text:
Holden Beach, North Carolina

Holden Beach is a seaside town in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The population was 575 at the time of the 2010 census. It is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Holden Beach is located in southern Brunswick County. The town occupies an 8 mi barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean, bounded by Shallotte Inlet to the west, Lockwoods Folly Inlet to the east, and the Intracoastal Waterway to the north. One road, North Carolina Highway 130, crosses the Intracoastal Waterway to connect Holden Beach with the mainland. Via NC 130, it is 10 mi northwest to the town of Shallotte.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town of Holden Beach has a total area of 8.9 km2, of which 7.0 sqkm is land and 1.8 km2 (20.72%) is water.

History
Before the American Revolution, early settlers seeking land near Lockwood's Folly River applied for patents and received warrants for surveys of selected tracts. Upon payment of fifty shillings for each 100 acre, the warrantee could receive a permanent grant for Royal Governor Arthur Dobbs.

Benjamin Holden in 1756 bought four mainland tracts and the island between his plantation and the ocean. This island extended from Lockwood's Folly Inlet west 6 mi to Bacon Inlet. Benjamin and his sons used the island for fishing and cattle grazing. During the Civil War Holden Beach and Lockwood's Folley Inlet became the resting place of several shipwrecks: the Confederate blockade runners CSS Elizabeth and CSS Bendigo and the Union blockade ship USS Iron Age. The remains of the Bendigo can be seen on the eastern end of the island during the periods of low tide. Its wreck is marked with an orange navigation warning buoy and is located between Holden Beach and Oak Island. While the vessel's wreck is roughly 200 ft long, only the base of the engine's exhaust funnel and a small portion of superstructure are visible above water. The ship is easily reached during low tide by swimming, but the wreck is extensively covered in abandoned fishing hooks and gear that may present potential hazards.

John Holden, Benjamin's grandson, started a commercial fishery on the island and in 1924 surveyed a section which he called Holden Beach Resort, the plat of which represented the first subdivision of beach property in Brunswick County. In 1925, he built the Holden Beach bridge; it was subsequently destroyed by the Inland Waterway construction. He negotiated with the state of North Carolina for the institution of a public ferry to reach the island, but he did not live to see the ferry begin operation in 1934.

Luther S. Holden, John's son, operated the old hotel that his father had built, started development of the property nearby and became a permanent resident in 1946. Soon afterwards, Luther S. Holden's son, John F. Holden, began building other homes and renting them to vacationers. A bit later, other smaller developments were started west of the ferry location. In the early 1940s one could buy an oceanfront house with the land for about $600. John F. Holden and his wife Johnsie actually began the development of Holden Beach that would slowly become a resort area. The Holdens had two sons, Lyn and J. Alan Holden, the seventh generation of Holdens to live on Holden Beach.

In 1954, the island had about 300 homes and a turnbridge. After that year's destructive Hurricane Hazel, which hit on October 15, 1954, the rebuilding was slow. On February 14, 1969, the island was incorporated, and on May 13, 1986, the Town of Holden Beach dedicated a new high-rise steel and concrete bridge, allowing better access to the then more than 1,900 homes on the island.

The one church on the island, the interdenominational Holden Beach Chapel, began as a Bible study in the home of Luther S. Holden and several other resident families on the island. Eventually land was donated and the church was erected in the 1940s. It was destroyed by Hurricane Hazel in 1954 but was rebuilt shortly thereafter. Today the chapel serves the many hundreds who live on and around Holden Beach and the numbers of visitors who vacation on the island during the summer months.

Government
The mayor of Holden Beach is J. Alan Holden and the mayor pro-tem is Gerald Brown. The town commissioners are Woody Tyner, Brain Murdock, Mike Sullivan, Rick Smith, and Pat Kwiatkowski.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 575 people, 296 households, and 204 families residing in the town. There were 2,335 housing units with 296 being occupied and 2,039 being vacant. The racial makeup of the town was 99.3% White, 0.9% African American, 0.2% Native American, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 296 households, out of which 7.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.8% were married couples living together, 4.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.1% were non-families. 25.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.94 and the average family size was 2.28.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 6.4% under the age of 18, 54.3% from 18 to 64, and 39.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 62.1 years. The male population was 278 or 48.3%. The female population was 297 or 51.7%.

The economic characteristics are based on the American Community Survey from 2007 to 2011. The median income for a household in the town was $52,206, and the median income for a family was $77,639. Males had a median income of $52,214 versus $63,1285 for females. The per capita income for the town was $46,994. About 10.8% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line.

title: Holden Beach, North Carolina


text:
Leland, North Carolina

Leland is the most populous town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 23,504 at the 2020 census, up from 13,527 in 2010. As of 2020, it is considered to be one of the fastest growing towns in North Carolina. It is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area. and the Cape Fear Council of Governments. The town of Leland is in the northeastern part of Brunswick County, with the town of Navassa to the north, Belville to east, and Boiling Spring Lakes to the south. It is part of the Town Creek township, and Cape Fear region of North Carolina, a short distance north of the South Carolina state line. Leland is located 5 mi west of Wilmington, 71 mi north of Myrtle Beach, 84 mi southeast of Fayetteville, and 135 mi southeast of Raleigh.

Settlement
What is today known as Leland was once a small settlement built upon where Village Road crossed the Augusta, Columbia and Wilmington railroad lines. The town is named after (Joseph W. Gay) the first postmaster's nephew, Leland Adams. Leland benefited greatly from its proximity to the Brunswick River, allowing it to serve as an early transportation center, giving travelers the ability to traverse the Brunswick and Cape Fear rivers.

Incorporation
The citizens of Leland voted down an attempt at incorporation in 1979. Leland was ultimately incorporated as a town on September 5, 1989, in a passing vote of 472–42. After the ordinance passed to incorporate the town of Leland, Leland was governed by twelve members of the Leland Town Charter Commission until Election Day of 1989. Leland has been governed by a mayor-council government since its first general election.

