As a result of Hurricane Earl, the National Weather Service is becoming increasingly concerned about an extended period of life threatening rip currents for all Eastern NC beaches through this weekend and likely into early next week. Some of this swell is already reaching the coast, with a HIGH RISK for rip currents all beaches Thursday.
In addition the combination of onshore flow, high astronomical tides and Hurricane Earl, swell may lead to minor oceanside coastal flooding this evening (Sept. 8) into this weekend.
As Hurricane Earl, though well out to sea, continues to strengthen in the western Atlantic, it will produce increasing long-period swell along the North Carolina coast, the National Weather Service reported today (Sept. 7).
Some of this swell is already reaching the coast and will result in an elevated rip current threat today.
Lifeguard service has ended for Ocracoke, so beachgoers need to be especially vigilant. For information about rip currents, click here.
Eduardo Chavez will vie for top seafood taco chef Sept. 17 in Hatteras. Photo: C. Leinbach/Ocracoke Observer
Ocracoke’s own Eduardo Chavez will once again compete for top chef honors at 2 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Day at the Docks Seafood Taco Throwdown in Hatteras Village.
Chavez, owner of Eduardo’s of Ocracoke taco stand, will battle it out against Hatteras’s Chef Lalo Rebollo for the best seafood taco.
Day at the Docks was started to celebrate the “Spirit of Hatteras” when the village recovered from Hurricane Isabel in 2003 as an intact community, anchored by the commercial and charter fishermen. It will be held Sept. 16 and 17. For details on this and other events, visit the Day at the Docks website.
Tuesday, Sept. 6 On the three-year anniversary of Hurricane Dorian, the Ocracoke United Methodist Church will celebrate the church reconstruction and the new organ donated by the McDermott family with a potluck at 5:30 pm in the Rec Hall followed by a dedication concert with Jennifer Weier at 6:30 pm in the church sanctuary. See flyer below for details.
Ocracoke Oyster Company: Bryan Mayer, 7 pm
Wednesday, Sept. 7 Ocracoke Community Library. Temporarily in the Deepwater Theater, School Road. Storytime for toddlers, 10 am.
Jeff Martin photography show at Kitty Mitchell Studio, 5-7 pm. See flyer below.
Hyde County Board of Commissioners meeting, 6 pm. Government services center, Swan Quarter, and Ocracoke Community Center.
Ocracoke Oyster Company: Bryan Mayer, 7 pm
Thursday, Sept. 8 Ocracoke Coffee Company: Kate McNally, 6-8 pm
Friday, Sept. 9 Ocracoke Coffee Company: live music, 6-8 pm
Ocracoke Oyster Company: Kate McNally, 7 pm
1718 Brewing Ocracoke: After School Surf Club & Sam on sax, 7 pm
Dr. Erin Baker outside the Ocracoke Health Center. Photo: C. Leinbach/Ocracoke Observer
By TL Grace West
Imagine experiencing Ocracoke for the first time with a medical degree and a 10-month-old daughter, arriving to interview for the sole doctor position at the Ocracoke Health Center.
That is what Dr. Erin Baker did 12 years ago, fresh from completing her medical school and residency training in general family medicine.
What brought her here?
Baker wanted to be closer to her family who had moved to Manteo (about two and a half hours from the island).
Now it is time again for her to be even closer to her mother and move to Manteo and join the Outer Banks Family Medical Practice.
Her last day serving Ocracoke will be Sept. 21 and a community potluck dinner for her will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, in the Berkley Barn.
These 12 years have been a win-win for both Baker and the Ocracoke community.
“Having up-to-date skills from just completing my training was extremely beneficial to meet the varying medical needs of the residents and visitors of the island,” Baker said about her arrival on the island. “I am also grateful for how this community continued to train me in so many ways and extended love even in the hard times.”
Although all change can be challenging and bumpy, Baker is confident the transition to a new doctor will be fine.
“Largely because the mission and vision for the health center is clear, and the staff are absolutely wonderful,” she said.
That mission stresses that quality, affordable care will be provided for residents and visitors regardless of their ability to pay.
