College spring break has long been synonymous with freedom, fun, and adventure. However, alongside its evolution, this annual tradition has also come to be associated with risks such as injuries, alcohol-related incidents, sexual assaults, criminal charges, and traffic violations. This blog delves into the history of college spring break, tracing its origins and transformation over time, while examining the specific risks prevalent in the coastal regions of New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties, with a particular focus on Masonboro Island and Wrightsville Beach, NC.

College spring break has its roots in the early 20th century, when academic institutions began adopting the concept of a recess period during the spring semester. Initially, it was a time for relaxation and rejuvenation, often involving family-oriented activities. However, by the mid-20th century, the emergence of popular culture, media, and tourism transformed spring break into a rite of passage for college students, characterized by beach parties, excessive drinking, and uninhibited behavior.

The Evolution of College Spring Break:

The 1960s and 1970s witnessed the rise of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as the quintessential spring break destination, attracting hordes of students seeking sun, sand, and a break from academic rigors. Over time, other coastal areas across the United States, including those in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties, began capitalizing on the spring break phenomenon, offering vibrant nightlife, beachfront accommodations, and an array of recreational activities.

Risks Associated with College Spring Break:

a. Injuries: The combination of alcohol consumption, water activities, and reckless behavior often leads to a surge in injuries during spring break. From slip and fall accidents to water-related mishaps, the risk of injury is heightened during this period.

b. Alcohol and Substance Abuse: Spring break is notorious for excessive drinking and drug use, with many students engaging in binge drinking and experimentation. This behavior not only poses health risks but also contributes to impaired judgment and increased vulnerability to accidents and criminal activity.

c. Sexual Assaults: The party atmosphere and relaxed inhibitions prevalent during spring break create an environment conducive to sexual violence. Studies indicate a spike in sexual assaults and harassment cases during this time, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and prevention measures.

d. Criminal Charges: Instances of disorderly conduct, public intoxication, underage drinking, and drug offenses escalate during spring break, often resulting in arrests and criminal charges. Law enforcement agencies in coastal areas are tasked with managing crowds and maintaining public order amidst the influx of revelers.

e. Traffic Violations: The surge in vehicular traffic during spring break contributes to congestion, accidents, and traffic violations. Reckless driving, speeding, and driving under the influence pose significant risks to both motorists and pedestrians.

Masonboro Island and Wrightsville Beach, NC:

Masonboro Island at Wrightsville Beach, located in New Hanover County, have emerged as popular spring break destinations, renowned for their pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife. However, the influx of college students during spring break brings with it a host of challenges for local authorities and residents. Incidents of alcohol-related disturbances, beach littering, and environmental damage are common during this period, prompting concerted efforts to mitigate the impact of spring break activities on the ecosystem and community.

College spring break remains a celebrated tradition, offering students a much-needed respite from academic pressures. However, the allure of sun-soaked beaches and wild parties comes with inherent risks, ranging from injuries and alcohol abuse to criminal behavior and traffic violations. 

As coastal communities continue to grapple with the complexities of hosting spring break festivities, proactive measures aimed at promoting responsible behavior, enhancing safety protocols, and fostering community engagement are imperative to ensure a harmonious and enjoyable experience for all stakeholders involved.

Introduction

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, is a coastal paradise known for its stunning beaches, charming community, and vibrant atmosphere. However, for those who call this beautiful town home or visit regularly, there’s been a long-standing concern about the aging infrastructure, particularly the bridges connecting the island to the mainland. In recent years, a series of bridge replacement projects have been planned and initiated to ensure the safety, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal of these vital connections. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of these projects and how they’re shaping the future of Wrightsville Beach.

The Necessity of Bridge Replacement

The two primary bridges connecting Wrightsville Beach to the mainland are the Heide Trask Drawbridge and the Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge. Both of these bridges were constructed in the mid-20th century and have served their purpose well. However, like any infrastructure, they have aged and require substantial maintenance or, in some cases, replacement. Bridge replacement projects are necessary to ensure safety, accommodate modern transportation needs, and reduce maintenance costs associated with older structures.

