Wednesday, June 10, 2026
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Two weeks left in public comment period on Trump plan to reopen offshore drilling leases

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An offshore drilling platform. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

By SamWalkerOBXNews.com

A public comment period runs through June 15 on a plan announced last month by the Trump Administration to develop a new schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management published in the Federal Register on April 30 a request for comments on the preparation of the 11th National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program.

The publication initiated a 45-day public comment period and served as the initial step in the multi-year planning process, according to the Interior Department.

“Launching the process to develop the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Program marks a decisive step toward securing American Energy Dominance,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum in a press release. “Through a transparent and inclusive public engagement process, we are reinforcing our commitment to responsible offshore energy development—driving job creation, bolstering economic growth and strengthening American energy independence. Under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, we are unlocking the full potential of our offshore resources to benefit the American people for generations to come.”

Among the 42 executive orders Trump signed on his first day in office this year was an attempt to repeal Former President Joe Biden’s Jan. 6 order to protect most U.S. offshore waters from leasing for oil and gas.

Biden’s order applied to federal waters in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Alaska and the eastern part of the Gulf of Mexico, though Biden allowed oil and gas production to continue in the western and central Gulf.

Trump’s order in January drew criticism from Republican-dominated southern states.

There has been considerable bipartisan pushback from local, state and federal elected officials against attempts by the previous administrations to allow offshore drilling along the North Carolina coast.

As recently as 2019, nearly all of the state’s coastal counties, with the exception of Brunswick, passed resolutions opposing East Coast offshore oil and gas leases and leaders from Outer Banks towns and Dare County also actively lobbied in Raleigh and Washington.

Environmental groups that have been at the forefront of the fight against drilling along the Atlantic coast and elsewhere are again calling on the public to voice their opposition to the latest effort.

“During the first Trump administration, the Department of Interior proposed new drilling in over 90% of U.S. waters including the entire East Coast, West Coast, and Gulf of Mexico,” said Surfrider Foundation Ocean Protection Manager Pete Stauffer.

“That harmful proposal was never implemented, thanks to overwhelming push-back from the public,” Stauffer said. “However, the administration’s actions show they are again exploring potential oil and gas drilling off all major U.S. coasts. No region is safe!”

“Americans across the country overwhelmingly agree — we must protect our coasts, not destroy them,” said Oceana Campaign Director Joseph Gordon. “We know oil spills wreck economies and businesses, kill wildlife, and devastate coastlines. These consequences are why there is a strong bipartisan tradition to protect our oceans from drilling.

“Oceana will stand with coastal communities again and hold the line to protect our coasts from toxic and destructive offshore drilling,” Gordon said. 

As mandated by the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the Department of the Interior must solicit input from interested and affected parties during development of the National OCS Program.

Consistent with prior efforts, BOEM said they will request information on all OCS planning areas at this initial stage.

Once finalized, the 11th National OCS Program will replace the current 10th Program (2024–2029), which includes just three lease sales over five years—all located in the Gulf of Mexico.

“Federal law requires the agency to consider public input, as well as potential harm to the environment and communities,” Stauffer said.

“Past experience has shown that inspired public opposition can stop new oil and gas proposals, even against overwhelming odds,” Stauffer said. “That’s why Surfrider is urging our supporters – along with communities, businesses and elected officials – to submit comments against offshore drilling.”

The Interior Department said the request does not propose a specific timeline for future lease sales or make any early determinations regarding which areas may be included.

Instead, it invites stakeholders to provide insight and recommendations for leasing opportunities, raise concerns and identify other existing uses that may be affected by offshore leasing.

As of April 1, BOEM manages 2,227 active oil and gas leases covering approximately 12.1 million acres in OCS regions. Of these, 469 leases are currently producing oil and gas. 

In fiscal year 2024 alone, production from OCS leases accounted for approximately 14% of domestic oil production and 2% of domestic natural gas production, yielding $7 billion in federal revenues, the Interior Department said.

BOEM’s most recent assessment estimates a mean of 68.79 billion barrels of oil and 229.03 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, according to a press release.

On Inauguration Day, President Trump issued Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy,” which The White House said established U.S. policy to “encourage energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters, including the Outer Continental Shelf, to meet the needs of our citizens and solidify the United States as a global energy leader long into the future.” 