Dispute with Belville
In March and April 1989, Belville made unsuccessful attempts to annex the area known as Leland. This, in turn resulted in the Leland civic association making proactive attempts to incorporate to avoid annexation. Belville's commissioners voted to annex a business district roughly an hour before Leland had finalized the vote to incorporate. Leland's first mayor, Russell Baldwin, when questioned about the matter, stated: "It was kind of a dirty trick. They made a mockery of the annexation laws."

Merger attempts
In 2012, according to Jack Batson, the mayor of Belville at the time, "It's something that's always on people's minds because you see the way the maps are laid out. It makes sense." Belville is effectively an enclave township surrounded by Leland's borders to the left and the Brunswick River to the right. In April 1996, during Leland mayor Franky Thomas' tenure, an unsuccessful attempt was made to merge the Leland sanitary district, Leland, Belville, and Navassa into one large town. In 2000, Leland made an unsuccessful attempt to merge with Navassa, Belville, and the North Brunswick sanitary district. Another attempt was made in 2012 to merge with Belville. Leland officials attempted to entice Belville officials, citing the town's contract issues with Urban Smart Growth that Belville had entered into years before to develop its downtown. If Leland and Belville were to merge, Belville would have the funds to buy out the contract, or fight it out in court. Jack Batson, the mayor of Belville at the time, faced heavy criticism for discussing the subject matter with Leland officials. One Belville resident stated; "When I voted for Mr. Batson, I thought I was voting for the position of mayor, not God."

Geography
Leland is located in northern Brunswick County to the west of the Brunswick River and directly west of downtown Wilmington. Leland surrounds the town of Belville on three sides (to the north, west, and south).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 22.68 sqmi, of which 22.33 sqmi is land and 0.35 sqmi is water.

Green space
Leland has three officially designated parks: Founders Park, Cypress Cove Park, and Westgate Park. Founders Park, formerly known as Municipal Park, is Leland's first park. The eight acre park includes such features as a playground, disc golf courses, benches, community gardens, open green spaces and a paved multi-used path. Cypress Cove park, previously known as Sturgeon Creek Park, was donated by Mr. Kirby Sullivan to the town of Leland in 2005. Cypress Cove Park is made up of 27 acres of wetlands and 1.2 acres of uplands. Cypress Cove Park is the first water access site for Leland, and features a fixed overlook deck, outdoor classroom, a floating dock, and handicap accessible fishing area. Westgate Nature Park consists of approximately 150 acres of wetlands and uplands. Construction of the park was funded by a $500,000 grant provided by the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.

2020 census
As of the 2020 census, there were 22,908 people, 10,116 households, and 7,117 families residing in the town. There were 10,905 housing units.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census there were 1,938 people, 781 households, and 549 families living in the town. The population density was 483.8 PD/sqmi. There were 871 housing units at an average density of 229.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 77.71% White, 16.20% African American, 1.24% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 2.53% from other races, and 2.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.44%.

Of the 781 households 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 22.3% of households were one person and 7.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.85. The age distribution was 24.6% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.6% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.

The median household income was $32,574 and the median family income was $38,077. Males had a median income of $27,379 versus $22,961 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,462. About 15.1% of families and 18.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.2% of those under age 18 and 11.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
As of the year 2020, 94.5% of the Leland citizens older than twenty-five had a high school degree, and 37.8% of the Leland citizens older than twenty-five possessed a bachelor's degree.

Public schools
There are four public schools located within the Leland township: Belville Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Leland Middle School, and North Brunswick High School. The four schools operate under the Brunswick county school district system.

Charter schools
Leland has one charter school, a public charter school; Charter Day School that serves grades kindergarten through eight. Charter Day School garnered national attention in 2016 when the school was sued in the eastern district of North Carolina southern division by the ACLU and the ACLU of North Carolina; the law firm of Ellis & Winters LLP filed the challenge on Leland students. regarding the Charter school's dress code. The Charter Day School's uniform policy required female students to wear skirts, the only exception being gym class, which Charter Day's founder stated promoted chivalry, mutual respect, and traditional values. U.S. District Judge Malcolm Howard ruled that the charter schools uniform policy engaged in unconstitutional sexual discrimination, citing the equal protection clause of the constitution, by prohibiting females from wearing pants or shorts, instead mandating skirts. A federal appeals court, on August 2, 2021, tossed out Judge Howard's decision, and ordered the lower district court to review the decision and to determine whether dress code is a violation of Title IX.

Government and politics
The town of Leland resides within the thirteenth North Carolina district court, the fifteenth North Carolina prosecutorial district, 13B North Carolina Superior Court district, and the second North Carolina superior court division. The town of Leland's governing body is a town council and Mayor. The town council is composed of four members who serve four-year terms, that are staggered. The Mayor is restricted to the same voting rights, privileges and limitations as the town council members.

Police department
As of 2020, the Leland Police Department had 30 trained officers. The Leland Police force is partitioned into six subdivisions: the board administrations, network and bolster administrations, key and strategic administrations, examinations, watch, and hold.

The Leland police department offers its citizens the use of a service called CrimeMapping, a product of TriTech Software Systems. CrimeMapping is an online interactive tool that allows users to access and analyze reports for the entire town limits, or the option to isolate their search to a certain block, street or neighborhood. Jeremy Humphries, Captain of Support Services for the Leland Police Department, said: "It gives them [Leland citizens] the ability to see what is going on within their neighborhoods and communities without ... requesting reports."

Fire/rescue department
The department was established in 1959 as non-profit volunteer organization. In 2017 the Fire/Rescue Department was incorporated as a part of the township of Leland. The fire department also responds to emergency calls regarding motor vehicle accidents, and rescue calls. It has over 40 paid career staff and a roster of part-time and volunteer employees. The department has one station at 1004 Village Road, a station located at 1379 River Road.