The Heide Trask Drawbridge Replacement

The Heide Trask Drawbridge is a crucial link between Wrightsville Beach and the mainland, serving as the primary access point for residents and tourists. It was constructed in 1953 and has required frequent maintenance over the years. The decision was made to replace this bridge with a more modern, efficient structure that would better serve the community’s needs.

The new Heide Trask Drawbridge replacement project features several key improvements:

A higher vertical clearance to accommodate larger vessels, reducing the need for frequent bridge openings.

Wider lanes and a bike/pedestrian path to enhance safety and accessibility.

Modern design elements that will add to the visual appeal of the bridge and complement the coastal surroundings.

Improved hurricane evacuation capabilities, making the island more resilient during severe weather events.

The Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge Replacement

The Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge, also known as the Motts Channel Bridge, is another vital connection to the island. Like the Heide Trask Drawbridge, this bridge is aging and in need of replacement. The Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge replacement project is set to address these concerns and enhance the overall transportation infrastructure of the area.

Key features of the Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge replacement project include:

A modern design that blends seamlessly with the island’s aesthetic and natural surroundings.

A longer lifespan, reducing the frequency of maintenance and repair work.

Enhanced safety features and wider lanes for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Improved traffic flow and efficiency, reducing congestion during peak times.

Community Impact

The bridge replacement projects in Wrightsville Beach are not just about infrastructure; they also hold significance for the community. These projects create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and contribute to the overall well-being of residents and visitors. While construction may cause temporary inconveniences, the long-term benefits far outweigh any short-term disruptions.

Environmental Considerations

In the spirit of preserving the unique coastal ecosystem, the bridge replacement projects are being conducted with great care for the environment. Environmental impact assessments, erosion control measures, and wildlife preservation efforts are an integral part of the construction process.

Conclusion

The bridge replacement projects in Wrightsville Beach, NC, represent a significant investment in the community’s future. They are not just about replacing aging infrastructure but also about enhancing safety, accessibility, and aesthetics. The new bridges will better serve the needs of residents and visitors, contributing to the continued prosperity of this beautiful coastal town. As these projects progress, Wrightsville Beach will remain a haven for those who seek its sandy shores and vibrant community, ensuring that the bridges to paradise are as impressive as the destination itself.

The Wrightsville Beach Police Department is well know for their strict enforcment of all laws. The only time we have ever known of anyone getting a speeding ticket for doing 35 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hous zone was in Wrightsville Beach. They were also charged with carelss and reckless operation of a motor vehicle. This is because it was during the summer with a lot of pedestrians in bathing suits walking around. Please be extra careful when drivng around Wrightsville Beach becasue the the Wrightsville Beach Police Department will make sure to enforce the laws strictly.

If you or someone you know receive a traffic ticket or any other criminal charge in Wrightsville Beach or in Wilmington, or generally in New Hanover, Pender, or Brunswick Counties, or if you or someone you know get seriously injured in an accident at which they were not at fault, call Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation about what we can do to help you.

By David B. Collins, Jr.

In Part I, we discussed the Second Chance Act, and how it will affect charges that are dismissed without leave, dismissed by the court, acquitted, found not guilty, or not responsible on or after December 1, 2021. This blog, Part II, will discuss some of the other changes to expungement laws in North Carolina.

According to N.C.G.S.§ 15A-146(a4), an automatic expunction will not be required by law for a case with a felony charge that was dismissed pursuant to a plea agreement – individuals in this scenario must petition for an expunction, as it was the case under the previous statute.

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-145.5 (c), the petition for expunction shall not be filed earlier than one of the following:

 (1) For expunction of one nonviolent misdemeanor, five years after the date of the conviction or when any active sentence, period of probation, or post-release supervision has been served, whichever occurs later.

