AGP Executive Report

UNC–NC State Basketball: Phil Ford and Dereck Whittenburg joined the buzz around the Dec. 15 “Tobacco Road Classic” in Greensboro, as coaches talked up the rivalry’s new home-and-home feel. Travel Planning & Lodging: Kiplinger looks at how to buy a vacation home together—benefits, but also the legal and financial “right structure” you’ll want before co-owning. Road Trip Infrastructure: South Carolina’s long-stalled I-73 push got fresh momentum after President Trump said it’s “all funded” during a Myrtle Beach rally, reviving hopes for a tourism-to-NC connection. Public Safety & Visitor Trust: A year after the Charlotte light-rail stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, debate over bail and repeat offenders stays hot, with law enforcement backing Michael Whatley. DMV Convenience for Travelers: North Carolina DMV wait times dropped to about 20–22 minutes statewide as more offices and online services roll out. Weather Disruptions: Severe storms damaged Galloway Farm in Hallsboro and caused power outages and road flooding across parts of southeastern NC. Family-Friendly Outdoors: Great Smoky Mountains National Park marks its 110th birthday Aug. 25 with a $5 parking-tag waiver for visitors (no timed reservations). Local Tourism Spending: Durham and Raleigh visitor numbers hit records in 2025, underscoring continued demand for NC getaways.

Severe Weather Disrupts Coastal Farms: Strong winds and thunderstorms damaged Galloway Farm in Hallsboro, collapsing a pavilion, knocking down power lines, and flattening crops; tornado warnings were also issued for parts of southeastern NC, with flooding making NC-210 impassable in Columbus County. DMV Improvements for Travelers: North Carolina DMV wait times dropped statewide to just over 20 minutes after staffing boosts, more offices, and expanded online services—good news for visitors needing licenses, registrations, or IDs. Road Update for Mountain Drivers: NCDOT will shift traffic to the first half of the new N.C. 105 bridge over the Watauga River on Aug. 24, with periodic delays as final paving wraps up and crews adjust signals and markings. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported one of the lowest E15 prices in Surry County at $3.18/gal (week ending Aug. 15), while statewide averages for E15 and regular hovered around the mid-$3 range. Tourism-Adjacent Travel Demand: Delta is adding short, high-frequency Orlando routes for the 2026 holiday period, including service from Raleigh–Durham to Fort Lauderdale and increased flights from NC focus cities to Miami.

Airport Upgrades: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced $615 million in Airport Improvement grants, including $6.3 million for a runway extension at Wilmington International Airport—good news for smoother, safer travel planning. Gas Prices Watch: AAA says the national regular average is $4.10 (up 3 cents), with crude oil staying elevated amid Strait of Hormuz uncertainty—while North Carolina’s E15 and premium prices vary by county in recent GasBuddy reports. Travel Disruption: A Delta flight from Atlanta to Raleigh returned to ATL due to engine trouble, with passengers rebooked on a new plane. Outdoor Safety (Mountains): The NC Wildlife Resources Commission shared bear-safety reminders after a black bear entered a north Asheville home and injured a resident (non-life-threatening). Bird Migration Tech: Catawba College, Davidson College, and Queens University expanded the Motus tracking network with new towers in the Charlotte region and the Uwharrie Mountains to better map migratory birds. Weather Alert: Severe storms and flash-flood risk are shifting along the East Coast, with heavy rain expected to move into the Carolinas.

Tourism & Money: Visit Raleigh says 19 million visitors hit Wake County in 2025, spending $3.4B and generating $343M in local and state tax revenue—fueling more restaurants, attractions, and jobs. Travel Tech: North Carolina Mobile ID is set to roll out this winter via the NC Wallet app for TSA airport security when you have a Real ID license; it’s optional and won’t replace your physical card. Fall Planning: The Outer Banks is highlighted as an easy off-season beach escape for September—calmer crowds, warm water, and seafood, fishing, and lighthouse time. Outdoor Learning: A UM doctoral student is studying how e-bikes are changing trail use and sparking heated debates on public lands. Local Events: Hickory Ridge History Museum in Boone announces Living History Museum Day Aug. 29 plus Revolutionary War-era and fall festival events. Safety & Travel Reality Check: A multi-state abduction case involving two NC girls ended with both found safe in Georgia after a search.

