• Download: Resolution – Opposing the Fuquay-Varina IBT and Request for Additional Comment (PDF)

MEDIA RELEASE 

BOLIVIA, N.C. – The Brunswick County Commissioners are encouraging community members to join them in sharing concerns to the State about a proposed plan to divert millions of gallons of water out of the Cape Fear River, reducing the available water supply for the downstream communities like ours.  

The Town of Fuquay-Varina in southern Wake County is seeking approval for an interbasin transfer (IBT) to transfer 6.17 million gallons of water per day from the Cape Fear River basin to the Neuse River basin to increase their water supply to meet the projected future demands for that area. The Environmental Management Commission, which oversees and adopts rules for several divisions of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), ultimately has authority in determining whether to approve the Town’s request. 

The Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the Fuquay-Varina IBT on Nov. 17, 2025, due to serious concerns about the long-term repercussions to our county’s available drinking water supply, public health and economic future. 

“Having a stable and reliable source of drinking water for Brunswick County is imperative for the health and prosperity of our residents in the decades to come,” Chairman Mike Forte said. “We urge our residents to let DEQ know that they also do not support this IBT request and are worried about the threats it poses to Brunswick County’s long-term future.”

Several other local governments and utilities passed similar resolutions or written letters opposing the IBT, including New Hanover County, City of Wilmington, Cape Fear Public Utilities Authority, and several municipalities in Brunswick County including Boiling Spring Lakes, Bolivia, Caswell Beach, Carolina Shores, Holden Beach, Leland, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sandy Creek, Shallotte, Southport, Sunset Beach, and Varnamtown.

The Commissioners’ resolution also asked DEQ to hold a public hearing in the Lower Cape Fear region where downstream communities are most likely to suffer consequences should they approve the Town’s IBT request. Despite submitting the resolution months ago, DEQ has not indicated any plans to hold a public hearing in our area. 

“We will not be deterred from voicing our frustration and opposition to this attempt to take away millions of gallons of water that our community depends on,” Forte said. “Pulling water away from one part of the state to give to another part only creates more problems rather than solutions and sets a terrible precedent for North Carolina.” 

Public Comment Opportunity

Community members can still voice their concerns on the Fuquay-Varina IBT request by submitting written comments to DEQ. Those who plan to submit are encouraged to note if they live or work in Brunswick County.  

Residents are welcome to include any or all of the key concerns listed below as part of their comments to DEQ. Comments must be postmarked or emailed by April 1, 2026.

• Email: Send to Maya Holcomb, Division of Water Resources, at maya.holcomb@deq.nc.gov
• Mailing Address: Maya Holcomb, Division of Water Resources, 512 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC, 27604

Key Concerns for Brunswick County

• Should the Town’s IBT request pass, our region will become far more susceptible to increased water shortages during droughts, may receive fewer economic development opportunities, and may lead to reduced water flow or quality for recreational use.
• The Town of Fuquay-Varina has not provided any measures or alternatives on how to avoid detrimental impacts and risks for downstream communities like us, nor have they accounted for how the millions of gallons of water they want to take from the river will be returned to the Cape Fear River basin.
• The Cape Fear River is the only freshwater source available that can accommodate the current and future water needs in our county. Brunswick County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state and nation, with our water utility system serving upwards of 350,000 people at our seasonal peak each year.
• Brunswick County has already invested $167.3 million into an expansion and reverse osmosis project at our main water treatment plant to support our own anticipated future growth and to remove PFAS compounds present in the Cape Fear River. The contractor estimates completing this project in 2026.
• DEQ continues to deny the County’s request to hold a public hearing in the Lower Cape Fear region so our community members can share their thoughts and concerns in person. Public hearings were only held in Fayetteville, Raleigh, and Pittsboro—which would have required significant travel time and mileage to attend. 

Learn more about Brunswick County Public Utilities and our water and wastewater services at brunswickcountync.gov/utilities.

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Media Inquiries

For media inquiries, contact Communications Director Meagan Kascsak.

• Email Meagan Kascsak
• Phone: 910.253.2995

Stay Informed

• See the latest news from Brunswick County
• Sign up for emails updates via the Sunshine List
• Follow Brunswick County on social media

Meeting Replay

Click the link below to watch the meeting replays on the Brunswick County Agendas and Minutes Portal. 

