Island Free Press

The Island Free Press is the inaugural online newspaper dedicated to the residents and visitors of both Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Launched on September 5, 2007, it has expanded its reach, content, and readership over the years. The primary goal of The Island Free Press is to report on the individuals, topics, and events that continuously influence the communities of Hatteras and Ocracoke.

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Wet weather ahead for the Outer Banks, but tropical system unlikely

3 days ago | islandfreepress.org | Sam Walker

From SamWalkerOBXNews.comA low pressure system off the southeast coast and stretching over Florida is forecast to move onshore and bring Eastern North Carolina periods of moderate to heavy rain for the second half of the work week, but it is not expected to become tropical. The National Hurricane Center earlier this week said the system had a 10% chance of taking on tropical characteristics as it develops, just as the 2025 hurricane season begins in the Atlantic.
Homeowners insurance base rate hikes begin this month across North Carolina

6 days ago | islandfreepress.org | Sam Walker

From SamWalkerOBXNews.comThe base rates on new and renewing homeowners insurance policies across northeastern North Carolina will cost more starting this month, after a settlement reached in January between insurance companies and state regulators. The North Carolina Rate Bureau, which represents companies writing policies in the state, originally asked for an increase topping 45% along the Outer Banks and an almost 34% increase on the mainland.
Two weeks left in public comment period on plan to reopen offshore drilling leases

6 days ago | islandfreepress.org | Sam Walker

From SamWalkerOBXNews.comA public comment period runs through June 15 on a plan announced last month by the Trump Administration to develop a new schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management published in the Federal Register on April 30 a request for comments on the preparation of the 11th National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program.
Fessenden Center shares summertime events in June newsletter

1 week ago | islandfreepress.org | Joy Crist

The Fessenden Center in Buxton recently released its June 2025 newsletter, which has information on upcoming classes, special events, and summertime camps for kids. The full newsletter and monthly calendar can be accessed on the Dare County website, and June highlights are listed below.
Outer Banks SPCA’s pups take a day trip to Frisco for a meet-and-greet fundraiser

1 week ago | islandfreepress.org | Joy Crist

Three furry ambassadors from the Outer Banks SPCA took a day trip to Frisco on Friday, May 30, to meet and greet with Hatteras Island residents and visitors at the “Pups at Frisco Bay Coastal Grill” fundraising event. In a first for Hatteras Island, local business Frisco Bay Coastal Grill teamed up with the Outer Banks SPCA to host a fundraiser for Dare County’s local animal shelter.
June 1 marks the start of Hurricane Season 2025

1 week ago | islandfreepress.org | Sam Walker

From SamWalkerOBXNews.comToday marks the official beginning of hurricane season in the North Atlantic basin, lasting through the end of November. While tropical cyclones can form at any time of the year, activity typically begins to increase during late spring and lasts through much of the fall. The peak of the season runs from around mid-August to roughly mid-October.
Dr. Beach leaves North Carolina off top 10 U.S. beaches list for second straight year

1 week ago | islandfreepress.org | Sam Walker

From SamWalkerOBXNews.comA renowned coastal scientist has left North Carolina off his list of the top ten beaches in the United States for a second straight year. Florida International University Professor Stephen Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach, announced his Top 10 beaches in the United States just ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
Annual Ocrafolk Music and Storytelling Festival returns for its 25th year on June 6-8

1 week ago | islandfreepress.org | Joy Crist

The Ocrafolk Music and Storytelling Festival returns for its 25th year on the grounds of the Berkley Manor from June 6 to 8, 2025. Produced by the nonprofit organization Ocracoke Alive, the annual celebration features musicians, storytellers, artisans, and more, and musical performers include a mix of old and new with blues, country, soul, funk, classical, bluegrass and spiritual genres.
Public reminded of ORV night driving restrictions after an uptick of after-hours beach drivers

1 week ago | islandfreepress.org | Joy Crist

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) issued a reminder of the current night driving restrictions at all off-road vehicle (ORV) ramps after an increase in beach drivers was reported outside of the permitted daytime hours. “Cape Hatteras National Seashore law enforcement rangers have noticed an uptick in ORV drivers arriving on the beach before opening times at ramps 38, 55, and a number of other ocean-side ramps,” said Mike Barber, Public Affairs Specialist for CHNS.
Credit union serving county, town employees completes breakaway this weekend

1 week ago | islandfreepress.org | Sam Walker

From SamWalkerOBXNews.comCredit unions that serve local and state government employees in North Carolina will be ending their relationship spanning the last 42 years, as Local Government Federal Credit Union will become fully independent over the weekend. LGFCU announced in February 2023 that its Board of Directors had approved breaking off from State Employees Credit Union, and the merger of LGFCU with Civic Federal Credit Union was approved by regulators last August.