Revolution-Era Tourism: Brunswick County opened a traveling “American Revolution Experience” exhibit at the Southwest Brunswick Branch Library, spotlighting local ties to the Revolution and the Roanoke River Lighthouse and Maritime Museum in Plymouth hosted a “Washingtons Unite” quilt exhibit for America’s 250th anniversary (Sept. 9–12). Beach & Road Watch: Brunswick County nixed a proposed commercial rezoning near Ocean Isle Beach Road and U.S. 17, a move that could have supported highway-oriented tourist businesses. Sand Mine Concerns: Supply-area residents are pushing back against a proposed expansion of a sand mine closer to homes, citing well and water-quality worries as the zoning board weighs a special use permit. Health & Travel Safety: Cyclosporiasis cases topped 15,000 nationwide, with authorities investigating clusters tied to contaminated food sources—worth noting for visitors planning meals out. Local Visitor Economy: North Carolina’s visitor spending headlines included record-level tourism impacts in nearby regions, underscoring continued demand for trips across the state.

Tourism & Events: Asheville’s Biltmore Championship Asheville unveiled its trophy ahead of the Sept. 17-20 PGA TOUR event at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, with local food-and-drink partners and a Helene-era black walnut base. Outdoor & Wildlife: Scientists are reviewing drone footage of sharks near Masonboro Island, saying the close-to-shore aggregation likely reflects migration and a productive coastline, not a public threat. Family Travel Safety Tech: In the region, police used Flock cameras and smart-glasses video to help locate a missing teen and track a suspect vehicle—an example of how tech is shaping fast, coordinated searches. Roads & Getting Around: NCDOT says a proposed U.S. 158/N.C. 12 project at a busy Outer Banks intersection was removed from the priority list after strong public opposition, potentially shifting funding competition. Rail & Visitor Access: NCDOT received a nearly $300M FRA grant to improve passenger rail safety and capacity along the Piedmont Corridor between Raleigh and Charlotte. Local Nature Planning: Virginia adopted a master plan for Mayo River State Park next to North Carolina’s park, including trails, river access, and overnight options.

Tourism & Local Economy: Caldwell County tourism rose in 2025, reaching $81.2 million in visitor spending (+6.5%), supporting 489 jobs and generating $2.8 million in local tax revenue. Western NC Recovery: Western North Carolina small businesses hit by Tropical Storm Helene get more breathing room—Moore County’s interest-only loan repayment window is extended to 30 months for 800+ businesses, after Mountain BizWorks reported many are still below pre-Helene revenue. Outdoor & Wildlife: Cataloochee Valley’s elk reintroduction marks 25 years, with today’s herd estimated at 250–260. Family Travel & Safety: Moore County launches “Operation Safe Start” to crack down on speeding and unsafe driving around school zones as classes resume. Road Rules: Wilmington-area coverage breaks down when drivers must stop for school buses under North Carolina law. Health Watch: North Carolina cyclosporiasis cases top 920, with 929 confirmed statewide as of the latest update. Culture & Events: Jaipur Literature Festival expands across seven cities in the U.S. and Canada, with North Carolina hosting events Sept. 11–13.

Tourism Impact: Caldwell County tourism rose in 2025, with visitor spending hitting $81.2 million (+6.5%), supporting 489 jobs and generating $2.8 million in local tax revenue. Tourism Impact: Pender County’s tourism impact topped $203.08 million in 2025, up 0.4%, supporting 1,051+ jobs and generating millions in state and local taxes. Tourism Growth: Ashe County reported a 4% visitor-spending increase in 2025, signaling continued resilience after Hurricane Helene. Transit & Travel: A nearly $300 million federal grant will fund safety and capacity upgrades on North Carolina’s Piedmont passenger rail corridor, aiming to shorten Raleigh-to-Charlotte travel times. Local Walkability: Boone approved a Bamboo Road sidewalk agreement and set a Sept. 16 walk-audit to assess pedestrian and bike safety. E-Bike Rules: New North Carolina e-bike classifications are prompting local safety discussions and give cities and counties more authority to regulate. Coastal Wildlife: Drone video captured what appears to be hundreds of sharks near Masonboro Island, with a stingray also spotted. Community Privacy: New Hanover County commissioners will review a $219,000 Flock Safety contract after residents protested surveillance cameras. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reported low E85 at $2.99 in Nash County and premium lows of $4.21 in New Hanover County for the week ending Aug. 8.

