Dare Arts Pride Project makes its debut in June
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Dare Arts Pride Project makes its debut in June

A month of visual, performing and literary art events highlighting artists who self-identify within the LGBTQ+ community will begin on Friday, June 2 as part of the Dare Arts Pride Project, which was developed by Dare Arts in collaboration with Out on the Outer Banks and OBX Pridefest.

“We’re very excited to work with Dare Arts on this project that uplifts a group of lesser-known locals,” said Out on the Outer Banks. “LGBTQ+ artists have unique experiences that often inform their artistic expressions, adding diversity and color to the world. We hope everyone can appreciate these varied works and connect with the artists who are our friends, family members, and neighbors.”

Outside Straight Lines- A Visual Arts Exhibition Featuring Queer Artists will open in Dare Arts’ Courtroom Gallery with a special reception from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, June 2. The reception is free and open to all and is during First Friday in downtown Manteo. Outside Straight Lines will be open for viewing during normal gallery hours through June 30.

Dare Arts’ June First Friday celebration will also include the debut of a fiber installation in The Courtyard by artist Elisa McVearry. The installation will remain on display through the summer.

“My plan is to cover some of The Courtyard’s concrete walls in “craftivist” fiber art to bring awareness to the queer community and its struggles and triumphs,” said fiber artist Elisa McVearry.  “My hope is that the viewer will consider that their fellow community members are deserving of equal rights and will join the fight against the current wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.”

Seven-piece band The Storyweavers will be playing their first show on the Outer Banks bringing Americana folk music to The Courtyard on Friday, June 2 from 6pm to 8pm.

First Friday will conclude with a spectacular fire performance in The Courtyard by Panda Daniels, starting at 8pm.

The Dare Arts Pride Project will continue on Thursday, June 8 with a free concert by nationally touring duo Mama’s Black Sheep at Waveriders Coffee, Deli & Pub in Nags Head from 7pm to 9pm. The evening will be a social gathering for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to connect. Waveriders will have food and drinks available for purchase.

“We are so excited to return to the Outer Banks to play in June,” said singer-songwriters Ashland Miller and Laura Cerulli of Mama’s Black Sheep. “Each of our songs allows you to travel with time, whether you’re swinging to country, rocking to pop, grooving to soul, or swaying to the blues; there’s always something to move your body and stir your soul.”

On Tuesday, June 13 there will be a special Dare Arts Pride Project Open Mic Night at Hi-Vibe Holistics Listening Room in Kill Devil Hills starting at 7pm. This evening is also free and open to LGBTQ+ community members and their allies and will be hosted by Evan Tillett. Performances including, but not limited to, poetry, prose, song (vocal or instrumental), monologue/scene, and/or stand-up are welcome. Those interested in participating in the Open Mic Night can sign up online at DareArts.org/outsidestraightlines. Sign-ups are not required, but are encouraged.

“As an openly gay Outer Banks native, it means a lot to me to see these types of events occur in my hometown,” said Evan Tillett. “Dare Arts has been a loyal advocate of the three communities that are most important to me; Dare County, the LGBTQ+ community, and the arts community. So, when they asked if I would host the Dare Arts Pride Project Open Mic Night, I jumped at the opportunity.”

Dare Arts Pride Project events are sponsored by Downtown Books, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Outer Banks, Anderson’s Florist OBX, and All Saints Episcopal Church.

This project is sponsored by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.

This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

For more information about these events, visit DareArts.org or call 252 473 5558.

Dare Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.






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NOAA predicts a near-normal 2023 Atlantic hurricane season
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NOAA predicts a near-normal 2023 Atlantic hurricane season

NOAA forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, predict near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.

A summary infographic showing hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms predicted from NOAA's 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. 
A summary infographic showing hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms predicted from NOAA’s 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook.  (Image credit: NOAA)

“Thanks to the Commerce Department and NOAA’s critical investments this year in scientific and technological advancements in hurricane modeling, NOAA will be able to deliver even more accurate forecasts, helping ensure communities have the information they need to prepare for and respond to the destructive economic and ecological impacts of Atlantic hurricanes,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo.

A summary graphic showing an alphabetical list of the 2023 Atlantic tropical cyclone names as selected by the World Meteorological Organization. The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 and runs through November 30. 
A summary graphic showing an alphabetical list of the 2023 Atlantic tropical cyclone names as selected by the World Meteorological Organization. The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 and runs through November 30.  (Image credit: NOAA)

The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be less active than recent years, due to competing factors — some that suppress storm development and some that fuel it — driving this year’s overall forecast for a near-normal season.

After three hurricane seasons with La Nina present, NOAA scientists predict a high potential for El Nino to develop this summer, which can suppress Atlantic hurricane activity. El Nino’s potential influence on storm development could be offset by favorable conditions local to the tropical Atlantic Basin. Those conditions include the potential for an above-normal west African monsoon, which produces African easterly waves and seeds some of the stronger and longer-lived Atlantic storms, and warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea which creates more energy to fuel storm development. These factors are part of the longer term variability in Atlantic atmospheric and oceanic conditions that are conducive to hurricane development — known as the high-activity era for Atlantic hurricanes — which have been producing more active Atlantic hurricane seasons since 1995.