Many people agree with former Hyde County Commissioner Tom Pahl’s assessment.
“During Hurricane Dorian recovery, Dr. Baker was a key member of the recovery team during an extremely challenging time,” he said.
Baker herself did not relish the aftermath of Dorian. With the center damaged and undergoing repairs, she and her staff operated out of temporary modular units installed by the state EMS.
“That was a challenge,” she said, noting that the temporary setup had no bathrooms or running water. “It was third world.”
Sue Pentz, chair of the center’s board of directors and co-proprietor of the Harborside Motel, remembers checking on Baker during that tumultuous time and seeing her smile and say, “I’m fine; we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing.”
Many people have commented on how remarkably personable Baker is while still maintaining professionalism.
Following Hurricane Dorian, Ocracoke went directly into dealing with an unprecedented pandemic that affected every aspect of life on the island. Again, Baker and her staff played a key part in the ongoing response to COVID-19.
Again and again, Baker rose to the occasion of the unique aspects of the only medical facility on the island.
Some of her decisions included when to send patients on a three-hour ambulance ride to the nearest hospital in Nags Head or call the helicopter medical transport for a 45-minute flight to regional hospitals.
Dr. Baker on her way to visit another patient in the Ocracoke Health Center. Photo: C. Leinbach/Ocracoke Observer
Pentz stressed how Baker keeps the big picture in mind: that of providing quality care.
When I talked with various island residents, their feedback included comments about how they valued Baker’s ability to persist until a clear diagnosis was reached; the way she says, “There is no shame in taking needed medicine”; her sense of humor; her concern for the caregiver as well as the patient; the way she allowed time for questions; her eye contact; and her willingness to be direct about planning ahead for future care, and her skill and compassion toward patients of all ages.
Health Center CEO Joe Rockenstein and the board of directors are conducting a search for a medical provider who will be a good fit for the unique needs of Ocracoke.
A replacement has not been named as of press time, but health care will be provided by Angela Miller, a licensed nurse practitioner who joined the staff in October, and Jolene Jernigan, also licensed nurse practitioner, who has been a health center staff member for several years.
Both practitioners can write prescriptions and are experienced health providers.
In addition to the health center, medical care is provided by the Hyde County EMS 24/7 by calling 911.
Also, Gail Covington, FNP (certified family nurse practitioner), provides health care consultations and treatment on Ocracoke and Hatteras through her Island Mobile Medical Care. Call 252-996-0511.
Noteworthy, especially since we are in the midst of hurricane season, is that health care is not readily available if there’s a hurricane.
Hyde County requires EMS to evacuate for mandatory evacuations (though not for visitor-only evacuations), and although the health center board does not require staff to evacuate, most staff do leave the island.
Baker is confident that Ocracoke will fare well as she moves on to another chapter.
“This is not my center,” she said. “It is the Ocracoke Health Center and positive changes are ahead, especially with a pharmacy that will serve the general public aiming to open late spring or early summer 2023.”
The Ocracoke Civic & Business Association will host the Ocracoke Island-Wide Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 18.
Find treasures of all kinds at more than two dozen island homes and businesses throughout the village.
Items to be sold include crafts, home goods, tools, furniture, artwork, clothing, toys, decoys, jewelry, accessories and more.
Maps highlighting each participating yard sale location will be available the Tuesday prior to the sale at the Ocracoke Variety Store, the Post Office and online at www.visitocracokenc.com.
Selling in the island-wide yard sale is confined to Ocracoke residents and businesses. It is free to participate in and attend.
The Hyde County Sheriff’s Department urges all motorists to drive very slowly along this school zone on Back Road.
Editor’s note: This story was originally published in the September 2022 print issue.
Text and phot by Connie Leinbach
Although the tourist season is winding down, Capt. Joe Smith of the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office reported 58 traffic stops with more than half of them golf cart infractions.
“There were more traffic stops than last month and we dealt with a lot of underage drivers on golf carts,” he said.