(2) For expunction of more than one nonviolent misdemeanor, seven years after the date of the person’s last conviction, other than a traffic offense not listed in the petition for expunction, or seven years after any active sentence, period of probation, or post-release supervision has been served, whichever occurs later.

(3) For expunction of one nonviolent felony, 10 years after the date of the conviction or 10 years after any active sentence, period of probation, or post-release supervision has been served, whichever occurs later.

If an individual has been previously granted an expunction for a nonviolent felony or nonviolent misdemeanor, then they are not eligible for an expunction under the new law.

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-145.5 (a), the term “nonviolent misdemeanor” or “nonviolent felony” means any misdemeanor or felony except the following:

(1) A Class A through G felony or a Class A1 misdemeanor.

(2) An offense that includes assault as an essential element of the offense.

(3) An offense requiring registration pursuant to Article 27A of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes, whether or not the person is currently required to register.

(4) Any of the following sex-related or stalking offenses: G.S. 14-27.25(b), 14-27.30(b), 14-190.7, 14-190.8, 14-190.9, 14-202, 14-208.11A, 14-208.18, 14-277.3, 14-277.3A, 14-321.1.

(5) Any felony offense in Chapter 90 of the General Statutes where the offense involves methamphetamines, heroin, or possession with intent to sell or deliver or sell and deliver

cocaine.

(6) An offense under G.S. 14-12.12(b), 14-12.13, or 14-12.14, or any offense for which punishment was determined pursuant to G.S. 14-3(c).

(7) An offense under G.S. 14-401.16.

(7a) An offense under G.S. 14-54(a), 14-54(a1), or 14-56.

(8) Any felony offense in which a commercial motor vehicle was used in the commission of the offense.

(8a) An offense involving impaired driving as defined in G.S. 20-4.01(24a).

(9) Any offense that is an attempt to commit an offense described in subdivisions (1) through (8a) of this subsection.

If you or a loved one has a criminal record in New Hanover (including Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach), Pender (including Hampstead and Burgaw), or Brunswick County (including Bolivia, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Shallotte, Leland, and Southport), and are interested in having your record expunged, please give us a call for a confidential consultation. Mr. Collins has been successfully handling expunctions for over 20 years.

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

As Memorial Day approaches in the Wilmington, NC area, the usual excitement and preparation for a holiday weekend has been replaced by uncertainty and frustration.

Wilmington mayor Bill Saffo announced on Friday morning that there will be several changes effective at 5:00 p.m. on May 22, for the phase 2 of reopening our economy. One change is the maximum capacity for hotels and motels was raised from 25% to 50%. Some restaurants and salons will be allowed to reopen with restrictions and limited capacity, but bars and breweries are still not allowed to reopen with this Phase 2.

In addition, Wrightsville Beach has lifted all short-term rental restrictions, beaches will be open to all activities, and more parking will be available at certain access points. On-street parking will remain closed to the public.

At Topsail Beach, there has also been restrictions lifted to allow activities and recreation on the beach, and some parking will be available. However, beachgoers are required to comply with regulations that are still in place, restricting groups of more than 10 people, and to maintain a minimum of six feet distance between you and other visitors.

In Carolina Beach specifically, Mayor LeAnn Pierce has amended the State of Emergency Declaration, allowing certain restaurants with private, off-road parking lots to use up to 25% of their parking lot to accommodate outdoor dining.

Other beaches, such as Kure, Ocean Isle, Holden, and Surf City, may also have their own specific guidelines, so make sure to research the restrictions before visiting one of our beautiful beaches over this Memorial Day Weekend.

We hope it will not become necessary, but if you or your loved one find yourself in need of an attorney for a serious personal injury, or you get into trouble with a criminal matter, or receive a traffic ticket, please give our office a call for a confidential consultation. We also handle wills and estates with our of counsel attorney, Mitch Baker.  

