October 1, 2020 – The first stage of the replacement of the iconic Southport Weather Tower began today with the removal of the original tower. Parts of the original tower will be used in the new structure and the top portion of the tower will be donated to the N.C. Maritime Museum at Southport which is fitting for this remnant to remain on the grounds where it stood for over 100 years.

The next stage will be continued fund raising, many in Southport have already been so generous, and we look forward to the completion of the fund raising efforts.

The Weather Tower project should be completed by early 2021.

For the complete history of the Southport Weather Tower and how you can contribute click here.

May 29, 2020 – Community Update with Mayor Hatem: Southport Weather Tower

February 7, 2020 – As storms ravished the North Carolina coast, an old Southport landmark twisted in the gale force winds and collapsed.  Welcoming visitors for over 100 years on the Fort Johnston Garrison lawn, the 1901 US Bureau Coastal Warning Display Tower, fondly known by locals as “The Weather Tower” will be missed by many.

Mayor Hatem was on location early in the morning, “An iconic Southport historic relic that has been part of our lives for as long as we can remember, was severely damaged last night during the storm.  It is important to our citizens and to our city that the weather tower of Mrs. Jessie Taylor be preserved.  I have asked the City Manager, Mr. Bruce Oakley, to contact a structural engineer to give us our options.”

Early this morning Police Chief Todd Coring protected the site, “Officers secured and folded the flag, then shut power off to the structure.”  He requested visitors to “please avoid the area as assessments and removal efforts begin.”

“This is an important restoration project for the City, and we must salvage our heritage. There will need to be private funds involved and this process is already underway. For now, anyone who would like to donate may deliver a check to City Hall marked for “Weather Tower Restoration Fund,” stated Mayor Hatem.