Tourism Recovery Watch: A new Mountain BizWorks survey finds 3 in 4 small businesses in Western North Carolina are still making less than before Tropical Storm Helene, with reduced tourism a key drag. Local Infrastructure: In Sylva, crews have started phase one of the long-delayed Highway 107 project after years of setbacks, beginning with utility relocations and water/sewer work. Air Travel Growth: Avelo’s second-year push at Lakeland Linder International shows passenger enplanements nearly quadrupled in 2025, and airport leaders say more route frequency—especially to Atlanta—could be next. Tech for Travelers: Apple Wallet digital driver’s licenses are expanding to more states, and North Carolina is set to support Wallet mobile IDs in early 2027. Community & Culture: The Bowers Mansion Bluegrass Festival returns for its 40th year this weekend, drawing regional acts to Bowers Mansion Regional Park. Public Safety & Privacy: A new “Have I Been Flocked” site lets drivers check whether their license plate was manually queried in Flock audit logs, fueling ongoing debate over automated license plate readers.

Severe Weather: A severe thunderstorm warning hit the Greenville-Spartanburg area, with radar-tracked storms bringing up to 60 mph wind gusts and hail near Hendersonville and other western NC communities. Coastal Resilience: Surf City signed a long-term partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect its shoreline, with engineers returning every six years for beach renourishment for decades. Tourism After Helene: A new report says Buncombe County visitor spending dipped from $2.65B (2024) to $2.6B (2025), citing lingering Tropical Storm Helene impacts. Health & Outdoors: UNC-led research finds ticks carrying Lyme disease are gaining ground in western North Carolina, raising concern for hikers and outdoor travelers. Road Access: Construction is set to begin on a key Polk County link, U.S. 176 between Saluda and Tryon, after Hurricane Helene left the gorge road closed. Local Travel Deals: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Vance County at $3.69/gal for the week ending Aug. 8. Craft Beverage: Stardust Cellars in North Wilkesboro won top honors in multiple categories at the 2026 NC Wine, Cider & Mead Competition.

North Carolina Wine, Cider & Mead Awards: Producers across the state brought home top honors in the 2026 N.C. Wine Competition, including Muscadine Cup winner Hinnant Family Vineyards, Vinifera Cup winner Sanctuary Vineyards, Mead Cup winner Honeygirl Meadery, and a Cider Cup tie between Noble Cider and Mill Camp Wines & Ciders. Family Travel & Road Trips: Buc-ee’s keeps expanding, opening its first Arkansas location in Benton and signaling more new travel-center stops ahead. Local Learning for Visitors & Residents: The NC Daniel Boone Heritage Trail is donating third-grade Daniel Boone books and teacher guides to elementary schools in Wilkes and several surrounding counties, funded through tourism and community partners. Rail Excursion in the Mountains: A Great Smoky Mountains Railroad special excursion is set for Sept. 26, departing from Bryson City and running through Western North Carolina scenery and the Nantahala Gorge. Pet-Friendly Community Moment: Guilford County Animal Services helped reunite a Greensboro-found dog with its Oklahoma owner after a 1,000-mile journey.

Tourism Economy Watch: North Carolina visitor spending hit a record $37.2 billion in 2025, but growth is slowing—up just 1.3% statewide, with Alamance County nearly flat (+0.4%) and the Asheville & Foothills region down 0.7% after Hurricane Helene impacts. Outer Banks Travel & Housing: An Outer Banks Hatteras cottage listed for $349,500 was lifted off the flood plain after Hurricane Matthew, now positioned above immediate flood risk. Local Ballot & Visitor-Friendly Parks: Dare and Currituck counties are asking voters in November for quarter-cent sales tax hikes, with Dare’s “Pennies for Parks” earmarked for parks upgrades and Currituck’s “Pennies for Progress” aimed at infrastructure and public safety. Family Fun & Education: Ashe County third graders will get a Daniel Boone children’s biography, with classroom sets donated to elementary schools in seven counties through the NC Daniel Boone Heritage Trail. Road Trip Reality Check (Gas Prices): GasBuddy reports several low-price pockets for travelers, including Nash midgrade at $3.79/gal and Northampton regular at $3.74/gal for the week ending Aug. 8. Outdoor Safety: Raleigh firefighters helped rescue a hiker who fell 50 feet on Grandfather Mountain; he was airlifted for treatment.