Emergency medical services
Brunswick County Emergency Services also provides emergency medical services to Leland and operates two paramedic level ambulances stationed in the Leland Industrial Park. The next closest ambulance is located in Town Creek Township located in Winnabow.

Emergency alert system
Leland offers its residents the ability to use a voluntary service called CodeRED. CodeRED is a free high-speed emergency mass notification system provided by OnSolve, LLC. At the date of its launch the town's emergency management directory John Grimes was quoted by WECT stating: "CodeRED’s system will provide Town staff with a reliable, easy-to-use interface to quickly deliver critical information to our residents during emergencies"

Trash and recycling
Leland does not have its own municipal waste system; instead, trash service is provided by Brunswick County through GFL Environmental, Inc. The town of Leland did once offer a curbside recycling service to its citizens; the service which was done through GFL environmental Inc., expired on June 30, 2021. Prior to cancellation of service, Leland transitioned its curbside recycling program to once a month, instead of twice, on July 1, 2020. According to town officials, the deciding factor was the dramatic increase in costs associated with the recycling program. In the fiscal year 2016–17, the town spent $390,000 on the recycling program, while the town was projected to spend $723,389 in the 2021-22 fiscal year, a potential 85% increase.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Leland, North Carolina


text:
Navassa, North Carolina

Navassa is a town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,505 at the 2010 census, up from 479 in 2000.

Navassa is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
A post office called Navassa was established in 1903. The community was named after Navassa Island. Navassa was incorporated as a town in 1977.

Geography
Navassa is located along the Brunswick and Cape Fear rivers.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.8 km2, of which 34.5 sqkm is land and 1.3 km2 (3.50%) is water.

Environment and biodiversity
The Navassa and Cape Fear region in southeastern North Carolina is considered an exceptionally rich biodiverse area in the United States. This region hosts 50 different habitat types supporting 300 species of plants and animals. Twenty-two of these species are considered "endemic", meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. An assessment of biodiversity was completed by the State and prioritized terrestrial habitats based on the presence and quality of significant natural areas, rare species, important bird areas, high quality wildlife habitat, and wetlands. Aquatic habitats were assessed based on aquatic significant natural heritage areas, native trout waters, anadromous fish spawning areas, high quality benthic communities, high quality waters, outstanding resource waters, oyster sanctuaries, shellfish harvest areas, fish nursery areas, submerged aquatic vegetation, and stream buffers. Anadromous means that fish are born in fresh water nurseries of Navassa's creeks and rivers, spend most of their life in the sea (Atlantic Ocean) and return to the town's fresh waters to spawn.

The Cape Fear River and Brunswick River marshes along Navassa's eastern limits are an extensive 330 acre of tidal marshes upstream of saltwater influence. This tidal freshwater marsh is characterized by tall herbs, grasses and wildflowers. This site supports the only known population of Carolina Bishop Weed in North Carolina. The natural area has been altered by human influences of ditching, diking and roadbed construction. Sturgeon Creek, along Navassa's southern limits, is a tributary of the Brunswick River and supports the same uncommon natural community type of Tidal Freshwater Marsh. The 154 acre marsh contains a population of Cypress Knee Sedge, a rare plant species.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,367 people, 704 households, and 385 families residing in the town.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,505 people living in the town. The racial makeup of the town was 27.1% White, 63.6% African American, 0.5% Native American, and 3.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.8% of the population.

There were 177 households, out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.4% were married couples living together, 23.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.27.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $35,607, and the median income for a family was $35,179. Males had a median income of $21,875 versus $18,529 for females. The per capita income for the town was $11,328. About 24.8% of families and 27.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 44.6% of those under age 18 and 14.5% of those age 65 or over.

Culture
The town of Navassa has a rich cultural heritage supported by strong roots in the Gullah-Geeche culture. Gullah describes a group of African Americans along the southeast coast of the United States from Jacksonville, North Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida. They have a distinct culture, language, and lifestyle that have been preserved since the early 1700s. In the southeastern North Carolina area, the Gullah people of today are direct descendants of slaves who worked in the rice and peanut plantations of the Cape Fear River valley. Residents of Navassa have a direct link to this culture. At one time there were five different rice plantations in what is today Navassa. As the plantation system came to a close, the slaves who worked these plantations eventually resettled the area.

In 2006, the US Congress established the east coast Gullah-Geeche Cultural Heritage Corridor to help preserve and educated the public on the importance of this culture in our history. The corridor is preserved with the assistance of an executive committee, of which the Mayor of Navassa is vice-chairman.

title: Navassa, North Carolina


text:
Northwest, North Carolina

Northwest is a city in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 735 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Northwest was incorporated in 1993.

Geography
Northwest is located near the northernmost point in Brunswick County in North Carolina. U.S. Routes 74 and 76 (Andrew Jackson Highway) pass along the southern border of the community, leading 13 mi east to Wilmington and 33 mi west to Whiteville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.2 km2, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 703 people, 326 households, and 199 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 671 people, 260 households, and 185 families residing in the city. The population density was 109.2 PD/sqmi. There were 293 housing units at an average density of 47.7 /sqmi. The racial composition of the city was: 26.83% White, 71.83% Black or African American, 0.75% Hispanic or Latino American, 0.30% Asian American, 0.45% Native American, 0.03% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, 0.15% other races, and 0.45% two or more races.

