April 27th UPDATE! Dare County officials say they were caught off guard when Currituck officials last week announced they would allow visitors to return to the northern beaches of Corolla and Carova as soon as May 15. Now that date is off the table. See below.
It is April 22nd, and we have a plan from Currituck County. I am happy I don’t have to make these decisions! On this issue, it is tough to balance the needs and desires of all of us who have an interest in The Outer Banks. There is no past history to draw upon for guidance. So those making the decisions have to do the best they can with the information they have in front of them today, knowing that information could change tomorrow. I do believe in safety first for all concerned. I know most of the Dare County Commissioners and the members of the Dare County Control Group, as well as some of the Currituck Commissioners. They are good people serving our community during a historic event. While I may not always agree with every decision made I know they have the best interest of all of us in mind when they make them.
As far as real estate goes I am ready for the virtual world! Transactions have slowed but are still happening. I put a house under contract this past weekend. Obviously many of you want to hold off on your plans to buy or sell, and that is understandable. But if you have the need, know that I can help you through your transaction.
Now the plan from Currituck County:
During its April 20, 2020 meeting, the Currituck County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to allow all non-resident property owners to gain access into Corolla beginning on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
The Board also set a date of May 15, 2020 to begin allowing visitors to access Corolla. This date will be re-evaluated during the next Board of Commissioners meeting on May 4.
4/27/20 UPDATE!!
Currituck and Dare officials announced today that the two counties will work together to coordinate entry for visitors to the Outer Banks. The Board Chairmen and County Managers from both counties have met to begin discussions. Currituck County will remove the tentative May 15 visitor entry date from their State of Emergency and move forward with a coordinated plan between the two counties.
Key points for non-resident property owners:
- To gain access into Corolla, non-resident property owners must display their Currituck County hurricane season re-entry permit at the law enforcement checkpoint currently in place at the Wright Memorial Bridge. Vehicles with a permit will be allowed to travel through Dare County to reach Corolla.
- Each car must have a permit to be allowed through the checkpoint.
- Non-resident property owners who need a permit may request one via email to Currituck Emergency Management at [email protected].
- Everyone should bring their own food and supplies to last approximately 14 days, as the grocery stores on the Outer Banks may not be fully-stocked at this time.
- While in the Outer Banks, everyone should follow NC Governor Roy Cooper’s directives on social distancing and limit public groups to no more than 10 people.
Business officials and employees must still use their business entry permits to gain access to Corolla. Each employee must have his/her own permit. To request a business entry permit, contact Currituck Emergency Management at [email protected].