• Watch Replay: Regular Meeting - Monday, March 2, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners met for a regular meeting at 3 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026. 

Below is a quick recap of the actions taken on selected agenda items during the regular meeting. Residents can watch the meeting replay, view the full agenda and accompanying reports and subscribe to agenda notifications on the Brunswick County Agendas and Minutes Portal.

Meeting livestreams and replays can be accessed in the Portal through the Media (Camera) Icon for each Board of Commissioners meeting date.  

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 16 at 6 p.m. 

Meeting Recap

Note: This recap is meant to provide a general overview of any actions taken during the meeting on the selected agenda items below. This recap is not the official record (minutes) of the meeting. The Clerk to the Board drafts the minutes for each meeting, which are typically placed on the agenda for the next regular meeting for the Board to consider their approval. 

III. Adjustments/Approval of Agenda

The Board unanimously approved the agenda as amended:

• Moved Consent Agenda items No. 3, 4, and 5 to Administrative Report.

V. Approval of Consent Agenda

The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda as amended. The full list of the approved consent agenda items is available on the Brunswick County Agendas and Minutes Portal.

VI. Presentations

1. Administration - Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, and Popular Annual Finance Report: The Board received a presentation of the Government Finance Officers Association awards for the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, and the Popular Annual Financial Report. No vote was taken on this item. Brunswick County Finance has received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for 24 consecutive years and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 19 consecutive years. This also marks the first time the County has received the Popular Annual Finance Report recognition for its first-ever PAFR document.All budget documents can be viewed on the County’s website at brunswickcountync.gov/budget and brunswickcountync.gov/pafr.
2. Emergency Management - Overview of the Image Trend Records Management System: The Board received a presentation on the Image Trend records management system. The Image Trends system is used to track and record response times, statistics, and other data and measures for the EMS units and fire departments across Brunswick County. Staff answered the Commissioners’ questions on the system. No vote was taken on this item.
3. Human Resources - Presentation - Market Study Results and Associated Recommendation(s) from Piedmont Triad Regional Council Consultant, David Hill: The Board received a presentation from David Hill, Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC), regarding the results of the salary market study and associated recommendation(s) to be considered as a part of the upcoming budget process. No vote was taken and no decisions were made during the discussion on this item.Staff will continue to work with the consultant to address the Commissioners’ remaining questions and requests for more information. Staff will also work on identifying ways to build the study’s recommendations into the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which is currently being developed and will be presented to the Board at an upcoming meeting. The Board will ultimately consider the adoption of a budget for FY 2027 in June 2026.

VII. Administrative Report

1. County Attorney – BSL Residential Water and Sewer Extension, Phase 5 Deed of Dedication (moved from Consent Agenda): After receiving information from the County Attorney, the Board unanimously accepted the deed of dedication for water and sewer infrastructure for BSL Residential Water and Sewer Extension, Phase 5.This deed involves the utility infrastructure for 36 residential lots. The developer is responsible for all costs related to the design, construction, permitting, and testing of the infrastructure. The value of the infrastructure the developer built is $198,400 for water and $220,200 for sewer. The NC Department of Environmental Quality has already signed off on the permit for this infrastructure, and there is physical capacity in the County’s water and sewer systems to accommodate this development’s expected flow.
2. County Attorney – Harper Acres Deed of Dedication (moved from Consent Agenda): After receiving information from the County Attorney, the Board unanimously accepted the deed of dedication for water and sewer infrastructure for Harper Acres.This deed involves the utility infrastructure for 17 residential lots. The developer is responsible for all costs related to the design, construction, permitting, and testing of the infrastructure. The value of the infrastructure the developer built is $47,440 for water and $97,516.22 for sewer. The NC Department of Environmental Quality has already signed off on the permit for this infrastructure, and there is physical capacity in the County’s water and sewer systems to accommodate this development’s expected flow.
3. County Attorney – Ocean Isle Beach, Ph A1-1 Deed of Dedication (moved from Consent Agenda): After receiving information from the County Attorney, the Board unanimously accepted the deed of dedication for water and sewer infrastructure in Ocean Isle Beach, Phase A1-1.This deed involves the utility infrastructure for 24 residential lots. The developer is responsible for all costs related to the design, construction, permitting, and testing of the infrastructure. The value of the infrastructure the developer built is $225,400 for water and $1.579,500 for sewer. The NC Department of Environmental Quality has already signed off on the permit for this infrastructure, and there is physical capacity in the County’s water and sewer systems to accommodate this development’s expected flow.

