Seagull Says: It’s the week of freedom, fireworks, and full trash cans.

🌊 TODAY’S TIDE (Weather + Surf Report)

• 🌞Weather

  It’s a classic OBX Monday: 89°, thick enough to swim through, and a UV index of 10 out of 11—basically a glowing middle finger from the sun. SSW winds at 14 mph should keep your beach towel flapping like a car dealership flag. Tonight drops to a balmy 78°, with just enough breeze to keep the mosquitoes competitive.

• 🏄‍♂️ Surf Report
  We’ve got a mix of easterly swell rolling in, but those sandbars? Still acting like they’re on vacation—too deep after the midday high tide. Shape’s a little mushy today, so the inside spots are slacking off.

  Winds have shifted S/SSW, giving things a bit of sideshore sass. Still rideable, but nothing to write your surf blog about. If you’re packing a bigger board, keep an eye on that evening low tide—it might just throw you a bone.

📰 HEADLINES + CHATTER

Where shrimp drama, traffic meltdowns, and patriotic explosions all collide—told by your favorite nosy seagull.

• 🎆 Fireworks, Parades, and Complete Mayhem Incoming
  Looking for 4th of July events now? That’s adorable.
  You should’ve subscribed last week, but we’ll throw you a soggy bone: Avon, Duck, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, Currituck, and even Ocracoke are bringing the boom. Bonus points if you find parking without swearing.

• 🚨 Avalon Pier Emergency Response
  A 19-year-old was pulled from the water near Avalon Pier on June 24. He was airlifted to the hospital after being found face-down. A reminder that the ocean doesn’t care if you “used to be on swim team.” Be smart out there.

• 🦐 Shrimpgate Sinks—for Now
  A bill that would’ve banned shrimp trawling in most of NC’s coastal waters got swatted down, and commercial fishing folks across the state are breathing a salty sigh of relief. Tractor trailers filled with shrimp circled Raleigh, seafood hit the sidewalk in protest, and for once, Republicans and Democrats agreed on something: let the shrimpers shrimp.

• 🚗 Prepare to Sit in Traffic and Question Your Life Choices
  AAA expects a record-breaking 2.3 million North Carolinians to travel during the holiday week. That includes 160,000 flyers, a few hundred thousand road trippers, and at least one guy with no business towing a boat. Best advice? Leave early. Like yesterday.

🎟️ MONDAY EVENTS

Because there’s more to do on a Monday than dodge tourists and reapply aloe.

• 🐟 8:00 am – Season-Long Kayak Fishing Tournament
  Kitty Hawk Surf Co. (Multiple locations)
  If you're paddling and casting at the same time, you deserve a trophy already.

• 👻 9:00 am – Morning Ghost Tours
  Whalehead, Corolla
  Because nothing says “good morning” like haunted whispers from a historic mansion.

• ⚽ 9:00 am–12:00 pm – Coastal Soccer School Camp (Ages 5–15)
  Kill Devil Hills
  It’s the first day of camp. Let the shin guards, sunscreen, and juice boxes flow.

• 🛟 11:00 am – Story of the Mirlo Rescue
  Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, Rodanthe
  Come hear how actual heroes saved lives in a time before GPS and energy drinks.

• 🎭 8:30 pm – The Lost Colony Show
  Waterside Theatre, Manteo
  Drama, mystery, and just enough historical confusion to spark a Google spiral.

• 🎤 10:00 pm – Karaoke Night
  Sundogs Raw Bar & Grill, Corolla
  Sing your heart out—or watch someone else butcher "Sweet Caroline" with gusto.

📍THE BEAK OF APPROVAL

🍖Sooey’s BBQ & Rib Shack – Where napkins go to die.

This place smells like summer and tastes like you’ve earned it. Whether you’re in it for the pulled pork, hushpuppies, or just want something that’ll soak up last night’s karaoke decisions, Sooey’s delivers smoky goodness with zero pretense.

