Northeast Flood Waters Recede
Hurricane Floyd Aftermath
September 20, 1999
Staff Report
UPDATE
AHOSKIE, NC

Flood waters have finally begun to recede throughout the majority of the small towns and villages in northeastern North Carolina.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) has posted a map of road openings for the eastern part of the State to assist motorists trying to reach various destinations like the Outer Banks. A DOT tabular listing of road closings is also available by North Carolina county. Finally, visitors may call DOT with specific questions regarding road conditions at (919) 549-5100 category 7623.

All roads and bridges on the Outer Banks are open as are local businesses ... visitors should allow extra time traveling to and from the Outer Banks since some roads and bridges in the eastern part of the State and in southeastern Virginia are still impassable. Motorists should also be aware that some counties in northeastern North Carolina have imposed nightime curfews and are allowing travel only during daylight hours when visibility is greatest.

There are no restrictions on travel throughout the Outer Banks including Ocracoke Island (ferry service has been restored), the northern Currituck beaches including Corolla and Dare County. Local businesses are welcoming visitors back.

Reports from Greenville, Kinston and Tarboro indicate the Tar River is nearing its crest and is finally expected to begin to recede soon. Power in many communities has been restored with connections remaining fragile. Reports from small towns are sketchy but clearly Windsor, Vanceboro and many others are facing a long recovery.

The National Park Service reports that their facilities will not reopen for several days. Please call (252) 473-2111 for additional information about Park Service facilities.

Ferry schedules from Swan Quarter and Cedar Island are varying so please call 1-800-BY-FERRY for updated ferry information and to make reservations.

Lighthouse Update
September 15, 1999
Cheryl Roberts
UPDATE
HATTERAS, NC

Well, here we go again. Hurricane Floyd has everyone along the East Coast guessing where to go and when. International Chimney, Inc., contractor for the relocation process is assuming there will be a "good blow" at Cape Hatteras and are making preparations.

Though damage at the lighthouse was minimal from Hurricane Dennis, the opened spaces left by damaged windows can allow the elements to enter the tower. ICC is boarding up the window areas to prevent wind-driven rain from entering.

Meanwhile, on the ground, bricklayers are finishing the brick infill to complete the foundation. To give added protection to the new foundation, soil is being filled in around the base within a foot of the lower edge of the lighthouse's underside. Support walls are being put in place where the entrance steps will soon be reset to save workers time of digging out sand that may be overwashed in a strong storm.

We hope for a safe journey for everyone and everything through this storm.

Schedule of Events
UPDATE
September 1, 1999
Cheryl Roberts

The new lighthouse site is an area of 3.1 acres surrounded by natural growth. The light of the lighthouse will gain an advantage at a new height to put the beacon out across Diamond Shoals. A Notice to Mariners for light-out was issued for March 1st.

May until early June: installation of the main beams with hydraulic jacks that lifted the tower. The next step was to install the roll beams upon which the tower will move.

Eary June the slide began. It can take up to six weeks, moving about 50-100 feet per day. This is now predicted to last until early-July.

Early July until early September the tower will arrive at the new foundation, be lowered onto the concrete pad, all steel removed, and concrete infill to complete its new foundation will be done.

Phase 2 will begin and work on details including parking, utilities and such begins.

The relighting ceremony scheduled for September 4th at 7:00 pm has been cancelled. The agenda that was planned for this ceremony will become an integral part of the light station rededication event next spring. Plans continue to relight "the light" on or before September 4th since a "Notice to Mariners" has been issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Memorial Day 2000 reopening is planned. Nothing specific has been announced, but a ceremony will likely be in order.

Chamber Announces On-line Auction
Expanded Auction
September 20, 1999
Staff Report
NEWS
KILL DEVIL HILLS, NC

The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce announces this week that a new On-line Auction has been added to the Chamber's website at www.outerbankschamber.com The On-line Auction will feature one Outer Banks Vacation package per month with assorted combinations of stays donated through Outer Banks real estate companies, hotels, motels and inns, rounds of golf, sporting adventures, unique Outer Banks gifts, gift certificates to local businesses, and more! Packages will be up for bid for 30 days beginning the 15th of each month.

"Our silent and live Chamber Auctions have been such a success over the years that we realize people enjoy the excitement of a bidding war," according to Auction Chairperson Lisa Cafferty. "Adding an on-line Auction enables us to continue the fun year round while opening the bidding process to those around the world who might want a chance to bid on an Outer Banks vacation getaway."

The On-line Auction also offers a unique marketing opportunity to Outer Banks business owners.

"The new On-line Auction offers the chance for us to highlight businesses who make donations, showcase their products and services, and draw attention to the diverse offerings which the Outer Banks has to offer year round," according to Chamber President John Bone. "We feel this is a great opportunity for our Chamber as well as businesses who wish to participate and for those who love the Outer Banks to pick up weekend getaways, weeklong stays, special gifts and items at a special reduced rate."

The current package is a 2 night/3 day stay in a deluxe oceanfront home and 2 rounds of golf sponsored by Beach Realty & Construction/Kitty Hawk Rentals. The October Package will be a 7 night stay at a home in Corolla provided by BD&A. Each package high bid is automatically posted as bids are submitted. Our bidding cycle is 30 days beginning on the 15th of the month.

Those interested in checking out the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce On-line Auction can click on the Auction icon or go directly to the Auction page at www.outerbankschamber.com/auction/. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to bid on Auction items.

The Chamber's Silent & Live Auctions will be held beginning at 5:30 pm, Saturday, September 25, 1999 at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo. Using a "Countdown to the Millennium" theme, this year's event will feature heavy hors d'oeuvres provided in part by Alltel, an open bar provided by Tarheel Distributing and Mutual Distributing, party favors provided by Alltel, Shallowbag Bay Development, MNC Mortgage and Solutions. Auctioneer for the evening is Jim McCreery. Reservations are being accepted now for the live Auction at $25 per person or $40 per pair.

For more information, to make a donation to the On-Line Auction, Silent or Live Auctions, or to make reservations for the September 25th "Countdown to the Millennium" event, call 441-8144.

Sign Up for Lighthouse Society Announcements
Feb 1, 1999
Staff Report

The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society updates the progress of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move ... sign up to receive e-mail updates.