Following action on the Administrative Report Items No. 1, 2, and 3, Commissioner Thompson made a motion for Planning staff to freeze the review of any development applications it has already received and to hold on accepting any more project applications until the issue with the State concerning sewer extension applications is resolved. Commissioner Sykes seconded the motion. The Board entered into discussion on the motion. Staff advised that they could continue to pause on submitting any new sewer extension applications to the NC Department of Environmental Quality, which the County is currently doing based on advice from DEQ staff as they work to provide the State with requested data. However, any action directing Planning staff to hold on taking development applications, which is different from sewer extension applications, would require a hearing for a moratorium to comply with state law and the County’s Unified Development Ordinance requirements. 

Staff reminded the Board that any development moratorium for projects which include sewer line extensions must include commercial and industrial development as well as residential development, which would mean that applications to build facilities like businesses, stores, medical offices, and other places that offer employment opportunities or recreational activities would be halted. Staff also reminded the Board that Brunswick County is not actually out of hydraulic (physical) wastewater capacity in the sewer system, and that this situation is only occurring because DEQ recently changed how they calculate available wastewater capacity for new sewer line extension permit applications based on Session Law 203-55 (SB 673). 

At this time, it appears that Brunswick County is the first county in the state where DEQ is applying these new changes in their calculations, even though the Session Law applies statewide. Currently, DEQ’s change only affects applications for new sewer line extension permit requests, so any projects that have already received their sewer line extension permits (like Administrative Report Items No. 1, 2, and 3) are not affected.  

Staff advised the Board that if the motion passes as stated, it would violate state statute and that a hearing would be required. Staff recommended that the Board rescind or deny the motion because of these legal concerns but also noted that they cannot stop the Board from making a motion or taking a vote on the issue if they so desire. 

The vote proceeded with the motion as originally stated, and the motion was denied 3-2 (No: Forte, Cooke, Williams; Yes: Thompson, Sykes).

VIII. Board Appointments

1. Clerk to the Board – Carolina Shores ETJ Alternate Planning Board Appointment: The Board unanimously approved Loretta Burkett as the Planning Board ETJ appointee for Carolina Shores.
2. Clerk to the Board – St. James Firemen's Relief Fund Board Appointment: The Board unanimously approved the requested appointment of Susan Boyer to the St. James Firemen's Relief Fund Board.

IX. Other Business/Informal Discussion

• Chairman Forte made a motion for Brunswick County to donate $25,000 to the nonprofit organizing the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival. A representative from the nonprofit spoke before the Board during public comment. Commissioner Williams asked if this request could wait until the March 16 meeting so that it can appear on the agenda. The Board directed staff to add the item to the March 16 agenda. 

Learn more about Board of Commissioners meetings and our public comment and public hearing policies.

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Brunswick County Board of Commissioners holds regular meeting Monday, March 2

Meeting Livestream

Click the link below to watch the meeting live and find the future replay on the Brunswick County Agendas and Minutes Portal. 

• Watch Live / Find Replay: Regular Meeting - Monday, March 2, 2026 (starts at 3 p.m.)

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will meet for a regular meeting at 3 p.m. this Monday, March 2, 2026. The public is welcome to attend in person or watch live on the Brunswick County Agendas and Minutes Portal.

The commissioners’ chambers are on the first floor of the David R. Sandifer Administration Building at 30 Government Center Drive in Bolivia (28422). 

View the full agenda and accompanying reports and subscribe to agenda notifications on the Brunswick County Agendas and Minutes Portal. Meeting livestreams and replays can be accessed in the Portal through the Media (Camera) Icon for each Board of Commissioners meeting date.  

Agenda Preview

Below are a few selected items from the agenda that the Board of Commissioners will discuss and take possible action on during the regular meeting.

