News

WEATHER RELATED UPDATES – Corolla trash collection rescheduled, facility closings and more

The following updates have been issued related to the severe weather forecast for September 22 – 24, 2023:

  • In Corolla, the Whalehead Subdivision will not have trash can roll out on Friday, September 22 and no trash pickup on Saturday, September 23. Due to the storm, trash cans will be rolled out on Sunday, September 24 and collected on Monday, September 25.
  • Saturday trash collection for the following Corolla communities will also be rescheduled to Monday, September 25: Ocean Sands North Section D-F and H-Q; Monterey Shores; Corolla Bay; Corolla Village; Ocean Hill; and Villages of Ocean Hill.

The following county facilities will be closed on Saturday, September 23:

  • Moyock Welcome Center
  • Corolla Visitors Center
  • Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park
  • Maritime Museum
  • Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
  • All branches of the Currituck Public Library
  • Transfer station
  • All trash and recycling centers
  • Animal Shelter

Scheduling Announcements:

  • All trash and recycling centers will open on a normal schedule on Sunday, September 24.
  • The Animal Shelter will open on a normal schedule on Sunday, September 24.
  • The Apple Tasting Program scheduled at the Moyock Library for September 23 has been rescheduled to Saturday, September 30.

WEATHER ALERT: Tropical Storm Warning in effect

September 22:  The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning, flood watch, and storm surge warning for Currituck County and northeastern North Carolina. County residents should be prepared for severe weather conditions to occur from Friday, September 22 to Sunday, September 24, 2023.

Strong winds are expected in the area beginning in the afternoon of Friday, September 22. County residents should make storm preparations, secure outdoor items, and bring pets indoors.

The weather forecast includes:

  • 2-4″ of rain, with possibly higher amounts in some local areas. Localized flooding in low-lying areas may occur.
  • North-northeast winds of 35 mph could gust up to 45-55 mph. This could lead to downed trees and power lines. Scattered power outages are possible. Report power outages to Dominion Power or your electric service provider.
  • Moderate tidal flooding
  • Moderate local storm surge
  • Potential for dangerous marine conditions and dangerous rip currents

Residents are advised to remain informed of weather updates issued by the National Weather Service.  Anyone with questions about local storm preparation and safety information may contact Currituck Emergency Management at (252) 232-2115.

 

ARHS reminds community to prevent water-related illnesses

Albemarle Regional Health Services, the community healthcare provider for Currituck County, reminds citizens to take steps for preventing Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI). RWIs are caused by germs or chemicals found in swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, estuaries, and oceans.

Vibrio infections, E.coli – shiga toxin, Shigellosis, and Cryptosporidiosis are all Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs). These illnesses are more common in summer. RWIs are infections that can be contracted by swallowing, breathing in, or having contact with contaminated water. The most common types of RWIs include gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, respiratory infections, and ear infections. These illnesses can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Safety Tips for Preventing RWIs

  1. Don’t swim if you are sick.
  2. Don’t swim if you have a compromised immune system or open wounds.
  3. Take a quick shower with soap and water before entering the water.
  4. Don’t swallow the water.
  5. Use proper hygiene practices, such as washing your hands thoroughly after using the restroom or changing diapers.
  6. Change diapers in designated changing areas, not near the water.
  7. Keep water clean if you own a pool or hot tub and regularly test the water.
  8. Avoid swimming in high risk areas or situations. Wait 24-48 hours to swim after a heavy rainfall and avoid swimming near an ocean outfall.
  9. Stay informed of any local advisories or warnings regarding water quality from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality by visiting their NC Recreational Water Quality Swimming Advisory Map.
  10. Teach children about water safety, the importance of not swallowing water, and good hygiene practices.
  11. Report any water quality concerns to the NC Department of Environmental Quality, local health department, or swimming pool operators.
  12. Seek medical care if you become ill.

GIS launches new online map

Currituck County Geographic Information Services (GIS) launched a new interactive online map this week. This map is very user-friendly, features improved graphics, and provides a range of information on county properties.

You can search for properties in several ways – by parcel number, global PIN, address, owner’s name, and street name. Advanced search capability and data layers provide many details. Check out this useful tool at https://maps.currituckcountync.gov/gis/

Currituck receives $1M airport grant

Currituck County has been awarded more than $1 million from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to fund infrastructure improvements at the Currituck County Regional Airport.  The award will fund the replacement of the airport’s fuel facility that provides gasoline for airplanes. Currituck County receives $1,123,000 from the state for the project.

The Currituck Regional Airport averages more than 60 aircraft operations per day and the fuel farm is a key component of the airport’s success. Self-serve AvGas and Jet-A fuels are available for pilots on a 24/7 basis.

Currituck County is in the process of receiving bids for this project. A projected completion date has not yet been established.

Currituck cuts ribbon on new Public Works facility

Currituck County celebrated the construction of a new Public Works facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 5, 2023. Members of the Board of Commissioners were joined by county staff and other visitors to tour the building and talk with the project development team.

The facility provides much-needed storage, maintenance, and office space for the Public Works Department. It features garage bays on each end, staff offices, meeting rooms, and a customer service area. It is located in Maple, next to the Currituck Regional Airport terminal.

The Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining 57 county-owned buildings, more than 11 miles of walkways, five beach access ramps, and lighting and signage for all county buildings and parking lots. Staff also manages the county’s solid waste and recycling convenience centers. Public Works staff also secure buildings ahead of incoming storms and respond with facility and grounds cleanup after emergencies.

Special thanks goes to the project development team, consisting of the Currituck County Engineering Department, Sussex Development Corporation, Beacon Architecture, and Eastern Carolina Construction, for brining this project to completion.

 

Sound Park boat ramp and waterfront reopened following repairs

Currituck County is pleased to announce that, on August 23, the boat ramp and waterfront area at Sound Park has been reopened for public use. This project, which includes two boat ramp slips, piers, and boardwalk, greatly increases the safety for all boaters and visitors at this facility.

County launches business resource webpage

Currituck County Government created a new webpage to serve as a resource for prospective and current business owners in the county.  Managed by the Development Services Department, the webpage provides valuable information on many aspects of owning a business in Currituck County, such as zoning, permits, building and fire codes, and inspections.

This webpage, located at https://currituckcountync.gov/planning-zoning/business-resources/, is intended to answer basic questions and provide users with points of contact on the Development Services staff, who will offer assistance to business owners.

Anyone with questions may contact the Development Services Department at 252-232-3055.

Fire-EMS receives grant to fight opioid abuse

Currituck County Fire-Emergency Medical Services received a grant for $7,520 from Albemarle Regional Health Services, under the Community Linkages to Care Grant, to help the county’s efforts against opioid abuse. The grant will be used to purchase injectable Naloxone and associated supplies for Naloxone (Narcan) administration for opioid overdoses.

In case of an opioid overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately. Learn more about recognizing signs of opioid overdose from the United States Department of Health and Human Services here.  You can also contact Currituck Fire-EMS for more information at 252-232-7746.