There were 260 households, out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.5% were married couples living together, 18.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.5% were non-families. 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,250, and the median income for a family was $37,500. Males had a median income of $29,821 versus $19,479 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,419. About 14.0% of families and 17.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.8% of those under age 18 and 15.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Northwest, North Carolina


text:
Oak Island, North Carolina

Oak Island is a seaside town located in the southeastern corner of North Carolina, United States. Part of Brunswick County, the major portion of the town is on Oak Island which it shares with Caswell Beach. Founded in 1999 as the result of the consolidation of two existing towns, Oak Island's main industry is tourism. Per the 2020 census, the town has a permanent population of 8,396 while its summer population is near 50,000. It along with the town of Caswell Beach is part of the Wilmington, NC, Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Oak Island, on which much of the town sits, has been inhabited since the early 19th century when Fort Caswell was constructed on its east end in 1838. The island developed slowly, but by the late 1930s it began attracting people from nearby Southport with fox hunting popular in the areas along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). In 1954, Hurricane Hazel struck, leaving only five buildings standing on the west end of the island The island recovered quickly however, and the towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach were incorporated. Along with this increasing level of development came strident demands for a reliable crossing of the ICW to provide access to the island. When the ICW was completed in the late 1930s, a swingbridge initially provided this service. Destroyed by a barge strike in 1971, construction of the high rise Barbee Bridge began almost immediately; it opened for traffic in 1975 (interim service included a ferry and pontoon bridge). A second high rise structure, the Swain's Cut Bridge, was built over the ICW to the island in 2010. In 1999, Long Beach and Yaupon Beach, decided to consolidate into the Town of Oak Island, and while Caswell Beach considered the matter, it opted to stay independent. Immediately after the new town got up and running, it began to either incorporate or obtain Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) on properties located to its north on the mainland.

Geography
Oak Island is located in southeastern Brunswick County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 51.6 km2, of which 48.0 sqkm is land and 3.6 km2 (7.02%) is water. It is bordered to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, to the east by Caswell Beach, to the north across the ICW in part by the town of St. James, and to the west by the town of Holden Beach across the Lockwood Folly Inlet. Additions to the town in the 20 years since it was formed in 1999, located on the mainland, consist of the following:

•Property on both sides of Long Beach Rd. (NC 133) to include the Cape Fear Regional Jetport, and South Harbour Village with its nine-hole golf course and marina.

• Land mostly west of Middleton Blvd. (NC 906) either planned for or under development, the largest of which was the ill-fated Seawatch complex (1738 of the planned 4171 lots are in Oak Island).

• Parcels north of Southport-Supply Rd. (NC 211), the most prominent being Midway Commons Shopping Center.

Climate
Summers in the town are hot and humid with an average temperature of 85˚, although the beach front is cooled much of the time by sea breezes (the prevailing winds are from the southwest). Ocean water temperatures range from the 50s in winter to the mid 80s in summer. Winters are moderate with an average temperature in the 50s (°F), albeit with brief cold periods. Rain occurs throughout the year with average annual rainfall approximately 57", 45% of this falling between June and September.

Tropical storms are a continuing source of concern with Hurricane Hazel being the most devastating. In the 1996-1999 period, four major hurricanes (Bertha, Fran, Bonnie, and Floyd) made landfall with Hurricane Floyd having significant effect on the town. More recently, in October 2016, the eye of Hurricane Matthew passed almost directly over the town inflicting extensive damage to the dune system, and in September 2018, Hurricane Florence caused severe flooding and wind damage in addition to washing away large amounts of beach sand.

In the early morning hours of August 4, 2020, Hurricane Isaias hit Oak Island as a Category 1 hurricane; the storm surge was around 9 feet, increased by a corresponding high tide. The fishing pier and its hotel, many businesses, and hundreds of homes were damaged, and in many places sand from shoreside dunes was pushed inland for 3 blocks. An estimated 75-100 vehicles were damaged; floating cars were a common sight at the height of the storm. Power was finally cut off as a safety precaution. In the succeeding weeks, a mandatory evacuation order and damage to rental properties prevented tourism, which is a major source of income for many residents.

Government
The town government operates under a Council-Manager type system where various officials have authority to make decisions on services, revenues and expenditures in accordance with a state issued charter. The council is Oak Island's governing body and consists of five Commissioners and the Mayor. It sets the Town's policy, enacts ordinances and adopts the annual budget. The actual operation of the town's government is accomplished by the Town Manager who is hired by the council. Town Hall is collocated in the center of the island with the Oak Island Police Department, while units of the Oak Island Fire Department and Brunswick County EMS are deployed in various areas of the Town to respond to emergencies

Attractions
Primarily a family beach type locale, the island also provides many other types of recreational activity. The Oak Island Golf Club course and its related practice facilities are open to the public and an outdoor swimming pool is available for its members' use during the summer. Two public fishing piers jut out into the Atlantic Ocean while motor/sail boats moored to piers dot the ICW as well as the Davis Canal and Montgomery Slough. South Harbour Village has a nine-hole public golf course and a marina on the ICW with 1,000 linear feet of alongside dockage. All these waterways also attract a large number of kayakers.

The Oak Island Recreation Center located mid-island provides both indoor and outdoor exercise facilities and rents out sports equipment and amenities like balloon tire, beach wheelchairs. Popular sporting events include the "Run Oak Island" Marathon held in February which also features a half-marathon along with a 5K and one mile run. And then in April, the Southport/Oak Island Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Oak Island Lighthouse Run which includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K and a one-mile fun run.

As for other activities, the town puts on an ocean front fireworks display as part of its Fourth of July festivities, and a parade down Oak Island Drive just before Christmas, while the Oak Island Library hosts a wide variety of events to include "Socrates Cafe" and "Meet the Author" programs.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 8,396 people, 3,662 households, and 2,395 families residing in the town.

