homeowners with code-approved impact-resistant windows like Simonton StormBreaker Plus® are designed to withstand flying debris during brutal storms. They help provide maximum protection and add beauty to the home, without the need for unattractive shuttering systems, or board up windows and doors.
• Roofing - When having a new roof installed or an old roof replaced, select impact-resistant roofing tiles and those that can withstand high wind speeds. Make sure the installer follows the roofing manufacturer’s warranty guidelines for installation. Proper nailing will help your roof make it through severe weather.
• Entry Doors - Install door that swings out instead of in. These doors have welded hinge pins, so security is not a problem and the wind actually helps to keep the door secured properly.
• All Products - When building or remodeling, make sure to use the latest weather-resistant building materials available, such as hurricane strapping, clips, corner bracing and tie-down systems.

Bald Head Island To Open New Ferry Terminal on June 2, 2009

Bald Head Island Limited announces that Deep Point Marina, the new mainland ferry terminal for Bald Head Island, will open to the public on Tuesday, June 2, 2009. Ferry operations from Indigo Plantation & Marina, the current embarkation point for Bald Head Island, will be suspended permanently at that time. A ribbon cutting ceremony at the new ferry terminal at 10 a.m. on June 2 will celebrate the Deep Point Marina grand opening.

The 40,000-square-foot ferry terminal consists of two levels, similar to an airport, with arrivals and departures on separate levels. The facility provides a host of creature comforts, including indoor and open-air waiting areas with dramatic views of the Cape Fear River, as well as a snack bar, the Deep Point Galley, which offers grab-and-go food options, soft drinks, beer, wine and coffee. Guests vacationing through Bald Head Island Limited enjoy an easy start to their stay at the rental check-in desk, while The Island Agency's professionally staffed real estate sales desk answers questions relating to island properties for sale.

Ultimately, Deep Point Marina will house a number of other functions for Bald Head Island Limited, including administrative offices, a marine maintenance facility, a shipping and receiving center, and a harbour master building that will accommodate the recreational marina operation. The site also features a new 82-slip marina, opening later in June, which provides fuel and transient dockage, as well as short-term and long-term slip rentals.

Deep Point Marina is located at 1301 Ferry Road in Southport just before the state-operated Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry Landing. Entering Southport on Route 211 South (Howe Street), take a left on East Moore Street and then a right onto Ferry Road at the roundabout. Proceed about a half mile and then turn right into the entrance to Deep Point Marina, following the signs to the ferry terminal.

We hope you enjoy the amenities, services and conveniences offered by Deep Point Marina, the modern new gateway to Bald Head Island. For more information on Deep Point Marina or to download a complete ferry schedule, visit www.ferrytobhi.com. Ferry reservations can be made by calling 910-457-5003.

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!

New Spa and Salon on Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island residents and guests celebrated the grand opening of the Island Retreat Spa and Salon on Friday, April 10 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and tour of the new facility. Island Retreat, a 2,200 square foot spa and salon, is the first to be located on the island. In addition to island residents, guests, and Bald Head Island Limited staff members, Daniel Williams, vice president of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, along with five chamber Ambassadors, were present to welcome Bald Head Island’s newest amenity...

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Myrtle Beach Wildfire Picture

For me, this picture taken by Mary Ann Chastain of the Associate Press sums up the devastation caused by the wildfire in Myrtle Beach this week. This picture also shows how much worse it almost was....

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.

Antique Postcard Collection

If you have not yet seen our Antique Postcard Collection we invite you to do so. We have over 100 vintage postcards of the Southport area, including some very rare ones! See one of our favorites below:

View Our Postcard Collection

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.

Signs of the Season

Southport businesses can't help but wonder what this year's tourist season will bring. The mainstream media is sending mixed signals and only time will tell. Many local businesses (Wild Wing Cafe, Chincha's Day Spa, Timber Lake Realty, Lighthouse Deli, Groovy Movies on Oak Island, Southport Fashions, Boater's World, Golden Coral, just to name a few) have not made it through this past winter. I suspect many more local businesses will fail if the looming tourist season does not develop this year.

On a positive note, during the week leading up to Easter weekend and the Southport Spring Festival we have noticed a significant pickup in tourist traffic, despite our below average temperatures for this time of year.

Local vacation rental companies, such as Oak Island Accommodations, are reporting solid bookings for the upcoming season and they are also saying that cancellations are running the average.

With the weather improving each week hopefully more and more vacationers and day-trippers will visit the Southport area. For the sake of our local business and our local economy, let's hope so!

Welcome To Our Blog

Welcome to The Southport Time's Blog!

The Southport Times is an online city guide covering Southport, North Carolina and the surrounding areas. Our coverage includes Southport, Bald Head Island, Oak Island, Boiling Spring Lakes and St. James. Our Blog will be an ongoing chronicle of life in the Southport area through the eyes of a local. We hope to provide insights on great things to do in the Southport area and great places to eat. We also hope to educate our readers on the rich history of our coastal city. Our Blog is designed to be interactive and we encourage comments and participation from our readers. We hope you enjoy our Blog! -Benjamin S. Celinski, Editor