Dare County Newsletter - May 1, 2024

All Dare County offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024 in observance of Memorial Day. These offices and facilities will reopen and operate under their regularly scheduled hours on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

These closures include the Dare County C&D Landfill, Manns Harbor Transfer Station, Buxton Transfer Station and Manteo Recycle Yard; however, there will be no changes to the Dare County trash collection schedule on Memorial Day (Monday, May 27, 2024). 

All areas whose services are provided by the Dare County Public Works Department will operate on their normal schedule during the week of Monday, May 27, 2024 through Friday, May 31, 2024.

The Town of Kitty Hawk’s Saturday residential trash collection for the east side (ocean side) of U.S. 158 (the bypass) will begin Saturday, June 1, 2024, and continue through Labor Day.

For more information about the services provided by the Dare County Public Works Department, please click the button below.

Dare County Public Works will host a three-day household hazardous waste collection event from Thursday, May 9, 2024 through Saturday, May 11, 2024 in three different locations throughout the county. During this event, Dare County residents and property owners can drop off hazardous waste for safe disposal at the following locations:

Northern Beach Collection: Kitty Hawk Town Hall (101 Veterans Memorial Drive), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024

Buxton Collection: Buxton Transfer Station, (47015 Buxton Back Road), 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024

Manteo Collection: Dare County Public Works (1018 Driftwood Drive), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024

Click the button below to watch a short video with additional information about what items will be accepted at the household hazardous waste collection event or click here to download the event flyer. If you have further questions, please contact Dare County Public Works at 252-475-5843 or visit www.DareNC.gov/PublicWorks.

As we approach the Atlantic hurricane season—which officially begins on June 1, 2024—it's crucial to remember the importance of being prepared for potential storms that may impact our area. National Hurricane Preparedness Week is observed from May 5, 2024 to May 11, 2024, and during this time Dare County encourages everyone who resides or owns property in a coastal community to understand their hurricane-related risks and to begin their pre-season preparations now. 

Follow these essential tips to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season: 

Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a plan with family members and other housemates that includes the evacuation route you will take, what vehicle(s) you will use, where you will meet and where you will stay. Ensure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Click here to access a template to create your plan. 

Build an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essential supplies, such as a three-day supply per person of non-perishable food, as well as water, medications, personal hygiene items, flashlights, batteries, solar-powered cell phone chargers or fully charged power banks, a portable radio, cash and change, a first aid kit, pet supplies and important family documents.

Click here to access a detailed list of recommended supplies.

Understand Your Risk: If you live in or own property within Dare County, you’re potentially at risk of being impacted by storm surge and flooding. Visit www.OBXFloodMaps.com to check your flood zone, view flood maps and find additional information about how you can reduce the risk of flood damages.

Insure Your Home: Whether you rent or home your home, it’s imperative to ensure your property and belongings are adequately insured against wind, hail and flood damage—even if you aren’t located within a flood zone. Remember that it typically takes 30 days for wind and flood damage policies to take effect. For more information on flood insurance, visit www.FloodSmart.gov.

Register to Receive Emergency Alerts: All Dare County residents, visitors and property owners should sign up to receive customized emergency alerts—including severe weather watches and warnings, public safety and emergency-related warnings, countywide evacuation orders and other time-critical notifications—by visiting www.OBXAlerts.com.

Sign Up for the Special Medical Needs Registry: Some members of the Dare County community are particularly vulnerable before, during and after storms occur, including the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Those who may require assistance with evacuation or preparations are encouraged to sign up for Dare County’s Special Medical Needs Registry. For more information and to sign up, visit www.DareNC.gov/SpecialNeeds. 

Obtain a 2024 Reentry Permit: In order to enter Dare County following a mandatory evacuation that has been issued to ensure public safety, individuals must present a valid ID showing a Dare County address, or a current reentry permit (along with a valid corresponding ID), and follow a staged reentry process. For more detailed information—and to obtain your 2024 reentry permit— visit www.DareNC.gov/Reentry.

The Dare County Housing Task Force held three meetings in April 2024. N.C. Representative Ed Goodwin, N.C. Senator Bobby Hanig and N.C. Senator Norm Sanderson virtually attended the Housing Task Force’s meetings held on April 22, 2024 and April 30, 2024 to listen to the group’s discussions.

During the April 30, 2024 meeting, Housing Task Force members determined that the group will be community-led and unanimously elected Donna Creef, Government Affairs Director with the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS, as chairman and Roanoke Island representative Malcolm Fearing as vice chairman. The task force also set up two subcommittees: one that will begin work to develop a plan for presentation to the full task force and the community and a second subcommittee to research nonprofit organizations that have been used in other tourism-driven areas to address housing issues in their communities. 

The Housing Task Force will meet every two weeks, and these meetings are open to the public. To review the full April Housing Task Force update as well as upcoming meeting dates, please click the button below.

The Veterans Benefits Administration—an agency that provides an assortment of services and resources to veterans and their dependents—will host a free town hall event in Dare County from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2024 at the Thomas A. Baum Senior Center, which is located at 300 Mustian Street in Kill Devil Hills.

Veterans Affairs (VA) representatives will give a presentation and be onsite to answer questions from service members, veterans and their families to inform them of the various benefits that are available, including disability compensation, pension, education and healthcare. These onsite VA representatives will also be able to answer questions attendees have regarding claims that are currently in progress. In addition to representatives from the VA, representatives from the Hampton VA Medical Center will be onsite to enroll veterans in healthcare. Dare County Veterans Services representatives will also be available.

For more information about this free informative session, please contact Dare County Veterans Services Officer Patty O’Sullivan at 252-475-5604 or Patricia.O’Sullivan@DareNC.gov.

For more information about the wide array of services and resources that are available for Dare County veterans, please click the button below.

National Boating Safety Week is Saturday, May 18, 2024 to Friday, May 24, 2024.

During this week, Dare County reminds all residents and visitors that the key to having a safe and enjoyable experience while navigating the waters of the Outer Banks is following these simple tips:

Check the Weather First: Before setting sail, always check the weather forecast. Conditions on the ocean and the sounds can change rapidly, so it's essential to be prepared for any potential situation. Strong winds, fog or sudden storms can pose significant risks to boaters on any body of water.

Wear Proper Safety Gear: It’s essential to have a life jacket available for everyone onboard, regardless of their swimming ability—and to make sure all passengers know where they are located on the vessel. Ensure all life jackets are U.S. Coast Guard-approved and that they fit each passenger properly. Boaters are also advised to keep a throwable flotation device on hand in case of emergencies.

File a Float Plan: Inform someone who will stay onshore about your boating plans, including your intended route and when you expect to return. This information can be crucial in the event of an emergency because it alerts someone on land that an issue has potentially occurred should you not return on time. Knowing you didn’t return on time also ensures there is a timely response to search for you should you require assistance if something unexpected happens.

Know Your Surroundings: Familiarize yourself with the waters you'll be navigating during your trip, including the presence of any potential hazards, such as sandbars, shallow areas and strong currents. Check the tides ahead of time, pay attention to navigational markers, and be extremely cautious when approaching unfamiliar territory.

Avoid Alcohol, Drugs and Distractions: Safe boating requires focus and attention at all times. Avoid alcohol consumption while operating a vessel, as it impairs your judgment and slows your reaction time. It’s also important to minimize distractions—such as loud music and rowdy onboard guests—and to avoid using excessive speed, which can impede your ability to react to potential dangers.

Monitor Marine Radio Channels: Stay tuned to very high frequency (VHF) radio channels throughout your trip to receive weather updates, navigational warnings and other emergency communications. Any vessel in distress should use Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) VHF-FM, which is designated by the FCC as the national distress, safety and calling frequency and is monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard. All vessels should also monitor this channel regularly in case a nearby vessel experiences an emergency and requires immediate assistance.

Celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1, 2024 by taking a leisurely stroll or hike around a picturesque portion of Roanoke Island from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. beginning at North End Park. The trail walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the parking lot of North End Park, which is located at 1788 North Highway 64 in Manteo. 

Participants will have the opportunity to choose to embark on a long walk (2.5 miles) or a short walk (1.3 miles) along portions of the scenic Roanoke Island Multi-Use Trail and the National Park Service Freedom Trail. Bottled water will be provided to participants, and free shuttle service will be available for those who may require assistance getting back to their vehicle after the walk.  

Join the Dare County Trails Committee, Dare County Parks & Recreation Department, National Park Service and Outer Banks Forever for this event to celebrate the important role that local trails like these play in our lives. From walking, biking and hiking trails to canoe and kayak trails, multi-use paths and more, Dare County is home to a variety of trails that provide the opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor recreation, get exercise, encounter unique wildlife and experience nature. 

To learn more about the wide array of trails that exist throughout Dare County—and to find one near you—please click the button below.

The deadline to apply for three property tax relief programs for qualifying seniors age 65 and older, disabled individuals and disabled U.S. veteran homeowners is June 1, 2024, and those who qualify are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The following property tax relief programs provide property tax exclusions for individuals who meet the requirements specified by the North Carolina General Statutes.

Seniors & Disabled Program: Homeowners who are age 65 and older or 100 percent disabled can receive an assessment reduction of $25,000 or up to 50 percent off their home value, whichever is greater, if they meet certain income (gross income of $36,700 or less in 2023) and ownership requirements. Married couples may qualify even if only one partner is age 65 or older or disabled. This tax relief benefit does not need to be repaid.

Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment Program: Seniors, as well as those who are 100 percent disabled, who have owned and occupied their home for more than five years may choose this program, which ensures their property tax bill will not be more than 4-5 percent of their income. Homeowners may have to repay some of this tax relief benefit, for example, if they move or sell their home. 

Disabled Veterans Program: Veterans with a 100 percent total and permanent service-connected disability, or their unmarried, surviving spouse, can receive a $45,000 assessment reduction, regardless of income. This tax relief benefit does not need to be repaid. A certification form must be completed in addition to the application.

Dare County has released a new video showcasing the Dare County Recreation Map, an interactive tool that serves as a comprehensive guide to attractions and amenities across the area, including beach accesses, boat launches, dog parks, picnic areas, fishing piers, ball fields, walking trails and more.

Whether you’re searching for indoor activities to enjoy on a rainy day or the perfect place to embark on an outdoor adventure during a bright and sunny one, the Dare County Recreation Map provides an array of options for everyone. Click the button below to view the video on Dare County’s YouTube channel or visit Play.DareCountyNC.gov to explore the map now!

Meet Gracie!

Meet Gracie, our Outer Banks SPCA Pet of the Week! Gracie is an active 2-year-old dog who loves to cuddle and play in the water! Stop by the Dare County Animal Shelter in Manteo to meet Gracie, and click here to watch a short video produced by Current TV.