Along with these infractions from July 16 to Aug. 15, there was one vehicle crash; one stolen golf cart where somebody took someone else’s golf cart and put it back in the wrong place, which was how the owner discovered it had been stolen.
Smith reported 10 information requests, which the sheriff’s office does not handle as part of their day-to-day duties, but these are requests gotten later in the night, Smith said.
“People coming off the ferry at midnight wanting a motel room,” he said. “Most motels (on Ocracoke) close their offices at 9 p.m. We tell them they can sleep in their car outside the sheriff’s office because they can’t sleep on National Park Service property.”
There were five larcenies, he reported, two of which involved shoplifting at island shops. The others involved beer taken out of the back of trucks.
He said these larcenies are felonies because of the intent to permanently deprive another of the item.
“If you reach into the bed of a pickup truck, reach into an open window or open a car door and take something, that’s a felony,” he said.
Smith also said there has been a lot of beer stolen out of the back of trucks.
“Most of the people don’t call us about it,” he said. “I hear about it.”
Six “welfare checks” were from deputies checking up on islanders whose loved ones hadn’t heard from them in a while.
Deputies responded to two dog bite complaints.
One happened when a child in the Variety Store parking lot approached an unleashed dog and the dog bit her in the cheek.
He said the parents waited 30 minutes before calling the police which resulted in the dog’s owners not being found.
“The child ended up getting rabies shots,” Smith said.
The other dog bite was at the NPS campground, and that owner had the dog’s rabies certificate.
Smith stressed that no one should approach a dog that’s not theirs.
There was one complaint of gun shots fired. The perpetrator was shooting a .22 at cans set on top of a cooler.
“We charged him because (a bullet) hit a house,” Smith said.
Ocracoke School opened Aug. 29 and all the kids are walking, riding their bikes or getting dropped off along Back Road.
This is the entrance to the modular unit, which was put in place while the new school is being built.
Smith said new traffic signs will be installed there along Back Road and he urged all motorists to drive slowly in the early morning, at lunch time and in the afternoon when school lets out.
The Hyde County Sheriff’s Department urges all motorists to drive very slowly along this school zone on Back Road. Photo: C. Leinbach
By Connie Leinbach
Although the tourist season is winding down, Capt. Joe Smith of the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office reported 58 traffic stops with more than half of them golf cart infractions.
“There were more traffic stops than last month and we dealt with a lot of underage drivers on golf carts,” he said.
Along with these infractions from July 16 to Aug. 15, there was one vehicle crash; one stolen golf cart where somebody took someone else’s golf cart and put it back in the wrong place, which was how the owner discovered it had been stolen.
Smith reported 10 information requests, which the sheriff’s office does not handle as part of their day-to-day duties, but these are requests gotten later in the night, Smith said.
“People coming off the ferry at midnight wanting a motel room,” he said. “Most motels (on Ocracoke) close their offices at 9 p.m. We tell them they can sleep in their car outside the sheriff’s office because they can’t sleep on National Park Service property.”
There were five larcenies, he reported, two of which involved shoplifting at island shops. The others involved beer taken out of the back of trucks.
He said these larcenies are felonies because of the intent to permanently deprive another of the item.
“If you reach into the bed of a pickup truck, reach into an open window or open a car door and take something, that’s a felony,” he said.
Smith also said there has been a lot of beer stolen out of the back of trucks.
“Most of the people don’t call us about it,” he said. “I hear about it.”
Six “welfare checks” were from deputies checking up on islanders whose loved ones hadn’t heard from them in a while.
Deputies responded to two dog bite complaints.
One happened when a child in the Variety Store parking lot approached an unleashed dog and the dog bit her in the cheek.
He said the parents waited 30 minutes before calling the police which resulted in the dog’s owners not being found.
“The child ended up getting rabies shots,” Smith said.
The other dog bite was at the NPS campground, and that owner had the dog’s rabies certificate.
Smith stressed that no one should approach a dog that’s not theirs.
There was one complaint of gun shots fired. The perpetrator was shooting a .22 at cans set on top of a cooler.
“We charged him because (a bullet) hit a house,” Smith said.
