Press release April 10, 2015
Ocracoke re-entry permit process
The Hyde County Emergency Services Department issues re-entry permits to Ocracoke residents and property owners to be used when emergency conditions limit general access to Ocracoke Island.
The re-entry permit process was modified in 2014. Re-entry permits are now issued to be valid for several years. If you renewed your permit last year, it is valid until January 1, 2019. To make the process even easier, people with existing permits only need to apply for a new 2014-2018 expiration date sticker for their permit. Those applying for the first time will need to complete the full application and supply all necessary documents. Residents/property owners may renew existing permits or apply for a new permit in person or by mail. If renewing in person, make sure to bring the plastic hangtag permit with you.
Hyde County staff will issue permits at the Ocracoke Community Center the first week of May from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3, to Thursday, May 7.
Residents may apply for or renew permits on the mainland at the Hyde County Emergency Services Department during normal business hours (located at 1223 Main St., Swan Quarter, in the Public Safety Building).
The Hyde County EMS 2014 to 2018 re-entry permit application and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the Hyde County website (www.hydecountync.gov) and will be posted at the Ocracoke Post Office.
April and May Ferry Division public meeting schedule change
The April 13 public meeting with the NCDOT Ferry Division on Ocracoke has been cancelled. The Ferry Division will conduct a trial run of passenger ferry routes between Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island on May 4 and 5.
The normally scheduled May 11 public meeting with the NCDOT Ferry Division on Ocracoke has been rescheduled to coincide with the passenger ferry trial run, and will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 5. Location and meeting details to be determined.
Passes For Businesses, Vendors Serving Ocracoke
Summer is on its way, and with it comes the deadline for businesses and vendors serving Ocracoke Island to secure their 2015 Priority Passes for the Hatteras Inlet ferry. This year’s application deadline is Friday, June 5.
Vendors and businesses must verify that they are a provider of a service to Ocracoke and may apply for a priority pass if their company travels to Ocracoke at least twice a week, every week. An application must be obtained at the Hatteras Terminal, appropriately filled out and then approved by the Ferry Division before a sticker is issued and picked up by the vendor. The process to obtain the sticker takes at least one week and passes are canceled if the sticker is not picked up within three weeks of the application date.
If a business misses the June 5 priority pass deadline, priority status will be decided on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please contact the Hatteras Terminal at 252-986-2353.
