Nate Mauldin

1 week ago | wwaytv3.com | Nate Mauldin

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — A 50-acre park complete with an amphitheater and surrounding retail space could be coming to the town of Leland—but the group of residents behind it must first get approval from town leaders. Leland Central Park is a concept for a 50-acre park that would include walking trails, tennis courts, space for restaurants, shopping and more. The project already has support from 95% of the nearly 300 Leland residents who were surveyed.

1 week ago | wwaytv3.com | Nate Mauldin

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Some neighbors in Wilmington are devastated after around a dozen live oak trees were cut down at a development happening on Wrightsville Ave. “These were absolutely outstanding legacy trees. Just beautiful,” nearby resident Nina Brown said. The development company behind the project—South Carolina-based Johnson Development Associates—was only able to cut down the trees because they had by right approval under an old city code.

1 week ago | wwaytv3.com | Nate Mauldin

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington City Council is one step closer to finalizing their budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Council made its first of two votes on the new budget Tuesday, which passed first reading 6-1. Some of the things in the budget include $30.5 million for capital projects, $8.6 million in salary increases, including for first responders, and $2.3 million for affordable housing projects.

1 week ago | wwaytv3.com | Nate Mauldin

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — After four people were swept thousands of feet offshore last week in Holden Beach, officials are warning about the dangers of inlet currents. “I’ll tell you, it’s extremely strong and can move you very long distances,” Terry Hoben with Oak Island Water Rescue said. Hoben notes inlet currents are similar to rip currents—a strong pull of water that can pull people out to sea. Inlets can amplify that movement of water, making them even stronger.

1 week ago | wwaytv3.com | Nate Mauldin

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — Firefighters in Oak Island are using an ingenious device to help rescue people who get stuck in the mud. The device, aptly named the “Mud Buster,” is a small, articulated hose that sprays out water. It can be used to help rescue people stuck in the mud along ponds and waterways. Here’s how it works: the hose is placed down the leg of the person that’s stuck, and water is blasted out of the hose. The water then breaks up the mud so the person can be lifted out.