2017
As of 2017, the Census Bureau estimated 7,789 people lived in the town, roughly a 14% increase from 2010. The town's racial makeup was 97% White, 0.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 2% Hispanic or Latino and 0.2% from two or more races. There were 3,605 households with the average size 2.05 persons. As for household income, the Census Bureau's 2017 estimate was $57,670, with the per capita income being $38,176. About 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line. That same year, the town's estimated population by age is as shown in the chart below. The ratio of women to men is 52.3% to 47.7%.

In popular culture
The fourth novel of North Carolina novelist Wiley Cash, When Ghosts Come Home, is a murder mystery set in Oak Island.

title: Oak Island, North Carolina


text:
Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

Ocean Isle Beach (or simply Ocean Isle) is a small seaside town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. It was incorporated as a town in 1959 and is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 867 at the 2020 census. Located at the southern end of North Carolina's Atlantic coastline, along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Ocean Isle Beach has private homes, seasonal rentals, and tourist attractions.

History
Ocean Isle Beach completed a roundabout located at North Carolina Highway 179. This design includes a brick retaining wall with "Welcome to Ocean Isle Beach" along with three bronze statues of children playing with kites.

The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association named Ocean Isle Beach the winner of its 2008 Best Restored Beach Award. Ocean Isle Beach's quest for a federal beach restoration program began after Hurricane Hugo devastated the area in 1989. The town lobbied members of Congress for federal funding and opened a capital reserve savings account to provide the local share of funding necessary for restoration. Coastal engineers began the project in 2001 and provided high-quality sand for the beach and created a deeper channel for boaters. Judging for the award was based on three criteria: the economic and ecological benefits the beach brings to its community; the short and long-term success of the restoration project; and the challenges each community overcame during the course of the project.

Geography
Ocean Isle Beach is located in southwest Brunswick County. The town spans the barrier island of Ocean Isle Beach, extending 5 mi from Tubbs Inlet on the west to Shallotte Inlet on the east, and a section of the mainland to the north along North Carolina Highway 904.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 11.7 km2; 8.8 sqkm is land (74.79%) and the balance water.

Weather
Weather in Ocean Isle tends to be warm but varied, with the temperature averaging around 88F (31C) during the Summer of 2021, and 58F (14C) during the Winter of 2020. Rainfall is normal during the end of the Summer, and lightning storms are frequent. Hurricanes are also common and have been known to cause fires. In 1989, Hurricane Hugo devastated the area. In 2020, Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Ocean Isle Beach, as high end Category 1, causing significant damage to waterfront properties and the fishing pier.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 867 people, 374 households, and 289 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 426 people, 209 households, and 141 families residing in the town. The population density was 124.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,507 housing units at an average density of 731.0 per square mile (282.2/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 98.59% White, 0.94% Native American and 0.47% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.47% of the population.

There were 209 households, out of which 11.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.7% were married couples living together, 2.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% were non-families. 25.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.04 and the average family size was 2.40.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 10.3% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 17.8% from 25 to 44, 45.3% from 45 to 64, and 21.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $67,639, and the median income for a family was $65,625. Males had a median income of $37,188 versus $22,188 for females. The per capita income for the town was $42,605. About 3.5% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture
Known as the "Gem of the Brunswick Islands", Ocean Isle Beach is located along the coastal corridor between Wilmington, North Carolina and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The beach runs east to west and offers a fishing pier, public boat launch facility, direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway, and beach paths every 500 ft. The Museum of Coastal Carolina offers dioramas on coastal life, a touch tank, a collection of Civil War and Native American artifacts, and a variety of interactive exhibits.

A popular myth in Ocean Isle beach are the mysterious lights which float over the ocean during the nighttime. It is unknown whether it is a drone, stars, or fishing boats. It has been reported to split apart into multiple lights before joining back together.

One of the eastern streets of Ocean Isle was, at one point, flooded and is now engulfed underwater. Pieces of the remaining asphalt from the street have washed up on the beaches. To defend against future flooding, sandbags have been installed under the stilted houses on "second street" and the beaches have been manually expanded. As of 2022, the beaches on the east side of the island have been heavily cleaned and restored.

Parks and recreation
Brunswick County has completed a new 58 acre recreational park on the mainland. The park offers a variety of amenities, such as an amphitheater, festival grounds, ball parks, lighted tennis courts, and biking trails. This recreational park is located on Old Georgetown Road and is part of a $500,000 federal grant for parks throughout the county. Other projects scheduled is the Shallotte Blvd Recreation Area, which is a joint project between Ocean Isle Beach Land Conservancy and the Town of Ocean Isle Beach. The park will be at Shallotte Blvd and the ferry landing at the East end of the island. The recreation area will have a gazebo, picnic tables, a fishing pier, and a walkway with steps to the sand.

On the island of Ocean Isle Beach the town has recently finished a community area with an amphitheater, playground, small water area and bathrooms. Likewise. a children's play area and public gazebo are located on the eastern end of the island adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway, along with a concert stage. The Town of Ocean Isle is also about to finish a new town Hall with administration office next to the Fire station.

title: Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina


text:
Sandy Creek, North Carolina

Sandy Creek is a town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 260 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Sandy Creek is located in northern Brunswick County. U.S. Routes 74 and 76 (the Andrew Jackson Highway) run along the northern edge of the town and lead 13 mi east to Wilmington and 33 mi west to Whiteville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Sandy Creek has a total area of 3.3 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 246 people, 91 households, and 64 families residing in the town. The population density was 411.2 PD/sqmi. There were 105 housing units at an average density of 175.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 91.87% White, 5.69% African American, 0.81% from other races, and 1.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.03% of the population.

There were 91 households, out of which 40.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.6% were non-families. 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.23.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.0% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 31.7% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 6.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $33,333, and the median income for a family was $40,625. Males had a median income of $27,500 versus $22,813 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,296. About 9.0% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.9% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

title: Sandy Creek, North Carolina


text:
Shallotte, North Carolina

Shallotte is a town in western Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 3,675 at the 2010 census. The Shallotte River passes through the town.

