Wave Transit is offering free rides on Election Day for all fixed-route buses, the Seahawk Shuttle and RideMICRO. (Port City Daily/File)
NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Wave Transit is offering free rides on Election Day for all fixed-route buses, the Seahawk Shuttle and RideMICRO.
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, fares will be waived to enable riders to get to their polling locations and vote. Dial-A-Ride Transportation will also be waiving ride fares; commuters using this service are encouraged to inform the driver about their intention to vote to receive the free trip.
Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Polling locations can be found here.
For those unsure of how to get to their polling location, Wave can be reached at 910-343-0106.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe hereor make a one-time contribution here.
Candidates at every level, from local to federal, rely on campaign contributions to fuel their electoral bids. (Port City Daily/File)
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Port City Daily/File)
SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
If you have yet to cast a ballot for the 2026 midterm elections, be sure to head to the polls on Tuesday and help shape the leadership for New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.
Here are a few notes to keep in mind ahead of Election Day:
A valid ID is required to cast a ballot in North Carolina. If you do not have an ID you will have fill out a photo ID exemption form.
Only registered voters can vote Tuesday and must go to their precinct location; ceck here to see if you’re registered to vote. Otherwise, request a provisional ballot.
Every election season, Port City Daily publishes FREE candidate questionnaires, which have been linked below so you can learn where candidates stand on issues facing the region.
Be sure to check out other election reporting from Port City Daily, including information about the three constitutional amendments on the ballot this year. Click ‘continue reading’ below to access the articles.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will consider approving its comprehensive land use plan Monday. (Courtesy Brunswick County)
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will consider approving its comprehensive land use plan Monday. (Courtesy Brunswick County)
SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Every Monday Port City Daily will share upcoming government and community meetings around the tri-county region. If there’s an item of public interest, it will be included, too.
Monday, Nov. 2
The Wilmington City Council will hold an agenda review at 8:30 a.m. in the Skyline Center, 929 N. Front St. Meetings are livestreamed here.
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will host a regular meeting at 3 p.m. Meetings can be watched here. The agenda includes:
Auditor’s report for FY26
Approval of the Board of Health Rules and Policies as required to meet Health Services’ Accreditation standards
Sheriff’s office update regarding ALPR cameras
Continuation of the public hearing for the water shortage response plan and water emergency ordinance updates
Approval of an amendment to the agreement with Axon Enterprises to add transcription software services to the county’s existing media system. This addition was part of the approved budget and is valued at $99,672.39 per year.
Approve acceptance of the Port Security Grant Program Award
Approve revised hydrant bulk water policy
Re-appointment of Clare Leary to the Calabash Planning and Zoning Board as the ETJ appointee
Closed session item regarding Hawthorne-Midway Ocean Isle, LLC v. Brunswick County
The Pender County Board of Commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. at the Public Assembly Room, 805 South Walker Street. Meetings are livestreamed here. The agenda includes:
Presentation of cemetery site identification form and cemetery viewer application
Update on Pender County Infrastructure and Controlled Growth Initiative
for a Conditional Use
Public hearing to rezone approximately 630 acres for 1,023 single-family homes in the Long Creek Township
The Burgaw Town Council will meet at 9 a.m. at Burgaw Town Center, 108 East Wilmington Street. The agenda includes:
Requesting NCDOT to prioritize ditch and storm drainage maintenance on state-maintained roadways within the Town of Burgaw
Requesting NCDOT to give additional consideration to safety and mobility projects on the NC Highway 53 Corridor, for the Progress Drive Extension, and at the US Highway 117 Bypass/East Wilmington Street intersection
Amending Chapter 20, Article II, Section 20-33 of the Town of Burgaw Code of Ordinances to reduce the minimum acreage requirement for permitted bow hunting within the corporate limits
The New Hanover County Board of Elections will hold a special meeting on Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. in the multipurpose room at 226 Government Center Dr. The purpose of the meeting is to review absentee ballot applications and discuss other election-related matters as needed. Seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Members of the public may listen to or participate in the meeting by phone or online here.
The Pender County Board of Elections will hold a special meeting on Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. at 805 Walker St. The purpose of the meeting is to review absentee ballot applications and discuss other election-related matters as needed. The public is welcome.