VI. Presentations

1. Administration - Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, and Popular Annual Finance Report: Request the Board receive a presentation of the Government Finance Officers Association awards for the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, and the Popular Annual Financial Report.
2. Emergency Management - Overview of the Image Trend Records Management System: Request the Board receive a presentation of the Image Trend records management system.
3. Human Resources - Presentation - Market Study Results and Associated Recommendation(s) from Piedmont Triad Regional Council Consultant, David Hill: Request the Board receive a presentation from David Hill, Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC), regarding the results of the market study and associated recommendation(s) to be considered as a part of the upcoming budget process.

VII. Board Appointments

1. Clerk to the Board – Carolina Shores ETJ Alternate Planning Board Appointment: Request the Board approve Loretta Burkett as the Planning Board ETJ appointee for Carolina Shores.
2. Clerk to the Board – St. James Firemen's Relief Fund Board Appointment: Request the Board consider approval of the requested appointment of Susan Boyer to the St. James Firemen's Relief Fund Board.

Public Comment and Public Hearings

Most regular meetings include a time for public comment before the Commissioners at the beginning of the meeting. Some meetings also have public hearings for specific issues. The public hearings are similar to a public comment period but pertain to one topic.

Individuals wishing to speak during a public hearing should sign up before the meeting starts on the form at the door dedicated to public hearings. This form is separate from the form used to sign up for public comments at the beginning of the meeting.

Speakers wishing to distribute any related documents, printed comments or materials to the commissioners should deliver at least eight copies to the county clerk at least fifteen minutes before the meeting starts.

Learn more about Board of Commissioners meetings and our public comment and public hearing policies.

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Media Inquiries

Media are requested to contact Brunswick County Communications by noon on the day of the meeting to help facilitate requests for interviews before or directly after board meetings. Brunswick County will post a recap of the meeting with actions taken at brunswickcountync.gov.

For media inquiries, contact Communications Director Meagan Kascsak.

• Email Meagan Kascsak
• Phone: 910.253.2995

Stay Informed

• See the latest news from Brunswick County
• Sign up for emails updates via the Sunshine List
• Follow Brunswick County on social media

Meeting Replay

Click the link below to watch the meeting replays on the Brunswick County Agendas and Minutes Portal. 

• Find Replay: Regular Meeting - Monday, Feb. 16, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners met for a regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. 

Below is a quick recap of the actions taken on selected agenda items during the regular meeting. Residents can watch the meeting replay, view the full agenda and accompanying reports and subscribe to agenda notifications on the Brunswick County Agendas and Minutes Portal.

Meeting livestreams and replays can be accessed in the Portal through the Media (Camera) Icon for each Board of Commissioners meeting date.  

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 2 at 3 p.m. 

Meeting Recap

III. Adjustments/Approval of Agenda

The Board unanimously approved the agenda as amended:

• Added Administrative Report Item No. 3 to receive updates on the Proposed Fire Services Agreement and ongoing NC DEQ sewer issue 

V. Approval of Consent Agenda

The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda as presented. The full list of the approved consent agenda items is available on the Brunswick County Agendas and Minutes Portal.

VI. Presentations

1. Health Services - BOCC Substance Use, Addiction, and Mental Health Commission Annual Update: The Board received a presentation from the Substance Use, Addiction, and Mental Health Commission. No vote was taken on the item. The presentation is available on the Brunswick County Agendas and Minutes Portal.

