The Seahawk

Issue date: 8/24/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Justin McLeod Littering

Media Credit: Justin McLeod Lifeguard Station

Wrightsville Beach's drinking policy and UNCW's annual Beach Blast have been changed as a result of Fourth of July festivities.

A larger than normal amount of litter left on Wrightsville Beach after the Fourth had many residents upset.

"By all accounts the volume of trash was a record for the most encountered by our sanitation crews on a holiday weekend," Robert Simpson, the town manager, wrote in a public memo.

According to the memo, much of the litter was from beer containers, including a keg.

Alcohol has been prohibited in all public areas of Wrightsville Beach, but the rule had not been enforced to the fullest. After the Fourth of July, Wrightsville Beach police, park rangers, and ocean rescue are increasing efforts to eliminate both littering and alcohol consumption, and the town is putting signs at public accesses stating that alcohol consumption is not allowed.

According to Simpson in a public memo sent to the Mayor and Board of Alderman on July 19, "We intend to continue the sweep operations on a random basis, focusing our efforts on our 'problem areas.'"

"If you clean up your mess, you shouldn't be punished just because of the Fourth of July," said Kara Beane, a senior at UNCW. "We have so many tourists from out of town and locals shouldn't be punished for that."

With increased enforcement of alcohol and littering policies, UNCW changed security policies to its annual Beach Blast this year. The area was separated and students had to show ID cards to enter and participate in activities. Coolers were searched for alcohol. There was also a Beach Sweep after Beach Blast to pick up trash along Wrightsville Beach in the Beach Blast area and other areas.

"I feel like this year's Beach Blast is going to be more trouble than it's worth. Beach Blast should be about bringing the students and the community together but now it seems like they are just separating us," said Courtney Flaherty, a senior at UNCW. "I think it's a shame that people can't clean up after themselves, though, because it ruins it for everyone else. If I have a beer on the beach I will go and throw away the bottle."

Beach sweeps at first focused on warnings and making the public aware of the new policies, but officials can give citations for $100. The policy applies to open containers, but it does not apply to closed containers in coolers.

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