“With a changing climate, the data and expertise NOAA provides to emergency managers and partners to support decision-making before, during and after a hurricane has never been more crucial,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “To that end, this year we are operationalizing a new hurricane forecast model and extending the tropical cyclone outlook graphic from five to seven days, which will provide emergency managers and communities with more time to prepare for storms.”

This summer, NOAA will implement a series of upgrades and improvements. NOAA will expand the capacity of its operational supercomputing system by 20%. This increase in computing capability will enable NOAA to improve and run more complex forecast models, including significant model upgrades this hurricane season:

  • In late June, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS) will become operational. HAFS will run this season in tandem with the currently operational Hurricane Weather Research and Forecast Model System and Hurricanes in a Multi-scale Ocean-coupled Non-hydrostatic model, but eventually will become NOAA’s primary hurricane model. Retrospective analysis of tropical storms and hurricanes from the 2020-2022 seasons show that this model has a 10-15% improvement in track forecasts over existing operational models. This new model was jointly created by NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory Hurricane Modeling and Prediction Program and NOAA’s National Weather Service Environmental Modeling Center.
  • The Probabilistic Storm Surge model upgrade on May 2, advances storm surge forecasting for the contiguous U.S. and new forecasts for surge, tide and waves for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Forecasters now have the ability to run the model for two storms simultaneously. This model provides forecasters with the likelihood, or probability, of various flooding scenarios including a near worst-case scenario to help communities prepare for all potential outcomes.

Additional upgrades or new tools for hurricane analysis and forecasting include:

  • The National Hurricane Center’s Tropical Weather Outlook graphic, which shows tropical cyclone formation potential, has expanded the forecast range from five to seven days.
  • Over the last 10 years, flooding from tropical storm rainfall was the single deadliest hazard. To give communities more time to prepare, the Weather Prediction Center is extending the Excessive Rainfall Outlook an additional two days, now providing forecasts up to five days in advance. The outlook shows general areas at risk for flash flooding due to excessive rainfall.
  • The National Weather Service will unveil a new generation of forecast flood inundation mapping for portions of Texas and portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast in September 2023. These forecast maps will extend to the rest of the U.S. by 2026. Forecast flood inundation maps will show the extent of flooding at the street level.

NOAA will continue improving new and current observing systems critical in understanding and forecasting hurricanes. Two projects underway this season include:

“As we saw with Hurricane Ian, it only takes one hurricane to cause widespread devastation and upend lives. So regardless of the number of storms predicted this season, it is critical that everyone understand their risk and heed the warnings of state and local officials. Whether you live on the coast or further inland, hurricanes can cause serious impacts to everybody in their path,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Visit ready.gov or listo.gov for readiness resources, and get real time emergency alerts by downloading the FEMA App. Actions taken today can save your life when disaster strikes. The time to prepare is now.”

NOAA’s outlook is for overall seasonal activity and is not a landfall forecast. In addition to the Atlantic seasonal outlook, NOAA also issues seasonal hurricane outlooks for the eastern Pacificand central Pacific hurricane basins. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center will update the 2023 Atlantic seasonal outlook in early August, just prior to the historical peak of the season.

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North Carolina joins effort to establish regional fisheries mitigation for offshore wind development
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North Carolina joins effort to establish regional fisheries mitigation for offshore wind development

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina has joined other Atlantic Coast states involved with the Special Initiative on Offshore Wind on a coordinated project to support fisheries mitigation in the development of offshore wind along the East Coast.

“It is important that we work to meet our state’s offshore wind energy goals while still protecting our marine fishery industry,” said Governor Cooper. “We are committed to collaborating with other states in this effort to make sure we achieve both goals.”

North Carolina is working with Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.

Currently, the Initiative is focused on establishing a framework to compensate commercial and for-hire fishermen in the event of economic impact related to offshore wind development. The goal is to develop a regional approach for administration of any financial compensation paid by developers. Economic impacts from coastal fishing in North Carolina top $4.5 billion annually.

Together, the states plan to develop consistent, fair and transparent compensatory mitigation procedures and through the non-profit Initiative, establish a regional fund administrator for fisheries compensatory mitigation.

Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 218 sets a target of 2.8 GW of offshore wind energy resources off the North Carolina coast by 2030 and 8.0 GW by 2040.

The Special Initiative on Offshore Wind, which has been coordinating input into the process, has included multiple stakeholders such as the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance on behalf of the commercial fishing industry, offshore wind developers through American Clean Power, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and legal experts specializing in the development and administration of mitigation funds.

Earlier this year, the states collected input and released a final scoping document on April 13.

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Police seek information regarding Sunday burglary in Manteo
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Police seek information regarding Sunday burglary in Manteo

On May 21, 2023, at approximately 4:23 am, Dare County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Criminal Investigations responded to a burglary that had just occurred at a residence in the 100 block of Etheridge Rd, Manteo. One victim was assaulted and taken to Outer Banks Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

This case is still under investigation and if anyone has any information pertaining to this incident, please call Dare Central Communications at 252-473-3444, Dare County Sheriff’s Office 252-475-5980 or Dare County Crime Line at 252-473-3111.