The Brunswick County Board of Elections will hold a special meeting on Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. at the BOE Office, 75 Stamp Act Drive NE, Building H, Bolivia. The purpose of the meeting is to review absentee ballot applications and discuss other election-related matters as needed. The public is welcome and a Zoom link to stream it can be found here.
Tuesday, Nov. 3
The New Hanover County Board of Elections will hold its special meeting on Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. 226 Government Center Dr. The purpose of the meeting is to count absentee ballots and discuss other election-related matters as needed. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To join online, do so here.
The Pender County Board of Elections will hold a special meeting on Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. at 805 Walker St. The purpose of the meeting is to review absentee ballot applications and discuss other election-related matters as needed. The public is welcome.
The Brunswick County Board of Elections will hold a special meeting on Nov. 3 at 4 p.m. at the BOE Office, 75 Stamp Act Drive NE, Building H, Bolivia. The purpose of the meeting is to review absentee ballot applications and discuss other election-related matters as needed. The public is welcome and a Zoom link to stream it can be found here.
The Wilmington City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Skyline Center, 929 N. Front St. Meetings are livestreamed here. The agenda includes:
Ordinance amending the land development code, Chapter 18, to restore group day facilities as a permitted use in various zoning districts, and to reestablish and modify the definition and prescribed conditions for a group day facility. Read Port City Daily’s coverage of this item here.
Ordinance amending the zoning maps of the City of Wilmington to rezone a 0.514-acre portion of a 1.26 acre parcel at 428, 430, and 432 Eastwood Road from R-15, Moderate-density single-dwelling district, to O&I, office and institutional
The New Hanover County Planning Board will meet at 5 p.m. in the NHC Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive. Meetings are livestreamed here. The agenda includes:
Request to rezone approximately 2.17 acres located at 2117 Castle Hayne Road from (CZD) B-2, regional business to a general use R-15 residential district
The Wilmington Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will meet at 4 p.m., followed by the Housing and Economic Opportunities Inc. Board of Directors and Glover Plaza Inc. Board of Directors. All three meetings will take place at Rankin Place, 415 N. 12th St. An agenda was not posted by press.
The Leland Board of Adjustment will meet at 6.p.m in Town Hall. Meetings can be found here.
The Topsail Beach Parks and Recreation Board will meet at 2 p.m. at the Town Hall, 820 South Anderson Boulevard. Meetings are livestreamed here. The agenda includes:
Presentation of parks and rec budget
The Surf City Town Council will meet at 6 p.m. at Surf City Municipal Complex, 214 West Florence Way. Meetings are livestreamed here. The agenda includes:
Resolution in support of grant application for NCDOT integrated mobility division
Approve contract award for segment 5 of the multiuse path
Wednesday, Nov. 4
The Wilmington Planning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. in the Skyline Center, 929 N. Front St. Meetings are livestreamed here. The agenda includes:
Amend the land development code for various amendments related to compliance with recently adopted North Carolina General Statutes, public parks, and grammatical errors. Read Port City Daily’s coverage of this item here.
2414 Wrightsville Ave.: General district rezoning of a portion of the property containing 0.128 acres +/- from R-5, residential to CB, community business district.
The Brunswick County Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. in the Cape Fear Room of the Center of Applied Sciences and Technology, 1109 Old Ocean Highway. Meetings are livestreamed here. An agenda was not posted by press.
The Pender County Planning Board will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Administration Building, 805 South Walker Street. Meetings are livestreamed here. The agenda includes:
Request for a conditional rezoning of a 7-acre parcel to allow a trucking company to operate in Rocky Point Township.
The North Topsail Beach Board of Aldermen will meet at 11 a.m. at Town Hall, 2008 Loggerhead Court. Meetings are livestreamed here. An agenda was not posted by press.
Cape Fear Public Utility Finance Committee meeting takes place Nov. 4, 9 a.m., followed by the Executive Committee at 10:30 a.m. in the Jordan Conference, 235 Government Center Dr. The EC agenda includes reports from the attorney and executive director and a closed session.
ILM Airport Authority will meet at 5 p.m. at the airport’s ILM Conference Room. The agenda includes staff reports, recognition of Erin McNally for receiving A.A.E. Certification, as well as:
Recommend approval of the Third Amendment to Concession Agreement with Faber, Coe and Gregg of Florida
Recommend approval of a contract for TB&E for Construction Administrative services for North Commercial Ramp Expansion NTE (TBD)
Thursday, Nov. 5
The New Hanover County Board of Education will meet at 5 p.m. in the Board of Education Center, 1805 S. 13th St. Meetings are livestreamed here. The agenda includes:
Character education
Update to legislative agenda
OT/PT and teacher assistant pay changes. Read Port City Daily’s coverage of this item here.
The Pender County Technical Review Committee will meet at 9 a.m. at the Public Assembly Room, 805 South Walker Street. The agenda includes:
Review a request for 52 apartment units with a shared amenity area featuring a clubhouse, pool, multi-use field and the Point South leasing office located in Topsail Township
Review a request for a 1,484 square foot office building, a 2,120 square foot carport, and to establish a lay-down yard in Rocky Point Township
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
A new district could be coming to Oak Island, as the planning board took up a vote this week to usher in a commercial waterfront district. (Courtesy Town of Oak Island)
OAK ISLAND — The Oak Island Planning Board took up a vote this week to potentially usher in a new zoning district to the area.
The commercial waterfront district passed unanimously as a recommendation to council. If council also agrees to it, the district will include a handful of business types: restaurants without a drive-thru; restaurants with outdoor seating and without a drive-thru; bait and tackle; commercial pier; and event center. The planning board decided fewer allowances at first would be a more thoughtful approach and officials could add in more in the future at council’s discretion.
The planning board also applied the new zoning district to the town’s 801 Event Center and 705 Ocean Drive pier complex, previously zoned commercial recreation.
The pier has been at the forefront of discussion since June, when the planning board recommended council reject the properties’ rezoning to community business, due to some of the approved uses the town did not want at the complex — fuel stations, offices and residences, for example. The complex includes a fishing pier, bait and tackle shop, restaurant, and coffee shop currently.
When the community business zoning went before council for the scheduled public hearing in October, they also voted to deny it. Elected officials sent back considerations to the planning board, this time with the suggestion of creating a new district.
Oak Island’s new director of development, Craig Harmon, led a discussion the prior month, at September’s planning board meeting, to cover zoning options for the pier complex. Harmon went over the general rezoning approach (ultimately denied), conditional zoning — which would require a $15,000 professionally sealed master plan for the properties — or establishing a new district altogether.
Vice Chair Durral Gilbert expressed support for the latter and reasoned the new district adds flexibility “to define appropriate by-right uses, expand or restrict them as development interest materializes, and protect the public interest in these unique oceanfront parcels,” according to the board’s Sept. 29 meeting notes.
Though council still has to sign off on the board’s suggestion, the commercial waterway district is meant to be a distinctive commercial environment, compatible and supportive of Oak Island and its waterfront recreation, tourism, dining, specialty retail and public access to coastal amenities.
The commercial waterfront district will be different from the community recreational and commercial business districts in that consideration will be given to the intensity of a development and how it complements the waterfront more so than roadway projects. It also doesn’t include residential.
The planning board had an hour-long conversation at it’s Oct. 27 meeting about the varied business types allowed within commercial waterfront district. Staff recommended prohibiting drive-thru establishments, heavy industrial businesses, outdoor storage yards, and auto repair shops.
The planning board used the pier complex properties as a northstar when discussing the new district but also weighed how it would still apply to other waterfront areas. Gilbert questioned if the board should bifurcate what can be on the Intracoastal Waterway versus the oceanfront.
While the pier is oceanside, there are marinas and restaurants along the ICW. Watercraft rentals, sightseeing tours and fishing charters all were broached as possibilities in the new district.
“Think about water jet ski rentals on beaches,” alternate board member Gene Brooks said. “It’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Board member Bob Carpenter thought proceeding with “more restrictive measures” outright would be key: “If we add something to the table of uses, we can’t take it off later because that’s considered downzoning.”
Downzoning is illegal in North Carolina after the 2024 passage of Senate Bill 382 by the General Assembly. The law does not allow a government to amend its zoning regulations or a zoning map that downzones a property without the written consent of all property owners. This could include decreasing development density, reducing permitted uses, creating nonconformities in nonresidential districts or altering development standards.
In Brunswick County, developers of HIC Land, LLC and CLD Engineering, PLLC are suing the county after the planning board denied approval of the Green Hill Development, citing violation protections under S.B. 382.
