Topsail Online Gazette

07/02/2025

The ocean is changing color, according to a new study led by Georgia Tech researchers. Areas near the poles are turning greener, while spots closer to the equator are getting bluer.

Areas near the poles are turning greener, while spots closer to the equator are getting bluer, researchers say.

06/19/2025

BEACH ALERT: A High Risk of Rip Currents are expected across most of Eastern NC — including Topsail Island — due to strong winds and swells. Please use caution in the surf if you're heading to the beach today to escape the heat! 🌊🔴

06/18/2025

A gorgeous morning for a leisurely walk in the sand at North Topsail Beach. Make it a great day, y'all! 🌅

📷: Patti Rose

06/17/2025

THE HEAT IS ON: Summer's official start isn't until Friday... but we're calling it early, as daytime temps in the 90s are expected for the next 10 days with a scorching "real feel" in the triple digits for much of the week (for inland locations). Special care should be taken during this time for pets, plants, and the vulnerable such as the elderly and children.

On the plus side, the water at Topsail Island beaches looks rather inviting with temps in the upper 70s currently!

06/15/2025

ICYMI: The Town of Surf City announced this week that they have decided to implement a 30% property tax increase, raising the rate from $0.41 to $0.53 for every $100 of property valuation.

Property tax hikes come off the heels of a county-wide property reassessment, thus making residents’ bills even steeper.

After over 10 years of no changes to property taxes, Surf City has implemented an approximate 30% property tax increase raising the rate from $0.41 to $0.53 for every $100 of property valuation.

06/14/2025

HEAT, HUMIDITY BUILDS: Thunderstorms are likely to develop Saturday across Southeastern NC as warm and humid conditions are expected with highs in the mid to upper 80s. Temps become more intense headed into next week as our first heatwave of 2025 arrives by Monday — with triple digit "feels like" heat indices.

06/03/2025

A pretty evening in Surf City along the water's edge at Soundside Park. Who else is excited for summer?!

📷: Everett-Karen Smith

06/02/2025

LOCAL NEWS: Cape Fear Community College held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the expansion of the Surf City location. CFCC says 10,500 square feet was added to the existing facility, doubling its size to accommodate the growing student community.

CFCC says 10,500 square feet was added to the existing facility, doubling its size to accommodate the growing student community.

04/15/2025

LOCAL NEWS: The planned renovations to the Soundside Park boat ramp have been completed. According to the Town of Surf City, renovations were completed on April 14 and the boat ramp is officially open to the public.

Renovations were completed on April 14 and the boat ramp is officially open to the public.

04/14/2025

A gorgeous start to our day here at Topsail Island, North Carolina. Spring will feel more like summer today as most of the region will warm into the lower to mid 80s by afternoon. Happy Monday! ☀️

📷: David Ogorman, N. Topsail Beach

01/27/2025

ICYMI: Dozens of sea turtles are being treated in Surf City at The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center after they were cold-stunned. Volunteers at the center have been busy helping the animals after the recent bitter cold weather.

Cold-stunned means the turtle become very weak and inactive due to exposure to cold temperatures.

01/24/2025

Snowfall numbers are in... on average, 4.5 inches of the white stuff accumulated here in the Greater Topsail area. Regionally, Jacksonville saw the most with 6" reported.

How much snow did you measure in your yard?

A historic winter storm brought heavy snow to parts of North Carolina but how much fell? Check out the totals below.