KEY INFORMATION:
- The Village is still keeping an eye on the tropics – Imelda wrap-up and the latest outlook.
- Village Utilities has completed its routine maintenance task of blowing off dead ends.
- The Timber Bridge is now fully refurbished with new boards, new stain, and a wear deck.
- Your feedback is requested on a few projects the Village is exploring.
- Important municipal election deadlines/activities are approaching.
- Beach bonfire permits, changes from last year, no, we are not issuing permits yet.
REMINDERS & EVENTS:
- The IPC/PO’s operating hours will change on Monday, October 6, 2025.
- Dosher Memorial Hospital will be having a flu shot clinic on BHI on Tuesday, October 7, from 10-12.
- Annual change from chloramines to chlorine will begin on October 7, 2025.
- Duke Energy to test sirens on October 8.
- The 1st Annual BHI Surf Fishing Tournament is set from October 10-12.
- Join us for “Celebrate the Pollinator Garden Day” on Wednesday, October 15, from 10 to noon.
- The next regular Village Council meeting is on Friday, October 17, 2025.
- The PSA’s annual Chili Supper Fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, October 24, from 4 to 7 p.m.
- Join fellow islanders on the morning of Saturday, October 24, for a Litter Sweep, followed by awards for heaviest trash, most unusual trash, etc., at the BHI Conservancy!
- Halloween trick-or-treating on BHI is scheduled for Saturday, October 25.
- Cape Fear Marathon & Half is scheduled for Sunday, October 26.
- Go paperless with your Village Utility bill. It’s quick, convenient, and eco-friendly!
Imelda Wrap-Up & Tropical Outlook
Imelda – As of this morning, Imelda is located east of Bermuda. TS Imelda delivered above-average rainfall. Actual rainfall (5.06”) was above the average forecast range (2-4”) but within the plausible high-end threshold (6”). This short-duration tropical event had very limited impact compared with PTC #8 last year (+/- 20” < 8 hours). Dry soils and below-average water table (as evidenced by golf course lagoon water levels and bypass lagoon) significantly reduced potential flooding concerns that were brought about with PTC #8.
Notwithstanding, there were positive observations of island property owners mitigating the risk of personal property (i.e., golf carts) in moving to higher elevations. The Village’s right-of-ways, including the medians, are acceptable places to temporarily park golf carts for these events; however, we would like folks to make sure that all four wheels are off the asphalt pavement so our emergency vehicles have clearance. Please note, golf cart owners accept all risks associated with relocating carts on public property and should remove carts promptly after conditions improve.
After reviewing the pre- and post-storm drone video of the shoreline, there was no evidence of significant erosion or impacts to the frontal dune system. The shoreline held up well.
Tropical Outlook – There is a tropical wave that is expected to move off the coast of Africa over the next day or two. Thereafter, this wave is forecast to interact with another disturbance in the eastern tropical Atlantic, and some slow development of the combined feature is possible as the system moves westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph. Formation chance through 48 hours is low, near 0 percent. Formation chance through 7 days is low, 20 percent.
An area of low pressure may form along a remnant frontal boundary near the northwestern Bahamas and southern Florida over the next couple of days. Any additional development is expected to be slow to occur as the system moves northwestward across the Florida Peninsula and into the Gulf of America, so it won’t come near our area.
Tropical outlook updates are posted HERE.
The Village will continue to monitor the forecast and notify Islanders if action should be taken via the CodeRed notification system (sign up HERE). If you have not started your hurricane season preparations, please do so now. There are several resources on the Village’s website HERE,
Blowing of Dead Ends
Village Utilities routinely blows off dead-end roads and has recently completed this work. Performing this maintenance refreshes water lines and should not impact water quality or pressure. It takes about 30 minutes to do this work at each location and may leave puddles on the road. Consumers may notice some discoloration, which can be cleared by running outside spigots. If you have not occupied your home in a few weeks, you still may have some discoloration. If so, please try running your outside spigots. If you ever have questions about your water or sewer service or need assistance, please call (910) 457-9700 ext. 1000. You can also check for notices on our Utilities webpage and social media where known activities/issues are posted.