However, Attorney Michael Bowen, of The Brough Law Firm, PLLC, clarified for the Oak Island Planning Board the town owns the pier complex.
“If the town owns the land, it can downzone however it would like. It has its own consent,” he said.
Naturally, should the town sell its properties, the zoning would stick for future owners too. Harmon told the planning board those properties would “likely” have restrictive covenants on them — a legally binding rule written into a property’s deed on how the land can be developed.
“‘Likely’ isn’t the same as ‘they will,’” Carpenter reminded, before later bringing up “people can make a request to be rezoned into it too.”
Vice Chair Gilbert agreed but used Intracoastal Waterway pub Lone Rider as an example. Since it’s zoned commercial recreational, he thought transitioning to the commercial waterfront district would not incentivize the highest and best use of the land.
“It would actually restrict their ability because it doesn’t have any residential in that,” Gilbert said, noting commercial recreational does. “But we, and town council, can take these exceptions one at a time.”
The list of uses up for discussion at first included cafes, coffee shops and bakeries, too. Carpenter suggested the planning board could always readdress and add more with a text amendment later.
Definitions of uses also entered debate — but mostly around bait and tackle shops, which is currently undefined in the town’s ordinance. The board questioned whether it should be devised as “specialty retail,” with many agreeing it’s open to expansive interpretation.
Some thought just stating “specialty retail” without qualifiers could usher in convenience stores, skate or smoke shops that also happen to have bait and tackle.
“Where there is a gray area, there is a loophole,” Bowen reminded.
Gilbert suggested adding in “predominantly” or “primarily” — as in “specialty retail that predominantly works in bait tackle and marine supplies.”
“If someone wants to hire a good attorney and poke holes in something, they’re going to hang some fishing hooks and say, ‘Hey, we’re ‘primarily’ for bait and tackle,’” Brooks said. “Since we don’t have a definition for bait and tackle, they may sell more sundries than bait and tackle.”
Board members pointed out tackle shops often peddle branded T-shirts and hats, as well as snacks. Where to draw the line became unclear.
They also were caught up on how to classify the words “predominantly” or “primarily” — would it be measured monetarily or by inventory?
Attorney Bowen advised against either, and explained seasonal operations, such as bait and tackle shops, could have “skewed numbers.” More importantly, he questioned who would regulate it: “How are you policing inventory and who in town staff will be in charge of doing it?”
Carpenter didn’t believe it was the board’s prerogative to inform a business on what it could sell.
Planning board member David Purser suggested the bait and tackle definition be centered on “marine-related fishing supplies by line or net.”
The definition that eventually passed unanimously was: “retailers of fishing supplies, miscellaneous beach supplies, products and food sundries, suitable for a family-friendly environment.”
The attorney suggested the agreed-upon “family-friendly” end-phrase to give the board and council leeway to define that in their own terms if it ever comes up in the future.
“We don’t know what’s going to be legal in 10 years,” Bowen said. “That might be a decent catchall. You’ve done what you can, and if it goes to an appeal … they will consider what you meant when you wrote that.”
Town council member Bob Ciullo was in the audience and confirmed at the end of the meeting that council “emphatically” wasn’t interested in selling the pier. He also added the board provided great discussion that gives council a lot to work with and “fine tune” the district if need be.
A hearing date for council to take up the commercial waterway district has yet been scheduled.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
For voters looking for a place to view results coming in for Election Day, New Hanover County is hosting a public watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3. (Port City Daily/File)
NEW HANOVER COUNTY — For voters in search of a place to view results coming in for Election Day, New Hanover County is opening its government to the public on the night of Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The event takes place at 230 Government Center Dr. in Conference Rooms 136 and 137, off the main lobby. Polls close at 7:30 p.m. and the doors to the event open at 7 p.m.
Unofficial results from the North Carolina State Board of Elections will be displayed on screens throughout as they become available. Members of the public, candidates, political parties, and the media are welcome to attend and follow results throughout the evening.
Two seats are up on the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners; read more here about the candidates in questionnaires published by Port City Daily earlier this fall.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
Topsail Middle School (Port City Daily/Amy Passaretti)
Updated estimates for the Topsail Middle School renovations are more than $20 million above initial costs — or 69.7% higher. (Port City Daily File)
PENDER COUNTY — Updated estimates for the Topsail Middle School renovations are more than $20 million above initial costs — or 69.7% higher. The Pender County Board of Education was scheduled to meet and discuss the increases on Wednesday, but the board failed to form a quorum.
