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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Hatteras Island CERT establishes Starlink system in Avon for emergency internet access

6 days ago | islandfreepress.org | Joy Crist |Sam Walker

The Hatteras Island Community Emergency Response Team (HI CERT) announced on Thursday that the nonprofit organization’s Starlink system has been set up behind the Avon medical center, and will remain on in case of future communications outages and other emergencies. “You can park in the lot behind the medical center for use,” stated HI CERT in the announcement. “The network is named Cahacert, there is no password.
IRS gives all North Carolinians more time to file 2024 taxes, but state returns are still due May 1

6 days ago | islandfreepress.org | Sam Walker |Joy Crist

From SamWalkerOBXNews.comAnother automatic extension has been granted by the Internal Revenue Service for everyone in North Carolina to file their 2024 federal individual tax returns. However, state returns for last year are still going to be due at the start of next month as of now.
State coastal commission to meet in Manteo April 30 – May 1 | Island Free Press

6 days ago | islandfreepress.org | Sam Walker |Joy Crist

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet April 30 and May 1 at the Dare County Government Center, 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo. The regular business meeting of the CRC will be called to order at 1 p.m. on April 30 and will resume at 9 a.m. on May 1. A public input and comment period is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on May 1. At the chair’s discretion, comments may be limited to 3 minutes per person. The public may attend the CRC meeting in-person or join online.
14th Roanoke Island American Indian Festival and Powwow will be held on April 26-27

6 days ago | islandfreepress.org | Sam Walker |Joy Crist

By Joan L. Collins – Director, Outreach and Education Pea Island Preservation Society, Inc. On April 26-27, from 11:00 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day, the 14th Roanoke Island American Indian Festival will be held at the Manteo High School Practice Field.
Frisco Mini Golf and Go Karts will host annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 19

1 week ago | islandfreepress.org | Joy Crist |Sam Walker

Frisco Mini Golf and Go Karts will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.The yearly hunt is free and open to the public, and the event features games, food, and more than 3,000 eggs with prizes and candy that are hidden on the mini golf course grounds.
NC Senate wants tolls on Hatteras Inlet, Currituck Sound ferry routes, double Ocracoke-mainland and Ocracoke Express rates

1 week ago | islandfreepress.org | Sam Walker |Joy Crist

From SamWalkerOBXNews.comAnother attempt by state lawmakers to add tolls to the currently free ferry routes along North Carolina’s coast is underway at the General Assembly.
Zoning text change leads to new questions about an old amendment for Buxton Woods

1 week ago | islandfreepress.org | Mark Jurkowitz |Sam Walker |Joy Crist |Stephen Smith

At the April 1 meeting of the Dare County Planning Board, the board approved a zoning text amendment that removed a paragraph referring to a Zone of Influence near Buxton Woods.
NCSU researchers predict 12 to 15 named storms during 2025 hurricane season

1 week ago | islandfreepress.org | Sam Walker |Joy Crist

From SamWalkerOBXNews.comResearchers at North Carolina State University are predicting another active Atlantic hurricane season in 2025, calling for 12 to 15 named tropical cyclones this year. The number of named storms predicted is in line with recent averages, according to Lian Xie, professor of marine, earth and atmospheric sciences at NC State.
Old Manns Harbor Bridge to reopen in Mid-May

1 week ago | islandfreepress.org | Joy Crist

The William B. Umstead Bridge, locally known as the Old Manns Harbor Bridge, will reopen sometime in mid-May, as work continues on a $33 million bridge preservation project. Final touches on the bridge deck and expansion joints are underway and must be completed before the 70-year-old bridge can be considered traffic ready. Contractors hope to have that work completed in three to five weeks, weather permitting.
N.C. Ferry Division's recruiting efforts result in 18 new hires

1 week ago | islandfreepress.org | Joy Crist |Sam Walker

The N.C. Ferry Division has been working to hire the employees necessary to meet peak summer ferry transportation demand thanks to its concerted recruitment effort. From January through March, the division held career events in Ocracoke, Washington, Southport, Manteo and Hatteras, with two events held in Morehead City. Many people attended the events, and the division was able to hire 18 qualified applicants.