VII. Administrative Report

1. Administration - City of Boiling Spring Lakes Wastewater Committee Liaisons: The City of Boiling Spring Lakes requested the Board appoint one or more members to be liaisons to a Wastewater Committee that the City has established. The Board unanimously appointed Chairman Mike Forte and Vice Chairman Marty Cooke to the City’s Wastewater Committee.
2. Code Administration - Department Name Change, Code Administration to Become Building Safety Department: The Board unanimously moved to table discussion on the request to change the department of Code Administration to the Building Safety Department to allow for more time to research the use of Building Safety as a department name and other considerations.
3. Administration – Updates on Proposed Fire Services Agreement and NC DEQ Sewer Issue
   • Fire Services Agreement Update: Staff provided an update on the latest details on the development of a proposed fire services agreement and discussions with representatives of the county’s municipal and nonprofit fire departments. During the regular meeting on Jan. 20, 2026, staff noted that they planned to present a final version of a proposed fire services agreement to the Board during the Feb. 16 meeting. At this time, staff are continuing to review and incorporate feedback from key stakeholders (including the Brunswick County Fire Chiefs Association and municipalities with fire departments) into the draft agreement. The Board expressed that they were open to allowing staff more time to continue working on the agreement and consulting with stakeholders, and that it did not necessarily need to be at the March 16 meeting. Staff noted that they will be meeting with representatives from all the fire departments soon and that they will bring the proposed agreement before the Board at a meeting no later than the second meeting in April 2026 to ensure it can be considered during the FY 2027 budget discussions.
   • NC DEQ Sewer Issue Update: County Manager Steve Stone provided an update to the Board based on the latest information available since the Jan. 20 meeting. Staff have participated in at least two virtual meetings with DEQ since Jan 20 on this issue. Staff believe we have a path forward for the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant System for the eight permits that were put on hold in November. DEQ will require the applicants/developers for those eight projects to submit an additional form to move forward; staff are gathering certain details that the County would need to provide to those applicants for their form and updating them about this requirement from DEQ. It is our understanding that other new permits for the Northeast System will need to go through this process including the additional form, but staff do not believe the 45-day period for the applications applies to the additional form. Staff are in the process of getting the same details for the extension line permits issued for the West Brunswick Regional Wastewater System, but this is more complex and will take more time as there are several more permits involved with this sewer system. At this time, there is not an estimate on how long this process will take. 

IX. Closed Session

1. County Attorney – Closed Session: The Board entered into closed session pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(1) and (3) to approve Closed Session Minutes of January 20, 2026, and consult with its attorney in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege. There was nothing to report and no vote was taken upon the Board’s return from Closed Session. 

Learn more about Board of Commissioners meetings and our public comment and public hearing policies.

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Brunswick County Board of Commissioners holds regular meeting Monday, Feb. 16

Meeting Livestream

Click the link below to watch the meeting live and find the future replay on the Brunswick County Agendas and Minutes Portal. 

• Watch Live / Find Replay: Regular Meeting - Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 (starts at 6 p.m.)

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will meet for a regular meeting at 6 p.m. this Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. The public is welcome to attend in person or watch live on the Brunswick County Agendas and Minutes Portal.

The commissioners’ chambers are on the first floor of the David R. Sandifer Administration Building at 30 Government Center Drive in Bolivia (28422). 

View the full agenda and accompanying reports and subscribe to agenda notifications on the Brunswick County Agendas and Minutes Portal. Meeting livestreams and replays can be accessed in the Portal through the Media (Camera) Icon for each Board of Commissioners meeting date.  

Agenda Preview

Below are a few selected items from the agenda that the Board of Commissioners will discuss and take possible action on during the regular meeting.

Note on Proposed Fire Services Agreement Item from Jan. 20: During the regular meeting on Jan. 20, 2026, staff noted that they planned to present a final version of a proposed fire services agreement to the Board during the Feb. 16 meeting. At this time, staff are continuing to review and incorporate feedback from key stakeholders (including the Brunswick County Fire Chiefs Association and municipalities with fire departments) into the draft agreement. To allow for more time to continue working on the agreement and consulting with stakeholders, staff now anticipate bringing the proposed agreement before the Board during the regular meeting on March 16.

VI. Presentations

1. Health Services - BOCC Substance Use, Addiction, and Mental Health Commission Annual Update: Request the Board receive a presentation from the Substance Use, Addiction, and Mental Health Commission.

VII. Administrative Report

1. Administration - City of Boiling Spring Lakes Wastewater Committee Liaisons: The City of Boiling Spring Lakes has requested the Board appoint one or more members to be liaisons to a Wastewater Committee that the City has established.
2. Code Administration - Department Name Change, Code Administration to Become Building Safety Department: Request the Board approve changing the department of Code Administration to the Building Safety Department.

IX. Closed Session

1. County Attorney – Closed Session: Request the Board enter closed session pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(1) and (3) to approve Closed Session Minutes of January 20, 2026, and consult with its attorney in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege.

Public Comment and Public Hearings

Most regular meetings include a time for public comment before the Commissioners at the beginning of the meeting. Some meetings also have public hearings for specific issues. The public hearings are similar to a public comment period but pertain to one topic.

Individuals wishing to speak during a public hearing should sign up before the meeting starts on the form at the door dedicated to public hearings. This form is separate from the form used to sign up for public comments at the beginning of the meeting.