Earlier this year, Burgum directed BOEM to move forward with a lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico.

Comments on the latest proposal must be received by BOEM on June 16 either online or by mail:

  • Submitted through the regulations.gov web portal (preferred method) at https://www.regulations.gov/document/BOEM-2025-0015-0003  
  • Mailed in an envelope labeled “Comments for the 11th National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program” and mailed or sent by delivery service to Kelly Hammerle, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166-9216

NPS seeks volunteer sea turtle nest-sitters

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A green sea turtle digging her nest on the beach of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Photo: NPS/Will Thompson

Already, six loggerhead sea turtles have nested on Ocracoke Island. Many more will be arriving. In 2024, there were 101 nests. The incubation period is generally 50 to 60 days.

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is looking for volunteers to be “turtle nest watchers” starting at the end of August and into September when sea turtle nests on Ocracoke begin to hatch.

NPS staffers will hold a turtle nest watch volunteer training from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, in the Ocracoke Community Center.

Nest sitters typically sit on the beach near a designated nest for several hours on their assigned evening(s) and watch that no vehicles breach the nest area, educate beach goers about these creatures and alert NPS staff if the nest starts to “boil,” or hatch.

This training is for residents or long-term summer visitors for this activity occur across multiple weeks and will go through September.

During the two-hour training, volunteers will learn about sea turtles and will be required to fill out the necessary paperwork to become an official volunteer with the National Park Service.

No pre-registration is necessary.

Loggerhead sea turtle hatchling makes its way to the sea on Ocracoke Island, Sept. 9, 2024. Photo: P. Vankevich/Ocracoke Observer

Ceremony remembers the fallen of WWII off Ocracoke beaches

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Military attaches attend the British Cemetery Ceremony May 9 on Ocracoke. From left are Capt. Timothy List, U.S.C.G. Sector Commander; Commander Richard Lane, Canadian Forces Naval attaché; Commander Luisa Winkler, German assistant Naval attaché; Richard Eagles, representing the British Royal Navy Patrol of which the Bedfordshire was a part; and Commodore Philip Nash of the British Royal Navy Forces.

Text and photo by Connie Leinbach

Ocracoke was an unwilling witness to the horror of naval warfare in the North Atlantic as German U-boats attacked American and Allied merchant ships, said island historian Philip Howard during the 83rd British Cemetery Ceremony.

“Explosions offshore rattled windows and burning fuel lit up the night sky as plumes of black smoke lifted heavenward,” he said. “Wreckage and bodies washed up on our beaches.

“The Ocracoke community continues to remember and honor those who gave their lives to combat the tyranny of fascism and to protect our shores, our freedoms and our democratic values.”

Howard was among representatives from the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Germany who spoke at the ceremony May 9 at the graveyard site along British Cemetery Road.

Commander Luisa Winkler, German Assistant Naval Attache stationed in Washington, D.C., was the second German officer to attend the ceremony to remember the torpedoing of the British armed trawler H.M.T. Bedfordshire off the Outer Banks on May 11, 1942, depositing four British sailors on the beach.

Islanders rallied and a family donated the land for the burials.

Sub-Lt. Thomas Cunningham and Ordinary Telegraphist Second Class Stanley Craig were the only ones identified of the four sailors interred in this small patch of England.

The Bedfordshire was one of many trawlers pressed into service and dubbed the Royal Navy Patrol Service, which kept the trans-Atlantic shipping lanes open for the British Navy.

Winkler praised the alliance between Germany and the United States since then.

 “We must not stop telling these stories,” Winkler said.

She recounted the fate of the German submarine U-558 that sank the Bedfordshire, noting that it was attacked in July 1943 by American aircraft in the Bay of Biscay. After his crew abandoned the ship and was lost, the captain and four crewmen were captured by a Canadian destroyer and became prisoners of war, she said.

“I tell you this because I do care,” Winkler said. “Never again is now, but our partnership and alliance shall persist forevermore.”

The Ocracoke community, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the Friends of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum have worked together to care for the gravesites and honor these British sailors each year since 1942.