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Sandy Paws Pet Care celebrates ribbon cutting
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Sandy Paws Pet Care celebrates ribbon cutting

The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Sandy Paws Pet Care OBX LLC on May 24th. 

Jim Gilreath, Chairman of the Chamber Board and Attorney at Rose, Harrison, Gilreath & Powers, P.C. congratulated Kayla Knight, Owner of the new business in Kill Devil Hills.  “Sandy Paws Pet Care offers walks, drop-ins, daycare, and overnight pet sitting in your home.”

The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce is an advocate for business on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. A regional organization representing 1,000 businesses, the Outer Banks Chamber serves Dare County, Currituck County, and Ocracoke Island.

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Southern Shores woman reported missing
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Southern Shores woman reported missing

Grace Ghirardi, 75, has been reported missing from 9th Avenue in Southern Shores, according to a report from the Southern Shores Police Department.

Ghirardi was last seen wearing a tan button down sweater, khaki pants, black loafers, and has red & gray hair. Grace is on foot and suffers from Alzheimers.

If seen, please notify Dare Central Communications at 252-473-3444.

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“The Story of BBQ in N.C.” exhibit open at Roanoke Island Festival Park
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“The Story of BBQ in N.C.” exhibit open at Roanoke Island Festival Park

The traveling exhibit “The Story of BBQ in N.C.” is now open at Roanoke Island Festival Park. This free exhibit is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June 18 in the Ticket Sales Gallery.

“The Story of BBQ in N.C.” explores the emergence of hog cultivation and food made from them as a centerpiece of many gatherings. The exhibit also explores the East vs West debate about sauces and condiments, even as it seeks to explain that the eastern vinegar base and the western tomato ketchup enhanced versions really aren’t that different.  

Accompanying educational materials include STEM-based activities, a “Healthy Helpings” board game and a play kitchen for the youngest visitors to explore healthy eating options.

This traveling exhibit is on loan from the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and was created with financial support from the N.C. Pork Council.    

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Low pressure system to impact area through Memorial Day weekend
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Low pressure system to impact area through Memorial Day weekend

A slow moving, developing low pressure system offshore, is forecast to come ashore into the Carolinas Saturday or Sunday, according to a Thursday update from the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City.

This low will bring widespread showers and possible thunderstorms with heavy rains and strong northeasterly winds to eastern North Carolina beginning Thursday and continuing into Memorial Day weekend.

Some impacts expected form this system include:
  • Rainfall of 2-4″ with locally heavier amounts possible through Memorial Day (Monday).
  • Gale Force Winds with seas building to 10-15 ft Friday night into Saturday.
  • Rough surf, minor coastal flooding (ocean and sound side), localized ocean over wash north of Cape Lookout, and  an elevated rip current risk for the beaches.
The main coastal flood concerns will be oceanside north of Cape Lookout, and sound side adjacent to the southern Pamlico Sound, Neuse, Bay, Pamlico, and Pungo Rivers.
Strong NE winds with gusts of 45-50 mph are also to be expected across Eastern Carteret, and Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands.

Additional details can be found on the attached infographic below:

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Free Memorial Day Summer Kick-Off Concert returns to Duck
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Free Memorial Day Summer Kick-Off Concert returns to Duck

Following a three-year hiatus, the Memorial Day Summer Kick-Off Concert returns to the Town of Duck on Monday, May 29, 2023 with the USAF Heritage of American Heritage Brass Band. This free show starts at 6:00 p.m. on the Town Green.

Bring your chairs, blankets, coolers, and families to help us welcome the 2023 summer season in Duck.

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7 from Currituck compete in 2023 District 4-H Horse Shows
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7 from Currituck compete in 2023 District 4-H Horse Shows

The East Region 4-H Qualifying Horse Show was held April 29-30, 2023 at the Senator Bob Martin Ag Center in Williamston, NC.  Also, the North Region 4-H Qualifying Horse Show was held May 13-14 at the Hunt complex in Raleigh, NC. Currituck was well represented at both shows.

Currituck 4-H’ers competing at the East show were Amber Jones, Cayden Lowe, Carsyn Sawyer, Karleigh Meads, Heather Healy, Olivia Green and Sophie Haislop. All of these 4-H’ers qualified in their respective divisions. Johnny and Izabel Cox competed at the North Region show, also qualifying for the state show.  All nine will advance to the state competition.

These horse shows are qualifying horse shows for 4-H’ers that would like to advance to the NC State 4-H Horse Show that is held in Raleigh on July 5-9, 2023. The district horse show offers events for riders in jumping, hunter flat, showmanship, dressage, gaming, western pleasure and ranch horse classes.

In order to advance to the NC State 4-H Show, participants must qualify by earning one point in the division in which they are showing. The district show is open to any NC 4-H’er holding a 2023 4-H eligibility card.  For more information on the show or how to obtain an eligibility card please contact Tom Harrell 252-232-2262 or tom_harrell@ncsu.edu.

For more information or accommodations for persons with disabilities please contact Tom Harrell at 252-232-2261 or through email tom_harrell@ncsu.edu no later than five business days before the event.

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