In this issue:
- Highlights of the August Village Council regular meeting.
- Brunswick County is now under Stage 2 water restrictions, burn ban in effect, drought update.
- Overview of the August 13 Stormwater on BHI education event. Recording available.
- New ticket policy from BHI Transportation Inc. is coming into effect on September 17.
- The trash pickup schedule is going to go once a week on Labor Day.
- Life flights out of BHI: what the public needs to know.
- Property tax bills are now available.
Reminders & Events:
- This Labor Day weekend, join Old Baldy Foundation and the NC Fourth of July Festival as they commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort George. Simulated cannon & musket fire expected.
- Village offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
- You’re invited to attend the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge public hearings (9/14 & 9/15).
- The next regular Village Council meeting is on Friday, September 18, 2026.
- There are two BHIYC summer concerts left!
- Operation Medicine Cabinet is scheduled for October 7, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- The 2nd annual BHI Surf Fishing Tournament is scheduled for October 9-11.
- The next Badwater Marathon & Half is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2026.
- Village Utilities recommends installation of owner shut-off valves ahead of freezing temperatures this winter.
Village Council Regular Meeting
The Village Council conducted its last regular meeting on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Below are a few highlights:
- Village Council requested better cost estimates from the coastal engineer for the proposed soft-tube groin field conversion to hardened structures to help decide if the Village will be moving forward with the feasibility study.
- Village Council authorized staff to hire a surveyor to provide surveys of Village right-of-way in the East Beach area, including all of Station House Way and E Beach Drive, to seek additional information to address public parking in the area.
- Village Council approved the Village’s third grant application submittal for Asset Inventory Assessment (AIA) water/sewer grant funding.
- Mayor Quinn gave an update on the BHI Transportation Authority.
- Several updates were provided by staff; topics included: the Frying Pan Shoals borrow site, Sand Management Plan re-evaluation, BHI marina channel shoaling, development moratorium, West Beach/Green Teal Trail conditions, Wilmington Harbor Navigation Improvement project, Leeward Court bulkhead wall repair, 2026-2030 Long-Range Plan priorities, wastewater treatment plan, and ICE Annual permit revenue.
A full recap with additional details is posted monthly on our Village Council meeting recap webpage. If you’d like to listen to an engaging podcast reviewing the regular meeting, you can access our podcast. All questions should go to public.information@villagebhi.org.
A full account of these meetings can be found in the minutes, which are posted on our agenda webpage. Typically, minutes are posted with the agenda of next month’s meeting (e.g., if you want to read the December meeting minutes, they can be found under the January regular meeting agenda).
Stage 2 Water Restrictions in Effect
In an August 17 announcement, Brunswick County announced that it moved from Stage 3 to Stage 2 MANDATORY water conservation alert and expanded the irrigation schedule. Please view the announcement for details and the latest irrigation schedule. Village Utilities supplements its potable water supply through Brunswick County Public Utilities; Village Utilities customers are also required to comply with these mandatory water conservation measures.
Coinciding with Brunswick County’s June 8 burn ban, the Village of Bald Head Island remains under a burn ban. All burning within 100 ft. of any structure is banned on BHI. The ban does not apply to charcoal or gas grills, provided fire safety precautions are taken (grilling safety tips).
Updates to the water conservation alerts will be posted to our Village Utilities webpage. Updates for the burn ban are posted to our Public Safety webpage. Both updates will appear on our social media channels.
As of August 18, 2026, the North Carolina Drought Advisory issued by the Drought Management Advisory Council indicated that Brunswick County remains in D3 – extreme drought conditions.
Stormwater on BHI Education Event
On August 13, the Village hosted an educational session to introduce a new stormwater master plan aimed at managing the island’s distinct drainage challenges. Funded by a state grant (LASII), the project features an interactive GIS StoryMap designed to help residents visualize local elevation, soil types, and groundwater patterns.
The initiative encourages site design best practices, such as preserving natural vegetation and elevating structures, to mitigate flooding risks while maintaining the island’s ecological harmony. The Village emphasized that while engineered systems like pumps and outfalls help manage major events, property owners play a vital role in reducing nuisance flooding on their own land.
The GIS StoryMap is expected to be available for public view a month from now. As soon as it is available, the Village will be sharing the link via the Village’s Voice e-newsletter, announcements, social media channels, and website.
A recording of the educational session is on the Village’s YouTube channel.
New Ticket Policy
From Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc.:
Beginning Monday, September 14, passengers presenting a screenshot or photo of a ticket must ensure that the QR code and all associated ticket information are clearly visible. We will no longer accept QR-code-only images or screenshots/photos where any portion of the ticket information is cut off or not visible. If the Ferry Crewmember scanning your ticket cannot clearly determine the ticket being presented, you will be directed to the Ticket Office for assistance. This may require having your ticket reprinted or purchasing a new ticket. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we implement this policy update. This policy goes into effect Monday, September 14.
Trash Schedule
Trash pickup will go to once a week on Labor Day, September 7, 2026. Pickup will be on Monday and Tuesday only. Biweekly pickup will resume after Memorial Day 2027. The Village’s trash and yard debris pickup calendar includes the pickup dates for the remainder of the year and includes a map of the pickup areas.