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

During these trying times, while everyone has been strongly suggested to stay home when they can, the only thing to do to get out of the house may be to take your pets on a walk.  However, with more pets out and about, it is still important to abide by the laws with respect to having your pet on a leash, or some type of restraint when it is not on your property. 

Section 5-9 of the New Hanover County Ordinance states:

a. It shall be unlawful for any owner of a dog, cat, or ferret to allow it to run at large off the premises of its owner.

b. Upon an animal services officer’s observation of a dog, cat, or ferret running at large, or off the premises of its owner and not under the restraint of a competent person, the officer, may, at his discretion, impound the dog, cat, or ferret or return it to its owner.

c. Upon an animal services officer’s receipt of a complaint that a dog, cat, or ferret is running at large or is off the premises of its owner and not under the restraint of a competent person, the officer shall investigate the complaint; and upon finding that there is probable cause that a violation has occurred, the officer may issue a citation or a warning or take any other action contained in this chapter or any state law as the circumstances may require.

d. Any owner cited for a violation of this chapter may discharge the citation upon payment of the current fee schedule adopted by the board county commissioners. If the dog, cat, or ferret is impounded, the owner may redeem the dog, cat, or ferret under the provisions of section 5-17, provided the owner is in compliance with all other applicable provisions of this chapter. If the owner is charged under a warrant, summons, or bill of indictment and convicted, the provisions of section 5-23 shall apply.

A violation would constitute a class 3 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.00.

There are strict leash laws for the beaches here in Wilmington, as well – in the Town of Wrightsville Beach, pets must always be on a leash from October 1 through March 31.  From April 1 through September 30, no pets are allowed on the Wrightsville Beach Strand at all.  It is also required that you clean up after your pet, and have the means to do so at all times.  Similarly, in Carolina Beach, dogs have to be on a leash from April 1 to September 30.  The rest of the year (October 1st-March 31st) dogs are allowed off leash, but they must remain under voice command and the owner must be within a reasonable distance.  At North Topsail Beach, dogs must be on a leash from May 15 through September 30.  From October 1 to May 14, dogs are not required to be on a leash, but must be under voice command of a responsible person. 

While we are all on edge and awaiting news about COVID-19 day by day, please take some time to take your pet on a walk to enjoy some fresh air, but also please be responsible, abide by the laws, and respect your neighbors. 

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

With the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, businesses around the globe are having to make decisions to close, whether it be temporarily or permanent.  Here in North Carolina, bars and restaurants are currently closed for dine-in, and are instead offering take out and/or delivery options.  These changes are set for at least March 31, possibly longer, depending on how the virus develops and continues to spread. 

As of today, because of COVID-19, the Wrightsville Beach Mayor and the Chief of Police have decided to close all of the public beach accesses.  Surf City has also made the announcement that they have closed their public beach accesses.   

Carolina Beach officials followed in the same fashion at a meeting this afternoon, and called a State of Emergency and decided to also close their public beach accesses.  These decisions have been made to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our area, especially now that there have been 3 positive test results from our area.  

Wrightsville Beach, Surf City, and Carolina Beach are all popular destinations for tourists and locals – other beaches in our area include Caswell Beach, Holden Beach, Kure Beach, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Surf City, Sunset Beach, and Topsail Island.  However, officials in North Carolina are strongly urging residents strongly suggest against non-essential travel at this time and many vacation rental agency discuss flexible cancellation and date moving requests due to Covid19.  And, North Carolina’s welcome centers have been closed until at least April 1, 2020.

In the midst of information about the spreading of the virus or new precautions, unfortunately, false claims are spread promising ways to prevent an infection or even kill the virus, like inhaling hot air from a hair dryer, or gargling with warm water and salt or vinegar.  Please always consider the source of information and check with a healthcare professional before turning to self-remedies.  

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

New Hanover County was founded in 1729 and was named after the House of Hanover.  It has an estimated population of 228,657 as of 2019.  

