What is the Morehead City Reel?

This monthly e-newsletter is designed to bring you the latest news and events from Morehead City, along with important upcoming items.

Previously, a quarterly print edition was sent out to those in Morehead City. This e-newsletter replaces that outreach, in a method that can go to anyone with a vested interest in the area.

Fourth of July Events

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Morehead City!

On Tuesday, July 4th, the Main Event Band will be performing at Jaycee Park, 807 Shepard Street, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Starting around 9 p.m., fireworks will bloom over the Morehead City waterfront, offering a spectacular display.

The Meraki Mediterranean and Kona Ice food trucks will be on site.

Throughout the day, enjoy the various shops, restaurants and parks throughout the city!

Please note, City Hall, the Morehead City Library and the Parks and Recreation Center will all be closed on July 4th. Regular business hours will resume on Wednesday, July 5th.

Holiday Safety Information

This Fourth of July, keep the following safety tips from Morehead City Fire-EMS in mind for your own fireworks and for safely viewing the City's fireworks display:

• Fireworks are a fire hazard: Please only use with sober adult supervision, and maintain a safe distance from anything that can burn, including buildings, vehicles and automobiles.
• Any firework that explodes or propels through the air is illegal in North Carolina.
• Fireworks labeled 1.4G or Consumer Fireworks are for public use.
• Be mindful that pets and small children may be scared of the loud noises and bright lights associated with fireworks. Please keep them at a safe distance.
• Starting at 7 p.m. on July 4th, a 1,000-foot safety zone surrounding Sugarloaf Island will be implemented, through the end of the professional fireworks display. Morehead City Fire-EMS and Police will be on their boats to ensure compliance within the area, and other regulatory agencies will also be patrolling.

The Morehead City Police Department will be participating in holiday safety programs, including Operation Firecracker, which is aimed to prevent drunk driving this Fourth of July through the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program.

They will also be involved with Operation Dry Water, a nationwide safe boating initiative, in which the Police Department will be assisting U.S. Coast Guard Station Fort Macon.

City Council Approves Budget for FY 2023-2024

Morehead City residents will continue to pay a low property tax rate with a balanced budget after the City Council approved the City's operating budget during its meeting on Tuesday, June 13th.

 The $32.5 million Morehead City operating budget, which aligns with the goals of the City Council, maintains the City's .38 cent property tax rate per $100 of assessed value with no increase in utility rates, while continuing progress on capital projects such as paving, street improvements, and stormwater infrastructure.

 Additionally, the budget continues an emphasis on public utility services and investment in City staff, while maintaining support for public safety, development, and special events.

 The approved FY 2023-2024 overall budget of $32.5 million also improves the City’s debt service obligations and further champions Morehead City’s AAA bond rating which is the highest possible rating that can be assigned by all three bond rating agencies, Fitch, Moody’s and S&P Global.

 Highlights of the City's operating budget, which aligns with the goals of the City Council, include the following:

• Maintains property tax rate of .38 cents
• $1.8 million for various capital project initiatives
• $600,000 in contracted mowing services
• $500,000 for City-wide economic development initiatives
• Average 3 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) wage increase for City employees
• $85,000 for the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association for various historical preservation and façade grant initiatives

Police Department Offers Free Youth Camp

Each summer the Morehead City Police Department offers a youth camp that focuses on law enforcement and related careers. A variety of educational and practical sessions are offered to provide a fun and hands-on learning environment, including time spent in the Police Department, the 911 Center, the Fire Department,

and the County Courthouse.

This year's camp will be offered July 10th-13th, and is open to rising 6th-12th graders. This camp is free and space is limited to 20 campers, so apply today! Drop off is 8:15 a.m. and pickup is at 12:30 p.m. 

You can find the application for the MCPD Youth Summer Camp here. Please fill it out and email it to Rose Spoonire at rose.spoonire@moreheadcitync.org or drop it off to the Morehead City Police Department at 300 N. 12th Street, Morehead City.

In the video below, Officer Kilgore highlights this exciting camp.

Big Rock Foundation Grant Leads to Fire Safety House

In Fall of 2022, the Big Rock Foundation gave a $12,000 grant to Morehead City Fire & EMS, which has been utilized for a full-size inflatable fire safety house, a great educational resource for the fire prevention team year-round. The Big Rock Foundation donated $1 million to local charities and organizations for the second year in a row. 

“The Morehead City Fire & EMS Department has a motto of 'Community Before Self,'" said Chief Courtney Wade. "With the generous and humbled support from the Big Rock Foundation, we are able to help educate kids throughout our community and teach them the importance of fire safety. The inflatable Fire Safety House is another tool and great resource for doing just that," he said. "Again, thank you Big Rock for what you do and your continued support in and around our city, county and state.”

Now Hiring: Apply Today

The Town of Morehead City is accepting applications for the following positions:

• Deputy Chief of Police
• Police Officer
• Animal Control Officer (PT)
• Building Inspector
• Utility Service Technicians
• Seasonal Public Works Employees
• Summer Camp Counselors (Seasonal)
• Recreation Assistants (PT)

You can find full job descriptions and apply on our website.

You can watch the Morehead City Police Department recruitment video below.

All Ages Encouraged to Participate in the Library's

Summer Reading Program

It isn't too late to participate in the Summer Reading Program through the Morehead City Library!

Every year, the Library sponsors a Summer Reading Challenge in an effort motivate children and teens to read for pleasure and to help them maintain reading skills during the summer months.

The Summer Reading Challenge also encourage adults to explore new genres, pursue new interests, and model lifelong learning and reading to children and teens. Morehead City Library uses programming materials from iREAD to support library staff in motivating children, young adults, and adults to read and learn. 

Connect with the Morehead City Library this summer and discover new books, programs, virtual events, and hands-on activity kits. The broad theme of self-expression encompasses a variety of mediums for youth and adults to fine their voice: from visual arts to writing, storytelling, music, and so much more.

Register now and start logging your reading!

The Morehead City Library also offers other events each month, including Preschool Story Time and Knit-Wits. You can learn more about library events here.

Parks and Recreation Offers a Variety of Camps, Classes

Morehead City Parks and Recreation, at 1600 Fisher Street, offers a wide variety of programs and events for various ages. Don't miss a series of events taking place in July, including youth basketball and soccer camps. In August, a cheerleading camp will be offered. You can learn more about these classes and programs through our website, and register in advance.

Summer is a great time to explore our various parks and the popular Splash Pad at Shevans Park, 1501 Evans Street. The Splash Pad is open for the season and operates from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily, weather permitting.

Are you a member of our Recreation Center yet? We offer daily and annual paid passes at low rates. You can find out more about Recreation Center membership on our website, and information on our fitness programs for all ages and levels.

1100 Bridges Street

Morehead City, NC 28557

252-726-6848