Life Flights out of BHI
When Life Flight is responding to Bald Head Island, the public may see Public Safety personnel closing a portion of South Bald Head Wynd east of Muscadine Wynd.
The road closure is necessary for the safe operation of the helicopter and is not simply a traffic inconvenience. Members of the public near the landing zone should not attempt to drive, walk, or operate golf carts through the closed area.
The road will remain closed until the helicopter has departed and Public Safety determines that it is safe to reopen.
Members of the public should follow all directions from Public Safety personnel and Public Safety Volunteers and stay clear of the landing area. Do not approach the aircraft or its crew unless specifically directed to do so.
If you would like to learn more about how Life Flights are used on BHI, please read our full article Life Flight Use for Medical Emergencies on Bald Head Island.
Property Tax Bills
Brunswick County recently announced that 2026 property tax bills will soon arrive in mailboxes and balances are now available online via the Brunswick County Tax Office’s Property & Tax Information Tool.
The 2026 tax bill for Bald Head Island property owners will include the county property tax, municipal (Village) property tax, and any applicable fees.
Taxes are due and payable on September 1, 2026, and can be paid without interest up through January 5, 2027. After January 5, 2027, a 2% interest will be added to the bill. If still unpaid, 3/4% interest will be added on Feb. 1, 2027, and each additional month the bill remains delinquent.
Please refer to the County’s August 10 announcement for detailed information on payment options.
REMINDERS & EVENTS:
America 250: Battle of Fort George Weekend
Experience revolutionary history this Labor Day weekend (August 5 & 6)! The Old Baldy Foundation & the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival invite you to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort George with a weekend of living history, family activities, and commemorative events.
For a full schedule of the weekend’s events, go to Old Baldy’s event webpage.
Please note: Some of the live re-enactments will include simulated cannon and musket fire.
Village Offices Closed for Labor Day
Village offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, for the Labor Day holiday. This includes the Island Package Center & Post Office and Public Safety administration. Monday trash service will not be impacted. Please call 911 if you need a Public Safety Officer to come to you.
Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Public Hearings
You’re invited to the NC Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement public hearings, scheduled for September 14 and 15 in Brunswick and New Hanover counties.
Built in 1969, the existing four-lane, steel vertical-lift bridge is becoming functionally obsolete, meaning it can no longer effectively service current traffic demands. While the existing bridge is safe, it is reaching the end of its lifecycle. The NCDOT has identified two proposed alternatives to replace the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and is seeking public comments through October 15.
For details, view NCDOT’s press release.
Next Regular Village Council Meeting
The next regular Village Council Meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Meetings are held in the multi-purpose room in the Department of Public Safety (273 Edward Teach Ext.). The agenda for the meeting will be posted on the agenda webpage. Zoom information for listening remotely can be found on the meeting schedule webpage. If you are unable to attend, we will be publishing a written recap on the Village Council meeting recap webpage, and there will be a podcast episode covering the highlights.
Summer Concert Series
There are only two more concerts left in Bald Head Island Yacht Club’s summer concert series. Details below.
Operation Medicine Cabinet
Dosher Memorial Hospital’s 31st semi-annual Operation Medicine Cabinet is coming up on Wednesday, October 7. Safely dispose of your unwanted or expired prescription medication during this event. The drop-off location is at Dosher’s Memorial Hospital Front Entrance (924 N. Howe Street, Southport). The convenient drive-through event will be open between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Proper disposal helps prevent prescription drug misuse and keeps medications out of our waterways and environment.
Please note that sharps cannot be accepted at this event, but they will have information available on safe at-home sharps disposal. For more information, call 910-457-3900 or email marketing@dosher.org.
2nd Annual BHI Surf Fishing Tournament
The second annual BHI Surf Fishing Tournament is scheduled for October 9 through October 11. The event is being organized by The Craftsmen Group, LLC. Details and registration for the tournament can be found on the event website.
Proceeds from the tournament will be going to Kids Making It, Inc., a woodworking program for at-risk, low-income, and disadvantaged youth.
Badwater Marathon & Half
The Badwater Marathon & Half is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. More information about the race can be found on the event website.
Owner Water Service Shutoffs Recommended
While we have been currently experiencing extreme heat, it was not too long ago that Islanders were dealing with freezing temperatures and snow! Starting this year, due to the increasing number of island property owners who have been requesting that Village Utilities shut off their water service temporarily for freezes, the Village will not be offering “on-demand” shut-offs for freezing events.
Alternatively, the Village is strongly recommending that property owners install an owner shutoff valve at their residences. This way, the owner or property manager can control the water service coming to the home without having to contact Village Utilities prior to a freezing event AND remember to contact us again when the home is occupied to turn the service back on. Installing an owner shutoff also protects homeowners year-round in the case of a major water leak. The water can be shut off immediately to prevent serious property damage.
Please contact a licensed plumber to install your owner shutoff. A list of plumbers can be found on the BHA’s website. You may also be eligible for benefits from your home insurance provider for installing this equipment.
ISLAND EVENTS
Bald Head Association
Old Baldy Foundation
BHI Conservancy
Village Chapel
Project Longevity
Village of Bald Head Island
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