03/20/2020
Dear Atlantic Beach:
As the weather warms, crowds are starting to return to Atlantic Beach. In normal times, this would be a good thing. These are not normal times.
Along with Carteret County and other towns in our area we have declared a State of Emergency which included a notice requesting that visitors not come to our County at this time. This is a very difficult message to send for a community that is rooted in hospitality. But it is the right message at this time.
We have closed our public beach access parking lots and all public bathhouses.
And, we have issued an order prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people. This applies to all gatherings—public and private. If you have a wedding or other party scheduled in our area during the next few weeks, you should postpone it.
If you are a resident of Atlantic Beach or a property owner who is spending time in town. We are glad you are here. Food Lion on the beach and most stores in Morehead are open to keep your homes stocked with necessities. And, many area restaurants remain open for take-out and delivery. If you or anyone you know is one of those who are most at-risk to the Coronavirus (the elderly and immune-compromised) and do not have help in getting daily necessities, please contact Deputy Chief Casey Arthur at the Atlantic Beach Fire Department (252-726-7361). Those who are most at-risk should stay home. We are here to help.
It is time for all of us to hunker down and take social distancing seriously. If we do so now, we may prevent more severe shelter-in-place orders in the coming weeks. Today I read a message from someone in Europe that stated, “everybody here is saying that we should have stopped having contact with each other weeks earlier, so maybe you still have a chance.”
Please take this message to heart.
Your Mayor,
Trace Cooper