Members of the American Legion mix water from England and Cape Hatteras in a ‘Blending of the Waters’ ceremony to symbolize the allied collaboration to defeat fascism in WWII.
The U.S. Coast Guard detail after their 21-gun salute.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Pipe Band plays ‘Amazing Grace.’
The grave marker of the Bedfordshire.

Michele Reynolds: 1962 to 2025

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Michele Reynolds

Leigh Michele Williams Reynolds, age 62, of Ocracoke, and formerly of Raleigh, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 22, in the LiveWell Brassfield Memory Care Facility.

She was the wife of Russ Reynolds of Ocracoke.

A celebration of life will be at 5 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at the Berkley Barn.

Born on July 1, 1962, in Raleigh, she was a daughter of Laura Joanne Bridgers Williams and the late Philip Allen Williams.

She graduated from the College of Charleston, where she earned her degree in sociology. Michele then moved back to Raleigh and began working as a social worker at Springmoor Retirement Community where she worked for over 20 years.

She was tailormade for her job there. On her first day, she came home and said, “They don’t have to pay me to do this.”

Michele was just as beautiful inside and out. While in college she even worked as a model. She was loved by many and was such a sweet and kind person with a precious soul. Her favorite hobbies were gardening, working with stained glass and horseback riding.

She married Russ in 1999; they spent 25 wonderful years together. They traveled all over the world and in 2017 retired to Ocracoke.

Almost every day, they took beach rides and golf cart scuds through the village. Michele volunteered at Meals on Wheels and held a part time job doing in-home visits with the elderly on Ocracoke.

In honor and remembrance of Michele, please go horseback riding, plant some flowers or spend time with the elderly.

In addition to her husband, she is survived her mother, Joanne Williams; her sister Jackie Myers (Kevin); her brother Rusty Williams (Tammy); and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to your local Meals on Wheels. (https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/)

On Ocracoke, the meals program is called Food for Folks with the United Methodist Church.

NPS urges visitors to sign up for rip current forecast text alerts and swim at lifeguarded beaches

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When the threat of rip currents is high, lifeguards place yellow-and-red caution flags on the beach. Feel free to talk to the lifeguards at the Day Use Area and swim there, too. Photo: C. Leinbach

MANTEO, N.C. — Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) is urging its visitors to sign up for Dare County Emergency Management’s rip current forecast text alerts and swim at any of the Seashore’s five lifeguarded beaches.

Text Alerts
Seashore visitors can sign up for ocean and beach condition text alerts from Outer Banks lifeguards, ocean rescue agencies and the National Weather Service by texting OBXBeachConditions to 77295. Text alerts cover conditions in both Dare and Hyde counties.

Love The Beach, Respect the Ocean Website
Another helpful tool for planning a safe visit to the beach is Dare County’s Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean website. Whether you are planning a visit to a Seashore beach in Dare County or Hyde County’s Ocracoke Island, www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com is a one-stop, online destination for learning the rip current risk for the day, beach conditions and more. The website also includes many potentially life-saving videos featuring local lifeguards and Outer Banks residents.

Lifeguarded Beaches
Lifeguarded beaches are the safest places to swim at the Seashore. There are five beach locations that are staffed with lifeguards from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The locations of the five lifeguarded beaches are:

Ocean and Beach Safety Tips

  • Swim at beaches patrolled by lifeguards.
  • Bring something in the water with you that floats.
    • Rather than struggling through a rip current and exhausting yourself, bring something into the ocean that floats and easily float away from the rip current. Float don’t fight.
  • Swimming in the Atlantic Ocean is not the same as swimming in a pool or a lake. Ocean swimming can be very physically taxing and may exacerbate underlying medical issues in older swimmers.
  • A perfect day on the beach doesn’t always mean that it’s a perfect day in the ocean. If in doubt, don’t go out.
  • Never swim alone. Swim with a buddy and have adult supervision for all children. Have someone on shore keep an eye on you while you swim/surf/wade in the water.
  • Be aware that the ocean presents additional hazards, such as lightning, high surf and shore break. Learn more at www.lovethebeachrespectheocean.com.
  • Avoid wearing shiny objects that may attract sharks and other fish.
  • Avoid swimming where danger is present: in rough seas; inlets; around fishing piers and surfers; at night; or during thunderstorms.
Rip current graphic by Kim Mosher.