Speakers wishing to distribute any related documents, printed comments or materials to the commissioners should deliver at least eight copies to the county clerk at least fifteen minutes before the meeting starts.

Learn more about Board of Commissioners meetings and our public comment and public hearing policies.

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Media Inquiries

Media are requested to contact Brunswick County Communications by noon on the day of the meeting to help facilitate requests for interviews before or directly after board meetings. Brunswick County will post a recap of the meeting with actions taken at brunswickcountync.gov.

For media inquiries, contact Communications Director Meagan Kascsak.

• Email Meagan Kascsak
• Phone: 910.253.2995

Stay Informed

• See the latest news from Brunswick County
• Sign up for emails updates via the Sunshine List
• Follow Brunswick County on social media

PUBLIC NOTICE

BOLIVIA, N.C. – The Brunswick County Tax Office is hosting six free taxpayer outreach events across the county this spring. Team members from the Tax Office will be available to assist with filing paperwork and answer questions about tax exemption programs (elderly, disabled, and disabled veteran), appeal periods, listing personal or business property, and delinquent collections.

Upcoming Taxpayer Outreach Events

*This event will be held AFTER the appeal period ends; however, appraisal staff will still be available to help answer any appraisal questions.

For questions or more information about the Brunswick County Taxpayer Outreach events, email the Brunswick County Tax Office.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

BOLIVIA, N.C. – Community members are invited to join Brunswick County for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, March 16, 2026, to celebrate Brunswick County’s new Bookmobile.

The ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m., Monday, March 16, in front of the David R. Sandifer Administration Building, located at 30 Government Center Drive in Bolivia.

Guests who attend the ceremony will have a chance to learn about and explore the Bookmobile.

The new mobile library brings expanded access to library resources and services to the entire county. The Bookmobile features a variety of books, an ADA-compatible wheelchair lift, public Wi-Fi, carts for outdoor pop-up events, and more. Learn more about Brunswick County Library and the Bookmobile on our website at BrunswickCountyNC.gov/library.

For questions about the event, email Brunswick County Communications.

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For questions or more information about the training program, email Brunswick County Risk Management.

PUBLIC NOTICE

BOLIVIA, N.C. – Brunswick County’s Risk Management and Parks and Recreation departments are partnering to offer First Aid/CPR/AED Certification Training in 2026. This training program is designed to provide residents with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies.

The training is open to any Brunswick County residents 12 years of age and older. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult guardian for the entire training session. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an American Trauma Event Management (ATEM) First Aid/CPR/AED certification card, which is valid for 2 years.

There are only 12 seats available per training session and the registration fee is $10 per person. Participants must register and pay online before the training date. Each class will consist of an AM Session from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., a 30-minute lunch break*, and a PM session from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. You must attend and complete both sessions to receive certification.

*Participants must bring their own lunch and beverages.

2026 First Aid/CPR/AED Certification Training Sessions

Learn more and register online on the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation RecDesk website.

For questions or more information about the training program, email Brunswick County Risk Management.

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Notice is hereby given that the Brunswick County Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on March 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Chambers of the David R. Sandifer Administration Building located at 30 Government Center Drive NE at the Brunswick County Government Center concerning the following planned development:

PROJECT #:           PD-171

NAME: REMUDA PLANNED DEVELOPMENT MODIFICATION 

APPLICANT: DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE GROUP, LLC

TAX PARCEL(S):  2120001910

LOCATION: OFF OCEAN ISLE BEACH ROAD SW (SR 1184) NEAR OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC.

DESCRIPTION:  REMUDA MODIFICATION IS A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 140 SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS ON APPROXIMATELY 45.02 ACRES CREATING AN OVERALL DENSITY OF  3.10 DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE.

For more information, please contact the Brunswick County Planning Department at 910-253-2025 or 800-621-0609.

Notice is hereby given that the Brunswick County Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on March 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Chambers of the David R. Sandifer Administration Building located at 30 Government Center Drive NE at the Brunswick County Government Center concerning the following planned development:

PROJECT #:           PD-167

NAME: CANOPY PLANNED DEVELOPMENT 

APPLICANT: THOMAS AND HUTTON

TAX PARCEL(S):  1780009002, 19300025, 1940000205, 19400027, AND 1940002801

LOCATION: OFF NO 5 SCHOOL ROAD (SR 1305) NEAR LONGWOOD, NC.