Board Chair Don Hall called the special meeting for Oct. 28, but only Hall and board member Jennifer Hansen were present; members Tom Reeves and Jason Spivey could not make itdue to travel and employment commitments. The fifth seat on the school board for district 2 has not been filled since Beth Burns exited to serve on board of commissioners through December.
With two of the four members not present, the meeting had to be adjourned. According to Hall, the renovations will be discussed during the board’s regularly scheduled Nov. 9 meeting; a vote is expected accept or reject Bordeaux and Moseley’s design plan at that time.
Representatives from Bordeaux Construction and Moseley were present Wednesday and prepared an informal rundown to district staff after the meeting adjourned.
“At least the staff got to meet with them and give them a few ideas and input,” Hall said.
According to district representative Bob Fankboner, the construction team provided an informal briefing.
In September 2026, the preliminary project budget was estimated to be $30 million — however, cost of construction estimates come in at $45.97 million today. This doens’t account for design, preconstruction, construction administration, furniture and equipment, testing and utilities, bringing the overall price to $50.9 million.
The renovation is still in the design process, so all estimates are preliminary.
“It includes demolition and abatement, roofing, accessibility upgrades, mechanical, plumbing and electrical work, building connectors, site work, parking and stormwater improvements, among other things,” Fankboner said in regards to the hefty price tag.
The project’s largest listed expenses are HVAC/mechanical for $5.6 million, turnkey sitework for $5.2 million and electrical for $7.7 million.
Renovation is slated to begin in June 2027. Hall said it’s important to keep its timeframe on a steady pace
“Topsail High is a crowded place, and you know we gotta give them some relief over there,” Hall said.
Approximately 1,990 high-schoolers are on campus — over by 590 students. The high school shares a campus with Topsail Elementary and Topsail Middle in Hampstead. Topsail Middle School has 884 students and is over capacity by 239 students, while the elementary school has around 574 students and is over capacity by 68 students. However, around 830 middle-schoolers will move to the new J.H. Lea K-8 campus starting in the 2027-2028 school year., to free up 112,474 square feet for the high school.
Partial costs for the renovations are being covered by the bond referendum passed by voters in 2022. Of the $177.7 million split among six district projects, $22.6 million was to go toward the Topsail Middle School renovation. To make up for the 125.2% more it could cost in comparison to how much bond money was originally allotted, Fankboner told Port City Daily the district and board are reviewing available bond funding, such as whether it can shift money among planned projects, as well as assess the project scope.
“They still gotta trim some costs out of it,” Hall said to Port City Daily Thursday when discussing the plans. “They were way over.”
Also included in the board packet are seven possible ways to reduce the cost — such as changes to the wall assembly, terrazzo reduction flooring changes and the removal of a new greenhouse building. If all the listed reductions are approved, the cost could be cut by approximately $4.7 million.
Fankboner explained some options aren’t viable as the long-term cost outweighs the short-term savings. Per the board packet, options already declined include roofing-scope alternatives ($1.8 million), a different mechanical system ($1.8 million) and a different building/roof treatment option ($194,938).
“Some of those choices come down to whether it makes sense to save money up front, if it could create a bigger maintenance or replacement issue later,” Fankboner said. “For example, several of the roofs are aging, and the project also includes major HVAC and electrical work across the campus. Those are the kinds of areas where the project team is weighing short-term savings against the long-term needs of the buildings.”
Fankboner added the possible lists of ways to reduce costs are not exhaustive, not the final list.
Have tips or comments for Sophia DePhillips? Email [email protected]
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
Routine bridge maintenance on N.C. 53 will result in interment lane closures starting next week. (Port City Daily File)
PENDER COUNTY — Routine bridge maintenance on N.C. 53 will result in interment lane closures starting next week.
Contractors for the North Carolina Department of Transportation will start maintenance on the bridge — from Sycamore Springs Road to James Dixon Trail in both directions — on Nov. 2nd at 9 a.m.
Assuming weather conditions remain favorable, maintenance is planned to finish by 5 p.m on Nov. 6th.