History
Shallotte was incorporated as a town in 1899.

A former Hardee's restaurant, located on Main Street, was used as a filming location for the robbery scene in the Melissa McCarthy film Tammy (2014). It was demolished in 2017.

Geography
Shallotte is located in west-central Brunswick County. U.S. Route 17 (Ocean Highway) passes through the town, bypassing the town center to the northwest. (Main Street is designated US 17 Business.) US 17 leads northeast 33 mi to Wilmington and southwest 38 mi to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 24.2 km2, of which 24.1 sqkm is land and 0.2 sqkm, or 0.72%, is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,185 people, 1,682 households, and 1,066 families residing in the town.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,675 people, 1,583 households, and 985 families living in the town. The population density was 680.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,908 housing units with a density of 353.3 per square mile (136.3/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 85.2% White, 9.3% African American, 1.3% Asian, 0.6% Native American, 2.0% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.8% of the population.

There were 1,583 households, out of which 23.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.5% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.8% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.78.

The town population was distributed with 22.8% under the age of 20, 22.5% from 20 to 40, 32.2% from 40 to 65, and 22.4% aged 65 and over. The median age was 43.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $41,616, and the median income for a family was $52,284. Males had a median income of $36,591 versus $30,000 for females. The per capita income for the town was $23,397. About 4.7% of families and 10.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.4% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.

Media

 * Brunswick Beacon, weekly newspaper

title: Shallotte, North Carolina


text:
Roger Bigod of Norfolk

Roger Bigod (died 1107) was a Norman knight who travelled to England in the Norman Conquest. He held great power in East Anglia, and five of his descendants were earls of Norfolk. He was also known as Roger Bigot, appearing as such as a witness to the Charter of Liberties of Henry I of England.

Biography
Roger came from a fairly obscure family of poor knights in Normandy. Robert le Bigot, certainly a relation of Roger's, possibly his father, acquired an important position in the household of William, Duke of Normandy (later William I of England), due, the story goes, to his disclosure to the duke of a plot by the duke's cousin William Werlenc.

Both Roger and Robert were rewarded with a substantial estate in East Anglia following the Norman Conquest of England. The Domesday Book of 1086 lists Roger as holding six lordships in Essex, 117 in Suffolk and 187 in Norfolk.

Roger Bigod's base was in Thetford, Norfolk, then the see of the bishop, where he founded a priory which was later given to the abbey at Cluny. In 1101 he further consolidated his power when Henry I granted him licence to build a castle at Framlingham, which became the family seat of power until their downfall in 1307. Another of his castles was Bungay Castle, also in Suffolk.

In 1069 he, Robert Malet and Ralph de Gael (then Earl of Norfolk), defeated the Dane Sweyn Estrithson's invasion attempt near Ipswich. After Ralph de Gael's fall in 1074, Roger was appointed sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk, and acquired many of the dispossessed earl's estates. For this reason he is sometimes counted as Earl of Norfolk, but he probably was never actually created earl. (His son Hugh acquired the title earl of Norfolk in 1141.) He acquired further estates through his influence in local law courts as sheriff and great lord of the region.

In the Rebellion of 1088 he joined other barons in England against William II, whom they hoped to depose in favour of Robert Curthose, Duke of Normandy. He seems to have lost his lands after the rebellion had failed, but regained them after reconciling with the king.

In 1100, Robert Bigod (Bigot) was one of the witnesses recorded on the Charter of Liberties, King Henry I's coronation promises later to influence the Magna Carta of 1215.

In 1101 there was another attempt to bring in Robert of Normandy by removing King Henry, but this time Roger Bigod stayed loyal to the king.

He died on 9 September 1107 and is buried in Norwich. Upon his death there was a dispute over his burial place between the Bishop of Norwich, Herbert Losinga and the monks at Thetford Priory, founded by Bigod. The monks claimed Roger's body, along with those of his family and successors, had been left to them by Roger for burial in the priory in Roger's foundation charter (as was common practice at the time). The bishop of Norwich stole the body in the middle of the night and had him buried in the new cathedral he had built in Norwich.

For some time he was thought to have two wives, Adelaide/Adeliza and Alice/Adeliza de Tosny. It is now believed these were the same woman, Adeliza (Alice) de Tosny (Toeni, Toeny). She was the sister and coheiress of William de Tosny, Lord of Belvoir. Their father was Robert de Todeni.

He was succeeded by his eldest son, William Bigod, and, after William drowned in the disastrous sinking of the White Ship in 1120, by his second son, Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk. He also had three daughters: Gunnor, who married Robert fitz Swein of Essex, Lord of Rayleigh; Cecily, who married William d'Aubigny "Brito"; and Maud, who married William d'Aubigny "Pincerna", and was mother to William d'Aubigny, 1st Earl of Arundel.

title: Roger Bigod of Norfolk


text:
Southport, North Carolina

Southport is a city in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States, near the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Its population was 3,971 as of the 2020 census. The current mayor, Rich Alt, was elected to a two-year term in November 2023.

Southport is the location of the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival, which attracts 40,000 to 50,000 visitors annually.

History
The Southport area was explored in the 1500s by Spanish explorers. During the 18th century, British settlements along the Carolina coast lacked fortifications to protect against pirates and privateers, and numerous Spanish attackers exploited this weakness. In response to these attacks, Governor Gabriel Johnston in 1744 appointed a committee to select the best location to construct a fort for the defense of the Cape Fear River region. It was determined that the fort should be constructed at a site at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. During the same year, France declared war against Britain, later known as King George's War, increasing the fort's need. Further, increasingly bold Spanish privateer raids led the North Carolina General Assembly to authorize the construction of "Johnston's Fort" in April 1745, which would come to be known as Fort Johnston. The governor of South Carolina agreed to lend ten small cannons for the fort, and the legislature, in spring 1748, appropriated 2,000 pounds for construction costs, and construction finally began. Southport developed around Fort Johnston.