New Hanover County is known for its history – two of the biggest historic attractions are the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the USS North Carolina. The Fort Fisher Battlefield is located in Fort Fisher. At Fort Fisher, visitors have a chance to get up close and see where the Battle of Fort Fisher was held. Visitors can also go inside the USS North Carolina, which became one of the first ten fastest battleships to join the American Fleet in World War II.

In addition to the Fort Fisher Battlefield and the Battleship, there is historic Downtown Wilmington with its mile-long Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River. It was named “Best American Riverfront” by USA Today in 2014.  There are various local shops, and restaurants and bars, where you can watch the passersby while enjoying a nice meal or drink in this beautiful scenery. 

New Hanover County has a countless other attractions which make it a very popular location to visit in Southeastern North Carolina.  The most popular locations to visit are the beautiful beaches: Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach.  Especially when the weather is nice, visitors as well as residents enjoy these beautiful beaches and beach towns, and take advantage of countless opportunities like boating, scuba diving, and surfing—Wrightsville Beach was named one of the “World’s 20 Best Surf Towns” by National Geographic Magazine.

Usually, around this time of year, New Hanover County’s residents as well as visitors, would be preparing for the Azalea Festival, where thousands of people flock to celebrate by attending concerts, the Garden Party, art shows, and other exciting festivities.  However, for the first time in it’s 73-year history, the Azalea Festival has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

Labor Day 2019 in Southeastern North Carolina is expected to be a busy and dangerous holiday.  Being the holiday weekend that traditionally wraps up the summer season, travelers are anxious to get their last beach trip of the year started, and Star News reported yesterday that nearly one-third more fatal accidents occur on Labor Day weekend than a typical three-day period.  In 2017 alone, 354 fatal car accidents occurred during the Labor Day weekend across the United States, leaving 374 people dead.

The Wilmington Police Department (WPD) has handled over 100 crashes per Labor Day weekend for the past 3 years, with none of those ending in fatalities.  However, DWI-related stops have become more frequent each year and in 2018 alone, WPD responded to 13 DWI-related incidents in the Wilmington area.  A larger and more widespread police presence will be on duty for the holiday weekend, so drivers should continue to be cautious, use turn signals, follow the speed limits, remove distractions like texting, and never drink and drive.  More people on the road simply means more opportunities for car wrecks, and it only takes a moment of distraction to cause a life-altering accident.

In addition to an already-expected increase in traffic, with Hurricane Dorian expected to hit land in Florida early next week, there is concern that evacuees from Florida could cause more traffic congestion on I-95, and some may head our way to escape the torment of the storm.

As well as opportunities for more car accidents, plenty of families will be celebrating this Labor Day weekend, and drinking alcohol is part of many of the events.  In the revelry many people will be charged with alcohol related crimes including open container, driving while impaired or driving under the influence (DWI/DUI), fake ID or counterfeit identification, underage drinking, and aiding and abetting these and other crimes.

If you or a loved one is seriously injured in an accident, as a result of someone else’s fault or negligence, we can help you get maximum compensation, meaning money damages, for your pain and suffering, medical bills,, and lost wages.

If you are charged with any type of crime in Southeastern North Carolina, in or around Wilmington NC in New Hanover County, Brunswick County, or Pender County, call Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation about what we can do for you. In many cases, we are able to negotiate with the charging officer and the district attorney’s office to have a defendant perform volunteer service in order to have the charges dismissed.  Sometimes, that volunteer service can be served on the beach picking up trash, and helping keep our beautiful beaches clean, including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Topsail Beach, Wilmington Beach, and Kure Beach.

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

For over 10 days after Hurricane Florence made landfall at Wrightsville Beach, NC, Interstate I-40 was closed in sections from Wilmington to Raleigh.  Now, as of September 25, 2018, people can drive the entire length of interstates 95 and 40 through North Carolina.