Ocracoke School opened Aug. 29 and all the kids are walking, riding their bikes or getting dropped off along Back Road.
This is the entrance to the modular unit, which was put in place while the new school is being built.
Smith said new traffic signs will be installed there along Back Road and he urged all motorists to drive slowly in the early morning, at lunch time and in the afternoon when school lets out.
Dave Robinson loved to ride his sidecar around Ocracoke. Photo courtesy of Tina Robinson
William David Robinson, 48, of Ocracoke, died on Monday, Aug. 29.
He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He will be greatly missed.
William was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Carleene Robinson, and his brother, George Robinson.
He is survived by two sisters Matina Robinson of Ocracoke; Pamela Scott of Williston; two nieces Lucy O’Neal of Ocracoke; Chelsey Blondin of Holly Ridge; and a nephew Parker Scott of Greenville.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date on Ocracoke.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks, is assisting the family with arrangements.
The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry will run through Sept. 30. Photo: C. Leinbach
From our news services
Due to popular demand, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ocracoke Express will extend its operating season through Sept. 30. The season was previously slated to end on Labor Day.
Beginning Sept. 6, the passenger ferry will operate on a Tuesday through Friday schedule, the most popular days for Ocracoke day trips.
“We’ve had great ridership and very positive feedback from the public,” said Ferry Division Director Harold Thomas. “This extension will give shoulder season visitors a chance to experience this fast, convenient way to take a day trip to Ocracoke.”
From Sept. 6 to 30, the Ocracoke Express will operate Tuesdays-Fridays on the following schedule:
From Hatteras: 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. From Ocracoke: 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The Ocracoke Express, now in its fourth season, whisks people on a 70-minute trip between Hatteras and Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke Village, where a free tram operated by Hyde County is available to carry them around the village to shops, restaurants, accommodations and attractions.
More than 21,000 people have ridden the passenger ferry this season. Passenger surveys for the 2022 season have been overwhelmingly positive, with 99% of responses labeling the Ocracoke Express service as either excellent or good.
Advance reservations for the Ocracoke Express are available online at www.ncferry.org or on the phone at 1-800-BY-FERRY.
Lots of different kites on the Ocracoke beach. Photo: C. Leinbach
Tuesday, Aug. 30 Bird Walk (NPS program), 8:30 a.m. Meet winged residents of Ocracoke and those traveling the Atlantic Flyway. Binoculars are available. (60 minutes) Meet at the parking lot adjacent to the NPS Campground.
1718 Brewing Ocracoke: Kate McNally, 7 pm
Wednesday, Aug. 31 Ocracoke Coffee Company: Team Trivia 6-8 pm Ocracoke Oyster Company: Ray Murray, 7 pm
Thursday, Sept. 1 Bingo in the Ocracoke Community Center: 6:30 pm; doors open at 6 Ocracoke Oyster Company: Sept. 1: Mike Norris, 7 pm The Breeze: Hollywood Brats, 9:30 pm
Friday, Sept. 2 Ocracoke Coffee Company: Live music 6-8 pm Ocracoke Oyster Company: Barefoot Wade, 7 pm 1718 Brewing Ocracoke: Brooke & Nick, 7 pm The Breeze: Eli Craig Band, 9:30 pm
Sunday, Sept. 4 Ocracoke Oyster Company: Mike Norris, 7 pm The Breeze: Barefoot Wade, 9:30 pm
NPS Programs
Unless otherwise stated, programs are held outside the Ocracoke Discovery Center at Pilot Town Road by the south end ferry docks. The schedule may change without notice. Programs are subject to weather. Sunscreen and bug repellent are recommended for all outdoor programs. Visit the on-line program schedule for additional events at http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/calendar.
Discovery Center hours open daily: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Ocracoke Lighthouse base open daily: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Twenty-minute talks are at 11 a.m. Monday to Thursday.
Shaping these Barrier Islands Monday to Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Wars, hurricanes, winds and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras.
Banker Ponies Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 9:30 a.m. at the pony pen. Meet the ponies who once roamed as a wild herd and learn about their living history on Ocracoke Island.