Timber Bridge
The Village appreciates your patience over the last several months as the Village and its contractors worked to replace all the boards on the vehicle portion of the Timber Bridge. Once the boards were replaced, they were stained and sealed, then wear decking was affixed to the new boards. We hope the wear deck will prolong the use of the new boards. The wear deck pieces were spaced out so that both golf cart and tram wheels can cross the bridge without touching the wood surface. Cyclers have the option of riding on the wear deck or the wood surface. The wear deck material is an HTPE anti-skid DOT pattern. There was some space left between the pieces to allow for the material to expand. Overall, riding over the bridge should be smoother and quieter. It may be tempting to increase speed while crossing the improved bridge; however, the speed limit remains 5 MPH and should be adhered to, as pedestrians frequently cross at both ends.
Your Feedback Is Requested
Since the Village Council retreat in February, we have been addressing concerns about the status of our Village parks and facilities and their effectiveness in fostering a sense of community. Discussions during open council meetings and subsequent preliminary studies have brought three projects to a level of development that could foster meaningful conversation. Additionally, the Village has requested proposals from engineers and architects to clarify the scope and financial feasibility further. Before expending public funds, the Village Council is soliciting feedback from Islanders on the projects. We are looking for input that could help direct further exploration, examination of alternatives, and evaluation of merit.
Playground – Previous feedback on future park use indicated that the public would like to have a playground at one of the Village parks. A landscape architect donated time to discuss space requirements and location options. Suggested locations were the Common Park in Cape Fear Station and the Marina Park. While we have received comments from several parties on this particular use at the common park, we encourage further location input. We are also seeking general thoughts on the need and character of a playground. Let the Village Council know by emailing them at council@villagebhi.org.
Public Restrooms – Some businesses and non-profits have filled this need for many years, and it is time the Village helps take the burden off these folks. The Village is currently looking at Village-owned properties where restrooms would be appropriately located, see maps HERE (west-end location is near Old Baldy, mid-island location is near the intersection of S Bald Head Wynd and Muscadine). The Village has requested a proposal from an architect familiar with the character of BHI architecture and who has designed restrooms at beaches for municipalities in our region. The project scope, possible phasing of the plan, and final location will be driven by the discussed public input and financial feasibility. Let the Village Council know by emailing them at council@villagebhi.org.
Pavillion – Longtime residents and visitors of BHI may remember that the current Village-owned Marina Park had a semi-permanent tent in which many public and private events took place. With this year’s successful summer concert series, Earth Day celebration, Public Safety Day, rental to private parties, and the possible center for multiple future community activities, there has been interest voiced for the Village to place a permanent structure at the old tent site. An architect donated time to rework an early design provided by Bald Head Island Limited (see HERE), and the village has requested a proposal for services from a structural engineer familiar with the design. A preliminary probable cost of construction is $775,000 (including engineering). Additionally, updating the current restrooms adjacent to the site at the time of construction (cost not included) will be considered. Usage of the new tent/pavilion and potential revenue will also be researched and evaluated. Let the Village Council know by emailing them at council@villagebhi.org.
2025 Municipal Election
A few important dates are coming up with the 2025 municipal election. See the full list of dates below.
| Friday, October 3 | Absentee ballots available |
| Sunday, October 5 | Residency deadline |
| Friday, October 10 (forms must be postmarked by this date) | Voter registration deadline |
| Thursday, October 16 – Saturday, November 1 | Early Voting |
| Tuesday, November 4 at 7:30 p.m. | All absentee ballots due at the Board of Elections office |
| Tuesday, November 4; polls open from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Municipal Election |
| Friday, November 14, 11:00 a.m. | Canvass |
The Village has a webpage on elections (HERE). Other information about elections can be found on the Brunswick County Board of Elections webpage HERE. Please direct all inquiries about voting to the Brunswick County Board of Elections.
Beach Bonfire Permits
Earlier this year, in March to be exact, the Village Council adopted a few changes to the Village’s ordinance regarding beach bonfires (adopted changes HERE). The main purpose of the amendment was to allow the possibility of having bonfires earlier, but after the last turtle nest had boiled. The Village has already been receiving inquiries about the start of the season, and we wanted to let folks know that it has not started yet.
The Village has, however, updated its website to include the changes in the ordinance. Once the Village Manager, with consultation from the Director of the Bald Head Island Conservancy, determines when the 2025/2026 beach bonfire season starts, the Village will announce it via the Village’s Voice, social media, and by updating the Beach Bonfire Permit webpage (HERE). Please do not contact the Department of Public Safety to check on the status. Please check the webpage, it will be the first to be updated when staff are notified of the start date.