Southport was founded as the town of Smithville in 1792. Joshua Potts had requested the formation of a town adjacent to Fort Johnston, and the North Carolina General Assembly formed a commission of five men to administer its founding. The town was named after Benjamin Smith, a colonel in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and later governor of North Carolina. Smithville grew as a fishing village and through supporting military activity. Smithville was the county seat of Brunswick County from 1808 to 1977. In an effort to promote the town as a major shipping port, Smithville was renamed Southport in 1887. Smithville Township, in which Southport lies, and other local landmarks, such as the cemetery, retain the Smithville name.

Interest in making Southport a major commercial port then prompted efforts to connect it via rail to Wilmington and the Atlantic Coast Line/Seaboard Air Line Railroad systems. After some 25 years of failed effort by various entrepreneurs, the Wilmington, Brunswick and Southern Railroad began operation in 1911. Running northwest out of Southport to Bolivia, the line then turned northeast towards Navassa where it joined the existing rail network. Poorly constructed, beset with continued revenue shortfalls and facing intense and growing competition from trucks/automobiles, the 30 mile long railroad ceased operation in 1945.

Ten years later, it would be the U.S. Government who would construct the present rail line from the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point just north of Southport to the interior rail system along a different, more direct path. Thus, while the renaming to Southport did not achieve its goal of making the town a major shipping port, Southport instead became known for its relaxed atmosphere and Victorian era seaside charm.

Geography
Southport is located in southeastern Brunswick County on the northwest bank of the tidal Cape Fear River, approximately 2 mi inland from the Atlantic Ocean. North Carolina Highway 211 enters the city from the north as North Howe Street and travels south to one block north of the waterfront, where it turns east as East Moore Street, leading northeast to the city limits, where it turns east again as Ferry Road on its way to the western terminus of the Southport–Fort Fisher ferry across the Cape Fear River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.8 km2, of which 9.7 sqkm is land and 0.1 km2, or 0.73%, is water.

Climate
Southport has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa). Summers in Southport are very hot and humid while winters are very mild by North Carolina standards. Southport is the warmest place in the state of North Carolina, with a yearly average temperature of 65.0 °F, with annual temperatures more similar to that of coastal Georgia or the northern Gulf Coast of Florida than the rest of North Carolina.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,971 people, 1,434 households, and 942 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,351 people, 1,095 households, and 676 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,059.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,292 housing units at an average density of 582.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 76.61% White, 21.78% African American, 0.43% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.21% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.45% of the population.

There were 1,095 households, out of which 19.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.2% were non-families. Of all households, 35.3% were made up of individuals, and 16.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.65.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 17.9% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 21.0% from 25 to 44, 31.0% from 45 to 64, and 24.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,714, and the median income for a family was $45,714. Males had a median income of $34,167 versus $22,857 for females.

The per capita income for the city was $23,059. About 7.1% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.1% of those under age 18 and 14.6% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Built in the 1970s on 1,200 acres at 20 feet above sea level and about 5 mi from the Atlantic Ocean near Southport, Duke Energy Carolinas operates the 1,870-megawatt Brunswick Nuclear Power Plant which has two nuclear reactors. This plant is the same generation and design as the Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan. Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear meltdown, temporary flood prevention updates, called "cliff edge barriers" to make doors at the facility water tight, were installed at Brunswick to prevent flooding from Hurricane Florence from causing a disaster similar to Fukushima Daiichi. These temporary barriers are designed to stop flooding from a storm surge of up to 26 ft. On Thursday, September 13, 2018, before Hurricane Florence made landfall at Wrightsville Beach, Duke Energy shut down the first reactor in the early morning and the second reactor in the afternoon, approximately two hours before tropical storm-force winds at the plant.

Media
The city is serviced by the newspaper The State Port Pilot. Radio stations WAZO/107.5 & WJSL-LP/100.7 are licensed to Southport.

The city of Southport has been the location the TV series Revenge and Under the Dome. Films made in Southport include I Know What You Did Last Summer, Summer Catch, Domestic Disturbance, Crimes of the Heart, Mary and Martha, Nights in Rodanthe, A Walk to Remember and Safe Haven.

title: Southport, North Carolina


text:
St. James, North Carolina

St. James or Saint James is a town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 3,165 at the 2010 census, up from 804 in 2000. It is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
St. James is located in southern Brunswick County, it is bordered to the south, west, and north by the town of Oak Island. North Carolina Highway 211 forms part of the northern border of the town, leading east 5 mi to Southport and west 11 mi to U.S. Route 17 at Supply.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town of St. James has a total area of 21.5 km2, of which 21.4 sqkm is land and 0.1 sqkm, or 0.46%, is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 6,529 people, 2,713 households, and 2,458 families residing in the town.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,165 people, 1,575 households, and 1,386 families residing in the town. The population density was 383 PD/sqmi. There were 2,263 housing units at an average density of 272.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.8% White, 1.0% African American, 0.1% American Indian, 0.6% Asian, 0.2% some other race, and 0.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 1,575 households, out of which 3.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 86.3% were headed by married couples living together, 1.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.0% were non-families. 10.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.0% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.01 and the average family size was 2.12.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 2.5% under the age of 18, 0.9% from 18 to 24, 3.7% from 25 to 44, 43.4% from 45 to 64, and 49.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 65.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

For the period 2008–2012, the estimated median annual income for a household in the town was $82,476, and the median income for a family was $83,750. Male full-time workers had a median income of $46,094 versus $50,833 for females. The per capita income for the town was $67,796. 1.2% of the population and 0.9% of families were below the poverty line.