First-time decoy fest goer captures a prize

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Elizabeth O’Meara with her Canvasback by Mark Justice.

Text and photo by Connie Leinbach

Elizabeth O’Meara of Clemmons had never been to a decoy festival and won the first prize of the raffle – a Canvasback duck carved by the late Mark Justice.

“I’m flabbergasted,” she said as she collected her prize.

She and her friend were visiting the island and thought it would be fun to attend.

“We wanted to see all these decoys and all these wonderful artists,” she said, noting that they had read about Justice and the event.

Before capturing the raffle prize, O’Meara bought a shore bird carving.

“That one was from a carver from earlier in the last century and who died in 2001,” she said. “I walked away from it and thought, ‘Okay, when I’ve seen everything else, if it’s still there, I’ll get it,’ and I did, which was great.”

This was the second time in her life she had won something.

The other time was when she was in fifth grade and living outside of Chicago and she walked by a brand-new men’s clothing store.

There was a huge jar of pennies and a promotion to guess the number of pennies and win a gift certificate.

“I guessed right on the money,” she said, “and it was for a men’s clothing store and didn’t help me a bit.”

But the prize decoy from Ocracoke will “make our visit that much more memorable,” she said.

The 7th Annual Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival was held April 11 and 12 in the Ocracoke School Commons room since the gym floor was being rebuilt.

Justice, who was the featured carver this year, died Oct. 15, and the raffled Canvasback was the only one of his carvings his wife, Sharon Justice, let go.

“It was great to have his carvings there for people to see how talented he was,” said Trudy Austin, who took over as president of the Decoy Carvers Guild, which puts on the festival, after John Simpson, one of the guild founders and the president, died in November.

She said the guild members and decoy vendors were pleased.

“I think John would have been happy with the way things went,” she said about the festival. “He laid a very strong foundation for us to build on.”

This year the festival opened Friday evening and continued all day on Saturday in conjunction with the Earth Day activities.

“Hello!” A swan by carver Chip Evans, at left, seems to say.
Islander Heather Johnson with her first decoy carving.
Ocracoke Decoy Carvers Guild President Trudy Austin checks on vendor Spencer Gaskins, with Grace Ward.

Ocracoke events May 26 to June 1

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Sunsets R Us on Ocracoke May 23, 2025. Photo: C. Leinbach/Ocracoke Observer

Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day):
1718 Brewing Ocracoke: Raygun Ruby, 7 pm

Tuesday, May 27
Ocracoke Oyster Company: Bryan Mayer, 7:30 pm

Wednesday, May 28
Ocracoke Oyster Company: Bryan Mayer, 7:30 pm

Ocrafolk Opry, Deepwater Theater, 8 pm

Thursday, May 29
Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department meeting, New volunteers always welcome. 822 Irvin Garrish Hwy 6 pm.

Friday, May 30
Ocracoke Oyster Company: Ocracoke Rockers, 8 pm

Saturday, May 31
Ocracoke Oyster Company: Caldwell Grey, 7:30 pm

Sunday, June 1
Ocracoke United Methodist Church, 11 am
Ocracoke Life Saving Church, 11 am
Stella Maris Chapel, Note: Sunday afternoon Mass time varies. Go to Masstimes.org and type in the zip code: 27960

N.C. Legislature to decide on a joint budget; ferry tolls undecided

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On the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry. Photo: C. Leinbach/Ocracoke Observer

By Connie Leinbach

In the next weeks the N.C. Legislature will hammer out a two-year budget that may or may not include a toll on the Hatteras ferry and an increase on the currently tolled routes.

The state House has unveiled its full budget proposal that differs from the spending plan already approved by the Senate but leaves out adding tolls to the state’s free ferry routes or increasing current fares.

The Senate approved a budget that doubles the rates on the Ocracoke-Swan Quarter and Cedar Island routes and Ocracoke Express passenger ferry, while adding tolls to the Hatteras-Ocracoke, Currituck-Knotts Island, and two other routes.

There has been considerable pushback from Outer Banks and inland legislators to the Senate budget’s ferry toll proposal, which drew vocal opposition from local government leaders and business owners who have passed resolutions and written letters to state lawmakers.

During their May meeting, the Hyde County commissioners approved their own resolution against ferry tolls and added their names to a resolution signed by seven other counties opposing the enactment of tolls on free ferry routes and additional charges on those routes already tolled.

Both documents were sent to the General Assembly, said Hyde County Manager Kris Cahoon Noble during the commissioners’ monthly meeting.

According to the fiscal document attached to the budget bill, the tolls would raise $6.4 million in each of the next two fiscal years that would be allocated to the Ferry Capital Fund for vessel replacements.

“The estimated fiscal impact of establishing tolls on previously untolled routes and increasing existing toll rates is based on the bill’s toll rates and ridership data from the Ferry Division’s monthly traffic report,” the fiscal note says.

However, Bob Chestnut, chair of the Ocracoke Civic & Business Association, said at the April meeting that there’s no estimate as to how much it would cost to implement toll collection at both ends of the Hatteras route.

Both chambers were expected back in Raleigh after the Memorial Day recess, and while the total spend is about the same at about $30 billion, the budgets differ as to how to allocate the funds.

Because of these differences, a conference committee will be selected to work out the differences. Those members have not yet been selected.

Noble encouraged islanders to contact Ocracoke representatives. 

“Timing is of the essence,” she said at the OCBA meeting on May 20. “We need to create a groundswell of opposition.” 

She suggested the following: “Call the Senator/Representative and leave a message if no answer, letting them know who you are, your position, and a return phone number. Follow up with an email stating your position and send these individually, not in a group email. Focus on the Senate and the House. Put your opposition on record.”

The Hyde resolution says the Senate has proposed a fee of $20 per vehicle less than 20 feet and $40 for a vehicle greater than 20 feet for the Hatteras ferry. It also includes doubling the toll on the Ocracoke-Swan Quarter route from the current $15 fee to $30.

Hyde’s resolution points out several reasons that a toll on the Hatteras route would be unfair, particularly that the Hatteras to Ocracoke ferry route is currently the only toll-free route for residents, vendors and visitors to access Ocracoke Island.

“The imposition of tolls on routes that are currently free (and the increase in currently tolled routes) will constitute an unfair taxation burden and economic hardship on the residents and businesses of eastern North Carolina,” the resolution says.

Moreover, it points out that General Statute §136-89.197 states that, vis-à-vis toll routes, “The Department shall maintain an existing, alternate, comparable nontoll route corresponding to each Turnpike Project constructed pursuant to this Article. (2002-133, s. 1.)”

This ensures that all people can access a non-tolled route to their travel destination.

“Ocracoke is unique in the fact that there is no other way to access the island except by ferry and the Hatteras to Ocracoke ferry is now the only free option to access Ocracoke Island,” the resolution says. “Every person deserves a free route to travel home.”

See below for a list of the transportation committee members and their contact information.

More information on each of the legislators can be found online at http://www.ncleg.net.

Howard’s Pub sold to Nags Head restaurateur

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Howard’s Pub has a new owner. Photo: C. Leinbach/Ocracoke Observer

By Connie Leinbach

An Ocracoke institution and destination since 1979, Howard’s Pub has been sold to Colin Wiseman of Nags Head.

The sale was completed in May to Wiseman, who owns Mulligan’s in Nags Head, The Rundown Café in Kitty Hawk and Oscars of Summerville in Summerville, South Carolina.

“The Pub is such an iconic destination that he was familiar with it and he knew how successful it had been, and he was looking to acquire an additional restaurant,” said current owner Ann Warner.

The two are working together to put all the pieces together and will continue to make the transition as smooth as possible.

The staff and menu will stay the same, she said.

“There’s a great legacy here and I really want to continue that going forward,” Wiseman said.

It’s been 35 years since Warner became part owner of the establishment, and it was time for her to pass the torch to the younger generation, she said.

Since her husband, Buffy, died 21 years ago, she’s operated it on her own.

“I’m 67 and I just thought it was the right time for me to find somebody from the next generation, that had the expertise and the leadership and the ability to take on the Pub,” she said.

While Wiseman said he will be working between his businesses, the Pub should fare well.

“We have a great team and support staff,” he said. 