REMINDERS & EVENTS:
IPC/PO to Close for Lunch Year-Round
Starting on Monday, October 6, 2025, the Island Package Center and Post Office will close for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. year-round. More info HERE.
Flu Shot Clinic
Dosher Memorial Hospital will be having a flu shot clinic on BHI on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 10:00 to noon. The clinic will take place at the Department of Public Safety in the bays. Please pull around to the back of the building and park there. Make sure to bring your ID and insurance card.
Annual Change from Chloramines to Chlorine
Brunswick County Public Utilities has announced that the water system disinfection method will be changing from chloramines to chlorine starting on October 7, 2025, through November 2025. Since the Village uses some County water, BHI consumers may notice a discoloration and presence of sediment in their water. These conditions are not harmful and are temporary. Village Utilities will be changing its method to the same chemicals between October 14 and 21. For more information, view the County’s full statement HERE and the Village’s full notice HERE.
Duke Energy Siren Test
From Duke Energy – The outdoor warning sirens around the Brunswick Nuclear Plant will be tested between 10 and 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. This is our annual, longer-duration test of up to three minutes.
The 38 sirens within 10 miles of the Brunswick Nuclear Plant will sound at full-volume for up to three minutes. To ensure they are functioning properly, it may be necessary to test some sirens more than once. Follow-up testing after siren maintenance may be required after 11 a.m.
Testing is performed in cooperation with emergency management officials in Brunswick and New Hanover counties, who are responsible for sounding the sirens.
Because this is a test, local broadcasting stations will not interrupt regular programming to broadcast Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages. If there were ever a real emergency at the plant requiring the sirens to be sounded, local radio and television stations would broadcast information and instructions to the public.
For more information about the outdoor warning sirens, residents can refer to information available at duke-energy.com/NuclearEP.
First Annual BHI Surf Fishing Tournament
The first annual BHI Surf Fishing Tournament is scheduled for October 10 through October 12. The event is being organized by The Craftsmen Group, LLC. Details and registration for the tournament can be found online HERE.
Proceeds from the tournament will be going to Kids Making It, Inc., a woodworking program for at-risk, low-income, and disadvantaged youth.
Celebrate the Pollinator Garden Day
Join the BHI Conservancy & Pollinator Garden volunteers on Wednesday, October 15, from 10 a.m. to noon at the pollinator garden for Celebrate the Pollinator Garden Day! Learn more about the plants in the pollinator garden and the various pollinators who visit it. If you wish, please bring garden gloves to participate in some weeding. FREE milkweed seeds will be provided for those who would like to get some started over the autumn/winter. Organizers are already planning for this year’s Earth Day celebration. Mark your calendars for April 10, 2026. Details to come!
Next Village Council Meeting
The next regular Village Council Meeting is on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The agenda will be posted HERE. Zoom information to listen in remotely can be found HERE.
PSA’s Chili Supper
The Public Service Auxiliary’s annual Chili Supper Fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety from 4 to 7 p.m. This fundraiser supports the tireless, courageous efforts by the Village’s Public Safety teams.
In addition to the chili, chips, and brownies, they will have a cornhole competition! There are more details in the flyer below.
Litter Sweep
The Bald Head Association and the Conservancy are co-sponsoring a Litter Sweep on Saturday, October 25th, from 10 am -12 noon.
Participants will start at the parking lot near the Maritime Market to receive their area to clean and other supplies. All participants should report back to the Conservancy by 12 noon. Trash will be weighed and prizes awarded for the heaviest trash, most unusual trash, etc.
The Conservancy is having a Southern Living Day on the 25th; Southern Living is a co-sponsor of the Litter Sweep.
Trick-or-Treating on BHI
The Bald Head Association is hosting island-wide trick or treating on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. If your home or business will be participating, please sign up (HERE) by October 15, 2025, to have your location listed as a candy distribution location. For questions, please email info@BaldHeadAssociation.com and/or visit the BHA webpage HERE.
Cape Fear Marathon & Half
The Cape Fear Marathon & Half is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Details about this race, including the race map, can be found HERE.
Go Paperless – Get Your Utility Bill by Email!
Tired of waiting for the mail? Sign up to receive your monthly utility bill directly in your email inbox. It’s quick, convenient, and eco-friendly!
To enroll, just give us a call at 910-457-9700, ext. 1000.
Switch today and enjoy:
- Faster delivery
- Less paper clutter
- Easy record keeping
Thank you for helping us go green while making bill pay simpler for you!