📍 3919 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head

Bonus: If you leave without sauce on your shirt, did you even go?

🚨 CRIME + SAFETY CORNER

Because the only thing wilder than the wildlife is the people.

• 🔫 Manteo Madness at Baseball Practice
  A man was arrested after allegedly firing a weapon near children practicing baseball at Wescott Park. Sir, this is literally Little League, not "Call of Duty." Charges include discharging a firearm and intent to terrorize.

• 💥 Fatal Crash on NC 12
  A Virginia man died in a collision near Waves on June 24. Details are limited, but it’s a tragic reminder that NC 12 isn’t the place to channel your inner Fast & Furious.

• 🎯 Lightning, Fire, and Now Theft?
  Corolla Adventure Golf & Bumper Cars can’t catch a break. First, it gets zapped by lightning. Then someone breaks in and steals $300 in quarters. QUARTERS.
  We officially have a new low: post-disaster vending machine heists. Keep your eyes peeled, Currituck.

  

  This section is sponsored by Southern Oak Artisan

⛱️ VACAY OR STAY

🏡 FOR SALE: Tiny but Mighty in the Middle of It All

This 3-bed, 1.5-bath Nags Head cutie is giving "cozy with credentials." Updated from top to toe with butcher block countertops, soft-close everything, stainless steel appliances, and knotty pine ceilings that scream vintage beach vibes—without the musty couch. It’s all on one level, fully fenced, and comes with a screened-in porch big enough for morning coffee and judging your neighbors. Bonus: it’s sold furnished and projected to pull in up to $55K as a rental. Yes, please.

📍216 W Barnes St, Nags Head | 💰$479,000

Half a mile to the beach, walking distance to just about everything, and already outfitted for dogs, kids, or that one uncle who “just needs a week to reset.”

🌊 VACAY: Down South—Sunsets, Sand, and a Side of Peace

This 3-bed, 2-bath coastal cottage in South Nags Head is serving up wraparound deck views, screened porch breezes, and the kind of sunset glow that doesn’t need a filter. Just steps to the beach and a short cruise from Bodie Island Lighthouse and Oregon Inlet, it’s the perfect mix of quiet street energy and “we might never leave” vibes. Comes fully loaded with beach gear, fish-cleaning station, books, games, and yes—there’s a basketball goal if you need to humble the kids.

📍South Nags Head Cottage, Milepost 21

Your move: coffee at sunrise, grill out at sunset, and one long exhale in between.

🕵️‍♀️ HEARD AROUND, IN, OVER, or UNDER THE DUNES

Because if the seagulls don’t spill it, the Facebook groups definitely will.

• 🏖️A local teen reportedly charged $10 to “reserve” beach spots with towels before 6am. Honestly? Hustle respects hustle. But also—don’t encourage him.

• 🚁Word is, someone tried to take a drone selfie with fireworks last year.
  We’re still not sure if the drone or their dignity crashed harder.

🔗 QUICK LINKS

• ⛴️Ferry Schedule – You can’t teleport to the Outer Banks (yet), so here’s how to float your way here the old-fashioned way.

• 🐾OBX SPCA Pet of the Week (more like every 10 days): This two-year-old tabby queen is all about the snuggles, the sass, and a solid chat. Esme’s favorite pastime? Telling you about her day—and then immediately curling up in your lap. She’s sweet, social, and very ready for her forever home.

• 🌊Live Surf Cams – For “checking the surf,” but really just spying on beach traffic and seeing who already claimed your favorite spot.

• 💬Submit a Tip or Event – Got a hot lead, weird sighting, or something the seagulls should be squawking about? Slide it our way.

🧂FINAL PEEP FROM THE PERCH

If you made it through this whole newsletter without rage-scrolling or googling “how to uninvite family from the beach house,” we’re proud of you.

Forward this to someone who still doesn’t know fireworks aren’t allowed on the beach—and remind them we said it last week.

Sign up. Stay salty. Be nosy.