Southport looks toward âbrighter futureâ as city gears up for the upcoming season
Construction projects are moving along in Southport By Bill Murray | April 15, 2021 at 3:22 PM EDT - Updated April 15 at 8:01 PM
SOUTHPORT, N.C. (WECT) - Welcome to Southport â granted, the welcome mat still needs dusting off a bit with the Howe Street construction project well underway, but show up and youâre guaranteed a smile.
âWeâre excited about what the season holds,â said Ashley Kincaide, the general manager of Dry Street Pub and Pizza. âI think people are just ready to get out. Theyâre getting vaccinated and theyâre just ready to get out.â
As one Brunswick County power plant closes, another is looking to extend its operations for another two decades.
Capital Power will close its power plant near Southport by the end of this month. But the nearby Brunswick Nuclear Plant is looking to extend its operating license for the next 20 years.
The two power plants are located less than 2 miles from each other near Southport.
Duke Energy is in the process of renewing its operating license for six of its nuclear power plants located throughout North and South Carolina - including the one near Southport.
The company expects to begin the renewal process of its largest nuclear power plant in western South Carolina this year. Renewals of the other plant licenses will follow, according to a press release from the company. The license renewal process through the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission takes approximately five years.
Any other year, the outdoor dining season would have officially ended by now. But with COVID-19 cases on the rise, many diners are still keeping advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in mind when it comes to restaurant visits.
The public health organization has said drive-thru and take-out are the lowest risk options, followed by places with outdoor seating and tables spaced at least 6 feet apart.
With January and February ahead, many restaurateurs across the country are looking to lessons learned in colder climates, like offering more hot cocktails or adding igloos, otherwise known as pop-up dining domes.
Coastal town adopts method to help businesses still hurting from pandemic
Southport outdoor options help businesses stay afloat By Bryant Reed | December 14, 2020 at 9:31 PM EST - Updated December 15 at 12:00 AM
SOUTHPORT, N.C. (WECT) - The COVID-19 pandemic has made it anything but business as usual for months. Because of restrictions on the number of people allowed indoors at shops and restaurants, owners who once had booming businesses have worried about closing down.
Leaders in Southport have taken steps to let businesses open outdoor services.
“Put tents up, put seating outside; it’s very important so they can expand their business space,” said Mayor Joe Pat Hatem.