Today
in Wilmington
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Strikes LLC plans to build a 40,000-square-foot entertainment complex with arcade, bowling alley, and pickleball courts on 6.12 acres at 5601 Oleander Drive following a recent city council rezoning. The venue is near Casey’s Buffet and connects to the River to the Sea Bikeway. Port City Daily
- ➤ Jackson, a 5-year-old German Shepherd with a smart, goofy & sweet nature who loves learning, is ready for adoption at New Hanover Humane Society located at 2405 North 23rd Street in Wilmington. WWAY
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Law enforcement officials warn that New Year’s Eve drunk driving may cost drivers heavy fines, loss of licenses, and more (underscoring the risks of impaired driving), urging everyone to plan safe rides tonight. WECT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Southeastern North Carolina MLK Celebration Committee named Wilmington native Tamera (Ty) Young as Grand Marshal for the 2026 MLK Jr. Parade on Monday, Jan. 19 in downtown Wilmington. The parade is part of a week-long celebration with events starting Monday, Jan. 12 at the MLK Center to honor Dr. King’s legacy. WWAY
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Christmas tree recycling is available for tri-county residents with curbside pickup and drop-off options in Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Brunswick, Oak Island, and Surf City. Items must be free of lights and ornaments (ready for mulch conversion) at designated sites through January. Port City Daily
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Wilmington Fire Department advises residents to use fireworks with caution tonight + only handheld options are permitted to reduce fire risks amid dry, cold conditions. They recommend keeping water nearby and using a flat, debris-free area to help ring in a safe New Year. WECT
- ➤ Carolina Beach officials reminded residents and visitors ahead of New Year's Eve that fireworks leaving the ground are illegal and can result in a $500 fine and Class 2 misdemeanor charge (to reduce fire risks and prevent injuries). WECT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The NC Department of Health and Human Services will provide 8,000 free radon test kits starting Jan. 1 for National Radon Action Month + residents should order one kit per household to test for unsafe radon levels. WECT
- ➤ Doctors in Wilmington warn that overindulging during New Year's Eve celebrations may trigger holiday heart syndrome (a condition causing dangerous heart rhythms) and urge locals to moderate drinks, salty foods, and stress. Experts advise seeking help for symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ Novant Health in Cape Fear has implemented new visitor restrictions amid rising flu cases to protect vulnerable patients. Doctor David Priest said accommodations are available when needed and urged residents to get a flu shot at local pharmacies or their doctor’s office. WWAY
- ➤ Doctors in Wilmington warn that too many drinks on New Year’s Eve can cause holiday heart syndrome — a condition that leads to heart palpitations, fatigue, and chest pain. They urge everyone to pace themselves during celebrations to avoid serious health risks. WECT
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A local review has compiled the best dishes of 2025, from Carolina Beach hot dogs at Butts-N-Such to Olivero’s acclaimed overall dining experience. The guide covers burgers, sandwiches, pizzas + more, showcasing Wilmington's diverse food scene. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ A local food writer compiled a best-of list featuring top restaurants from Wilmington in 2025 — the review names winners like Butts-N-Such for best hot dog and Olivero for best overall, highlighting eateries known for flavor and quality. The guide gives residents a fresh taste of the local culinary scene. WECT
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Seamist Suites, LLC proposed a three-story mixed-use building at 106 Fort Fisher Boulevard South in Kure Beach with retail on the ground floor and 10 residential units above; the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed its COA at a Dec. 3 hearing and final approval is pending. FOX Wilmington
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Floating Lantern Ceremony
2-7 p.m. — Cameron Art Museum — Free outdoor event — Create and float a lantern while enjoying live music and reflecting on special moments.
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Charleston Cougars at UNC Wilmington Seahawks Women's Basketball
7-11 p.m. — Trask Coliseum — Tickets available — Catch the action as the Cougars take on the Seahawks in a thrilling women's basketball matchup.
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Hampton Pirates vs. UNC Wilmington Seahawks Women's Basketball
7-11 p.m. — Trask Coliseum — $15 — Experience an exciting women's basketball matchup between the Pirates and Seahawks.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
~ Banksy
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