NCDOT says drivers should remain alert and slow down when in the work zone.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
Brunswick County is requiring upgrades to road conditions in Lanvale Forest before approving new building permits (Port City Daily photo/MICHAEL PRAATS)
Town of Leland will start its road resurfacing project on Monday, Nov. 2, to take place across dozens of roads in the upcoming months. (Port City Daily/File)
LELAND — As part of Leland’s long-term roadway maintenance program, work is set to begin Monday, Nov. 2, to resurface approximately 5.5 miles of roads in town limits.
Work is expected to take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for several months. Drivers should expect delays and use caution when traveling through construction zones.
Crews will tackle portions of Enterprise Drive, Greensview Circle, Arbor Ridge Way, Suncrest Way, Maplechase Drive, Beaumont Court, Plum Leaf Court, Silver Maple Drive, Winterberry Circle, Waverly Lane, Winding Trail Drive, Rollingwood Court, Clover Field Court, Lake Breeze Court, Pebblestone Court, Meadowstone Court, Brightstone Court, Pavestone Court, Keystone Court, Sunstone Court, Wellstone Court, Westport Drive, Estuary Court, Harvester Court, Island Cove Court, Lanvale Hills Circle, Ashcroft Drive, Cape Fear National Drive, and Mt. Pleasant Circle.
The town council voted in its 2025-2026 budget season to resurface up to 5% of Leland-owned roadways annually, based on a 20-year life cycle to help ensure safe, accessible roadways.
Council has awarded a nearly $1.7 million construction contract for milling, full-depth patching where needed, asphalt overlay, and new pavement markings. Following the resurfacing, crews will install and update street signs where needed.
More information can be found on the town’s webpage.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
Cape Fear Community College will host a Veterans Day ceremony at 11:11 a.m. on November 11 in downtown Wilmington. (Port City Daily/File)
WILMINGTON — Cape Fear Community College will host a Veterans Day ceremony at 11:11 a.m. on November 11 in downtown Wilmington.
The event will take place in the Union Station Auditorium on CFCC’s downtown campus and will have several speakers.
The CFCC Director of Veteran Services Jason Bocchino will be the Master of Ceremonies, Marine Trefor Hopkins will lead attendees through the Pledge of Allegiance and the H&S Battalion Color Guard U.S. Marine Corps will perform the presentation of colors and the national anthem.
Army veteran Richard Whaley will give an invocation for the ceremony, followed by introductory remarks from CFCC president Jim Morton. Bianca Kyle with the U.S. Army will perform a reading of “I am a Veteran,” a poem by Andrea Brett, and Army veteran and CFCC career and technical education dean Lauren Tidwell will be the guest speaker. Marine Michael Guay will provide service hymns, and there will be scholarships presented, followed by student speaker Sonya Ford, in the Navy.
There will be a prisoner of war and missing in action remembrance table ceremony, and Bocchino will provide closing remarks.
After the ceremony, all veterans are invited for refreshments and snacks outside the auditorium.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
Chef Driven will be at Anderson Elementary School next week. (Courtesy Chef Driven)
WILMINGTON — Port City Daily publishes the Food Truck Tracker every Friday, so folks can know where to access the best mobile eats while planning their weekend activities.
All schedules, which will run Friday to Friday, are subject to weather conditions and cancellations. The addresses of where the food trucks will be parked are alphabetized at the bottom.
Run a food truck and want to be included? Send schedules every Thursday by 8 a.m. to [email protected].
November 1 — New Hanover County Arboretum, noon – 3 p.m.
CHEF DRIVEN Chef Steven Winters operates this locally owned and operated food truck to serve up meals on-the-go using local, homemade, and high-quality ingredients.
October 30 — Wilmington Christian Academy, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Riverfront Park, 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
October 31 — Trask Family Farms, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
November 4 — Cape Fear Community College Wilmington Campus, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
November 6 — Riverfront Park, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
PORT CITY QUE Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and other serious barbecue classics. Based out of Rocky Point, but spotted all over Wilmington.
October 30 — Hudson Hardware, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
November 5 — Napa Auto Store, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
November 6 — Hudson Hardware, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
RESTORED COFFEE A 1957 vintage camper serving coffee to Surf City and the surrounding areas.
November 4 — New Hanover Health & Human Services, 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
WASABI WHEELS A family-owned sushi franchise has hit the road after 30 years. Serving sushi, orange and teriyaki chicken bowls, egg rolls, poke bowls and more.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