News outlets reported that North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said floodwaters receded over this past weekend faster than expected, allowing N.C. Department of Transportation crews to inspect and open both highways by Tuesday morning. The opening of I-40 through Duplin and Pender counties restored the main route in and out of Wilmington to I-95.  Wilmington was completely landlocked for several days because of floodwaters due to Hurricane Florence.

On September 15, 2018, I-95 was closed in parts of NC, and travel up and down the East Coast was disrupted. At one time, the recommended detour was to drive completely around North and South Carolina, through Knoxville, TN and Atlanta, GA.

As the Lumber River and Cape Fear River receded after the storm, I-95 dried out on Sunday, and NCDOT engineers inspected it to see if it was safe to use. DOT personnel found one area that needed repairs which were promptly completed.

Other roads that reopened Monday are the U.S. 70 Bypass at Kinston and U.S. 74 between I-95 near Lumberton and Wilmington.

Governor Cooper urged people to obey road closure signs and not to drive around barriers into flood waters. He said that as of September 24, the death toll from the storm had risen to 35 in North Carolina, and that some of those deaths had resulted from people driving into floodwaters.

In the Outer Banks, N.C. 12 on Ocracoke Island is closed.  It could take until the end of October to have repairs to erosion of the dune and damage to the pavement that make the road impassable repaired.  Until repairs are completed, the ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke is closed.

Recovery efforts continue.  The New Hanover County Courthouse re-opened on Monday, September 24th.  However the Brunswick County Courthouse and the Pender County Courthouse remain closed indefinitely.

Pender County estimated that about 25 percent of the county flooded, closing major highways and submerging many homes.  Due to flooding, the county remained landlocked for over a week and many residents were forced into emergency evacuations.  Last week water spilled over into the road and washed out parts of U.S. 421, washing out the entire highway across all four lanes.  The emergency manager for Pender County said it could take months to re-open that route back into Wilmington.

Be safe as our community recovers from this historic storm.  If you or someone you know are in need of legal services in the Wilmington area, call Collins Law Firm for a confidential consultation at 910-793-9000.

By David B. Collins, Jr.

Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties are all experiencing mandatory water restrictions that were put into place on October 13^th due to a pipe break in Riegelwood. The Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority’s pipe supplies water to utilities to all three of these counties. This pipe break is affecting areas such as Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Leland, Wilmington, etc.

The break in the 48-inch pipe is nearly the size of a football and that break alone is causing 12.5 million gallons of raw water to spill through it daily.

One of the main reasons that Brunswick County has declared a state of emergency and is pleading with public water customers to reduce water usage is to be sure there is enough water for emergency needs such as firefighting efforts and hospital uses.

Here are a few tips on how to help conserve water:

• Limit your shower time
• Turn off water when not directly using while brushing teeth, washing hands, washing dishes, etc.
• Only run dishwashers or washing machines when you have a completely full load
• Limit the number of times you flush the toilet daily

The water flow from Kings Bluff Pump has been cut in half by the break, going from about 24 million gallons of water flow a day to nearly 12 million gallons of water a day. A temporary patch would be ideal in this situation, but they were not able to successfully patch it when attempting to on Wednesday morning.

Since the patch was unsuccessful, crews began constructing a temporary bypass on Thursday morning so that water would go around the break and allow it to keep flowing until the break itself is repaired. This project is expected to be completed sometime next week. The main delay in this repair is that the surrounding counties do not have parts that this break is requiring to fix, so they are waiting on parts to be flown in from other parts of the country.

Car washes have made attempts to save water by reducing their number of open hours each day and the city of Wilmington is holding back on street sweeping and power washing in some areas until the pipe is repaired. If you do see areas throughout the city using their irrigation systems still during this mandatory water restriction, it may be because their water comes from a pond.

Brunswick County Emergency Services are preparing for the worst and are there to help you if needed. They have 480,000 gallons of bottled water on hand, which is equivalent to four days worth of water for residents. Please be safe and make sure you follow all mandatory water restrictions in your area!

 

By Kimberlin S. Murray, Legal Assistant at Collins Law Firm