Restaurant work is in his blood.

“It’s all I’ve done,” he said, “from a (table) busser, then a server and a bartender.”

He’s looking forward to being a part of the community.

The following historical account is from Philip Howard’s online newsletter at http://www.villagecraftsmen.com.

In 1978 Ron Howard, direct descendant of an early colonial owner of Ocracoke Island, decided to build a pub on his property at the edge of Ocracoke village on the southwest side of Irvin Garrish Highway.

He opened Howard’s Pub in April 1979.

For the first time in more than half a century Ocracoke islanders and visitors could order a cold beer in a local restaurant.

Ron’s 77-year-old father, Edgar Howard, remarked, “We’ll have hard-core hippies, hard-core Yankees, and hard-core Southerners. We’re going to mix them all and I hope they all get along!”

After some initial rowdiness from inebriated customers, for the 1981 season Ron decided the Pub needed a makeover.

Ron opened in the spring as a bar and deli, with no band. However, his father Edgar, a talented banjo player, was available to entertain his son’s clientele.

In the 1920s and 1930s Edgar played the vaudeville circuit in several large cities, including New York and Philadelphia, with such notables as Gene Autry, Milton Berle and Al Jolson.

After several years of the Pub changing hands, in 1991 Ron sold his business and property to George (Buffy) and Ann Warner.

The new owners considered changing the business name but decided to keep it.

Under their management, as Buffy did a lot to advertise it, Howard’s Pub and Raw Bar Restaurant continued to flourish, becoming one of the best-known and most popular eateries on the Outer Banks.

“I’m excited that someone is willing to take on the pub and its personality,” Warner said. “It’s an iconic destination.”

Ron Howard, right, with John Ivey Wells, left, and Ron Whitlow, center, in this undated photo courtesy of Philip Howard.

The 18th Annual Firemen’s Ball: a worthy and fun cause

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OCFD volunteers respond to helicopter medevacs at the airport at all hours of the day and night. Photo: P. Vankevich/Ocracoke Observer

It may be a bit unusual for an editorial to start with, “Hey, go out and have fun this Saturday.” But, “Hey.” That is exactly what you should consider doing.

The 18th Annual Ocracoke Volunteer Firemen’s Ball will kick off Saturday (May 24) at the Barn of the Berkley Manor. The festivities begin at 4 p.m. with a silent auction until 6 p.m.

Imagine wandering through a treasure trove of items. Local artisans have crafted beautiful pieces of art, intricately carved wood, and stunning jewelry. Plus, there’s a delightful array of gift bags filled with goodies donated by businesses.

The serving of delicious barbecue dinners at $20 per plate begins at 4:30 pm, and continuing until sold out. You can enjoy your meal there or take it to go.

The excitement doesn’t stop there; the live auction at 6:30 p.m. is a highlight, with high rollers raising their paddles to win beloved items like a cake baked by Ruth Toth or Amanda Gaskins and even offshore fishing charters.

Once the auctions wind down, the barn comes alive with the legendary sounds of the Dune Dogs and the Ocracoke Rockers, setting the stage for a night of music and dancing.

This event is OVFD’s major fundraiser. Without the funds raised here, OVFD would not be able to provide the high level of service that it does.

Every resident of Ocracoke and those with second homes here should understand the vital role OVFD plays. Beyond fighting fires, they provide crucial support during emergencies, such as when medevacs are needed to transport patients to off island hospitals by helicopter.

The OVFD this year has 25 certified volunteer firefighters, all trained and ready to respond at a moment’s notice. In addition, there are five very active junior firefighters from Ocracoke School. One of them is about to turn 18, soon transitioning from junior status.

The department welcomes more volunteers, and they’re not just looking for firefighters. If you have skills in grant writing, enjoy landscaping or fundraising, your help would be appreciated.

The Firemen’s Ball is your chance to support and say thank you to our volunteer firefighters, many of whom will be volunteering at this event.

If you’re unable to attend, you can still contribute by making a donation to the Ocracoke Fire Protection Association and sending it to OFPA, PO Box 332, Ocracoke, NC 27960.

Point of Disclosure: Peter Vankevich, on the editorial board of the Ocracoke Observer, is a OVFD firefighter

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