Retiree Travel Math: A new explainer warns that “no income tax” states can still hit retirees hard once property taxes and sales taxes are factored in—useful for anyone planning a North Carolina road-trip retirement route. Fly Fishing Culture: A guide to fly fishing pushes back on the “only for the wealthy” myth, stressing skill and knowledge over status—great inspiration for anglers visiting Western NC. Western NC Health Watch: A CDC-linked study finds many blacklegged ticks in a town near Asheville carry Lyme bacteria, raising concerns about diagnosis gaps and what families should watch for outdoors. Tourism & Community Meals: Transylvania County Schools keeps summer meals going with weekly home deliveries across rural routes—an on-the-ground look at how communities support visitors and residents alike. Local Visitor Stops: The Elvis Museum near Cherokee (free, seasonal hours) is spotlighted as a quirky roadside stop for travelers exploring the mountains. Gas Prices Check: GasBuddy reports show premium and regular prices shifting across counties, with several low points in the Aug. 8 week—handy for trip budgeting.

Public Health & Outdoors: A CDC-linked study found nearly 40% of blacklegged ticks collected in a town outside Asheville tested positive for the Lyme bacteria, raising concerns that many western NC clinicians were trained to treat Lyme as a “northern” problem. Western NC Travel Curiosity: Asheville-area “Strangeville” spotlights the Elvis Museum near Cherokee, run seasonally next to Littlejohn Campground with free admission. Family Travel & Summer Meals: Transylvania County Schools is still delivering free summer meals by van—hot lunches and breakfasts—across rural routes Monday through Thursday. Fuel Watch for Road Trips: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Lincoln County hit $4.17 (week ending Aug. 8), while Stokes County’s low was $4.39 and Duplin County’s E15 low was $3.18—useful for planning drives. Local Dining: Flavor Hills is closing its Downtown Raleigh and Durham locations effective immediately. Sports Tourism: UNC’s incoming freshman Sayon Keita cleared visa steps and is set to arrive in Chapel Hill Saturday.

Mobile IDs for travelers: NCDMV says North Carolinians will be able to store driver’s licenses and state IDs on their phones via the NC Wallet starting in Dec. 2026, with acceptance planned at TSA checkpoints (including RDU and Charlotte Douglas) and at NCDMV locations—aimed at smoother holiday travel. Wrightsville Beach bridge work: NCDOT is moving ahead with a $105M overhaul of three Wrightsville Beach bridges, using a new construction approach to finish by Spring 2030 while keeping two lanes on and off the island and adding pedestrian/cyclist upgrades. Tourism numbers: Halifax County reported $132.83M in visitor spending in 2025, up 0.8% from 2024, supporting 756 jobs and ranking fifth in total spending across the Northeast Prosperity Zone. Local events: Kinston’s Stonington Farms launches a Music Fest on Sept. 5, bringing country acts and cloggers to the 160-acre farm venue.

Wrightsville Beach Bridge Overhaul: NCDOT is using a new Construction Manager/General Contractor approach to speed up a $105M replacement of three Wrightsville Beach bridges, aiming to finish by Spring 2030 while keeping lanes open and adding upgrades for pedestrians and cyclists. Tourism Numbers: Halifax County tourism spending hit $132.83M in 2025, up 0.8% from 2024, supporting 756 jobs, while Henderson County tourism rose to $453.34M in 2025, up 3.6% post-Hurricane Helene. Emergency Preparedness: Stanly County opened an $87M emergency training center with a mock river and flooded village to help North Carolina first responders practice deadly flood rescues. Food Safety & Travel: The FDA is traveling to Mexico to continue its cyclosporiasis investigation tied to Taylor Farms lettuce, coordinating with Mexican regulators as the outbreak review continues. Local Culture & History: Wilmington is getting a highway marker honoring pioneering Black lawyer George L. Mabson, with a public dedication planned. Family-Friendly Sports: Ashe County released its 2026 football schedule, including a season-opening home slate and a nonconference trip to Tennessee.