Author: Island Free Press

The Island Free Press is the first and only online newspaper serving both Hatteras and Ocracoke islands’ locals and visitors. The newspaper made its debut on Sept. 5, 2007 and has grown since then in coverage, content, and popularity with readers on and off the islands. The mission of The Island Free Press is to cover the people, the issues, and the happenings that are constantly shaping our Hatteras and Ocracoke communities.

Author: <span>Island Free Press</span>

Stories by Author: Island Free Press

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BIZ May 31st, 2023

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative announces no rate increases in 2023

The Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative shared recent accomplishments and upcoming projects at their 78th annual members meeting in Buxton on May 22. Among the good news announced by Susan Flythe, CHEC Executive Vice President and General Manager, was the fact that, despite higher fuel prices, rates would not increase in 2023. “According to the Bureau…Read More from Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative announces no rate increases in 2023

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Out & About May 31st, 2023

23rd Annual Ocrafolk Music and Storytelling Festival returns this weekend

The 23rd annual Ocrafolk Music and Storytelling Festival will be held on Ocracoke Island, NC on the grounds of the Berkley Manor and surrounding properties, June 2-4, 2023.  The celebration features musicians, storytellers, artisans, and characters of Ocracoke Island and beyond. 2023 performers include Cold Chocolate, Burnett Sisters Band, Larry and Joe, Fiddin Earl White,…Read More from 23rd Annual Ocrafolk Music and Storytelling Festival returns this weekend

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Community May 22nd, 2023

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative hosting free electrical safety clinic on Wednesday

The Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative is hosting a free electrical safety clinic on Wednesday evening, May 24, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Fessenden Annex Building in Buxton. The electrical safety clinic is open to everyone in the community and will provide important safety tips from CHEC personnel on how to keep you and…Read More from Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative hosting free electrical safety clinic on Wednesday

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OBX Life May 21st, 2023

More than 500 visitors celebrate the Ocracoke Light Station’s 200th anniversary

More than 500 visitors attended Ocracoke Light Station’s 200th-anniversary event on Thursday, May 18, which featured representatives and speakers from the National Park Service, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society, and more. During the event, the grounds surrounding the Ocracoke Lighthouse were open for the public to explore, with the Outer Banks…Read More from More than 500 visitors celebrate the Ocracoke Light Station’s 200th anniversary

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News May 18th, 2023

Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry traffic and long wait times focus of public meeting

Ocracoke residents heard updates on the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry schedule, vendor priority passes, and new stacking lanes for the Ocracoke ferry terminal at a well-attended public meeting on Tuesday evening, May 16, at the Ocracoke Community Center. Hosted by the Ocracoke Civic & Business Association (OCBA), and live-streamed on their Facebook page, the meeting was an opportunity…Read More from Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry traffic and long wait times focus of public meeting

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OBX Life May 9th, 2023

First-ever Ocracoke Working Waterman’s Festival will be held in October 2023

Ocracoke Preservation Society is pleased to announce the 1st Annual Ocracoke Working Waterman’s Festival on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum. Photo courtesy OPS Join the Ocracoke Preservation Society (OPS) in celebrating Ocracoke heritage with its rich history and continuing tradition of…Read More from First-ever Ocracoke Working Waterman’s Festival will be held in October 2023

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Community May 6th, 2023

‘It takes a village;’ Outer Banks Buddies will provide new connections for Hatteras Island’s youth and elderly

Hatteras Island is home to a wealth of nonprofit organizations that do a world of good for the local community, but the new-in-2023 Outer Banks Buddies is providing a new kind of service for residents, modeled after the national “Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America” program. Whitney Dempsey is a lifelong Hatteras Islander who works…Read More from ‘It takes a village;’ Outer Banks Buddies will provide new connections for Hatteras Island’s youth and elderly

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OBX Life April 30th, 2023

Off-road vehicle night driving restrictions on Hatteras and Ocracoke beaches begin Monday

Night driving restrictions on oceanside beaches within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore begin on Monday, May 1, at 9:00 p.m. From May 1 through July 31, priority off-road vehicle (ORV) ramps close at 9:00 p.m. and reopen the following morning at 6:00 a.m. All other designated oceanside ORV ramps close at 9:00 p.m. and reopen…Read More from Off-road vehicle night driving restrictions on Hatteras and Ocracoke beaches begin Monday

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OBX Life April 25th, 2023

New Buxton museum unveils the Hatteras Island connection in a centuries-old story

A new museum is opening in Buxton that shines a spotlight on an almost forgotten and diluted chapter of American history. Officially opening in a matter of weeks, the “Lost Colony Museum and Gift Shop” unveils Hatteras Island’s role in the familiar story of the early English colonists, through hundreds of artifacts that were recovered…Read More from New Buxton museum unveils the Hatteras Island connection in a centuries-old story

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Visitor Economy April 24th, 2023

Cape Hatteras National Seashore reports nearly 300,000 visitors during the first three months of 2023

With 297,267 visitors recorded in the first three months of the year, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is on track to have another busy year in 2023. Per statistics from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, CHNS recorded 147,925 visitors in March, 67,735 visitors in January, and 81,607 visitors in February, which was the highest number…Read More from Cape Hatteras National Seashore reports nearly 300,000 visitors during the first three months of 2023

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