Government
Saint James's council–manager form of government has 5 elected councilors. Councilors are elected for four-year staggered terms. The mayor and mayor pro tem are appointed by the town council. The town's attorney and manager serve at the pleasure of the council. All the other staff report to the town manager and manage the town's day-to-day business.

The town is led by Mayor Jean Toner, elected in 2019. The other council members are: Dave DeLong (2021), Jim Board (2021), Lynn Dutney (2019) and David Morgan (2021).

In the North Carolina House of Representatives, St. James is represented by Charlie Miller (District 19). In the North Carolina Senate, St. James is represented by Bill Rabon (District 8). In the United States House of Representatives St. James is represented by David Rouzer (NC-7).

title: St. James, North Carolina


text:
Sunset Beach, North Carolina

Sunset Beach is a seaside town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 3,572 at the 2010 census, up from 1,824 in 2000 census. It is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area and the southernmost beach in the state.

History
The seaside town of Sunset Beach got its start in 1955 when the land it occupies was bought by Mannon C. Gore. Impressed by the sunsets the southeast-facing island offered, he renamed 'Bald Beach,' as it had been called previously, to 'Sunset Beach.' Development began in earnest with the completion of a bridge connecting the beach island to the mainland in 1958, modeled by Gore and operated by him until 1961 when it was taken over by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. With the help of his son, Edward, Gore began selling property on the island in 1958. Additionally, Gore built the original pier on the island, named the 'Vesta Pier' for the beached civil war blockade-runner which sat beneath the structure, though is now completely covered by sand. Sunset Beach was later incorporated as a town in 1963.

On February 15, 2021, an EF3 tornado hit the north side of town around midnight, damaging multiple homes in several neighborhoods, including some that were completely destroyed. Three people were killed and 10 others were injured.

Geography
Sunset Beach is located in southwestern Brunswick County. It is the last developed Atlantic Ocean beach before the South Carolina border. One-third of the town's area occupies a barrier island between the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway; the remainder of the town extends onto the mainland to the north. Undeveloped Bird Island is directly to the west, Calabash is the closest town to the west on the mainland, and Ocean Isle Beach is to the east.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town of Sunset Beach has a total area of 19.0 sqkm, of which 16.7 sqkm is land, and 2.3 sqkm (12.22%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,175 people, 2,014 households, and 1,289 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,824 people, 909 households, and 678 families residing in the town. The population density was 360.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,983 housing units at an average density of 590.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.37% White, 0.49% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.27% from other races, and 1.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.37% of the population.

There were 909 households, out of which 7.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.0% were married couples living together, 3.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.4% were non-families. 21.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.01 and the average family size was 2.28.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 6.9% under the age of 18, 2.7% from 18 to 24, 12.1% from 25 to 44, 43.6% from 45 to 64, and 34.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 60 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $47,356, and the median income for a family was $57,019. Males had a median income of $40,795 versus $27,708 for females. The per capita income for the town was $36,181. About 3.0% of families and 4.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.5% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.

Sunset Beach Bridge
Since most of Sunset Beach and the adjoining Bird Island coastal reserve encompass a barrier island, the only way to get there from the mainland was by crossing a pontoon bridge (swing bridge) straddling the Intracoastal Waterway and adjacent marshland. It was a wooden structure that could only hold one lane of traffic at any given time, and was the only one of its kind still in use along the East Coast until 2010. During the day in the summer, traffic would be stopped every hour, on the hour, and the bridge would open to boat traffic on the waterway for 10 minutes. At 10 minutes after the hour, every hour, the bridge would reopen for vehicular traffic again for 50 minutes. During the off-season, the bridge only opened at the request of boat traffic. While this caused headaches for those trying to get on or off the island, many locals said the bridge did, however, give the town a more relaxed feel. Historically, this had been in stark contrast to the rapid growth affecting other beach communities along the Grand Strand.

In February 2008 the NCDOT started construction to replace the old bridge with a modern, 65 ft arc bridge (non-draw, non-swing). The bridge opened November 11, 2010. The old Sunset Beach pontoon swing bridge was saved by the Old Bridge Preservation Society which plans to create a museum celebrating the old bridge and the town's history. The new bridge eliminates the need for a bridge keeper and provides for a continual flow of vehicle traffic on and off the island, and water traffic on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Housing in Sunset Beach
The town consists of both mainland neighborhoods and a barrier island of approximately 1,200 homes. Three of the larger mainland neighborhoods in the town are golf course developments at Oyster Bay, Sea Trail Resort and Sandpiper Bay. Ocean Ridge Plantation, while not in the town limits, has one of its "sister communities" in Sunset Beach's ETJ. Ocean Ridge has an amenities center/clubhouse on the island, while Sea Trail Home Owners Association has a designated parking lot for members. The island is primarily home to vacation rental homes and cottages, although there are close to 100 full-time residents as well.

title: Sunset Beach, North Carolina


text:
Varnamtown, North Carolina

Varnamtown is a town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States situated on the banks of the Lockwood Folly River. The population was 541 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Varnamtown was incorporated as a town in 1988.

Geography
Varnamtown is located in southern Brunswick County and is bordered to the east by the tidal Lockwood Folly River. The town of Holden Beach is 2.5 mi to the southwest.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Varnamtown has a total area of 2.5 km2, of which 2.3 sqkm is land and 0.2 km2  (6.31%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 481 people, 203 households, and 155 families residing in the town. The population density was 480.2 PD/sqmi. There were 235 housing units at an average density of 234.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 99.17% White, 0.42% Native American, 0.21% Asian, and 0.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.62% of the population.

There were 203 households, out of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.0% were married couples living together, 3.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.2% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.72.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 19.5% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 29.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $33,750, and the median income for a family was $35,357. Males had a median income of $29,375 versus $25,694 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,394. About 9.8% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.5% of those under age 18 and 17.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Varnamtown, North Carolina