Bob Liepa

1 week ago | stateportpilot.com | Bob Liepa

A fiscal year 2026 budget proposed by Bald Head Island Village Manager Chris McCall would see an overall 2.3-cent property tax increase per $100 of valuation. If approved, that would bring the village-wide tax rate to 65.07 cents, with an additional 9.14 cents for properties in Municipal Service District Zone A and 6.88 cents more in Municipal Service District Zone B. Those are supplemental taxes based on the proximity of those zones to the shoreline.

1 week ago | stateportpilot.com | Bob Liepa

To some, Memorial Day conjures up thoughts of the start of summer, cookouts, a day off from work and school. Then it takes someone like retired Army Col. Willie L. Gore to remind them of the deeper meaning of the federal holiday. The last Monday in May is a day to honor United States military personnel who died in the service of their country. Gore, commander of American Legion Bellamy-Joyner Post 213, offered that reminder during the Southport Memorial Day ceremony hosted by John N.

1 week ago | stateportpilot.com | Bob Liepa

Be ready to batten down the hatches. Above normal hurricane activity for the 2025 Atlantic Ocean hurricane season has been predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA’s National Weather Service forecasters see a 60% chance of an above normal season, according to the agency’s outlook released on May 22. The season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. A range of 13-19 named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher are forecast.

1 week ago | stateportpilot.com | Bob Liepa

Mulch, mulch everywhere. That was the scene at Franklin Square Park in Southport May 19 when a dozen students from Wood County Christian School in West Virginia laid down mulch in the park. Fifteen truckloads of mulch donated by Bianchi Brickyard & Landscaping Supply were delivered to the site three days earlier, said Southport Parks and Recreation Department Maintenance Supervisor Mike McGhee.

1 week ago | stateportpilot.com | Bob Liepa

A proposed zoning text amendment to the Southport Unified Development Ordinance that would allow commercialized venues to host special events has drawn concern - and downright opposition. The city is considering the creation of a new accessory land use labeled “specialized events,” as well as the institution of a temporary use permit to provide bed and breakfasts and other commercial establishments the opportunity to host events such as weddings, entertainment and holiday parties.