DESCRIPTION:  CANOPY IS A PROPOSED PLANNED DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 3,200 RESIDENTIAL UNITS ON APPROXIMATELY 986.80 ACRES CREATING AN OVERALL DENSITY OF  3.20 DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE.

For more information, please contact the Brunswick County Planning Department at 910-253-2025 or 800-621-0609.

Notice is hereby given that the Brunswick County Planning Board will hold a public hearing on March 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Chambers of the David R. Sandifer Administration Building located at 30 Government Center Drive NE at the Brunswick County Government Center concerning the following rezoning:

REQUEST: CHANGE OF ZONING – ZONING CASE Z-932

FROM: R-7500 (MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL)

TO: NC (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL)

LOCATION:  948 SABBATH HOME ROAD SW (SR 1120) NEAR SUPPLY, NC.

TAX PARCEL(S):  23200016

DESCRIPTION:  THE APPLICANT REQUESTED TAX PARCEL 23200016 TO BE REZONED TO NC (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL).   THE ENTIRE ZONING AREA ENCOMPASSES APPROX. 0.87 ACRES.

For more information, please contact the Brunswick County Planning Department at 910-253-2025 or 800-621-0609.

*This is a North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) notice. Brunswick County is not responsible for the accuracy of this information. For the most up-to-date information, visit the NCFS website or contact NCFS directly.

Posted February 23, 2026 | Read Original Release on N.C. Forest Service Website

RALEIGH, N.C. – With North Carolina’s spring wildfire season arriving at a time when most of the state is experiencing moderate to severe drought, the N.C. Forest Service is urging the public to apply best practices and common sense with all outdoor fire, especially yard debris burns.

“With the recent rainfall combined with multiple winter storms earlier this year, some folks may not realize that most of North Carolina is still experiencing very dry conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Our state’s gradual descent into drought and prolonged dry conditions are going to lead to wildfires igniting more easily, burning more intensely and spreading quicker. The best defense against wildfires will always be to prevent them from starting.”

Escaped yard debris burns, largely due to carelessness, continue to be the leading cause of wildfires across the state, accounting for nearly half of all wildfires in North Carolina. In general, human activity is responsible for 99% of wildfires, and spring weather tends to draw people outdoors to work in their yards with many choosing to burn as a method to dispose of leaves, limbs and other yard debris.

 “A fire can escape in a matter of seconds, especially on warm days when winds are gusty,” Troxler added. “This means you never leave a fire unattended until it is completely out and cold.”

Other forms of human caused wildfires stem from machine and vehicle use, dragging tow chains, arson and escaped campfires.

Western North Carolina counties that suffered substantial forest damage during Hurricane Helene remain especially vulnerable to wildfires due to dead and dying timber contributing to an excessive debris and fuel load.

Before starting an outdoor fire, contact your local NCFS county ranger’s office. For safe burning practices to help prevent wildfire, the NCFS offers the following guidance:

• Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
• Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
• Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
• Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
• Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
• Stay with your fire until it is completely out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
• These same tips apply to campfires and grills as well. Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. Drown all embers, not just the red ones. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch. If you do not have water, mix enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire, being careful not to bury the fire. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.

The public is reminded to never fly a drone near, around or over a wildfire. Firefighting aircraft that respond to wildfires fly low in support of ground personnel. Drones can pose a serious threat to pilot and public safety. A drone that disrupts air operations also puts firefighters, residents and property at risk of loss to wildfire.

Where there’s fire, there’s smoke, and if you live in an area where wildfire risk is high, staying smoke-ready can be critical to personal health and well-being. Take steps now to prepare for wildfire smoke. This is especially important for smoke sensitive individuals including children, active people, older adults and people with heart or lung disease such as asthma. Being prepared means knowing where to find information about air quality and utilizing the air quality index. Use resources like www.ncair.org, https://airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/ and www.airnow.gov.

To learn more about preparing for and preventing wildfires, visit www.preventwildfirenc.org.

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Media Contact

Philip Jackson, N.C. Forest Service Public Information OfficerEmail Philip JacksonPhone: 919.857.4828