Time to register your beehives.

Mosquito season is about to begin!

Please make arrangements accordingly, especially if you keep beehives. Contact City of Southport Public Services to register your hive, or with questions or concerns. (910) 457-7935.

 

 

 

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October 1 – UPDATE – Southport Weather Tower

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.

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Bird Sanctuary Islands

The two uninhabited islands we see from our water front looking towards Bald Head Island are Striking Island and Battery Island. Both small islands are part of the 19 Audubon bird sanctuary islands located along the NC coast. They are not recreation areas for people. Some boaters and kayakers may think it is acceptable to land on the islands. This is not the case. People should not land on the islands and walk around.

Coastal birds need particular habitat to nest. These sanctuary islands provide that habitat and specifically prohibit human use so the habitat is intact and safe for birds. Birds that nest on sanctuary islands include White Ibis, Brown Pelican, Oystercatcher and Terns.

Audubon biologist and sanctuary manager Lindsay Addison, advises you see people on the islands, to call NC WRC law enforcement: 800-662-7137. As the island’s manager and bird monitor, Lindsay can affirm that there is no place people can land, even below mean high water, where they would not be disturbing nesting birds.

If citizens have questions or concerns about wildlife it is also ok to contact our Animal Welfare Officer Kate Marshall at City Hall 910-457-7900 or 910 477-1486. She is very educated about wildlife and is responsible for all animal welfare in Southport.

Virtual Field Trip details:

· What: Virtual Field Trip: Spring Bird Celebration

· When: 9-10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 18

· Who: Audubon North Carolina and you!

· Where: Facebook Live, at facebook.com/audubonnc.

Mountains: Director of Conservation Curtis Smalling shows us singing songbirds in wetlands near Boone.

Piedmont: Director of Engagement Kim Brand gives us an up-close look at the birds nesting in her backyard, from Carolina Wrens to Barred Owls.

Coast: Coastal Biologist Lindsay Addison takes us on a tour of nesting pelicans in the Cape Fear River near Wilmington.

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