LOCAL

PHOTOS: People head to Wilmington area beaches

Beachgoers hang out just north of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Beachgoers hang out just north of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue lifeguards Sydney Westra, left, and Calvin Daughtry prepare their stand in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. As of Friday the lifeguard stands were fully staffed. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue lifeguards Sydney Westra, left, and Calvin Daughtry prepare their stand in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. As of Friday the lifeguard stands were fully staffed. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Lori Knox looks out to the ocean as husband Tim Knox fishes in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Lori Knox looks out to the ocean as husband Tim Knox fishes in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
People fish off the side of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
People fish off the side of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Surfers and paddleboarders hang out in the water just north of Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Surfers and paddleboarders hang out in the water just north of Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Beachgoers hang out on the beach just north of Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Beachgoers hang out on the beach just north of Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
People crowd the beach just south of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
People crowd the beach just south of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Scott and Reese Eaton play volleyball on the beach in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The family was visiting for the day from Cary. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Scott and Reese Eaton play volleyball on the beach in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The family was visiting for the day from Cary. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
People walk out to the beach at one of the public access areas in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
People walk out to the beach at one of the public access areas in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Carrie Hoover, from left, James Hoover, Gus Hoover with Emerson Hoover, and Aiden Hoover sit on the beach in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Carrie Hoover, from left, James Hoover, Gus Hoover with Emerson Hoover, and Aiden Hoover sit on the beach in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Jessica Brock sets up an umbrella in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Jessica Brock sets up an umbrella in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Beachgoers hang out just north of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Beachgoers hang out just north of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Kure Beach Ocean Rescue lifeguard Katy Kelly looks out from the stand in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Kure Beach Ocean Rescue lifeguard Katy Kelly looks out from the stand in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Surfers and paddleboarders hang out in the water just north of Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Surfers and paddleboarders hang out in the water just north of Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
The Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue stands are wrapped up when not in use to prevent people from using them in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
The Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue stands are wrapped up when not in use to prevent people from using them in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Beachgoers hang out on the beach just north of Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Beachgoers hang out on the beach just north of Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
James Hoover pulls Aiden Hoover through the water in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
James Hoover pulls Aiden Hoover through the water in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Beachgoers hang out on the beach just south of Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Beachgoers hang out on the beach just south of Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Kevin Briggs and mother Summer Briggs dig in the sand in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Kevin Briggs and mother Summer Briggs dig in the sand in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
People crowd the beach just north of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
People crowd the beach just north of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Fishing poles crowd the end of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Fishing poles crowd the end of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
People crowd the beach just north of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
People crowd the beach just north of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Beachgoers hang out just south of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Beachgoers hang out just south of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue lifeguard Calvin Daughtry sprays down the stand in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue lifeguard Calvin Daughtry sprays down the stand in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
A sign encourages people to practice social distancing at Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
A sign encourages people to practice social distancing at Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Surfers and paddleboarders hang out in the water just north of Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Surfers and paddleboarders hang out in the water just north of Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town allowed all beach activities to resume as of Wednesday afternoon, including sunbathing, fishing and games. Previously, it allowed access to its beach but only for exercise purposes. On-street parking remains closed to non-residents in an effort to limit the amount of people who can go to the beach. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
People hang out on and around Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
People hang out on and around Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
A Kure Beach Ocean Rescue lifeguard rides north along the beach in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
A Kure Beach Ocean Rescue lifeguard rides north along the beach in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
People fish off the side of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
People fish off the side of Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C., Saturday, May 23, 2020. The town lifted the majority of beach restrictions related to the coronavirus on May 15. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews